The People of Undriel

*From the darkness, the gods brought forth a land upon which all beauty grew from the land about them. Danu looked upon it and sought out a special place for her children, a place where they could be content and one with the land. From the very earth, she brought them forth, her children, a symbol of her love for the world that had been created.*

*So it was that they began the path of creation, spreading the seeds and expanding the mighty forests throughout the land, allowing the grass to grow and the animals to exist upon that which they created. Danu stood upon the land and judged it worthy of growth. Gathering the gods together, they looked upon this fertile crescent and their burgeoning children; Danu appealed for them to make their mark upon that which was created. Aine and Arawn brought forth the land of light and darkness, while Fand spread the mighty waters throughout the land. Each god placed their stamp upon the land. Finally, Dagda and Ernmas stood and looked upon the land and wished to impose governance and order.*

*He called upon the firstborn of Danu’s children and gave each one title and governance over one-quarter of Aine and Arawn’s cycle. As it is written, the courts of the Fae folk were born, each reflecting the great cycle of life that had been placed into existence by Bres and Macha. Each court reflected the nature of their life cycle both in appearance and in personality. The Trí Dée Dána contributed the great builders to assist the Fae in creation and thus the Korr were brought into the world. Seeing such creation, and recognising that strength would be needed to survive in this world, it was willed by the Morrigan that they would struggle for dominance. To enact their will upon this new land, Badb created the Cluricaun who were brought into being, agents of chaos and dissent.*

*As the Fae Folk did further battle, there were Fae who wished to have little to do with the machinations of their cousins. These Fae, known as the Cú faoil and a group that referred to themselves as the Tuatha De Dannan called upon the Gods Arawn and Be Chuílle to give them guidance and lead them out of conflict. They were given refuge in the unformed lands of Undriel, but warned that they risked their immortality as a price for being able to escape from the conflicts of their brethren. Both agreed this was an acceptable price to pay, and thus they escaped into the unformed lands, and built their own lives away from the bitterness and struggle.*

*The Dagda watched from a distance, and, angered by what he saw, appealed to Lír to correct this conflict. Lír exiled the Fae from the land to another plane, Tír Na Mbeo, where their influence upon Undriel would be limited and only reflected in the changes of the seasons.  The Fae who wished to return to Undriel could do so, but were cursed with a limited lifespan should they remain for too long in the mortal plane. Thus it was that the land was split into planes, each one a step towards the land of the gods, with Undriel being the center, the mortal realm, upon which all eyes turned with interest to see how their grand project would proceed. Lír himself left and lived on the mortal planes, creating Tír Na Nóg as a land he could live in to be near the mortal plane as well. While travelling Undirel he met Clíodhna and fell deeply in love with her. From their union came the Aes Sídhe and later the Fomori, who inherited Tír Na Nóg, and Teach Duinn.  It is said that there was a great battle, but the Aes Sidhe do not speak of such things, and few are willing to engage with the Fomori to learn more of these legends...*

The people of Undriel are a varied sort, stemming from the elders’ children to their descendants. While the races of the land mix quite freely, a few centers exist as a center of their particular traditions and lore that holds the key to their past. They rarely share this information freely with others, often closely guarding their knowledge to ensure that they never forget their beginnings.

##### A word about Sídhe

While this section focuses primarily on two specific types of Sídhe, these are just examples of the Fae Folk. The term Sídhe literally means Fae and so they can appear as anything they wish to. In gaming terms, players should feel free to describe their Sídhe in any way they want to as the Sídhe themselves are not bound by the physical limitations of mortal races. If a player wishes to create a Sídhe outside the Aes Sídhe or Sídhe Draoi, Korr or Cluricaun they can use the table at the end of the player section.

### **Aes Sídh**

The Aes Sídhe are the children of Danu. It is said that they are the direct descendants of his son, Lír, who left his father and chose to live on the mortal plane. It was there that he created his land, Tír na Nóg, a place where he could exist close to his family but at the same time exist on the mortal land close to the people he loved. During one of his trips through the as yet to be formed lands of Undriel, he met Clíodhna and lost his heart to her. They had two children, Banba and Fódla. Banba favored her father while Fódla, her mother. So they remained, living on Undriel and Tír na Nóg, passing between both worlds.

The descendants of Banba became the Aes Sídhe, her children embracing all that was beautiful in the world. They built a beautiful city called Tír Taingíre, which celebrated all that was good in life. Lír would visit his grandchildren and wonder at their inventiveness.

The descendants of Fódla became the Fomori, a race equally as beautiful, yet their beliefs were more alien, akin to their mother. They, too, built a city, reflecting all that was dark in the world. They called it Teach Duinn, and it reflected the passions and desires of their queen. Within this land, the Fomori embraced the unknown, continually seeking new and more exciting experiences.

Soon the Fomori traveled to Undriel through the sídhe portals that allowed them entrance to the many isles that made up the land. Many had become jaded with the experiences of their home and wished to seek more extreme pleasures. Those that did soon began to embrace pain and suffering as a way to find it. They inflicted it upon the people and the land, causing blight and suffering. Fódla was angered by what they had done and called her children home for punishment.

Lír, angered by the pain that his daughter’s children were causing, led the Aes Sídhe to battle against the children of Fódla. Fódla was caught unawares and was greatly angered by what she saw as her father’s unprovoked attack. Banba accompanied her father, while Clíodhna objected to Lírs heavy-handedness and marched to war alongside her daughter, Fódla. The battle shook the mortal plane. In the end, both sides were bloodied and weary, as the parents and their children stood facing each other. They battled for what may have been years until finally, Lír fell to his knees, the blade buried deep in his side; Banba screamed in anguish as Clíodhna looked down upon her fallen lover. Lír cursed her with his last breath, and those of the Fomori who had blighted the land and people began to fall upon the ground, trapped in the last form that they had chosen to take with future generations cursed to the same form. To stay in one form was such anathema to the sídhe that both sides were taken aback by this curse and the hostilities ceased.

Both sides retreated to their cities; the Aes Sídhe carried Lír back to their city and buried him there. So it has been, the Aes Sídhe still occupy their city, connected to Undriel via the sídhe gates that allow them access to the world, their tunnels extending beneath the earth, Their skin pale, from the strange light that exists in Tír na Nóg.

#### Appearance

The Aes Sídhe are tall by nature, standing about 180cm on average. They normally have pale skin, their hair dark by contrast. They are naturally beautiful and slightly otherworldly, which can make others uncomfortable. Most Aes Sídhe choose to continue to live in Tír Taingíre, but there are a small number that have become very attached to Undriel and have chosen to live amongst the other races. Those who spend an extended time in Undriel change to reflect their new home, their skin and hair changing to match the others around them.

**Lifespan:** Aes Sídhe are almost immortal if they move between Tír Na Nóg and Undriel, but if they commit to living in Undriel it begins to shorten. Normally, an Aes Sídhe that has committed to life in Undriel will live 300-500 years before they feel the call to return to Tír Na Nóg.

#### Language

Besides speaking Bunteanga, the common language of Undriel, both the Aes Sídhe and the Fomori speak Teanga Ársa, the elder tongue. This language is significantly different to Bunteanga even though they share a similar alphabet.

#### Eternal Time

The elder children only begin to taste mortality once they settle in the land of Undriel. Even then their lifespans are often several generations longer than their duine and Milesian counterparts. As such, they often overlook the importance of time to the younger races and find it hard to realign their perspective to that or mortals with shorter lifespans. This can sometimes lead to conflicts when the everyday needs of those individuals are accidentally overlooked.

### **Duine**

Duine have one of the larger populations on Undriel. Duine legends have mostly been lost during the great fall, but there are hints that they are the descendants of one of the original races that existed on the land. Some argue that they are indeed the children of the Tuatha De Danann, the favored of Danu, who separated from their brethren and inhabited the mortal realm to escape the conflicts and battles of their cousins. They believe that over time, the gifts of the gods that they were born with slowly waned until they completely lost touch with their Fae essence. However, their escape and perseverance earned the favor of Bé Chuille, who granted them access to the well of essence within the land itself. This well imbued them with an inherent magical ability that they carried naturally throughout future generations, giving them a deep connection with the land.

Duine began to flourish and came into contact with the other races that existed, forming alliances and bonds. They are now the most common of folk on the isles, tracing a lot of their history from the Great Fall. That their descendents had already settled on the land was quite advantageous to them, as they spread from one corner of Undriel to another. Now, they are one of the more numerous races to inhabit the land alongside the Korr and Cluricaun. They are responsible for most of the major cities that have spread across the world, working hand in hand with the Korr to build the walls that protected them from the Fomori attacks.

The duine has now spread across most of Undriel and there are few places where they are not found. They are particularly found in the urban areas, a habit that stems from the need to protect themselves against the invaders of the Fomori. However, this habit has placed at risk the great connection they feel from the land as well as their relationship with the others that coexist there.

#### Appearance

Duine vary a great deal, possibly more so than any other race on Undriel. They vary from skin color and hair color to height. They tend to be 172cm tall on average. Their clothing often reflects the particular region that they are from, as well as their physical build.

Lifespan: 60-180 years.

#### Language

Duine predominantly speak Bunteanga, the common language of Undriel.

### **The Korr**

The legends of the Korr speak of the beginning of their kind as a gift from the creator. There was one of their kind, Mag Ruith, who was said to be able to see the very strands of fate and follow the ones that would bring his kind to success. It was through his leadership that the Korr built the most complex cities on Undriel,  Dún Ailinne, a city said to be almost impenetrable. This city began the renaissance of design for the Korr and through the wondrous machines the they constructed, they gained the attention of the Trí Dée Dána, who were impressed by the industriousness of the race. Goibniu in particular spent a great deal of time with the Korr, and shared with them the many secrets that he had.

The Korr began to spread out from their mountain city to the other people around them, and shared their knowledge, with the exception of the secret of the blackpowder, something that Goibniu had forbidden them to share with others.

During the Great Fall, the Korr retreated back into Dún Ailinne, protecting themselves from the Fomori with their huge cannons and destructive Golems, which, combined with the difficulties of accessing the city itself meant that the they avoided the type of destruction that befell others, however, they suffered from famine and plague as much as anyone else, which decimated the Korr.

It is said that throughout the time, the Korr began to store the souls of their master engineers inside specially constructed Golems, who worked tirelessly to maintain the defense of the city. Soon this expanded out to include the souls of the warriors who were dying of plague and disease. The Golems stood as sentinels watching the outside as those inside died off slowly. It is estimated that over a quarter of the Korr died during the time of the Great Fall.

When the Fall finally came to an end, they once again began to spread out amongst the people, helping to rebuild much that was lost. For several generations they have settled throughout the Nine Kingdoms, and their work is always in high demand.

#### Appearance

The Korr are short in stature, on average they stand around 120cm tall. They are remarkably strong and broad shouldered with a sharp wit and attitude which reflects their normally extensive education. A majority of Korr are bearded, and will wear their particular clan colors either as part of their kilt, or coat of arms bearing their family crest.

**Lifespan:** 200 - 300 years.

#### Language

Besides speaking Bunteanga, the common language of Undriel, the Korr speak Teanga Díolama, a language taught to them by Goibniu. This language is significantly different to Bunteanga even though they share a similar alphabet.

#### Eternal Time

The elder children only begin to taste mortality once they settle in the land of Undriel. Even then their lifespans are often several generations longer than their duine and Milesian counterparts. As such, they often overlook the importance of time to the younger races and find it hard to realign their perspective to that or mortals with shorter lifespans. This can sometimes lead to conflicts when the everyday needs of those individuals are accidentally overlooked.

#### Golem

Golem are the defensive machines of the Korr, existing primarily in Dún Ailinne. They are monstrous machines that have an almost immortal lifespan. Each machine contains the soul of a great artisan, engineer or warrior. The Golem are fearsome creatures that spend much of their time sleeping deep within the city, in a special Tuama constructed for them. It is only during times of great need that they are awakened from their slumber. The Golem are referred to as Seanathair by the Korr as a sign of respect for their advanced age and extent of their knowledge.

### **Sídhe Draoi**

From this turbulent time the children of the elder gods, the Sídhe Draoi, came into being, creatures of the very earth and land itself. It is said that in the beginning they were loved by all, for they were the very essence of nature given life, nurturing and protecting their forests and spreading across the land. They formed their home, Caer Sidi in the most majestic of trees, ancient even then, and within they performed wonders that few outsiders have ever had the privilege to see.

That is all that I can tell you of our beginning, my children. Sometimes, I hear snippets of what might have been, a tale within a tale of our time before the calamity but I often hear such sorrow that it is not to be repeated to those such as yourselves. Suffice to say, we are the children chosen by the gods themselves, set upon this land to protect it from the blight that is the disharmony, a great curse upon all people that cast such a pall upon our society and forced us to retreat back into our hidden places, away from the others that would come to use our flesh to design their great machines.

But let me tell you of who we are now, of our affinity to the four courts, to the fey beings of the Sídhe, from whom we and our cousins are descended...

As the ashes of the last Great War began to recede into memory we began to rebuild. The Fomori had brought great destruction upon our people and the lands we loved, their hatred had bled into the land blighting it. This earth would grow neither crop nor tree, but twisted simulacra that preyed upon the weary traveler and trapping them there, lost in the memories of the pain and suffering that had come before. It took us many cycles to cleanse the earth and begin returning it to what it once was. Even now, the lands have pockets of these places, memories haunting the earth and grasping the unaware and snaring them so their blood will continue to feed the barren earth.

Our number has dwindled a great deal since then, it will take many centuries before we can once again count our numbers like before. Now more than ever we must be aware of the ignorance of the younglings who walk the earth, forgetting the great balance between Undriel and those that walk upon her. We strive for harmony with the other races, but conflict, it seems, is inevitable. During those times we stand vigilant and protect our lands from those intruders that would dare desiccate our home and kin. Indeed some of our kind have become more and more extreme in their protection of their forests, allowing none from outside their clan to enter and killing those that are bold, or foolish enough, to try.

Family, kith, and kin. These words are of great importance to all of our kind, we are, after all, part of the children of the elder gods, born from their very fiber and existing on Undriel before many even came into existence. We are Sídhe and with our cousins, we must strive to maintain the great balance that is our birthright although unlike our cousins, we tend to be able to avoid the politics of the higher courts and focus on our duties here. Tír Na Nóg does not call to us like our fairer family as reflected in Caer Sídhe residing this side of the planar abyss.

But I digress, kith and kin, to put it simply, we, the Sídhe Draoi are kin, we are of one large extended family that branches from one side of Undriel to the other and we follow the great traditions as laid out by our great Matriarch Mia O’Cuinn, the first in our line to normalized our traditions and ensure they were passed down to future generations through our seanchí.

The Sídhe Draoi are the children of the elder gods. They are the forest guardians, directed by Danu to ensure the safety and protection of the forests and those who dwell within. The Sídhe Draoi are said to have been formed from the essence of Danu herself, as she sought to find a way to protect her sacred lands from the invasion of the mortals. Before The Fall, the Sídhe Draoi rarely departed from their forests, and their central city, Caer Sidi, the heart of the forest. They patrolled the major forested plains, a fearsome threat to those who would enter their sacred lands. Mortals would leave offerings and build shrines to Danu as a way of appeasing  the Sídhe Draoi, in return for which they were given the dead wood to use for firewood and crafting.

This relationship continued up until the Great Fall, when the plague and famine struck the land. Others in their desperation began to attack the Sídhe Draoi, desperate for wood and materials to build defenses. The Fomori began to push in on the forests as well, forcing a war on two fronts. Sídhe Draoi were forced farther and farther back into their forests until they were desperately defending Caer Sidi from the invaders. The land turned to ash around them, the Fomori spreading their plague to the earth.

It was Dechtíre who brokered a peace that allowed the Sídhe Draoi, knowing that she needed their help to turn the tide against a mutual enemy. The peace treaty guaranteed the forests would be left alone in return for access to key building materials that would be needed to rebuild.

With their assistance, the Fomori were forced back inch by inch. Since then the Sídhe Draoi have maintained a very positive relationship with the other races of Undriel, more and more of them traveling outside the forest areas to experience the cities around them, their alien appearance still turning heads in the urban areas.

#### Appearance

The Sídhe Draoi are duineoid in appearance yet it is almost as if they were grown from the forests which they inhabit. Their skin tones range from the mottled greens of the summer leaves, to the ambers of autumn. Their hair resembles the leaves of the trees they protect. Like their cousins, they are tall, on average 180cm.

Lifespan: 300 - 500 years

#### Language

Besides speaking Bunteanga, the common language of Undriel, the Sídhe Draoi speak Teanga Ársa, the elder tongue. This language is significantly different to Bunteanga even though they share a similar alphabet.

**Eternal Time**

The elder children only begin to taste mortality once they settle in the land of Undriel. Even then their lifespans are often several generations longer than their duine and Milesian counterparts. As such, they often overlook the importance of time to the younger races and find it hard to realign their perspective to that or mortals with shorter lifespans. This can sometimes lead to conflicts when the everyday needs of those individuals are accidentally overlooked.

#### Many Lives

Sidhe Draoi go through a constant cycle of death and rebirth as their essence is returned to the earth and from there they spring again into being. It is said that all sidhe drain have had multiple lives that influence their personality, although they often find it incredibly difficult to access those memories. Sometimes though, those memories will re-emerge as a result of something they do or a place they see. This can sometimes cause confusion as they relive that moment once again.

### **Cluricaun**

The Cluricaun are a mystery, even to themselves. They are the children of Badb, created to travel the lands as scouts, the Cluricaun fell a little short of that ideal. They were inquisitive by nature and somewhat easily distracted but at the same time Badb had imbued in them a lack of much of a moral conscience, which they soon found that could be turned to a great advantage. The Cluricaun were skilled in the art of stealth, their small size and their skill with blades allowed them to become the most ideal of assassins.

The Cluricauns are nomadic in nature and, unlike many of the other races, do not have a central city or home to call their own. They inhabit most of the cities of Undriel, and even have found themselves a place in Dún Ailinne and Caer Sidi. They were instrumental during the Great Fall, acting as scouts and infiltrators for the forces of Dechtíre and, when needed, assassins too. Their contributions to the campaign are rarely overlooked and this has bought them a degree of goodwill amongst the other natives of Undriel. Indeed it was the master assassin, Athirne, that formed the Guild of Assassins, whose code of practice was later copied by other guilds as the basis of their charter. Despite the sinister overtones, the guild is noted for its strict rules surrounding a contract and the price of non guild assassins taking contracts without permission. The Guild has been a source of dubious good luck for the Galloglas, where their investigations can often begin with the Guild, who are required to give an honest answer as to whether they were contracted to kill the individual in question. They are not required to give any further information, but if they were contracted, very often the hunt then begins for the one who paid the guild to do so.

Cluricaun follows a code of honor that is mysterious and nonsensical to outsiders. They feel like outsiders to this world themselves, so they place importance on the otherworldly rules of the Fae court, as well as anything they think is “true and real,” such as the order of nature. The turgid societies of men and other less prudent peoples are fleeting and inconsequential to Cluricaun.

They are lovers of mischief, although they do not enjoy punching down. However, if they feel that someone will be okay in the end or is doing very well, they have no qualms about ruthless trickery that won’t cause any permanent harm. Cluricaun don’t bother to pull pranks on people they have no concern for, as it is a pointless act, and the reward of their misery will be dull and flavorless.

Since Cluricaun are long-lived and aligned with nature and the Fae court in a way, time is of no importance to them personally. Never rely on a Cluricaun to be on time, as they may show up days late or early.

Cluricaun can eat and drink an incredible amount in a short period and have strange sleeping patterns. They seem to hibernate and do so, especially after gorging themselves periodically. They can benefit from long periods of sleep, not sleeping again for days or weeks at a time between, instead of going into a state of torpor periodically until their next rest. Sometimes they will sit for hours in a tavern half-conscious and unresponsive, and the staff assumes they are drunk (although they may also be)! There is a famous legend of a Cluricaun falling asleep in a forest, finding it a good place for a nap, and waking up decades later. It is said amongst Cluricaun that because they have a remarkable ability to relax, they are calmer and level-headed than many other peoples they see as choosing not to get enough rest and leisure time.

Crop Whisperers

#### Appearance

The Cluricaun are a very short and slender race, their average height being of about 115-120cm. In many ways they share the same traits as duines and their hair and skin color can vary from one individual to another. They have naturally wiry frames, which allow for them to fit into places others would have a great deal of difficulty.

Lifespan: 300-500 years.

#### Language

Besides speaking Bunteanga, the common language of Undriel, Cluricaun speaks Teanga Feallmharfóir, a language that seems to have been bastardized from Teanga Ársa. This language can be spoken very fast and is difficult to follow. Few outside the Cluricaun are capable of speaking it as it seems to be constantly changing.

**Eternal Time**

The elder children only begin to taste mortality once they settle in the land of Undriel. Even then their lifespans are often several generations longer than their duine and Milesian counterparts. As such, they often overlook the importance of time to the younger races and find it hard to realign their perspective to that or mortals with shorter lifespans. This can sometimes lead to conflicts when the everyday needs of those individuals are accidentally overlooked.

### **Milesians**

The Milesians are a mystery to the other denizens of Undriel. It is said that they travelled from the east, beyond the islands of The Kingdom of Reynes. There is a legend of lost lands beyond the great mist that covers the seas beyond. It is said that the Milesians came out of the mist, landing upon the Kingdom of Reynes, an armed contingent of mighty warriors that towered over the people of the land, even the Aes Sídhe had to crane their necks to look up at these warriors. They stood aside and allowed for a robed warrior to come forth, his armor gleaming in the sun that beat down upon the people that day. Although fierce in countenance, the robed warrior had clearly studied their language and, with a heavy accent, greeted those who had come to meet them. The robed warrior spoke of his lands as a place many moons beyond the great mist, a temperate region where his clan was one of many that occupied a chain of islands north of a massive continent, so vast that the sun never set upon it.

The Milesians that arrived were representatives of the strict caste society that existed in their land. At the top of which sat the Rei, whose word was considered law by those who served and whom all the clans would worship. Beneath Rey, the Cacic lead the clan and made decisions as to the clan's destiny. The Soldat, the warrior caste, protected the people, while the Comerciant dealt with trade and commerce, finally the Pagés, the farmers and workers in the society sustain the clan. Finally the role of the Vident, stands outside the structure of the clan, they are the scholars and mystics of the Milesians, advisors to the Rei and Cacic and look to the greater interests of the Milesian as a people.

The Vident, Batet, met with the Seneschal of the Red Branch Knights, Liath and they were both impressed with each other's character. This built the foundation for a prosperous relationship between the Milesians and the people of Reynes.

The years passed and the Milesian clan that had arrived, the Muntaner settled on the islands south of the Kingdom of Reynes and built the city of Numantia. Over time, the Milesians began to travel to the other islands and found work as soldiers and scholars in the city states of Undriel. Other Milesians followed and their numbers swelled in the land. They adopted the old gods as their own, and the gods in return welcomed them. They are now found throughout Undriel, settled in enclaves outside the various cities, and make regular trips back to Numantia. There are rumors of sightings of others from beyond the great mist, unknown figures, half seen in the twilight, watching the Milesians with interest before melting back into the shadows

#### Appearance

Milesians tower over the races in Undriel. They stand over two meters tall, and the tone of their fur varies from golden yellow to white. The women of the clan lack the manes that their male brethren have and are slightly smaller in size averaging 190 to two meters in height.

Lifespan: 90-120 years

#### Language

Besides speaking Bunteanga, the common language of Undriel, the Milesians speak Catalóinis, carried with them from the lands beyond the mist. This language is significantly different to Bunteanga although many have begun to learn it in preparation for the possibility of others from foreign lands coming to Undriel.

### **The Tora**

There has been a great deal of talk of a group within the Milesians who are referred to as the Tora. These seem to be part of the race, but are distinctly different; the lack manes and are often striped. The Tora, for all intents and purposes are similar in nature and follow a similarly strict caste society tradition. However, their clothing is often quite distinct from their Milesian relatives, as well as having a distinct language difference, which none outside the Milesians has been able to translate.

However, the Tora and Milesians have a great deal of distrust and dislike of each other, feuds and conflicts have broken out at the slightest provocation when they are around one another. One of the major differences between the Tora and the Milesians is in how they deal with the other races. The Milesians have spent a great deal of time integrating and sharing their knowledge with the people around them, for the betterment of the communities that they are a part of. The Tora on the other hand, tend to stay to themselves, sequestered in a collection of villages surrounding one major keep that they refer to simply as Yousai. What goes on in there is something of great curiosity to those that pass by the island.

It is very rare to see the Tora on mainland on Undriel, and those that do are often there for a very specific purpose, after which they return to their island. Milesians are wary of any Tora that they see, and have forbidden all members of their clan from landing on the island. Those that do, if they return, are severely punished.

### **Cú faoil**

For the Cú faoil, the beginning is as important as the present. The Cú faoil do not prescribe to the history of Undriel as other races do. Indeed, the other races are hesitant to describe the exact relationship the Cú faoil have in terms of creation and their continued existence.

The Cú faoil attribute their creation to the Blood Red Moon goddess, Arawn, who saw that the Gods had created such beauty but failed to understand that the world needed to be guided by a race that would help shape the fledgling races in a manner that befitted such beauty. It was to this end that she created the first of the Cú faoil, guides who would help shape the societies that would evolve.

The Empire of Uildía is often attributed to the Cú faoil, who are believed to have helped found the mighty Kingdom and were instrumental in instigating the first council that helped shape the society and evolve the technologies, including the skills in metalworking and the adaption of magic into a more standardized system of rites and gnosis that helped to revolutionize the magical process into something that could be controlled to a much greater degree by mortals.

Within the Empire of Uildía, the Cú faoil became strong, building their vast liagchiorcal that spread throughout the land. These liagchiorcal became centers of learning, their Fáidh were sought after far and wide for their extensive knowledge, and their specialized Ailceimiceoir were often the envy of even the Korr.

The fall of the Empire and the rise of the Nine Kingdoms almost signaled the end of the Cú faoil. Perhaps shocked by the turn of events and dismayed by the destruction that followed, they chose to isolate themselves from the other races. There were rumors that their Goddess had forsaken them, her anger at their inability to guide the other races properly, or perhaps she felt they had given themselves up to decadence.

Whatever the reason, the magic of the Cú faoil suffered immensely, and they often found themselves unable to cast even the most rudimentary of spells. Some say that this is the point that Dēwognātā, founded the first of what she called the Maighdean, women of her Sainaicme who could perform magic without the need of the power of Draíocht, but instead taking from the very life force of those around them to channel their powers. The Maighdean drained the very Essence from others to help fuel their abilities, tapping into the innate connections that other races shared with the power and circumventing the Ban placed upon them by Arawn.

This power, however, has placed them on the edge of the civilized society. As their liagchiorcal have fallen into ruin, they have instead erected stone oibilisc deep within the unforgiving deserts and tundras of Undriel, for what reasons, only those within the most inner circles of the Cú faoil know for certain.

The Cú faoil are also planar travelers, with a knowledge of the various entrances to the planes beyond this one. In particular the Cú faoil are familiar with paths beyond the domhan of Tír na Nóg. This has left a mark on the very fabric of their reality, their aura is tinged with the energies of the beyond. As a result the Cú faoil are treated with suspicion by other races and are a rare sight outside of the three major cities that they have erected deep in the desert of Jothunheim and Irkalla as well as the deep tropics of Hybrasil. These cities are shielded by ancient devices that render them nigh invisible to the naked eye.

#### Appearance

The Cú faoil stand on average 170-180cm.  Their fur is short and very fine, and varies in color from a rich brown to pure white. Their clothing is often elaborate and covered with sigils and designs that reflect their family history as well as the great deeds that they have performed in their lifetime. Their voices are remarkably cultured, their accents more neutral than one would expect. It is rare that the Cú faoil is found without their sleá, which has an almost spiritual value to the race. Woe betide anyone who tries to lay their hand upon it. It is said that through this weapon they capture the essence of their enemies.

The Cú faoil are well known to be shapeshifters, being able to shift between their Cú faoil and duine form with relative ease. It is said that they do this to be able to travel within the different communities to enact their will without being recognised. It is rare for Cú faoil to show their true form unless they are in extreme danger.

Life Span: 100-200 years

#### Language

Besides speaking Bunteanga, the common language of Undriel, the Cú faoil speak Glam, one of the oldest languages in existence, comparable even to the languages of the children of the gods.

#### Oibilisc

Where there are large populations of Cú faoil, they erect an Oibilisc at the center of their towns or cities. These mighty stones are used in worship to Arawn, a plea for her to return to them the gifts that they have lost for failing her. In their major cities of Baile na Lobhar, Eochaill and An Charraig Liath there are circles of these Oibilisc, which are tended to by the Maighdean. At some point in their lifetime, all Cú faoil return to these lands and give thanks to the goddess.