False Fae

False Fae are elusive creatures. It is not often that they will allow you to know that they are, indeed, a creature of nature's divine work. They bond closely with biomes of the world and feel it change and shift in their hearts. False Fae are often drifters for this reason. When nature is always shifting to remain in balance, it is only natural that False Fae feel the same urge.

## Statistics

### Distribution

This species can be found throughout the worlds of Eldham and Rathnir. While they typically bond with one type of biome, they can form less intense bonds with others.

### Estimated Population

There is no real way to estimate the population of False Fae. They keep very closely to themselves.

## Common Phenotypes

### Hair Pigments

Hair colors are always natural: black, brown, tawny, blonde, ginger.

### Skin Pigments

False Fae skin tones mimic that of a normal human.

### Eye Colour

Eye colors range from dull grey to bright pink.

## Culture

### Religion

False Fae believe in a sort of nature mysticism.

## False Fae Development

While the exact origins of the False Fae are unclear, it can be assumed that they were borne of human and fae interactions. They hold the same appearance of human yet feature wings and antennae, with a penchant for strange mannerisms and deep-rooted respect for the world. Records of the first False Fae are scarce, and the only ones who could clear up the rumors would be the species themselves. What we do know is that the species originated in Rathnir.

False Fae are now scattered all over Rathnir and Eldham. While population count is unknown, it can be assumed that members of the species have integrated into regular human society.

## False Fae Favor & Disfavor

Being creatures of Mother Nature's womb, deliberately harming the biome a False Fae is bonded to will result in a quick shift into their line of fire. Deliberate harm is usually categorized as deforestation, intentional burning, killing of coral reefs, melting of icebergs and snow in mountains, and drying up water in deserts. Of course, each Fae's idea of deliberate harm changes.

However, gaining a Fae's favor is very simple. Replanting in forests, jungles, and plains is always welcomed. Replenishing of wells in deserts is seen as the kindest of services. Encouraging snowfall and cold kept in regions that require it is well respected and loved. Cleaning up trash on beaches and facilitating fish habitats is coveted by Fae of the sea.

Within their realm, Fae frequently find themselves drawn to a specific type of flora or fauna. Leaving one of this species out for them is an incredible favor, and you are likely to remain on their good side for a long time. Fae also adore sweets of any kind, more specifically honey and sweetberries. Cookies and pumpkin pie will suffice if honey and sweetberries cannot be acquired. Fae also like shiny things; try leaving out amethyst, gold, or prismarine shards.

## Instincts and Features

Bonding to a biome is only natural for False Fae. This most commonly happens at birth. A Fae's magic latches onto the biome they are born into. When they settle into their permanent home, it will almost always be in the biome they bonded to. They become intimately aware of how the seasons shift the balance of their home. Fae will feel the death and birth within their domain, and will become angered if one begins to overhaul resources unhealthily.

Fae have a natural instinct to drift. As the world grows and falls in tandem with itself, they too feel the need to move and shift to remain in harmony. As such, it's common Fae will come and go as they please within nations and territories. Do not take offense. They are merely obeying the call of the winds.

Fae have a desire to create a Circle once they have settled into their home. Circles are sacred, and usually marked with the flora of a Fae. If you see an oddly well kept area in the forest, it is likely that it's a Fae's Circle. Do not enter or disturb the area; instead, offer something outside the Circle if you can. The Fae will be honored by your gift. Circles are used for rituals and mediation for Fae. They are an area of grounding for them, and you will cause great heartache if you disturb or destroy the area.

False Fae sport antennae. These mimic that of an insect's: sometimes a moth, other times a butterfly, sometimes a praying mantis. The antennae always match the hair color of the Fae, with some variation. However, the color at the end of the antennae will match that of their wings. Wings are unusable for Fae, merely there as remembrance of their faerie ancestry. Wings mimic an insect's, though the species frequently does not match the antennae.

While Fae are not expressly harmed by iron, they do have a deep rooted fear of the smelted form from their faerie side. If you want a quick way to get on a Fae's bad side or get a group of them to leave, put out iron ingots at regular intervals.

## Nature Mysticism

Fae practice a type of nature mysticism. They believe in a Sun God, called Auros, and a Moon Goddess, Clair. They also believe in Mother Nature (Botaia) and Father Time (Heur). False Fae believe that the way to enlightenment is found within these four figures. Within each village there are different saints and demigods and legends. If you have earned a Fae's trust and they have revealed themselves to you, it is kind to ask after their legends.

Part of nature mysticism is the belief that Mother Botaia and Heur are in constant dance. The dance speeds backwards in the fall, slowing in winter, then speeding forwards in spring, slowing in summer. This, the Fae believe, is how the seasons change and months shift. Fae believe this waltz is what helps encourage migration and hibernation. Migrating creatures always want to be where the dance is, while hibernating creatures are content to wait until it comes back.

Fae believe that Auros dictates the growth and decay of empires. According to them, He will shine his light upon empires worthy of continuation and hide it away from those who have sinned. They also believe that Clair heads seafaring and naval battle. They see Her as a keen mistress who monitors sailors on their journeys and sways the tides in favor of armies.

### False Fae Holidays

* False Fae observe the new moon of each month. Rituals and celebrations change from Fae to Fae, but each does something different. New moons are sacred and are not to be disturbed.
* Each season change is to be celebrated. The ringing in of spring is celebrated with bells and planting flowers and herbs. The celebration of summer is done with food and dance and song. The harvest (autumn) is celebrated with food and prayer. Winter is celebrated with fasting and prayer.
* Eclipses are intensely celebrated when they come. False Fae will spend all day in their Circles and pray. They may not even eat. If your friend is a False Fae, leave food and water for them outside their Circle.
* Equinoxes are observed with a prayer in morning and afternoon.

## Warnings

It is recommended that one take caution when interacting with False Fae just as one would any faerie. While there are no proofs of mind manipulation or calling of favors, Fae still have iridescent blood running through their veins. Be careful and wise. Never let a Fae "have" your name, and do not take prepared food from a Fae. When you take from a Fae's biome, give thanks and offer something in return. Do not leave yourself in debt to a Fae.