Fae

Fae
Racial Characteristics
Average Height:	Variable
Average Weight:	Variable
Hair Color:	Variable
Eye Color:	Variable
Other Information
Country of Origin:	Extraplanar
Significant Populations:	Seelie & Unseelie Courts
Major Religion:	None

The term "Fae" is an umbrella term for a number of mystical races that typically exist outside the mortal realm. Their lives are measured in thousands of years, if not true immortality, though they are vulnerable to unexpected death. Most are vulnerable to the touch of cold iron, and react violently to contact with it.

There are, usually, two types of Fae: There are the spiteful, or Unseelie, and the just, or Seelie. The first tend to be nightmarish creatures, exacting pleasure from pain and generally revelling in suffering. The second are more righteous and usually considered to be ‘good’. It seems they try to fill out the role of good and evil and the struggle between them. Do not be fooled though, for both sides are equally capricious as the other and neither side is to be trusted.

One of the more famous of Fae manipulations was the taking (and returning) of the then Prince Arlok of Arangoth by the Mitrodgis, a Fae-ish race of little people. The Mitrodgis, however, make no claim that their act was to assist either of the sides. Despite this, the Seelie and the Unseelie both point fingers at how the taking of Arlok assisted them both and crow delight at how effective it was.

Fae who claim who side of the conflict are rare to come across, and these Fae are usually found within Tor Anan.

The Courts

Both the Seelie and the Unseelie have formed into vast courts, styling themselves after the courts of mortal legend. The great Seelie court is usually awash with bright colour and filled with Fae playing at gallant knights, princesses and princes, minstrels and bards playing uplifting tunes and ballads of great heroic battles, presided over by a King or Queen or both. The Unseelie too has a King or Queen, though their court is usually dark and dreary with ghostly apparitions, nightmarish creatures and sadistic mistresses, the bards singing sorrowful tales about lost love and death. However, the fae of both courts are known to be capricious and it is said that these stylings of the courts has changed at the whim of their rulers.

For as long as the courts have existed they’ve waged war upon the other: Whether through direct conflict or other, subtler means. As of late the Fae courts have found a new ground upon which to do battle: The mortal realm. There they sow discord or weave order through whispered words and messages. So far such manipulations have been kept on a small scale, perhaps causing a death or fortune of a merchant, each side claiming small victories.

Only one court can rule the fae world at a time. When one is dominant, the other is held back, patiently waiting and scheming for their day. Through ancient accord, the Seelie and Unseelie courts take turns, as patterned by the equinoxes of their world. In spring, the Seelie Court emerges to take control of the fae world and reigns over it until the fall, when the Unseelie resume stewardship. Each side dreams of the day that they can break the accords and take control in perpetuity. Despite many attempts, neither side has gained advantage over the other.

Seelie

The Seelie Court, also known as the Summer Court for the time of year that it holds dominion over the fae world, is ruled over by the two sidhe, King Artair and his lovely queen, Eithne. Their court is a beautiful, light filled extravagance that is held in bright gardens scented with rare and fae-grown flowers. Large marble-like pillars decorate the edge of the expanse, holding nothing aloft for there is no ceiling, only the mist-filtered sun shining down on the fae. At the far end sit two, exquisitely carved white marble thrones on a small dais. Here on a carpet of lush, green grass, the Seelie fae pay tribute to their King and Queen.

Those of the Seelie Court tend to be less malicious outright, though every bit as whimsical in their desires as their Unseelie cousins. Their gifts tend to be double-edged, such as inviting a mortal back to their court but not explaining the difference in the way time passes there. While only a few days might have passed in the fae court, decades, or even centuries could have passed in the mortal realms, effectively robbing the hapless mortal of their friends and family.

Unseelie

The Unseelie Court, also known as the Winter Court, controls the fae world during the time of year that the sun is furthest away. Ruled over by Queen Liandra, a sidhe of exceptionally cold beauty and her consort, Jantros, the Unseelie Court is a place of brittle starkness.

Tor Anan

Main Article: Tor Anan

Tor Anaan exists as a neutral place between the Seelie and Unseelie Courts, open and welcoming to all fae.