The Sidhe (Shee)
The Sidhe are one of the earliest byproducts of the Immaculate Machine and assist, among other means, in maintaining meteorological balance in the world. As a result, they naturally split themselves been the Samhradh and Geimhreadh noble Courts, playing out, in real-time, the ebb and flow of power between the seasons with the equinoxes marking their transitions of power. Their need to maintain account and balance makes any agreement they make binding, and any debt owed must be paid.
Appearance
The Sidhe are a diverse group. Their appearances begin to differ immediately between which Court they owe fealty towards, and only continue to grow from there. Many that are referred to as dangerous monsters or tricksters are actually Sidhe. Suffice to say, the two Queens of the Sidhe cast a wide net for their denizens, agents, and subjects.
However, the true Sidhe, the Queens, their direct kin, and those in the highest echelons of each court, are sylvan in appearance. With elongated, pointy ears; slender physiques; and feline eyes, their presence and grace is easily differentiated from even humans.
Culture
Sidhe culture, beyond the rudimentary understanding of bargaining and negotiation, seems an enigmatic affair to outsiders. This is largely the case because they do not think like Sidhe, whose existence is built around the balance of the seasons. It is from this innate need to maintain the balance between light and dark, summer and winter, that the Sidhe gain an understanding of contract and negotiation: offer, acceptance, and payment.
Cautionary tales of Sidhe bargains being the ruin of many folk are rampant, especially among the humans. Suffice to say, a bargain with the Sidhe is not something to accept lightly. After all, for all Sidhe, a bargain is something that cosmic binds their spirit to seeing the deal successfully concluded. Culturally speaking, caveat emptor is a pillar of the Sidhe.
Sidhe Bargains
Entering into a Sidhe bargain is incredibly easy for those who do not know their ways well, especially that of their Hospitality Rite. What seems like being a generous host, even required behavior of a host, in some cultures is an immediate deal struck between the Sidhe host and their guest. Nothing is worse for someone than entering into a Sidhe Bargain unknowingly because that means the Sidhe can ask anything in return.
Once, the bargain is made, it cannot be unmade by either party, even if it is decidedly against their mutual best interest. All bargains but be fulfilled by the letter of the bargain struck. No documentation is needed, as the Sidhe can recall the details in totality. However, on occasion, they may provide a document for signature. This is often ‘translated’ from Sidhe to the second party’s language of choice in order to obfuscate loopholes and conditions that may apply.
Hospitality Rite
Sidhe Hospitality is a formalized set of protocols that all Sidhe will always follow, and is the basis of guaranteed safety and community. While Hospitality Rite is not strictly Sidhe, their nature of bargain and balance has made it such that they are the most rigidly adherent to the form, which originated and is included in the Accords between the Courts and mankind of the Second Age, a treaty the Sidhe still recognize to this day, even if humanity has largely forgotten about. It is why someone is said to 'follow the old ways of hospitality' when they show due courtesy that complies with the Accords.
1.0 Definitions
1.1 Host - a person whom holds demense over a location
1.2 Guest - a person who is received by a Host at the host's demense by invitation of the Host
2.0 Performance
2.1 A guest may not refuse an thrice offered invitation to a Host's demense.
2.2 While within the demense, the Host guarantees the safety of the Guest and their bodily autonomy.
2.3 While within the demense of the Host, the Guest shall not bring the Host to harm nor their property, not shall any action be an attempt to bring harm to either.
3.0 Satisfaction
3.1 Satisfaction is met when a Guest leaves without any violations of the provisions of Section 2.
3.2 Should a violation be found as per paragraph 3.1, the aggreived party is entitled to Satisfaction equvalent to the severity of the violation.
3.2.1 For violations against provision 2.1, the Guest will make remedy a request of the offered Host in lieu of attendance.
3.2.2 For violations against provisions 2.2 or 2.3, a life for each life harmed, taken, or endangered shall be acceptable, unless another means of equinimity be reached between the two parties.
Naming Conventions
Sidhe names vary widely by the Court they belong to, then, more specifically, which type of Sidhe they might be. True Sidhe carry typically Sylvan names, unless they were formerly humans, then they usually keep their birth names, whatever they may be.
Character Design Features
Resembles: Elves (True Sidhe)Heigh:t .8-1.0, tend toward lean
Age: 18-300
Genders: All
Skin Color: Any (Influenced by Court)
Required Physical Traits: Ears
Optional Traits:Blind Eyes, Glowing Eyes, Fairy Flight
