Glaistig
Basic Information
Anatomy
Glaistig are slender humanoids, closely resembling the Teuz, but possessing cervine features.
Glaistig are bipedal with an unguligrade stance, standing on a pair of cloven hooves. From the waist down, a glaistig's legs are covered in fur. They have two arms, with five digit hands with exceptionally slender and long fingers and an opposable thumb. Glaistig all have small, deer-like tails.
Male Glaistig have antlers, while females do not. The more powerful the magic of a male Glaistig, the larger and more complex their antlers.
Ecology and Habitats
Glaistig can generally be found in two locations, depending on their vocations. Glaistig of The Court of Summer, commonly found as cowherds, live on the edges of the forest, using the nearby fields to pasture their herds. Those who belong to The Court of Winter, guardians of deer, prefer to live in forest glades, small clearings in the center of their claimed territory. Glaistig typically shun major population centers, living in remote, rural areas when possible.
Relatives of the Glaistig, such as the Baobhan Sith or Maighdean Uaine are expections to this, with the former dwelling along mountain roads and passes, while the latter reside in the ruins of their former lives.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Glaistig are vegetarian gatherers, eating plants, such as leaves, berries and roots for their staple diet. They are fond of milk and dairy products, but do not eat meat or fish.
Biological Cycle
Glaistig are tied to the seasons. Seelie individuals gain their antlers in the summer, losing them in the winter, while the Unseelie do the opposite.
Behaviour
Glaistig largely keep to themselves compared to other Fae, but are strongly protective of their herds. The Unseelie Glaistig, guardians of deer, are exceptionally so, and are more aggressive in defending their herds.
Additional Information
Social Structure
Glaistig are solitary fae, living as functional hermits in relative isolation.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
The Glaistig are found in the Fortunate Isles and on Kornôgel, but are more prevalent in the North on the Armorican Peninsula along the Ar Mor Marv. However, they can be found as far South as Slaver's Coast in smaller numbers.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Glaistig have keen senses of hearing, sight and smell. They are capable of moving their ears independently to determine the source of a sound.
Civilization and Culture
Common Dress Code
Glaistig have a unique affinity for the colour green and almost universally wear shades of it over all others. They prefer long, flowing garments, regardless of gender.
Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals
Glaistig often waylay and mislead travelers by throwing stones in their path or causing landslides, redirecting them as desired.
Glaistig, like many Sidhe, are especially fond of milk. It is Glaistig custom to pour cow milk into a hollowed out stone to drink from. It is customary in the Fortunate Isles to pour milk into such stones found in pastures for the Glaistig in exchange for their protection and favour. Pouring boiling milk into these vessels is considered the height of rudeness and will invite active hostility.
Common Taboos
The glaistig are fiercely protective of deer, considering them sacred. Hunters are wise to obtain permission from the glaistig with offerings before hunting in their forests.
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
Glaistig are commonly mistaken with their hematophage cousins, the Baobhan Sith.
Glaistig are cattleherds, tasked with protecting the cattle, sheep and deer of the other Sidhe. They possess an affinity for shepherds of all species however, and will often grant small tokens or boons to their equivalents among the other Tuath. They often will watch over children while their parents milk and feed the cows.
Genetic Ancestor(s)
Genetic Descendants
Average Physique
The Glaistig are slender and tall, even by sidhe standards, with sharp, angular features.
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Glaistig are most commonly golden blonde, wearing their hair long. Other hair colours are less common, but not unheard of.
Geographic Distribution
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