Fairies

Fairies were originally created by the Lord Silvarion of the Fey, who wanted beings to help him in the stewardship of the forests of the mortal plane. Fairies are magical in nature, but the power of their magic is directly tied to the health of the forest to which they are attached. As such, they are fiercely defensive of their territory, and will use every means possible to protect their forests from being defiled. 
This does not mean that civilized people can't settle in forests though, and many fairies have had positive relations with people of many nations. The only issue occurs when these people substantially effect the natural balance, and become to usurp (or attempt to usurp) nature.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Fairies appear similarly to very small elves of many different kinds. They each have wings, but often their wings will vary based on individual, family, and biome.

Growth Rate & Stages

Fairies do not seem to get old, and few have been able to be tracked for a long period. As such, it is unknown whether fairies are simply extremely long-lived, or what their growth process is like.

Ecology and Habitats

Fairies can be found in many different habitats, from icy Northern mountains to Oases in the desert, and everything in between. The key is that they are tied to a forest of some kind.

Behaviour

As long as their forests remain unthreatened, fairies are often downright pleasant and happy creatures. There are numerous stories of fairies befriending people, especially children, whose company they seem to particularly enjoy. 
However, when their forest is threatened, they can become increasingly aggressive, and will frequently retreat from social interaction to focus on the defense of their home. In this state, they can also become paranoid, and find it hard to trust outsiders.

Additional Information

Social Structure

There is normally a single family who is "in charge" of protecting a particular forest. Larger woodlands may have a number of fairy "helpers" under them, as they cannot be everywhere at once. It is assumed that the "in charge" fairy is given this position by Silvarion himself.
Some areas of the world have enough fairies to have even developed small towns and courts of fairies. Some have even rivaled each other, though this is a state of affairs that their Lord has attempted to avoid whenever possible.

Average Intelligence

High

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Fairies see as elves do, and as such can see better in dimly lit location. In addition, fairies are able to extend their senses to the forest around them, using the roots and leaves of the trees and the senses of the animals. This means fairies can often be aware of much that goes on within their forest.

Symbiotic and Parasitic organisms

Fairies are symbiotic with whatever flora and fauna inhabit their home forests. they can often be found having conversations with animals and trees as though they could speak.

Civilization and Culture

Major Language Groups and Dialects

Fairies' first language is Sylvan, a language created specifically for them by their lord Silvarion. Over time, their language became the language of forests and their inhabitants everywhere, and the working language of most druids.

Common Dress Code

Individual fairies vary widely in dress, with some enjoying dressing up in a Fey fashion, some enjoying mimicking mortal dress, while some prefer to be naked.

Common Taboos

Though not all tree-cutting is necessarily bad for forest balance, it is generally seen as rude and a taboo to cut down a tree or uproot a plant in front of a fairy. This is akin to slaughtering a cow in front of someone; they know where the beef is coming from, but they probably would be grossed out if you did it in front of them.

History

In the distant past, when forests dominated the continent of Calradia, fairies were a much more common sight by any who lived in the countryside. However, after the growth of large cities during and after the First Age, and the cutting down of many forests, fairies have grown increasingly rare. 
It is still unknown whether the increasing rarity of fairies is due to their being killed and their habitat reduced, or because they have grown increasingly distrustful of the civilized races.

Common Myths and Legends

Very old traditions of The Battanian Confederacy instructed that high kings ought to gain approval for their position by a fairy of their home forest, as they were seen as being good judges of character. This tradition has fallen to the wayside though, despite the fact that Battania has the largest concentration of fairies left on the continent.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Fairies have had tense relations with many nations, as forests are cut down to make way for farmland. Many stories have arisen of evil fairies luring people into the words, only for them never to be seen again. However, any violent stories of evil fairies usually also go alongside an active destruction of woodland, explaining the aggressive behavior. In all other circumstances, fairies are at worst tricksters and chaotic, and at best friendly and helpful.

Lifespan

???

Average Height

0.2 - 0.3 meters

Average Weight

15-20 lbs

Average Physique

Very small, Lithe