Fey

The denizens of the Feywild

Introduction:

Welcome back to Styx's Guide to the Feywild! The following section covers some of the more sapient denizens inhabiting the Feywild.
The people and creatures inhabiting the Feywild are commonly referred to as Fey - sometimes also Fae or Faerie. It is a generic term for all manners of creatures and includes Hags, Dryads, Sirens, Eladrin, Pixies, and, of course, Satyrs - among other species.

Civilization and Culture

Major Organizations

The Fey are divided into four Courts: Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. Upon their birth, a Fey becomes part of their parents' Court but they can pick a different Court when they come of age, provided they have someone from that Court advocating for them. The only other way to change which Court you belong with is through marriage. Alas, we Fae enjoy making deals, and with an offer enticing enough, exceptions might be made.

Beauty Ideals

Beauty, as many know, lies in the eye of the beholder - just pray to the Nine that it's a figurative one. Fae find beauty in many things, be it the ethereal and graceful beauty of the Eladrin, the haunting songs of the Sirens, the shimmering and glittering wings of Pixies, or the wild way in which Satyrs celebrate life. It is the one thing we enjoy almost as much as clever plotting and scheming.

Major Language Groups and Dialects

Almost all Fey can speak Sylvan. Some can also speak Common, Druidic, or Elvish.

Common Etiquette Rules

Never take a Fey helping you for granted but never outright thank them. Thanking a Fae is akin to acknowledging that you are indebted to them and might not be able to repay them. It is safest to repay a favor with favor or a gift.
Fey also take hospitality very seriously and will generally not attack their guests - unless said guests break the rules of hospitality themselves.
Lastly, there are few things Fey despise more than being lied to, especially if it means not keeping a promise or a deal. Such deceivers will have a most difficult time in the Feywild, and depending on the degree of the offense, some Fae might try to downright kill the offending party.

Culture and Cultural Heritage

The most important thing to know about us Fae is that we cannot lie. This has led to many of us valuing intrigues and creative dishonesty. While Fae cannot outright lie, many Fey have mastered the art of 'not lying'. Those who are not used to the cunning ways the Fae can twist their words to make you believe one thing while actually saying something else entirely should proceed with the utmost caution in the Feywild. Although I would generally urge anyone traveling the Feywild to be extremely careful, but that is beside the point.
Elves and half-elves are descendants of the Fey and, as such not bound by the same rules. Many, however, willingly choose to follow them. Still, they are often met with distrust and distaste by some of their fully Fae relatives.

Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals

When a Fae becomes of age, they get a tattoo representing their Court. The design and size are up to the individual, however, it has to be clear which Court an individual belongs to based on their tattoo. The designs typically incorporate some of the following elements:

• Spring Court: Blooming Flower, waxing Moon
• Summer Court: snaking Vines, full Moon
• Autumn Court: Autumn Leaves, waning Moon
• Winter Court: Snowflakes, new Moon

For some, the tattoo is something intimate, a depiction of who they are or who they want to be. Some Fae even start designing their tattoo early on. Either way, most of us wear their tattoo proudly and visibly. Depending on the artist, parents have to schedule the appointment for their children's coming of age ceremony years - or even decades - in advance.
Only a select few have the necessary knowledge to work with the inks used for the tattoos. The ink has been magically treated to never fade and have an ever so slightly iridescent look about it. It can be applied to skin, scales, and fur alike.

Scientific Name

Fae | Fey

Geographic Distribution

• The Feywild

Related Organizations

• The Rose Riders

Related Myths

• The Wild Hunt