ArchFey
The Archfey are some of the most extraordinary and enigmatic beings of The Feywild, their power surpassing that of ordinary Fey and approaching the divine. Each Archfey is unique, a singular expression of the boundless magic and creativity of the Feywild. Their forms, abilities, and realms of influence reflect the wild diversity of the plane they call home. Many of them hold sway over vast regions within the Feywild, establishing dominions often called Courts, where they reign as sovereigns or presiding figures. These Courts, ranging from the Seelie to the Unseelie and beyond, are as much reflections of the Archfey themselves as they are physical territories, shaped by the will and whims of their rulers.
The origins of the Archfey are as diverse as their appearances. Some were once powerful members of various fey races, their strength and cunning allowing them to ascend to preeminence. Others are the awakened spirits of natural places, such as ancient forests, shimmering rivers, or towering mountains, imbued with consciousness and purpose through eons of connection to the Feywild's primal magic. Still others are embodiments of archetypal animals, their forms and behaviors taking on a majestic, supernatural aspect that elevates them above their kin. Noble Eladrin, some so ancient that they have transcended mortality itself, also stand among the ranks of the Archfey, wielding their deep connections to the seasons and the magic of their plane.
Each Archfey is a reflection of the Feywild's extremes, embodying themes and emotions with an intensity that defines their essence. Their titles—often self-bestowed—proclaim their nature and status with grandiosity. The Queen of Air and Darkness, the Green Lord, and the Prince of Frost are but a few examples of the monikers they take. These titles are not mere vanity; they encapsulate the roles these beings play, their connection to the Feywild’s cycles, and the awe they inspire in those who serve them.
Some Archfey, through their immense power and influence, are venerated as deities by mortal and fey alike. These beings may bestow divine abilities upon their worshippers, granting clerics or druids power in exchange for devotion. Others forge more direct and personal connections through pacts with warlocks. Such agreements, often sealed with promises, riddles, or seemingly innocuous bargains, allow the warlock to draw on the Archfey's magic in return for service or obeisance. These pacts are as varied as the Archfey themselves, ranging from benign patronage to deeply manipulative, depending on the nature of the Archfey involved.
The Archfey’s motivations and temperaments are as unpredictable as the Feywild itself. Some are benevolent, offering protection and guidance to those who seek them out, while others are capricious, their favors as fleeting as they are perilous. Their decisions often seem inscrutable to mortals, shaped by ancient feuds, personal whims, or an alien sense of morality. Yet, despite their unpredictability, they remain among the most sought-after and fascinating entities in the multiverse, embodying the Feywild’s untamed magic and eternal allure.
