Fey
While Fey are unmistakable, what truly set them apart is the Crown of Daggers - a symbol of the Court. This is what gives them the edge over all other races, but also makes them famously cold and calculated.
See, a Fey's crown is a double-edged sword. As long as they wear it, they can access greater heights than any Human due to their persistent honed will and ability to morph their body according to their wants. In turn, it leaves them heartless and purely ambition driven, with no space for empathy. Once a Crown is cut, a Fey is drained of their colour and rendered powerless. What they gain? An identity. Compassion and a hunger for life beyond empty goals. It is hard for the other races to truly understand the shift, but all Fey who have lost or broken their crown know the true transformation. Some speak of it as waking up from a long trance, while others say they simply feel more alive. Either way, the only way a Fey can relate or sympathize with another Fey or Human, is if they no longer serve the Court.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Fey are as varied of a bunch as possible. While it's theorized they are created with specific professions in mind from birth, Fey's limitless appearances make them extremely adaptable. Due to their wide range, anything that does not neatly look like a Human or a Harvester, usually is assumed to be Fey (this does sometimes lead to wrong assumptions).
Common traits found in Fey are;
- Elongated or in other ways odd proportions
- Any combination of fur, scales, feathers or chitinous exteriors
- Multiple limbs, appendages, extremities, wings, facial features.
There are also records of shape-changers found in the Fey, both to shifters of a lesser degree and individuals capable of complete transformations. There are few observations of a shape-changers true form, as there's always a level of speculation.
While Fey lack genitalia meant for reproduction, they do possess means of excreting necessary bodily fluids. For most Fey this takes a form similar to a cloaca, although it varies.
Fey Classification
As Fey are impossibly varied, Human scholars have brought forward a set of classifications that loosely help organize their appearances and abilities.
Molde (Goblins, Cretins)
Molde are comprised of slightly smaller but nimble Fey folk. As such, they are often found in professions of tinkerers, crafters and rogues. A surprising amount, who do not gain admittance to The Academic Grounds, instead work for the war effort.
Player Note
Vainut (Sprites, Fairies)
Sprites are the smallest of all Fey, barely the size of a large Human hand. As they are tiny, there are limited professions which they occupy. A lot of them work as guards, either protecting Fabled or the Court itself. Guard Vainut hide within the bark of trees, and are practically invisible due to their hiding spots. Some work as assassins, as they can hide within small crevices and make for excellent poison-wielders. Rarely, Vainut become craftsmen, often actually working in Covens. A group of 3-4 sprites working in tandem, can be a real force to be reckoned with.
Grinda (Trolls, Oafs)
These are larger Fey, bigger in stature and strength but also slower of wit. Warriors of strength, Grinda are fearsome fighters. Looked down upon by other Fey though, they seldom occupy roles of wit or intellect.
Player Note
Dimis (Devils, Foulbreath)
These are some of the most common Fey you'll meet, the charmers. While sharing the largest variations in appearance, all Dimis are able to release a spore cloud or fumes that help enchant and charm creatures around them. For some, this can also take shape through physical contact (making them partially at fault for the fear of shaking hands with a Fey).
Player Note
Imaki (Changelings, Skinwalker)
Shapechangers are shunned within Fey society and feared within Human kingdoms. Due to their ability to shed skins and imitate others, their work is often discredited within Fey circles. In turn, their talent garners little trust from Humans, as they worry about what an Imaki's true form may be. It is rumoured that Imaki are able to avoid ageing, due to their shapeshifting.
Lodni (Harpies)
Lodni is one of the rarer classifications and garner respect even within Fey circles. Their only unifying feature is their ability to fly due to a beautiful pair of wings. Their inspiration seems to vary, from moths and other insects, to odd plant-based creatures with thin leafy wings. Due to their unique movement abilities, they make excellent scouts, rangers, warriors and centipede-wranglers.
Player Note
Minddar (Two-faced)
Minddar could be considered the most impressive of Fey, arguably due to their penchant for innovation or for their remove from humanity. The common trait of all Minddar, is that they host two or more minds. Commonly, this is visualized through two faces or even two heads, but it can be more subtle in rare cases. Minddar make excellent inventors and spellcasters, as they can ideate and process information at a terrifying rate.
Influence of the Crown
What is consistent in Fey is their colour, or lack thereof, which is determined if they still wear their crown. Fey who are still loyal to the Court, shine in all of the colours that have existed, ranging from dazzling emeralds to crimson reds and majestic lavenders. A Fey without their colour, in turn, looks dull in comparison. While not truly monochrome, they are still far from their vibrant counterparts.
Furthermore, Fey with a Crown showcase limited abilities to push their limits physically. Some Human scholars have hypothesized that it is due to Ichor and Verve paired with rudimentary magic. In essence, during their lifespans, Fey mold their bodies for their ambitions. An archer might lengthen their arms and hone their eyesight, while a seamstress would harden their fingertips to work longer. It is unexplained, and truly a wonder.
Genetics and Reproduction
Fey, unlike the other species found on the continent, do not reproduce but are instead created. Born without reproductive organs and genitalia, they count on the Court of Daggers to ensure a future generation. With their lack of means for reproduction, they lack a sexual drive. Most Fey would be counted as both asexual and aromantic by Human standards, and would only learn about the concept through interspecies intervention. There are records of Fey supposedly falling in love within Human societies, although many Humans doubt the validity of this.
Fey are created through the Womb, a large body of Ichor stolen during Godfall (rumored to be the actual womb of God, although this has not been proven). The actual production remains a mystery, but it is known that all Fey exit the Womb with a halo or marking of the Court of Daggers, signifying their connection to the Court.
Growth Rate & Stages
Fey are quicker to mature than Humans, reaching an adult age at about 15 years. They spend most of their youth in a teenage phase, blazing through childhood within the first 5-6 years. This is speculated to be a design choice in their creation, making them remarkable learners in their teenage years. Most legendary artisans, warriors and leaders reach their pinnacle even before the age of 25, which guarantee long careers for most.
Young Fey all grow up in Witch Digs, hideouts meant to ensure a safety net for the youth to grow and learn. Ran by a sisterhood of witches, with a Matron in charge, they are chaotic and unruly homesteads hidden across the Thicket. While warm embraces and kind words aren't guaranteed, food and shelter can always be found for the kids of the Fey.
Witch Digs hold a strange magic over them, both visual and mental. Any wanderer who tries to search for a Witch Dig will often find themselves turned around and confused in the Thicket's dense forestry. Furthermore, anyone who happens to leave a Witch Dig can seemingly never remember how to return.
Biological Cycle
Due to their large variation, only some Fey react to the seasonal changes. There are accounts of Fey being able to shift with each passing of season, seemingly taking on traits of whatever season they find themselves in. This subcategory of Fey are usually referred to as Eladrin within the Thicket, only sharing the trait of seasonal sensitivity.
Additional Information
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
As with their varied appearances, some Fey are created with extra-ordinary senses. Records of bat-like echolocation or eagle-like sight are not unheard of, meanwhile dark-vision and magical powers are common, and almost to be expected of Fey.
Fey spellcasters are always found in Covens, a magical mind-link that 3-5 mages share that supposedly push them beyond their personal limits. It grants them telepathic connections which make them extremely dangerous, as they can alert one-another in an instant. A warning saying, "Never just one rat", can often be heard within the ranks of Greywood soldiers.
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
Fey names hold power. They are how the Court summon a Fey, but this method can also be abused by a stranger. Saying a Fey's true name will break a Fey's crown and render them powerless. Because of this system, all Fey have truly individual convoluted names. They are incredibly closely-held secrets, never shared with anyone.
As such Fey will make up a title when they reach adulthood. Like everything else concerning Fey, it has become a game of self-importance. Seeing how much respect you can instill from one's name alone. This is how you can meet some truly absurd Fey, with titles like "Grandmaster Archer Jarla". Fortunately, Fey with ridiculous titles without the necessary skills to back it up, are quickly humbled by their fellow Fey.
Major Organizations
All Fey owe their creation to the Court of Daggers. They are governed by the blades and learn early on "Live by the Court, serve the Court" as a sentence to live by. Wearing or showing ones halo/marking of the Court, declares one's loyalty to the Court.
Beauty Ideals
For Fey a universal truth is : more is more. The more you can dazzle, shine, perform, charm and simply impress - the better.
When it comes to beauty, Fey prefer the ostentatious and recognizable. It's not simply about flaunting your most luxurious items, it's about how pleasing and dangerous of a display you can put up. They scoff at humans misunderstanding of beauty, how they simply lack skill. For Fey it's a game of chicken. How far are you willing to starve yourself? Set yourself on fire? Endanger yourself? If you can pull off jeopardy with an air of ease, consider yourself the jewel of attention.
As for physical beauty, imperfections are not allowed. They will conceal anything they deem unseemly, either through magic or physical props such as masks. The biggest shame a Fey can bear are scars, as they are an ugly display of failure. While battle scars are celebrated in some Human societies, it is only right to hide your defeats in the Thicket. One will notice a lot of head and body coverings in the courts of the Fey, as not all Fey are created with the blessing of natural beauty or have survived unscathed through the war.
Gender Ideals
As Fey lack gender from a Human perspective, there are no clear binary ideals. Instead androgyny and skill are of utter importance. Showing extreme conditions, such as a life threateningly thin or obese body, or mind-boggling bending of the body through appendages and wings show beauty.
Common Etiquette Rules
- Always refer to a Fey with their full given title. If not, it will be seen as utterly disrespectful
- Never accept, or at least thank for a gift given. If accepted, something of equal measure will be expected in return. As Fey deal only in barter, their wish in return can be high.
- Fey cannot physically speak untruths. While they are masters of subverting or omitting the truth, they find lying distasteful as it shows a lack of skill
Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals
Becoming of Age
For Fey, reaching adulthood is a large turning point in their lifespan. They are extensively taught and prepared at the Witch Dig but nothing can truly brace them. On the morn of their 15th year, Fey get summoned by the Sword. For most this is the only time they ever speak directly to the Sword. They announce their self-given title, and in turn learn their true names for the first time and are sent off into the world.
Recognizing skill - Fabled
A large part of Fey culture revolves around skill and merit, but not without reason. Being truly adept in a trade can grant one the recognition of the Court. When meeting a legendary craftsman or warrior, take notice of their mark of the Court. It is evolved, seemingly bigger and more intricate. It is said that the best of the best, are rewarded an affiliation with the Court of Daggers. This shows in a change to their title as they are granted the rank of Fabled and gifted the ability to control land. Furthermore, it also allows them access to the amenities of The Palace (the place the Court of Daggers conduct their affairs).
Common Taboos
Metals
Due to a hysteric fear of Rust, Fey carry a general hesitation towards metals. As a result their buildings are wonders of wood and stone, their clothing beautifully embroidered, their weapons products of natural materials such as bones, with very limited use of metal.
This has led to metal being considered quite a daring materials to work with, but also caused a large portion of Human commoners to carry metal pieces to ward off Fey.
Historical Figures
The Turncoat
While the Court of Daggers has managed to remove most traces of this mysterious figure's history, the legend still thrives within the Thicket.
The Turncoat (who once surely held a longer title) was a dissenter who fought their whole life to end the war. They sang gospel about a possible truce between Humans and Fey, and even managed to build up a sizable resistance. It is unsure if the Fey or the Humans were guilty for their demise, but still their songs live on within both Fey and Peacekeeper circles.
"When the fog rolls in the morn, it shall all be over.
All weapons shall be laid down, we will not cower."
Remnant of Turncoat song.
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
Humans
Fey view Humans as inferior, both in skill and intelligence. This is mostly due to the Court's agenda, but Fey's extreme differences to Humans definitely add to the prejudices.
Fey who manage to break away from the Thicket and find new lives, either within Geld's borders or in shady corners of the Council of Oars, do learn to live with humans. In rare cases they adopt more Human-like mindsets and expand their thinking to concepts such as eg. romantic love.
Harvesters
Fey find Harvesters a bit dull, but impressive artisans, especially when it concerns Ichor and Verve. Their lack of presentation leaves a bit to be desired. In turn their handling of magic intrigues the Fey, their secrets highly coveted by magic practitioners. While they lack proper trade relations with the Harvesters, they try their hardest to sneak in spies to the Silent Isles, with seemingly no success.
Documented Fey Specimens
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