The Great Spirits

"It is said that long ago, when the world was still young, before even the fae came to be, there were the Great Spirits. Born of raw magic, they emerged from the heart of the world and climbed to its surface, anxious to see their new home. Yet when they reached the surface, there was not but barren earth surrounded by a void of nothingness. Overwhelmed by heartbreak, the Great Spirits flew over the land and wept, and where their tears fell, the fae were born."

As each land of fae has a King in charge of the Court, there are also five powerful wild fae known colloquially as the Great Spirits. Though they do not strictly belong to a court, each of the Great Spirits claims one of the five lands as its territory, and they take it upon themselves to protect other wild fae.

APPEARANCE

None of the Great Spirits look "alike", however, in their natural forms, they all possess large bodies reminiscent of the spirit dragons of ancient China. The Great Spirits have the ability to change shape at will, usually into larger-than-life beasts.

CULTURAL INFLUENCE

In ancient times, the Great Spirits were considered by many cultures to be godlike beings of varying degrees of compassion. The Great Spirits enjoyed being worshiped, and often granted boons to humans in exchange for gifts. They were particularly revered in ancient China, where they came to represent not only their native faeland, but also the five Chinese elements.

RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER FAE

For the most part, the Great Spirits spend their time slumbering. The have little interest in the doings of other fae as long as they aren't bothered. Great Spirits share a mutual respect with their associated King, and they often confer with one another concerning the state of their territory. The Fae Kings generally leave the Great Spirits to their own devices, though in times of conflict with other fae courts, they might call upon the Great Spirits for aid. Kings are careful not to try to order the Great Spirits, however, for no King wants to risk a conflict with their Great Spirit. No one knows for sure if a Great Spirit is as powerful as a King; throughout history, no King or Great Spirit ever decided it was worth finding out.

MYTHS AND STORIES

There is a common story told among fae that the Great Spirits were the creators of all fae. No one can say for sure if that's true, except for the Spirits themselves, and if asked they simply repeat the story everyone knows. Because of this story, many fae believe that the Spirits are truly immortal and cannot die. No one in any living memory has ever heard of a Spirit dying or being reborn.

THE GREAT SPIRITS

Ignarius, the Spirit of Radiant Fire

Terrum, the Spirit of Dark Earth

Luxsylva, the Spirit of Summer Growth

Argenth, the Spirit of Silver Winter

Somalunda, the Spirit of Flowing Dreams