The British Empire
⚠️ Content Warning
This article may contain mature themes, including homoerotic content, complex power dynamics, sexual encounters with vampires and anthropomorphic beings, as well as other adult material.
Reader discretion is advised.
History
The Era of the Fae and the Origin of the Fae-Touched (until 1 AD)
Over two thousand years ago, the Fae lived in three great cities in the British Isles: Llynddwyn, Cairn Luthiel and Islevaris. These ancient cities, imbued with magical powers, were the centre of their culture, but contact with humans remained limited. The Fae occasionally traded with the Celtic tribes, bringing exotic goods and knowledge, but their capricious nature made them unpredictable.
A war broke out between humans and fae in the 1st century BC, but for the fae it was more of a cruel game. When they got bored, they withdrew. Then, around the year 1 AD, they disappeared without a trace. All that remained were their decaying cities - and people who suddenly had glamour at their disposal. These first Fae-Touched, called Elfes, were human, but they carried the legacy of the Fae within them.
Roman occupation and the first integration (43-410 AD)
The Romans quickly took notice of the Elfes, for although the use of glamour was subtle, the fae-touched were far from it. Their supernatural beauty, pointed ears, unusual hair colours and occasionally glowing eyes made them impossible to miss. Nevertheless, they were not seen as a threat. Many found their place as artists, philosophers or counsellors in the Roman provinces of Britain. Some served as healers or soothsayers, their abilities often considered a divine gift or a natural extension of human potential. The Romans adapted some customs, especially those involving rituals associated with glamour, into their own culture.
Camelot, the Arthurian legend and the High Middle Ages (5th-12th century)
After the retreat of the Romans, the British Isles experienced a period of unrest. This is where the myth of Arthur, a legendary ruler who supposedly resided in Camelot, begins. In this era, truth and fiction were mixed: while various princes and warlords with the name ‘Arthur’ existed, their story was exaggerated.
The Round Table may have been inspired by the ancient alliances between humans and fae. There are hints in medieval chronicles that some knights were Fae-touched - especially those with exceptional talents. Merlin was not considered a wizard in this world, but an Elf with a strong glamour who controlled the destiny of Britain.
The Round Table itself has survived the centuries and to this day serves as an advisory body to the ruler of Britain. The original twelve knightly names were adopted as titles for the members, so that positions such as ‘Sir Lancelot’, ‘Sir Gawain’ or ‘Sir Percival’ are not tied to individuals, but are bestowed on the highest advisors to the King or Queen.
The Middle Ages and the role of the fae-touched (12th-16th century)
Elves were fully integrated into society until the High Middle Ages. Their longevity made them valuable counsellors and artists, and their skills inspired rituals, art and music. They were present in monasteries, courts and guilds, but never as a separate caste - they were simply people with special talents.
During the witch hunts (15th-17th centuries), they remained largely unchallenged. The Anglican Church did not recognise them as supernatural beings, but regarded glamour as a natural gift, similar to musicality or intelligence.
Industrialisation and glamour as a tool (18th-19th century)
With industrialisation, the influence of glamour changed. Many fae-touched used their skills to refine mechanical and chemical processes. Their signature remained particularly visible in art, architecture and fashion.
The first steam engine with glamour-reinforced steel was built in 1782, but such technology remained rare as glamour could not be used indefinitely. In literature, the Fae past inspired authors such as Shakespeare, Blake and later the Romantics.
By 1890, Britain was a world power, but the ruins of the Fae cities remained a mystery. Archaeologists and scientists began to explore their secrets in the hope of unravelling the mystery of the Fae's disappearance.
Territories
Motto of the British Empire
With the expansion of the Empire, a new motto was coined: ‘Pax et Glamour’ - peace and glamour. Ironically, it served as a justification for colonial policy, claiming that British civilisation and its magical expertise would bring peace and progress to the world.
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