Culture

Beliefs

The origins of the Fae remain largely enigmatic, as even most of the Fae themselves lack knowledge of their true beginnings or who brought them into existence. Little is known about the religious practices of the Fae, but beliefs appear to vary throughout the world. 

In the realm of the Fae, relationships, connections, manners, and customs form the core of their existence. They possess their own unique set of rules, ethical principles, moral values, and etiquette that frequently conflict with those found in the human realm.

Fae creatures are playful and like to tease people with their words. They consider verbal agreements to be very important, like unbreakable contracts. Others are downright malicious and inclined to be hostile to other beings, especially to humans. Be cautious when making deals with any Fae, or bear the consequences of being tricked cause all Fae adhere to verbal contracts.

Mating

Because of the initial distrust or disdain of humans and tolerance of other species, Fae tend to mate with their own kind. Nevertheless, this does not preclude the possibility of certain Fae, particularly the Unseelie, from engaging in partnerships with humans or other species as a means of further distancing themselves from traditional Fae beliefs and practices.

Fae hybrids do not exist. When a child is born to a Fae parent and a member of another species, the offspring will either be born fae or fully embody the characteristics of the other species, not both.

Fae are immune to werewolf or vampire transformation. If a Fae is bitten, they will become gravely ill and eventually succumb to their ailment if left untreated.

Characteristics

Fae will often align to chaos and order based on their inherent desires. They may seek isolation for personal reflection or form social groups for companionship. Additionally, there might be a desire to explore and wander or a preference for settling down and establishing roots.

Known for their mischievous nature, the Fae frequently engage in trickery, often using it as a means of imparting significant life lessons or for their own entertainment. In their inherent curiosity and exploratory nature, Fae creatures possess an irresistible urge to poke, ponder, and pinch objects that ignite their fascination.

Fae are particularly guarded about their true name, as uttering a Fae’s true name establishes a connection that binds them to fulfill the promises made by the individual who possesses that knowledge. Some Fae prefer to adopt a second name or nickname that they will introduce themselves with. In rare and trusted occasions they may share their true name with someone they trust.

Seelie & Unseelie

The Seelie Fae who hold true to the traditional ways of the Fae. Amongst the Fae, the Seelie stand as steadfast guardians of ancient traditions, adhering faithfully to the age-old customs and beliefs of their kind believing that their devotion will reap a reward when the doors to their home reopen. 

Seelie are good-natured to humans or unconcerned with them and have a sense of tolerance for other species. Although the Seelie may appear benevolent, they possess an equal capacity for trickery, if not more so, compared to the Unseelie when using it to further their people’s goals or interests. Engaging in dealings with them can result in severe and disastrous consequences if a seelie fae becomes wronged or unhappy.

The Unseelie Fae, once bound by ancient traditions, have broken free, perceiving their abandonment as a form of punishment for their defiant nature. They hold animosity towards humans and actively seek opportunities to inflict harm, even without provocation.

However, younger generations of Unseelie Fae exhibit a more nuanced and morally ambiguous perspective, often forming unexpected connections with humans and other species, challenging traditional perceptions of their hostility.

Appearance

Fae possess a captivating otherworldly allure. However, prolonged isolation from their realm diminishes their ethereal features. Despite their human-like appearance, certain traits, such as pointed ears, distinctive eye colors, or unusual hair hues, can be readily dismissed today as cosmetic enhancements.

Though folklore has shown Fae with wings or in other forms, when the Slighe was closed, it limited their ability to transform their appearance including having the use of wings. Only during the full moon, can Fae draw enough of the Lode into themselves to temporarily transform into their true form.

Guidelines for Fae True Form

• True forms should have a humanoid appearance.
• No ethereal gas, light, or other non-solid state.
• Must at least 1 meter in height but no larger than 2.5 meters
• Wings are allowed in true form.
• No flying. However, levitating or hovering above the ground (1 meter max) with a bit of movement is allowed.
• The Shroud still applies so be aware where you reveal your true form.
• If there is something not listed here but you have a question about please submit a ticket in Discord or IM a mentor.

In Eclipse Ridge, Fae possess a fondness for body art, frequently adorning themselves with tattoos. For an example a Fae may tattoo wings on their backs, incorporating spells of levitation within the designs to make up for the loss of their wings. These intricate designs serve a dual purpose: they camouflage spells and runes by concealing them within the ink. (see Fae and The Lode below for more details)

Cloaking

Confined within this realm, Fae have evolved various survival skills to seamlessly integrate with human society. Prominent among these abilities is Cloaking. As direct conduits, Fae wield the power, aided by runes, to alter their appearance at will, even changing their gender.

Keeping a single appearance is survival instinct that all Fae are born with, including Changelings who may not grow up in a Fae home. However, to switch between appearances, requires help from a rune imbued with Sapphire ink. The rune requires diligent upkeep, including regular exposure to the light of the full moon each month and touch ups to the rune tattoo a few times per year for secondary or tertiary appearance. If not maintained, a Fae will slip back into the primary appearance.

Limitations: 3 appearances allowed that remain consistent. Not allowed to mimic other humans, creatures, or animals.

Abilities

• Allure: The ability to possess extraordinary beauty and be highly desirable and enticing to others.
• Immortality: The state of possessing an infinite lifespan and an arrested aging process. 
• Healing Factor – The ability to heal superficial or deep wounds (as long as they are not deadly) through the use of magic. This also prevents Fae from getting human-borne illnesses, though they can still get sick from the draining of their magic, poisonous foods, or anti-Fae plants/objects/etc. Their healing factor, when dormantly protecting their body, uses a small amount of a Fae’s magic. But, when actively healing wounds, the strain is greater depending on the type of wound. 
• The Will of Nature: The Fae are strongly attuned to the elements of nature, making them susceptible to its influence. The state of their surroundings significantly impacts their well-being. A barren, scarred landscape can cause physical ailments or mental distress, leading to an overwhelming desire for violence. Conversely, a fertile, vibrant, and nurturing environment fosters their health and vitality. (This can also be seen as a vulnerability as well)
• Enhanced Senses – The ability to see, hear, and smell better than an average human. Enhanced senses use a very small amount of a Fae’s magic.

Vulnerabilities

• Mortality – Although the Fae are immortal and could potentially live forever, they can be killed through external forces. The Fae, like humans, share similar physical vulnerabilities. They can succumb to death if subjected to continuous injuries or the impact of blunt force trauma.
• Iron – Iron serves as a protective element or talisman against the enigmatic Fae. It is believed that Fae may harbor a strong aversion to iron and can even sustain harm from its direct touch. They may be burned by it, die by an iron weapon, or be unable to cross under an iron horseshoe. Today, most “iron” products are actually made from steel, which is an alloy of iron with carbon and makes common items tolerable to Fae.
  • Pure iron or “cold iron” is iron produced before the 20th century with less than 1% carbon. That means that items made of pure iron are brittle and isn’t something that would be used on a daily basis.
  • Wrought iron and cast iron can cause mild to moderate irritation with prolonged external exposure. But used to slice or stab can be akin to silver poisoning for a were or vamp and must seek medical and magical intervention.
  • Steel has no effect on the Fae.
  • Iron fortifying in foods and other items will not poison Fae.
• Bites from Supernatural Species are often dangerous to Fae, causing infection, necrosis, and suppressing their healing abilities, and making them susceptible to compulsion or manipulation. In extreme cases, it could also lead to paralysis if left medically or magically untreated or eventually death.
• Revelation of “True Name” – If a human or other species discover the true name of a Fae they can possibly bind the Fae in service to them or make the Fae leave them alone.

Fae and The Lode

Unlike witches, Fae possess inherent magical abilities. They serve as direct conduits having originated from what is believed to be the source of the Lode, enabling them to harness and store this power within themselves. However, their repertoire of learned spells is limited in comparison.

When the portal to their realm closed, the Fae’s direct connection to the Lode became increasingly erratic, inconsistent, and challenging to wield. To counter this, Elder Fae began adorning their skin with runes. These runes were infused with crushed Lode gems mixed into the ink, enabling the Fae to harness and enhance their control as conduits of the Lode’s power.

Fae runes gradually lose their potency, their ink fading with each usage. Restoring a rune’s strength requires retouching it with ink derived from crushed gems that have been charged under the light of a full moon. This specific ink serves as the source of renewed power for the runes.

Ràithean 

For Fae, the seasons hold a similar significance as the elements do for Witches. Each Fae discovers that they align with a specific season, often the season of their birth. However, some Fae feel a stronger connection to a different season and choose to change their alignment with the help of a gemstone.

Upon their birth, Fae possess innate abilities or cantrips that are exclusive to their respective Ràithe. Changing one’s Ràithe would result in the loss of the current abilities and one would have to train themselves to develop the new ones over time unless runes are utilized. Even then, their use and skill with these runes would not match that of a seasoned user.

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