Fae

Fae are the denizens of Faerie. There are two main factions/races among the fae: the Seelie and the Unseelie. There are significant legal, cultural, and physical differences between the two groups.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Fae are humanoid, quite tall, have long, pointed ears, and have wings, similar in appearance to those of an insect. They also have a strong natural connection to Fae Magic, allowing them to easily cast a variety of spells. 
The fae's connection to Magic also grants them the following ability: Whenever a fae makes a deal with someone, whether written or verbal, it is magically binding. What this means is that if either party breaks the agreement, they are cursed. If the curse is not specified in the agreement, the magic generates it on its own. This is somewhat random, but is influenced by the personality and subconscious of the individual fae. Oddly enough, the fae have no control over this ability, meaning they can't make deals that aren't affected by it, and they can't escape the consequences of breaking a deal. The magic's judgment is mostly fair, but will lean somewhat in the fae's favor in ambiguous cases.

Genetics and Reproduction

Fae reproduce sexually and are viviparous. Their gestation period is five years. Normally, fae can only reproduce with each other at most once every three hundred years, during an event known as Àm Breith. However, this limitation does not apply to fae reproducing with other races, which can occur at any time. Rather than resulting in fae, these unions result in the birth of Elf children. In these cases, the gestation period is only one year.

Growth Rate & Stages

Fae children grow quite slowly compared to most other races, being considered to have come of age at the age of 150.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Fae are omnivorous, and are somewhat adaptable. They are capable of going months at a time without eating or drinking.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Fae have generally above-average senses and in addition, are quite sensitive to changes in the strength and direction of wind.

Civilization and Culture

Culture and Cultural Heritage

Fae culture places a great emphasis on the importance of deals, and breaking the terms of these deals is incredibly shameful. Due to the inherent magic of the fae, these deals are magically binding, so those who break the terms are placed under a curse, which is usually outlined in the deal. Only the greatest of fools would make a deal with a fae without specifying the penalty if it is broken. This aspect of fae culture has led to a bit of an unlikely friendship between Fae and Devils, although they don't come in contact with each other very often.

Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals

As soon as they are able to speak, fae children are required to make a magically binding oath to either one of the Tuatha Dé Danann or one of the Fomorians, depending on if they're Seelie or Unseelie. This oath is a simple promise to never under any circumstances tell an outright lie. If this oath is broken, the one they made the oath to becomes aware of this fact, along with the oathbreaker's current location. 

Common Taboos

Fae are forbidden from outright lying under any circumstances. Those who break this rule are banished to Arkhyros for no less than seven centuries.
The only people that the fae are forbidden from roping into unfavorable deals are their immediate family. Those who break this rule are banished to Arkhyros for no less than five centuries.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Some people of other races are under the impression that the Seelie are the "good" fae while the Unseelie are the "evil" fae. This is entirely untrue, as both groups are actually quite similar in what they do with other races, the main difference being their methodology.
It is a common misconception that eating food from Faerie will bind a person to that plane. This is inaccurate, but not altogether false, as it is a common tactic of the fae to offer a person food in exchange for an unspecified equivalent price, then demand that person's servitude, under the reasoning that food sustains life, and that therefore a person's life is equivalent to food. This is obviously a reach, but many are too afraid of being cursed to refuse. When encountering this tactic, offering food or something of similar monetary value in return is enough to prevent being cursed, as the curse will only be placed in the case of outright refusal to give something.

Genetic Descendants

• Alfr
• Elf

Lifespan

3000 years

Average Height

6'5"'

Geographic Distribution

• Faerie