Fairy

Fairies are a very diverse species with many subtypes. In this specific article, we'll be talking about the "standard" fairy. These are fairies of roughly human sizes but tend to be on the shorter side. Fairies look human on first glance, but upon closer inspection, turn out to not be so human after all. Fairies are generally friendly. They're not really the type to inflict curses or hold grudges (well, depending on the personality), that's more the job of the smaller ones. Fairies are the result of magic energy infecting insects, most commonly butterflies, dragonflies, and bees. Fairies may also stem from magical effects on flowers.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Fairies mostly look like humans, but differ in the sense of possessing wings, antennae and mandibles tucked away inside their mouths. Their antennae are usually folded around their heads, like diadems. Their hair is rigid and serves as extra, but less receptive antennae. Fuzz grows just about anywhere on their body, also serving as extra sensors. Their limbs are long and slender, but especially fingers and toes are incredibly thin. Flower fairies will look rather similar, in the sense that they are humanoid, yet not entirely human. Their skintones can be incredibly vibrant, matching their respective flower. This flower will often be reflected by the shape of their hair, and plant growths emerging from their skin. Flower fairy wings will also be petal-like in appearance and texture.

Genetics and Reproduction

Listen man, my parents are in the room, I'm not gonna look up references about moth dick right now. Let's just say... They have the capability of breeding with humans and non-insectoid species, but it takes extra magic effort during conception. Males of butterfly based species have androconial organs for pheromones, its effect is still surprisingly effective. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQlhGT2VMOQ&feature=youtu.be [bug warning] Flower fairies will, unsurprisingly, reproduce similarly to most flowers do, but don't need a 'medium' to pollinate eachother. It is not uncommon for flower fairies to be hermaphroditic.

Growth Rate & Stages

Fairies, depending on their subspecies, averagely undergo a similar metamorphosis to bugs, but still mature. In their first four years, fairies exist as larvae, and after a year of pupating, will emerge looking like humanoid children, except significantly taller than their human peers. After their pupating, fairies grow incredibly little in length, and will have reached their permanent size at age 16.

Ecology and Habitats

Fairies are incredibly adaptable, but still have a preference for areas with high forest density. Fairies prefer living near (or in!) trees, and usually a fairy will have the most overgrown garden in an interspecies neighborhood.

Dietary Needs and Habits

They can eat pretty much anything, but tend to have a craving for meat and sweets.

Biological Cycle

Fairies aren't incredibly affected by seasonal changes, but if they enter/are born into a Court will reach highs and lows on their magical abilities depending on the season or time of day. During their opposite season/daily cycle, fairies will hibernate.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Fairy wings are highly valuable. When removed, they will crystallize, and will either be ground into a fine powder with strong magical properties, used as a spell focus or be used as jewelry. This, however, is theft and an unfair trade, and will be punished sternly by other fae.

Facial characteristics

Fairies look very humanoid, until their antennae unfold and their mouths open. Fairy faces prove to be quite rigid and stiff, they tend to not be very expressive. As previously describes, asides from sharper teeth, fairies have mandibles tucked away inside their cheeks. Fairies have big, buglike eyes and their heads have the shape of which i can only describe, as the alien emoji.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Fairies can be found in many shapes and sizes all around the world! They like to gather in Ireland, though.

Average Intelligence

Fairies are of sapient intelligence and are full of tricks and mischief! Their desire to be kind is generally greater, though.

Civilization and Culture

Major Organizations

Like all Fae, fairies usually function under the Courts.

Gender Ideals

Asides from general courting and marriage roles of male initiation (again, depending on the species, but most of the time the males are expected to make the first seduction move), fairies are often quite effeminate and treat each other mostly androgynously.

Courtship Ideals

Fairies court one another much like humans do, but generally prefer chaste softness. Fairies are quite reserved in a romantic sense, they're not quick to hold hands, hug or kiss. Fairies put great priority in spoken word and gift giving.

Major Language Groups and Dialects

Fairies have a generally simple language, at least linguistically. It kind of combines and links words into flowing sentences with the addition of hand and other body motions. The language isn't used as much anymore since integration of human languages, but elderly fairies or just families with a love for tradition still use it from time to time in private circles.

Common Etiquette Rules

Fairies, depending on the Court, generally have more lax etiquettes than Fae, but still follow their rules to an extend.

Culture and Cultural Heritage

What each fairy has in common, is their shared love for music. Fairies use music (amongst other magic) as a way to channel their magical powers. Each fairy will compose their own personal song on their favorite instrument (which they will have engraved and otherwise accessorized) and this song will serve as a way to soothe or otherwise heal the fairy. Exchanging of songs and joined composing is considered an intimate and personal event amongst fairies.

Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals

Xanas play an important role in Germanic fairy families, most fairies leave a small offering outside their homes for the Xana, hoping the bugs and birds eating from it spread their praise to the Xana.

Historical Figures

The first Xana is treated as a deified mother empress of sorts, most fairies have a symbol of hers on their person for good luck at all times. Other reincarnations of the Xana are worshipped as well, but the first is always top priority.

Common Myths and Legends

From time to time, an assigned Xana will be born. This Xana mostly surfaces in Germanic countries and will serve as a spiritual guide of sorts. The Xana is said to reincarnate and possess strong magical powers, as well as infinite wisdom. The Xana is infertile and will remain celibate her whole life, although her behaviour does not necessarily have to be celibate. After all, amongst other things, the Xana is known for her beauty and charms. The Xana performs many philosophical sermons, acts as an advisor to all who need aid and generally leads charities. Other than that, the Xana resides in a forest temple, which she is only allowed to leave when duty calls. The Xana does not have any assigned priests, she is tended to by volunteers and local leaders/elders. After her death, the Xana is deified and her grace will be added to the fairy pantheon.

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Fae

Scientific Name

Depending on what they evolved from, it can either be Apoidea Sapiens, Gomphus Sapiens or Saturniidae Sapiens

Lifespan

If strong enough, fairies can live up to many centuries, but averagely, fairies reach the age of 400.

Average Height

130~180cm

Average Weight

quite light! 20~90 kg at best

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Fairies on average look incredibly similar to humans to blend in, but on occasion are known to adopt more intricate patterns and brighter colored complexions.