Mote Poppers

Once upon a time...

A pair of young Unseelie Fae undertook a great journey to learn about the Barrens in the Fae Wilds. This new aspect of the Fae Lands had grown to reflect certain negative affects of human industry. They expected a wasteland, but they didn't anticipate the lack of edible growth.

Months later, the pair returned, gaunt and haunted by their experience. It took days before they would speak of how they survived, and then those who listened refused to share the secret.

When it came out, some considered it clever, while others considered it an abomination. To this day, only those fae willing to act out this abomination even think of traveling the Barrens. And, though all fae know the secret, none speak of it...

The Secret

There are few fae sub-species that can be found anywhere in the fae lands. Though all fae are free to move about, most stay where they live and work, often in places of natural power.

Mote Pixies, however, exist wherever particals float in the air. Whether dust, sand, pollen, ash, etc., Mote Pixies drift on air currents throughout the Fae Lands... even in the Barrens.

Like all pixies, Mote Pixies are a little bit naive, making them easy to catch or trick. Their bodies are primarily a woody type of flesh that tastes like hard pretzels. While not very filling, they work as an emergency food, once you get over eating a humanoid being.

Preparation

Called Mote Poppers or Greimhóta when referenced as a food, Mote Pixies are easy to prepare. One only has to catch one. Then, while holding the upper torso firmly, use the thumb and thumbnail to pop the head off.

Mote Poppers can be eaten raw, roasted over a fire or in an oven, or battered and fried. They are best served with a dip. Favorite choices include queso (from the mortal realm), salted mashed sweet 'shrooms, lunar cow butter, and starflower paste.

There is a popular street food vendor in the Unseelie Court which serves Mote Poppers breaded with a kind of cream cheese and spicy pepper paste mixture, much like jalapeno poppers.

Associated Morality

Most fae resist the idea of eating a being that is loosely related to themselves, as well as being on the lower end of sapient. However, there is no real moral opposition to Mote Poppers, they are more of an emergency food or a culinary gimmick than a dish enjoyed by all.

Modern human foods that would be seen similarly include swan, monkey, or horse. There is no real moral issue, but most won't cross that line.

Primary Related Location

Barrens