The Fae - About the Fae

The following is a list of some common curiosities in regards to the Fae.

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Dual Forms

Fae have two forms - their human form, and their true form. Their true forms are what they really look like, and are generally combinations of human characteristics and nature. It’s as if a plant was given human form, allowed to walk on two feet, had eyes, a nose, and a mouth, etc. The Seelie generally look bright and happy, with flowers incorporated into their biology, while Unseelie generally take on a darker, scarier look with twigs and barren roots for features. These forms are usually hidden with the kind of glamour magic that all Fae are capable of, while their human forms are more commonly projected. However, if a Fae is under too much magical duress, or they fall unconscious, they lose control of their glamour magic and their true forms are revealed.

Their human forms are what Fae project for the rest of the world to see. Generally, these forms look almost completely human save for an odd feature here or there. For instance, a Fae might look entirely human except they might have pointed ears or crazy hair. No matter how good a Fae’s glamour magic is, they will never be able to hide the flecks in their eyes. Fae have varying blue flecks in their eyes with Seelie having variations of light blue and Unseelie having variations of dark blue. These flecks are barely noticeable unless a light is shone directly into their eyes, then they glow a bit like an animal’s do at night. Others will always know that there is something unique about Fae, although the world around them may not be able to pinpoint what that uniqueness is.

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How Magic Works in The Body

Magic flows like blood in the body of the Fae. While it isn’t exactly tangible like blood is, it is certainly there. Perhaps one could compare it more to chakra channels, how it lines the veins and arteries of the body, swirling through the abdomen and chest, and extending through every limb. It is infused in every part of the Fae, from the skin to the blood, thus making the Fae’s body in and of itself, magical.

Each Fae can only produce a limited amount of magic at any one time, however, and requires rest, sustenance, or the sharing of magic with other Fae in order to replenish it. Magic is not an unlimited resource and, much like blood, it can be drained out of a Fae if they are forced to use too much of it for too long. The use of any major magic is exhausting, and will suck the nutrients from a Fae’s body if they are not careful with its use.

Communion with nature is one way to replenish a Fae’s magic stores, as well, and resting in the presence of the willow tree at the center of The Labyrinth will restore them quickly. Eating a proper, healthy diet, and exercising both physically and mentally also help Fae keep their magic in line. Fae must find a way to exercise their magic fairly frequently or else the magic will build inside of them and become uncomfortable and difficult to use.

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Digestion

In the same way that our bodies use the foods and drinks that we ingest for the upkeep of our physical forms, food and drink affect Fae magic similarly. The healthier the Fae eats, the stronger and more accurate their magic. However, if they tend to ingest unhealthy foods or foods that do not agree with them, it ends up affecting the power and accuracy of their magic.

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How Magic from Others Affects Fae

Fae magic can be shared amongst other Fae if they need a boost in power. A Fae by himself will not be as strong as a group of Fae working together and joining their magic. That said, Fae cannot share magic, or draw upon the magic of, any other species, including Enchanted/Cursed humans, even if that Fae helped to create the Enchanted/Cursed human. But, they can empathize with other species’ emotions and feelings.

For example, if they walk into an emotionally-draining situation, it may or may not minimally drain their magic, whereas if they walk into an emotionally-uplifting situation, it may or may not give them a small boost. Think of it as if you walked into a situation where everyone was tense or crying - you might feel exhausted after a while of being in there. Whereas, if you walked into a room and everyone was laughing and having a good time, you might feel a slight boost to your energy.

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Magic Theft and Revocation

For those unlucky enough to have been exiled from Underhill or their Court, or had their magic revoked by Fae Elders or the Seelie King or Unseelie Queen, replenishing their magic through nature is extremely difficult. These Fae have been cursed with a brand (whether visible or invisible) that keeps them from being able to draw upon the magic of nature or of other Fae very easily, leaving them with weak or corrupt magic. If they suffer this curse, their magic is no longer pure or easily controlled. What power they can possess must be sapped from the environment around them rather than shared, and this stolen magic is full of unstable corruption, or it's simply weaker than other magic. Very rarely, a Fae will learn to control and harness this corrupt magic, but those who do are generally seen as despicable beings, and are cast out.

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What about A Midsummer Night's Dream?

In the world of Haven, A Midsummer Night's Dream is just a tale told by Shakespeare. While it is quite popular, and is the basis for many theatrical performances by the Fae, who especially love to make fun of it, it is entirely fictional. Oberon, Titania, Puck, and the other characters found in the tale are made up.

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What are the Fae King and Queen Like?

The Unseelie are ruled by a queen, who is known for her calculated ruthlessness and impish nature. She is jealous and possessive, and very powerful. Those who cross her do not come away free of injury - whether that injury is physical, mental, emotional, or otherwise.

She is tall and foreboding, with skin the color of moonlight and hair the shade of the night sky. Her eyes are dark violet, set in a long, narrow and severe-looking face with plush lips the color of a dead orchid. She is a strikingly beautiful woman, but holds a measure of intimidation in her features.

The Seelie are ruled by a king, who is known for his indulgence in the pleasures of life. He is more concerned with enjoyment than he is revenge, but don't mistake this for weakness. The king is just as powerful as the queen, and while one may not suffer the debilitating punishments the Unseelie queen might enact upon them, the king is just mischievous.

The king is tall and muscular, each line of his body a study in light and shadow. His hair seems to shift between golden and light red colors, as if mimicking the rising and setting of the sun, and his eyes are a very similar shade of golden. He skin is sun-kissed and dark, and he never seems to be without a smile, whether it is good-natured or devious. His jaw is chiseled and square, white teeth gleaming from his cat-like grin. He is a gorgeous man, but there are always secrets that dance behind his golden eyes.

It is considered taboo and bad luck to speak the names of the king and queen outside of Underhill lest you accidentally bring them to Haven, so Fae do not say their names above ground. Kinda like how you don't say "MacBeth" in a theatre.

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Sex

Fae have the same reproductive and sexual organs as humans do, therefore, sex works the same way as it does for humans.

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Age

The age cap for playable Fae is 1300 years old, with admin permission needed for anyone over 800. Non-playable Fae can be much older, in general, with the Record Keeper being the one of the oldest living Fae that still exists. Age equals strength in many cases, so the older the Fae is, the stronger they are and the better they are at honing their magic, though not even older Fae are invincible. Fae are, in essence, immortal, unless something external takes their lives, or their magic is stripped of them by an elder Fae. If their magic is stripped of them completely, they age at a mortal rate and will die at a mortal rate.

When a Fae does die, their energy will be returned to the earth. Fae are often called back to the Labyrinth in Haven as they near their deaths, because Underhill calls to them. When they finally pass on, their bodies turn to soil and nutrients, which then sprout trees and other foliage.

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Symbol

The symbol for the Seelie is a sunflower, opening toward the sun, representing their desire to turn toward a new beginning for their kind. The symbol for the Unseelie is a willow tree, wrapped in thorns, representing their memories and symbolizing that they will not forget what life they came from.

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Other Names

Fae also have many nicknames in myth and legend. These include: Fairies, Nymphs, Sprites, Elves, Imps, Demons, and Pixies.