Recently I made a fairy NPC for my partial homebrew adventure. Knowing my players and how they react, I can't wait to bring her in! It's a little daunting though because we have a few practicing pagans and two players who are in the British Isles (discord group). So, the desire to make my fae NPC behave as fae-like as possible is strong. lol As a result, I came up with a guideline based on what little I know about fae mythology combined with what little the books I have say, and some stuff found on the internet. I'm curious what you guys think of them.

I figured that the whole fae way of dealing with others, especially mortals, is all based on a bunch of loose guidelines for bartering. So, when it comes to "fae rules" don't think of them as laws and more as loose guidelines that can be modified to suit one's needs. Also, I created a bunch of characteristics that I keep on my character sheet I made for her for in-game reference. I included that too.

---

Personality Traits

• Flight is a physical mirror of freedom. Walking is the burden of the mundane. Flying is my preferred mode of travel.
• I live almost exclusively in the present unless there are dangers that I must face.
• If it amuses me, I will do it. If it does not amuse me, or I find no value in it, then I will ignore it.
• A fey's days are infinite, so something that cannot be done today can always be done later.
• Work is something for the lesser races of existence to carry out and theirs from which to benefit.
• I love art in all its forms, and creativity is a noble pursuit.
• The value I place on things has little to do with their worth to others and solely on their worth to me.
• When I make a deal/contract/offer, I am specific on what I want, but vague on why I want it and what I'll give.
• I am always craving something NEW.

Ideals

• Fate is only what you make of it. If you can alter fate, then you are truly creating your own path.
• If there is one thing I find more valuable than gold or silver it is good manners. Do NOT insult me!
• FREEDOM is just as important as good manners. One should not sacrifice one or the other.
• I guard my true name well, and will not give it out under any circumstances. It is horrifying how precarious mortals are with their names!
• I'll never repay more than I received unless I'm looking to put the lender in debt to the amount of the excess.

Bonds

• While I enjoy gifts, I see them as part of a contract. I won't allow myself to be put into your debt, but I will welcome your service should you put yourself in mine.

Flaws

• Accountability is something that I, as a fae, lack. My mistakes are nothing more than another step on the road to self-mastery; I cannot be held accountable for unexpected results!
• I cannot stand rules. I find it far easier to simply ignore them and do my own thing. Freedom means never being told what I can and cannot do.
• As much as I value the truth, I might leave out certain truths if it furthers my own ends. An omission is not a lie.
• Like toys to mortal children, I enjoy my possessions immensely for the first few weeks or months of ownership, only to eventually cast them aside as their novelty wanes.

---

Guidelines:

• All contracts are a form of bartered trade. Make sure the deal is in your favor and doesn't trap you.
• Everything is open to interpretation. Weigh it in your favor.
• To avoid getting trapped or tricked by another, keep your part of the bargain as detailed or vague as will suit your needs. The more details that are given, the less wiggle room there is should you change your mind.
• Be vague even when not bartering! Never give anyone more information than is absolutely necessary. Information is power and if you give too much you'll let others know what you truly desire, giving them leverage in a contract that you may come to regret.
• Mystery can give you leverage over a contract by making you appear more powerful than you are without lying about it. This gives you an edge in a trade.
• Information is a commodity that should never be traded freely. Those seeking information always find it to be more valuable than they let on. Use your words well and you can gain much.
• Honesty is more valuable than gold or silver. Outright lying is taboo, but an omission of facts is not a lie, nor is misinterpretation.
• Remaining vague ensures you get what you want without outright lying, especially when the situation changes and you need to readjust the agreement.
• The only thing more valuable than honesty is freedom. Never give anyone your freedom. Even the slightest chance they may take it is unbearable to consider.
• It is always best to be polite lest you anger someone more powerful than you. Anger can be a dangerous emotion to bring out in your fellow fae. Be gracious when you reject someone or their gift. Give praise where praise has been earned, but be careful not to make it seem like you put more value on what you praise than you actually feel.
• Names hold power. There are many powerful beings and magics that can use your name to trap you or take away your freedom in some other way.
• Always consider if a deal could take your freedom from you, even temporarily.
• WORDS ARE IMPORTANT! Words can bind you. If you say you will do something, then you MUST follow through! Consider every word carefully as many words and phrases have hidden meanings. To go against your word is to insult all that is Fae.
• The value of anything is based on the emotions one feels toward it. Consider this when making any trade. Do not give more than you are willing to give for something and do not accept anything you find to be too little or too much. Don't only consider your emotions in a trade, but theirs as well.
• Value is intuitive.  If they do not know the value of what they are giving/receiving then that's not your fault.
• If you make a trade, always consider debt! If you are given something that has more value than what you gave, it will put you in debt with the other. It is better to be debt-free, so keep your trades even!
• If you want to force someone to do something for you, give them a gift first. They will be obligated to pay you back in an equal amount.
• Because there is such a high value on freedom, getting someone to trade away their freedom is a real thrill and a great way to earn status amongst your peers. More so if you did it with guile and not through control magic.
• Tricking others into giving you more by making them believe what you gave is worth more is a real thrill as well! Mortals are especially easy when it comes to such trades.
• If someone is stupid enough to fall for your tricks, they deserve what they get. It's only through guile, wit, and careful wording that one can truly benefit from a trade. This is why contracts are easier with mortals. They're too stupid to play the game right.
• Offer an apology in the manner of a gift. Saying "I'm sorry," is lazy, dismissive, and implies that the one you offended is not worth giving a gift to or that the offense was not worth it.
• Saying "thank you" can be viewed in two ways.
  1. Dismissive. You don't deserve more than words as a gift for what you have done.
  2. Barter. You did something that they value, and now they are in your debt.
• Rules suck. Strict rules are unbearable. Keep your rules fluid, especially in a trade, so they always stay in your favor. It's fine to ignore mortal rules because they don't really matter.
  Mortal rules serve to restrict your freedom. Fae rules are fluid to grant you more freedom.
• We are masters of our own fate. Everything is negotiable.