Homebrew Sidhe Species Details

History

Before men or even elves walked the earth, in the time of the primordials, the Sidhe Lords claimed dominion. It was a time of wild creation and a constant battle for survival and supremacy. Eventually, with the rise of the lesser races, and the imperial power of the Queens of Winter and Summer at risk, they combined their dominion over all that is natural and broke their realm from the "real world." Now known as the Feywild, the realm of the Queens of Winter and Summer, and that of the Erlking, Master of the Wild Hunt and all wild fey, it is a realm of magic, mystery and ruthlessness, where every truth hides a lie, beauty is a trap and every being is prey to someone...or something.

Society

Sidhe society is a complicated hierarchy divided into three main factions: The Winter and Summer Courts and the Wild Hunt. ALL fey beings belong to one of these factions and are often born into it, but their allegiance can change if the lord they owe fealty to chooses to change. In rare instances, fey creatures (little folk mostly) might offer a pledge of fealty to a powerful mortal who has done them a service. If that mortal should accept a mantle of power from one of the Queens or the Erlking, the nature of any who followed can change.

Sidhe Lords are unable to speak a word that is not true, but many are deceitful, as nature can be deceitful. It is often said that a truth spoken by a Sidhe is not the truth you heard. The name of the game in Sidhe society is intriguing. It is considered unrefined to use brute force, as only the most cunning can manipulate others into doing such work. The use of cat's paws and manipulation is commonplace, expected and even considered the height of true power among the Courts.

Sidhe Names

The Sidhe enjoy a long and sometimes intensely fantastical history. Many of the Sidhe refer to themselves by title and name at the same time. For example, a Sidhe Lady named Lea might be formally addressed as The Lea’nan’Sidhe.

Male: Nicholas, Oberon, Brokk, Oren, Kallen

Female: Mab, Maeve, Titania, Ella, Nissa, Rhoslyn, Tana

Connecting Honorifics: 'nan' or le'

Clan Names: Sidhe. A faction can be denoted by whether the Sidhe is a member of the Seelie or Unseelie Courts or if they are Wild (Unaligned formally with a court).

Sidhe Traits

The Sidhe (shee) are considered to be a distinct race, quite separate from human beings yet who have had much contact with mortals over the centuries, and there are many documented testimonies to this. Belief in this race of beings who have powers beyond those of men to move quickly through the air and change their shape at will once played a huge part in the lives of people living in Greyhawk

Ability Score Increase

Your Intelligence or Dexterity score increases by 2.

Age

Minor Sidhe come to physical maturity very rapidly, usually within a year or two, but are not accepted into adult society until they are well over 100. This is to offer them sufficient time to complete their extensive social training. It is exceedingly easy to annoy or insult a Sidhe Lord and ignorance is no excuse. Faux Pas’ are typically met with a cruelty that borders on (or crosses well into) the sadistic...or permanent. A Sidhe does not die of old age and often becomes more powerful as it ages and rises (very slowly) through the ranks of the Court.

Alignment

All Sidhe are Lawful to a fault. They will follow the letter of the contract or legal requirements, but they lack the concept of ‘spirit of the law’ and so can be good, evil or neutral.

Fae Court

 Choose a fae court to belong to. You have advantage on Persuasion checks when dealing with other Sidhe or lesser fey allied with your court. You also gain resistance to fire (Summer), cold (Winter) or necrotic (Wild).

Compulsions

 A sidhe cannot tell a direct lie, however, they are allowed to twist the truth or give vague answers. Ex: questioner: who is your mother? You: a sidhe noble of high rank. (as opposed to telling them your mother's actual name.) You also must answer any questions that are asked of you three times. (In case that wasn't clear, the common phrase among sidhe is "Thrice I ask and done". Sidhe consider this extremely rude, potentially to the point of mortal insult.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and Sylvan.

Innate Spellcasting

You know the druidcraft cantrip. Once you reach 3rd level, you can cast the charm person spell once per day. Once you reach 5th level, you can also cast the suggestion spell once per day. Charisma is your spellcasting ability for these spells.