Homebrew Fae Species Details
To speake of the many vaine trattles founded vpon that illusion: How there was a King and Queene of Phairie, of such a iolly court & train as they had, how they had a teynd, & dutie, as it were, of all goods: how they naturallie rode and went, eate and drank, and did all other actiones like naturall men and women: I thinke it liker VIRGILS Campi Elysij, nor anie thing that ought to be beleeued by Christians, except in generall, that as I spake sundrie times before, the deuil illuded the senses of sundry simple creatures, in making them beleeue that they saw and harde such thinges as were nothing so indeed.
— King James VI of Scotland, Daemonologie
While there's many stories and fables about faeries, sprites, and other small forest creatures, fae are a mixture of all those stories. This small species has been around for thousands of years, rarely interacting with other Myths, let alone humans. They're mostly content to remain in the forest, learning as much as possible.
Appearance
Fae are considerably smaller than other Myths, standing only about 2-3 feet tall, and tend to be fairly thin-build, weighing between 30 and 45 pounds. While their skin coloration comes in the same shades that a human's skin would, their hair comes in shades of green, ranging from yellow-green to dark forest green. They have antlers that are reminiscent of deer, which once served as a form of protection. Fae tend to have wild, fast-growing hair, both on their heads and their bodies.
While fae antlers were once used simply to ward off potential predators, as fae society has become more sophisticated, they've moved to become a source of pride. Fae will often paint and decorate their antlers with various bits and bobs as a form of fashion.
Culture and Values
Pinning down fae culture is almost as difficult as pinning down just one human culture; unlike other Myths who had their culture influenced by human impact (such as celestials) or by instincts they already possessed (such as werewolves), the isolationist nature of faes has led them to develop very complex cities and cultures within the forests of the world. There is a thread that ties them all together, though, and that's their hard-working nature. No matter what job they choose to pursue (and due to the size of fae society, there's plenty to choose from), fae are expected to put their all into their work.
Learning and growing are two important values that fae hold. All young fae study basic knowledge (such as literature, arithmetic, science, and history) for most of their young life, then begin studying under a mentor in their chosen profession. Due to this early training, fae children are expected to know what job they want to pursue at a fairly young age, with indecision making it difficult to catch up in schooling later on.
Fae are also fiercely independent, but not in the same way that some Myths, such as fiends, are. They have a sense of responsibility over their own work that often leads them to push away help, both on the individual level and the societal level. Fae communities are almost always comprised of fae alone, with no other Myths or humans to be seen.
Location and Diet
Due to their independent and isolationist nature, fae live in communities they build themselves in the middle of sprawling forests, in order to avoid contact with anyone else. These communities are often just as complex, if not more complex, than human cities and towns, housing a variety of businesses and establishments such as schools, grocery stores, doctors offices, and others. These communities will almost always be guarded with some form of ward sigil in order to hide it from prying eyes; if someone in the community cannot make these sigils, a wizard or other magic-used from a different fae community will be hired.
Fae are herbivores, eating exclusively fruits, seeds, vegetables, and nuts. Just like most herbivores, they cannot digest meat, and will get horribly sick if they attempt to do so.
Common Reasons for Adventuring
A fae who is very tied into their job is not likely to go exploring, especially if their job does not require it. However, sometimes fae can be displaced due to human destruction of forests, or by natural disasters, such as floods and earthquakes. Young fae who are going through their rebellious phase are known to run off to human cities (especially if they know magic and can make themselves seem a bit taller), and only about half ever return to their original community
These Siths or Fairies they call Sleagh Maith or the Good People...are said to be of middle nature between Man and Angel, as were Daemons thought to be of old; of intelligent fluidous Spirits, and light changeable bodies (lyke those called Astral) somewhat of the nature of a condensed cloud, and best seen in twilight. These bodies be so pliable through the sublety of Spirits that agitate them, that they can make them appear or disappear at pleasure.
Fae Traits
Your fae character has certain characteristics in common with all other fae.Studious Education
You have learned many things over your years of extensive schooling. Choose an Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma skill.
Ability Score Increase
Your Intelligence score increases by 2, and your Dexterity score increases by 1.
Age
Fae mature at the same rate humans do, and most are expected to settle down into an adult life by around age 40. They can live 350 to almost 500 years.
Size
Fae are between 3 and 4 feet tall and average about 40 pounds. Your size is Small.
Speed
Your base walking speed is 25 feet.
Working Skills
Due to extensive fae education, you have proficiency in one artisan's tools of your choice.
Fae Cunning
You have advantage on all Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma saving throws against magic.
Languages
You can speak, read, and write Common and two human languages of your choice.
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