Homebrew Fae Species Details
"My mother used to have a name. I know we used to call her something, but no one can remember what it is. It used to be written down, but no matter how hard we have searched, we cannot find it. When I was a child, she told me it was very important for our family to be remembered fondly, but now her name is lost. She made a plea with the Fae to end the famine that plagued our land, and sacrificed something that she treasured in order to save our kingdom: her own name. In order to restore our prosperity, she had to submit herself to being forgotten."
Fae are a long-lived species whose lifespans on Earth reach upwards of a thousand years; so long, in fact, that they often have difficulty telling time in the way that most species do. What some might consider a "long time" may be a blink of an eye to a Fae, or they may reference something from days before as though their non-Fae companions had already forgotten long ago. They dwell most commonly in forests, but it is not uncommon to see groups of two or three Fae on street corners, eyeing passers-by to judge who might be most likely to unwittingly give up their name. Often, disenchanted teenagers and bone-weary travelers make the best prey.
Physicality
If not for their unusual natural head-dresses and skin-glow, Fae would be very difficult to distinguish from Humans from far away. They have an incredible variety of size, shape, and skin color not unlike the diversity of Humans. However, even upon closer inspection when the skin-glow can be seen and the wings and antlers are visible, they tend to move and hold themselves just oddly enough for it to be clear that they were not made of this Earth. Fae are often extremely physical with each other and around those they feel comfortable with, which can sometimes make less-touchy races uncomfortable.
Respect
It is not easy for a non-Fae to gain the respect or the trust of a Fae. Fae, of course, will always ask for someone's name, as a matter of courtesy. If given their conversation partner's name, they gain power over them, making them less likely to see that person as an equal than as a tool, and Fae often use this ability to mischievous ends. However, one can weasel their way out of this Fae ability by saying something to the effect of, "I will not give you my name, but you can call me [name]." Fae respect intelligence, and can often recognize mischievous glints in the eyes of others with glee; they love nothing more than to have a partner in crime (except for someone to say, "I'll give you anything!").
Fae will respect those who play with words, and who are very careful with what they choose to say. Riddles, and words with double-meanings, are sure to gain other races at least some favor.
Fae will almost never beg for anything, preferring instead to manipulate, deceive, or blackmail others into getting what they want. To prevent this from happening to themselves, they keep their interests and passions close to their chests. Even if Fae are physical and touchy with other Fae, they may hide their true personalities from them. Those who employ these same tactics, even in attempts to work against a Fae are often seen in more favorable lights. They have very thick skin and often don't acknowledge insults, or find them ridiculous.
Lasting Institutions
Mushroom circles are not to be stepped on, destroyed, set flame to, or otherwise disrespected. Anyone who destroys a mushroom circle is forever branded an enemy in Fae eyes.
Otherwise, Fae are all comfortable around each other, with no specific behavior aligned with their mysterious hierarchy, which is based off of how many names a Fae has captured, or how many challenges a Fae has won for a name. If a Fae claims a name, but decides not to take full responsibility for it, another Fae can also claim the name, and in that case, the challenge ensues. These challenges are the only example of Fae on Fae combat.
Names
Fae may have names to call their own, but they never give these names out, even when in dire situations, even when it could be necessary for moving forward, even when traveling with other races, they allow themselves to be nicknamed by their conversational partners. This results in the same Fae being known by different titles or nicknames in different regions, if it travels. The same Fae can be referenced by different historical texts by upwards of 10 different names.
Fae Traits
Your Fae will have +2 Charisma, +1 Intelligence, Charm Person at Level 1(with 1 extra restriction), Skinglow, and 3 Languages.Skinglow
Due to Skinglow, if a Fae and its companions find themselves in a place of total darkness, a five foot radius is dim light.
This is not true if the Fae is in heavy armor.
Ability Score Increase
Your Charisma ability score increases by 2. Your Intelligence ability score increases by 1
Age
Fae reach adulthood in their late two-hundreds and live for a thousand or more years
Alignment
Fae are almost always Chaotic, and usually Neutral
Size
Fae are commonly between 5' 1/2" and 6' 1/2".
Speed
Your base walking speed is 30 feet.
Languages
You can speak, read, and write Common and two extra languages of your choice.