Introduction to the Fey
Fey are the third type of creatures that inhabit Elturas. Civilized creatures are capable of advanced thought and intelligence, and are capable of creating complex cultures, societies, and technologies. Mundane animals have varying levels of intelligence, but rely almost entirely off of instinct. Like civilized creatures, Fey have complicated cultures and social behaviors. However, they typically have low impulse control and tend to run primarily on instincts. Fey, unlike civilized or mundane creatures, do not feel compassion or empathy. The closest that they feel is pity towards something so pathetic that they are too sad to feel disgusted or angry. While they have complex societies and languages, Fey lack the ability to innovate, and therefore, without outside inspiration or help, remain stationary from a technological point-of-view. Fey also almost always have a high degree of magical power and/or more magical abilities than mundane or civilized creatures.
As the term Fey is a classification, not a specie, Fey species vary greatly. Therefore, they are placed into three main categories (which are explored more in Types of Fey):
- Lesser Fey: These Fey sport the lowest degree of magical power and magical abilities of the three types. They have low impulse control and run almost entirely off of their instincts. Due to their reckless behavior, lesser Fey also have the shortest average lifespan of all of the types of Fey. To make up for this, they have the highest fertility rates of all the Fey.
- Average Fey: With the highest number of species, the average Fey is simply referred to as Fey, unlike lesser Fey and Greater Fey, which are always referred to in their full name. While their impulse control is low, Fey may be able to control their instincts long enough to strategize a plan to gain whatever they wish, may it be wealthy, power, territory, revenge, or something else. Whereas lesser Fey are usually obvious liars, these Fey can control their physical reactions to lie and manipulate. They will always do what is best for them, which makes their eventual betrayal predictable.
- Greater Fey: Incredibly magically powerful, with plenty of magical powers to boot, Greater Fey are easily the rarest, and most dangerous, of the three types of Fey. Out of the three categories, Greater Fey have the least amount of species, and the lowest fertility rates. However, they have the longest lifespans. This is mostly due to their higher degree of impulse control, and their ability to create and execute long-term plans that may not be advantageous to them in the immediate future. Due to their long life spans, Greater Fey are typically very conscious of their reputation. Some prefer to have a reputation that promotes fear, to discourage others from attempting to attack, or to encourage the surrender of foes during wartime. Others prefer to have a fair reputation, to increase trade both in physical goods and in stolen ideas within their (often large) territories. Whatever their reputation is, it is merely maintained to gain access to whatever they desire most, be it land, goods, power, or worship. Because of their desire to maintain a certain reputation, some Greater Fey can be trusted to maintain a certain agreement or bargain for the long term without betrayal. Although Greater Fey may seem to be much akin to civilized creatures, more-so than any other Fey type, it should be remembered that they act purely out of selfishness and feel no compassion or empathy whatsoever.
In the past, Fey were found commonly all over Elturas, and Greater Fey ruled over large, country-sized territories. Nearly eight hundred years before the events of The War of the Black King, almost all of the Fey became trapped in the Feylands, a massive territory that covers the northern part of the continent Jeces. No one knows how or why the Fey were imprisoned. The Fey, and anyone who was trapped in the Feylands when they were created, or anyone born within its borders since, are unable to leave. However, anyone who was born outside of the Feylands may enter, although this tends to lead to Fey-related death.
Discover More:
Architecture – A Fey shelter might be anything from underneath a bush to a pristine palace, depending on the Fey.
Art – Art, like music, plays a huge part in all Fey societies.
Biology – The common traits for Fey, from their looks, to their fertility, lifespans, and sexuality.
Cuisine – From raw meat to fine cuisine, Fey food is as varied as themselves.
Fashion – Fey are not fans of wearing clothing, but they adore jewelry and other accessories.
Magic – Magic is the main technology of the Fey, serving even as their main medicine.
Music and Dance – Music and dance is a massive part of Fey culture, and is their main reason for socialization.
Psychology – This explores how the average Fey’s personality when they lack both compassion and imagination.
Social Norms – Despite the varied societies and cultures Fey may have, there are some common attributes to all of them.
Types of Fey – There are many different species of Fey, which are mainly grouped into lesser Fey, average Fey, and Greater Fey.
Warfare – Fey are highly territorial and warfare is common, although typically short-lived.