Fae
People of the realm of Faerie, created by the goddess, Danu.
Many sub-species of fae have different traits, but a few are universal:
1) Fae cannot lie.
2) Iron is lethal to them.
3) Bargains made with them, or in their presence, cannot be broken.
4) When a fae gives someone their full, true name, that person may use it to command them.
5) All fae can use glamour—a kind of low-level illusion magic—but to different degrees.
High Fae
Fae whose appearance is closest to humans. Their distinguishing traits are their pointed ears, slight fangs, and delicate bone structure. Some high fae have wings, and thus the ability to produce fae dust, which is an aphrodisiac to other fae but addictive to mortals. High fae are normally members of the nobility and can be quite judgemental of their under fae counterparts.
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Dullahan
High fae who are able to remove their heads and summon bone weapons. They have an intense magical bond with their horses, leading them to become known colloquially as headless horsemen. Considered extinct.
Shifter
High fae who are able to take an animal form at will.
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Under Fae
An umbrella term for all species of fae who aren't high fae. When used in place of a fae's true species (if the species is known) it is considered an insult. Under fae often have visible differences from their more human-looking high fae counterparts. These can include more defined traits such as: fur, tusks, or horns, or be more subtle: such as bright colouring or markings. Some under fae, such as Redcaps and Selkies, have specific appurtenances, which set them apart.
Banshee
Renowned for their prophetic screams which foretell death and misfortune for someone close to them. Their faces and bodies are skeletal, and they have the ability to hover a short distance from the ground, covering immense distances at speed. They also possess a secondary row of teeth.
Barbegazi
Distantly related to gnomes. They have white fur, a long beard, and enormous feet. They prefer to live in the mountains where their feet are natural snow shoes.
Brownie
Small, bipedal fae with a thick coat of fur, sharp teeth, and flat, catlike noses. Naturally gifted at moving silently and remaining hidden.
Dryad
Under fae whose appearance is halfway between tree and fae. They have bark for skin and leaves for hair, and live in large family groups called Groves.
Faun
Fae with the legs of a goat. Male fauns have horns of various lengths, shapes, and sizes. Excellent pipe-players and fond of parties.
Gnome
Under fae with a deep connection to the earth and growing things. Enjoy gardening, food, and a simple life. Rarely above two-feet tall and often rotund.
Goblin
Small, stooped under fae with greenish skin who are obsessed with gems. They have large ears, flat noses, and small black eyes. At milestones in their life they receive symbolic piercings. Produce a mating musk, which is revolting to anyone who is not a goblin, when aroused.
Kikimora
(Plural: kikimory) A type of under fae who inhabit swamps and bogs, and is able to give those who intrude on their domain nightmares. Usually soggy, with matted hair and a love for the clanging sound of metal on metal.
Leprechaun
Fond of tall hats, gold, and liquor. Fae superstition says that it is impossible to cheat one out of money.
Leshy
(Plural: leshens) Large, lanky forest under fae who are considered protectors of the natural world. Like the Kikimory, they are fiercely territorial, but they are generally helpful to strangers, provided they do no harm while in their forest.
Merrow
Green haired fae with a humanoid upper body and a green scaly fish tail. They can only come on land if they manage to procure a redcap’s cap.
Ogre
Large under fae with horns and orange/peach skin tones. Smaller than trolls. Tend to use their strength for labour-intensive work and prefer warmer climates.
Pixie
Small, carnivorous fae with colourful skin and wings. Have been known to eat their enemies. Usually live in large family groups called swarms.
Púca
(Plural: púcaí) Known for being able to physically manifest their tattoos. They're born with their first tattoo which is always an animal. They can borrow physical traits from their animal tattoo such as ears, wings etc. As they age, they gain new art dependent on their personality. Their tattoos can move to new places at will, giving them a disturbing, ever-changing appearance. A púca must be able to touch their art with their hands in order to manifest it.
Redcap
Fae who dip their hats into blood to survive. They're often considered crazed or psychotic. Their eyes are blood red and their hats themselves are powerful magical artefacts, capable of changing size and shape and storing items.
Selkie
Seal shifting fae. They cannot shift without their skin, which is considered their external soul and is nearly indestructible. Anyone who steals the skin of a selkie is able to compel them in much the same way as they could, had the selkie given them their full name.
Troll
Large, simple-minded fae with immense strength. Trolls are useful for their size and have an immense appetite and, thus, are easily swayed by the promise of food. Often considered only one step higher than intelligent animals.
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Fomorians
The sworn enemy of the fae. Live across the Endless Sea and often raid settlements on the northern shore. They have blue skin, white hair, and colourless eyes. They have double points to their ears and cannot use magic, but they are great tinkerers, inventors, and ironsmiths. Biologically compatible with fae.
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