Magick - A Brief History

- Fae -

As history has gone on, Fae and Fairies are often associated with one another. This association is incorrect. Where it derived from is unknown, but it is assumed that mortal literature has become muddled with magickal facts. Fae and Fairies are different species. Nymphai and Fae are more closely related, though all three, and elves, are believed to share a common evolutionary ancestor. Though the Nymphai believe themselves to be created by their Gods, science has determined that they've derived from a humanoid creature of magick. The magick, however, goes too far back to truly be determined. The destruction of Pompeii is said to have wiped many records from existence, after which the Fae began appearing in North America.

Fae are humanoid creatures of every race, religion, gender, and sexuality. Fae are not immortal, but live extremely long lives. The oldest dates to 1,234 years old. Usually, their lives span to 1,000 years. They have pointed ears, elongated canines, and have no magickal signature. The exception for these features goes to bispecies individuals, whose parents are Fae and another creature or mortal. In those cases, the Fae side of them is usually suppressed throughout their life. They have a slightly more powerful magick if they are a magician. However, should the Fae side of them awaken for whatever reason, all their power becomes Fae and they lose whatever other magick they had. This is usually referred to as setchi in the Fae language.

Fae are elementalists. They control one of the five elements; Earth, Fire, Water, Air, or Metal. They usually live in their own groups depending on their element. Fae children of different elementalist parents may have the ability to work with two elements, but based on the tribe they live with, they focus their energy into one or the other. Some Fae are capable of changing into an animal that represents their being. This is uncommon, but not rare. People with this power used to be delegated to only Fae Nobility, however, it isn't limited by blood status anymore. Regardless, those who have this ability are usually within their armies and are considered changelings.

Fae have their own holidays and celebrations, some of which align with magician holidays. Most notably, Beltane is a time in which the Fae celebrate their Pagan gods and goddesses. During this time, the Fae's magick veils concealing them from mortals (and sometimes magicians) is the thinnest. It is easier for mortals to stumble upon their colonies or ask for their assistance. However, at any time of the year, one must be careful dealing with Fae. They are unforgiving creatures and prone to some sort of trickery. They are good-natured in most cases but must be dealt with caution. It is best to be very specific about desires when dealing with them. For added protection, oak and ivy are protective against the Fae.

Fae are capable of reproduction by usual means, though, they can also send Fae sprites to overtake a child's soul. In this case, the child becomes a changeling. The child, when it comes of age, will be taken by Fae and raised as one of its own. Pre-1800 this practice was fairly common. So much so that oak and ivy were placed near the cribs of babies so they aren't taken by the Fae spirits. Once a child is taken, it is near impossible to get them back. They will become Fae, though they are considered inferior to the natural-born Fae, and often used as servants or farmhands. If a child is taken by a sprite, they will usually exhibit more clumsy and wild traits. They may have an inclination to an element or nature in general. It is difficult to determine that a sprite has taken control, though, until it presents itself near the 16th birthday.