Fey-Specific World Knowledge: Please read, especially if you play a Fey character
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Fey-Specific World Knowledge: Please read, especially if you play a Fey character
by Lessa Thu Sep 22, 2016 2:22 pm
Fey Peoples of Epoch
Fey of the World Nursery Rhyme
Elves have their code and elegance.
Care for Fey and have magic in the elements.
Dwarves hold grudges and smith.
Love potatoes and the materials they work with.
Halflings make the very best cooks.
Many are found in a nook with a book.
Kaern are full of honour and pride.
Mother of the group you will have to abide.
Fauns are fun and full of passion.
What a sight! The potions they can fashion.
Orcs are strong and like to smash.
Most find minds and magic as good as trash.
Arluru harness their rage and put it to use.
When they see red, they rarely lose.
History of the Fey (this History also appears in the Peoples of Epoch document. New information on Fey spirituality and festivals is below the History.)
Since the coming of the Great Plague in the year of the Tawdonian Empire 351MC the Fey races have walked the world of men. Their first years amongst us were hard and dangerous for them. Many people in the Empire and the Confederacy blamed them for the great death that stalked all peoples. Fey were killed out of hand wherever they were found until humans lost the strength to hold weapons. It was not just the fear of the unknown for many human tales tell of nightmare creatures or eerie manlike beings who tricked and manipulated people since the dawn of time.
Gradually humans and fey have learned of each other, and over the last sixty years they have become more trusting of each other. However many humans are still wary of these people, so close yet so different. Humans have become more amicable with the races of Elves, Halflings and Dwarves, but are still wary of the more animalistic Fey: the Fauns, Kaern, and Orcs. Elves and Dwarves have found the greatest acceptance amongst the peoples of the Confederacy and the Empire. In 354 the great Imperial city of Tor’Jadin was utterly decimated by the Plague and a group of Elves and Dwarves discovered the eerie city, populated only by the creatures who feed upon death, rats and crows and vultures that lazily fled the city ahead of the timid fey. Gradually this force of Elves and Dwarves, joined over the months by representatives of all the Fey races, cleared the city of the dead and claimed it as their own.
When the decimated population of the Empire began to emerge from their hiding places they came across the Fey. The Menhadenese emerged from isolation and first met up with users of magic and dwarves and orcs, reacting badly and now distrusting all Fey. The Merchant trains heading north east through Sinciput were amazed to find Tor’Jadin overrun with elves and the other Fey. Luckily these first Elves that the humans met were able to sway them in favour of alliance and support, and the Province of Sinciput (smaller than before) was ceded to the control of the Fey in return for their support in the Empire.
The Fey who headed east or arrived in the Confederacy joined with the peoples of the Confederacy wholeheartedly. They were treated as spirits of the forest given flesh, especially the Fauns and the Kaern, who were easily recognized from several ancient legends. Gradually over the years the reverence has faded to admiration and acceptance. The Elves who live in the confederacy have embraced a sylvan life, becoming one with the animals and trees of the forests.
Fey Spirituality
Fey Gods: The Faerie
The Fey are also not religious in the way that humans think of it. That’s not to say that an Elf set loose in the world may not choose to convert to one of the Human religions, but those who do are generally looked down upon by their cousins. This doesn’t mean that the Fey races don’t have beings that they sometimes worship. The main thing that separates this from Human religious worship is faith. Fey do not need to “believe” in the Faerie for the Faerie to be real. The average Prime has faith in NOS even though they have never met, just as the average Confederate has faith in the Tree Spirits or whatever, despite the fact that trees very rarely start spouting the wisdom of the ages of their own volition. The Fey, on the other hand, lived with the Faerie for decades, centuries or even longer. If you are Fey, you are playing someone whose grandparents lived in God’s house (if they weren’t gods themselves). That puts a very different spin on the way you think. There’s a huge world of difference between believing in the Commandment “Thou shalt not kill” and knowing that if you kill another Elf God comes and gives you the metaphysical spanking of your life. The fact that most Fey personally know their gods does something else to them. It makes them right. Very few Humans live 100% without doubt in the veracity of their religion and culture. Everybody has doubts from time to time. But elves don’t doubt. Elves and the other Fey make mistakes, sure, but the fact that they know they are right about some of the more important secrets of life (at least as far as they’re concerned) has a tendency to overshadow those mistakes. Some call it self-confidence, some call it egotism, but whatever you call it, it creates a profound schism between Elven and Human thought.
Elves and the Code
The Elven Code is more than a code of honour, it is a religious edict, with real consequences if an elf fails to follow it. This causes many elves to follow their code with great religious fervor.
Kaern
Of all Faerie in the Mists, the Kaern hold Kytrae’lianan in highest regard. She is considered to be the mother of the Kaern people and reason and justification of all that the Kaern are. All legends of Kytrae’lianan describe her as exuding an aura of absolute predatory female wile. Wherever she traveled, light changed to moonlight. She was master of all she could see and was refused nothing by any male of any species she encountered. In fact, she is considered to be the epitome of female nature and strength from the Kaern point of view. Her moods were said to change with the phase of the moon and she would never remain in one place for longer than a single cycle. While capable of being vicious and quite deadly, those she left behind rarely regretted her arrival. Her random nature is credited with the diversity of the Kaern sub-species.
The Festival of Kytrae’lienan
The Festival of Kytrae’lienan is held on the first full moon after the fall equinox. During the festival the pride will ask for the patron faerie’s blessings for the fall hunt, harvest and/or preparations for winter. One (or more) females who have passed an adult trial or accomplished something significant in the previous year are chosen to represent Kytrae’lienan. They will stand in for her during the ceremonies and receive both praise and trinkets.
Fauns
Fauns prefer to believe in things they can see or touch. As such, worship of the Faery is strongest among those who have had the opportunity to meet one. Regardless of how strong their personal dedication to the Faery may be, fauns have little use for organized religion of any kind.
Halflings
Halflings are very adaptable in all aspects of their life, and religion is no different. Their beliefs (and whether that belief is strict or a mixture of belief systems) is greatly dependent upon the area in which they live. For instance, a small Halfling community within a larger NOSian community might well choose to incorporate or add NOSian traditions into their own beliefs – after all, that would just mean more chances to throw a party! Via their earthy nature, however, even most “city” Halflings maintain a strong belief that each aspect of nature contains its own spirit. Matka (the fairy of awakening spring) is their most revered among the Fairy, as it is she who uncovers the earth from winter’s snow for sowing and encourages animals towards producing a new generation.
Orcs
Since Orcs generally have such low opinions of non-Orcs, it is not surprising that their view of the Faerie reflects a similar set of ideas. By nature, Orcs are a family and tribe oriented people, and they view the Faerie in the same way. Orcs take the concept of being created in the image of the Faerie very seriously. The believe that they trace their lineage back to the Faerie who created them, and this is how their tribes are defined. So, Orcish Faerie are shown unlimited respect and humility, and in the same way that an Orc may grudgingly respect the hunting abilities of a Kaern, or the smithwork of a Dwarf, they will also show some respect to the Faerie they belief these races to have stemmed from. But a Faerie they see as the patron of a Faun, Elf, or Halfling will generally be shown the same disdain or indifference that most Orcs show these races as a whole.
Each Orcish tribe claims to be able to trace its lineage back to a specific Faerie, and whether these are all simply different aspects of the same Faerie, the name varies from tribe to tribe. Also, because Orcs are so family oriented, famous ancestors and family members take on hero or demi-god status over time, and may be prayed to or asked for favour in times of need.
Fey Festivals
Orcs hold great feasts to their tribal or family patrons after good battles and victories, often gorging themselves on the spoils of war. In cases where more than one family or tribe is involved, this generally leads to drunken brawls about whose family or tribe has the greater Faerie patron, brawls in which many of the survivors of the battles die anyhow. The Faerie seem to encourage this, as it guarantees the continuance of a strong,
The Fey year is divided into twelve months, with Festivals scattered among them.
The Month of Ice (January)
Feast of All Faeries
Date: 9th day of the Month of Ice (January)
A feast held in honour of all the Faeries
The Month of Snow (February)
Giving of Shoes
Date: 24th day of the Month of Snow (February)
Shoes are left out on this night and filled with small treats by one’s friends.
The Month of Rain (March)
Whoopsical Day
Date: 10th day of the Month of Rain
A day to laugh at oneself.
Dandelion Dance
Date: 23rd day of the Month of Rain
An early spring opportunity to gather together for a dance.
The Month of Leaves (April)
The Month of Flowers (May)
Faery Ring Day
Date: 4th day of the Month of Flowers
A day dedicated to tending Faery rings.
The Month of Strawberries (June)
Judgment Day
Date: 8th day of the Month of Strawberries
Good deeds are rewarded, Evil doers are given their just rewards
Rumour Day
Date: 15th day of the Month of Strawberries
A day dedicated to spreading and dispelling rumours.
Elf Thumping Day
Date: 25th day of the Month of Strawberries
This day was founded by Orcs. Over the years, it has been adopted by all fey except the elves. The original Orc thump consisted of a hard slap to the back. The intention was to cause a sting without lasting damage. Over the years, thumps have been expanded to include most types of practical jokes as well.
The Month of Wonder (July)
Distressed Fey Day
Date: 1st day of the Month of Wonder
Mainly an elven event, a special effort is made to assist fey in distress on this day.
Wonderful Drinks Day
Date: 26th day of the Month of Wonder
A day dedicated to appreciate well-brewed beer and fine wine.
The Month of Travel (August)
Watch-the-Pot Week (Halflings)
Date: 15th to the 21st day of the Month of Travel
A Halfling festival during which a single pot of soup is made to last the whole week by adding additional ingredients each day
The Month of Harvesting (September)
Jubilee of the Harvest Moon
Date: 19th day of the Month of Harvesting
A harvest feast.
The Festival of Kytrae’lienan (Kaern)
Date: The first full moon after the fall equinox
During the festival the pride will ask for the patron faerie’s blessings for the fall hunt, harvest and/or preparations for winter. One (or more) females who have passed an adult trial or accomplished something significant in the previous year are chosen to represent Kytrae’lienan. They will stand in for her during the ceremonies and receive both praise and trinkets.
Cobweb Pie Making Day
Date: 26th day of the Month of Harvesting
This day is the traditional start for making Cobweb pies. Cobweb pies are a five day recipe traditionally eaten on the 1st day of the Month of Cobwebs.
The Month of Cobwebs (October)
The Month of Hunting (November)
Faery Fantasia
Date: 29th Day of the Month of Hunting
A musical event in honour of the Faery.
The Month of Darkness (December)
Whirling Wind Bacchanalia
Date: 4th day of the Month of Darkness
A free form party held at the beginning of winter.
Riddle Day
Date: 19th day of the Month of Darkness
Fey compete against each other in Riddle competitions.
Potato Day (Dwarves)
Date: Varied (December or January)
Potato Day is a special celebration that can be held anytime the dwarves feel like a party and there is nothing else to celebrate. A banquet featuring potatoes is the centerpiece of any Potato Day.
Fey of the World Nursery Rhyme
Elves have their code and elegance.
Care for Fey and have magic in the elements.
Dwarves hold grudges and smith.
Love potatoes and the materials they work with.
Halflings make the very best cooks.
Many are found in a nook with a book.
Kaern are full of honour and pride.
Mother of the group you will have to abide.
Fauns are fun and full of passion.
What a sight! The potions they can fashion.
Orcs are strong and like to smash.
Most find minds and magic as good as trash.
Arluru harness their rage and put it to use.
When they see red, they rarely lose.
History of the Fey (this History also appears in the Peoples of Epoch document. New information on Fey spirituality and festivals is below the History.)
Since the coming of the Great Plague in the year of the Tawdonian Empire 351MC the Fey races have walked the world of men. Their first years amongst us were hard and dangerous for them. Many people in the Empire and the Confederacy blamed them for the great death that stalked all peoples. Fey were killed out of hand wherever they were found until humans lost the strength to hold weapons. It was not just the fear of the unknown for many human tales tell of nightmare creatures or eerie manlike beings who tricked and manipulated people since the dawn of time.
Gradually humans and fey have learned of each other, and over the last sixty years they have become more trusting of each other. However many humans are still wary of these people, so close yet so different. Humans have become more amicable with the races of Elves, Halflings and Dwarves, but are still wary of the more animalistic Fey: the Fauns, Kaern, and Orcs. Elves and Dwarves have found the greatest acceptance amongst the peoples of the Confederacy and the Empire. In 354 the great Imperial city of Tor’Jadin was utterly decimated by the Plague and a group of Elves and Dwarves discovered the eerie city, populated only by the creatures who feed upon death, rats and crows and vultures that lazily fled the city ahead of the timid fey. Gradually this force of Elves and Dwarves, joined over the months by representatives of all the Fey races, cleared the city of the dead and claimed it as their own.
When the decimated population of the Empire began to emerge from their hiding places they came across the Fey. The Menhadenese emerged from isolation and first met up with users of magic and dwarves and orcs, reacting badly and now distrusting all Fey. The Merchant trains heading north east through Sinciput were amazed to find Tor’Jadin overrun with elves and the other Fey. Luckily these first Elves that the humans met were able to sway them in favour of alliance and support, and the Province of Sinciput (smaller than before) was ceded to the control of the Fey in return for their support in the Empire.
The Fey who headed east or arrived in the Confederacy joined with the peoples of the Confederacy wholeheartedly. They were treated as spirits of the forest given flesh, especially the Fauns and the Kaern, who were easily recognized from several ancient legends. Gradually over the years the reverence has faded to admiration and acceptance. The Elves who live in the confederacy have embraced a sylvan life, becoming one with the animals and trees of the forests.
Fey Spirituality
Fey Gods: The Faerie
The Fey are also not religious in the way that humans think of it. That’s not to say that an Elf set loose in the world may not choose to convert to one of the Human religions, but those who do are generally looked down upon by their cousins. This doesn’t mean that the Fey races don’t have beings that they sometimes worship. The main thing that separates this from Human religious worship is faith. Fey do not need to “believe” in the Faerie for the Faerie to be real. The average Prime has faith in NOS even though they have never met, just as the average Confederate has faith in the Tree Spirits or whatever, despite the fact that trees very rarely start spouting the wisdom of the ages of their own volition. The Fey, on the other hand, lived with the Faerie for decades, centuries or even longer. If you are Fey, you are playing someone whose grandparents lived in God’s house (if they weren’t gods themselves). That puts a very different spin on the way you think. There’s a huge world of difference between believing in the Commandment “Thou shalt not kill” and knowing that if you kill another Elf God comes and gives you the metaphysical spanking of your life. The fact that most Fey personally know their gods does something else to them. It makes them right. Very few Humans live 100% without doubt in the veracity of their religion and culture. Everybody has doubts from time to time. But elves don’t doubt. Elves and the other Fey make mistakes, sure, but the fact that they know they are right about some of the more important secrets of life (at least as far as they’re concerned) has a tendency to overshadow those mistakes. Some call it self-confidence, some call it egotism, but whatever you call it, it creates a profound schism between Elven and Human thought.
Elves and the Code
The Elven Code is more than a code of honour, it is a religious edict, with real consequences if an elf fails to follow it. This causes many elves to follow their code with great religious fervor.
Kaern
Of all Faerie in the Mists, the Kaern hold Kytrae’lianan in highest regard. She is considered to be the mother of the Kaern people and reason and justification of all that the Kaern are. All legends of Kytrae’lianan describe her as exuding an aura of absolute predatory female wile. Wherever she traveled, light changed to moonlight. She was master of all she could see and was refused nothing by any male of any species she encountered. In fact, she is considered to be the epitome of female nature and strength from the Kaern point of view. Her moods were said to change with the phase of the moon and she would never remain in one place for longer than a single cycle. While capable of being vicious and quite deadly, those she left behind rarely regretted her arrival. Her random nature is credited with the diversity of the Kaern sub-species.
The Festival of Kytrae’lienan
The Festival of Kytrae’lienan is held on the first full moon after the fall equinox. During the festival the pride will ask for the patron faerie’s blessings for the fall hunt, harvest and/or preparations for winter. One (or more) females who have passed an adult trial or accomplished something significant in the previous year are chosen to represent Kytrae’lienan. They will stand in for her during the ceremonies and receive both praise and trinkets.
Fauns
Fauns prefer to believe in things they can see or touch. As such, worship of the Faery is strongest among those who have had the opportunity to meet one. Regardless of how strong their personal dedication to the Faery may be, fauns have little use for organized religion of any kind.
Halflings
Halflings are very adaptable in all aspects of their life, and religion is no different. Their beliefs (and whether that belief is strict or a mixture of belief systems) is greatly dependent upon the area in which they live. For instance, a small Halfling community within a larger NOSian community might well choose to incorporate or add NOSian traditions into their own beliefs – after all, that would just mean more chances to throw a party! Via their earthy nature, however, even most “city” Halflings maintain a strong belief that each aspect of nature contains its own spirit. Matka (the fairy of awakening spring) is their most revered among the Fairy, as it is she who uncovers the earth from winter’s snow for sowing and encourages animals towards producing a new generation.
Orcs
Since Orcs generally have such low opinions of non-Orcs, it is not surprising that their view of the Faerie reflects a similar set of ideas. By nature, Orcs are a family and tribe oriented people, and they view the Faerie in the same way. Orcs take the concept of being created in the image of the Faerie very seriously. The believe that they trace their lineage back to the Faerie who created them, and this is how their tribes are defined. So, Orcish Faerie are shown unlimited respect and humility, and in the same way that an Orc may grudgingly respect the hunting abilities of a Kaern, or the smithwork of a Dwarf, they will also show some respect to the Faerie they belief these races to have stemmed from. But a Faerie they see as the patron of a Faun, Elf, or Halfling will generally be shown the same disdain or indifference that most Orcs show these races as a whole.
Each Orcish tribe claims to be able to trace its lineage back to a specific Faerie, and whether these are all simply different aspects of the same Faerie, the name varies from tribe to tribe. Also, because Orcs are so family oriented, famous ancestors and family members take on hero or demi-god status over time, and may be prayed to or asked for favour in times of need.
Fey Festivals
Orcs hold great feasts to their tribal or family patrons after good battles and victories, often gorging themselves on the spoils of war. In cases where more than one family or tribe is involved, this generally leads to drunken brawls about whose family or tribe has the greater Faerie patron, brawls in which many of the survivors of the battles die anyhow. The Faerie seem to encourage this, as it guarantees the continuance of a strong,
The Fey year is divided into twelve months, with Festivals scattered among them.
The Month of Ice (January)
Feast of All Faeries
Date: 9th day of the Month of Ice (January)
A feast held in honour of all the Faeries
The Month of Snow (February)
Giving of Shoes
Date: 24th day of the Month of Snow (February)
Shoes are left out on this night and filled with small treats by one’s friends.
The Month of Rain (March)
Whoopsical Day
Date: 10th day of the Month of Rain
A day to laugh at oneself.
Dandelion Dance
Date: 23rd day of the Month of Rain
An early spring opportunity to gather together for a dance.
The Month of Leaves (April)
The Month of Flowers (May)
Faery Ring Day
Date: 4th day of the Month of Flowers
A day dedicated to tending Faery rings.
The Month of Strawberries (June)
Judgment Day
Date: 8th day of the Month of Strawberries
Good deeds are rewarded, Evil doers are given their just rewards
Rumour Day
Date: 15th day of the Month of Strawberries
A day dedicated to spreading and dispelling rumours.
Elf Thumping Day
Date: 25th day of the Month of Strawberries
This day was founded by Orcs. Over the years, it has been adopted by all fey except the elves. The original Orc thump consisted of a hard slap to the back. The intention was to cause a sting without lasting damage. Over the years, thumps have been expanded to include most types of practical jokes as well.
The Month of Wonder (July)
Distressed Fey Day
Date: 1st day of the Month of Wonder
Mainly an elven event, a special effort is made to assist fey in distress on this day.
Wonderful Drinks Day
Date: 26th day of the Month of Wonder
A day dedicated to appreciate well-brewed beer and fine wine.
The Month of Travel (August)
Watch-the-Pot Week (Halflings)
Date: 15th to the 21st day of the Month of Travel
A Halfling festival during which a single pot of soup is made to last the whole week by adding additional ingredients each day
The Month of Harvesting (September)
Jubilee of the Harvest Moon
Date: 19th day of the Month of Harvesting
A harvest feast.
The Festival of Kytrae’lienan (Kaern)
Date: The first full moon after the fall equinox
During the festival the pride will ask for the patron faerie’s blessings for the fall hunt, harvest and/or preparations for winter. One (or more) females who have passed an adult trial or accomplished something significant in the previous year are chosen to represent Kytrae’lienan. They will stand in for her during the ceremonies and receive both praise and trinkets.
Cobweb Pie Making Day
Date: 26th day of the Month of Harvesting
This day is the traditional start for making Cobweb pies. Cobweb pies are a five day recipe traditionally eaten on the 1st day of the Month of Cobwebs.
The Month of Cobwebs (October)
The Month of Hunting (November)
Faery Fantasia
Date: 29th Day of the Month of Hunting
A musical event in honour of the Faery.
The Month of Darkness (December)
Whirling Wind Bacchanalia
Date: 4th day of the Month of Darkness
A free form party held at the beginning of winter.
Riddle Day
Date: 19th day of the Month of Darkness
Fey compete against each other in Riddle competitions.
Potato Day (Dwarves)
Date: Varied (December or January)
Potato Day is a special celebration that can be held anytime the dwarves feel like a party and there is nothing else to celebrate. A banquet featuring potatoes is the centerpiece of any Potato Day.
Lessa- Posts : 50
Join date : 2014-10-04
Re: Fey-Specific World Knowledge: Please read, especially if you play a Fey character
by Malva Thu Sep 22, 2016 4:09 pm
Wait, there are multiple Faerie? I thought the Faerie was one person.
Also, we should totally celebrate Riddle Day on the forums when that comes around.
Also, we should totally celebrate Riddle Day on the forums when that comes around.
Malva- Posts : 856
Join date : 2014-10-04
Re: Fey-Specific World Knowledge: Please read, especially if you play a Fey character
by Lady Val Thu Sep 22, 2016 6:40 pm
Dandelion Dance!!!! 
Lady Val- Posts : 381
Join date : 2014-12-20
Location : Tor'Jadin
Re: Fey-Specific World Knowledge: Please read, especially if you play a Fey character
by Lessa Fri Sep 23, 2016 4:35 am
This is one of a few (maybe three in total) documents that I am bringing over to our site from the Epoch Toronto site. Aren't the festivals fun? I'm looking forward to a bigger presence for them in the game in future!
Lessa- Posts : 50
Join date : 2014-10-04
Re: Fey-Specific World Knowledge: Please read, especially if you play a Fey character
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