Fae

“Fae” is an all encompassing term that refers to all beings that reside in Faerie. Generally, it is used to refer to Seelie, Unseelie, or Between Fae. Fae are on average near human-size, though they tend to be slighter and shorter than most humans and even the most plain-faced Fae would be considered beautiful by human standards. All Fae possess a magic called “glamor” which allows them to manipulate their own appearance. Fae with stronger glamor may use their magic to control the world around them or even alter the minds of other Fae.

The Fair Children

The Fair Children are the nightmarish Fae of human tales. They reside in forests that border the human world where they attempt to lure humans in and keep them there by feeding them enchanted faerie foods. Fair Children are beautiful at first glance, but upon inspection there is an eeriness to their perfection and their inhuman qualities (too symmetrical, perfectly sculpted bone structure, etc.) become apparent. They are unable to procreate on their own, relying on humans or unwitting Fae to fall into their traps.

Lesser Fae

The term “Lesser Fae” encompasses “all the rest” of the Fae that live in Faerie. Most consider it a derogatory term as it generalizes a large group of people into one mass culture. Some examples of Lesser Fae include: Dryads, Banshee, Harpies, Mermaids, Nymphs, Shelleycoats, etc. Most Lesser Fae reside either in the Unseelie Court far from the palace or have moved on to the Between where they are welcomed as equals.

Skinwalkers (Werewolves, Shapeshifters)

“Skinwalkers” is a Faerie term for what are called in the human world “shapeshifters.” A very specific type of skinwalker, those that have a wolf as their beast, are called “werewolves.” Some skinwalkers reside within the Unseelie court and the Between, but many have adapted to living life with humans in the human world. Their society is split into packs, generally run by an alpha and the alpha’s mate. They draw most of their magic and power from the moon.

Light Stealers (Vampires)

The first Light Stealer was a Fae named Mountain who resided in the Seelie court. Mountain was one of the leaders of the revolt during the Seelie Civil War and became desperate when it became clear they were going to lose. Using forbidden magic, he transformed himself into a creature that was stronger, faster, more difficult to kill, and could read the minds of the Fae. In exchange for these powers, he was only satisfied if he drank blood of a living being. He is generally believed to be the origin of all vampires in the human world.

Witches

Witches are descendants of Fae living in the human world that have intermarried with humans and thus diluted much of the magical power in their blood through the generations. All witches have maintained at least some connection to their Faerie magic in the form of elemental magic, and a small handful can even use some of the Old Magics that are even lost on most Fae. Witch society is neatly structured with arranged marriages and careful record keeping in an effort to maintain as much magical blood as possible through the generations.