Faery
Faeries are the most diverse of all the magical beings in Altairus. They live on every continent, every floating island, every ocean, and in every environment. The term is very general; it refers to a magical being that possesses humanoid features and exists in a civilized or semi-civilized society.
Defining Characteristics
Faeries have a few defining characteristics that set them apart from other beings that live in Altairus:- Faeries are always magical beings. This means that they can use magic and collapse into their base element after they die.
- Faeries have humanoid forms. They are either bipedal or otherwise have humanoid features such as articulate hands.
- Faeries are always sapient. They often form their own civilizations, which can range from massive multi-city nations to simple settlements on remote islands.
- All faeries are capable of speech.
- Many faeries belong to the genus Faeus, though not all.
Ancients
Faeries and magical beasts that live an excess of 1000 years or more achieve "ancient" status. These beings are usually substantially larger than their kin, and they are always substantially more powerful, considered minor gods in their own right. Despite faeries not being able to die of old age, ancients are incredibly rare. They are revered as protectors and sources of incredible wisdom.
Comments
Author's Notes
This article is a general descriptor of the term. Please look at the sub-articles for examples of different faery races.
The term "faery" is between "fairy" and "faerie." The alternate spelling is meant to convey that these are not your watered-down Disney faeries. Many faery races are just as vicious as faeries in Celtic and Germanic folklore when their tempers flare, and there are horrors outside of this that exist in this world as well.