Faeries and Demons

GM / Player Note:   This page is meant to help both GM's and Players. First it should help GM's who wish to incorporate the Beyond into their adventures by presenting them useful categories from whence they can scoop to come up with Faerie or demonic NPC's and monsters. Secondly it is meant to support Players who would like to play a Faebrood Character but struggle to come up with a concept for his parents / ancestors. It is a system of categories however, which by the nature of the Beyond as an endless place that turns possibilities into realities must remain incomplete.   If the concept of the player does not fit into any of the categories presented here, the GM and Players are invited to come up with their own to match their adventures / campaign of course.

 

"I... I don't understand Master. Then what is the difference between a demon and a faerie. Shan't we all shun them alike?"

"We shall, my student. This is what the creator demands, because they are in their world and we are in ours, and this is the creators great design. We shall not tempt them, because they are not content with their existence. For us they are but stories and ideas, but in his great plan the Creator has granted a place to even them. A place to be real. And yet many of them demand to be real in a worlds they do not belong to. To do what ideas do, which is reform these worlds in their image until they have a place."

"So why not call them all demons or faeries?"

Well.. it is a bit of a technical distinction. Know my student, that in some of them this great desire is bigger than in others. They have made their way to the Counterrealm, which lies behind the Veil, the very no man's land that separates our world from theirs. They want to be real here, because they don't understand that even their presence here invites the plague. Or they do and simply do not care. And it is because of this disregard that we call them demons.

— Discussion in the great temple of Bayestril, between Templar of the Sage-Aspect Tholeman Thuris and his student

 

Inhabitants of the Worlds behind the Veil

Faeries

The name which most cultures on Ardu, at least those who once were part of the Ring empire, have adapted for the beings beyond the Veil is Faerie (pronounced Fairy in Culmeria and parts of Aesgard).   A common, but understandable, misconception is the distinction between demons and faeries as entirely different entities. A faerie is any inhabitant of the Beyond. A demon is a faerie who strives to achieve reality on Ardu and which dwells inside the counterrealm.  

Faeries differ from mortals in so far that they cannot easily be killed, at least not in the Beyond, because they represent a concept, an idea. Sometimes this metaphor is easy to understand and even visible by their appearance, like with many elemental Faeries. Sometimes it is hard to understand like a faerie of Depression, as they can be found in the Swamps of Sadness for example, which come in the appearance of hurt and lost but otherwise mundane children

   

Faerie as a name for Elves and Gelf

Sometimes culmerians, aesgardians, caldavians and aquirans also use the term "faerie" (or "fairy") to refer to Elves and Gelf.   This is, because they believe that both descend from Fae creatures that once decided to come to Ardu, but who got stuck here after the creation of the Veil. This is a common belief among humans all around the Inner Sea, as it was the prevalent teaching of the Church about the origin of Elves and Gelf during the Ring empire, and one which is still propagated by the Church of the Creator and the The Faith of the Seven alike.   Be that as it may be, the tradition to call Elves and Gelf Faeries, hasn't found much resonance in other regions of the world, and has started to vanish even in those regions where it is still in use (except in Culmeria where it is the official term for elves and gelf in the culmerian language).   In Caldaven and Aquira for example, it has remained in use merely as a derogatory term for elves still, because the Norn, with whom both countries fought a terrible war as of late, take it as a slight. They believe that they were the original inhabitants of Ardu, while it were the humans who invaded, and that the humans try to use their religion to control them.

 

Demons

"But... if its our thoughts and wishes which create them, why don't we have power over them?"

"First off.. do you have power over what you wish for or desire...? You don't. Have you?. However that is not the real question is it?"

"... i mean... it kinda is... but how are we even sure it is our wishes who create them? Could it not also be the Fae which creates them through us... i mean.. if we do not know where wishes and thoughts come from?"

"Now that... that is the question!... This is why we steel our mind, and allow only those of us to meddle with the Fae, who have been trained rigorously and tested profusely. To make sure it forms to how we want it, and not to form according to how it wants us ourselves..."

— Discussion in the great temple of Bayestril, between Templar of the Sage-Aspect Tholeman Thuris and one of his students

Not technically living in the counterrealm, but rather lurking, are the Demons, which is the technical term for all Fae creatures who haunt the counterrealm, regardless from which Fae realm they originate. As representatives of human concepts, they are not all "evil" per se, but all hungering for a way to achieve substantiality on the other side of the veil. They want to pass through it and reform reality on Ardu in their image, such that they may persist here eternally by common consensus, regardless if this means that they have to become a so called plaguefiend.

This agenda alone makes them dangerous, as they often represent unbalanced concepts, which, taken out of context, can be very harmful (although don't have to be). Having gained conscience and identity they also have names, true ones, by which they can, allegedly, be summoned, but also common ones, by which they are known and refered too.   All of them however were lured into the counterrealm by the promise of "becoming real" if they just manage to do one of three things:
 

1. Hijack the body of a mind traveler through the entrypoint of his mind journey,
2. find a demonologist who will conjure them into the body of a poor victim, in exchange for "demonic services", or
3. become a patron to a conscious being on Ardu and forge pacts with these so called warlocks or witches, offering them power to make them further the demons concept. Over time this power slowly changes the mind and personality of these warlocks and makes them better accommodate the respective demon, until one day, when the warlock or witch calls upon his or her master, it passes through the veil and overtake their body, crushing the mind of their victim or casting it out into the counterrealm where it becomes another demon.

"Common" Faeries. An attempt.

Long time the Church of the Creator and other sages have attempted to create a catalogue of beings that inhabit the realms of the Beyond. Already condemned to failure on Ardu, due to the nature of Faebirth, this attempt is impossible in the vast multiverse that are the Faeworlds. Be that as it may be, myths often follow a pattern, and even completely different cultures often come up with similar ideas and myths to explain the facts of life and beyond. If this is because the Fae influences all who live on Ardu, or because those who live on Ardu influence the Fae is an open argument among the sages around the world, which is far from settled.

What follows is a small catalogue of common Faeries (or demons) which have been witnessed time and time again by visitors of the worlds behind the veil:  

1. Faeries representing elemental principles

 

Living Fire

    Colloquially all Fae creatures of elemental fire are called salamanders or "living Fire". Quite a few of them take a lizard like or draconic appearance, which has led to their name, even though conscious flames, burning buffaloes (or Armorheads) and red skinned humanoid creatures called efreeti have been seen.   Despite the Name "living" fire, not all elemental Fae Beings of Fire incorporate fire or flames in their appearance, but do so sometimes for flashy effects. They all are immune against its fire however and can control it to some degree or another. With exception of the insidious Faelights they are all vulnerable to water and ice. Elemental Fae of Fire have an exceptional control about heat and can very well decide who to burn and who to spare. For some unknown reason most (about three quarters) of all fire elementals appear male.   The personality of most Fire Elementals is often brash and passionate, they are easy to anger, but can be surprisingly kind and warmhearted, especially towards those who know how to handle them. Faelights however are the notable exception on both accounts: They are cold-hearted and patient at the same time, but are almost never seen in any environment other than swamps.   Once a Fae of Living Fire becomes a fire demon and settles in the counterrealm, they do not usually leave the link through which they arrived, and whose position in the Counterrealm oftentimes coincides with volcanoes and other large sources of fire on Ardu. As heat is also an attribute associated with fire, quite a few links to Realms of living Fire can also be found in the Oromi counterrealm and the counterrealm of the Sea of Sand   Some demonic salamanders settle in swampy areas of the counterrealm. These oftentimes small demons are called "Faelights" in the vernacular and can be quite deceptive. Water does not seem to bother them, in fact they are quite well known to walk over it. Much like Faelight Abominations do on Ardu, the Faelights of the Counterrealm attempt to lure their prey deeper into the swamps to drown them, and because of this tendency they are also called "Fire Sirens" in some places. Their true origin is usually no elemental Fae Realm but other Fae realms whose core concepts are more related to swamps, like the Swamps of Sadness / Wetlands of Wonder.  

Living Water

Undines, also called Naiads, Nymphs or Sirens are, usually female, Fae representations of the principles assigned to water. This does not mean that male waterelementals don't exist, but they are harder to find and also less approachable, and yet oftentimes more straightforward, than their female counterparts.

Undines seem to be polite and deceptively friendly at first, but they are known to first beguile their enemies (or prey) and then drown them with extreme prejudice. They are enigmatic beings which are known to speak only when they have something to say. If angered , they harbor a cold rage and wait for the perfect moment to strike. They can also fall into terribly wrathful, and often destructive, fits of rage if pushed over the edge however. Undines are very adaptive and may endure unfortunate situations for long times. Once a chance for change arises however they follow it without looking back.

Undines often appear as antropomorphic versions of sea creatures (Fish people, antropmorphic seals etc...) or stunningly attractive humanoids seemingly made entirely of water (called Marids). This list of apperances is far from conclusive of course and all kinds of (usually water aligned) forms have been witnessed with these adaptable spirits.

Demonic undines, so called sirens, settle in places of the counterrealm that coincide with large (or vital) bodies of water on Ardu.

Living Earth

Common Wisdom has it, that all faeries associated with the concept of living earth, also called Dao or Oreads, originate from the Fae realms of elemental Earth. Here they are said to serve the gelflike gnomes, who also inhabit these Fae realms, at least according to many human sages who live around the Inner Sea. This claim was largely influenced by the beliefs prevalent in the Ring empire.

The name "gnomes" for these Faeries was likely chosen on purpose by the Church of the Creator, as both the Church and the High elves believe that the Gelf on Ardu were originally Fae beings from the Fae realms of elemental earth (which explains their "digging claws").

Neither the Undergelf nor the Uppergelf agree with this. They see a connection of their kin not with the realms of elemental earth, but rather with the realm they call "The First world": a neverending world tree forest, which they claim resembles the world before the humans arrived.

Be that as it may be, Gelf and gelflike beings can be found on the planes of earth. Contrary to the Gelf of Ardu, they seem to take no issue with being called gnomes, and oftentimes even refer to themselves as such. The Gelf on Ardu, those who are able to travel through the Fae, so mostly powerful gelf druids, gelf shamans or experienced undergelf arcansists, recognize the kinship, but deny any true connection. They see the "gnomes" as a representation of human ideas about the gelf, rather than "the real thing". A cheap copy, if you will.

Oreads, the true earth elementals, come in all shape and forms which are usually associated with earth and rock, be it conscious heaps of sand (which oftentimes have the ability to reform into any form they desire), humanoids made of rock or giant animals or monsters (or hybrids thereof) who are classically associated with earth and digging (like moleworms, badgermoles etc...). All Earth elementals (and elemental gnomes) are famous for being incredibly stubborm and unbendable in their ideas. Except the sand oreads who are more flexible, but also less trustworthy. Defying common wisdom though most oreads do not serve the gnomes however and can very well originate from other Fae realms.   Demonic earth elementals and gnomes usually settle in regions of the counterrealm which are closely connected to huge bodies of sand or rock on Ardu.

Living Air

Many Faerealms of Living Air resemble bottomless places in which travel is possible only by flying. These Fae realms are characterized by constant wind that can change direction within fractions of a second, and the few visitors who came back from here swear, that the wind was constantly blowing into their faces, almost as if it was on purpose. Although home to many Sylphs, as the Fae of Living air are called colloquially, they are by far from the only places where these fickle Faeries can be found however. instead they have found a place in many faerietales, which in the Beyond, ever malleable by stories and fantasies, translated into many more realms from whence they come. Especially note may take the so called Djinn, blue skiined sylphs who are prominent feature in many Oromi stories.   Apperance wise, Sylphs in the Beyond often remind at living clouds or birdheaded beings. Some Sylphs called djinn sport a deeply blue skin and are said to grant wishes if they can be captured. They are also more often than not of demonic nature.

Air elementals are usually fickle and unreliable, with the notable exception of djinns who always stay true to their promises, yet who find joy in twisting the words of those promises as much as they can. All of the air elementals love freedom however, and there is hardly a worse fate for them than being trapped in a closed of room.

Air elemental demons usually settle in places of the counterrealm which coincide with places in the "real" world where the air is strongly featured or of cultural importance. Like high mountain peaks for example, or the Howling Sisters a place close to the Elemental Shearwind Monastery, or the path of storms that lies south of the The Eternal Forests.

 

Celestials and Terestrials, Faeries of Sin and Virtue

Celestials / Virtues

Celestials, also called Virtues, are Fae representation of just these: Virtuous traits (or those which are considered virtuous by at least one culture on Ardu.) In this they work a lot like the elemental Fae, with the difference that it is not a physical, but a social principle they represent. They can usually be found in the vicinity of faerealms that form the afterlife for a certain culture.

There are for example the Valkyr, Aes celestials who inhabit the Hall of the Gods and the fields of honor around it. They represent qualities like courage and steadfastness, but also the ability to hold your liquor, which all are qualities very important to an Aes. Or the celestials of the Idyll which do not represent just one singular virtue, but those sets of seven virtues that are asssociated with specific aspects of the Creator respectively. In the vernacular they are known as aspectvirtues.

The scholarly name "celestial" means "starbound" and originates from an old havenian word for all faerealms: celestial planes. During the times of the Ring empire for example, it was custom to call all faeries celestials, while the inhabitants of Ardu and the counterrealm were called terestrial, which means earthbound in havenian. Fittingly, both Ardu and the Counterrealm were called the "terestrial planes". These times are over however, nowadays the title celestial belongs solely to the Virtues that inhabit the outer Faerealms.

Because of this, there are, per se, no "celestial" demons. Not because they do not exist, but because the classification as celestials does not allow for them. Celestials who settle in the counterrealm become terestrials, also called Sins or devils in the vernacular.

Celestials are not bound to a certain form. Much like their "counterpart", the terestrials, they can change their appearance at a whim. Unlike the terestrials however, they are known to use this ability rather rarely. Most celestials "settle" for a form recognizeable by the humans and stay in it. Valkyr for example, who usually choose the form of a female warrior on a steed, or the Archae of the Oromi Creationism, who appear as stunningly beautiful (and oftentimes nude) humanoid messengers with wings.

Terestrials / Devils / Sins

By definition Terestrials (also called Devils) are demons and can only be found in the counterrealm. All Sins were once Virtues who, not content with their existence as mere ideas to guide the mortals, strived to become real, which ultimately corrupted them. Once a celestial begins to aspire to achieve reality on Ardu, it is said that he "falls", which led to the moniker "fallen celestials" for all devils.

Over the ages quite many sages (and leyman in magical affairs) have asked if a virtue becoming real couldn't also be a good thing. Among these misled folk, it's a recurring idea that a virtue could do nothing but good on Ardu. Many pacts humans have are pacts with devils, and they often start of rather harmless based on this misled notion. It never ends well however.

Common consensus among the Church (and all other major religions) is, that, while a Virtue might not in itself cause harm, the singleminded focus on just this virtue in expense of all others, which a devil represents, does. Furthermore, once a celestial settles in the counterrealm, its bond to the virtue it represented once becomes little more than a hollow promise. A tool to convince but nothing to abide by, if it threatens the process of becoming real.

Terestrials, much like celestials, are able to take any form or shape they want, yet unlike the celestials they do not have a standard form they usually revert to, but choose their appearance based on if it helps them with their end goal: to achieve "reality" on Ardu. Therefore the form of a terestrial can be astonishingly beautiful or terrifying, depending on if the virtue attempts to elicit awe or fear.

Devils are very talented illusionists, liars and tricksters (especially those who were celestials of truth before they fell). Among their diverse kin are the ever changing imps as are the succubi of legend and many other kin of devils who rely on trickery and deception. People who deal with sin demons are advised to neither trust their words nor any of the things they see in their vicinity. Actually... people are advised not to deal with them at all

 

Faeries of Chaos and Order

 

Chaoswardens, Entropies

Demons and Fairies of chaos, also called Entropies or Chaoswardens, are nothing if not unpredictable. It would almost seem as if many fae-beings of chaos, before acting. roll dice to determine what their actions should be. On top of this, while faeries of other realms at least look in a way that seems to make sense or follow a purpose, Chaos faeries are known to change over time, to pop in and out of exsitence at their whim or to have a strange concept of time (among other oddities).

As with everything it is a spectrum of course. Chaosdemons, so called Chaosbringers, seem to carry an aura (or... probably a life supporting bubble?) of chaos with them. Their appearance might show features that range from utterly mundane to highly unlikely, yet never impossible.   Then there are the masters of chance, the Leprechauns, who manipulate chance according to their whims, and who usually have a more... settled appearance, as if turning the chaos inwards rather than outwards. Like most Entropy demons they are known to strike deals within which they prevent one seemingly inevitable fate by replacing it with another, usually greater, misfortune later. They are part of the large group of "Entropies", who thrive on the destruction of order and the creation of Chaos, feeding of the released energy. It is assumed that Leprechauns and other Entropies are masters of Fate, but this can't be further from the truth. They are gamblers who understand probability and who can spend energy to manipulate it.   Oftentimes the distinction between chaos and entropy faeries is blurred, as they seem to represent closely related concepts, so much so that their respective realms and natures merge.   Where Chaoswardens relatively rarely find their way into the Counterrealm however, since it represents too much structure, Entropies like the Leprechauns are, fitting for their origin gamblers who are drawn to feed off other gamblers. Most Chaos demons are therefore Entropies, and since the deal they offer is by nature always a corrupt one Entropies are also known as demons of decay. Since nothing says gambler more than taking on an adventurous lifestyle and risking the own life on a regular basis, they are the Chaos Faeries many adventurers stumble upon occasionally.  

Orderspecters, Schemes and Harmonies

    Orderspecters are infamous for their attention to detail, their absent risk appetite and their known desire to put safety above everything. By nature very cowardly and shy their appearance is oftentimes that of featureless white or grey skinned creatures or people clad in boring clothes. Order Faeries LOVE hierarchy and wish to sustain it at all cost, but little risk. Also known as Schemes or nitpickers, they find flaws and risks in even the most secure venture. A Nitpicker will, in doubt always prioritize a little losses over large gains.   They are closely related with the Harmonies who seek order among people and hate nothing more than rebellions. While seemingly caring on the outward about people, wishing "happiness" for everyone, they can actually live with misery as long as everyone appears happy and does not try to rattle the boat. Harmonies are known to constantly bother themselves with "what others would think about them" and much like orderspecters they love to treat people as statistics and believe that they can work like clockworks if just properly motivated.   As long as order is preserved, Schemes and Harmonies and can live with the worst outcomes.   When rebellion and resistance against a given order rears its head however, Orderspecters AND Harmonies begin to show their more monstrous side and can be able to perform the most heinous acts, yet acts for which they will never take responsibility but always blame the order they represent.   One thing Orderspectres hate more than chaos however: an orderspectre or a harmony that represent ideas of a different order. And Mistakes. Orderspectres HATE mistakes.   Both Schemes and Harmonies are common among the demons, striving to fit the messy real world into an orderly structure, convinced that they finally found the holy grail into which every soul fits, if they are just allowed to reign free. Two commonly known, and feared, Order demons are the Slender Man who hates nothing more than noise and would happily eradicate anyone who dares to scream or even whisper, and the Smiling Women, who will do the same with anyone who does not smile.. or dares to smile unconvincingly.  

Beastkin, Monsterkin