faerie

These ancient and otherworldly creature are quite different from their name relatives, the fairy. 
Often they are described as cold, unpredictable, powerfull and cruel. An encounter may well end absolutely harmless if the fae doesn´t mean to be discovered. For altough they are as un-human as one can be, they look quite like one. They are even believed to live amongst us to a certain extend.

The trouble only beginns, if one disturbs a faerie at something or comes across one in a bad mood. Never even dare to think you know what is going on in a faerie´s head! They think so very different from us. They would kill a mortal without second thought or regret afterwards. For them we are nothing than prey and they are rumored to hunt humans for fun that get lost in the darkest parts of the forest where they live.
If ever one comes in such a situation, fast acting is required to save ones neck. But on how to react, the opinions differ. Depending on the storie told, the fae can be bribed, flattered, reasoned with or even intimidated. In some cases one can even offer a riddle contest or if he is really brave a duell.