Wyld Fae
Wyld Fae Lore
The Wyld Fae are an ancient people whose history is impossible to verify because they change the story every time it is told. According to the Wyld Fae themselves, they negotiated the truce that prevented dawn and dusk from occurring simultaneously, discovered an entire season between spring and summer but misplaced it during a festival, and taught the moon how to wax and wane when it grew bored of being round. Historians generally regard these claims with skepticism. The Wyld Fae regard historians with equal skepticism.
The Great Mystery
Many scholars seek the true origin of the Wyld Fae. The Fae have provided several explanations:
- They emerged from the first flower that ever bloomed.
- They fell from a star.
- They were dreamed into existence by a sleeping cedar.
- They have always existed.
- They were invented last Tuesday.
When pressed on which story is correct, the Wyld Fae generally answer: "Yes."
Appearance
Wyld Fae come in countless forms, though most are recognizable by bright eyes, unusual features, an air of mischief, and an unmistakable and fierce protectiveness over the lands they inhabit. Some have pointed ears, small horns, colorful hair, leafy adornments, or delicate wings. Others appear nearly human save for some curious detail that changes whenever anyone tries to describe it. No two Fae agree on what a "proper" Fae should look like, however many Wyld Fae do choose to adopt appearances based on nature or natural elements.
Nature
Wyld Fae possess an innate fondness for stories, games, celebrations, and harmless confusion. They are not typically malicious, but they often struggle to understand why other people become upset when their boots are filled with flowers, their hair braided with ribbons, or their names temporarily replaced with titles like "Lord Picklefoot the Magnificent." As manifestations of nature, Wyld Fae have extremely keen senses, and can sometimes be overwhelmed by strong scents, sudden loud noises, or bright lights. When overwhelmed, Wyld Fae will often retreat to a secluded location to recharge in nature. Be warned— intruding on the Wyld Fae during this time of rejuvenation is considered extremely impolite, and may result in bodily harm. Wyld Fae are not usually dangerous, but if they sense any ill intent, or notice anyone behaving irresponsibly toward their domain, they have been known to become feral embodiments of nature’s wrath.
Customs
The Wyld Fae observe a number of traditions that outsiders rarely understand:
Every Gift Creates a Debt— not because payment is demanded, but because every exchange betters the world.
- A berry picked deserves a seed planted.
- A tree felled requires a grove tended.
- Shelter given creates an obligation to shelter another.
Debts are never enforced by authority. Instead, those who refuse to return that energy unto their community gradually become “Uprooted”— people that others instinctively stop trusting or relying upon. To be Uprooted is one of the most heinous names that can be bestowed onto a Wyld Fae, and they must continuously prove their commitment to the land and to their community before that name can be given back to the wilds in honor.
Speak for the Silent— Before any important decisions are made, someone must speak on behalf of those who are absent and the impact the decision may have on them:
- Trees
- Rivers
- Migrating Animals
- Forgotten Spirits
- Children
- Future Generations
Hospitality is Sacred— Any traveler who comes peacefully receives:
- Food
- Water
- Shelter
- Warmth
But guests are expected to contribute something before leaving. Not wealth; stories, songs, seeds, labor, knowledge, repairs. Every visitor leaves something living behind.
The Wind’s Council— When conflict grows heated, everyone becomes silent. No one may speak until someone notices:
- Wind moving through branches
- A bird calling
- The sound of running water
- Insects humming
Nature is allowed to “speak” before anyone continues. This prevents arguments from overwhelming the living world around them.
The Circle of Repair— When harm is done, punishment is rare. Instead, everyone asks, “What has become wounded?” The offender joins those harmed to repair:
- Relationships
- Memories
- Homes
- Spirits
- Forests
Justice requires balance rather than suffering.
Names
Fae often collect names throughout their lives. A Wyld Fae may have:
- A birth name.
- A chosen name.
- Several nicknames.
- A title earned through some ridiculous incident.
- Titles bestowed by acts of service and stewardship.
As a result, introductions can take anywhere from a few seconds to an entire evening.
A Fae introducing themselves as "Thistle" may later reveal that their full title is: "Thistle Greenbough, Finder of Lost Teacups, Victor of the Great Forest Cow Debate, Protector of Ferns, and Honorary Duchess of Somewhere Probably."
Common Sayings
The most well-known saying of the Wyld Fae is: “Those who take must tend.” This serves as both instruction and warning to any who enter their domain.
“No crown but the canopy.”
“Power serves. It does not rule.”
“Every path leads somewhere; only mortals insist on knowing where ahead of time.”
“A secret shared with moss is never truly forgotten.”