Post by Aphelyon on Feb 23, 2017 23:30:29 GMT -5
About This RP
I was going to try to do a cool, dramatic intro to draw you into the rp but really there's just not a good way to do that, since there really are so many different ways coming to Faerie could go for your character (assuming you play a Changeling). So instead, I'll just jump straight into telling you what the heck this roleplay is about.
Essentially, this roleplay is about Fae and, more importantly, the Changelings that they bring from the human realm. The story behind this is that as of late, Faerie- the realm of the Fae- has been being attacked by some sort of dark creature, and they need more soldiers to help fight. Therefore, they decide to return to the human realm after having been away for centuries, so that they can create Changelings.
There are actually two types of Changelings: human Changelings, and Fae Changelings. The primary difference is what the person was born as, Fae or human, and the effects growing up in the "wrong" realm has on them. For human Changelings- humans who are taken as newborns and raised in the Fae realm- this makes their primarily mortal bodies become saturated with magic, giving them mild magical powers. They will never quite be Fae, but they can have some unique and sometimes extremely useful powers. Or, unique and not useful at all. It varies. Fae Changelings, on the other hand, are Fae children raised within the human realm. Fae Changelings are effective because they tend to become more powerful: because they grow up not surrounded by magic, their own reserve of magic must grow to compensate, like a muscle strengthening with use. Thus, they are able to use magic extremely easily when they return to Faerie, as opposed to a Fae raised in the Fair Realm, who must learn and develop their magic slowly, often over a course of nearly 100 years or more. Unfortunately, not all Fae Changelings are able to survive with the lack of magic, and so this process is only used in emergencies.
Much of this roleplay will follow the everyday life of the Fae, and the Changelings as they adapt to life in Faerie, learn to control their powers, and prepare for war. However, it will also include human Changelings, true Fae, and other races, so the Fae Changelings will not be the only characters. More on Fae, Changelings, and Faerie below.
Generally, the roleplay will start when your Fae Changeling arrives in Faerie, which consists of them waking up in a room of the Courtyard after having gone to bed as normal the night before. They can be in any Wing of the Courtyard, and on any floor; however, if their inverse is present, they will likely be in the same Wing as their inverse's master. Most Fae Changelings will be brought back to Faerie on their 16th birthday, though some may be a bit younger, and some a bit older.
About the Fae
Fae are for the most part humanoid, with some physical differences. Contrary to popular belief, they are "normal" sized, though many are on the small side compared to humans, so normal and tall humans (or Changelings) would seem tall to most true Fae. Fae are born looking mostly human, though some have unusual hair or eye colors, and a few are born with animal-like tails, pointed ears, or fangs. These ones, of course, can never be used as Changelings, as they would be easily figured out by the humans. At about fourteen years old, Fae will enter a magical sleep and a cocoon will form around them, made of an extremely hard substance that appears similar to the outside of a walnut. There they will hibernate for about six months, though sometimes as many as eight, before "hatching". During this time is when their wings grow. After this, they must strengthen them and learn to use them, a process which usually takes about six more months. For Fae Changelings, who are usually older than fourteen by the time the develop their wings, the hibernation may take as long as a year, though it's usually more like ten months. Unlike traditional lore, Fae wings are not insectoid, but are more angelic, with a covering of small but colorful and shimmering feathers, and can look a bit butterfly-like from a distance. Most Fae possess only two wings, but some may have as many as six; the more wings a Fae has, the longer their hibernation will take. More than two wings is uncommon, however. At around 10-12 years old, some Fae will also start to grow antlers or horns. Once they reach about 25 years old, Fae stop aging physically. In this way, Fae are immortal, though they can still be killed, and can- though very rarely- die of sickness.
Most true Fae begin to learn how to control their magic when they are quite young, perhaps five years old, like a human child attending kindergarten. They will slowly develop their magical strength for the next 100 or so years. Fae Changelings, however, skip this step, and instead achieve full power usually about three months after returning to Faerie. They still must learn how to control this power, however, and accidents almost always happen. Sometimes very destructive accidents. Fae magic can be divided into five categories, each describing the way the Fae manipulates magic. However, the way that they use this magic can vary drastically within a type, and most magic types can be used to help or harm. The magic types are described below.
Fae are born from flowers. There is a particular type of flower which grows only in a special part of Faerie, and which is tended to carefully by the Court of Spring. Fae are born from these flowers, which are called faeblossoms, and cared for by the Spring Court. When a Fae dies, their body is buried in Mistmoor (where the faeblossoms grow), and faeblossoms will grow from their body, granting new life. As many as ten faeblossoms are recorded to have come from one body, though not all faeblossoms carry newborn Fae- it's generally about one in three. Fae who are born from the same cluster (blossoms growing from the same body) are considered siblings. Rarely, two Fae may be born from the same flower. Fae are usually named after nature, though their naming style can consist of one word, two words put together (like a warrior name), two words separate or hyphenated, or really any combination. Some Fae, however, are fond of human names and may name children with human names, though this is rare. A Fae's surname is the name of the Fae whose body their flower grew from, with -son or -dottir added to the end.
Fae do not practice marriage, but they may consider another Fae their "mate." The majority of Fae are bi/pansexual (though this isn't always the case and there are plenty of Fae that are attracted to only one gender), since romance has no connection with reproduction, and it is just as common to see same-sex couples as different-sex couples. Fae may have multiple mates in their life, as a mate is essentially equivalent to a serious boyfriend/girlfriend relationship. However, lifemates are more serious, and when Fae consider each other to be lifemates, it is something roughly equivalent to marriage, where they intend to stay together for the rest of their lives. If one lifemate dies, the other may sometimes decide to help raise the young Fae that are born from their dead lifemate's faeblossoms, even if they are not of the Spring Court or nurses by profession. Another thing they may choose to do is to intentionally die, whether by suicide or another method, and follow their love to the grave. Or, they may simply decide to move on, though this is the least common occurrence, as lifemates are extremely attached to each other.
Courts of the Seasons
When Fae turn ten years old and their personalities have mostly settled, and their magic type can be fully determined, Fae must choose which Court to join. Fae society is ruled by four Courts, each named after one of the seasons. The Courts of Summer and Winter are prevalent in human mythology, as these are the larger two and tend to have the most interaction with humans, but there is also a Court of Spring and a Court of Autumn. Each Court is defined by a type of personality, and has a specific role within Faerie. Most also tend to predominantly include Fae of a certain magic type, but this doesn't have to be the case. Each Court is ruled by a King or Queen, to whom answer several Dukes or Duchesses, who oversee Court affairs when the King or Queen isn't there. Below them, there are many different jobs even within a single Court, but those will be described below.
Court of Summer
The Court of Summer is the Court of contentment and plenty, of relaxation and fun. Summer Fae tend to take it easy, being mostly laid-back and simply going with the flow. However, they can be quite intense when angered or challenged, and certainly have a competitive streak. Summer Fae love games, and they always play to win. While they're usually laid-back, Summer Fae can keep grudges going for years, and always think they're in the right. Generally, when one thinks of mischievous fairies and pixies, it's the Court of Summer they're thinking of. Summer Fae generally love pranks, and particularly enjoy messing with humans, or other species in general.
The Court of Summer is in charge of simple tasks, such as basic construction, cleaning, cooking, and other generally less skilled work. The reason for this is that Summer Fae tend to prefer not to put much thought into their work: they want to get done with it and move on the playing. They would rather not have to spend years building up the skills to do their job. All magic types are generally welcome into the Summer Court, though it tends to attract more Ignites and Terrins than anything else, simply because of their personalities.
Court of Spring
The Court of Spring are Fae of optimism and joy, of new life and the thrill of simply being alive. Spring Fae seem to be eternally happy, always determined to make the best of things and grateful for what they have. Spring Fae are the Fae of fleeting, fickle love and long friendships, and simply take life as it comes. Like the season of Spring, they tend to be gentle and nurturing, but also filled with boundless energy. They are generally kind, and often quite meek, though some can be just as stubborn or just as fiery-tempered as any other Fae.
The Court of Spring Fae are generally tasked with jobs that involve growing and nurturing, whether farming, healing, or caring for young Fae. The majority of Spring Fae are involved with farming or gardening somehow, though whether it's being a crop farmer or a florist varies. Others tend to be healers, as because of this they tend to be Corporans, though Terrins can also be useful for the Court of Spring.
Court of Winter
The Court of Winter are Fae of bare survival, the Court of intellect and reflection. The Winter Fae tend to be reserved and aloof, cold even towards others in their Court. They do not make the same mistakes twice, and the survival of the group is always put before the individual. Winter is the Court of difficult decisions, always choosing what is best for everyone even if the decision is not easy, or may not seem right. They are cold, calculating, and logical, careful to never display weaknesses or act emotionally.
The Court of Winter is the tactical Court, primarily in charge of fighting and military. Besides that, they are in charge of planning and allocating resources, as well as settling disputes. Ignites are the most common magic type of the Winter Court because of the combat advantages, though Terrins are also useful. Anites are also invited, though regarded with suspicion, and Aevus are highly sought after due to their tactical advantages.
Court of Autumn
The Court of Autum is the Court of reflection, of looking back and remembering what was so that one knows how to move forward. Autum Fae tend to be introspective and reserved, though they are not cold- merely quiet. Autumn Fae see no point in wasting time doing what one doesn't want to, and therefore are Fae of change. They take control of their lives and live it how they want, and are not afraid to challenge old ideas if they feel they are wrong. They tend to be equally logical and emotional, and are often quite moral, though this is not always the case.
The Court of Autumn is generally in charge skilled production work such as blacksmithing or tailoring. This is because many Autumn Fae will find one profession they are enthusiastic about and pursue it obsessively, until they have mastered it, and because their interests and exact personalities tend to be quite varied, this makes them good for filling strange niches in Fae society. Autumn generally accepts any magic type, but Terrins and Corporans are the most common.
Other Species
Human Changelings
Human Changelings are humans who have been brought to the Fae world, usually with a Fae Changeling left in their place. Being raised in Faerie does strange things to humans, the most consistent of which is making them immortal. This does not happen to all human Changelings, but does happen to most, though the age at which they stop aging is inconsistent and may range anywhere from ten years old to sixty. Besides this, human Changelings often develop strange physical mutations, such as their hair or eyes changing colors, growing fangs, horns, claws, fur, or other animal characteristics, and developing minor magical powers. Usually, it will be one of the five magic types that Fae have, but this isn't always the case- they may also develop other, more abnormal powers, such as the ability to shape-shift, breathe underwater, or teleport short distances. They may also have more random, less useful powers, such as the ability to sense worms underground or change the color of their tongue at will. Human Changelings are generally raised by the Fae who took them. Human Changelings most commonly are used as household servants, cooking and cleaning mostly, but they are sometimes kept around purely for novelty, like a strange pet. Still, they are by no means slaves, and are always well cared for and never abused. Should they have a legitimate problem with their master, they may choose a different Fae to live with. However, because they are not Fae and cannot be a part of a particular Court, they can never be truly independent; nor can they return to the mortal realm due to their mutations. All human Changelings have what is known as an "inverse," or a Fae Changeling who was left in their place when they were brought to Faerie. Of course, not all Fae Changelings survive the in the mortal realm, but if they do, they are the child that was raised by the human Changeling's human parents. They will, of course, be of the same age and biological sex, and likely have similar physical characteristics (at least the same natural hair, eye, and skin color).
Types of Magic
Ignira
Ignira magic involved manipulation of the flow of energy. Therefore, it is often used as fire or light magic, though it could also be used inversely as ice or shadow magic simply by stopping energy rather than encouraging it. Generally, Ignira is used in combat, as it is generally a more destructive form of magic, but this is not always the case. Those who used Ignira are known as Ignites. Ingites, in personality, often have larger-than-life personalities and are generally boastful and outgoing, though this is not always the case.
Terris
Terris magic involves the manipulation of non-living matter, and is therefore generally used as earth or stone magic. However, it can also be used to control water or air, those both of these are far more difficult to master, with air being the most difficult. Because control of each element is different, Fae generally focus on only one. However, some long-lived Fae may be able to master multiple elements. Fae who use Terris are known as Terrins. Terrins are generally laid-back, quiet, and friendly, and tend to enjoy the solace of nature.
Corpor
Corpor magic is the manipulation of living matter, such as plants or animals. Mostly this is used for plants, as animals are far more difficult to manipulate, and magical creatures such as Fae even more so. It can be used to help encourage the growth of crops or flowers, and this is generally its primary usage, but when mastered it can also be used to heal or, rarely, harm others. Fae who use Corpor are known as Corporans. Corporans tend to be humble, friendly, and caring, though they can be fiery-tempered and become quite protective of those they love.
Anima
Anima magic is the manipulation of the mind or soul, and is mostly used for things such as emotional empathy or psychic communication. It is a very difficult form of magic to master, as it is extremely abstract, and even non-Anites can learn to shield their minds from the effects of Anima. When mastered, it can be used beneficially for things such as soothing enraged animals and people or communicating with someone who is unconscious or comatose. However, it can also be used for evil, such as mind-control and hypnosis. Those who use Anima are known as Anites. Anima is a rarer form of magic, and is generally regarded with caution and distrust by other types. Anima tend to be reserved, logical, and suspicious of others, possibly because they can generally sense their true feelings and motives from a young age. They generally find it difficult to form attachments or make friends due to the suspicion others have of them, as well as their ability to see through others.
Aevum
Aevum magic is the magic of time. It is the rarest type, and the most difficult to utilize effectively. Most Aevum users are unable to control their powers very well, and their abilities come in flashes, usually in the forms of visions or prophecies. However, skilled Aevus may be able to use divination to see events of the past as though they were there, or witness events far away. They usually are unable to scry future events with accuracy, but can sometimes give a general direction to their visions. Aevus often have feelings about what is about to happen, leading them to make the perfect decision at the right moment to avoid danger, win battles, or simply have something mundane turn out slightly more favorably. Those who use Aevum are known as Aevus, or augurs. Aevus are often highly spiritual and tend to have caring personalities and an eagerness to guide others. Their rare powers though can often make them arrogant, and Aevus have a nasty habit of being rather narcissistic.
The Realm of Faerie
Faerie is a large magical realm, filled with many places and creatures. However, I will mostly focus on the "capital" of sorts here, since that is where the roleplay takes place. The capital is known as the Garden, and it is here that the Fae Changelings will stay.
The Garden is a large area surrounded by a tall wall of stone and wood, within a valley deep in the mountains of Faerie. It is well protected by its geography, as well as by the warriors of the Winter Court. The Garden really is a large area of wild, open forests and meadows, perhaps ten square miles. In the center is what is known as the Courtyard. The Courtyard is a large, square building with an open Courtyard in the center. It is four stories tall, and there is a walkway around the interior of each floor, which overlooks the open courtyard below. Lining the halls of the top three floors are large rooms where Fae live, and at the very top of each side, as a fifth floor, is a large suite reserved for the King or Queen of each Court, should they decide to come stay at the Courtyard for a time. The rooms below it are designated for members of that Court, and it is up to the highest present member of that Court who gets what room. There is always at least one Duke or Duchess of each Court present at the Courtyard to keep the affairs of their Court in order while the King or Queen is not present. The north side is the Summer Wing, the east side is the Autumn Wing, the south is the Winter Wing, and the west is the Spring Wing. Each floor has twelve rooms.
Rooms are quite spacious, and each comes with a large four-poster bed, a dresser, a desk and chair, and a small washbasin, which is refilled with fresh water twice a day. One side is connected to the walkway at the interior side of the Courtyard with a wooden door, while the other side is open to the wilderness outside, though a heavy curtain can be pulled closed for privacy, darkness, or to block out the elements. Extra furniture and objects can, of course, be brought by individual, but like renting a place no changes should be made to the structure of the room, other than moving around furniture. There is a set of spiral stairs in each corner of the walkway leading to all four floors. However, the private quarters of the Kings and Queens can only be flown to.
The bottom floor is not residential, however, and instead has special rooms and areas needed for the functions of everyday life at the courtyard. The bottom floor of the Summer Wing consists of a kitchen, as well as a storeroom for food. The bottom floor of the Autumn Wing contains a library and a small study. The bottom floor of the Winter Wing contains a blacksmithing and carpentry workshop, in case anything needs to be made or repaired. The bottom floor of the Spring Wing contains a bathhouse.
The interior of the Courtyard is a large, open grassy area with a slightly raised stone platform in the center, and cobblestone paths leading up to it. A long stone dining table with stone benches along either side rests on top, for group celebrations and dinners. A wooden pole sits at each corner of the platform, so that a waterproof cloth roof can be pulled over the table if it rains.
Joining
True Fae
Name:
Age:
Gender:
Court:
Magic Type:
Rank/Occupation:
Relationships:
Appearance:
Personality:
History (Optional):
Other:
Fae Changelings
Human Name:
Fae Name:
Age:
Gender:
Magic Type:
Relationships:
Inverse:
Appearance:
Personality:
History (Optional):
Other:
Human Changelings
Human Name:
Fae Name:
Age:
Gender:
Powers (Optional):
Relationships:
Inverse:
Master:
Appearance:
Personality:
History (Optional):
Other: