The Freywold
"Aye, engines," the Blacksmith bestowed a smile upon Bran. "The block was the biggest challenge. Dwarves are always the answer. They don't like working with aluminum alloy but they'll cast anything for the right price. You have to provide the mold, o'course."
Government
Not much is currently known about who governs the Freywold, or Wold. There are a variety of creatures here, and all seem to have localized governments.
Not much is currently known about who governs the Freywold, or Wold. There are a variety of creatures here, and all seem to have localized governments.
Known Figures
Ogre
Knednar, Möf of Har'Keth Tribe
Rudu, Shaman of Har'Keth Tribe
Dwarf
Rodigan Hammersong the Younger, Chieftain of the Hammerfall Colony
Dragon
Varg, the Dragon-Litch.
Ogre
Knednar, Möf of Har'Keth Tribe
Rudu, Shaman of Har'Keth Tribe
Dwarf
Rodigan Hammersong the Younger, Chieftain of the Hammerfall Colony
Dragon
Varg, the Dragon-Litch.
The Fey
by Mincaldenteans
Once upon a time, Demens happened on Danu. It was magical, like two stray comets passing through a solar system! Sparks flew, sultry gazes were exchanged, and supernovas had never been brighter!
And what a damnable mistake that was!
Eons after that fateful day, Danu has not let it go! She’s still complaining to whomever that will hear her! Mind you, the story has changed (some say "warped", others say "twisted"...) according to whomever took account of it. Zeus said it was her fault for letting it happen in the first place (rocks and glass houses), while Amaterasu says Demens shouldn’t have even passed a parsec in her direction (right because immortals take baby steps traversing the cosmos). Needless to say, the debate still rages on, and really, what’s an immortal to do when the universe is keeping itself tidy for once? Fortunately, the Q Continuum is above such petty drivel and we conveniently make sure to be multiverses away from her in the event she comes knocking.
Anyway, Demens, that mangy scoundrel, took it upon himself to create a universe/dimension/splinter-multiverse (you're looking at me funny, but what do you know?) where his will is absolute; there, a relatively small world was tucked in its own proverbial corner, safe from the influences of everything but of his own choosing. He called it Gallimaufry. And when Demens created Galli, he… well, he borrowed something of Danu’s. She didn’t take kindly to it, but honestly, water over or under the bridge. It’s not like she really took notice of these particular brand of folk before and it’s not as if there isn’t a whole slew of the same versions in the multiverse. One would think she’d be actually grateful for one less pantheon to oversee (and between between you and me, she had this coming!). Sadly, that’s not the case, and while Demens can retreat back to his corner, the rest of us (save the Q) are stuck to her eternal whining, now with added gusto and seemingly new reason.
Entropy could do us all a favor...
So there it was! A pantheon of its own, settled on this hodgepodge planet with an equal number of other oddballs and loud personalities.
What did Demens take from her? What else, haven’t you been paying any attention?
He took the Fae of course!
Now, you may wonder: is it Fae/Fey, Fairy/Faerie, or Sidhe/Aos Sí? Truth be told, all of them and none of them. But for your sake reading this, we’ll say ‘Fae’. For the rest of the IC, a certain civet told me that it is what it is. Don’t blame me, dear reader, the terminology associated to them is primarily the fae’s fault and their general meddling with you humans throughout your species’ relative short existence. Granted, your mortals are laughably easy to fool, one shiny object and it’s suddenly irresistible not to peer your eyes away. True, we do it for entertainment, but given you could at least make it interesting would do wonders. Instead, we get the likes of Aristotle’s Virtues... Occam’s Razor... Beethoven's Ninth! How droll! How infinitesimally boring!
Now where was I?
Right! The fae!
In a nutshell, the fae are a fickle bunch of bloodthirsty lunatics complete with spectacular smiles and no small amount of allure. They divide themselves in certain cliques and colors so expect to encounter the Summer Court, the Winter Court, or the Wyld. You can pretty much hazard a guess what they each represent and you’d be right! And also equally wrong! How deliciously contradicting, isn’t it!?
Well, fear not, is why Q is here! Who else can cut it up in bite sized pieces for your digestion?
Moving on!
Being the sly, tricky bunch of dangerous beings, the fae are the type that would lift a finger to help you in your most desperate times and simultaneously enslave you to their will by accruing a debt. And a fae always collect. Heed my warning, reader, never bargain with a fae unless you have no choice; never consign yourself to more than what it being dealt; and be sure who you’re dealing with won’t try to twist your very words against you. The Fae cannot lie, just so you know. And in the event you would undoubtedly get ensnared to their bidding all I can say to you is: serves you right.
Now, most fae possess power in varying degrees depending on court or house, and position within. Immortal they may be, there are weaknesses one can exploit; iron and cold steel being one of them. You’ll have to discover the rest on your own. Can it kill them? Yes, but as with most things, the more powerful the opponent, the harder it is. They take on the visage that is most convenient to whomever is looking at them, whether beautiful or hideous is dependent on the fae one comes across. Illusion is a big thing among them, so be on your toes.
The region the Fae are located in is a generous portion of the Freywold which is shared with a myriad of other miscreants and partygoers (I see the Continuum didn't get an invite), and it is here that they twiddle their thumbs and contemplate their navels. Like I said before, they are divided into three districts (excuse me, "Courts"): Summer, Winter, and the Wyld.
The Summer Court is probably the most pleasant of the three realms. They pride themselves in representing or following these traits: Summer and Spring, Light and Life, Healing and Restoration, Courage and Honor, Passion and Purpose. This bunch, as a whole, are known as the Seelie, led by the honorable and just ruler, Nerys. No first names, no last, simply Nerys. Take care, dear reader, that should you fall into the realm of the Seelie, that you do not wander far and lost in the enjoyment their many gifts and splendors; they will keep you and you’d be none the wiser. And don't think those virtues they're huffing and puffing about are followed to the tee, they're as devious as their opposites. In keeping to their theme the Summer fae prefer the mountains and the woods.
A prime example would be the The House of Nerys
The Winter Court. is dark, cold, and blanketed by silence so loud it rings upon your ears. Their traits are bit more… nefarious, shall we say: Winter and Autumn, Darkness and Rebirth, Destruction and Ruin, Cunning and Deception, Fear and Manipulation. Swell bunch of people these folks are, and they are known as the Unseelie (or as those lumbering trolls would call them ‘Unseelie Castoffs’). The court is ruled by Maeve, a frightening beauty of few words and ruthless hand. Enter the Winter court at your risk, but let it not be said the Unseelie do not keep their word. True to their namesake, the Winter born prefer shrouded, bleak and ominous areas. Its Court is located exactly where Summer would be, just upside down... or right side up... don’t ask, I haven’t bothered.
Anyone unfortunate enough to enter its court will always find themselves in The Court of Maeve
Now that we’re past that dreary section, we have the Wyld! Ah, what to say about this place, full of random things and chaotic happenings! It exists between the two courts, keeping Faerie alive by its quiet and steady thrum of power. Visitors often find themselves here first, only to enter the Courts if they're lucky - or stupid - enough. While Summer and Winter represent the cycles tuned to the living and Faerie itself, the Wyld is what made Faerie possible. You can thank Danu for that bit of brilliance. Anyway, the Wyld remains leaderless, watched by both Queens and the rest of their ilk. Here, the Wyld is pure power, with the ability to create and destroy. It is this region that some folks -coughRESIDENTScough- entered and stole sheep right from under everyone’s noses! How cunning!
Back to topic, chaotic and random the Wyld may be, it is currently rather placid and pales in comparison to its true power. So when does the Wyld show its true magnificence? Do I have to spell everything out for you? When the veil between the realm of the living and the dead is at the thinnest, of course! That is when the Wyld is at its most dangerous. Once a year does the Mad King ride and the Hunt begins. A tidal wave of unbridled power with vicious hounds leading its charge and the laughing Mad King at its reigns: Hunt or be Hunted, those are your options. Rumor has it the old gods come out during this time, awake from their slumber to take part of the night's activity... to trick or treat...
As for the Mad King, not much is known of the fellow. Some say he was the once proud consort, Oberon; other say he was a fallen god banished for his misdeeds; while others believe it is the Wyld manifesting itself for the thrill of the Hunt. Good thing for you, it’s only once a year, and I highly suggest you lock your doors rather than invite the Mad King in for tea. Or do so, you’ll never know what can happen!
Some other notable (questionably active) older gods of the fae are rumored to be roaming the Wyld. Like the other who sleep off most of year, this merry band do not owe allegiance to anyone and not even the Queens themselves can command these beings. They are power beyond reckoning and to catch their attention is either very stupid, or well, very stupid. You decide. Those rumored to be seen in the Wyld are:
And thus concludes this very brief and incomplete explanation of the Fae. Now, you may think you’ve gained an edge to upping a Fae with devious plots and tricks, but I have to sincerely warn you…
Oh what do I care? A Q has more entertaining things to do then continuing to mull about your pretty attempts against these folk. But I promise, that whether you cry to your spectacular failure or scream to your deserving demise, I will be watching!
Toodles, and good luck!
[Q’s appearance is at the benevolence of Demens, or maybe he got tickled by the request to narrate, we will never know.]
Once upon a time, Demens happened on Danu. It was magical, like two stray comets passing through a solar system! Sparks flew, sultry gazes were exchanged, and supernovas had never been brighter!
And what a damnable mistake that was!
Eons after that fateful day, Danu has not let it go! She’s still complaining to whomever that will hear her! Mind you, the story has changed (some say "warped", others say "twisted"...) according to whomever took account of it. Zeus said it was her fault for letting it happen in the first place (rocks and glass houses), while Amaterasu says Demens shouldn’t have even passed a parsec in her direction (right because immortals take baby steps traversing the cosmos). Needless to say, the debate still rages on, and really, what’s an immortal to do when the universe is keeping itself tidy for once? Fortunately, the Q Continuum is above such petty drivel and we conveniently make sure to be multiverses away from her in the event she comes knocking.
Anyway, Demens, that mangy scoundrel, took it upon himself to create a universe/dimension/splinter-multiverse (you're looking at me funny, but what do you know?) where his will is absolute; there, a relatively small world was tucked in its own proverbial corner, safe from the influences of everything but of his own choosing. He called it Gallimaufry. And when Demens created Galli, he… well, he borrowed something of Danu’s. She didn’t take kindly to it, but honestly, water over or under the bridge. It’s not like she really took notice of these particular brand of folk before and it’s not as if there isn’t a whole slew of the same versions in the multiverse. One would think she’d be actually grateful for one less pantheon to oversee (and between between you and me, she had this coming!). Sadly, that’s not the case, and while Demens can retreat back to his corner, the rest of us (save the Q) are stuck to her eternal whining, now with added gusto and seemingly new reason.
Entropy could do us all a favor...
So there it was! A pantheon of its own, settled on this hodgepodge planet with an equal number of other oddballs and loud personalities.
What did Demens take from her? What else, haven’t you been paying any attention?
He took the Fae of course!
Now, you may wonder: is it Fae/Fey, Fairy/Faerie, or Sidhe/Aos Sí? Truth be told, all of them and none of them. But for your sake reading this, we’ll say ‘Fae’. For the rest of the IC, a certain civet told me that it is what it is. Don’t blame me, dear reader, the terminology associated to them is primarily the fae’s fault and their general meddling with you humans throughout your species’ relative short existence. Granted, your mortals are laughably easy to fool, one shiny object and it’s suddenly irresistible not to peer your eyes away. True, we do it for entertainment, but given you could at least make it interesting would do wonders. Instead, we get the likes of Aristotle’s Virtues... Occam’s Razor... Beethoven's Ninth! How droll! How infinitesimally boring!
Now where was I?
Right! The fae!
In a nutshell, the fae are a fickle bunch of bloodthirsty lunatics complete with spectacular smiles and no small amount of allure. They divide themselves in certain cliques and colors so expect to encounter the Summer Court, the Winter Court, or the Wyld. You can pretty much hazard a guess what they each represent and you’d be right! And also equally wrong! How deliciously contradicting, isn’t it!?
Well, fear not, is why Q is here! Who else can cut it up in bite sized pieces for your digestion?
Moving on!
Being the sly, tricky bunch of dangerous beings, the fae are the type that would lift a finger to help you in your most desperate times and simultaneously enslave you to their will by accruing a debt. And a fae always collect. Heed my warning, reader, never bargain with a fae unless you have no choice; never consign yourself to more than what it being dealt; and be sure who you’re dealing with won’t try to twist your very words against you. The Fae cannot lie, just so you know. And in the event you would undoubtedly get ensnared to their bidding all I can say to you is: serves you right.
Now, most fae possess power in varying degrees depending on court or house, and position within. Immortal they may be, there are weaknesses one can exploit; iron and cold steel being one of them. You’ll have to discover the rest on your own. Can it kill them? Yes, but as with most things, the more powerful the opponent, the harder it is. They take on the visage that is most convenient to whomever is looking at them, whether beautiful or hideous is dependent on the fae one comes across. Illusion is a big thing among them, so be on your toes.
The region the Fae are located in is a generous portion of the Freywold which is shared with a myriad of other miscreants and partygoers (I see the Continuum didn't get an invite), and it is here that they twiddle their thumbs and contemplate their navels. Like I said before, they are divided into three districts (excuse me, "Courts"): Summer, Winter, and the Wyld.
The Summer Court is probably the most pleasant of the three realms. They pride themselves in representing or following these traits: Summer and Spring, Light and Life, Healing and Restoration, Courage and Honor, Passion and Purpose. This bunch, as a whole, are known as the Seelie, led by the honorable and just ruler, Nerys. No first names, no last, simply Nerys. Take care, dear reader, that should you fall into the realm of the Seelie, that you do not wander far and lost in the enjoyment their many gifts and splendors; they will keep you and you’d be none the wiser. And don't think those virtues they're huffing and puffing about are followed to the tee, they're as devious as their opposites. In keeping to their theme the Summer fae prefer the mountains and the woods.
A prime example would be the The House of Nerys
The Winter Court. is dark, cold, and blanketed by silence so loud it rings upon your ears. Their traits are bit more… nefarious, shall we say: Winter and Autumn, Darkness and Rebirth, Destruction and Ruin, Cunning and Deception, Fear and Manipulation. Swell bunch of people these folks are, and they are known as the Unseelie (or as those lumbering trolls would call them ‘Unseelie Castoffs’). The court is ruled by Maeve, a frightening beauty of few words and ruthless hand. Enter the Winter court at your risk, but let it not be said the Unseelie do not keep their word. True to their namesake, the Winter born prefer shrouded, bleak and ominous areas. Its Court is located exactly where Summer would be, just upside down... or right side up... don’t ask, I haven’t bothered.
Anyone unfortunate enough to enter its court will always find themselves in The Court of Maeve
Now that we’re past that dreary section, we have the Wyld! Ah, what to say about this place, full of random things and chaotic happenings! It exists between the two courts, keeping Faerie alive by its quiet and steady thrum of power. Visitors often find themselves here first, only to enter the Courts if they're lucky - or stupid - enough. While Summer and Winter represent the cycles tuned to the living and Faerie itself, the Wyld is what made Faerie possible. You can thank Danu for that bit of brilliance. Anyway, the Wyld remains leaderless, watched by both Queens and the rest of their ilk. Here, the Wyld is pure power, with the ability to create and destroy. It is this region that some folks -coughRESIDENTScough- entered and stole sheep right from under everyone’s noses! How cunning!
Back to topic, chaotic and random the Wyld may be, it is currently rather placid and pales in comparison to its true power. So when does the Wyld show its true magnificence? Do I have to spell everything out for you? When the veil between the realm of the living and the dead is at the thinnest, of course! That is when the Wyld is at its most dangerous. Once a year does the Mad King ride and the Hunt begins. A tidal wave of unbridled power with vicious hounds leading its charge and the laughing Mad King at its reigns: Hunt or be Hunted, those are your options. Rumor has it the old gods come out during this time, awake from their slumber to take part of the night's activity... to trick or treat...
As for the Mad King, not much is known of the fellow. Some say he was the once proud consort, Oberon; other say he was a fallen god banished for his misdeeds; while others believe it is the Wyld manifesting itself for the thrill of the Hunt. Good thing for you, it’s only once a year, and I highly suggest you lock your doors rather than invite the Mad King in for tea. Or do so, you’ll never know what can happen!
Some other notable (questionably active) older gods of the fae are rumored to be roaming the Wyld. Like the other who sleep off most of year, this merry band do not owe allegiance to anyone and not even the Queens themselves can command these beings. They are power beyond reckoning and to catch their attention is either very stupid, or well, very stupid. You decide. Those rumored to be seen in the Wyld are:
- Emmantiensien: Is a big, hulking, slow and unsurprisingly, the god of Trees. Oh, and I suppose also the god of the Deep and Hidden Magics. In olden times, he was associated with Summer. To give this lumbering pile of oak some credit, he’s exceptionally kind and gentle. Be nice or else.
- Eachtighern: a unicorn with wings. The Lord of Horses. Past the prancing, obvious vanity, and galloping in narcissistic fashion to anyone that will take notice, it also happens to be the God of Healing, Protection, and Loyalty. Ironic, I suppose, that the Horse Lord swears fealty to no one, preferring to be independent.
- Nathair Sgiathach: A winged serpent-dragon or winged-seahorse (or not)... thingy... and personally my favorite kind in this lot! A God of Mischief and Pranks! This delightful being loves a good Illusion and stops at nothing for a good laugh. Careful though that the prank doesn’t leave you insane, or turn deadly unto you. A messenger of sorts, there’s always something to be taken away from Nathair’s schemes. Should prove exciting, wouldn't you agree!
- Manannán mac Lir: Oh this old buzzard. The old god of the Sea and a ferryman for those passing beyond. Manannán is said to be the most neutral in the pantheon, although rumor has it he harbors a grudge against the Seelie court. He’s pretty boring, if I say so myself, but I suppose playing taxi to the dead would do that to a god.
- Crom Cruach: This curmudgeony fellow is the old god of Slaughter, Blood and Warfare. Not much to be said about him, although I do know of certain Red Caps that dedicate themselves to the broody guy. There was some rumor of sacrifice in exchange for milk and grain, suggesting he was also a fertility god.
And thus concludes this very brief and incomplete explanation of the Fae. Now, you may think you’ve gained an edge to upping a Fae with devious plots and tricks, but I have to sincerely warn you…
Oh what do I care? A Q has more entertaining things to do then continuing to mull about your pretty attempts against these folk. But I promise, that whether you cry to your spectacular failure or scream to your deserving demise, I will be watching!
Toodles, and good luck!
[Q’s appearance is at the benevolence of Demens, or maybe he got tickled by the request to narrate, we will never know.]