God Name:
The Oakborn
Title:
Deity of Nature and Fate, the Watcher of the World
Gender:
Genderless, but its different faces come as male, female, and sometimes something in between.
Alignment:
True Neutral (Varies among the Faces)
God Appearance:
The true form of the Oakborn is that of a lifeless husk, withered and mangled within a mass of twisted tree roots. Rotting black robes have melded into its pale decaying flesh and thin white hair flows from several patches on its scalp to the floor. A tangled vine creeps through one of its eye sockets and around its neck, while its other eye is eternally open and pulsing with red light. A crown of branches with auburn leaves breaches from the top of its head.
Although this is the true body of the Oakborn, it is hidden in the roots of the Great Oak and is rarely seen, even by gods. Instead, the god manifests itself in countless forms called the Faces of the Oakborn. The most frequently seen is a kindly old woman called Grandmother. Other Faces includethe Stag, the Beast, the Trickster, and the Raven.
Personality:
The Oakborn was once a proud and powerful deity and the vigilant Watcher of the World. It would sit at the roots at the Great Oak and would watch over the natural world and threads of fate. It was a trusted councilor and a respected god that all could come to for wisdom in times of need. However, much has changed. When the mortal realm was still young, it sat at the roots of the Great Oak and saw the fate of Pandeum. What it witnessed was so terrible that its mind was shattered and each fragment of its soul became a separate entity, what is now known as a Face of the Oakborn. Each represents an aspect of the Oakborn and, to an extent, an aspect of its realms. There are generally kind and benevolent Faces such as the Green Woman who is known to lead lost children through the forest and grant wishes to those who bring her cream. But then there are other who thrive off of negativity and pain. The most infamous of these malevolent entities is the Beast, a predatory being that stalks the Enchanted Forest, devouring anything it comes across, even other Faces of the Oakborn. It is these differences that often lead to conflict between the Faces and to conflict between their followers. Despite these differences, one should never forget that all these entities come from the same divine source. Whether good or evil, they all have an interest in the mortal world and its workings. Some seek to only watch, other are active participants, but all of them have a love and respect for the natural world. Another interesting fact is that all Faces of the Oakborn have a love for games and wagers and many mortals have entered into these bets.
The most powerful and respected Face of the Oakborn is an entity affectionately known as Grandmother. She possesses the Oakborn's wisdom and diplomatic skills which serve her well as an emissary between the Faces and the other gods. Mortals, fairies, and deities alike come to her for counsel and all who approach her receive a warm smile and kind words. She exudes an understanding and nonjudgmental air that makes her incredibly easy to talk to. Despite this, Grandmother is not some fragile biddy. She fought fiercely alongside the Archaic Gods during the Great Rebellion and even managed to slay several Faces who sided with the Young Pantheon. Although she has not picked up her club in a millennium, she is still a force to be reckoned with. She may not be as powerful as the other gods, but she certainly doesn't let that prevent her from speaking her mind. She's outspoken and blunt when the situation calls for it and she is quite known for giving verbal lashings to any god that has earned her wrath.
Opinion of mortals:
"They are so complex, much like this world. Full of beauty and savagery, love and violence. Some of us are disgusted by them, some of us have some odd affection for their fragile hearts, but we can all agree that they are fascinating.
Godâs Domain:
While not in the Enchanted Forest, the Faces reside in the Other Place. This world is an endless realm of lush foliage, humid deserts, and frozen tundra. Fairy lights illuminate this realm, especially around this world's version of the Great Oak. This massive tree is hollow on the inside and appears much like a grand palace when entered. This is where the Faces meet to discuss and debate what to do with their territory and their realms.
Avatar Name:
Aros the Summer King, Ruler of Grimmshire and High Prince of the Unseelie Court.
Personality:
Aros has never been the type of prince to slay beasts and save princesses. He is far more comfortable gossiping among the servants than on the battlefield with a sword in hand. He is refined and charismatic, equipped with a sharp wit and a charming smile. Like his estranged mother, he is careful and meticulous, never one to take chances if it can be helped and always prepared to cut his losses. Aros is extremely clever and talented in the art of manipulation. With a few sweet words and a heart melting smirk, no doors are closed and no secrets safe from the Summer King. Despite his trickster-like tenancies, Aros truly is a kind person at his core that struggles between his duty to his father's kingdom and his responsibility as the Oakborn's avatar.
Magic Abilities:
Chosen by the Stag and the child of a fairy queen, Aros a skilled magician with ancient magic in his blood. Like his fairy brethren, he specializes in enchantments and illusions that enhance his natural charisma and charm. Although he is still a novice in elemental magic, he shows much potential and it is believed he could one day become a force of nature. Aros is also a skilled shape shifter and can change his form into that of another person or animal.
In addition to his natural magic, he also possesses four Charms gifted to him by the Kings of the Wild:
The Spring Charm: This charm was gifted from the Green Woman and manifested as a tattoo on his back. Aros heals faster and casts more potent spells when surrounded by plants and nature.
The Summer Charm: A gift from the Stag, this charm manifests as the beauty mark on his cheek and the golden flecks of dust that swirl around him. This charm is a supernatural charisma that allows him to befriend people and animals with ease.
The Autumn Charm: A gift from the Raven, this charm tilts fate in his favor, granting Aros extremely good luck. Although it is a powerful tool, the Autumn Charm can be as fickle as the Raven herself and does not always come to Aros' aid in times of need. This charm manifests as a golden coin.
The Winter Charm: A gift from the Winter King, this charm is one of Aros' only true weapons. Although it channels and strengthens his magic like any wand, he has not unlocked it's true potential.
Hero(es):
Moira Goldencrest
Rank/Reason:
Fairy Oracle of the South and Advisor to the King
Personality:
Thoughtful, compassionate, and vigilant, Moira has watched over Aros since his birth. As he has grown under her eye, she has tutored him in fairy magic, combat, and history. Her prophecies claim that Aros will unite the Fair Folk and end the violence between the courts.
Hero(es):
Lady Meranda and Lord Cahin
Rank/Reason:
Spymasters and Advisors to the King
Personality:
Although she may appear polite and docile, Lady Meranda is not to be underestimated. She is a talented mage and her many familiars wander around the kingdom with their eyes open and their ears to the ground, watching for any information the could be of use to their lady. Although she keeps her secrets close and has ties to the criminal underworld, she is incredibly loyal to her king. Although brightly colored, her brother, Lord Cahin, often sticks to the shadows and makes himself known to only his most trusted allies.
Hero(es):
Maeve Blackward, High Queen of the Unseelie Court
Rank/Reason:
High Queen of the Unseelie Court and Mother of King Aros
Personality:
Bitter and distant, Queen Maeve has forgotten what it means to feel whole. When she was banished by her mother, the Seelie Queen Freya, all happiness was lost to her. She looked for it in the outside world and a human king, but still it eluded her. She could not even find it in the love she had for her mad daughters, Panic and Spite, or Aros, the son she left behind. This wicked queen conquered the Unseelie Court and now all of Pandeum is in her sights. She is a skilled strategist and feared foe, as her ruthless and cruel ways are known to all in the fairy kingdom. To assist in her efforts, her lover Dullahan Ashentongue acts as the Commander of her Unseelie Knights:
~Syrena Lastbreath
~Chirona Slaughtersteed
~Eban Lordkiller
~The Grassman
~Monta Stonemother
~The Doll
Hero(es):
Panic and Spite
Rank/Reason:
High Princesses of the Unseelie Court, Daughters of Queen Maeve, and Half-Sisters of King Aros
Personality:
The crazed daughters of the Unseelie Queen, Panic and Spite leave confusion and chaos in their wake. They have little regard for mortal lives and often take pleasure in causing pain. Despite this, the sisters do have a fondness for children and would avoid causing them physical injury. Their parents, however, are a different story. Although neither sibling can be considered well adjusted, it is well known that Panic is far more unhinged than her changeling sister. Spite often acts as the voice of reason and flawed logic of the pair.
Hero(es):
Freya Eldertree
Rank/Reason:
High Queen of the Seelie Court, Commander of the Seelie Knights, and Grandmother of King Aros.
Personality:
Ancient and powerful, Queen Freya has reigned over the Enchanted Forest for centuries. She has come to represent traditions of the Fair Folk and a sense of order in a turbulent world. Many years ago, Freya brought peace to the fairy courts and was hailed as a hero. She valued this peace so much that she banished her own daughter when she threatened it. Now, the peace she fought so hard for has dissipated and war is on the horizon. This time, Freya is ready to hear its call, assisted by the captains of her Seelie Knights:
~Serraph Onehorn
~Katrina Bloodhair
~Robyn Halfblood
~Frigg Littlewing
~Aresia Thornmother
~Clack the Big Man
~Loren Trollbane
Hero(es):
Mab Fordwater, Oracle of the West
Sedna the Wise, Oracle of the North
Herne Greenscale, Oracle of the East
Rank/Reason:
The Fairy Oracles
Personality:
Chosen by the Kings of the Wild, the Fairy Oracles are spiritual leaders and bridges between the Faces and the Fair Folk. They are gifted with powerful divination magic and premonitions of the future.
Terrain Preference:
Typically forests or other rural areas, but fairies can adapt to nearly any climate.
Name of Kingdom/Empire:
The Fairy Courts, the Fair Folk, the Fae
Capital:
The Enchanted Forest / The Dark Forest ~ The Enchanted Forest, also known as the Dark Forest, is an immense wooded area located around the Great Oak. It is believed that because of its proximity to the sacred tree and the true body of the Oakborn, the area is imbued with powerful magic. This is what causes the forest to be filled with rare magical plants, fantastical creatures, and powerful fairies.
Major Sites:
The Great Oak ~ The most sacred site to the Fae Folk, Seelie and Unseelie alike come here to worship all the Faces of the Oakborn and pray in times of need. They believe that the roots of this sacred tree tie all of creation together and that should it fall, the entire universe would fall apart at the seams. This tree is also believed to provide all Fae with their magic and the Enchanted Forest with its life.
Grandmother's House ~ A small cozy cottage built at the base of the Great Oak, this is where Grandmother can often be found. This is where she gives counsel and grants favors to those who have made her proud. This home also serves as neutral ground for the leaders of the Courts to meet and discuss terms.
The Garden of Lights ~ A clearing in the woods filled with strange and exotic flowers and foliage. Fairy lights dance in the air around and portals to the Seelie Court are hidden within rings of toadstool.
The Dark Wood ~ A portion of the Forest filled with rotting dead trees and containing dangerous swamps. It is said that Unseelie Court hides their portals at the bottom of the swamp and many have drowned trying to find it.
The Pool of Tears ~ Another sacred site, this body of water is thought to be the place where the Oakborn's tears landed and gave life to the first fairies. Although many dangerous creatures live in its depths, the waters of this pool have magical healing properties.
Society:
[People]
It is said that when the Oakborn's mind shattered, it began to weep. From its tears came the first fairies, with the Seelie rising from its right eye and the Unseelie from the left. Fairies are a rare and fascinating race that come in many forms and many subraces. The common fairy is a humanoid with long pointed ears and a delicate frame and features. They are considered one of the most enchanting races and are often described as terribly beautiful, often possessing features considered odd or unsettling by other races. These attributes can be anything from abnormally large eyes and sharp teeth to wings, horns, and patches of foliage growing on their skin. They are a extremely long lived, some being nearly as old as the Young Gods, and their birth rates are extremely low. This is believed to be one of the reasons that they have a fascination with the children of other races, often taking special interest in those that stray too close to the forests where they dwell. The Seelie often take these children to be honored guests at their many feasts, festivals, and celebrations, but these visits often last much longer than expected. There are many cases where the child leaves for what seems like an hour and emerges years later. Acts such as this cause many to distrust the Fair Folk in general and believe that all of them are malevolent in nature, when, in truth, most fairies simply struggle to understand the harm they are capable of. As fairies age, they often lose the concept of empathy and feel emotions in a much more shallow way. Things such as love, loss, and pain become small matters, especially when it concerns the lives of short lived and fragile creatures such as humans. For many of the Fae, life has become tedious and droll and they look for entertainment wherever it may be. It is common for fairies to fill their emotional voids with sex, feasts, and countless games, deals, and wagers. However, this rarely fills beyond a short time. This is what causes most fairies to meddle in the affairs of other races, causing situations to become better or worse depending on their mood. Fairies often take lovers from other races and the children produced from these unions are called Changelings.
Fairies are a very mystical race and it is extremely uncommon to find one that doesn't heavily rely on the arcane arts. Their bodies are much more delicate than those of heartier races and should their magic be disrupted or dispelled, they will be extremely vulnerable. They are also highly allergic to iron and contact with it will cause their skin to burn. Simply being around a high level of the metal will irritate their skin and eyes. They also have a strange fondness for milk and cream, both of which have an intoxicating effect on them.
[Economy]
Fairies are traders, but not in the typical sense of the word. Their courts and the natural world around them provide them with anything they physically need such as shelter or food, but beyond that, each fairy must fend for themselves. If a fairy wants an item, service, favor, or piece of knowledge an exchange is customary. These deals are often sealed with a Shee Feerinyeh, more commonly known as a Fairy's Truth. This is a common ritual that binds a fairy to the words of their agreement, however fairies are notorious for finding loopholes that allow them to fulfill the contract without fully fulfilling their side of the deal. However, other races still come to the fairies to have their wishes granted and to purpose deals, convinced that they can outsmart this ancient and clever race.
[Politics]
The Courts ~ There are many factions of fairies throughout Pandeum, but they are often called to serve one of two great fairy courts; the Seelie and the Unseelie. Although there are many differences between the courts, they are truly separate by their approach of the outside world. The Seelie tend to more curious of the outside world and are considered more benevolent by the other races, although they are still mischievous and temperamental. The Unseelie, at their best, are vaguely interested in or indifferent towards outside world. At their worst, they can be extremely cruel. Over the millenniums, these proud houses have warred time and time again, only for Grandmother and the other Faces to intervene at the last possible moment. Each court is ruled by a High Queen with lower monarchs, ladies, and lords to supply her with resources.
High Queens ~ The High Queens have absolute authority over their courts and are able to command their subjects to do anything they please, however, most have avoided this totalitarian approach for fear of being overthrownAny creature of the Enchanted Forest may challenge the High Queen for her throne through use of the Shee Gaell or Fairy's Wager. They may challenge the queen to games of wits, luck, or magical combat. If the queen loses the wager, she must vacate her throne and relinquish all power to her successor.
The Fair Folk are matriarchal in nature, with fertility and femininity representing power. Because of this, High Queens and other fairy women in power tend to keep a large amount of lovers to ensure at least one or two pregnancies in their long lives. There has only been two High Kings in fairy history.
Lower Monarchs, Ladies, and Lords ~ These more direct leaders of the Fair Folk rule over fairy provinces and factions throughout Pandeum. They generally take a more active role in the lives of their subjects than the High Queens and possess a majority of the resources that the High Queen depends on. Although their queen can ultimately demand anything of them, tradition allows a Fairy Lord or Lady to withdraw their support whenever they like.
Fairy Oracles ~ Each chosen by a King of the Wild, the Oracles are the respected and revered spiritual leaders of their communities. Their abilities of divination and premonitions serve any who seek them, although payment will always be demanded.
Fairies are often left by their leaders to do as they please and their rules are rarely enforced. The only laws in place are to prevent more war from breaking out between the courts and the various factions under them.
Name of Kingdom/Empire:
The Kingdom of Grimmshire
Society:
[People]
Although a predominately human society, the small kingdom of Grimmshire is known to be extremely open and accepting of outsiders. They are fairly diverse with people of nearly every race and ethnicity within Pandeum. Despite this, the people of Grimmshire are wary of the Fair Folk, as the two societies have a long and complicated history. Despite not having laws discriminating against or limiting the rights of Changelings, they are often distrusted by the people of Grimmshire.
[Economy]
Grimmshire is located on the edge of the Enchanted Forest and also near a number of mines rich with precious metals and stones. Because of this, many jewelers and metal workers travel far and wide to study under the master smiths and lapidaries of Grimmshire. Besides their jewels and metal workings, this kingdom is also famous for its expeditions into the Enchanted Forest, from which it obtains many rare and magical materials for trade.
[Politics]
Grimmshire is currently ruled by Aros the Summer King, the changeling bastard of the late King Icarus and the Fairy Queen Maeve, with assistance from a council of advisors. There is resistance from a vocal few who detest a changeling king and the growing fairy prescience following him into the kingdom.
Other:
Very few Faces of the Oakborn have any true power. The Oakborn's duties have been picked up by Grandmother and the Kings of the Wild, the four most powerful Faces. The rule over the forest and power over the Oakborn's realms passes between the four kings with the changing of the seasons.
The Green Woman rules during the spring. The Green Woman is considered the kindest of the Kings and most flourish under her rule. She is considered the mother of the Enchanted Forest and will never turn away a creature in need. However, her wrath should be avoided at all costs.
The Stag rules during the summer. This King is characterized by a love of parties and by his palpable sensuality. He can often be found drinking, dancing, fighting, or seducing mortals. He is known for his prideful and larger than life personality.
The Raven rules during the fall. A clever godling, the Raven is fond of trickery and games of wits. She can often be found tinkering with the affairs of others or simply watching mortals with intense fascination.
The Snow King rules during the winter. The Snow King is disinterested in most things and spends most of his rule locked away in his frozen castle. On his rare outings, his stoic and cold demeanor is considered frightening.
