This is all I have to offer for now. I assure you that much more lurks beyond. There is much yet that they fair folk would prefer to presently keep hidden. Is there something worse than a nightmare conspiracy, cross planar war or the elimination of countless lives? Hard to say. The fey will remain an eternal enigma to even most planars.
Author’s Note: Special thanks to King Corn and ripvanwormer of thepiazzaforums for some incredible ideas! Anyway, that’s it for me in terms of fey politics, intrigue and factions. Additional thanks to everyone who participated in the January 2022 RPG Blog Carnival! More after the jump.
Seelie, Unseelie, Four Seasons and a few minor houses. There is more from there. And by all means, all of them scheme and dream. All of them seek to triumph over the rest. And worst of all, to see one of them fully succeed would spell the end of the fey. Even those devout to Rhiannon would bring about their queen’s deepest fear. In the end, the politics and ways of these creatures are too alien to fully understand. How would they avoid absolute destruction? How would they rebuild? It would take a lot of speculation to imagine how pieces would be picked up by such truly unique creatures. But, a mix of Real Speak and Chant alike has been formulated into some well crafted notes. So, by all means read ahead and dare to discover how much of it is actual truth. Normally, I strive for truly gripping information that holds the tests of scrutiny. But, for cabals and corridors this deep, such endeavors are impossible. Perhaps I have been mislead by rivals? It is the fey way, after all.
Author’s Note: The last of them, at least for now. These remaining sects, like the three before, hold less overall political power and tend to be less centralized. However, most of them are some level of crazy, even by fey standards. Also, huge shout-out to The Piazza forums. Their ideas helped really bring this to life.
Your journey went as well as ours? Good, good. At the very least, you have gained a larger understanding of the mainstream political groups that dwell within the so-called Good Kingdom, Wyld Realms and many other a name. Regardless of what they courts may call themselves in that moment, they still hold sway and much command. Do not let their chaotic forces fool you, those who fully oppose them can for the moment unite in near legion. That Narrator is certainly not welcome within their grounds, letters within Sigil have made that clear. Though, I’m not sure that this mysterious figure is as insensitive or cruel as many make them out to be. That’s a matter that shall be discussed later. In the meantime, let us form a lecture around more looks into the fey. For the time being, we shall continue to look at the major power groups found within their realms, who they cooperate with and how they maintain a very tenuous cease fire. After all, tales of the epic sylvan war resulted in no winners and no conclusion. Fully realized organizations and groupings came from the schism. But in the end, none came to a common consensus or attempted to reconcile in full.
What has been stated before covers the 4 primary courts of the seasons within the Deep Ethereal pockets belonging to the Fair Folk. Many fey exist beyond the bickering of four seasons. Once one leaves the Ethereal and reaches for the Outer Planes, they may witness conflict over two distinct “newer” courts. The two so-called “traitor courts”, as they are called by the traditional fey of the Ethereal, act within Upper and Lower Planes. They are the Seelie and Unseelie respectively. For the Seelie, they are often found in Arborea, but not always. Likewise, the Unseelie typically dwell within the most wicked pits of Pandemonium. But, who are they? Likewise, the Seasonal Courts aren’t alone in the Ethereal. There are those who are not aligned with mainstream fey politics? Why certainly! There are tales of outsider societies as well as religious sects dedicated to ancient ways, ancient even by sylvan standards. From obnoxious rebels to the fey equivalent to heretics, many divisions and groups have formed.
Author’s Note: Part 2 of my look at fey factions, politics and the like. As I’ve said before, spirit type creatures needed more umph for the Planescape setting. So, this is my way of accomplishing that. So, let’s look at Upper Planes, Lower Planes, outsider societies and cults. By all means, most of this is supplementary (and some minor degree of altering) to what has been written about Seelie and Unseelie via the Monstrous Mythologies as well as Planes of Chaos and Planes of Conflict. In terms of outsiders and cults, that’ll need another post too. Stay tuned for that! This does not cover everything in detail, much like with part one. Consider looking under this link for much more.
Ah, here we are again! The Civic Festhall! Some time ago, I was here to deliver my information on the fair folk, after a wondrous trip to Ecstasy. Since then, I have been criticized and lambasted with an incomplete or biased take, especially by the mysterious Narrator. After all, focusing on such matters can deeply upset the fey. And that can cost one an eye *tap*… or even your entire being. Just look at me, I’m a one-eyed cat man now. But, I am not here to defame or bring attention to various characters. Likewise, my own association to a bookshop should not paint any bias either. Let us speak on more joyous occasions, the realms of knowledge. And specifically, let us study more on society and politics of the fey. For you see, they are far more complicated and organized than we could initially fathom.
I speak of the faerie kind that span the many planes. We know to some degree what they are, but how do they operate? What can we learn from their daily directions and general politics? Let us dive a little further into their own planes, as well as their own takes on our fair City of Doors. I shall await all to seat and properly get comfortable. I assure you that once I start my lecture, I shall continue through conclusion.
Author’s Note: The ways of the fey! Why not? I keep coming back to this topic one way or another, so let’s go! At this rate, I may as well be making my own fey content for a new setting. Also, it happens to coincide with the January 2022 RPG Blog Carnival! Should you be interested, please jump on board. Also, if you’re curious about my writing process, let this video explain it for you. Also, accompanying each part is some artwork from DiTerlizzi. This is mostly because I love his style and it’s perfect for this, considering he did artwork for Planescape, Spiderwick, Changeling and more.
“So, what you’re trying to tell me is that you’re not an elf?”
-“No, sir.”
“And this isn’t the North Pole?”
-“It could be!”
“So… Sargent, have you been trying to mess with my goddamn mind this whole time?”
*”I’m in the fog as much as you are, Major! This ain’t Earth, it’s aliens. Roswell and all! Aliens!”
“Get a grip of yourself. This, err, non-elf can help us. Now, isn’t that right?”
Author’s Note: Two instances of New Jersey in the multiverse. Why? Because it ain’t as bad as everyone likes to say! Also, it’s a little smaller this time. Look out for next time, it’s a big one!
Oh, so you’re in need of a tout? Yeah, I could do that. What’re in the need for, chummer? You gave the jink tip, so I’m all bone box gab. Juggling Monk Way holds the chant on good eats and bub, little cost. You gots yourself 3 different taverns, all good options. What’s next, yes? Oh, Easy workin’s. Aye. You can help patrol against Cranium Rats. Yeah, office right down where I’m pointing. There’s also the labor yard, a bit more north in the Hive here. They need bashers to haul bunches o’ junk, probably for trade. But, real thrills? Follow me down this burned alley, I gots something that’s a real once in a lifetime treat! Promise ya that! Haha.
Author’s Note: Continued influence from Eberron, the High Society and the near-end of the Antorek metaplots. And just below, things deep in UnderSigil. I know I brought that blasted mad dragon and his fey helpers back, but this is what happens when you port Mutant Plants and Mutant Animals from Gamma World into AD&D… among other things from Gamma World. The Bathysphere is from that too, as well as some planar weirdness. More is on the way, as things have been split up once again.
All of you look so shocked. Why? You see something out of place in this bookstore? Ah, yes. You see, Boskov have new task! Offering you many pieces of lore, some from bardic employer! No feelings of animosity towards him, he only does what he always does. But fear not, Boskov has been given permission to share secrets to keep one safe. Excerpts from books, yes, you shall have them. Boskov offers tales of the Astral and of the Fair Folk, remember the Fair Folk?
Author’s Note: Once again, things were cut… so long ago! Here are some things involving the fey that weren’t included before. Needless to say, I think I’ve done enough fey stuff for a while. Time for other things! And once again, huge salute and thanks to Mr. Welch for helping to push the fey into something even cooler. If you haven’t already, please subscribe to his channel on YouTube. Likewise, the Astral Plane really needs more love. So with that, another instance of plane-stranded Athasians and some other curiosities of the astral. So, this one is about 1/2 Fey, 1/2 Astral. Also, stick around for a reference to a fun episode of the D&D cartoon. Enjoy.
Behold, notes on the faerie kind! Yes, Ramon DeLeon did much in the ways of researching these fine folk, but there is still more to unveil. So, let me show you some notes from the planar guild. After all, you’re paying, so who am I to say ‘no’? Just remember that some information might be dangerous to know, but I respect an inquisitive and curious mind.
So, where to begin? The divisions of the Wyld Faerie lands have been covered, the politics of the Seelie and Unseelie, a tenuous truce that would risk all fae should it be broken? All of these have been covered, you desire something different. I can’t guarantee that overlap will not happen, but I’ll try my best. Let us journey forward, back into the Deep Ethereal and into the pocket dimensions of the sylvan kind. And from there, brief treks to both Seelie and Unseelie Courts.
Author’s Note: This somehow evolved into its own post! This was supposed to be part of the previous one, but it was quickly getting too long. Also, I found myself coming up with more and more ideas. In addition, sampling bits from the fey wild articles for dragon magazine. Special thanks to Matt Sernett and Will Doyle there. So, that’s why similar names show up. But hey, this is the planescape version. Also, have some callbacks to earlier ideas as well. Likewise, I sneak in a few more Spelljammer references, though I have yet to focus on Spelljammer.
“Of course, I have more notes. It’s the least I can do for your glorious donations to our information treasury. Of course, these are copies. The originals reside with my master, or at least his own private resources. Enjoy what I have to offer and don’t hesitate to ask questions. But, be careful what you ask.” The scribe continues to pour through his acquisitions, before giving a satisfied nod and granting you access to another set of information. “This begs the question, since you’ve done so much for our fair liege, surely you have shown interest in recruitment? He has sensed the future and knows one thing for certain… Doom awaits. Only his land and his hand can protect you. But first, the Blighted city must be dealt with. This “Death” is only an obstacle for greater victory.”
Author’s Note: A look at more aspects of the Demiplane of Dread. I never got around to this originally, as my focus was on the journey to Darkon more than anything. Enjoy my take on some more canon domains of Ravenloft, reaching beyond the Core and into the Nocturnal Sea and Sea of Sorrows. Also, since not much fleshed out Bluetspur, I got creative! Surprise, it’s a Spelljammer inspired domain now! Also, yes, I always thought Professor Arcanus was a stupid character.
Dear reader, I admire your dedication to my works. But take heed, such dedication also puts your life in danger. No doubt, when these scrambled notes become an elaborate codex, such books will see ban in no time. You wouldn’t believe the among of jink offered to hack my head and serve it on a Lady’s grade platter. As always, their hunt continues. Mine continues in the expanse of knowledge. Plenty of conflict bubbles and oozes beyond your surface. Ready and prepare, the safety of the multiverse always hangs in the balance. Let me serenade you with many tales. But, these aren’t tales of joy or triumph, no! Tales of woe await you.
Author’s Note: “The Editor” is back, not content with simply The Factol’s Manifesto! Plenty of things going on, the fall and rise of deities, more on the fey, dark conspiracies of intrigue, a look at my old table’s post-2008 take on the Forgotten Realms, a further looks at my zany Ravenloft-Planescape crossover and more! And of course, Baby Vecna! And as always, The Editor proves an ever unreliable narrator, as some details might be fabricated or stretched for his convenience.
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