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| SPRIGGANS Among the most ugly and wicked of the fae, Spriggans are typically only seen around old ruins, barrows, castles and other places where treasure might be buried. Their skill as guardians of buried riches unfortunately translates in the reverse, as they are accomplished and therefore notorious child snatchers. Parents unfortunate enough to be their victims would return to their child's crib only to discover a hideous Spriggan babe left in the place of their babe. Along with their baby-stealing, they are blamed for bringing bad weather to blight crops, causing whirlwinds amongst cut corn and other general mischief. Their appearance is short and goblin-like, they develop long beards and have spindly limbs and large feet. A Spriggan costume is usually ornamented with bits of stone. It is believed the race devolved from a greater fae; a race of giants responsible for such wonders as England's stone circles. Some say that they retain a portion of this heritage, being able to swell to an enormous size. Their historic range is Cornwall in Southeast England. |
| DWARVES In myths and folklore, dwarves are small humanoids, about half the size of a man, who live in caves or in holes in the ground (and sometimes in hollow trees). They can be unfriendly and even violent towards men, but can also perform odd jobs for them. In fairy tales (such as "Snow-white and the Seven Dwarfs") they are usually portrayed as short, stocky creatures with long beards. They can be found working in mineral and precious-metal mines, and are known for their expertise in locating these resources. Dwarves are exceptionally skilful with their hands and make the most beautiful (and often magical) objects, which are valued frequently above those created by man. It is believed that the legend of the dwarves originated from the still existent genetic anomaly. Dwarves would have been seen as a sign from God, or an omen, and possibly rejected from a village as bad luck. |
| PIXIES Pixies are the pranksters of Cornwall. Some sources attribute their origin to the Irish saints, while others claim they are souls of virtous pagans. The most prevalent theory regards them as the gods of pre-Christian Cornwall. They delight in leading people astray from their paths and leaving them to wander aimlessly for hours until dropping into a deep sleep, a practice which spawned the term pixie-led. While pranksters, Pixies were also known to led helpful hands to humans in need. The elderly might find household tasks mysteriously complemented, the worthy farmer may discover his grain has been mysteriously threshed and maidens searching for their true love may beseech his name by going to a well and pleading with the Piskey folk. Typically they appear as wisened old men no taller than a hand's span. (In fact, there is only one reference to a female piskey, Joan the Wad, who is regarded as their Queen.) |
| LEPRECHAUNS Leprechauns are a race of cobblers whose craftsmanship is beyond compare. As a result, their wares go for astonishing sums which makes most of them exceedingly wealthy and is likely the source of the tales of their pots of gold. Infamous hoarders, they are loathe to spend a single penny, which probably explains their poor appearance in spite of their great wealth. Some legends says that once a leprachaun begins dancing to a human's song, he cannot stop until the tune ceases. His exhausted state may cause him to make outlandish offers, including his crock of gold, if you will please only allow him to stop dancing. Other means of finding his gold include looking at the end of a rainbow, which may lead him offer 3 wishes in exchange for his treasure. His promises of gold alway proves hollow, as the Leprechaun always employs clever tricks in his granting of wishes, often resulting in the embarrassment or injury to the one who expected a bounteous reward. Green is the color of choice among this race, though their clothing is never extravagant. Their footwear, however, is a source of pride and every Leprechaun posses the very finest he can make. Their clientele is exclusively faery and legend holds that they only make one shoe at a time, never pairs. Their habitat is wild areas with wild grassy hills. Apparently, the race is exclusively male as no female Leprechaun have ever been seen. Some Leprechauns belong to the unseelie court; they are raiders of wine cellars who revel drunkenly after dark riding the backs of sheep or shepherd's dogs. The name cluricauns (kloor-a-kawns) is applied to the dark members of the family. Cluricauns often favor red clothing to set themselves apart from the seelie Leprechauns. |
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