Faerie Sources: The Time Bandits: Terry Gilliam fantasy movie, 1981

The Time Bandits is romp of a movie and I loved this as a kid when I first saw it and still love it now. It tells the story of a young boy who is dragged into an adventure with dwarves who have stolen the 'The Supreme Being's' map of the world. The map shows the locations of magic portals that enable someone to travel to different periods in our history and future. The dwarves use the map for sealing treasure and making mischief.

 

This movie is a must see for Faerie Wood players and it was certainly a big influence on me when I was formulating ideas for the roleplaying game. The idea of secret portals between time and space was exactly how I imagined Faerie Gates would enable the faerie player characters to travel between Faerie Wood and the land of humans. Also, the idea that this could lead to adventures in multiple time periods was great and helped provide a framework for creating Faerie Wood games that would have endless possibilities with different settings.

One of the first play test scenarios I wrote for the first edition of Faerie Wood borrowed an idea from Time Bandits – a quest for ‘The most fabulous object in the World’. In the movie, the 'Evil One' uses this as a trick to trap the boy and the dwarves in order to steal the Supreme Being's map. In my Faerie Wood game, the quest for this object would lead the player characters all over Faerie Wood and into the land of humans. The concept of the object was that it would change its form and appearance to suit the person looking for it, therefore, it could be anything and all those looking for it would think of it differently – a crock of gold, a magic sword or potion of ever lasting life and so on.

Here's a trailer for The Time Bandits move, I highly recommend it!

Faerie Fact 07: Faeries should be careful when dealing with humans

In the Faerie Wood game, most faeries under three feet tall are invisible to humans. However, they can make themselves visible if they wish to do so but this should be done with caution as humans can react in all kinds of very unpredictable ways and this can be dangerous.

Some humans can see faeries, such as Witches, Priests, young children and humans under the influence of alcohol or hallucinogenic substances. Some of these can be helpful but others will choose to do harm to faerie folk and all elves must be on their guard against such humans. Generally it is best for faeries not to trust any humans at all unless they have very good reason to do so.

When entering a human's home for instance, faeries should be very cautious indeed. Some humans keep large dogs or other potentially dangerous animals that can pose a problem for faerie folk. And on no account should faeries openly challenge or attack humans in their homes unless they are sure they have the advantage. Humans can be ferociously territorial and will defend their homes violently if necessary.

A good example of how dangerous it can be for faeries to deal with a territorial and violent human is shown in this video: 

 

Faerie Fact 06: The Patron Faerie Spirits

In the Faerie Wood game there are 13 powerful Faerie Spirits: the most powerful is the The Dragon Spirit and represents the balance between all things – good and evil, night and day, the world of magic and the world of humans and so on (but more about the Dragon later…).

The other 12 are archetypes (e.g. Hero, Ruler, Caregiver etc.) and eight of them represent the spirit of a particular time of year, such as Spring or the Summer Solstice etc. The remaining four are personifications of other important aspects of the world and magic, such as Jack Frost and The Green Man.

All of these have been interpreted by humans differently over thousands of years and are known by many other names, but the names shown in the calendar wheel below are the ones they are most commonly known by in the realm of Faerie Wood.

All faerie folk, including the player characters are aligned to one of the 12 archetype spirits based on their nature – they serve as a kind of guardian spirit. Player characters can draw on their chosen spirit’s power in the game at certain times when they need help or inspiration. However, this power should be used wisely and not taken for granted - if a faerie calls on their guardian spirit’s power too often the spirit will no longer help them.

Also, some humans in the game also follow one of these spirits, such as witches, mediums and fortune tellers or other people with ‘the gift’, as well as druids and other faith leaders or occultists. However, only Dark fearie folk and their human followers (such as Dark Withches) follow the Spirit of Samhain.

Yule: 20th – 23rd December
Other incarnations in folklore: Old man Winter (Old English), Santa Claus (Western), Ded Moroz (Russian/Slavic wizard of winter)
Symbol: Holly

Jack Frost: 1st January
Other incarnations in folklore: Jokil Frosti (Norse/Viking)
Symbol: Snowflake

Imbolc: 2nd Februry
Other incarnations in folklore: The Maiden (Greek), Brigid/Bridgit
(Gaelic), Diana (Greek), Artemis (Greek)
Symbol: Crescent moon

Ēostre: 20th – 23rd March
Other incarnations in folklore: Ostara (Pagan), Freya (Norse), Kore (the Maiden) and Persephone (Greek)
Symbol: Egg

Beltane: 30th April – 1st May
Other incarnations in folklore: Belenus (also Belenos, Belinus, Bel, Beli Mawr – Gaelic), The May King and Queen (Old English)
Symbol: Fire

The Green Man: 1st May
Other incarnations in folklore: The Jack-in-the-green (Old English), Puck (Old English), Robin Goodfellow (Old English)
Symbol: Leaf

Litha: 20th – 1st June
Other incarnations in folklore: Sulis (Gaelic), Sulis Minerva (Gaelic-Roman), Sól (Norse Goddess of the Sun)
Symbol: Sun

Myrddin: 1st July
Other incarnations in folklore: Merlin (Old English), Mímir (Norse), Chiron (Greek), Mentor (Greek)
Symbol: Star

Lammas: 1st August
Other incarnations in folklore: Lughnasadh (Old Irish), Lúnasa (modern Irish), Demeter and Ceres (Greek)
Symbol: Wheat

Hærfest: 25th September
Other incarnations in folklore: Mabon (Neopagan/Wicca), Matrona (Gaulish), Harvest Moon (Old English), Demeter and Ceres (Greek)
Symbol: Acorn

Samhain: 31st October
Other incarnations in folklore: The Devil, (Western/Christian), Hern the Hunter (Old English), Cernuous (Gaelic),
Symbol: Horned beast

Wolf Spirit: 1st November
Other incarnations in folklore: Capitoline Wolf (Roman), Leto (Greek goddess), Medeina (Lithuanian goddess), Shuck (Old English)
Symbol: Wolf's paw

  
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Player character races: Water Nymph

 

Water Nymph

Faerie type: Water spirit
size: 1 1/2 foot tall

Nymphs are elemental faerie spirits and are known by many other different names such as Sylphs, Wood Maidens and Water Women. Nymphs are some of the most enchanted of all faerie folk and their powers derive from one of the four natural elements: earth, air, fire and water. Most are of a good nature and are protectors of wildlife and sacred plants that thrive in the places where they live. They distrust most humans, especially hunters and fishermen and use their magic to ward them off or destroy their traps and fishing lines or nets. Water Nymphs are great healers and have an affinity will all water dwelling creatures and live in streams, rivers and pools – sometimes in communities known as ‘Sisterhoods’. Nymphs are the natural mates of Fauns (‘Goat People’ or ‘Little Deerfolk’) and Sisterhoods help raise young Faun children together. However, some Nymphs choose to marry human men and if one does so, she must give up her life as a Nymph and live as a human.

Physical description:

 

All Nymphs have an extremely ‘other worldly’ beauty and can charm a human male at will if she chooses to do so. Water Nymphs often have pale blue, silvery or iridescent skin, sometimes with tiny fish scales. Their long flowing hair can resemble waterweeds, grass or other water plants. Their eyes are often coloured blue, green, purple or iridescent. Many also have slightly webbed fingers and toes. Some Water Nymphs can also change in to fish or an amphibious animal and are partly related to Mermaids. However, there is rivalry between them as some Water Nyymps are attracted to Mermen (the mates of Mermaids) and this causes animosity and jealously between them.

Core abilities and skills:

• Magical charm (a Nymph charms a human man or male faerie by transforming into the appearance of the person the man most desires).
• Start the game with two magic spells.
• Speak with animals including fish and amphibious creatures.
• Fast swimming and the ability to breath underwater (fresh water only, not sea water).
• Purify water and neutralize poisons and venom.
• Control a body of water such as a stream (to make it safe to cross, or make it wild and dangerous, or command a body of water to attack an enemy).
• Water divination (speak to or communicate with water) 
• Start the game skilled in one weapon.
 

 

Nymph Dark Elf Counterpart: Hag / Witch 

A Nymph who becomes evil will age rapidly and become an old hag and transform partly into a type of large creature related to her element. For example, a Water Hag will be part fish and part Elf and can transform herself to as large as 6, 7 or 8 feet long with long dagger-like claws and sharp teeth. However, a Hag is able to conceal her true form and may appear as a young Nymph or even as a human female. They delight in causing misery and harm to Faeries and humans alike and some even use their magic to assume the guise of a human female and live within their community as a Dark Witch.

Sometime a Hag uses this ability to trick a human man into becoming her husband so she can have children. After giving birth to her children (that look like small fish) she then devours her husband and returns to her lair (usually a river or underground stream). When the children grow older they become loathsome Dark Elf water spirits. A Hag often has a Faerie Animal or other creature as a companion or familiar such as a Faerie Cat, fox, wolf, crow, serpent or toad.

Some say that hags capture young Nymphs and boil them into a potion that is used to temporarily regain their beauty and youth. Hags use very powerful magic and should be approached with caution – particularly those with an affinity with fire, as they are particularly powerful and cruel.

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Player character races: Grasshopper

Grasshopper

Faerie type: Creature spirit
size: About 2 foot tall

Grasshoppers are well acquainted with all insects, except for wasps and hornets, which are considered to be evil. They will often look after beehives and are given honey in return, which they use to make the best Necktar (a generic term for any alcoholic beverage) in all Faerie Wood. They tend plants too, especially those that friendly insects feed from and are well versed in the use of magic herbs and plants.

Physical description:

Grasshoppers have the hind legs of a similar insect, hence their name. These enable them to make great leaps up to 10 feet high. Their upper body is humanoid and Elven with a thin and angular face, similar to a Sprite with antennae. They also have very large eyes that are colourful and sometimes reflective, similar to some insects. Grasshoppers also have small insect wings, but these are not for flying; instead they help guide the Grasshopper when it leaps to ensure a safe landing.

Core abilities and skills:

• Leap 10 feet straight up into the air or forwards

• Charm and control insects (e.g. to help against enemies)

• Herblore (the ability to make magical potions and ointments)

• Speak with insects including those of a giant size

• Start with one magic spell and one weapon skill

Dark Elf Counterpart: Spyder 

Grasshoppers who become evil Dark Elves transform into Spyders. These are cruel faerie folk that have the lower body and legs of a large spider and a humanoid torso with Elven features. Their skin is grey or ashen and they also develop small sharp pointed teeth. Spyders dwell in dark places, spinning a web to hide their lair and to catch prey. Some may even choose a deserted human barn or other building for their home. Spyders eat animals and small Faeries, particularly Grasshoppers – this is thought to be necessary for them to spin web strands. Some are also poisonous and their bite or scratch can be deadly. There also exist rare fresh water Spyders that are similar to crabs as well as others that resemble beetles or cockroaches.

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Customised Playmobil figures for Faerie Wood

Figures and counters are sometimes helpful props when playing a roleplaying game. They can give the players something to focus on in combat and other situations, or simply to make it more fun and visual. When I use counters or models for Faerie Wood, I find that Playmobil is great because you can take them apart and reasemble them as you wish.

But for the Deerfolk player character race I've customised them, making them into 'deer-centaurs'. This is Maedoc and Judoc, they are brother and sister and belong to a clan called the 'Thunder Riders'. They are brave and strong protectors of woodland animals, defending them from predators, evil faerie folk and human hunters.

 

Player character races: Sprite

Sprite

Faerie type: Fire spirit
size: 1 foot tall

Sprites are the most mischievous of Light and Dusky Elves; their antics are often cruel and reckless. They don’t usually mean to harm anyone, but this happens sometimes. They are quite boisterous and due to their chaotic nature they never think things through properly. Many other Elves do not get on easily with Sprites as they are always making mischief and causing trouble. Sprites often use their magic to trick other Faeries or humans by leading them astray or causing them to become lost.

Physical description:
 
Sprites are thin and delicate looking with angular faces and hair that is thick and wild about the head, often golden or silver in colour. However there is much more to them than meets the eye. As their name suggests, sprites are full of energy - they never seem to stop. They are nimble and quick and are always in a rush. Their eyes are bright and fiery and some also have antennae on their foreheads.

Core abilities and skills:

• Transform into a Will ‘o’ Wisp (a tiny globe of magical light, impervious to attacks except from magic or water) and can fly through the smallest gap

• Fire divination (communicate with sources of fire)

• Start with two magic spells and one weapon skill

Dark Elf Counterpart: Will ‘O’ Wisp

If a Sprite becomes too cruel and evil, it transforms into a Will 'o' Wisp and the Sprite will lose its own physical body permanently. However, Will ‘o’ Wisps are able to possess the bodies of other faeries and even humans, for this reason they are also sometimes known as ‘Dopplegangers’. Many Humans think Will 'o' Wisps are evil spirits or that they are simply mischievous Faeries or magic lanterns carried by them, while others believe they are ghosts – lost human souls who are stuck between the land of living humans and the world of Faerie. Will 'o' Wisps will often lead humans and Faeries astray into dangerous parts of Faerie Wood or posses their bodies. They are not to be trusted, and are best avoided.

Faerie Fact 05: Faerie Wood exists in a separate dimension to the human world

In the Faerie Wood game, the world of faerie folk is hidden from humans as it exists in a different time and space, sometimes referred to as a spirit world. But just like the land of humans, in Faerie Wood there are various types of terrain and geology such as hills, mountains, rivers and woodland. The map below is a rough illustration of the known areas of Faerie Wood. The map is copied from one originally made by Gnomes who created it by piecing together many ancient faerie folk stories and legends. Much of their ancient history has been lost to faerie folk and this map is all that remains of common faerie knowledge on the geography of Faerie Wood.

The Dragon featured in the map is a symbolic representation of The Great Dragon – a powerful faerie spirit that is believed by faerie folk to encompass all of Faerie Wood, but more on that another time… 

Faerie Fact 04: Faeries don't fight fair, especially against humans

In Faerie Wood, humans and other large or ‘giant’ creatures get penalties when fighting faerie folk because elves are often small and move very quickly. So player character faeries should use their diminutive size and hiding skills to maximise the effects of a surprise attack. Some faerie player characters can be almost as strong as an average human despite only being two feet tall and humans do not expect this, so this too can be used to surprise them and gain further advantages.

Humans are also afraid of faerie folk and therefore their reactions can be unpredictable and possibly dangerous, so where possible faerie folk should remain invisible or at least well hidden. Player characters in Faerie Wood are invisible to most humans but some humans such as young children, Witches, Priests, Scholars and humans under the influence of hallucinogenic substances or alcohol can see faerie folk.

However, if all else fails, then a quick and well-executed surprise attack will be enough to deal with most humans, as this example illustrates:

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Player Character Races: Root Elf

Root Elf

Faerie type: Plant spirit
size: 1 and half foot tall

Root Elves are spirits that inhabit root-based plant-life such as root vegetables, magic root herbs and other similar plants that grow wholly or partly below ground. They are neither good nor evil spirits but are capable of being both kind and cruel depending on how others treat them. They spend much of their time below ground and are very knowledgeable about the magical properties of herbs and plants.

Physical description:
 
Their appearance varies depending on what kind of root plant their spirit has inhabited – these can be things such as potatoes, onions, carrots, radishes or turnips. They sometimes have animal features such as long furry or hairy ears and can also have the characteristics of earth dwelling animals such as mole-like whiskers or claws that they use for burrowing. They also tend not to be as physically attractive as Flower Elves and can look quite misshapen or even ugly. They are often covered in dirt or mud but this doesn’t bother them and they would be very offended if anyone told them to have a wash.

Core abilities and skills:

• Control root-based plant life (e.g. to entangle and restrain enemies)

• Speak with plants and animals that live underground (e.g. moles, worms etc.)

• Mole-like claws that they can use for burrowing underground and also as weapons against enemies

• Herblore (the ability to make magic potions and ointments)

• Hide from enemies by disguising itself as a vegetable or plant

• Exceptional night vision 
• Start with one magic spell and weapon skill

Dark Elf Counterpart: Dark Root Elf/Moss Creature  

If a Root Elf becomes an evil Dark Elf, then it will transform into a Dark Root Elf or ‘Moss Creature’. These loathsome Faerie Folk lose all of their magic and become slaves to an unquenchable hunger that compels them to kill and eat other Faerie Folk, animals and in some cases even humans. It is thought that they need to feed in this way to regenerate them selves, as they are terribly diseased and in a continual state of decomposition, like rotting vegetables. However, they are extremely strong and retain a humanoid Elf form and appearance but are extremely ugly. 

They usually live in a woodland cave, in a disused barn or a place used for compost heaps. Sometimes they take pleasure in spreading disease in a farmer’s field or vegetable garden, destroying crops or causing livestock to become sick. Sometimes a number of Moss Creatures will join together and form one larger humanoid creature that resembles a man covered in rotting filth. Some humans refer to them as ‘Ghouls’ as they are usually seen in graveyards or other places associated with the dead.

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Faerie Fact 03: Many faeries are not friendly or kind

In the Faerie Wood game there are many evil as well as good Faeries and those of a good nature are referred to as ‘Light Elves’, evil Faeries are known as ‘Dark Elves’ and those that are neither altogether good nor evil are known as ‘Dusky Elves’. The terms ‘light’ and ‘dark’ do not necessarily mean the Faeries are light skinned or dark skinned, but in some cases this is true. These terms refer mainly to their nature and not their appearance, but sometimes it also indicates when they are most likely to be seen: Dark Elves are mostly active at night (such as Dwarves), where as Light Elves are more active during the daytime or associated with the light. 

Dark Tree Elf

The Faerie Sparkle: 
All Faerie player characters have something called a 'Faerie Sparkle'. This is a bit like a faerie’s soul and during the game it can become lighter or darker depending how mischievous they are. If a Faerie’s ‘sparkle’ becomes too dark they may start to change into a Dusky or Dark Elf, and if they are really mischievous they will physically change into their ‘Evil Counterpart’. However, if an Elf becomes more light, they may gain more magic. 

Here is a list of the core 10 Faerie Wood player character races with their corresponding ‘Evil Counterpart’: 

Faerie Race:      Evil Counterpart:

Kobold...............Changeling

Root Elf.............Moss Creature

Sprite................Will ‘o’ Wisp

Grasshopper.......Spyder

Tree Elf..............Dark Tree Elf

Nymph...............Hag/Witch

Deerfolk.............Stag/Doevin

Faun..................Korred

Flower Elf...........Dark Flower Elf

Gnome...............Dwarf

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Player Character races: Kobold

There are 10 core player character races available in the second edition of the Faerie Wood role-playing game. Faerie races are spirits that inhabit the natural world and fall into one of three categories: Plant spirit, Creature spirit and Elemental Spirit. Each faerie race takes on physical and magical attributes related to the form its spirit inhabits. So, for example, plant faerie spirits might resemble trees, flowers or root vegetables; creature faerie spirits will have animal-like phyisical characteristics such as hooves, horns or fur and elemental faerie spirits would be associated with the earth, fire, air or water. Listed below are the 10 core Faerie Wood player character races:

• Kobold (creature spirit)
• Root Elf (plant spirit)
• Sprite (fire spirit)
• Grasshopper (creature spirit)
• Tree Elf (plant spirit)
• Nymph (earth/water/air/fire spirits)
• Deerfolk (creature spirit)
• Faun (creature spirit)
• Flower Elf (plant spirit)
• Gnome (earth spirit)

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Kobold

Faerie type: creature spirit
size: 1 and half foot tall

Kobold's are very mischievous faeries and can transform into different types of animals. They do this to trick people, find out secrets and cause mischief. They often live in caves or other dark places but sometimes they live in human dwellings where they cause havoc. In very ancient times Kobolds were spirits trapped inside figurines carved from wood or roots and were made to do chores for humans and Witches. However, these days Kobolds are no longer trapped in this way and are free to take their own form or assume the form of others.

Physical description:
 
Kobolds are about 1 foot tall and covered in thick bristly hair, except for their face, which is similar to a Gnome. They have big hairy pointed ears and sometimes have beards. Female Kobolds do not have beards but they too are covered in bristly hairs. They tend to go barefoot and usually only wear clothes when it’s very cold. They are also much stronger than their small size would have you believe and are generally quite tough creatures.

Core abilities and skills:

• Transform into one or more animal forms such as a rat, small fox, rabbit, cat, bird, fish or a human baby.

• Transform into the resemblance of another faerie character to fool their companions or friends
• Hide in shadows below or above ground and seem almost invisible 
• Speak with animals of the same type the Kobold is able to change into (e.g. rodents, foxes and other canines etc.) as well as subterranean animals such moles and worms etc.
  

• Exceptional night vision
• Start with one magic spell and weapon skill

Kobold Dark Elf Counterpart: Changeling

If a Kobold becomes an evil Dark Elf, then it will physically transform into a Changeling. All its bristles will fall out and it will go bald and wrinkly, appearing quite ugly and mean. Changelings are cruel faerie folk who can change their appearance to resemble others, even humans. Some people have been convinced that their child, wife or husband has been replaced by a Changeling and have called on a Priest or Witch to cast them out. Changelings are sneaky and cruel creatures and use their magic to cause others harm and misfortune.

Learn more about Faerie Wood Game player character races here

Faerie Sources: Troll: Fantasy horror movie from 1986

I loved this movie growing up and it’s still fun to watch now. If you are playing a Faerie Wood game set in modern times involving humans, then the movie Troll is a good place to look for some inspiration. It’s got everything you need, Trolls, Elves, Witches, Changelings and clueless humans who don’t stand a chance against the mischievous faerie folk. 

 See more Faerie Wood Sources here

Faerie Fact 02: Faeries are spirits that inhabit animal, plant and elemental forms

The majority of Faeries, including all player character races in Faerie Wood fall into one of three types: Elemental, Plant and Creature. The Faeries are spirits of nature, like a kind of psychic fauna, and they inhabit forms that are relevant to their type and this gives them their unique appearance as well as their magic abilities.

Element-based Elves are split into four kinds (Earth, Air, Fire and Water) and usually dwell in places where their element is in abundance (e.g. Water Nymphs live in streams and rivers). The appearance of these Elves sometimes takes on aspects of their element, for example: Gnomes are Earth spirits and their skin colour and texture varies depending on where they come from. Gnomes from clay areas will have dark reddish or brown skin, while others may have pinkish, grey or even very pale skin in places where there is a lot of chalk or limestone. 

Apple Tree Elf

Plant-based Elves are grouped into three broad types: Tree Elves, Flower Elves and Root Elves, however there are other variations such as those that come from fruit, berries or fungi. These vary in appearance according to what type of tree, flower or root their spirit has inhabited. For example, a Tree Elf that comes from an Oak tree will be strong and will look like it is carved from wood and part of its head or face may resemble an acorn. It may also have small oak leaves for hair or there may be leaves growing from its arms or legs 

A male Deerfolk (Buck)

Creature-based Elves fall broadly into three groups: animal, insect/invertebrate and amphibians. These have physical characteristics that resemble creatures and their abilities are also related to these types. For example: The Deerfolk are miniature sized deer, about two feet tall but have a torso, arms and head of an Elf with deer-like features. Grasshoppers, as their name suggests, have the hind legs of a grasshopper but the body, arms and head of an Elf.

See more Faerie Wood Facts here

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Faerie Fact 01: Faerie Folk come in all shapes and sizes

All faeries are magical in one-way or another and have special powers. The term ‘faerie’ or ‘faerie folk’ is used to refer to all intelligent enchanted creatures including giant trolls and ogres as well as the small player character races such as Tree Elves, Sprites, Nymphs, Kobolds and Gnomes. Many other names are often used by humans to describe them including ‘little people’, ‘little blessings’, Sidhe (Irish Faeries), ‘fair folk’ or even ‘little devils'. All Faeries are essentially ‘Elves’ and ‘Elf’ is a generic term for all races, however, some races include the word ‘Elf’ in their title or descriptions while others do not. Some Elves can also transform them selves into a much larger form, such as a Leshy (or Leshiye) that can grow bigger than a house.

See more Faerie Wood facts here

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New player character races for second edition

Concept illustration for a male Deerfolk

 
The new edition of Faerie Wood has a revised set of 10 core player character races including a new race called the Deerfolk (concept illustration pictured above). Deerfolk are one of a number of faerie animal spirits and can be either male or female (males are called ‘Bucks’ and females are called ‘Doe’). They are about two feet tall and resemble centaurs but have the body, legs and tail of a woodland deer. The males also have antlers. They are proud protectors of woodland animals and formidable warriors.

I’ve been working on new concept illustrations for other player character races including a range of Plant Elves that are based on flowers, roots and trees. But more on those later…

 Colour concept illustration of a male Deerfolk looking a little more animal-like

See more about Faerie Wood player character races here