PIXIES (VERSION 3)

(picks-EES)

By Wraith (rhahn@green.weeg.uiowa.edu)

History

The pixies are a strange and rare group of Fae due to the odd facts concerning their creation. While the other kiths were created out of the dreams of other mortals, the Pixies were created out of the dreams of the Fae. Some time after the Sundering, large numbers of the Fae began to dream about the Mythic Age. It was an age where Glamour was everywhere and a part of everyone, when Glamour infused the Fae willingly, without coaxing. It was a time where every fae was walking Glamour and every mortal was aware of the Glamour around them. Their dreams brought forth the Pixies.

Unfortunately, due to the fact that the Pixies were created by the dreams of other Fae, they considered themselves to be more pure -- to be without the mortal/banal taint that was slowly pushing the two worlds apart. This caused great tension among the Pixies and the other Kiths, although the Sidhe were quick to accept them, as the second most pure, and therefore noble of the Kiths. The Pixies were wise and saw the power that the Sidhe possessed, and chose to side with them, becoming royal advisors, seers, herald, spies, and occasionally even knights. They plotted and waited, as their time would someday come. The purest of the Fae would one day rise above their brethren and take their place upon the noble thrones. That day was soon to come, until the Shattering. When the Shattering came, many of the Pixies plans were ruined, but due to their strong ties to the Sidhe, most of the Pixies were able to escape back to Arcadia before the gates closed for good.

For those who were left behind, there came an awful choice. They had always blessed themselves as being the most pure of the Fae. Now they had only one choice, to taint themselves through "The Changeling Way" or to simply allow Banality to kill them. While a few, resisted the urge and accepted their fate. Most of the remaining Pixies embraced "The Changeling Way," accepting the taint and living a mortal life (over and over again.) However, with the departure of the Sidhe (except for house Scathach) the Pixies saw that the Interregnum might be their chance. Though small in numbers, the Pixies attempted to take over the thrones of the Sidhe, and lead the commoners during this time of unrest. The Pixies believed that the Sidhe were gone for good, and that destiny had finally turned their way. However, try as they might, they simply did not have the numbers, support or powerbase that the Sidhe had, and the commoners would not accept them. This sent a number of the Pixies into the hands of Banality from which they sometimes wouldn't wake from for two or three lifetimes. While a few succeeded on a small level, possibly leading the Fae of a city of at the most, few Pixies ever reached their dream of becoming the leaders of the Fae. 4/5ths of the Pixies who stayed behind, fell to Banality. Those who didn't, either succeeded in leading a small portion of the Fae, or retained their positions in house Scathach.

With the Resurgence, and the return of the Sidhe, a number of Pixies also returned with their respected "leaders" to continue in their support. These Pixies were gratified to see their brethren who they had thought lost, although they were disgusted with their new "mortal" skins (both in their brethren and upon themselves.)

Pixies tend to group around the Seelie court, although during the Interregnum a good number of the Pixies discovered their Unseelie legacies. They are all politicians in the extreme, always attempting to gain more power for themselves, although most of the "old" pixies have given up on the old dream of one day leading the Fae. The "new" pixies still attempt to inspire the old flame with in their brethren, but have discovered that this is not an easy task.

Often a Pixie will be found behind the scenes in many a noble court. Rarely is there a court of any worth that has not seen its share of the Pixies.

Pixies consider each other to be all of one family. They attempt not to work against each others goals, because they all share the same goals, to one day rule the Fae, but to also bring Glamour back into the world. Unseelie Pixies will occasionally step on their brother/sisters feet to get an upper hand, but most Pixies work together. Seelie Pixies tend to work through the court systems as set up by the Sidhe, while their Unseelie counterparts do what ever is necessary to reach their goal. All Pixies attempt to meet once every five years to discuss their goal, and how it is moving along.

Appearance

Pixies in their Fae seeming are ever changing. As it is that they come from the dreams of Glamour, they never look exactly the same twice. However, certain things always remain the same. Pixies are always short, rarely over five feet tall in their Fae seeming and not all that tall in their Mortal seeming either. They also possess a pair of gossamer butterfly wings upon their backs, and two antennae that extent from their foreheads. Pixies, although every changing always keep the same eye color, hair color (although style can change drastically), antennae color, sex, and wing shape and coloring. However physical appearance is always in flux.

Lifestyle

Pixies like to be in charge (except when a Sidhe's around). This means that they often take jobs as managers or self-made businesses "men". Seelie Pixies often inspire devotion from their employees or artists while Unseelie often invoke resentment. However, both make their "wards" work quick and hard and often glamourous. Often in the realm of Mortal (and even Fae) relationships Pixies attempt to take charge. Since they feel that they are the superior ones, they feel that they should be the ones to take the responsibility for relationships. Some people like this. Some don't. Often those who resent this sort of behavior slowly, ever so slowly become a little more Banal while those who accept this become less. However Pixies do have trouble existing in Mortal society and prefer their Fae seeming to their Mortal. Often this puts them in trouble with Bedlam.

Seemings

Childlings are the leaders of the playground. They decide what game to play, what park to go to, what T.V. show to watch. They take charge. Unseelie are often bullies, while Seelie are often best friends. They often have small antennae at this age.

Wilders are student council presidents, glee club treasures, or directors of the spring musical on the Seelie side, while the Unseelie tend to be ring leaders, and hooky players. At this age their antennae become fully grown.

Grumps are the leaders of today. They are often found in respected courts, managing new and upcoming artists, acting as town mayor, and the like. This is a dangerous time for the Pixies and many find themselves lost to banality along the trip. At this time the Pixies begins to grow a second set of antennae, next to the first, these are only half size antennae.

Affinity

Fae

Birthrights

Flight: All Pixies have the gift of flight, given to them by their wings. However, to use this power their wings must be free and extended (wings can be folded to fit under clothing, but are frail and can not be extended to burst through clothing.) Wings cover their backs from the shoulders to the waist. While their Voile are all made to conform to their wings, their mortal clothing must be specially made, if they intend to ever use this power by calling upon the Wyrd. (This is especially important in the design of shirts and coats, and for the Pixies of feminine sexuality, the brassiere.) Flight is at base 30 yards/turn + Dex. Pushing it and Pixies can travel 50 yards + 3 x Dex. but must make a stamina check every 5 turns at dif. (6) to keep it up.

Pixie Dust: Coming from the dreams of Glamour, Pixies have the power to temporarily enchant anyone by throwing Pixie dust upon them. Pixies have an unlimited amount of Pixie dust upon them. A Pixie sprinkles the dust upon the intended recipient and rols its Glamour versus the target's Banality. The number of success equal time person remains enchanted, by the chart:

Banality	Time (x successes)
1-4	1 hour
5-6	30 minutes
7-8	5 turns
9	2 turns
10	1 turn

It is impossible for a Pixie to Botch a Politics or Subterfuge role.

Frailties

Curse of the Mists: Pixies are far more affected by the Mists. Coma states last x 2 for Childlings, x 3 for Wilders and x 4 for Grumps. Also any Wilder or Grump who has a Banality greater than 7 and loses touch with their selves, will loose touch for the rest of this Mortal life times (subject to ST whims. A quest by the Pixies friends might find a way to bring him/her back.)

Birthright/Frailty

Constant Change: Pixies are creatures of Constant Change. Whenever a Pixie receives a point of Glamour, she changes physically It is highly noticeable in the Fae Seeming, but also affects the Mortal seeming. The ST should take the total number of dots the character has from Strength, Dexterity, Stamina, and Appearance, and rearrange them when ever a point of Glamour is "ingested." It is the players responsibility to role-play and explain these changes. "Man Gloria... you look awful today." "I was a rough night!"

Quote

"My lord, I believe the best course of action would to place the freehold in contention and assign a guardian to watch over it until a full investigation can be held. I of course am more that willing to take that duty upon my own shoulders if it would please your grace."

On the other Kiths

Boggans: Useful little buggers. If these guys weren't so passive they'd be in competition with the Sidhe. But I'll never tell them that. Great for learning secrets, but they don't know how to use them effectively.

Eshu: Another group of noble Fae. They could be competition too if the road didn't call to them so often. Sometimes when you're not sure exactly what to do or where to go, follow one of these guys around for a bit. You get on track.

Nockers: Such potential... all they need is someone to point them in right direction. Tell me Mr. Nocker, you ever hear of the term "assembly line."

Pooka: Someday they will be our fools, much as they are the Sidhe's.

Redcaps: These could quite possibly be our most potent allies. They'd like to see the Sidhe go as much as we would. If only we could do something about the smell.

Satyrs: All fun and no work makes Jack a worthless sack of @#$!. The Satyrs have no concern for what they are doing, or where they are going, or who they are taking down with them. They spend far to much time in the Mortal world also . . . it has effected them. These are probably the least pure of the Fae (...even more so than the Redcaps!)

Sidhe: Noble Fae they are, however they are too stuck up in there nobility to see what's really going on. They don't have a proper outlook. Their whole system of government is corrupt as it came not from the Fae but from the humans. Someday when the Pixies come into their power, we'll restructure the government and put these guys back in their place. Only the truly pure should lead.

Sluagh: What are they so scared of that they have to whisper all the time. These Fae are even better gossips and secret snatchers than the boggans. Make use of them, but beware . . . they know too much.

Trolls: If they cared to they could probably rule through strength of arm. Luckily they don't want to. If you can make one a friend, you are in luck. If one is an enemy, flee at high speed. Nothing is worse than an angry Troll.