Fae

Fae is a general term used for magical beings not native to our world. Other that that, their main common characteristic is the ability to move between worlds or realms. Many fae use this ability for exploration, and most fae creatures are temporary visitors to our world. That said, some fae have found a home in here and there are a few fae colonies that have been thriving for generations. Fae are acutely aware that contemporary human cultures have distanced themselves from magic and therefore remain hidden or disguised in cases of potential encounters. 

As can be expected from a group of beings whose main definition is “otherworldly”, fae species differ greatly from each other. Many of the fae who mingled with humans in the past have physical similarities to humans and are able to learn human languages and communicate with them. Some ancient tales and myths from around the world echo encounters with such beings. A key example is the fairies, elves and fair-folk of Celtic traditions that echo true meetings of several otherworldly species with humans. The term “fae” was borrowed from these traditions, as it comes with the image of otherworldly magical folk. 

Some of the beings in the fae group correspond with the images of fairies, pixies and other creatures of legends, but many do not. There were attempts in the past to create a subdivision of this group for a clearer categorization, but this proved both difficult and - according to some - rather pointless: fae are quite rare to begin with, and as visitors to our world you never know if you will meet another of that species again.¹ Therefore, different as they may be, all otherworldly magions are categorized directly under fae.

¹ This is particularly true since the 14th century and The Departure.