Sidhe

Part of: The Fairfolk Empire"“We have the ability to be such wonderful dreams, but so too can we easily become nightmares worse than even the Sluagh could fathom. That is what it means to be a Royal, to be Sidhe” - Emperor Dae'avel Somnia"They are the fairest in all the land, so that gifts them their right by birth. It is said in tales around Haven that the stars themselves gave the Sidhe their children to bear upon their skin in the form of pale and glittering gems. They are the nobles of the Fairfolk, eternally beautiful and eternally chaotic. Lovers of luxury, even the poorest of Sidhe works to look and act like they are the highest, spending notes to pamper themselves in whatever way they can. Though, do not allow their beauty to mislead you into thinking they are unintelligent. Quite on the contrary in fact. Due to their society being made up of the Great Houses and the many Minor Houses beneath them, the political culture of the Sidhe has become something of a never ending game of chess. While the other Fairfolk Races do play a role in this great game, they are often nothing more than pawns in the schemes of their Sidhe. This is because in the culture of the Fairfolk, Sidhe are seen as natural born speakers, and beyond a few rare cases are seen as the only Fairfolk skilled enough to dance upon the political stage. In most cases Sluagh and Ogres are seen as far more fit as underlings and guards.

Narcissism, Megalomania, and Sadism: Due to a deep seated connection with the dream, the minds of the Sidhe are predisposed to Narcissism, Megalomania, and Sadism. In most Sidhe, one of these shows above the rest, while the other two are more easily dealt with, but all are present to some degree. Because of this, every Sidhe seeks to grow in power in the world and crush those who have wronged them, making their grand political game all the more dangerous.

Art
Painting, embroidery, and other such fanciful activities are ones that the Sidhe have perfected and love to show off. When attending social events between houses many Sidhe will feel the need to “strut their stuff” in regards to their cultured upbringing, playing music, presenting portraits, and gifting tapestries to the other house to spite their skills. Outside races that visit the Sidhe lands are often awed by the beauty of their architecture and decorative pieces, but behind each creation is the spite to irk another house and show their superiority.

Appearance
All Fairfolk have pointed ears and gems upon their skin. The Sidhe’s gems are pastel in colour or clear and translucent, like quartz, beryl, diamond, zircon, opal, moonstone, alabaster, feldspar, and pearl. They are beautiful and would not be seen in rags or anything common in clothing, opting for rich colours to show off their house and fanciful jewelry to portray their wealth and status. They are always washed, clean, and pristine, and would be mortified to let anyone see them otherwise.

Trade & Commerce
Though they do not need trade to survive, their own Empire being mostly self sustaining, they still trade constantly anyways as many of their luxuries come from other places. As well, trade is an easy way to grow in wealth, and gain power over other Noble Houses. Their resources are their very people, along with all manner of magical ingredients and objects that come from the woods. Extremely high quality lumber and decorative plants are exported to the rest of Haven, and the the hand-stitched tapestries that some Sidhe create are valued the world over for those with enough to afford one.

Geography
The forest of Silva’Natu is segregated into districts belonging to the Noble houses and those that have sworn loyalty to them while Brea held her castle and personal lands in the province of Sujera in the capital city of “Levant” in the eastern parts of the forest. Grecale is the capital city of the northern province Solem and home to the second most powerful Noble house, House Cirkaan, thanks to it resting upon a Ritual Circle. The western province of Ventora is held by house Finien, while the province of Antingo to the north-east is held by house Herena. Finally, Serta holds the southern province of Batalla and maintains the front-line of defense for the rest of the forest.

Cuisine
Only the best from all the lands grace the tables of the Sidhe. Delectable fruits and candied meats decorate their feast tables unlike anything the rest of Haven can dream of. Surprisingly, the quality of food that a Sidhe is forced to consume when travelling to other race’s regions of Haven can provide the biggest culture shock to them, as their fanciful meals are consistent throughout their lives from childhood onwards.

Traditions & Holidays

 * Lucidious.jpgIntroduction to Court - Once a year, all of the Sidhe who have come to the age of courting are “introduced” to the court with an eccentric feast and night of dancing. This night is mainly utilized for the arrangement of betrothals and connections between houses to increase political sway and influence. Besides this, it is also the largest Ball of the year, with the nobles from all over being invited to attend. It is an exciting thing for a noble of a minor house to be allowed to attend.
 * Balls - Magnificent dances are held in various houses throughout the year, and they always serve as an excuse for fine food and drink, gaining information on rival houses, and strengthening or sabotaging political ties.
 * Marriages - Marriages are consider a uniting of resources and a consolidation of power between two families. The Somnia in power is always traditionally invited, but they are choosy with which ceremonies they attend. It is seen as a sign of great political sway if the Emperor or Empress attends your union, but when your invitation is refused it can be a blow to one's pride and overall influence.

Military
The military the Sidhe empire mainly consists of their Ogres, although Sluagh and lower class Sidhe are also trained as warriors in their vast forces. House Serta manages the bulk of this great force, and they pride themselves in the unity and strength that their armies hold. Many great war generals and battalion captains have emerged from the Sertan household, but not every war can be won with majesty through brute force.

The armies of Harena are the counterpart to those of house Serta. Much of their force consists of Sluagh and all manners of strange and grotesquely formed or “mixed” beings that may have been Fairfolk at one point, but have proven themselves useful enough to live within this house through their guerrilla style of combat. Although Serta prides itself as THE Fairfolk force to be reasoned with, Harena utilizes the shadow of that great stature to slide a knife into their enemy’s backs, and the other Houses are nothing to shake an eye at either

Social Structure & History
This is a shared history with the rest of the Fairfolk Empire