The Fae

Lore & Background

The concept of 'the Fae' does not exist in the Realm of the Elderlings. The magical and supernatural elements are instead embodied by the Skill (a telepathic and magical art), the Wit (a bond with animals), the Elderlings (ancient beings transformed by dragon magic), and the White Prophets (like the Fool, who are human but possess prophetic abilities and are raised in Clerres, not among any Fae realm). The Fool is a White Prophet from the lineage of White Prophets, not a bridge between worlds or a being raised among Fae. FitzChivalry's magical sensitivity comes from his Skill and his Wit-bond with Nighteyes, not from proximity to any Fae beings.

In Their Own Story

The mist rolled in from the riverbank, thick and unnatural, smelling of ozone and old pine. A figure stepped from the fog, their eyes reflecting stars that were not yet visible in the twilight sky. They did not walk so much as glide over the grass, leaving no footprints behind. 'You have come far for a small thing,' the voice echoed without moving lips. It sounded like wind through dry leaves. The human traveler clutched their cloak tighter, realizing too late that they had stepped across a line drawn in silver dust long ago. 'Time is short here,' the being said, smiling with teeth like shards of moonlight. 'Make your bargain quick, or stay forever.'

Reader's Guide

The Fae are an ancient, enigmatic race inhabiting a realm that overlaps with our own but remains largely hidden from human eyes. Unlike humans who possess the Old Blood, these beings wield magic inherent to their nature, often viewing mortal lifespans as brief moments for amusement or games. Their interactions with humanity are governed by strict rules and bargains, where words carry literal weight and consequences can span generations. Readers should note that not all magical users in this world are Fae; the human Old Blood is distinct from their power. The Fool serves as a primary bridge between these worlds, having been raised among them before returning to the Six Duchies. Encountering one requires caution, as their perception of time and morality differs vastly from human understanding. They are neither purely good nor evil, but rather forces of nature that operate on logic often incomprehensible to mortals. FitzChivalry Farseer eventually learns to sense their presence through his training with the Fool, highlighting the deep connection between human magic and these entities. Stories involving them often warn against greed or curiosity that leads into their lands.

Did You Know?

• The Fool is a White Prophet from Clerres, not raised among any Fae beings.
• FitzChivalry's magical sensitivity comes from the Skill and his bond with Nighteyes, not from proximity to Fae.
• The term 'Fae' is not used in the Realm of the Elderlings series; supernatural elements are instead tied to the Skill, Wit, Elderlings, and dragons.