Hierarchical courts

The membership of a court consists predominantly of a single type of fairy, though exceptional individuals may rise or fall from their natural place based on merit, respectively lack thereof. More beautiful or powerful types of fae tend to reside at the top of the hierarchy while the weaker or uglier ones are at the bottom. Fairies generally follow the basic human body plan, although large variations and extra limbs may appear. Theoretically, they can all interbreed, but they are rarely interested in doing so.

Hierarchy of the fae, from top to Bottom

Sylphids

Graceful, human-looking fae with elemental traits. The most exalted among them enhance their appearance with more than a single element.

Trollkin

Large, hulking brutes. Physically powerful, but often unattractive. Their appearance tends to reflect their habitat, such as the blue scales of a river troll or the bark-like folds of a forest dweller.

Elves

Those head-strong rascals would slot in here if they came to their senses and returned to their proper community.

Beastkin

The most varied type of fairy. Ranges from talking animals over lizardpeople to nothing more unusual than abnormally hairy ears. If a kind of animal exists, chances are that there are fairies incorporating its traits - usually with an own sub-court regrouping them. Chimeras are rare, but not unheard of.

Pixies

Hand-sized fairies with insect wings. While generally attractive, not even their talent at magic can compensate for their tiny size.

Goblins

green-skinned diggers half the size of a man, with a predilection towards mining.

Gremlins

Wretched, Dero-twisted creatures of goblin ancestry. They have an unrequited fondness for complex mechanisms.