Occasionally Pixie clans, those located near human populations, develop what some would call a “civilized” manner about themselves.  I prefer to call it an insufferable manner, as they seem to mimic what are the worse aspects of human civilization. Having distance themselves from the pixie tradition of communing with nature, they have instead created a Pixie class system, which places personal power and wealth over the greater good of the clan.  Humans, not surprisingly, tend to feel less threatened by these “civilized” Fachan and frequently attend social gatherings with them.  I generally avoid such gatherings, since a three-inch tall snob is just as obnoxious as your average human-sized snob.

Look for future entries on The Fachan.  We will look at specific cultural behaviors of the various clans, including their systems of government, important ceremonies and everything that makes them so unique.

The Fachan, continued

Butterfly Wrangler of the Verdant Forest Clan

Magic plays a central role in the life of the Pixie community.  All clans generally have an affinity with nature, which allows them to communicate with the natural world around them in a most uncanny fashion.  Now, whether this is magic or just a superior understanding of organic systems than humans remains to be seen, but they do appear to be able to influence beast in a way humans have never been able.

What certainly is magic, are their defensive spells, which, they employ when they feel threatened.  Each clan has, through years of refinement, developed their own particular enchantment.  These range from sleeping spells, to spells that cause disorientation.  These spells are never fatal, but, can sometimes take days to wear off, leaving the recipient of the spell bewildered and wandering aimlessly through the wilderness often sans-clothes (an experience I found both a tad embarrassing and strangely exhilarating at the same time).

Now, this unique relationship with nature does not in any way make The Fachan docile cowardly pushovers.  The remote clans can be remarkably aggressive. Clans can number is the thousands and they are extremely territorial.  When they feel endangered they will attack and when they “swarm” it can be a terrifying, pants wetting, experience.

It is always best to attempt to call out if you feel you have transgressed on Pixie territory, apologize, make offerings, compliment their stylistic coloring and lovely fashion sense.  Do not swat them with a rolled up newspaper and make rude remarks about their diminutive size, if you do be prepared to wake up in some desolate wilderness wondering were your clothes are.

Fachan warrior during a swarm

In their later years, the senior Pixie, their wings frayed, their stamina not what it once was, will idle its time away as a venerated elder of the colony.   They are the ones who relay the defensive spells, recount the fierce battles of their youth and make sure the traditions of the clan are upheld by the younger generation of Fachan.  When they eventually die the clan will morn, and perform the Celebration of Dissolution, at which time those who knew the deceased best will relate, in great detail, for days if necessary, tales of the late pixie’s life so all in the colony will remember how important the departed Pixies contributions to the clan were.

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