Faerie Mysteries
The Faerie Mysteries (seen also as Fey Mysteries or Mysteries of the Faerie) are a cultural practice amongst elves, especially in Celene, which "form a fundamental pillar of elven society."[1]
Description
The Faerie Mysteries bring elves together in an age-old social ritual which celebrates elven culture and traditions through song, dance, and ceremony, to share their culture, connect with other elves, and educate future generations. They are "timeless secrets and rituals"[1] and "self-improving rites of grace and passion"[1].
The Mysteries are ancient, in the sense of elven-ancient. They have been "handed down since the earliest days."[1]
Practice of the Mysteries
At least two participants must perform the Mysteries together,[1] though larger groups may practice them. The Mysteries are practiced cooperatively with others who are similarly initiates, and if one has trained properly (taken a feat), whenever the Mysteries are performed, the participants get mystical benefits. The participants must be well-rested. The Mysteries take at least a quarter of an hour to perform each, and the benefits are gained until the next time the Mysteries are performed.[1]
All elves (except valley elves) may learn how to practice the Mysteries, if they wish, though it is far from common. Tallfellow halflings, and people of Verbobonc and the Spindrift Isles (or Lendore Isles) are also sometimes practitioners of the Mysteries.[1]
Types of Mysteries
"Faerie Mysteries Initiate
- Carols
- participants sing in beautiful harmony of the triumph of Corellon Larethian over Gruumsh One Eye. extolling the virtues of elves and enumerating the evils of ores and goblins. [+1 damage on melee and ranged attacks vs. orcs and goblins within 30 ft]
- Frolics
- participants engage in a carefree, joyful gambol featuring hand claps and energetic kicks. [+4 on checks involving dancing or tumbling]
- Gyres
- participants in a delicate, deliberate dance involving clasped hands and a rigidly timed orbit around a living flower. [+1 on saving throws.]
- Passions
- participants engage in an exuberant sensual act. The ritual leaves both partners invigorated. [INT bonus to HP instead of CON.]"[1]
Notable individuals
Queen Yolande of Celene is an avid pratictioner of the Faerie Mysteries.[2]
The People of the Testing "have special insights into the Mysteries of Faerie."[3] but valley elves have "no reverence for the mysteries of faerie."[4]
In his mortal life, Keoghtom "learned about the ... the Faerie Mysteries... without ever becoming fully indoctrinated."[5]
"Once a part of the traditional Fey Mysteries, [Gadhelyn] is now largely forgotten by the elf-kindreds, save among the grugach."[6]
References
Notes
Citations
- ↑ a b c d e f g h Dragon #319 (May 2004), p.58-59.
- ↑ Living Greyhawk Gazetteer (2000), p.38.
- ↑ Living Greyhawk Gazetteer (2000), p.162.
- ↑ Living Greyhawk Gazetteer (2000), p.127.
- ↑ "Blood of Heroes". Living Greyhawk Journal #3 (Feb 2001), p.12.
- ↑ "Blood of Heroes". Living Greyhawk Journal #3 (Feb 2001), p.10.
Bibliography
- Mona, Erik. "Greyhawk Feats: more regional feats of Oerth". Dragon #319 (May 2004), Renton WA: Paizo publishing.
Encyclopedia Greyhawkania Index
The Encyclopedia Greyhawkania Index (EGI) is based on previous work of Jason Zavoda through '08, continued by numerous other fans. The EGI article has a list of sources, product names, abbreviations, and a link to the full, downloadable index.
| Topic | Type | Description | Product | Page/Card/Image
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Faerie Mysteries | Verbal communication | Philosophy/Belief, | Living Greyhawk Gazetteer | 40, 162 |
| Faerie Mysteries | Verbal communication | Philosophy/Belief, | Living Greyhawk Journal #3 | 12 |
| Fey Mysteries | Verbal communication | Philosophy/Belief, | Living Greyhawk Journal #3 | 10 |