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
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]"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 orcs and goblins. [bonus on attacks against orcs and goblins]
- Frolics
- participants engage in a carefree, joyful gambol featuring hand claps and energetic kicks. [bonus on dancing or tumbling]
- Gyres
- participants in a delicate, deliberate dance involving clasped hands and a rigidly timed orbit around a living flower. [bonus 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
[edit | edit source]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]
In other media
[edit | edit source]In Gary Gygax's novel Artifact of Evil, midsummer is celebrated with a grand ball in Celene.[7] At the end of celebration, Queen Yolande and her consort, Prince Fasstal Dothmar, perform a ritual dance described as "the Midsummer Frolic, the last formal requirement of the celebration."[8] Afterward, the nobles and guests at the ball "empty into the acres of wooded gardens and parks that surrounded the palace. There they would doff most of their excess finery to trip and prance in dances and games of ancient elvish sort. ... Only when the sky paled and dawn came would the revelry cease."[8] It is likely this describes one of the Faerie Mysteries, especially since Queen Yolande is an avid practitioner.[2]
References
[edit | edit source]Notes
[edit | edit source]Citations
[edit | edit source]- ↑ a b c d e f g h Dragon #319 (May 2004), p.58-59.
- ↑ a b 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.
- ↑ Artifact of Evil—Gord the Rogue novel (1985), p.121.
- ↑ a b Artifact of Evil—Gord the Rogue novel (1985), p.122.
Bibliography
[edit | edit source]- 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 |