Archfey of Monvesia

The archfey of Monvesia have already been visited briefly in the warlock entry of Mages of Monvesia.  Here I will explore each of the chief, five archfey in some detail.  Though each of the archfey represent one race or another, all are unique and powerful creatures.

Äiti the All-Mother 

Queen of Spring

Elf Nation:  nymph (high elf)
Inspiration:  Titania, Gloriana

Äiti is equal parts dryad, sylph, and naiad--the mother of all the forest and its creatures.  Often depicted as a being of light and air with white robes, pale skin, and gossamer wings--she is equally at home in ponds, river, groves, and mighty oaks.  Äiti is goodness and creation personified; while slow to anger, her wrath is swift and powerful when it is needed.

Neito the Shield Maiden 

Consort of All Regents

Elf Nation:  knusker (sea elf)
Inspiration:  Belphoebe, Artemis, Athena

Ever nude, her bronze skin contrasts with the silver helm she wear and silver sword and shield she carries.  It is Neito's dancing, accompanied by her banging of sword and shield together in a frenzied rhythm, that keeps the time of the year; when the dance shifts into a new rhythm, the season follows; the archfey take their place as grand monarchs for the appointed times.

Noitia the Witch Queen 

Queen of Winter

Elf Nation:  drow (dark elf)
Inspiration:  Mab, Hekate

Linguistically, the elfish language would have a gender-neutral pronoun used for all children and adult dactyls [formerly called "lares"].  For ease of understanding and simplicity, I will use singular they here.

Though as twisted and deformed as other hags, Noitia's power and dignity over them is unmistakable. With sable robes trimmed in silver, flowing white hair, and deep black eyes, they are as beautiful as they are terrifying.  They are the overseer of all fey magic.

Sarvipäinen the Horned One

King of Autumn

Elf Nation:  faun (wood elf)
Inspiration:  Erlking, Pan/Bacchus, Cernunnos, Baphomet

Sarvipäinen is the eldest and most powerful satyr, and is distinguished from his progeny by having two pairs of horns: one pair swooping straight back, over his head; and one pair curling around his ears to point forward.  These horns, as well as his hooves, are black, while his skin is brown and fur reddish.  He is both reveler and destroyer.

Vihreät the Green Man 

King of Summer

Elf Gender:  spright (grugach)
Inspiration:  Oberon, Alegast

As chief of the plant fey (treants, wood woads, vegepygmies, and even blights), Vihreät's form most resemples theirs:  their skin is as bark; and their hair is like leaves. They are something of shapechanger, however, capable of adapting their leafy form to any shape that suits them.  Wherever they step, vines and ferns grow lush at their feet.

Faerie Courts

The archfey are the Regents of four groups, commonly called the Spring Court (known for ...), the Summer Court (known for their helpful and productive nature), the Autumn Court (known for their aloof and defensive nature), and the Winter Court (known for their selfish and mischievous tenancies).  While this may seem to be drawing a line between "good" fey and "bad" fey, the courts are not so exactly divided.

The human temperaments commonly associated with the season are also associated with the Faerie Courts.  Elves and the fey do not recognize the "human" elements of light and void, however.  Therefore, the Altruist temperament is associated with both Spring and Summer; while the Nihilist temperament is associated with both Autumn and Winter.

Each court hold authority over particular types of fey.

Edited Aug 13, 2018; Aug 26, 2018; Jan 15, 2019 (return to 5 archfey); Apr 20, 2018; Oct 7, 2019; Oct 18, 2019; May 23, 2020.