Life & Culture

The beliefs of Wilderfae, their daily life, and the culture of the Realmwood Forest can be explored here!

Birth & Biology

The Wilderfae species have a unique reproduction style akin to those of certain fungi and plants! They are a genderless species but it often takes two to produce another Wilderfae! 

  • Fig.A

    All adult Wilderfae produce and spread tiny spores from their wings by flying! These spores are invisible to the naked eye, but may sometimes catch the light and can be seen as a trail of sparkles behind a Wilderfae. This is a natural process all members of these species will do, whether they know it or not!

    Fig. B

    These spores will fall upon organic matter and have a chance to grow into Faeblooms! These are female flowers that produce Iridiseeds within their blossoms. Sightings of Faeblooms in the wild means Wilderfae are nearby!

  • Fig.C

    An unfertilized Iridiseed will be smooth, featureless, and dark. Sometimes they’re eaten in this state by other animals. When a Wilderfae couple are ready to bring another into this world, they perform a conjuration ritual called Fragmentation.

    Fig.D

    This ritual involves placing one hand on the blank Iridiseed, and the other on your partner’s in order to imbue your own magic into it.

    While it is possible for a single Wilderfae to reproduce through Fragmentation, the process requires the transfer of a large portion of magic into the seed, which will ultimately weaken the transferring individual. Parents of Wilderfae will have more translucent wings or greying antennae as a side effect of this process.

    But it is possible to do the ritual multiple times without depleting all of one’s magic into their offspring. Having a partner definitely helps! The Iridiseed will change color and sport an iridescent sheen once the Fragmentation ritual is complete.

  • Once the Iridiseed is fertilized, it must be planted! The couple can attempt to plant it themselves in their own home, but parents often go to a Gardener to assist with monitoring the growth of their baby. 

    Fig. E

    All Fae Circles have at least one Gardener, this is someone who is trained and dedicated to the care of young Wilderfae from seedling to the pupa. All fertilized Iridiseeds require different kinds of care. Some seeds prefer dry climates to moist climates, less sunlight to more sunlight, or lots of water or nutrients versus needing very little! The Gardener is equipped with enough resources and tools to help tend to each seed’s needs, but they can also do home visits if couples want to try raising their seedlings themselves.

    Fig.F

    It takes the Iridiseed about a few months to grow into the grubling stage. Once you start hearing the sound of crying from within the soil, you can dig out your fully-formed baby grub! 

● 5 major life stages

Lifecycle & Growth

  • Infancy Age 0-1: Grubling Stage

    Baby Wilderfae are born missing much of their typical features as they get used to adjusting to the world. At this stage, they have yet to grow in their antennae and can barely see. They require the support of an Adult Wilderfae to care for them as they can only crawl and cry at this stage.

    Despite their tiny bodies, Grublings have quite the appetite. They need to be fed large amounts of food in order to grow. Once they begin to open their eyes, grow antennae, and maneuver themselves a bit better, they’ll eventually gain the ability to stand on two legs!

  • Childhood Age 3-10: Grub Stage

    The childhood stage of the Wilderfae still sport a large appetite but also has heightened social needs! They are unique with their chubby bodies, small beady eyes, short limbs, and large segmented tails meant for storing energy.

    It’s during this stage that they start learning to talk, read, and form relationships, but their tiny and often frail bodies can’t really help with Fae Circle duties. So they are often left to go play within their communities in designated school or play areas. They are forbidden from venturing outside the Circle without adult supervision.

  • Pre-Teens Age 11-14: Pupa Stage

    When a grub starts to feel tired, grouchy, and has a lack of an appetite, it may be time to enter the pupa stage! Parents of a pupa will often create a comfortable cocoon made of leaves and soft materials for their young to sleep in. It’s common to write messages on the cocoon or speak to the Pupa throughout its time sleeping within. Even if it can’t respond, the love and attention from the outside is said to help promote its growth.

    The average pupating process is about 3 years. When the Wilderfae within starts talking in their sleep, it means they’re close to hatching!

  • Adolescent Age 15-18: Young Wilderfae

    Hatchling Wilderfae will need time to get used to their new bodies and wings. They don’t really learn to fly until a year or two after they emerge, and with a new body brings new emotions.

    Hatchling Wilderfae will very often test their newfound body by taking part in many physical and social activities. They are especially daring at this age, and will often get themselves into all kinds of trouble. Rebellious attitudes and angst are also a common symptom post-hatching, as Wilderfae may struggle to cope with the time they lost while they were asleep.

  • Adulthood Age 18 and up!

    By now, most Wilderfae would have learned to fly, use their magic, and have found a position within their Fae Circle where they can contribute to their community.

    While Wilderfae at age 18 are old enough to assist with duties within their Fae Circle, they aren’t typically considered fully-developed until 20 years of age. By that age, they would fully come into total control of their own magic. They can also take part in a Fragmentation ritual without transferring too much of their own magic and harming themselves.

  • Seniors Age 150 and up!

    Wilderfae can live to be about 200 years old. After emerging from their cocoons, they start aging very slowly and they end up looking young for a very long time!

    But elderly Wilderfae do exist, and they certainly look old! Most Wilderfae over the age of 150 are considered senior citizens and have very aged features like white hairs, wrinkles, and droopy antennae. They also lose the ability to fly at around 180 years. This flightless, late stage of life is considered “The Return to Soil” as the Wilderfae prepares for death.

● Our Unit of Measurement

The Wilderfae Metric System

Due to the world of Wilderfae being measured at a smaller scale, and for ease of access, this species uses a custom unit of measurement to measure items within in the world. Here are the conversion methods:

  • 1 snap (equates to about 1 centimeter) is about the size of a Wilderfae hand. Used to measure small things like everyday objects or small animals.

  • 1 dip (equates to about 1 inch) is the Wilderfae "feet". An average Wilderfae is about 5 dips tall. This is used to measure Wilderfae, larger objects, and most animals.

  • 1 leap (equates to about 3 feet / ~1 meter) is the big unit. Used to measure distances, large beasts and estimating the heights of trees. Our visual example uses a baby Wanderway to represent 1 leap.

If you see these terms pop up throughout the site lore, simply refer back to our diagram for a frame of reference!

Wilderfae Heights

● Programs

Beliefs & Magic

● Beliefs & Magic

Verdemera, the Goddess of Life

  • Verdemera is the Inochean deity who was said to have been a giant humanoid that stood as tall as a mountain and had long flowing hair.

    She was revered as a goddess of benevolence who promoted growth, good harvest, and healing. The Wilderfae were subjects made by her magic and were devoted to helping her spread her influence across the continent. It is said that she loved them all dearly.

  • Wilderfae modeled their livelihoods after Verdermera. While generally considered the Mother of life, Verdemera was known for taking the form of both a man and a woman.

    The male form represented the strength of nature, stones, heat, and harshness of weather, while the female form represented the nurturing of nature through wind, water, and growth. Wilderfae would often choose their gender identity based on which form of Verdemera they connected with, or use gender neutral identification if they felt connected to both or neither.

  • The goddess was known to be kind to all creatures and kept balance among the continent. However, after the events of The Dread War, she completely vanished.

    It’s unclear whether she died or simply left this plane. Her remaining Wilderfae subjects grieved her disappearance, and struggled to survive until they found remnants of her magic across the continent in the form of Arcane Founts. 

Behavior & Customs

Small but formidable

Per the design of Verdemera, Wilderfae are adaptable creatures who alter their appearances depending on the natural environment they reside in. Despite their small statures, they are formidable and possess strong magic within themselves.

A predisposition to fun

It is said that Wilderfae are beings born from the pieces of Verdemera’s heart, so they are naturally inclined to seek merriment and excitement in all activities. This is why the factions are designed to have room for variety within the vocations.

Value variety & creativity

A Wilderfae does not enjoy mundanity in their daily life, so most important tasks and chores are made amusing through games or competition. They are also lovers of art and beauty, often encouraged to exercise creativity to keep their magic skills sharp. 

Naming Conventions

Wilderfae also have unique naming conventions that follow a
family name first, given name second format.
While this format is most used in official documents, most Wilderfae almost always refer to each other by their given names.

  • Surnames are often derived by common elements found in their natural environment or are evocative of magical forces. They would often represent the Wilderfae’s place of residence, occupation, or other notable features that signify their family’s uniqueness.


    Common Surnames:

    Pebble

    Birch

    Mire

    Autumn

    Woodscraft

    Everglade

    Moonbeam

  • Given names are also commonly associated with elements of nature, but can also be a combination of short syllables and sounds. They are often known for having short names ranging from 4-5 letters maximum. While longer names do exist, they are often associated with the Goddess and symbolize the families’ connection to their faith and beliefs. Adding components like “verde” or “mera” to a name can give it a holy meaning, and are common for those who are devoted to the Goddess to bless their young with her protection. 


    Common Given names:

    Lake

    Rosy

    Moth

    Carna

    Verdelin

    Tiamera

    Rai

    Gael

● Magic & Beliefs

A Divide in Faith

Due to Verdemera’s disappearance, Wilderfae have become more divided in their faith. There are three common schools of thought.

  • Some members feel hatred and disdain for being left behind by Verdemera. They are hurt by the betrayal and shun her name.

  • Others feel lost without her. They may find it to be their life’s purpose to uncover the mystery of her disappearance.

  • Some believe she is gone forever and are left with feelings of misery. How Wilderfae grieve this loss seems to vary wildly.

These differing attitudes towards the goddess have created divides among Wilderfae society. Circles would split off due to differing beliefs and motivations. Very rarely, these reasons start clashes between other Wilderfae.  

● Source of Life

Arcane Founts

Arcane Founts are wellsprings of magic taking the form of circular runes engraved into the earth. These were made Verdemera centuries ago and can still be found today. These used to act as healing spots that provided rejuvenation if one were to step within the circle, but now their magical abilities lie dormant due to Verdemera’s absence. Only Wilderfae and other advanced mechanisms can draw out the power they still hold within.

  • Active Fount

    An Active Fount awakened by Wilderfae will encase the magic flame within a lantern made of roots. This serves as a beacon that spreads the power of the fount across a wide area. The fae use this magic boost to build their homes.

  • Dormant Fount

    A Dormant Fount will have its flame flickering within the runic circle, but it does not spread.

    This bright flame can be seen from a distance and cannot go out.

  • Dead Fount

    A Dead Fount will have its light burned out and magic completely diminished from overuse.

    Only tainted soil surrounds the area. Most Arcane Founts are like this.

Spawning Ritual

A Wilderfae experienced in magic must perform the Spawning Ritual in order to establish a colony for their kind to live in.

This conjuration ritual creates the lantern that harnesses the flame, allowing it to stand tall so that its rejuvenating glow affects the surrounding area. While this beacon is being constructed, Sporite Towers are then erected around the vicinity of the runic circle to provide protection. As long as the Arcane Fount remains active, the Wilderfae’s home will flourish over time.

● 5 magical abilities

Magic & Abilities

Common Magical Abilities

All Wilderfae possess inherent magic abilities that can be honed to perfection. The following abilities are able to be depicted freely in your artwork and stories:

  • Flight

    COMMON

    No matter the size of the wings, Wilderfae can fly up to 25 ft off the ground. However, flying at high speeds takes great practice and wing care. 

  • Telepathy

    COMMON

    Wilderfae can telepathically communicate to each other with their antennae. When someone is trying to talk to you telepathically, it feels like a subtle ringing in the back of your mind. You can choose to ignore it though if you’d rather be alone with your thoughts.

  • Camouflage

    COMMON

    Wilderfae can manipulate light and blend into their surroundings for a short period of time. The magic is not full invisibility and can take a great amount of concentration. It feels like holding your breath to a Wilderfae, and eventually they’ll need to stop to breathe again.

Advanced Magical Abilities

More advanced abilities for Wilderfae magic do exist and are still being discovered!
You can depict your Wilderfae using the following skills if you acquire a Magic Manual item:

  • Conjuration Rituals

    ADVANCED

    This is an advanced level of magic which takes time, preparation, and concentration. Use this magic to summon creatures, elements, or illusions. Wilderfae typically need to practice before successfully conducting a conjuration ritual, but archives of scrolls that teach this magic do exist!

  • Nature Speak

    ADVANCED

    Wilderfae are typically able to translate the thoughts, feelings, or energies emitted from plants and animals using their antennae. This takes practice to fully understand and rarely do they ever form full, complete sentences.

Government & Societies

Wilderfae have a very democratic government made up of the Faction Leaders and the Sporeguard, the elected leader of the Wilderfae colony and overseer of Sporites. Here, we will go over these roles.

● The Founder

The Sporeguard

The Wilderfae who first conducts the ritual to summon the Sporite Towers around the Arcane Fount is known as the Sporeguard. They are often elected among their group of Wilderfae and share a special psychic connection with the environment they helped cultivate. Qualities of a Sporeguard often include being perceptive, kind, courageous, and humble. 

The Sporeguard is often identifiable by wearing an ornate mushroom cap upon their heads. This cap also prevents any Wilderfae from communicating with them through telepathy.

While the Sporeguard may take a leadership role among their Fae Circle, many decisions are made democratically as a community. The Realmwood Circle’s Sporeguard is Holly Flandres, often addressed as just Sporeguard Flandres. 


● Overseers of the Circle

Faction Leaders

The three factions of the Realmwood Forest are run by a group of nine leaders, each representing one of the many vocations within the factions.

Together, they report their findings directly to the Sporeguard to democratically discuss and vote upon rulings of the forest.

Customs & Festivals

As a species who loves fun, games, and stimulating activities, Wilderfae have a number of customs and festivals. Life is celebrated and seasons are enjoyed to the fullest. 

  • Pupa Parties

    These are momentous parties often held by a Wilderfae’s close family and friends when they are about to enter metamorphosis.

    After a grand feast with games and music, the grub then goes to sleep in their crafted pupa with cozy gifts and offerings from their loved ones.

  • Hatching Days

    The second birthday for a Wilderfae is the day they emerge from their pupa as a fully-formed fae! This day is a quiet, more intimate celebration as the Wilderfae gets accustomed to their new form and catches up with their family.

    This is commonly considered a coming of age celebration.