The First of the Fey

The “First of the Fey” are a semi-mythical race, said to be the progenitors of many races—including the Eladrin and the LeShay—found in the Feywild and other planes of existence. Indeed, legend holds that the “First of the Fey” predate the Gods of the Elvish Pantheon and the Seelie and UnSeelie courts, and thus are not bound to follow their edicts—instead following only their own whims and conscience.

The “First of the Fey” are sometimes referred to as the Ellyllon (singular Ellyll.) The Ellyllon have their existence anchored simultaneously in both the Prime Material Plane and Feywild, and thus step easily from one to the other.

The Ellollyn tend to be solitary by nature, often living alone or in pairs. They prefer to make their homes at particularly beautiful and unusual places in nature: whether it be the rocky crown of an isolated hill, near a hidden spring, in a grotto behind a waterfall, on the top of a sea stack, on a windblown mountain peak, etc.

The Ellollyn have an affinity for materials in their pristine state. In terms of craft and art, they have a liking of natural materials, modified with simple tools and techniques, believing that simply crafted items, even those in which the skill or artistry of the maker is not great are more desirable than exquisitely crafted items. Instead, the Elloylln believe that the beauty of an item comes more from the creators spiritual connection to the materials, rather than in great technical skill.

In terms of both tools and weapons, they generally shun items made from smelted metal, believing that the process removes too much of the material’s natural essence. Instead they prefer implements that are made of wood and stone, and that have been fashioned using wood, stone, flowing water, etc as tools. This propensity may well give rise to the piece of folklore that Elloyllon cannot handle or even touch iron objects.

Elloylln take on a wide range of appearances, and are generally—though not exclusively—humanoid. Humanoid appearing Ellollyn are typically four to five feet in height, and in terms of body structure can range from having the most delicate features common to fairies, to having the girth and solidity of dwarves.

In terms of skin and hair color, as well as texture, they tend to take on characteristics that depend both on their current habitat, as well as current mood—which can shift rapidly. In terms of gender, they may appear anywhere on a spectrum from virilely masculine to highly feminine, and anywhere in-between. Some Ellollyn will always maintain the same gender expression, while other’s gender expression will vary widely from hour to hour, or day to day.

Notes

The name Ellollyn from the Welsh term for Elves, one of five types of fairies (Tylwth Teg—literally “Fair Family” in mid-Welsh) in Welsh lore.