Tylwyth

The Tylwyth (Till-with) are a variant of fey which found themselves living in the Material Plane, shortly following its creation. Although they do not recall how or why they came to be here, the Tylwyth have continued to live in the depths of dark forests for centuries, avoiding the meddling of the largefolk. Very few Tylwyth venture out from their forested home, but those that do may find themselves embroiled in adventure, as the nature of a wandering Tylwyth is to draw the attention of the supernatural.

A Tylwyth stands only a few inches tall, standing barely shorter than even small housecats and similarly sized creatures. They are lithe and nimble, and sport translucent insectoid wings which allow them to fly about. Tylwyth may fly as long as they wish, and rarely walk on their own two legs. Tylwyth otherwise appear as tiny elf-like humanoids, albeit with particularly long and pointed ears, even by Elvish standards.

Tylwyth live in the depths of forests in a communal hunter-gatherer society. They primarily subsist off of foraged mushrooms, wild game (known as common bugs to most largefolk), and other such things found in forests. Tylwyth despise birds of prey, as they are often seen as easy food for the predators to feed their young.

The leader of a Tylwyth community is known as the Grand Oak, and is always a position occupied by the eldest within the community, judged by how many Turns of Seasons that Tylwyth has seen. Tylwyth are largely segregated into communities based upon their courtly heritage, as each Tylwyth is descended from fey of a particular Seasonal Court, though it is not terribly uncommon for Tylwyth of compatible seasons (such as Spring and Summer, or Fall and Winter) to live with one another.

Tylwyth are largely distrustful of tallfolk, especially larger races such as Orcs or Half-Giants, citing that their distance from the natural world ruins their minds. They get along quite well with the more whimsical races such as Gnomes, Halflings, and Mousefolk, and they largely avoid more developed settlements of unpredictable races such as Humans and Dwarves.

• Ability Score Modifiers: Tylwyth are smart and charismatic, but pathetically twig-like. They receive +2 Intelligence and Charisma, and -2 Strength and -2 Constitution.
• Size: Tylwyth are Fine creatures.
• Type: Tylwyth are Fey.
• Base Speed: Tylwyth have a base land speed of 10 feet.
• Languages: Tylwtyh begin speaking only Sylvan. Tylwyth with high Intelligence scores may choose from the following: Elvish, Common, Gnomish, and Treant.
• Low-Light Vision: Tylwyth can see twice as far as humans in conditions of dim light.
• Flight: Tylwyth have translucent, insectoid wings that may be used in flight. This flight is spell-like in origin, and due to this does not function within Antimagic Field or similar effects. Tylwyth possess a fly speed of 30 ft. with poor maneuverability, but possess a +10 size bonus to Fly checks.
• Faerie Fire: Tylwyth emit light as a Torch within 20 feet. The color of this light may vary depending upon the Tylwyth’s heritage as well as their current mood.
• Hide From Tallfolk: Tylwyth may cast Invisibility as a spell-like ability once per day. Their Faerie Fire is hidden for the duration of the spell.

All Tylwyth originate from a particular Court, which often designates their appearance as well as their capabilities. Below is an overview of the four Courts, and the bonus appointed to each.

Tylwyth of the Spring court are mostly shy and gentle, though are known to sometimes have a wilder nature to them. Spring Tylwyth get along well with Tylwyth of the Summer Court, and their colorings tend to be bright yellows, greens, and sometimes blue or pink.

• Spring's Welcome: Tylwyth of the Spring Court receive a +1 bonus to Diplomacy and Bluff checks, and are considered Key Skills for them.

The Tylwyth of the Summer court may be gentle as the lazy sun on a good summer day or fierce enough to start wildfires with just a look. The Court of Summer is the most populous of the courts rivaled only by the Court of Winter. The Court of Summer Tylwyth have a deep dislike of those of the Winter Court, and consider themselves friendly rivals of the Fall Court Tylwyth. Their colorings tend to be bright reds and dark blues

• Summer's Storm: Tylwyth of the Summer Court may cast Read Weather once per day as a spell-like ability.

The Tylwyth of Fall (sometimes called the Tylwyth of Autumn) are hardworking and industrious. They tend to have a competitive spirit, and enjoy the apprehension of new challenges. Tylwyth of the Autumn court often work with those of the Winter, and they often see Spring Tylwyth as unmotivated and uninspired. Fall Tylwyth colorings tend to be bright orange, dark greens and browns, and sometimes purple.

• Fall's Harvest: Tylwyth of the Autumn Court receive a +2 bonus to a single Craft skill of their choice. The specific Craft chosen is considered a Key Skill for them.

As one may guess, the Tylwyth of Winter are cold and prickly. Just like the court of summer, the Court of Winter has many members, but unlike Summer, they are all cold and calculating. Winter Tylwyth consider themselves to be the most resilient and intelligent of all their kin. They see the Spring Tylwyth as pathetic and worthless, and the Summer Tylwyth as occasionally productive but stupid.

• Winter's Hardships: Tylwyth of the Winter Court receive Cold Resist 5.