Land
Brownie
Brownies are hob-goblins. They are hairy, rough, short, scruffy, and almost
always male. Many have only nostrils, no noses. Found in the Lowlands of
Scotland and in the north and east of England, Brownies are usually invisible.
They will occasionally appear for their favourite family member. Brownies, like
faeries, can use their powers to steal the essence of food and leave only the
image of a meal. They come into mortal's houses where they help around the house
at night. They do, however, ask for a small fee in return which is a small daily
ration of good quality food. These hob-goblins hate being watched while they
work and are very picky. Never criticize a brownies work or reward it directly
(i.e. put food out for them to find accidentally).
A Buttery Sprite gets its name from their love of butter. Although no one has
every seen one, a Buttery Sprite is believed to be around when food is missing
or vengeance on humans has been taken. These sprites haunt inns that are owned
by dishonest innkeepers. They also like to torment deceitful priests and abbots.
Centaurs are a hybrid. They have the upper torso of a human and the legs of a horse. In Greek mythology most of them were drunken followers of the god Dionysus. Dionysus was the god of wine, agriculture, and fertility of nature. He was also called Bacchus. However some were kind and taught humans, like Chiron.
Also known as a tree nymph or tree spirit, these Celtic creatures are closely
tied with trees. Unlike
Hamadryadnik,
Dryads can move their spirit from tree to tree. They can be playful or helpful,
depending on their mood. Although the favour willow trees, any of the 13 Celtic
sacred trees will do.
Elves
In the olden days in Scandinavia faerie people were called elves.
They were divided into light (liosalfar) and dark (svartalfar) elves. Dark elves
have dark hair and black eyes while light elves have blonde hair and blue eyes.
Generally tall and thin, these creatures have sharp delicate features (i.e.
pointed ears). Elves are often associated with archery and forests. In legend
the Scandinavian elves were said to fight on the side of the gods against the
evil giants. In lowland Scotland the faerie people of human size were called
elves. "Elf" was, however, as unpopular with the faeries themselves as the
tactless name of "fairy." Tiny elves of Britain and Germany are often mistaken
for faeries.
Gnomes are very similar to
dwarves. They
too hoard precious items. Gnomes are excellent metal workers, completely
knowledgeable in all aspects of the process. From mining to fine craftsmanship,
gnomes and
dwarves are
unparalleled. However, Gnomes are slightly smaller than Dwarves and perfectly
proportioned. It is sometimes said that gnomes move through the ground like fish
do water.
Goblins are evil and malicious spirits who love to frighten and hurt humans.
These omnivores tend to be small, hideous, and avoid sunlight. These creatures
live in gangs. Sometimes they are dressed in basic leather armour and carry with
them primitive weapons such as spears. However they posses great strength and
generally reside underground or in other uninhabited areas. Goblins do
occasionally take up residence in human houses. The results are disastrous.
Leprechaun
Leprechauns are shoemakers, but they only work on one, not a pair. They love
music and fox hunting as well as dancing. If you catch a Leprechaun you can get
what you wish, if you do not take your eyes from him. The pot of gold is
associated with the cauldron of the Old Crone Goddess. These creatures are
solitary.