Defining the Fae
The Fae are multi-racial supernatural people with unique physical appearances, superhuman neurobiological structures, and spellcaster abilities. They are believed to be hybrid descendants of Saturs, Norns, and Atlanteans. They are also one of the oldest supernatural races, the Big Three, (enchanters/witches, fairies, and vampyres).
The Fae are a brightly colored, diverse species living in breathtakingly beautiful plains, valleys, and mountains, with advanced manufactured and divine technology and steampunk/Victorian cultural ideals, a fierce desire to protect nature and people, and semi-zealous beliefs in their superiority.
~livinasimminlife
Fae are considered Sims because they are “human” with supernatural abilities. They are known individually as fairies and/or berries, used interchangeably. All berries have supernatural (and magical) abilities and gifts. Fae is the ethnicity. When people say “the Fae,” they typically mean the ethnic collective and cultural group. It may also be used to refer to the Fae Empire/Kingdom. These terms are used interchangeably. The Fae Empire refers to ‘the whole of the Fae people’ no matter where they reside in the world.The Fae Kingdom specifically refers to the united territories of Highland (the Southern Glens) and Hibernia (the Northern Peaks).
Berrie is the race. Sometimes spelled berry. Each sub-race belongs to an Order, a specific ‘like’ or ‘similar’ type of people. The Orders are sub-divided into four seasons – Winter and Summer, Spring and Fall.
- The Orders are officially governed by the Seelie and Unseelie Courts. The court determines law and order. Winter and Fall belong to the Unseelie Court and Summer and Spring belong to the Seelie Courts.
- Within each Order is a family clan. (i.e. Summerdreams, Winterholds). This refers to the different color families. The clans unofficially govern their people.
- The classes of the Fae refer to the social ranking of berries within the Fae Empire. Within each Order/Court (and even to some extent, each clan), there are varying degrees of hierarchy. Where you live in the world and which clan you belong to determines how important class is.
Fast Facts
So you are a member of the Fae?
- Geography: If you are a high-born fairy, you live in Highland or Hibernia and rarely travel outside the Fae Kingdom. If you are a snow fairy, you might live in the colonies on the continents of Arctica and Beira. If you are a mid-born or low-born fairy, you would live within one of the many Fae colonies around the globe, or within the Kingdom.
- Appearance and Physicality: Each Fae family belongs to an Order (a season) and a family clan (the color). Your Order and Clan are determined at birth by your berrie appearance and vice versa. Like enchanters, fairies are near-identical to humans/Sims. They possess a unique ability to moderately adjust their appearance at will, and others can fully shapeshift to appear more human. Fae are commonly distinguished by their brightly colored skintones, shiny sheen, and unnatural hair and eye colors. Contrary to popular belief, wings are relatively rare among the Fae, and not all Fae possess pointy ears.
- Governance and Economy: The Fae govern as constitutional and hereditary monarchy. They are governed by the Emperor/Empress, supreme leader of all Fae peoples, and locally are referred to as the King/Queen. The regal leader’s authority is balanced by the internal Ministry. Ministers are appointed based on their fairy Order and family clan, and are typically from high-born or mid-born families. The overall economy is governed and regulated by the Ministry and each type of business is managed by the Orders and local clans. The Fae are also founding members of the Alliance of Magic (with enchanters and merfolk).
- The Emperor/Empress operates over the entire Fae Empire, all the peoples and lands. (Typically the role is one-and-the-same as king/queen, and the title is only used for ceremonial or diplomatic purposes)
- The King/Queen operate at the highest federal level. They act as a national symbol and representative of the people and decide policy.
- The Orders/Courts are the state government. This includes the Fae Ministers. They determine the laws, taxes, and carry out the wishes of the Empire and the Courts.
- The clans are the local city governments. The higher levels allow each clan to internally “handle” law and order among their own people, and meet the day-to-day needs of the people.
- Social Status and Class:
- Family and Business:
- Magic, Technology, and Religion:
- View of Self and Others:
Culture of The Orders
The Fíor Order – True/Pure Berries
Appearance: These berries are pure color and are the most diverse in terms of skin tones. The more precise and deeper the color, the more beautiful they are considered among their own kind. Most ‘pure berries,’ like their namesake, are obsessed with purity. They prefer to marry their own color to prevent extinction as a rule rather than a preference.
Geography, Family, and Economy: Members of the Fíor Order reside predominantly in the United Fairy Kingdom (Highland and Hibernia). True berries are rarely found outside of their native communities. For this reason, they are close-knit and tight with their families, often develop deep friendships for life, and are deeply passionate about their culture. These berries are often found in the fields of science, engineering, technology, and mathematics.
View of Self and Others: However, because they believe in separation from other supernaturals, non-supernaturals, and even in some cases, other berrie orders, they are typically prejudiced toward outsiders. They can be stubborn, short-sighted, and resistant to change. These traits have led to long-standing feuds among the colors. In the modern era, this is becoming less and less common, with more pure berries leaving their homes for education or to explore the world, especially the younger generations.
The Púdar Order – Raw/Snow Berries
Appearance: These berries are also known as ‘raw berries’ or ‘snow berries.’ Sometimes, they are referred to as ‘winter berries.’ These berries are easily identified by their pale skin, pale eyes, white hair, and soft pink/peach lips and cheeks. They also possess pointy ears.
Geography: As their name suggests, they live in the snowier regions of Simterra. You will find snow berries in Arctica and Beira, Takahara, and the United Simlandic States. Some live further south in other Sim Union countries and in Cascadia and the northern Sim Nation.
Governance and Family: While their numbers are smaller, they are among the more powerful and more well known Orders. Their clan leader is well known throughout the Fae Empire (and in the non-supernatural Sim culture) as ‘Father Winter.’ Due to their dwindling population, they are strictest with keeping their bloodlines pure. Arranged marriages are common.
View of Self/Others: Snow berries are isolationists by nature of the harsh terrain in which they live, but they are not cold and closed-off like some of the other berrie Orders. To outsiders, they are known for their impeccable hospitality and high quality crafts. They prize comfort and functionality.
Known Snow Berries: Vanilla ‘Nilla’ Bliss Winterhold and her family are from the Púdar Order.
The Pêche Order – Peach/Summer Berries
Appearance: These berries are also known as ‘peach berries’ or ‘summer berries.’ They are characterized by pale skin with peach undertones. These berries are commonly recognized by their peach or pale blonde hair and rosy cheeks. They are often thought of as the “true” Fae as they are the most commonly known throughout the world.
Geography: Significant populations of peach berries are found all throughout the Sim Union, with a large presence in Windenburg, the former capitol city of Albergia. The peach diaspora is the largest of any berrie Order, and the Pêche can be found on every continent. Interestingly, they are the most “accepted” of the berrie Orders among non-supernaturals. Perhaps internally this is due in part to their relative resemblance to non-berries.
Governance and Economy: Peach berries have a strong and powerful presence in politics and law.
View of Self/Others: Within the sovereign borders of the Fae Kingdom there is a growing disconnect from other berries. This extends to surrounding “non-fae” nations. Global trade has dwindled in the past 75 years as the Empire has focused its efforts on building national pride, autonomy, and self-sustenance. There are some berries who are very concerned with the growing elitism and exclusivity among the nobility.
Known Peach Berries: The current ruling family, the Summerdreams, are from the Pêche Order.
The Seacláid Order – Cocoa Berries
Appearance: These berries are considered pure berries, but their skin tones range from dark or deep brown to light caramel brown. They are sometimes also called ‘chocolate berries’ or jokingly, ‘the candy berries.’
View of Self/Others: Because they are relatively indistinguishable from non-fae, they are well-accepted and well-adjusted in Sim society. Unlike many of the other fae races, they are the most tolerant and accepting of the other races and non-supernaturals. Many hold positions of power among the Encantar and other world governments. Intermarrying between cocoa berries and enchanters is quite common. However, sometimes they have a reputation for being naïve and easily manipulated because of their belief in the ‘innate good’ of others and their desire to please everyone.
Economy: Cocoa berries have a reputation for their deep connection to the earth. They are often employed as farmers, gardeners, and chefs. They are proud and protective of the land and the needs of the people.
The Dorcha Order – Dark Berries
Appearance: These berries are considered pure berries, but generally their skin is devoid of true color. Their skin tones are typically grey or black. Tattooing is common among the dark berries to distinguish themselves and as a way of honoring their culture/history.
Geography: Dark berries are also known as “dark fae,” “deep berries,” and sometimes “night berries.” Many prefer to live underground and most are nocturnal. The dark berries live in small enclaves or clans in the Northern Peaks of Hibernia, United Simlandic States, and the forests and woods of New Scythia, northern Albergia, and Cascadia.
View of Self and Others: Contrary to their name, they are not all practitioners of ‘dark magic’ or ‘forbidden magic,’ though most are proficient in the ways. Not all dark berries have “lost their way,” and this is a harmful stereotype among these fairies.
Economy: Dark berries are often employed on “night shifts” or “underground labor” due to their nocturnal habits.
The Measctha Order – Mixed Berries
Appearance: These berries are mixed in color. Historically, mixed berries of any kind faced intense discrimination, but many berries are growing to be more accepting of ‘mixing.’ Some may even find ‘mixed’ berries to be more beautiful.
Geography: The Measctha Order is primarily situated in Hibernia, the northern Fae Kingdom, also colloquially as “the Northern Peaks.” This is considered the “old country” and formerly the home of the Alvs before they moved even further north.
Education/Economy: Many mixed children attend private school or are homeschooled to create a tailored, more caring and nurturing environment, free from bullying and prejudice. Many mixed berries choose to attend elite academies to hone their magical abilities at a young age. For this reason, many mixed berries are more innovative and flexible than other berries, accustomed to unique and diverse learning experiences. Many become educators themselves. The mixed berries also have a strong presence in technology and engineering fields. Many of the Fae Ministers are from the Measctha Order.
The Bréagach Order – Faux/Blended Berries
Appearance: These berries are a type of mixed berrie. They are sometimes called “pure” mistakenly. They are also referred to as “blended” berries. They are berries of a single color, appearing pure, but are of a mixed bloodline. They often have a single color skin with subtle skin details and features.
View of Self and Others: Faux berries often face the stereotype of “tricksters” because they appear to “fake” purity. A mixed bloodline cannot be restored, even if a faux berrie finds a pure berry partner of the same color. Because of the risk of recessive genes reemerging, faux berries often have a difficult time finding a partner. Many faux berries are adopted by non-berrie Sims. For these reasons, faux berries often have low self-esteem and feel they need to overcompensate in some area of their life.
Economy/Way of Life: Because of their nomadic lifestyle, they tend to be minimalists. They have a deep sense of spirituality and a penchant for practicality. They believe in service and are often employed as doctors, nurses, medical technicians, pharmacists, scientists, firefighters, police, and tradespeople.
Geography and Governance: The Order is nomadic without a unifying governance, though they do follow law and customs of the Fae Empire as a whole. The faux berries do not have any set territory or location on Simterra. Many choose to travel and live on other planets in order to escape discrimination and prejudice. Some choose to live within hollows or havens, territories or cities with mixed supernatural populations. Those who live in these regions are more accepting and tolerant of all different races and species in general.
The Tuarceatha Order – Rainbow Berries
Appearance: These berries have more than two mixed berrie genes. They are referred to as ‘rainbows,’ ‘color babies,’ and sometimes ‘unicorn’ babies. True rainbow berries are rare. Only about 1/25th of the population are actually rainbow berries.They are distinguishable by their naturally multi-colored hair, unique colorful markings, and patterned skin. They often have heterochromia. Many choose to wear brightly colored clothing to match their love of colors.
Family/Way of Life: Most rainbow berries stick together and live in small bands of three to four families. They are a nomadic berrie order. Rainbows are famous for their uncanny ability to find anything, and they are well known collectors. They also have a reputation for being mischievous tricksters so don’t pay up front unless you know for sure you’re getting the service you’re paying for.
Geography/Economy: Like their “namesake,” rainbow berries enjoy living closer to the skies/heavens. You’ll find them predominantly in impossibly high mountain villages, towering fortresses, and off-world in various aerostat communities. Many are employed as astronauts, spaceship crews, and pilots, though others choose to follow the path of meteorology, astronomy, astrology, and navigation. Anything to get off the ground. For this reason, they have their heads in the clouds… literally… and they don’t like to touch down for long.
The Desagüe Order – Drained/Grey Berries
Appearance: These berries formerly had “berry” skin tones, but are no longer recognized as a “true” berrie. They are sometimes called “drained” berries. They would be a form of mixed berries. In ancient history, they were considered “cursed” by other berries as the sudden, unexplained draining of color from their skin was startling. Later, it was determined their color loss was a result of intermixing with vampyres, either through ritualistic feedings or standard procreation.
Drained berries are commonly identified by their ashy grey skin. They often retain remnants of their former color, or may wear shades of their former color clan. Additionally, all drained berries have a permanent scarring on their necks. This is one area where I differ from other “berry lore” out there. I wanted my “drained” berries to look more vampiric.
View of Self and Others: Like many other mixed berries, they face discrimination. Drained berries who live among other berry orders often feel shame because of their impurity. This is because of the association with “forbidden” or “dark” magic of vampyres. They commonly have latent pyre abilities, which only furthers damaging stereotypes against them should these abilities be revealed. These powers or connections to dark ley lines are typically weak, the vampyre strength diluted by the introduction of other genes.
Economy: Sadly, a significant percentage of young drained berries end up in gangs. Many in the the Desagüe Order are employed by organized criminal organizations. However, many lead “crime-free” lives and have successful careers in the military and the medical and entertainment industries (similar to pyres).
Geography: Drained berries are commonly accepted in pyre society. Like pyres, they are generally more tolerant of other races and species, and are less concerned with appearances in their potential partners. Many drained berries choose to live in New Scythia, Hanzu and Takahara, and supernatural hollows around the world.
The Athrú Order – Colorshifters
Appearance: These berries are colorshifters. They are sometimes called ‘dreamwalkers,’ ‘chameleons,’ and even ‘changelings.’ These berries can shift colors of their skin, eyes, and hair at will, though for some, it requires intense concentration and decades of training. This ability is incredibly rare. Many color shifting berries attend elite academies from a young age to hone their craft. They are known to be fast learners. These berries typically are two-toned in their natural state. This is reflected in their hair, eyes, and skin details. Sometimes they are mistaken for rainbow berries, an error that they can often turn to an advantage.
View of Self/Others: Among the other berrie Orders, the Athrú are both loved and hated, welcomed and feared. For the more closed-minded Orders, especially those with an preoccupation with purity, the color shifters are viewed as “impure,” “unclean,” or “dirty.” They are often treated with high suspicion and mistrust. A significant portion of the worker class/caste is comprised of color shifters. There is a stereotype that color shifters cannot make up their minds and are rather indecisive in their personal lives.
Ecnomy/Way of Life: Contrary to popular belief, the Athrú do have a rich tradition and lead successful lives. Despite their minority status, many color shifters thrive in all kinds of societies. They have a deep empathy and exhibit pride in their work. Some of the more open-minded Orders are readily accepting of color shifters. They often work as diplomats, interpreters, and negotiators because of their unique ability to both physically blend with other berries and to intellectually and emotionally resonate with other philosophies, beliefs, and customs.
Banilla Berries / Fairies
Appearance: There are some arguments over whether ‘Banilla‘ berries are truly “berries”or “fae.” The term ‘banilla’ refers to a Sim with a ‘vanilla’ or typical Sim skin tone (anywhere on the average human spectrum) and naturally brightly colored hair, eyes, or skin features. They typically have a fraction of berrie genes, but over multiple generations of mixed berries, drained berries, or mixing with other supernatural and non-supernatural races are no longer appear to be genuine “berrie.”
It is worth noting a “banilla” berrie is different than a Sim who chooses brightly colored hair, makeup, or attire. Banilla still have a fraction of Fae genes even if they are many generations removed from the original fairy donor. The only way to truly determine if a Sim is banilla is to complete a genetic test, or for latent fae abilities to emerge.
Geography: The exact ratio is unspecific and fluid, unless you are among the most elite berries. A banilla berrie is typically at least four generations removed from their original color genes and they do not live with nor identify with any of the current Orders. For this reason, banilla berries do not have any organized governance or representation. Many live among the society of their dominant genes – most commonly among non-supernatural Sims.
View of Self/Others: Some struggle with a sense of “identity” or others choose not to identify with berries or the Fae at all. However, many ‘banilla’ berries display latent supernatural abilities – or magics. They may even innately practice magic in their everyday lives without realizing it. This is due to their unconscious, but deep connection to the elements. The Mauve twins (from Berry Bountiful Harvest) are considered banilla.
[See Also: Real World Influences: the languages that influenced the names of the fairy orders]
More to Come!
THIS PAGE IS A WIP
Tales from Simterra 
