After Notes

This is a selection of notes I had written for the idea of my 'imps' and 'fae dust'. It's not more story, so it's only useful if you're interested in reading more about those concepts from my fic.

If you decide not to read it, you will probably still want to read the bit at the end about my next fic....... ;)

IMPS

So, what are imps? Imps are fallen fae, their ancient ancestors having given up on the more noble fae life of justice and honour. Over the centuries, the lessened use of fae wings ultimately resulted in the modern wingless imp. Their closest cousins include pixies (mischevious souls but still winged) and leprechauns.

Admittedly, most of the rumours of imps being mischevious, often irritating creatures are usually true. Yes, they live and breathe mischief and excitement, without it, imps became fidgety creatures. And honestly, a fidgety imp is much more annoying than a mischevious one.

It should be added that imps, like humans, are not necessarily good or bad, but spread out across a continuum. Some are more evil than others, just as some are more good. It is possible to find an imp so morally correct that they will sacrifice their mischevious needs to do what is right, just very.... rare. However it is just as rare to find an imp so innately evil that they would cause intentional fatal, or potentially fatal, harm upon another creature purely for its own entertainment. They like to ruffle feathers, not pluck them.

In their proper form, imps are very small creatures, knee high to a human, usually with dark skin and ears pointed like an elf, but also shaped in a wavy pattern down the ear's curve.

Despite their personal differences, there is one thing common to all imp-kind. That is, all imps have a single important familiar. The importance of an imp's familar cannot be stressed enough. Familiars provide imps with the ability to shift into the creature's bodies for a very short period of time, to increase the chances of successfully escaping when caught out, or where there is the prospect of being caught out if one isn't fast enough, in the mischevious act, whatever it might be. This means imp's familiars are usually small creatures, most popular include cats, small dogs and rats or mice. Rabbits, chipmunks, grasshoppers and dragonflies are also not unusual. The second commonly used function of familiars is the channeling of their power to make the imp appear as large as a (very) short human. This also has benefits in disguising one's appearance against those with low opinions of imp-kind. Many imps spend the majority of their lives in this state.

But here, friend, I will divulge an imp secret. Despite their often irritating activities, imps are generally kind-hearted people. If you're a smart enough person, it should not be difficult to convince them to help you in your adventures - just don't expect to get rid of them too easily once they've given you assistance.

Fae Dust.

Fae dust is the staple diet of all fae. Without it, their magical energies drain leaving them weakened and, while it does not directly kill them, a fae without fae dust is like a vampire without blood, wasting away to a shadow of their former selves, driven dangerously by the lust for food and, ultimately, set upon a self-destructive path. It is theorised that they also become fragile, and more susceptible to disease, in such a condition. Because imps are fae descendants, they also require the consumption of fae dust.

Fae dust, however, is created only by fae, who keep their secret method well hidden. Even imp-kind have forgotten how to make it, forcing them to acquire the expensive dust through trade with the fae. The fae themselves do not ask an outrageous sum for the dust, however they are usually particular in who they deal with, and purchasing from anyone else is almost too costly to be a practical alternative.

Fae dust looks similar to sherbet, and comes in a variety of colours. Many magically endowed creatures, especially high class wizard, like having a small quantity for use in various spells.

NEXT FIC

Yes, it is true, I've already started writing the next fic, and I'm willing to divulge a few small things about it. It will take place in Parthax, where the group uncover a terrible plot regarding the Order of the Serpentine. Three new characters will be Maecyn, a bumbling Mage, Thmirce, his female gnome servant and Sudarna, a female assassin. Also, the Raelis snake creature will make an appearance. You'll have to look out for it, but to help, it will probably (not definitely) be called "Order of the Serpentine" or something similar.

Ta ra all!

Deej