When two planes of existence come in contact with each other it often creates a region of space that exists in both planes. Plants, animals, and sentient beings in the vacinity of a convergence such as this will, whether by accident, instinct, or curiosity, cross into the other realm. A living organism that makes such a transition will take on physical, cultural, and aditudinal attributes of the new plane. Over the first few generations these changes can be quite dramatic, but in time the race with stabilize its adaptations into a new organism altogether.
Big Heart, Small Package
Feylings are a peaceful warmhearted race. They are also a small race springing from the fey influence of the pixies and sprites and the practical influence of the material races. The homes of feylings are often snug, just large enough for the needs of its occupants. It may be the preserved length of a hollow tree, or a cleaned burrow of an animal. Or, it may be an assembly of natural rocks and plants formed into a structure. Feylings have a rich traditions and long oral histories; they cultivate crops, raise flocks and herds, and practice a wide variety of crafts, all in harmony of the two realms of their interwoven home.
Between Two Worlds
Living at the convergence of planes, they manage the transitional space like a gardener manages different sections of her garden, or like a rancher manages the breeding of his beloved animals. Sometimes they will encourage migration and evolution, and sometimes they will discourage it. Their warmhearted nature instinctively leads them to seek peaceful or complimentary solutions to conflict. Whether that is the competition of floral species, war between the realms, or anything in between.
Gatekeepers of Convergence
When a feywild seed drafts through the convergence and springs into life in the material world it is the feylings that gently transplant it to its natural realm. When a field mouse scrmbles its way into the feywild it is the feylings that guide it back to familiar surroundings. And when a gnome passes attempts passage, it is the feylings that teach him of the wonders and dangers of the world ahead.
Similar Races
There are many races that take responsibility for a planar convergence. These include darklings, thoughtlings, ghostlings, and others. Each takes on traits of the planes they shepherd thus differing greatly in their racial, cultural, familial, and personal attributes.
Art Credit:
David Baldridge
(used without permission - do not distribute)
"The narrow ravine ahead was a wonder to behold. At one end the familiar pine and oak trees lorded over ferns, mushrooms, and small flowers that could be seen anywhere in Tola, but the far end showed towering, brightly colored orchids, celosia, and hyacinths climbing the trunks of two massive blue meranti trees. But how could such a stark difference exist within such a short distance. Surely there was a force at work here keeping the two biomes from mixing."
Feyling Traits
Racial
Age
As humanoids related to the fey, feylings have long lifespans. A feyling reaches adulthood around 30 and the oldest of them can live for 500 years.
Size
Feylings are about three feet tall and weigh about 35 pounds. Their size is small.
Speed
The base speed for a feyling is 25 feet.
Physical Ability Score Increase
Feyling increase their Dexterity by 1.
Community
Motivation
Social Balance - Feyling culture teaches each individual to strive the betterment of all above the betterment of themselves, though not to the exclusion of self interest. When a choice between two good options is presented, a feyling will carefully weigh the options and strive to find the one that is the best for the most individuals, or find a compromise that is better than either option alone. (see motivation matrix)
Languages
Feyling are taught to read and write Sylvan and Common.
Speech of Beast and Leaf
Feylings have the ability to communicate in a limited manner with beasts and plants. They can understand the meaning of the feyling's words, though the feyling has no special ability to undertand them in return. Feylings have advantage on all Charisma checks to influence them.
Naturalist
Feylings are proficient with Handle Animals. They also have advantge on physically handling of plants or animals in any way.
Mental Score Increase
Feyling increase their Wisdom by 1.
Familial
Motivation
Each feyling family is a close nit unit and can shift one motivational axis in any direction. Divergence further from the cultural motivation will create cause a feyling to be shunned or exiled from the community. (see motivation matrix)
Training
Feylings are taught the craft of their parents, but are not required to take up the same. They increase one ability score by 1. This must be one of the primary ability scores of either parents' craft (class).
Parental Guidance
In childhood each feyling can learn one skill, tool, cantrip, or language known by their parents.
Personal
Apprenticeship
During adolescence each feyling will apprentice for two years in a craft (class) of their choice known either by a parent or a community member. This gives the benefits of a Background, and provides their first level of craft (class).