War of Names

Fae -FDA- Formorian

The "War of Names" is not a single, formally titled war, but rather refers to the foundational, philosophical, and magical conflict over how the world is defined, perceived, and controlled by the Fae. This era precedes the "Shattering" and "Sundering" described in Changeling: The Dreaming, representing a time when Fae were closer to gods, and the world was "woven" into existence from the Mists.

Key aspects of the War of Names and the Fae Dark Ages include: 1. The Conflict Over Definition (War of Names)

• Weaving the World: Before the modern era, Fae created the world from the "Mists" (raw potential) by defining it, a process known as Weaving.

• The Power of Names: The Fae in this era are "True Fae" (Firstborn), who play a high-stakes game that revolves around acquiring Titles and devouring Names to define reality.

• Naming as Control: By naming a thing, a Fae binds it, giving it form and control over it. The war is fought over who gets to name the land, the creatures, and the concepts of the world.

2. The War of Seasons (The Seasonal Courts)

The DAF setting features a brutal, thousands-year-long war between four seasonal courts, which later evolved into the Seelie/Unseelie divide:

• Spring Court: Embraced change, growth, and new life.
• Summer Court: Determined to uphold tradition and power.
• Autumn Court: Fascinated by humanity and the gathering of resources.
• Winter Court: The most brutal, focused on hunger, decay, and survival.
• The Oath-Truce: This war was temporarily halted by the Oath-Truce, where Fae agreed to stop fighting to watch humanity.

3. The War of Silver and Iron (800 BCE)

   A major, earlier conflict where the Garou (Werewolves) discovered the Fae had used them in the War of Seasons.
   The Garou slaughtered many Fae and taught humanity the "restricting power of cold iron," a major vulnerability.
   The Fae countered by teaching humans to use silver against the Garou. 

4. Oaths, Iron, and the Fall of the Fae

• Oaths of Gold: Humans swore Oaths of Gold to the Fae, acting as stewards of the land while the Fae fought their wars.
• Broken Oaths: By the 13th century, humans forgot their oaths and began using "Echoes" (iron, faith, bells, clothing worn inside out) to drive the Fae away.
• The End of the Truce (1230 AD): The truce falls with the "Blackened Sun," and the Fae return to find their lands taken, leading to new conflicts as they attempt to reclaim their power.

5. DAF vs. Modern Fae (Changeling: The Dreaming)

   Dark Ages: Fae depicts the "Good Folk" as powerful, dangerous, and often monstrous, closer to ancient gods or spirits.
   Changeling: The Dreaming takes place after the "Shattering," where the Old Fae have left for Arcadia.
   The "Mists" in DAF is the raw material of creation, whereas in Changeling, it is a force of forgetfulness. 

The Dark Ages Fae are ultimately creatures of legend, using "Weaving" and "Oaths" to navigate a world that is rapidly becoming more rigid and hostile to their magic, a prelude to their eventual forced retreat from the mortal world.

In modern times the Fae have begun to Awaken and Return to the mortal realms, re-establishing their oaths and realms of power.