The Briar Court

Overview

The Briar Court is an FC where original fae characters can come together to tell creative stories in FFXIV. This is a casual setting roleplay FC, we won't hold it to anyone to attend anything, but it is up to members to find ways to involve themselves at their own pace and comfort.This is also an FC that heavily relies on other means outside of the game's normal capacity for the purpose of storytelling. It's recommended you have the magic of the moon for this FC.

Inspiration & Vibe

cottage/fairy/goblin/ coreInspiration from real-world fae mythology and storytellingModern depictions of the fae from stories like:
King Arthurian tales, Peter Pan, the Cantebury Tales, Brother's Grimm, Wizard of Oz, Alice in Wonderland, etcExpect to have some spoilers even if we do our darnestThis FC is not a FFXIV lore strict place. We want people who respect creative writing. Obviously, mary-sues, godmodding, and pure nonsense will not be welcomed here, but this is an FC inspired by FFXIV lore, that tries to follow the mythos of the fae and what makes the most sense for storytelling.

The Seelie

Socialable, cunning, and 'beautiful'Ruled by Queen Xylphie, the Seelie are the fae who rise and sleep with the Sun. They are considered the more well-behaved (Not by much) and have a better grasp of the mortal world and its affairs.The Seelie can be prone to help beyond just the flora and fauna they commune with. Some of these fae may be willing to help mortals, though all help comes with a cost.Even if they may be the more kinder part of the Court, the Seelie are still rather dangerous. They tend to collect mortals as pets, and are seen more often as chaotic good, Their intentions may be to help, but are they really?

The Unseelie

Crude, 'ugly', and AloofWhen the sun goes to sleep, the moon and those of the Unseelie are commonly seen waking up. With their King Mourning Glory, this part of the Court can be seen more at night, and do most of their work under the moonlight. These fae are commonly associated as the monsters that lurk in the dark, or beings of sinister origins.Some Unseelie may have at one point been Seelie, though their hearts have darkened, soured, or been twisted into a more tortured form, to where they are transferred to the Unseelie side.Most Unseelie are not as understanding of how most mortal societies work and tend to hate them, mock them, and find society to be a stain on the natural world.
Due to their natures, Unseelie are less likely to give mortals their favor of the court. It takes a bit of work to win them over, but the payment is usually better, but still with a cost.Unseelie are particularly more aggressive about wanting courtiers. They will try to be exceptionally tricky to get mortals to join their fold, they will even go after other fae not tied to any courts. Best to think twice before taking any free offers.

What Happens When A Character Joins the Briar Court

-Introduction-Reach out OOC with your character ideaStick around the group for at least two weeks, and try to interact at least twice a week with the group to build rapport IC and OOCThe court will not take in total strangers, this also accounts for alts of established members, however they may take shorter or longer time, just dependsOnce your character has been observed, and there is IC known intent to join the group, we will begin to schedule a trial, or there will be another grace period of waiting to better integrate and see where the OC will fitLeadership does due diligence to fine a purpose for any who join the Court, be it mundane tasks like being a fae smithy, librarian fae, or even just a maid who cleans
-The Trials-
The trials consist of elements from how the fae work within IRL mythology, and a way to introduce and 'initiate' one into the Court proper, as well as acclimate to how the group DMs eventsRegardless, once a trial is taken or a period of trust kindled, your OC will be given a flower that will bind them to the court once everything has been established. Then, you will be given an invite to the FC/CWLS officially and access to the Briar Court forum in our discord.----------------------------
Characters we do not wantVoidsent (We have reached our limit of exceptions for this)Antagonizers (OCs who are not allowed to progress past their horrible personality traits, or hate the fae)OC's related to the main cast and crew of FFXIV (this inclused feo-ul and Titania)WoLs (Just not a concept leadership wants in this group)

The Court Hierarchy

Queen and King
Head Retinue. Oversee the flow of aether in the grotto, the main reason the grotto exists in the first place. They are also a source of plots/story, where they make powerful deals with others, and can call upon the court to help in their dealings.
----------------------------------Dukums/Dukes/Dutchess
Apart of the Retinue. While the royals may be in charge and can overrule anything they want, the Dukums oversee everyone else and are filed into manager roles. They help ferry new fae into positions, help with training, and create Knights and Barons for the court.----------------------------------Baron/Baroness
Apart of the Retinue. Considered under the Dukums, and a bit adjacent, they are supervisors who help new fae adjust to the Courts, are considered mentors, and work with the Knights by finding missions or aether to be pooled back to the grotto. (This is more or less an IC officer role than an OOC one)Only fae can become a Baron or more----------------------------------
The Four Tables of Knights
These fae are directly linked to the Dukums, and also are categorized into tables that are overseen by Barons. They are above Courtiers, as they are given more responsibility and tasks to performFae-touched mortals can become KnightsThe Thistle Knights
Protectors and guards who work with the GOMIDS system, do patrols, respond to alerts or issues, and get involved the most in combat. ypically make deals as personal body guards, or merc work. Their headquarters is the Bramble Hall.The Alder Knights
Healers for the court. They work within the Moonlit Sanctuary and oversee healing, and do surgeries or body repair. They also delve into research topics on how to treat rare ailments, and often work with the other tables to get to their goals.The Lupine Knights
The crafters and gatherers. Those with talents to produce goods for the court or find goods for the court. This also includes producing magic to be used, gardening/farming in the orchards, and making food itemsThe Hemlock Knights
Specifically the alchemists/scientists/nerds. They work on projects with fae-based alchemy, natural science, biology, and necromancy. They also seek out knowledge that the court may find useful. Their headquarters is currently in the Rose Cafe
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Courtiers
Common member of the court. They help find aether, work in the venue, or help with any missions the Knights may need help with as squires. Fae-touched mortals can become a Courtier given the right circumstances.----------------------------------
Friends of the Court
Because we want to make the place welcoming, there is a role for those who wish to be aquainted to the court, but due to IC reasons, cannot be fully fae. They are the 'fae touched' friends that are treated about equal to Courtiers, and usually are trapped in some sort of deal, or are giving aether to the court regardless of if they can become fully fae or not.
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