I keep expecting that as well which is why I am prodding Ilatheril :)
It works for them becuase they hold standards so high... but I wonder how much falls apart with different interpretations and standards.... I suspect it works very well for the SIDHE and everyone else just does as they're told. THe Sidhe... yes, this is what they are raised with and being Seelie they couldn't IMAGINE it being any other way - especially when you live as long as the fae do
There is a shift in fae populations from place to place, BUT all Sidhe originated in the British Isles (just as all Trolls came from Scandinavia) and then migrated in various "Exodus of kings" to convince the world through reason and honour (and powerful magic) that they are the rulers of the fae. So though there may be different standards among lesser fae (the Trolls, again, are quite disgusted by the number of loopholes the Sidhe will work into their oaths) the actual ruling principles and ruling class remain constant.
The authorities PER SE do not step in in either case EXACTLY. After all, honour is a PRIVATE thing and they don't have a right to intyerfere. BUT there are STANDARDS - and even if they won't be punished for being too excessive, they may face pretty severe social ostracism. A Sidhe who is being too ridiculous in their own punishment is considered arrogant ande prideful - and may be damaging their own ability to fulfill their duties to the Seelie (a big mark of dishonour). Someone who is too harsh is vindictive and cruel - huge black marks against the Seelie and, again, may be unjustly preventing someone from fully discharging their duties to the Seelie. Not only will this get you shunned and mocked and set acid tongues a-wagging but it may earn you no small number of enemies - allies of the people who are being harshly treated, or Sidhe who find themselves having to step in and plug the gaps.
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It works for them becuase they hold standards so high... but I wonder how much falls apart with different interpretations and standards.... I suspect it works very well for the SIDHE and everyone else just does as they're told. THe Sidhe... yes, this is what they are raised with and being Seelie they couldn't IMAGINE it being any other way - especially when you live as long as the fae do
There is a shift in fae populations from place to place, BUT all Sidhe originated in the British Isles (just as all Trolls came from Scandinavia) and then migrated in various "Exodus of kings" to convince the world through reason and honour (and powerful magic) that they are the rulers of the fae. So though there may be different standards among lesser fae (the Trolls, again, are quite disgusted by the number of loopholes the Sidhe will work into their oaths) the actual ruling principles and ruling class remain constant.
The authorities PER SE do not step in in either case EXACTLY. After all, honour is a PRIVATE thing and they don't have a right to intyerfere. BUT there are STANDARDS - and even if they won't be punished for being too excessive, they may face pretty severe social ostracism. A Sidhe who is being too ridiculous in their own punishment is considered arrogant ande prideful - and may be damaging their own ability to fulfill their duties to the Seelie (a big mark of dishonour). Someone who is too harsh is vindictive and cruel - huge black marks against the Seelie and, again, may be unjustly preventing someone from fully discharging their duties to the Seelie. Not only will this get you shunned and mocked and set acid tongues a-wagging but it may earn you no small number of enemies - allies of the people who are being harshly treated, or Sidhe who find themselves having to step in and plug the gaps.