However despite its apparent strength fairy magic does have a weakness, because of its foreign nature fey magic is both very powerful and very weak, it is not as limited in what it can do, those who use true Fey magic can cast all spells both divine and arcane. However such spells are not completely real. They are partly phantoms, figments and illusions. So should a Fey who’s powers are 40% real call forth a 10 inch thick stone wall to protect themselves the wall will merely be 4 inches thick, the rest of it will be an illusion that will depend on the belief of those trying to break through the wall. Magical powers that must be completely real to function cannot be cast using Fey Magic. For example the ability to dispel powers is limited when using Fey magic, as a curse may not be partly undone.

          The exception to the limitations of Fey Magic’s connection with reality are powers such as summons, enchantments, and illusions are not restricted by this rule, these are as real as if they where cast by anyone. Again however they have a limitation, as those utilizing fey magic can only summon those things that would work with the fey, such as other fey or creatures that feel a kinship with them. Attempts to summon creatures that do not wish to work with the fey will meet with disaster as they cannot be fully controlled.

        Because of such limitations the fey often choose to learn mortal forms of magic such as druidism, wizardry, or sorcery. The fairies have also created rituals to extend their powers. Such rituals of protection, divination, calling and the like. These rituals allow one to utilize fey magic for more tangible alterations to reality. Of course learning such rituals is difficult, and most people even those who know of such things only know a dozen or so. 

    There are some regions where fairies and their superstitions are common where almost everyone knows at least a few such rituals, mostly to protect themselves against evil, or to stave off curses. The power of these rituals limited, and in truth enacting such rituals can cause more trouble then help for they can draw attention to the user, after all an insignificant human is rarely ever noticed, but those who have an aura of magic about them are almost always objects of interest..

Fairy Rituals for RPG’s

 The strange way in which fairy magic binds to everything allows it to be used to create simple effects relatively simply. Such effects could be as simple as making ones cooking taste better, simple protections against spells or fairies, or could be as complex as charming or cursing another. These rituals are normally very simple involving movements, speech, basic herbs, or any combination of these. For your RPG character or the world in which they reside the use of fairy rituals can help allow for extensive numbers of wise folk, and witches, and wizards who don’t have actual magic. This will allow the GM to keep magic among mortals a rare and powerful thing.

In most cases the fairy rituals are cast through knowledge of the fey, or through knowledge local (in such cases where local tradition builds them). In this latter case although many people know fairy rituals  very very few can actually use them properly. Further a character can do no more then their level worth of effects in rituals in a single day. Fairies however can do double their hit dice and level worth of powers in a day allowing even some of the weakest of fey to create incredibly powerful effects.

 Crossed and Spit

Time to cast-Standard Action

Duration 1 min

Roll-15

Crossed and spit is a simple ritual that typically requires crossing fingers, spitting, etc it provides protection +1 from evil, spells and fairies. 

Basic Circle of Salt

Time to cast-standard action+special

Duration-8 hours

Roll-25

This ritual involves using salts prepared with herbs to create a circle; it provides +2 protections from, evil, spells, and fairies, much the same as a circle of protection spell acts. The salt requires 1-2 hours to prepare and it requires time to gather the necessary herbs as well. Once prepared however the salt may be used as a standard action.

Greater Circle of Salt

Time to cast-Standard action

Duration-8 hours

Roll-30

As basic circle of salt only providing +4 protection

Salt of Repulsion

Time-2 rounds

8 hours

Roll-roll 40

These salts take a full day to prepare. When laid down however they 

Sheers and Bell

Time to cast-2 standard actions

Duration-4 hours

Roll-30

With this power the ritual caster uses bells and iron sheers to repel fey. Once completed all fey must save (DC equal to ritual casters roll and bonus) or flee at least 100’ from the caster of this ritual for a period of 4 hours.

Fey Service

Casting Time-4 hours

Roll-40

Duration-Special

A complex ritual that has a similar effect to planner binding only it summons a fairy rather then an outsider. The preparation for this ritual can be as long as days as circles are drawn and items obtained. Whole quests can be built around obtaining the necessary items for this ritual, the GM should be creative about what is necessary to call and bind a fey to onces service. 

Once cast the fairy comes to the PC's and must serve them in one act as if placed under a geas spell. Obviously the fairy will not appreciate being used in this manner, and so will seek revenge once the quest is completed, unless the PC's find some form of payment to appease it.

Curse

Casting Time-1 round

Duration-Until released

Roll-35

A ritual so common in some areas that to look another in the eyes is a great offense. For with a look or a dark word this ritual is released, acting as the curse spell it brings great harm to those afflicted with it.

Sneeze Grab

Time-varies (less then 3 minutes)

Duration-Permanent

Roll-35

This is one of the strangest of all fairy rituals and one of the most feared in area's where it is common. For with this ritual a fairy can bind a mortal to their service, for if the fairy can make a mortal sneeze three times with no protections or blessings evoked then that mortal is bound to the fairies will as a dominate person spell, only of permanent duration, or until a saving throw is made. Any blessing or protection spell can interrupt this ritual, even a simple blessing from none clerics who belive in a god can work to interrupt this ritual.

 Many other fairy rituals are possible, however the GM should approve any ritual with caution lest they tip the balance of the game. As a general rule a ritual should require a DC roll of 10 + 5 per spell level that the rituals power is imitating.