Breaking the fourth wall in a truly stunning manner. ( )

I liked this book better than the Exalted core-book. Along with "Exalted: Autochthonians" it is one of my two favorite books in the game line (although the two books are quite different in their subject and focus).

Fair Folk deals with "Raksha", dangerous fairy-like beings residing mainly in the Wyld (a region beyond the edges of Creation). These entities are more aptly described as "patterns of essence" than as individual creatures per se. More stories than people. On their home turf their bodies may die without truly ending their tale, or even losing the conflict. In the Wyld they fight by shaping the very nature of reality to suit their purposes, sometimes on a grand scale. However, in Creation they are much more limited, unable to shape reality so grandly, and may actually be killed in the traditional sense.

But these beings can also be mercurial and quite callous, some consuming mortal's emotions or even spirits for sustenance. Also, not being truly human, Raksha could be more accurately seen as playing at human motive and emotion because they find it a diverting past-time in their limitless existence.

The book also details the more earthy "mountain folk", raksha who in antiquity took on a more limited existence in Creation. But while this section was well written and easier to understand I didn't find the concepts behind it nearly as fascinating.

It should be noted though that this book is not particularly crucial to the rest of the Exalted setting. By their nature the creatures described in Fair Folk are predominantly beyond the edges of the normal world and need not interact with the rest of the setting too much. You do however need the Exalted corebook to play this game as some of the necessary rules are not included in this book. Also it should be noted that this book is intended for use with the 1st edition of the Exlated game and it's mechanics may not be entirely compatible with later versions of the game.

This is another game I would love to play at some point, if I could find enough other interested parties.

- Peter K. ( )