A Guide on Avoiding Fae Trap Phrases
(Without offending them or binding yourself)
1. Answer with ambiguity, not refusal.
Directly saying "no" may be rude. Instead, misdirect, offer riddles, or shift topics politely.
2. Use titles or aliases.
Never give your true name - respond with a title, joke name, or nickname.
3. Never agree to vague terms.
Ask for specifics, or stall with formality. Fae value wordplay and politeness.
4. Speak in counter-questions or poetic phrasing.
Style can satisfy etiquette while hiding meaning.
Common Trap Phrases & Safe Responses:
Trap: Grants power over you if answered truthfully, or they can take your name.
“Names are like smoke, aren’t they? Call me what you will.”
“I’ve been called many things - why not choose one yourself?” (risky, but works if you play your cards right)
“Wouldn’t you rather guess? That’s much more fun.” (Avoid giving a direct answer, especially your full name.)
“Can I have your attention?”
Trap: May imply a binding of awareness or consent, or they take your attention away.
“I find myself quite attentive already, don’t you think?”
“My eyes are yours, for as long as the wind blows east.” (sets a limit)
“Let’s say I’m listening, though I keep a bit of me elsewhere.”
“Do I have your permission?”
Trap: Grants full access to an action you may not understand, and possibly the power over your concent.
“Why don’t we discuss terms first?”
“That depends - what are you hoping to do?”
“Permission is a dance, and I’ve yet to hear the music.”
“Would you do me a favor?”
Trap: Even small favors may become binding debts.
“Favors are heavy things. What sort do you mean?”
“A fair trade is better than a favor, don’t you think?”
“Let me think on it under starlight.” (a polite delay)
Trap: Invites a binding pact.
“Deals are best made with paper and candlelight.” (insist on clarity)
“Only if you’ll let me read every word first, twice.”
“Perhaps a riddle instead? I’ve always liked games better.”
Trap: May reverse hospitality rules or entrap you inside.
“It’s a lovely threshold - I’m honored to admire it from here.”
“Oh, I’ve found the breeze outside quite suits me.”
“Only if you come out first and share the moonlight.”
“Is there anything you want?”
Trap: Revealing desire may let the fae manipulate you.
“Wants are fickle things. I’d rather share tea than truths.”
“Wanting’s a dangerous game. Let’s speak of something sweeter.”
“I have everything I need, for now.”
Speak in riddles, half-truths, and poetry.
Fae respect cleverness more than directness.
Use conditional or limiting phrases:
“For now,” “if the stars allow,” “under the sun’s gaze,” “while my shoes are dry.”
Give gifts of words or art instead of truths.
“Let me offer you a poem instead of a name.”
Never thank them. Gratitude can be taken as a binding debt. Instead use phrases such as
“Your kindness leaves a mark upon the air.”
“What a gesture, bright as twilight dew.”
“You move with such grace - it’s noted.”
“Were I the thanking kind, you’d have it in handfuls.”
Never promise: Avoid phrases like “I owe you” or “I’ll return the favor.”
Avoid giving compliments that imply ownership or submission, like “I am forever in your debt” or “I don’t deserve this.”
Don’t apologize either - “I’m sorry” can be taken as guilt or admission of wrongdoing, which also has power.
