Quote:
Originally Posted by Astromancer
Throw this into the pot. There seems to be evidence, not conclusive, but highly suggestive, that in London at least criminal gangs claimed and may have believed they were protected by the fairies. We know from trial transcripts that masquerading as a fairy was a commonplace stunt for grifters and con artists. Which means that belief in the fairies was so strong that actually meeting a fairy was seen by many as a realistic possibility.
There is evidence that belief in fairies and witches was common within London until at least the end of the Victorian period. Belief in fairies and witches among educated Londoners was normal until the late 17th century.
If you set your game in the 1670s, just as the Enlightenment is beginning in England, you can have fairies, witches, pirates, Fifth Monarchy Men (radical protestant political terrorists), alchemists, and early scientists all in your game.
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The traditional cunning man often claimed to be working with fairies - it was an important distinction from being a witch who dealt with demons and unclean spirits. Cunning men might also try their hands at theurgy - a lot of surviving incantations have at least some religious nod included.
You might consider a distinction between cunning-workers and, for example, hermetic magi ... not to mention actual witches as a whole other bucket of weasels.