Caffaes first appeared in the later years of the Middle Ages, as coffee was starting to get its feet on the ground as a resource. These little spirits were strangely adept at cleaning, and willing to help, but only at night. For some unwitting "owners", they may have never seen the Caffaes at all! Their aid was appreciated, and they were termed as brownies due to their duties being similar to the fae of the same names.
As time went on, a new subspecies of Caffaes began to become a presence: Decaffs. These were termed to be evil by the Caffaes, often shunned from their ranks and left to fend for themselves, often without understanding why Decaffs would feel the need to harm their owners.
In the more modern age, younger Caffaes are finding ways to coexist with modern luxuries and the changing times, and some have even been reaching out to their shunned brethren. Others, raised with the stories of times long ago, prefer to steer clear of Decaffs.
Caffae enjoy mimicking their "owners", including the aesthetics of their cultures and their rituals to a certain extent. This also helps with their work, because then they know what their owner likes best. Some have even evolved into being similar to more mythological creatures from varying stories, at least in appearance.
Unlike brownies, who are angered when offered payment, Caffaes generally appreciate the thought -- that is, if they're aware that the items are left out for them. Without a note, it's far more likely they'll just put the items away as part of their duties!
Coexisting in a house with an unaware "owner" does have its pros and cons. Some less satisfied Caffaes may turn a house upside down until the "owner" leaves from the sudden problems arising, and then waiting for a better "owner" to arrive in their house. Those who directly harm their owners will become Decaffs, a fate that many Caffaes fear.
Caffaes can live by themselves without a problem, but usually they will prefer to make a group known as a "Caffae bar", "bar" for short. These will generally consist of a long-living family of Caffaes, although bars with several "homeless" Caffaes have been growing more common.
Caffaes don't need to eat, drink, or sleep; however, they enjoy doing these activities to mimic their "owners". Every Caffae has their own preferences, though.
Caffaes can live up to 250 years, more if they are living in a home they can take care of without leaving from birth. If a Caffae is constantly shifting homes due to destruction of their previous ones, their lifespan will decrease dramatically due to their magic being funneled towards keeping themselves safe.
The main ability that all Caffaes and Decaffs have is the ability to change their sizes. Most Caffaes stand at 3-4 inches tall, but can be anywhere from 4-7 feet when shifting at night.
A sign of power for a Caffae is how many wings they have. It's said that the most powerful Caffae had arisen to become a god, a being with a thousand wings, although more modern Caffae are skeptical of this mythos. While a lot of wings have been seen on some Caffaes, none have actually reached the thousand-wing mark.
Caffaes, as the main species, will generally be the ones to find a house and populate it with their kind. These are more common than their Decaff brethren. Some Caffaes may never see a Decaff for their entire lives!
Thanks to more modern ways of living, younger Caffaes may seek to strike out on their own and form their own bars. Some of these Caffaes will even attempt to mend bridges with Decaffs, with varying results. A bar mixed with Caffaes and Decaffs is termed as a "mixed bar" or "mingling bar".
Decaffs are born when a Caffae directly harms their owner in some way, shape, or form. This, in turn, breaks the unspoken contract between man and fae; their bodies begin to change in response to this breach of contract, although they are still undeniably "Caffaes".
Some Decaffs scorn their former brethren's culture and attempt to strike out on their own, attempting to make something of themselves. Some can't bear to leave the household that they'd once called home, though, and may simply find a new place to live within the same household, resulting in conflict with the Caffaes present.
Due to the stresses of life as a Decaff, most may find themselves losing a few years off of their lifespans; if kept in an otherwise pleasant environment, though, they can still achieve the 250-year maximum.
Most Decaffs grow to be 4-5 inches tall, with their shifted size being anywhere from 5-8 feet tall.
Kemonomimi, or "beast/animal ears", come in all shapes and sizes for Caffaes. Some rarities even unlock the potential for add-on kemonomimi, able to stack certain types with a pre-existing kemonomimi.
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Released Summer 2021.
Released June 2022.
One of the telltale differences between a Caffae and a Decaff are how blend beans and add-ins manifest. While the general structure is the same for both variants, Caffaes will have bean halos, and Decaffs will have bean spikes. These will manifest in similar locations depending on rarity.
Another difference is how their other visual traits manifest, especially with Decaffs. Decaffs have the option to use certain horrific visual traits, such as the addition of extra eyes or extra arms. Caffaes have fewer extra visual traits for themselves as a result. However, it's said that Caffaes can access these traits with A Drop of Decaff...
NOTE: Bean halos/spikes can have the appearance of any beans used in their unique blend, such as color or flavoring. They also display add-ins applied later. You can make a separate reference of your bean halo/spikes if needed.
Wings/tail guide images by starriewing, and the halos/spikes tail guide images by xenobicorn!
Some images may become outdated! We try to make sure that all text is updated below to accommodate for this.
Grinds are generally what the coffee beans have been ground into, and the next step into your Caffae's blend. These will show as a dusting on your Caffae's or Decaff’s wings.
Rarity is determined by how many beans are in a blend, as well as how the beans are prepared.
Beans can be of any type plus flavor. For example, Arabica + pumpkin spice, Robusta + mint, etc.
In differentiating unique blends, the exact beans plus flavors would be used to determine them. For example, two single-bean Caffaes can use Arabica beans, but must use different flavoring.
Arabica: The most common in North America, it's known for having a sweeter flavor, and being less acidic. However, it is also a very sensitive bean, requiring great care and constant attention when harvesting.
Robusta: Popular in Europe, Asia, and Africa. These beans have higher caffeine and are more resistant than Arabica, but is said to have a rubbery or burnt flavor.
Liberica: Responsible for a large boom in the coffee industry in the Phillipines, this aromatic and woody coffee is said to be a rare treat.
This list is by no means an exhaustive one, nor are you limited to this list.
Think of these lists as starting points!
Bourbon: Developed by French monks from Arabica beans, these beans have a fruity flavor with an undertone of caramel.
Catuai: Developed in Brazil, this flavor is slightly acidic, with undertones of sweetness.
Caturra: A mutant variant of the Bourbon bean, this coffee has a light body, boasting a very citrusy flavor.
Excelsa: While a member of the Liberica family, this coffee boasts a tart and fruitier flavor, as well as a unique profile sought out by enthusiasts.
Kent: Holding a very light taste, the flavor is said to hold both spicy and floral undertones.
SL-34 and SL-38: These beans, made in Kenya, are high-quality coffees with a fruity wine flavor and long-lasting taste.
Common Caffaes can only have ONE (1x) bean for their bean blend.
Whole bean "grinds" are less of a grind, and more of using the whole beans themselves! These have usually been ground by the person who made the coffee themselves, but it results in guaranteed freshness. Instead of a proper dust, these Caffaes actually have small beans stuck on their wings.
Medium grind is generally the all-rounder of Caffae grinds. This grind is similar in consistency with sand.
Medium-coarse grind is a rung below Uncommon's coarse grind, but is still within that all-rounder medium grind. This grind is similar in consistency with coarse/rough sand.
Uncommon Caffaes can have up to TWO (2x) beans in their blend.
Coarse grind is the recommended grind to use with a French Press. This grind results in a texture similar to sea salt.
Extra-coarse grind is the recommended grind to use for cold brews, and is the grind that results in the largest appearance besides using the whole bean itself. This grind results in a texture similar to that of ground peppercorns.
Rare Caffaes can have up to THREE (3x) beans in their blends.
Rare Caffaes only get one extra grind, that being a fine grind, typically known as an espresso grind. This grind is common to espresso coffees, hence the name. Its texture is finer than table salt.
Super-Rare Caffaes can have up to four beans in their blends.
The last of the grinds that a Caffae can have is in this rarity, that being an extra-fine grind. Also known as a Turkish coffee grind, this grind is similar to that of flour or powder.
Legendary Caffaes can use up to FIVE (5x) beans for their blends, the most of any Caffae.
There are no extra grind types for this rarity.
After the coffee is finished, it’s time to add liquids and add-ins! These will show up within the Caffae’s bean halo or the Decaff’s bean spikes. How certain liquids or items look is entirely up to you, so long as you make it a point to show it in some way, shape, or form. For example, fruits can be interpreted as floating fruits, fruit slices, cream, bubbles, etc.
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There are many types of coffee, and as a result, many types of blends that a Caffae or Decaff can be! Some of these types will also include free add-ins, meaning that you don’t need to pick up any additional traits if you select the type as your trait. We recommend that finished product of the coffee show up within your catalyst in some way, but if you prefer other colors that better match your Caffae's themes, go for it!.
NOTE: Caffaes and Decaffs can use the exact same bean blend IF they are using a different type of coffee; for example, a regular hot coffee Caffae and a Nitro Iced Coffee Decaff can both use the exact same beans in their blends, due to their different coffee types.
A cocktail, technically, but it still involves coffee. Specifically, it uses hot coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and cream. (Selecting this type grants you the appropriate alcoholic beverage as a free add-in.)
A cold sweetened coffee drink that originated in Algeria, but there are variants in Portugal and Austria. It's a mixture that contains espresso and rum, and typically has a slice of lemon added as well. (Selecting this type grants you the appropriate alcoholic beverage AND fruit as free add-ins.)
Coffee with tea mixed into it. Specifically, it's made from three parts coffee, and seven parts milk tea. (Selecting this type grants you the appropriate tea as a free add-in.)
A German coffee that adds a splash of rum and includes whipped cream. (Selecting this type grants you the appropriate alcoholic beverage AND whipped cream as free add-ins.)
Made with Grand Marnier and coffee, and topped with whipped cream, this coffee is known for being quite strong due to being a black coffee, but the whipped cream helps to take the edge off. (Selecting this type grants you the appropriate alcoholic beverage AND whipped cream as free add-ins.)
An Italian coffee that uses certain alcohol (usually grappa, but sometimes sambuca or brandy) and a shot of espresso. (Selecting this type grants you the appropriate alcoholic beverage as a free add-in.)
A mix of coffee, coffee liquer, dark rum, and cream, this drink is sure to make a splash! (Selecting this type grants you the appropriate alcoholic beverages as free add-ins.)
Similar to a regular latte, but flavored with a spiced tea concentrate, this results in an interesting blend. (Selecting this type grants you the appropriate tea as a free add-in.)
Taking a chai latte, adding espresso shots to further increase the coffee component will have you wide awake and ready to go! (Selecting this type grants you the appropriate tea as a free add-in.)
Brandy and sugar cubes are added to a cup, then flambéed and stirred. Coffee is then added, followed by the toppings. What a drink! (Selecting this type grants you the appropriate alcohol as a free add-in.)
With triple sec, Kahlua, and whipped cream, this cocktail of a coffee is sure to liven things up. (Selecting this type grants you the appropriate alcohol as a free add-in.)
With a traditional Thai tea, a double shot of espresso, and star anise, this will result in a coffee that will have you ready for the day. (Selecting this type grants you tea and spice as free add-ins, defaulting to Thai tea and star anise spice.)
For those who prefer a milder dose of espresso than a black tie, you're in luck! The red tie is simply a black tie using a single shot of espresso. (Selecting this type grants you tea and spice as free add-ins, defaulting to Thai tea and star anise spice.)
An after-dinner drink with a sweeter taste, this cousin of the Irish coffee is sure to make any occasion feel like a comfort. (Selecting this type grants you the appropriate alcohol as a free add-in.)
Also known as "Witch's Coffee", this coffee uses the golden liquor known as Strega for its alcoholic content. It's sure to make your spooky season feel witchy! (Selecting this type grants you the appropriate alcohol as a free add-in.)
A sweet Japanese drink made from fermented rice, there are several different recipes used to make them. Recipes can use water, sake kasu, kōji mold, or even whole grain rice. It's actually quite nutritious, too!
A ready-made coffee and liquor beverage, it's served hot, typically with whipped cream as a topping. (Selecting this type grants you the appropriate alcohol as a free add-in.)
A variant of the Caipirinha cocktail, this Brazilian recipe is guaranteed to give a mixture of sweet flavor and a kick of spice. (Selecting this type grants you alcohol, spice, and fruit as free add-ins. The alcohol defaults to Brazilian rum, while the spice defaults to cinnamon.)
A coffee designed to simulate kopi luwak, the most expensive coffee in the world, without using the droppings of the Asian palm civet. Instead, this coffee goes through a process in which specific microorganisms are used during the fermentation process, drawing out the flavors of the beans, before the beans are dried out again.
A type of coffee originating from the Gori Gesha Forest in Ethiopia. This coffee requires unique cultivating conditions, with only a certain amount grown each year.
A Swedish delicacy, in which hot coffee is poured on a type of cheese known as leipajuusto. It is both a drink and a meal, but is still technically coffee.
This is actually a type of tea made with the dried skins of the coffee fruit, and generally include the pit as well. It's also known as "the poor man's coffee". Despite the fact that it's a tea, there have been Caffaes who were born from this odd tea.
This coffee is unique in that a red-hot coal is added into the coffee, neutralizing the acidity and providing a caramel-like taste. (The red-hot coal is unique for Kopi Joss as an add-in.)
A riskier coffee with the use of flames and multiple sauce boats, this coffee is also well-known for the visual presentation given during its preparation. (Selecting this coffee grants anise as a spice, orange slices, and alcohol as free add-ins.)
A perfect addition for the summer, this coffee is instead frozen and besticked just like a popsicle would with juices. The Caffaes that result from this strange method may be a bit colder than usual.
Coffee barbeque sauce? Sure! Coffee ketchup? Yeah. You can make a condiment out of this.
A pan filled with sand over an open flame is how you make this coffee, and it's especially strong due to not filtering out the grinds.
A delightful twist on the popular treat, some homeowners make this dessert to wake themselves up for a long day.
Every Caffae or Decaff has a catalyst with which they use to perform magic. These will typically be the main visual trait of your unique blend, as well as the final drink.
Catalysts are, thus, unique to every Caffae. If an "unapproved" Caffae attempts to use another's item, they may find themselves with coffee on their face and little more to show for it!
Magic is typically used by Caffaes as a whole for aid in their tasks. While it's rare for Caffaes to use magic in a combative manner, it certainly isn't unheard of. Meanwhile, more modern Caffaes will let themselves have some fun with their magic, such as pulling pranks.
More common Caffaes generally use their magic for levitating singular objects or turning on/off devices one at a time.
More powerful Caffaes can use their magic on more than one object at a time, such as picking up items all at once and putting them away in the same place. It takes certain skills to “sort” items using magic, rather than any show of power.
A good rule of thumb to keep in mind is this: the more detailed a task, the more power is required. You have to have the energy to perform each step of a task, which includes using your power to hold things.
NOTE: Their size-shifting, while extraordinary, does not count as magic; this is a natural ability that Caffaes as a species has.
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