#faemystery

No, I didn’t forget about you, I swear! 😭 Your question was actually fire and I got completely carried away writing a whole damn analysis (again), discovered some new shit for myself in the process and now I can’t shut up about it. So yeah… enjoy my nonsense. Have fun reading :)

Fae Biology: What exactly is Crowley?

Step 1: His Looks – Do They Line Up with Fae Body Features?

Proof 1: Those pointed ears are a strong fae match. Every fae we've seen has elongated, pointy ears—it's a core biological trait evolved for enhanced sensory input, like picking up magical frequencies, distant sounds, or even emotional "vibrations" (Lilia uses his to detect heartbeats or whispers during Book 7's war scenes, helping him in battles). Crowley's ears poke out clearly under his top hat in official game sprites, promo art, and the anime adaptation—they're not rounded like humans or twisted like some merfolk. This fits fae biology spot-on, as ears help them thrive in isolated, thorny places like Briar Valley by alerting to threats early. Without this, fae wouldn't have survived human invasions 400 years ago.

Proof 2: Glowing gold eyes add to the fae case. Fae eyes often have unique adaptations for low-light or magical vision (Malleus's vertical green slits for predatory night hunting like a dragon, Sebek's sharp gaze for croc-like ambushes in swamps). Crowley's eyes shine a bright yellow-gold behind his mask, which could be a fae "tapetum lucidum" layer (like in cats or wolves, reflecting light for better dark sight—real biology parallel). In darker game scenes, they almost glow, hinting at fae night adaptations. But gold isn't exclusive to fae (some humans or beastmen have odd eyes too), so it's supportive but not proof alone.

Proof 3: His height and build could work for fae. Fae bodies vary wildly by subtype for ecological fits (Malleus at 202cm is towering and imposing like a dragon apex predator, Lilia at 158cm is compact and agile like a bat for cave navigation). Crowley's 191cm puts him in the tall range without being extreme, and his slim, elegant frame suggests fae lightness—mana-infused bones make them flexible and strong without bulk, perfect for quick movements. He dashes around campus in events without sweating, matching fae endurance from their slow, efficient metabolism (like long-lived turtles in real life conserving energy).

Not fae proof: Zero visible animal traits. Fae subtypes always show biological markers tied to their evolution—ridged horns for mana conduction and defense in dragons (Malleus's S-curved ones act like antennae for lightning or curses), sharp fangs for piercing or venom in bats (Lilia's peek out in grins, aiding in nocturnal hunts), or tough scales and jaws for biting in crocodiles (Sebek's enhanced chomp from his mom's side helps in guards duty). Crowley has none of that: no horns bulging under his hat (fans have analyzed every angle of his 3D model in the game—no bumps), no fangs when he yells or laughs, no scales on exposed skin. Instead, his whole vibe is avian—beak-shaped mask, black feathered coat like wings, gold claw rings on gloves, and a crow-headed cane. This doesn't align with fae biology, where animal features are innate and functional (e.g., horns as weapons in Book 7 wars).

Fae traits evolved for survival in specific niches (dragons for highland dominance, bats for dark agility); Crowley's "bird" elements are artificial, like he's covering up or mimicking something. If he were fae, he'd probably show off subtype pride like Malleus does with his horns—hiding them doesn't make sense for a species that values heritage. Plus, skin healing: Fae regenerate fast from mana (Lilia has no scars after centuries of combat), but Crowley avoids injury entirely, so no test. Overall, looks tease fae but lean more toward a bird-hybrid disguise, clashing with pure fae polymorphism.

Step 2: Age and Growth – Is He Aging Like a Fae Would?

Proof 1: He seems timeless, which screams fae longevity. Fae biology features ultra-slow development—roughly 1 fae year equals 10 human years in maturity (Malleus at 178 acts like an 18-year-old with teen angst, Lilia at 700 behaves like a 70-year-old grandpa but with youthful energy from magic cell repair). Crowley drops lines implying he's ancient: in personal vignettes, he claims to have been headmage "for eternity," references the Great Seven (Disney villains as historical figures) like he witnessed their eras, and in Book 7 casually explains fae-human wars (400+ years ago) with insider details, as if he read forbidden scrolls or lived through it. Logical: If fae, his body would still be in prime form at 500-700 years, with mana acting like a youth serum (parallel to real long-lived species like Greenland sharks, slow metabolism prevents breakdown). His boundless energy—fixing magical messes without rest—fits fae efficiency.

Proof 2: No signs of "fading" yet. In fae biology, aging hits as "fading" when mana depletes (Lilia's case in Book 7: weakening spells, fatigue from war trauma and overuse, like a battery running low after centuries). Crowley shows zero slowdown—he's hyperactive, organizing events like the Spelldrive tournament in Book 2 or the VDC in Book 5 without complaints. If fae, he could be mid-lifespan (300-500 years, equivalent to human 30-50), pre-fading stage.

Proof 3: He knows too much old lore. In Book 8's early chapters (tournament prep with special classes like mazes and Spelldrive), he mentions "Wish Pieces" (artifacts like the enchanted rose or glass slipper that alter history) with expert ease, tying into fae ancient magic. Fae brains have expanded lobes for retaining centuries of knowledge (like how Lilia recalls war tactics perfectly).

Not fae proof: Dodges personal age reveals. When students like Ace grill him in vignettes ("How old are you really?"), he laughs it off or changes topics—fae like Lilia proudly flex their age (700 years as a badge of experience). Logical: Fae biology links longevity to status (longer life = more mana wisdom); hiding it doesn't fit their proud, community-minded evolution (wars forged group bonds). No family mentions either—fae have deep lineages (Malleus's royal dragon egg traditions, Sebek's crocodile heritage from mom). Crowley acts rootless, no Briar Valley ties or subtype stories.

Fae growth requires emotional investment (love for hatching eggs or raising young); his isolation suggests a species without that biological need, like solitary birds in real life (ravens live alone often). In Book 8, he uncovers RSA holding Meleanor's cup (a fae artifact), but treats it like a collector's item, not personal history.

Step 3: Magic and Powers – Fae Innate or Something Craftier?

Proof 1: Effortless spells scream fae innate magic. Fae magic is biological—mana circulates like a second bloodstream, allowing casts without props (unlike humans needing gems). Crowley whips up barriers on the fly (protects from Riddle's overblot rampage in Book 1), ignites finger flames casually, and deploys his "lash of love" whip to restrain or seal magic (like in training vignettes). This matches fae efficiency: mana as an organ, evolved for quick survival spells (Malleus summons thorns from imagination, Lilia reverses attacks mid-battle). In Book 6's Ignihyde arc, he navigates STYX's underworld tech (tied to ancient fae-like portals), hinting at deep mana reserves.

Proof 2: World-bending summons. Fae can warp reality with emotions (Malleus's Book 7 overblot traps the world in dreams, drawing from loneliness). Crowley "summons" Yuu from our world via the Dark Mirror in the Prologue, claiming it's an "accident," but the mirror obeys him like a tool (it scans souls but reports to him first). Logical: Fae biology handles massive mana loads (dragon fire from oxygen-rich lungs, bat ultrasonics from vocal sacs); if fae, cross-dimensional pulls fit, especially with Book 8's Wish Pieces (artifacts that bend fate, like fae curses).

Proof 3: Blot handling teases fae tolerance. Fae bodies detox blot passively (slow accumulation from long lives, like lactic acid in muscles but magical). Crowley appears after every overblot (Books 1-7 bosses), collecting remnants perhaps (fan theories from wiki: blot stones for experiments). In Book 8, blot ties to "taboo" magic like executioner spells; if fae, his system could store it without snapping.

Not fae proof: Lacks a unique magic signature. Fae spells are personal, tied to biology (Malleus's "Fae of Maleficence" thorns channel through horns, Sebek's lightning bursts from croc jaws like electric eels). Crowley's are basic and tool-like—whips from cane, fire from fingers—no emotional twist or subtype flavor. He freaks out during overblots (hides in Book 5's Pomefiore chaos), unlike fae who confront them (Lilia battles Malleus head-on). Logical: Fae biology buffers blot with emotional homeostasis (long lives build resistance); Crowley's panic suggests a weaker, non-fae system. Huge clue: He fully shape-shifts to a bird in the anime opening and manga—fae enhance forms (Lilia adds bat wings), not total transforms. That's beastman territory (partial shifts like Ruggie's hyena laugh) or spirit lore.

Crowley's twisted from Diablo (Maleficent's raven in Sleeping Beauty)—a loyal bird spy who turns to stone but revives, mirroring how Crowley "revives" situations post-overblot. Real raven biology: intelligent, tool-using (crows solve puzzles with sticks), fits his lock-picking in Book 3 better than fae elegant casts.

Step 4: Behavior and Mind – Fae Pride or Bird Sneakiness?

Proof 1: Tricky deals and hoarding vibe fae folklore. Fae biology includes sharp minds for survival pacts (Azul's contracts echo octopus fae merchant deals, but fae love binding words). Crowley hoards shiny gems (cries over school budget in vignettes), blackmails for luxuries (steals Fairy Gala outfits for himself), and twists "help" (lets Yuu stay but delays sending home). This matches fae emotional biology: they play games from loneliness or pride (Malleus hides invites out of fear).

Proof 2: Deep lore knowledge. In Book 7's fae wars and Book 8's special classes (e.g., arcane drills with mazes), he explains artifacts like the Briar Valley stone (Silver's ring) or Princess Glow cup with pro-level detail, like a fae scholar. Fae brains evolve for vast memory storage (neural plasticity from centuries).

Proof 3: Masked emotions. Fae hide vulnerabilities (Sebek's loud loyalty covers identity issues from half-human blood). Crowley's over-the-top drama and literal mask might conceal fae isolation—he's always in his office alone, no close ties shown.

Not fae proof: Rough with animals, comic goofiness. Fae bond deeply with nature (Silver attracts birds from fae blessing, Lilia cooks with mana-sensed ingredients). Crowley yanks Trein's cat Lucius by the tail in vignettes—like a bird's instinctive fear of feline predators (real ravens flee cats). He's slapstick funny (dramatic cries, work-shirking), clashing with fae elegance or intensity (even playful Lilia has a serious war vet side). Diasomnia (pure fae dorm) treats him like an outsider—no "kin" recognition (fae biology includes shared sensory cues like mana scents or vibes).

Fae minds evolve for group loyalty and emotional depth (wars built alliances); Crowley's self-serving sneakiness fits solitary bird evolution (ravens hoard food alone, use deception). Deep think: His lock-picking with gadgets (Book 3) echoes real crow intelligence—using tools for problems, not raw fae mana bursts.

Step 5: Story Hints and Deeper Clues – Piecing the Puzzle

Proof 1: Mirror mastery. The Dark Mirror sorts souls for dorms, but Crowley commands it (overrides for Yuu in Prologue, mirror "speaks" to him like a boss). Fae control elements biologically (Malleus warps dreams via thorny curses). Book 8 hints mirrors link to Wish Pieces (fate-altering items from Disney like the magic lamp); if fae, he'd wield them as ancient kin.

Proof 2: Overblot involvement. He arrives post-overblot every time (Books 1-7), perhaps harvesting blot (Tumblr theories: blot fuels artificial artifacts). Fae biology tolerates blot (passive detox from longevity); if fae, he'd experiment safely.

Proof 3: Mickey connection. In Book 7 dreams, Mickey Mouse chats with Yuu through a mirror—Crowley's office has the same type. Disney nod: Ravens as messengers in tales (like in Cinderella or Snow White).

If fae, why not direct fae magic for cross-world talks?

Not fae proof: No Briar Valley customs. Fae speak archaic/fancy (Malleus calls humans "child of man"), Crowley is modern and casual. In Book 8's tournament prep, he pushes NRC (villain school) vs RSA (hero school), (HELP IM HAVING mlp FLASHBACKS WITH THIS SHIT) but fae hold grudges from human wars— if fae, he'd be more biased or reveal ties. Anime/manga bird form: Flies as a full crow—fae enhance (Sebek's lightning form amps croc traits), not complete morph.

Crowley's name and design twist "Crow" from various villains, but core is Diablo (Maleficent's raven)—a non-fae pet who spies and endures curses.

Step 6: Big Theories with Extra Proofs and Deeper Analysis – What Might He Really Be?

Theory A: Raven Beastman (Strongest Fit).

Proof: Avian design (beak mask, feathers, claws) hides animal parts like beastmen do (Leona covers lion tail sometimes). Full bird shift in anime (beastmen transform partially, like Jack's wolf mode in events). Cat hate (vignettes) mirrors bird prey instinct; lock-picking (Book 3) like crow tool use (real ravens bend wires for food). Disney: Diablo raven spies for Maleficent, turns to stone but revives—Crowley "revives" post-crisis situations. Logical biology: Beastmen evolve animal-human mixes for niches (Savanaclaw lions for savanna strength); raven type would be smart, aerial scouts—fits his info-gathering (overblot watching). My thoughts: Not fae because no slow growth or emotional blot ties—beastmen age human-like (Leona 20 acts 20), matching Crowley's mid-age energy without fading. Game theme: Beastmen represent wild instincts; Crowley's sneakiness flips fae nobility, building to a reveal where he's manipulating for beastman goals (maybe revenge on fae from wars?).

Theory B: Malleus's Dad Raverne (Fan Favorite with Twists).

Proof: Book 7 flashbacks—Raverne vanishes in war, has pointy ears, black hair, gold-ish eyes like Crowley. Fans theorize time travel or disguise (mask hides dragon horns?). Book 8's Briar stone (Silver's ring) and cup tie to royal fae lost items. Logical: Dragon fae biology (long life, big mana) fits if hiding to protect Malleus. My thoughts: But Raverne was a peaceful diplomat loving humans; Crowley's selfish schemes don't match. Fae biology needs family bonds (love for egg hatching); abandoning Malleus contradicts that emotional core. If true, it deepens themes—fae's long lives lead to hidden regrets.

Theory C: Overblot Spirit or Created Being.

Proof: Always at overblots, maybe feeds on blot (Reddit: blot stones for Wish Pieces in Book 8, turning curses to power). No family hints—perhaps blot-made like phantoms (ink monsters). Disney: Ravens as death omens (Snow White crow scares queen). Logical: Not fae biology—no subtype or growth; spirits are eternal without fading. My thoughts: Fits game villain twist—Crowley as "final boss" collecting blot for world reset, paralleling fae overblots but as a non-biological entity. Themes: Magic's cost without fae emotional buffers.

Theory D: Human Mage with Tricks.

Proof: Dodges past, uses gadget-like magic (cane whip). Ears could be fake (illusion spell). But short human life doesn't fit his old knowledge. Logical: Human biology weak to blot—he'd overblot easy, but doesn't. My thoughts: Weak theory—game hints supernatural origin.

My Final Guess: Not Fae, He's a Raven Beastman (or Bird-Like Spirit).

Why? Fae clues (ears, magic) are too generic—pointy ears show on non-fae mages (like Trein or Crewel sometimes in art). Bird proofs stack higher: Design, full shift, crow intelligence, Disney Diablo inspo (loyal spy enduring curses).

Biology deep dive: Fae need love/community (emotional hatching, war alliances); Crowley's isolation and tool smarts mirror real raven evolution—solitary, problem-solving birds with 20-30 year lives (TWST beastmen extend that). Not fitting fae slow fade or subtype pride.