Geographic Base: Traditionally Ireland, Today China, India, and Southeast Asia

Appearance: Bean Tighes stand about 11 1/2" tall and appear as little old women wrapped in shawls, with ginger colored hair. They are usually somewhat chubby and dimpled and exude kindness. Their height has been gradually increasing in the last century as the Bean Tighe move into new fields, but on average they still remain within the 12" limit, though some have been found to be as tall as 20" (however out of respect for their historical associations, Bean Tighes will retain membership in GOLD if they wish, even if this height increasing trend continues).

Lifestyle: Originally Bean Tighes served as magical grandmotherly figures in Irish homes, protecting a family and helping with daily chores, much as the Brownies of Scotland still do, all in exchange for a daily offering of strawberries and cream or cake. However, as Irish families became increasingly urban and belief in the Bean Tighes declined due to a number of outside human social factors, the Bean Tighe began to feel less and less necessary. Unlike many magical peoples, the Bean Tighe have always been devoted followers of human religion, particularly the Catholic Church, and this persuasion increased as their situation in Ireland became more doubtful. In the 1940's a movement towards missionary work, especially service in Asia, swept the Bean Tighe community and upwards of 80% of the population entered religious orders. They now form a core of many missionary communities in China, India, and other Southeast Asian countries, particularly focusing on the care and salvation of children.

Human Interaction: Bean Tighes have always been closely associated with people and have accepted far more human cultural values and practices than most magical peoples. Now with their missionary work, Bean Tighes are becoming more and more visible and active members of human society, rather than working always at night and in secret. However, in areas where the Catholic Church is being suppressed, they are able to be particularly effective, as retaining the necessary level of discretion comes naturally to them. Even in receptive countries, the Bean Tighe missionaries are generally not totally upfront about their magical nature, though most people can sense something unusual, but good, about these happy red haired nuns.