Session 87: Gloam and Gentry

General Summary

With the Court of Heat and Rapture having already arrived, the party remained out at the trod with two of the Emissaries of the Stag King to receive and greet the guests of the other Courts arriving for the Fortnight Festival as one by one the remaining Courts made their appearance in the Promenade. The Emissary of the Stag King known as Elen of the Ways could sense who was approaching on the trod and gave the party her quick summation of the Court.

Court of Storm and Surge

"The Court of Storm and Surge embodies the fierce, untamed power of summer storms. They live by a belief of might makes right and anyone in the court can be challenged for their position. This makes them… difficult allies, but they are a strong force and should not be overlooked because of their volatility. "
Caelum Thunderstrike arrived with his daughter, Eldring Thunderstrike. They were accompanied by Taranis and Stormspeaker Era. Caelum presented himself as a very boisterous fey, bold and direct. As the party was introduced to him, Levi began to rage, standing fast as it then ebbed and waned from him. This immediately impressed Caelum, finding a kinship in the passing rage like that of a summer storm--bold and sudden, but also swiftly fleeting. Bolvaic then mentioned wrestling and asked if Caelum's wrestling partners found him shocking. Caelum laughed and offered Bolvaic a chance to come to his villa to wrestle to find out for himself.
During the interactions, it seemed very apparent that Caelum was immediately drawn to those who gave an obvious physical prowess, focusing his attentions primarily on Levi and Bolvaic. His daughter, however, seemed to intently avoid those and focused her attention on the others, making direct eye contact with them as she greeted them. When Aisling impressed herself upon Eldring, Eldring met Aisling's eyes and said in a quiet voice to her "You seem as if you move like the wind. That is very useful in a storm."
As they departed, it became very apparent that Tanaris was the bodyguard to Caelum, and Era was attending to Eldring.

Court of Mist and Petrichor

"The Court of Mist and Petrichor is a Spring Court, though perhaps one of the more… reasonable of the Spring Courts. The Court is ruled over by the Shroud of Unnerving Mist, who does not have a humanoid form–or even really a corporeal form. Direct conversing with him is nearly impossible as he does not communicate in traditional ways. However, his Chancellor, Eldasveil, mingles with the Shroud’s mist and understands their desires that way and Eldrasveil can relate them. "
As the storm of the previous Court departed, the scent of petrichor was in the air and a gentle mist floated in. The mist coalesced into the form of Chancellor Eldrasveil. Behind them strode Mossgrasp, an earthen elemental or golem whose articulated joints were held together by moss. Eldrasveil exchanged pleasantries during their greetings with the party, but pointedly asked a rhetorical question to Ilbryen of "Why do you want history to reveal what is hidden by mist?"
As the Court departed, the Emissary explained that since Eldrasveil is non-corporeal, Mossgrasp serves as the Chancellor's hands should anything need be carried or manipulated. This caused Illevaere to became curious on whether or not Mossgrasp was a singular entity, a collective, or if there were a number of "Mossgrasps" that served the Chancellor.

Court of Carrion and Decomposition

"The Court of Carrion and Decomposition is an Autumn Court and one that we have good relations with. Their ruler, Psilofyr, is non-mobile. However, the Great Fungal Root system runs nearly everywhere, and so a new form of Psilofyr will grow to represent them. They all are Psilofyr and they are all connected to the same fungal root system, but each form while part of the same entity might have a different agenda, and even personality. It can sometimes make negotiation difficult when two forms of Psilofyr end up disagreeing with one another and sometimes wage war to destroy the other. This Court is tied very closely to the Court of Blight."
The air filled with kettles of turkey vultures and condors--large carrion birds that blotted out the sky. The harpy Celaneo landed and bowed, asking the Emissaries for permission for the flocks to roost and wake, which was granted. Celaneo then introduced Squamulose, who arrived with Wigglet, her accessibility tardigrade, which was about two feet in length.
Squamulose recognized the touch of Mother Caena upon Illevaere and stated that Caena was often a guest of their Court. She also recognized a brush of Caena upon Bolvaic, but Bolvaic stated that it was likely just because he drank a lot of poisonous things, to which Squamulose responded that Caena favored him if he still lived. She also commented on the ghosts that were with him, asking why he did not allow them to fade as their bodies had, but Bolvaic said that they were just sticking around to party.

Court of Thorns and Brambles

"The Court of Thorns and Brambles, they are a Winter Court. The Barbed Countess is cold and cruel, a beautiful rose surrounded by sharp thorns. She is has been invited because she is very politically connected within the Unseelie Courts, but also because, were she not invited, she would have taken it as a snub and harbored a grudge that would not soon be undone."
The Barbed Countess arrived in a carriage whose white horses had bridles and reins made of thorned vines that pierced their flesh. She arrived with her Thorned Knight, who adorned her with a thorned cloak that she did not fasten, but instead kept in place by letting the thorns pierce her shoulders and neckline. As Elen of the Ways began to introduce the party, the Barbed Countess stated that she knew the party already, then introduced her Thorned Knight, which she stated was the new Champion of the Court as her previous knight was murdered and had his weapons of his station stolen from him by a murderous band of thieves.
Illevaere asked in Brae had returned to her Court safely, though the Countess said that many come and go in her Court and she does not keep track of everyone. The exchange between them was very pointed and venom-laced.
The Barbed Countess did not recognize Aisling and told her that, despite the company that she kept, she was invited to her villa to dance upon thorns and through briars to gain her admiration for her art. Aisling stated that she would consider the invitation.
As the Barbed Countess left, Aisling pointed out to Illevaere that the Barbed Countess had thanked Illevaere during their exchange--while the rules of debts are laxed within the Court of Leaves and Whispers during the Festival, it holds no true debt or obligation, but is a piece that could be held over her head should Illevaere desire to.

Court of Brook and Bawn

"The Court of Brook and Bawn is one of the Spring Courts. Their primary focus is on spring’s renewal. It is ruled by the Swan Queen. She is typically quiet and serene, but she has a large ego and is prone to fits of jealousy. I would not say that we have a bad relationship between our courts, per se, but we are very opposed in the way we view many things. They are perhaps the most “spring” of the Spring Courts and we are one of the most “autumn” of the Autumn Courts."
Before their arrival, Illevaere warned the Emissaries of the potential rivalry that the Swan Queen may hold toward their Court, to which Elen of the Ways stated that she "had not even noticed."
The Swan Queen arrived on a chariot that was drawn by four great swans. She arrived with the Iron Swan, Lira Windwhistle, and Myohn Leerick accompanying her. As the party was introduced, the Swan Queen took immediate notice and focused on Ilbryen's Metatext, and invited Ilbryen to her villa. Aisling quickly got the notion that the Queen's interest was more in line with coveting the item.
Myohn met with his friends, but was subdued in the reunion as he was in the presence of his Queen and Patron. The Iron Swan seemed to be the guard for the Swan Queen and Lira greeted people with sign language that Myohn translated for her.

Court of Wind and Stars

"The Court of Wind and Stars are a despicable lot. However, they are a vital source of information. Anything that is seen or said beneath the stars is placed in the library of the Starborn Lady. She is accompanied by Lyra and Tressa. Lyra can hear the echoes of conversations left behind and Tressa can have the wind carry words from conversations being spoken to her. They are most likely here to eavesdrop and learn as much as they can. However, it is better that they do it where we can observe them in return."
The stars above drew glowing lines between them to draw out the constellations before the stars began to fall, eventually turning into motes of twinkling light that fell before the party's eyes, before forming into the figure of the Starborn Lady. Behind her, northern lights now illuminated the sky where the stars once were. She was joined by Echoharp Lyra and Whisperwind Tressa and a Human handmaiden, Blue.
The Starborn Lady smiled to Elen of the Ways and said, “I have not seen this Court throw such a gala in a very long time. Tell me, should we expect the Stag King to make his presence known to his guests?” As she asked this a tiny, almost unnoticed smirk curled the edge of her lips.
Elen responded with a cordial smile, stating, “His presence is always felt in his Court, but when there is a crowd, it is rare for any stag or hind to come too near, but instead remain in the distance, watching.”
As the party was introduced, the Starborn Lady seemed to immediately lose interest, not caring for mortals. However, a few words of admiration and interest from Aisling caught her attention and she invited Aisling to her villa to admire the stars.
As the procession greeted everyone, there was a distinct appearance of fear in Blue's eyes, though it was uncertain what exactly her fear was--if it was of making a courtly error, or something more. However, when Blue met eyes with Aisling, Aisling saw that there was a plea for help behind the fear in her eyes.
After their departure, Elen of the Ways stated that she was impressed with Aisling for making an impact on the court so quickly due to their disdain for mortals and the mortal realm.

Court of Fools

"Oh. Well, it looks like we have a surprise guest. This would be Hyrsam, the Prince of Fools. The Court of Fools is neither Seelie nor Unseelie, and not of any Season, nor is it truly a Court of any kind. Hyrsam mocks Courtly behavior by treating it as a farce. He does, sadly, have some sway among The Courtless as well as some easily impressionable courtiers, so he should be tolerated, but not humored."
Hyrsam arrived without fanfare or procession. Elen of the Ways greeted him with a cordial smile, addressing him as "Majesty" and stating that she did not expect his arrival at this invitational gala. Hyrsam stated that he did not require formalities, such as using titles such as Majesty or Prince, nor did he require such formalities as invitations.
Elen said that being unaware of his arrival, she had no villa prepared for him. Hyrsam told her not to worry about it and that he'd find one of her servants that would be willing to offer him a bed for the night. At this quip, Illevaere offered their bed--an invitation that intrigued Hyrsam and he accepted saying that he would see her later tonight.
As he walked away, Elen muttered that she despised him, but the Emissary of the Stag King known as the Beautiful Fae Top stated with amusement that he liked Illevaere's method of dealing with Hyrsam.

Court of Shattered Mirrors

"The Court of Shattered Mirrors is a realm of masquerade and madness. It is ruled by the Fractured Princess who uses her appearance to portray an innocence that is a lie. She believes that the vision of the world needs to be shattered. When one views the world through a broken mirror, each of the fragments show something a little different, showing that there is no single reality, no single truth. Her protector, Bloody Mary, is never far from her beck and call."
The standing mirror rumbled and then cracked and images passed through the reflection. The first was of a gaunt and withered Sidhe woman who watched everyone. She moved away and then a panicked and desperate man rushed the mirror and pounded on it, as if trying to escape. The mirror rattled and he keep looking behind himself, but was eventually overcome in a shadow. Then a childlike voice was heard singing along the trod.
We lay my love and I beneath the weeping willow.
But now alone I lie and weep beside the tree.
Singing 'Oh willow waly' by the tree that weeps with me.
Singing 'Oh willow waly' till my lover returns to me.
We lay my love and I beneath the weeping willow.
But now alone I lie. Oh willow I die, oh willow I die.

The Fractured Princess arrived, appearing like a young girl of eleven or twelve wearing a pink dress that is several sizes too large and a crown that is too big for her head and risks falling past her face. She told the Emissaries that she was happy to accept their invitation and that she was hoping to have lots of fun. During the introductions, she interrupted after each person to speak to them. She took Illevaere's hands and admired the black along them and said that she had a flower once, but she didn't like that it was dying, so she pressed it between the pages of a book and that its still there, but its flat and wrong and quiet.
Illevaere stated that it was the risk of not letting things rot away, and the Princess responded that she buried a doll once, just to see what would happen. She didn't come back, but she still hears its screams from under the dirt.
Upon being introduced to Levi, she told him that he was never supposed to be human. Levi responded that he is what he is, and the Princess told him about the teddy bear that she used to have, and how she pulled out all the stuffing and then it was just empty skin. She then said, "Isn't it funny? It looked so alive before. Just like you!"
Upon being introduced to Ilbryen she excitedly told them that she loved books and that they tell things and that you believe them even when they aren't true. She then asked wouldn't it be funny if everything they knew was just a bedtime story someone made up just to keep them from crying.
Ilbryen responded with a stern, "No."
The Princess then told her that she knew a fun game and that Ilbryen should tell her something true and then she would tell them something even truer. Ilbryen responded once again with a stern, "No."
Upon meeting Aisling, the Princess happily exclaimed that she looked like a porcelain doll that was so pretty, but so delicate and easy to crack. She then asked Aisling that since she is so pretty if she ever wondered if the person she saw in the mirror was jealous and that maybe one day, she would switch places with her. She then asked what if that was already her, that she was the one in the mirror and they switched, but made herself forget.
Aisling kept a polite tone with the Fractured Princess and suggested that maybe she would visit her villa. The Princess was very excited about the prospect and give Aisling her mirror spider, Mirror Moppet, and said that when she wanted to visit to whisper it to the spider.
As she was readying to leave, the visage of a young girl with sorrowful eyes appeared in the mirror and the Princess rushed over and smashed her hands against it yelling that she did not like her. The image faded and the Princess left to go to her villa.

Court of Long Shadows

"The Court of Long Shadows, one of the Autumn Courts. When the Autumn sun is low in the sky, it stretches out long shadows behind what it touches. It is a court of twilight, but more importantly, of shadow. The flickering light distorts and shifts shadows and they are just as adept at illusion. They are an ally. Whispers and Shadows go along together, and we tend to keep one another’s courts aware."
The Court appeared along a pathway that was either was unnoticed or didn't exist before. Shadow Regent Umbra and Wraithshade Orla arrived. During the introductions, Umbra commented to Aisling that she was too bright and always wanted to be seen and noticed, which Aisling did not deny.
Umbra then pointedly told Ilbryen that secrets did not belong in books, which turned into a debate that touched on whether or not knowledge should be given and free or kept and locked away. Elen of the Ways interjected as the debate became a bit terse. As the Court left, Elen of the Ways and Wraithshade Orla simply nodded to one another stating their greeting with one another's titles. Despite the single word, formal acknowledgements, the party noticed the heavy levels of sexual tension between the two of them.
After the Court left, Elen admitted that she and Orla serve similar purpose. She keeps hidden paths, and Orla keeps hidden roads--they are separate and Orla's roads keep her in cities, while Elen's paths keep her in untouched lands, but they still share a common bond.

Seafoam Court

"The Seafoam Court is a Spring Court, but one that I believe will be surprisingly favorable to us thanks to your friends. The Seafoam Court rules in the area where the sea and land meet. Their ruler is Narahm, who spends more time than most in the mortal realm, where he exists outside of his glamor as the Great Leviathan."
The procession of the Seafoam Court arrived in a carriage led by kelpies. Narahm exited and immediately went to clasp hands with those of the party that he knew, stating it was good to see them again. He then apologized to Elen of the Ways for greeting them so quickly, but Elen stated that she understood and took no offense. Zadock also greeted his former companions and Jenny Greenteeth and Lath also joined the procession to greet the party.
Narahm stated that he accepted the invitation to the Festival to enjoy it, but also hinted that he believed that there might be a greater purpose behind it.

Court of Rampant Green

"The Court of Rampant Green is a Summer Court and one that, until recently, we would have no position to negotiate with. Lady Acacia had all but withdrawn from the mortal realm until the capture of her lover, Narahm. She is angry and wrathful, but in a position to settle and resolve with a peaceful exchange due to your group’s assistance in freeing her lover."
Long vines of kudzu preceded the arrival of Acacia and her entourage. She arrived with her Knight of the Green as well as Bloodgrass, Alderstump, and Hyacinth. Bloodgrass appeared to have been an earth elemental that invasive Blood Grass grew upon and took over. Alderstump was an ent that looked like a dead tree, but was overrun with witch's hair hanging from its branches animating it. Hyacinth was a nymph, dead and strangled with invasive vines of hyacinth wrapped around her body animating her.
Acacia greeted the party with respect toward those that she knew who had helped her, though she implied that she owed them a debt for their aid and that perhaps her appearance at the Festival would go toward repaying the debt.

Court of Yestermorrow

"The Court of Yestermorrow is a Spring Court, and a bit unlike the other Courts here, but they have insights that will hopefully prove to be very useful. The Court is made of historians and prophets. It is ruled by the Weavers of Weft and Wane, but they never leave their loom as they weave together a tapestry of history which hangs in Emone’s grand hall. Since they never leave, they send True Thomas to represent them. He is a mortal man who was once the lover of the Queen of Elphame. He was blessed and cursed with a gift of prophecy as well as being unable to speak an untruth. Arsa is his advisor. He is the Timeless Satyr, beginning each day young and ending each day old. Given a problem to ruminate over in the morning, he will have an answer that took a lifetime of consideration come the evening. There are also the Sisters Three, the daughters of the Weavers of Weft and Wane."
Time seemed to stop one of the falling leaves, then a vision of it rewound, showing the left returning to the tree, the tree becoming a sapling, then a seedling. Visions followed back to different places where the seed could land, giving an echoey vision of possibilities that Ilbryen recognized from the visitation that they had with themselves. The tree's potentials all occured at once, eventually forming into one reality of the tree and as the vision returned to the falling leave, the colorations were different this time and the leaf was caught by True Thomas.
Thomas' greetings were friendly, seeming to show a bit of admiration toward Ilbryen. Upon their introduction, Arsa, who at this time appeared as a 13 year old satyr flirted with Ilbryen who rebuffed him. Arsa grinned at Ilbryen and nodded, saying, "You're into older men? Got it. I'll check in with you later."

Thrice-Nine Kingdom

"The Thrice-Nine Kingdom does not belong to any season’s court, nor are they subjects of the Seelie or Unseelie. They… requested an invitation. Apparently they have ties to your group through a coven of hags. They are ruled by Princess Vasilisa, a fair monarch. Her greatest asset is the sorcerer Koschei. He is wildly powerful and immortal. The only reason why she has any sway over him is that she knows where he has hidden his death. His death is hidden in a needle, that is inside an egg, that is inside a duck, that is inside a hare, the hare is inside a chest, and the chest is hidden away, but apparently Vasilisa now has possession of it."
The procession was brought in on a troika pulled by three white horses. Koschei appeared as an old man and completely naked, but Vasilisa carried a respectful dignity about her. She sensed the ties of hags entwined in Tertius and Levi's fates. When Levi said that he wasn't sure if his obligations to the hags were gone, she stated that they never are.
Her introduction to Illevaere was a bit more terse as she was cordial, but upon their meeting said, "You are the egg crusher," which Illevaere said that they were.

Goblin Court

"The Goblin Court is one of those necessary inconveniences that you need to accept. If the Court were less chaotic, it could be a much more powerful player in the way things are. However, there is too much treachery that undercuts their effectiveness. But, they host The Goblin Market, which is a place where all courts may go and none will harm one another, which makes it vital for exchange of items and ideas between our Courts. Placate the Goblin King’s ego and you will be good with this court."
A lone Goblin arrived with a trumpet and a scroll. After blowing the trumpet majestically, the goblin started to read the proclamation introducing the Goblin King, but he had some difficulty with reading some of the words. He asked if anyone could help him read it. Illevaere could read goblin and so they took the proclamation and read it out:
"Hear ye! Hear ye, denizens of chaos and champions of misrule! By the edicts of the Goblin Court and under the auspices of unruly fortune, let it be known on this most fateful day that you should cower in fear as our illustrious sovereign, the Goblin King, has arrived!
Let all who dwell outside of his terrible, but terrible in a good way, realm tremble with awe at his grand entrance! May his decrees, delivered in booming tones that are deeper than any other goblin, echo across these lands and remind us that true power is measured not flawless pomp, but by the wild, unyielding spirit of goblin ingenuity!
Therefore, by my voice, Cobb the herald of chaos and bearer of the King’s sacred proclamation, I command you to rise, unless you are already standing, in which case sit down real quick and then stand up, to revel and to celebrate the magnificent glory of our sovereign’s arrival. Let the screams of terror be our banner, except in places where our actual cloth banner may be, and may the mighty presence of our king serve as a horrible reminder, meaning that it is an impactful reminder not one that is horrible at reminding, that the ironfisted rule of anarchy is a testament of our might.
So decreed on this day, in the name of tyrannical anarchy!"
The goblin, Cobb, played the trumpet once again and the Goblin King arrived on a palanquin being held aloft by eight goblins. The Goblin King left the palanquin, followed by Mother's Favorite and The Other One. The palanquin was followed by a procession of about two dozen or so goblins.
Upon their introduction, Elen of the Ways stated to the Goblin King that most of their guests had their retinue of staff arrive separately and in fewer numbers. The Goblin King called out for one of the goblins to come over, and with a nod, Mother's Favorite brought down his scythe and slew the goblin. The Goblin King asked if that was enough or if he should keep weening. Elen sighed with exasperation and said that he had pruned his numbers sufficiently.
Each of the redcaps dipped their caps in the goblin's blood and the Goblin King ordered some of his men to take the body and stated to Elen that, out of respect for their Court, they would not eat his flesh and grind up his bones, but instead leave him out to rot.
As the party was introduced, the Goblin King stopped the introduction of Ilbryen and said that he heard them introduce themselves as "Cobb the herald of chaos and bearer of the King’s sacred proclamation"--the words that they said in reading the proclamation. He then announced that Ilbryen was obviously a goblin. As he mused over the notion of taking a Goblin Queen, he stated that since Ilbryen is already a Goblin, they would only have to adjust to the Queen part, so it would be an easier transition for them.
The Goblin King also invited Levi to his villa, stating that he should challenge himself to a battle against their goblin bear, though warned Levi of his safety if he were to do so.

Álfheimr

"Álfheimr is a Summer Court and it is the one closest to Titania and the Summer Court in spirit and how it is run. If anything were to be said about this court, it is that it is a Seelie Court first and a Summer Court next. The Queen of Elphame is more interested in mortals and the mortal realm than most and understands our need for the mortal realm more than most. Impressing her would do well in impressing Titania. "
The Court arrived with a flock of magpies first, followed by a carriage drawn by four unicorns. The Queen of Elphame exited along with Aurielle Sunweaver, Strix, Black Bill, and Veluthe Al Shee. Upon bring introduced, the Queen of Elphame recognized Illevaere as being a warlock of the Stag King and related that she once had a warlock, but it was so inconvenient since they were always asking for spells and requesting aid making her think who is really serving whom. So, she tricked her warlock into breaking her oath to her so that she could be free of her.
Aurielle recognized Aisling as the daughter of Sorsha Hawthorne whose art she once patroned. She wore a tiara with stained glass within it that appeared to be of Sorsha's crafting. She seemed very happy to meet Aisling and she stated that, while she is patient and does not wish it to happen anytime soon, she is very excited to see what the sorrow of Sorsha's family's eventual aging and deaths would do to inspire her artwork.
Aurielle invited Aisling to come to her villa so that they could speak more later.

Court of Hoof and Claw

"The Court of Hoof and Claw is a Summer Court. The Court is ruled by Cerunnos who leads The Wild Hunt. However, when he is absent, which is often, the Council of Predators is in charge. The Council is formed of representatives of the five greatest predators in the isles. It is our hope that your assistance with the Wild Hunt will help to curry favor with this Court."
The sudden silence of birds and the chittering of squirrel and chipmunk announced the arrival of the predators. Mac Tíre, Bjørn, Sionnach, Broc, and Easóg all arrived. Levi immediately caught the scent of Mac Tíre and recognized that it was the same scent that he had taken in when fighting Ulfr.
Bjørn recognized Levi's affinity and said that he was one of the children of The Great Bear. He vocalized loudly and rubbed up against Levi, a sign of comradery and acceptance.
The Fox was immediately smitten with Sionnach and tried to flirt with her, trying to pass of Tertius as his familiar, but she seemed somewhat unimpressed.
Upon being introduced to Illevaere, Mac Tíre gave a nod of respect and stated that the stag is an honored and worthy prey. He also noted that he could smell the Hunt on Aisling, Levi, Illevaere, and Tertius. Levi stated that they had encountered the hunt and Mac Tíre responded that he was impressed that they survived.

Court of Blight

"The Court of Blight is an Autumn Court. It is ruled by the Eldest Oak, though stationary the Eldest Oak does not travel. Nor can any understand its desires other than Gossamer who serves as the voice of the Eldest Oak. He is the only one who hears the voice of the Eldest Oak. They are allies and another Court favored by Caena."
Under a muted, overcast sky, a thick creeping fog rolled in and with it came the Court of Blight. Their carriage was constructed of ancient, rotted timber encrusted with lichen and fungal growth and pulled by thin, frail horses with patches of fur missing. The carriage driver was bound in bandages as if he had leprosy and he opened the door to the carriage, allowing Gossamer, Festerbloom, and Grodadh to exit. Grodadh seemed like a troll that was holding back great agony as multiple fatal and debilitating diseases coursed through her, but her regeneration kept her alive.
Gossamer appeared as a figure in a plague doctor's outfit and recognized Illevaere, calling them "Child of Valamin" He told them that their father spoke to him seeking sanctuary for the festering growth of humankind in their world. He said that he respected Valamin and believed him wise, but did not know if he truly knew what he asked of him, or if he only knew his fear.
He stated that he had three items for Illeavere, given free of obligation, free of debt. The first was the Rotgut Chalice, a tarnished silver chalice, stating that anything drunk from the chalice will give the imbiber fever. The deeper the drink, the deeper the fever.
The next was a stoppered vial that contained the Last Breath of a Dying Man in the vial. And within his dying breath are his last words that have not yet been heard.
The final object was the Sporewind Flute, which when played, no music will come from it, only spores. If played among crops, mildew spreads, rotting the harvest in days. If played among the sick, the infection will either worsen or break–depending on whether the affected is strong enough to resist.
After the items were given, he said that he was glad to make their acquaintance and told them to seek him in his villa so they might speak more.

Court of Cinder and Ash

"The Court of Cinder and Ash is another Autumn Court. Ruled by the Ashen Lady they focus on the destruction of fire that brings eventual renewal. Because of the immediacy of their destruction to renewal, they are surprisingly close to the Spring Court and can serve as liaisons to the Spring Courts."
Upon their arrival, Levi picked up the scent of burnt flesh and hair on the Ashen Lady, who had no part of her flesh exposed. Dhó, the Smoldering Satyr, found purpose in seducing men and women into setting fires, and sparking that passion within them. Losgadh appeared as a gaunt dryad whose tree had burned and she left embers in the ground in her wake as she walked.

Svartálfheim

"Svartálfheim is the antithesis of Álfheimr, although they do not have the same connection with Queen Mab as Álfheimr has with Titania. They are cunning and cruel and despise all men. Typically, they are not to be trusted, but they know well enough to follow rules of hospitality and they should not menace here. They are a court that is powerful in strength and magic."
The arrival of Queen Aibel and her entourage met the party with a bit of coldness, both physically and emotionally. Their torches burned with a blue flame that emitted cold rather than heat. Aibel, Dökkálfar, and Kaela the Emberfrost each presented darker sylvan features that seemed to echo the Drow, just as the sidhe's features echo the elves. Ljóma appeared as a dark dwarf in feature.

Court of Ice and Snow

"The Court of Ice and Snow is a true Winter Court. It is a frozen wasteland that is dire and barren, but fraught with dangers from weather and environment. We were surprised that the Court accepted the invitation. Typically, they are unresponsive and without interest. The Frost Prince who rules the Court was spurned in love and it turned his heart cold, leaving him and his realm cold and indifferent."
Arriving on a sleigh led by horses, the Frost Prince was dwarfed by his escort, Sneachda, who appeared to be a Frost Giant. Their sleigh was driven by an icy golem of a woman, and the wraithlike Taibhse followed them, dropping the temperatures within their area.
The Frost Prince seemed quite disinterested in the party during their introductions as he seemed with most everything, but Sneachda did her best to play the role of grateful guest for their Court.

Court of the Searing Sun

"Every Court owes a tithe to Hell that is paid every seven years. Court of the Searing Sun isn’t a true Court, nor is it of any season nor Seelie or Unseelie. It is where the representatives of Hell reside. They are invited to every function, though they may or may not attend. It would seem as if we have been graced with a representative this time."
Ephudol, the goat-headed devil, arrived at the promenade with little fanfair or attention drawn to himself. His introduction with the Emissaries seemed very rigid and formal, transactional on both ends and he did not stay to chat, seeming to consider this a "business trip" rather than one of festivity.
With that, all of the Courts had arrived and the Emissaries set the party off to socialize and meet the guests at their villas before the Harvest Feast.

Campaign

The Gentlemen's League of Explorers and Adventurers

Protagonists

Levi Obadiah Kilgore

Chaotic Good Human, Northlander (Marked by the Beast)
Barbarian 11

115 / 115 HP

STR
17

DEX
14

CON
16

INT
14

WIS
12

CHA
9

Ilbryen Dorydark

Neutral Good Half-Elf (Sage)
Cleric 10

63 / 63 HP

STR
10

DEX
10

CON
12

INT
14

WIS
20

CHA
15

Aisling Hawthorne

Neutral Good Half-Elf (Entertainer)
Bard 5
Paladin 6

75 / 75 HP

STR
12

DEX
18

CON
12

INT
7

WIS
14

CHA
18

Illevaere Solandra

Chaotic Good Wood Elf (Outlander)
Druid 10

83 / 83 HP

STR
11

DEX
18

CON
16

INT
14

WIS
20

CHA
12

Aralmeni Caskhood

None Mountain Dwarf (Acolyte)
Cleric 8

67 / 67 HP

STR
15

DEX
12

CON
17

INT
10

WIS
18

CHA
10

Bolvaic Boradrak

Chaotic Good Mountain Dwarf (Outlander)
Barbarian 10

115 / 115 HP

STR
18

DEX
12

CON
18

INT
9

WIS
10

CHA
10

Tertius Greyhall

Neutral Good Human, Daoine (Noble)
Fighter 6
Warlock 2

50 / 50 HP

STR
8

DEX
16

CON
11

INT
15

WIS
8

CHA
18

Report Date

25 Mar 2025

Primary Location

The Feywild

Related Plots

• The Fortnight Festival

Related Characters

• Acacia
• Aibell
• Alderstump
• Arsa
• Ashen Lady
• Aurielle Sunweaver
• Barbed Countess
• Bjørn
• Black Bill
• Blood Grass
• Blue
• Broc
• Caelum Thunderstrike
• Celaeno
• Dhó
• Dökkálfar
• Easóg
• Echoharp Lyra
• Eldrasveil
• Eldring Thunderstrike
• Emissary of the Stag King
• Emissary of the Stag King
• Ephudol
• Era
• Festerbloom
• Fractured Princess
• Frost Prince
• Goblin King
• Gossamer
• Grodadh
• Hyacinth
• Hyrsam
• Iron Swan
• Jenny Greenteeth
• Kaela the Emberfrost
• Knight of the Green
• Koschei the Deathless
• Lath
• Lira Windwhistle
• Losgadh
• Mac Tíre
• Mossgrasp
• Mother's Favorite
• Narahm
• Orla
• Queen of Elphame
• Sionnach
• Sisters Three
• Sneachda
• Squamulose
• Starborn Lady
• Strix
• Swan Queen
• Taibhse
• Taranis
• The Other One
• Thorned Knight
• Thorned Knight
• True Thomas
• Umbra
• Vasilisa the Beautiful
• Veluthe Al Shee
• Whisperwind Tressa