Autumn Court
The Autumn Court is a court of change, focused on the shifting nature of the world, ephemeral and imperfect. About seizing the last moments of warmth and sunlight before the cold, but also understanding and preparing for the dark of winter. It is a time between, a time of harvest, preparation and celebration, which frequently attracts both nature spirits and shapeshifters to its call. It is strong in the magic of illusions, but also in the reality of change, and any fae, regardless of Court affiliation may apply directly to the Autumnal Queen for the ability to transform themselves within the Cauldron if they feel a strong call to do so, though the Cauldron responds only to the seated Autumn regent to safeguard it against abuse.
The Autumn court is not as heated and passionate as Summer, but nor is it as stoic and hardened as Ice. The court is home to more academics and craftsmen than the other courts by far (And more chefs!). The beautiful and ephemeral nature of change is after all a great draw to artists who wish to capture such fleeting moments before the leaves fall. And that occasional nip in the air seems to make a warm tea in front of the fire, a book in hand, and a large comfy armchair most appealing. As for the chefs, well a bountiful harvest makes for some delicious cuisine.
However, there is far more to the court than University libraries (though Autumn does possess the best in the four realms) and grand workshops. Autumn draws to it the adaptable fae, the ever changing fae- the shape shifters and the nature spirits, but also any Fae that might find themselves in between one realm and the next. The queen of the court may seem irreverent and almost immature to many, but she is in fact a fiercely loyal protector of her people, and welcomes in any that feel they do not fit in their original homelands. The autumn fae are allowed to be many and varied, and there is no concept of ‘monstrous’ amongst them. That is one of their adamant beliefs, that in the court of plenty all are welcome and differences are not to be feared.
Etiquette in Autumn
Like their sister realm Spring, the Autumn court is a less formal court than Summer or Winter. This has more to do, however, with the ruler than the actual traditions of the court, as the Autumn court etiquette shifts and changes more often than the other three- in a reflection of the times, the ruler, or other influences at play. In the halls of the university and other similar spaces, titles are used often, and respect between academics can lead to more of a stiff, formal nature. However, in contrast the rest of the realm takes a far more relaxed stance, greeting each other warmly as friends, welcoming each other into their homes, and sharing food easily between neighbors and even passing travelers. Many would say that after Spring, Autumn tends to be the most hospitable of the courts, sharing their plentiful harvest with any who are in need. Compliments upon one’s achievements, or known skills, are a common part of greetings in autumn. Even if it is a little thing, such as to compliment somebody’s willingness to greet the day and take something new from the world around them, those in Autumn often open conversation with an acknowledgment of the efforts those around them put into the realm. The emphasis of growth, change, and skill is embraced by both crafters and academics alike within the realm through these greetings.Meeting the queen:
A bow, however large or small, is appropriate upon meeting the queen, with the right arm swept in front at the waist. Those more familiar or close to the queen give less of a bow, or even just a simple incline of the head, while a more significant bow indicates greater respect.Addressing the queen:
Previous rulers of autumn went by your majesty, or the Autumn Queen, the Queen of Illusions, and the Moon Queen. Kieran in particular prefers ‘My Lady’ or ‘Your Grace’ if one feels titles must be used, but also often drops titles completely in favor of less formality. She does take particular delight in being called the Trickster Queen however.
Key Locations:
Within the Autumn CourtAlso known as:
The Court of Illusions, the Court of Feast, the Court of Change Ruler : Kieran , Lady of Autumn, the Moon Queen Element : Air/TransformationCommon Types of Fae :
- Nature Spirits
- Demifae
- Daoine Sidhe
- Valkyrie
- Goblins
- Phoenix
Related Traditions
Related Professions
Controlled Territories
Neighboring Nations
Related Items
