The River Court
The River Court resides within a castle made of smooth white stone that sits upon an island. A single white-feathered eagle perches in a nest on the highest tower. It cries out loudly when visitors approach by the road or the river.
A castle stands in the middle of the foaming river, built of pure white stone with six tall towers. A narrow passage leading in is not accessible from the riverbank; it seems to be flooded or perhaps made for boats.
Structure
Almost a hundred fey and twice that number of servants serve at the River King’s court. Here are some of the most notable.
RUMPKIN THE PORTER, a rather fat bear who watches the entryway to the Outer Courtyard and advises polite visitors about the dangers of an audience: the chill waters, the ettercaps and soldiers, the River King’s dour manner and his greed for land and a proper mill of his own. Due to Rumpkin’s appetite and frequent visitors to the River Court, the nearest hives and berries are all a day’s march into the woods.
LADY BUDENA, the Lorelei of Summer Twilight and secret consort of the River King, is draped in a gown of bronze willow boughs, trailing a constellation of fireflies. She wanders the lower chambers of the Rippling Hall.
SIR LIJON TROUTSCALES, a silver-maned sidhe and king’s knight, is a veteran duelist with a penchant for provoking foes. His impeccable green-and-gold livery and blue-scale armor contrast with his stark and utilitarian weapons. He loves finding unintended insults in the words of those who address the king, then demanding satisfaction by blade.
OMURTHA, a one-eyed foul hag of incredible vanity, sees herself as Lady Budena’s physical equal. She attempts to seduce beings at the River King’s court. Those in the know quickly learn to appease her. Omurtha has the ear of many of the ladies-in-waiting. Misfortune tends to befall those who hurt Omurtha’s feelings. Omurtha also has a terrible temper and has been known to crush men’s skulls with her bare hands.
WICKERBELL, Keeper of the Royal Apiaries, is a demure brownie with a myriad of braids and a love for luxurious fabrics. Seemingly trustworthy and pleasant, she keeps many courtiers’ counsel. Secretly the King’s Surface Spymaster, her bees roam the realm and report back with the plots of more nefarious subjects.
THIMBLESCARVES, the nixie jester, wears a brilliant-colored jacket with a peacock-feathered back. He is a silver-tongued fool known for puns and verbal acrobatics. A keen observer of personalities and foibles, he takes great delight in catching speakers in double entendres and unintentional meanings.
MARSHFOX, the quickling Bandit Lord’s ambassador, is never without his crimson fur tippet and a cattail bundle carried as an official symbol. Cruel and avaricious, he prefers talking animal meat. While primarily an envoy, he sends word back to his master of outgoing caravans and poorly armed travelers.
Type
Political, Faction / Party
Notable Members
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