Court of Leaves and Whispers
Blazing yellow, orange, and red leaves of autumn represent the changing of seasons and regrowth. Leaves are shed by trees and decompose and turn into mulch, insulating the soil and eventually feeding the three again with rich soil.
As the gentle wind blows, the fallen leaves rustle to whispers, telling the forests secrets. As predators prepare for winter, the crunch of fallen leaves from the footfalls of a predator help to protect the forest’s prey.
The Court of Leaves and Whispers is bound within the lands of the Autumn Court. The forested realm is always in autumn, with rich colorful leaves. There is no central hierarchy here, and any are welcome provided that they respect the natural law here. Those that cause harm, find that the Stag King can quickly end any unwanted tresspass.
The respect of natural order is the primary rule imposed by the Stag King in this realm. No iron may touch a tree or beast within the Court of Leaves and Whispers. This does not mean that trees cannot be felled, or animals cannot be hunted, but iron here is anathema, and the wood or beast will not return if felled by it. Despite the few imposed rules from the Stag King, other rules do still exist. A promise is still a promise in this realm, and a gift must be repaid in kind, and saying thank you is the sign of a gift accepted. That said, there is no ban on other fey from using their magicks within the Court of Leaves and Whispers. Ildross is known to visit the Court.
The Court of Leaves and Whispers is aligned with the Autumn Court and has no intention to sit upon the Empty Throne. The Court is also aligned with the Unseelie. Autumn is a relief from the summer. What is perceived as coldness is simply acceptance of the natural order. Death is a part of that order. It isn’t to be celebrated, but it isn’t to be mourned either. It just is.
The Court of Leaves and Whispers reflects the Stag King in many ways. It is not a fickle land prone to chaos and change. It is simply what it is meant to be. The land and its king are one.
History
The Court is in the Autumn Lands and can be entered through a portal in a Moonwell at the Silver Lodge, which is guarded by the Elven druid, Wistari. While the lands in the Feywild mirror the mortal realm to some extent, where the Silver Lodge resides in the mortal realm, a giant oak tree resides in the Feywild. The court was very concerned with the marriage of Lysandrea Isillonthe to Maximillian D'arlington, for fear that it could mean less protection of the portal.
The portal on the mortal realm side was assaulted by Orleander soldiers and lycanthropes of the Blood Tribes working together to try to corrupt and destroy the portal. However, the attack was thwarted by the party.
Demography and Population
Residents of the Court include all manner of forest spirits and beasts. Despite the falling leaves, many dryads still find home in the rich trees of the forest. And even though there can be a bit of chill on the autumn air, there are still nymphs who bathe in the peaceful ponds. Few treants enjoy the autumn lands and most of the satyrs are older practicing in singular large feasts and indulgences, rather than the flitting quantity over quality of their more youthful (spring) kin. A few small collections of autumn aladrin reside here, though do not constitute collections large enough to be considered settlements. A few small herds of cervitaurs roam the forests and a few mortals have found there way here, led by Questing Beasts and now reside agelessly in the Court of Leaves and Whispers.
Laws
- Any gift must be repaid in kind. Thanking someone is acceptance of a gift.
- One's word must not be broken, a promise is binding.
- No tree or beast may be felled with iron, no resource wasted.
Mythology & Lore
The god Ildross is tied to the Court of Leaves and Whispers and has resided within the realm.
The land and its king are one.
Type
Court, Royal
Leader
Leader Title
Government System
Monarchy, Absolute
Parent Organization
Deities
Location
Notable Members