Court of the Empty Throne
The Court of the Empty Throne within the Autumn Court is a fractured and complex assembly of fey beings, divided into smaller factions, each with its own motivations and interpretations of the seasonal transition they embody. Without a ruler to unify them, the court operates in a delicate balance between autonomy and fear, with Queen Mab's influence casting a long shadow over their every move. The absence of an Autumn King has created a political vacuum, fostering intrigue and subtle power plays among its members.
The Witherbound Nobles are the closest thing the Autumn Court has to aristocracy. These fey, composed of high-ranking Autumn Eladrin) and powerful Sidhe, once served under the Pumpkin King, holding sway over the court’s politics. Now, they act as keepers of tradition, fiercely guarding the memory of the Autumn King and the old ways of the court. They maintain a semblance of order in the court but are deeply divided on whether a new ruler should ascend the throne or if the court should continue without a king. They often argue amongst themselves, more concerned with maintaining appearances than with resolving the growing chaos.
The Harvesters are industrious and pragmatic fey who serve a vital role in gathering the final fruits of the season. Comprised mainly of Harvest Sprites and Brownies, these fey focus on practical matters, ensuring that the Autumn Court’s resources are stored and prepared for the coming winter. They are wary of the political games played by the nobility, preferring to focus on their duties, but they are not without influence. They possess deep knowledge of the court’s lands and the cycles of nature, which makes them essential allies in any conflict. The Harvesters often view themselves as the true backbone of the court, even if they lack the power to claim the throne.
The Gloambound are the mysterious and shadowy inhabitants of the court, consisting primarily of Gloamings and Faded Ones. They thrive in the twilight spaces of the Autumn Court, moving through the fading light and long shadows with ease. The Gloambound favor secrecy, illusion, and manipulation, making them dangerous political players. They are often used as spies or assassins by the court’s various factions, though their true loyalty is often in question. Many believe that the Gloambound harbor ambitions of seizing the Empty Throne for themselves, but they have yet to make any overt moves, preferring to work in the shadows.
The Hollow Ones are unsettling fey who embody the themes of emptiness and loss that pervade the Autumn Court. They are fey who have lost something essential, whether through tragedy, curse, or simply the natural passage of time, and now exist as hollow shells of their former selves. These fey are often feared by others in the court, as they seem to represent the court’s worst fears made manifest—the slow, inevitable decay of life, power, and identity.
Hollow, sentient effigies made of sticks, leaves, and bones, the Wicker Men act as guardians and soldiers within the Autumn Court. Despite their eerie appearance, they are bound by ancient magic to protect the court’s interests, though they lack the autonomy to claim power for themselves.
Hags have a notable presence within the Autumn Court, particularly due to the decay and death that align with their own magic. The most powerful hags form a Coven of the Withered, an influential group that plays both sides of the court’s political spectrum. They have no desire to claim the throne but manipulate others to do their bidding, ensuring that no one faction gains too much power. They often act as advisors, selling their knowledge of curses, divination, and the future to the highest bidder.
The Autumn Court is in a constant state of flux, with different factions jockeying for influence while keeping a wary eye on the Empty Throne. No one dares to sit upon it, but every group seeks to position themselves as the true power behind the scenes. Many fear that taking the throne would lead to Queen Mab's intervention, bringing ruin upon the entire court. Her icy influence is a constant threat, and the court lives in the shadow of winter’s approach, both literally and figuratively.
This dynamic has created a volatile environment where intrigue, manipulation, and alliances are constantly shifting. The Witherbound Nobles seek to maintain the court’s traditions and prevent chaos from overtaking the realm, while the Gloambound and Hollow Ones see opportunities for their own advancement in the absence of a ruler. The Harvesters work to preserve the court’s resources and natural beauty, hoping to stave off winter’s inevitable arrival, while the Hag Coven manipulates the court from the shadows, offering dark bargains and curses to those who seek their favor.
Though she is not directly involved in the Autumn Court, Queen Mab’s presence is felt everywhere. The fey of the court know that she watches them closely, and any move to claim the Empty Throne could provoke her wrath. Mab has no desire to directly rule the court, but she enjoys keeping it in a state of controlled chaos, ensuring that it never becomes strong enough to challenge her Winter Court.
The Court of the Empty Throne stands at the crossroads of decay and rebirth, teetering on the edge of oblivion while holding onto the last vestiges of power and beauty. In the absence of an Autumn King, the court reflects the fleeting, bittersweet nature of the season it embodies—an eternal twilight, beautiful yet fragile, with the looming specter of winter ever present.
