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The Autumn Court

While not as focused as the Winter Court or as unified as the Summer Court, Boston's Court of Fear is respected by all for their dedication to the ideals of their court. The Leaden Mirror finds itself quite at home in Boston, as magical a city as any (more than many, Autumn Courtiers say), and none of the other Courts come as close to understanding the secrets of the city as the Autumn. This is perhaps personified by James Byron, the Houndmaster, who knows more about the cities mysteries than any other (if the Winter know more, they aren't talking). While Ashen Courtiers sometimes find themselves working at cross purposes, and the Leaden Mirror as a whole hoards their secrets carefully, the Court comes together when necessary. The Court of Fear also guards its alliances, jealously maintaining their contacts with both the Summer and Winter Courts, working for the betterment of the Freehold and their own Court.

The Court At A Glance

The Autumn Court doesn't have a single avenue of power, like the Spring and Summer Courts, nor is its influence entirely distributed like in the Winter Court. Instead, except for that Authority held by James Byron, the Court of Fear is split right down the middle by the influences of the Boston Chronicle, the Bloody Handed Sons, Creepy, and of course the Autumn Motley. Each Motley has their own interests and don't typically work together unless directed by the Autumn King or the good of the Freehold, even when it comes to politics. Infighting amidst the court is rife, but stops immediately if it gets in the way or causes too much disruption. The Autumn Court is also influenced by Downhill (despite its isolationism and lack of membership in the Freehold) and Blood Red (despite its affiliations leaning more toward Summer), to some degree or another.

The Autumn Court doesn't particularly care one way or another about solitary members in other motleys, as long as those Courtiers contribute something to the Court. Given that each motley ultimately stands alone, it really doesn't matter in the end anyway. Both Lady Roslindale and Laura Burland, of Augustinas Crew and Harnley Industries respectively, are quite well regarded within the Court based solely on the contributions they've made. They are not alone in this matter either; the Autumn Court cares much more about secrets and magic than it does about politics and jostling for power. That being said... An orphaned member of the Court is expected to be able to get assistance from other members of his motley without giving away any valuable secrets when necessary.

Titles and Roles

  • Since the death of Regina in 1951, James Aldous Byron has served as the cities Autumn King. This is because of one thing, and one thing only: The Houndmaster has the respect, and the fear, of every other member of the Court. They respect him because he knows more about Boston's secrets and magic than any other member of the Court, and they fear him because of that knowledge, which enables him to cut past the Courts infamous professional & academic rivalry when necessary.