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Courts and Politics

This is a page for a discussion of the day-to-day realities of the Courts and their Rule over the Freehold, and related topics. It's worth noting that, in general, Winter rules from November until January, Spring rules from February through April, Summer rules from May to July, and Autumn holds court over the months between August and October. Due to the way that the court system functions in Boston, though, the reign of each season is only tentative at the beginning of their period but extends somewhat into the first part of the next season.

The Courts, Season by Season

In the Spring...

  • The Spring Court is in full bloom, of course. A great deal of consideration is given to the years Revel which is generally designed to be a showcase of Springs Power as well as the premiere social event of the year for the Trimountain Society. The influence of the Spring Court also makes Spring the Freehold's most active social season, with multiple parties being run by various Courtiers every single week, particularly during the height of the Season.
  • The Summer Court tends to use this time of year for pageantry and recruitment, showing off their passion for the Court and its Ideals through rhetoric and showmanship rather than with the zeal and determination that they know is soon to come. The Summer Court also tries to make a good showing at all Spring Court parties and events, showing the best face of their Court while also keeping an eye out for trouble that the Antler Crown might not be able to handle.
  • The Autumn Court is at its weakest during the Spring. The Leaden Mirror usually responds to this by networking closely with the other Courts, bargaining for secret lore and favors to be repaid later in exchange for the benefits of their own unique knowledge and talents. At no other time is the Court so outgoing and accessible, and in this way, they contribute to the goals of the Antler Crown by bringing that many more guests to their parties.
  • The Winter Court allows itself to benefit from the social networking and alliances that can form during the Spring, often lending an active hand to assist the Spring Courtiers in carrying out their duties such as they're able. The Onyx Court well knows, after all, that many Changelings is more powerful than one and appreciates the social aspects of the Freehold. That said most members of the Silent Arrow are careful to prepare themselves for the Long Summer that is coming.

In the Summer

  • The Summer Court burns brightly during this time of year. Whatever potential threats to the Freehold the Summer Court has identified since the last year, it now acts upon, ranging from troublesome mortals to cadres of privateers. The Court is now proactive, rather than reactive. With sacrifice from its members and a bit of luck, by the time leaves fall the Trimountain Society will be ready to survive another long year without the strong leadership of the Iron Spear.
  • The Autumn Court usually takes this time of year to use the magic they've gained, the power they've harvested and the secrets they've learned to strike against the Gentry. Sometimes they actively assist the Summer Court in their missions, other times they deal with separate threats, but regardless the Ashen Court knows well that this is the time of year for Action and they plan accordingly. Many Autumn Courtiers also take the Summer as a good time to settle vendettas.
  • The Winter Court lies unusually low during this season. Sometimes they're simply hiding, other times they're stalking the foes that the Summer Court has riled up and doing their best to put down what the Iron Spear has flushed out, and occasionally they just do what they can in the way of damage control. Most of all, though, the Court as a whole wants to avoid gaining any attention from either the rest of the Freehold or the things whose attention are currently on the Summer.
  • The Spring Court is ready to lend a hand to its brothers and sisters in the Crimson Court; some fight by their side, but most Spring Courts accept that their role is not war, and instead act to support and succor their violent brethren. The average Summer Courtier has no problem ending a tough battle with beer in his hand and an attractive member of the Antler Crown at his side, particularly if that battle went poorly and there is much he would like to forget.