Afterlight - Winter Court

History

The Winter Court was cultivated within the icy storms of the Hollow Peaks, where the warmth of sky and sun is forgotten within endless winter. It drew to it Fae who still believed in the old ways, unchanging and frozen in time, beings who believe in the frailty of existence and the importance of tradition.

Winter Fae follow old values and ideals, hierarchy based on strength and wisdom over bloodline. Power is proven and earned, never given freely. They wield cruelty as a useful tool, displayed proudly on silvered tongues and sharpened blades. Kindness is weakness, mercy is merely a farce to gain something in return. Might and merit earn you title and fame, power is earned through trail and deeds, proven and challenged. Blood means little unless it stains the snow beneath your feet.

Society

The Court is built on old ideals and traditions, their hierarchy based on strength over bloodline. They often see other courts are traitors to their ways, accepting lesser races of little connection to the pulse and weak constitution. Many lesser fae walk their snow-layered streets, but the likes of Humans or Dwarves are hardly ever seen, let alone accepted. As such, they have little care to involve themselves in the politics of others, keeping to themselves as to not sully their ways with new ideals.

The people of the Winter Court are often ghostly individuals of pale skin untouched by sunlight for decades at a time and hair of ivory silver or obsidian black. Their clothing consist of fur coats and layered cloth, rank is now shown through glittering jewels or fancy cloth, but through the decoration of weapons or the power of magic you radiate.

There are few laws in the Winter Court, none prohibiting violence or cruelty, even murder. Despite this, the streets of the court are rather peaceful and cooperative, and Winter Fae live by a very old saying; what you sew is what you reap.

Military

The Winter Courts military is rarely put to use beyond culling beasts who stray too close to their cities, but not to be underestimated in times of war.

The Obsidian Legion

The Winter Courts most oppressive and intimidating force, their march causes the very earth to tremble in their wake.

Clad in stomium black armour, they move like a hive mind, their faces obscured behind black masks or helmets.
Ice and lightning magic are enhanced through their armour and obsidian glass blades, enchanted to strengthen their weaponry.

The Glacial Squall

A swift and agile force of storm walkers, hidden within blizzards as they strike down foes before their presence was ever known.

Commonly comprised of smaller squadrons lead by two or three mages to bring about thick fog or white out blizzards.
Dressed in frost wyvern hide armour, allowing them to stay silent and hidden within the pearlescent white of the snow.

The Frostbound

Experts in the arts of espionage and illusion magic to make sure the court never falls behind the others.

Members are bound to secrecy and loyalty, able to speak only to a select few ranks within the court.
Known of their illusionary spells, manipulating both light and shadow to manipulate perception