Court Guest - Liaison to the Merfolk

Pavati

The world above the waves is not usually interesting.  However, there is one truth of the land that is not found in the seas - it changes.  The oceans are as they have ever been while the land creatures run and fret and alter their worlds, though usually it’s only the humans. 

However, now, the Fae Queen is changing things.  She is not appointing an advisor, she is allowing it to be chosen by others.  This is unheard of and the various merfolk tribes are concerned.  Why is she doing such a human thing? 

And, now, at the party, there are humans?  Did she bring the airship here on purpose?  Whether or not the humans are here on her invitation, they are a danger.  They are the only species that has gone out of its way to destroy the deep waters of many worlds.  

You are here to protect the interests of the Deep.  So, you must ensure the humans leave quickly and do not leave someone behind in power, such as a new advisor.  Better still if you can place an advisor of your choosing, who understands the dangers of change and of humans who will ensure the Fae Queen remembers the importance of the old ways…perhaps even yourself?

 Passenger - Tea Merchant

 D. Oolong

You are a tea merchant who travels, collecting and selling different kinds of tea leaves. You have a passion for tea and its culture, and you enjoy sharing your knowledge and expertise with others. You are also fascinated by the fae and their realm, and you hope to learn more about them and their secrets.

Your company is famous for not only having the rarest of teas but being able to perform the most exquisite of tea rituals.  After all, tea is more than a drink, it is an experience, an event of culture and socializing.  You have mastered the tea ceremonies of many different cultures and invitations to any tea party you host are in great demand.  This is due to your hard work and attention to detail as there are always other tea merchants working to provide superior teas and ceremonies. 

However, no one in your home realm has ever done an authentic Fae or fairy tea ceremony/party or produced authentic Fae or fairy teas.  

If you can return with authentic recipes and tea leaves and traditions, then you will be the undisputed best of the tea merchants and you will be able to name your price for the next several events you host.  

 Royal Courtier - Redcap Hunter

Shadowblood

You are the hunter that provides the meat for the Fae Queen’s table.  The more dangerous and hard to obtain the better.  You don’t like weak prey because that doesn’t bring you power.  As a Redcap, you gain your power from blood - specifically the blood of what you kill.  As a Redcap, you increase your power by soaking your cap in the blood of your prey and that power remains until your cap dries out so it is very important to you to continue to hunt bigger and better prey.  Of course, being able to provide rare prey to the queen’s table is what has brought you into favor at her court.  

This part for choosing a new advisor is not of much interest to you.  However, you know there are beings here that have information you want - locations of prey that you have dreamed of: dragons and monsters and more.  And now there are humans - Intelligent prey that can fight back, that can use tactics and, most risky of all, that can use iron which is deadly poisonous to you.  

So, you tolerate the party so you can find your new prey.  

Airship Crew - Deckhand

L. Dogwood (Pup)

You are the Deckhand and the youngest member aboard the Caravan. Despite your earnest efforts and nimble agility, you are often at the receiving end of the crew’s harsh words and are always assigned the most undesirable and thankless tasks. This has fostered a deep-seated resentment within you, turning your once eager desire to please  into a silent but growing sense of defiance.

However, there is one person on the ship that you have been able to share your woes with.  The Stoker who works in the boiler room has also experienced the crew’s harsh side.  As the two of you suffered the same unfairness at the hands of the crew, you have bonded during what little free time you’ve had, commiserating and planning together.   

Privately, you dream of the day you can show everyone your true worth and gain the reputation to be able to move onto a new place where camaraderie and respect are not as scarce as they are  on the Caravan.

 Royal Courtier - Pixie Court Fool

Echo Lightflair

Echo Lightflair is the embodiment of whimsy and chaos within the court of Tír na nÓg. With a laugh that echoes through the halls and a twinkle in the eye that spells trouble, Echo has turned the art of jest into a form of governance. As the Fool, Echo is granted liberties that others can only dream of, using humor as a shield and a sword. 

Though Echo knows there is a thin line to tread because, after all, the fool’s protection is the Queen’s sufferance.  As long as she is amused, none others dare retaliate for Echo’s jests and she does enjoy when they expose secrets and embarrassments, as long as they are not her secrets.  

And these humans, oh, these humans are ripe for more fun.  Nothing harmful as Echo is not cruel but certainly entertaining. 

Airship Crew - Guard

G. Stoneshield 

You serve as guard for the airship Caravan. Your heart yearns for the thrill of battle and the glory that comes with facing formidable foes. The accidental journey to the fairy realm has presented you with an opportunity to seek out challenges that could lead to greater rewards and recognition.

It’s not that the pay isn’t good on the Caravan or that you’ve been mistreated, it’s just so, very, mind-numbingly boring.  The most exciting thing before the crash was finding out there is a thief among the passengers and just who is the Captain blaming for that?  You. 

But you are an adventurer, a warrior.  You were made to repel entire ships of pirates not cater to a bunch of soft, spoiled people who didn’t even have enough intelligence to watch their wallets. Other people’s lack of basic awareness is not your responsibility.  Especially not when you are in a realm where you can truly prove your mettle.  If you could bring the head of a dragon or phoenix…then your name would be legendary.  

Royal Courtier - Spriggan Spy

Pyk

Your species is rare and most people who meet you aren’t usually sure what you are.  They often assume you are a type of nature sprite or dryad.  This is fine by you because knowing everything about other people without them knowing anything about you is the name of the game.  It suits you for people to think you are a simple nature spirit rather than a spriggan so they’ll drop their guard.  Spriggans are known for being bad tempered and vengeful.  That kind of reputation doesn’t get you the trust you need to do your job. 

So, you’ve become an expert at playing the fun, friendly nature spirit who loves to meet new people.  No one notices when you’re near so no one guards their tongue and everyone thinks you’re flighty so no one realizes how much you remember. 

Well, almost no one.  The Fae Queen is quite aware of what you really are but, as long as you bring her interesting tidbits on command, she doesn’t seem to mind your games. Though you know that could quickly change if she finds out you share any of her secrets.  But others, well, they’re fair game. 

Passenger - Tinker

H. Clankington

H. Clankington, a renowned tinkerer, hails from the bustling industrial city of Gearford. With a mind as intricate as the inner workings of a chronometer, Clankington has dedicated their life to the creation and mastery of mechanical marvels.

This stop in the Fae realm is very much an inconvenience.  Your buyers are not going to wait forever…unless, of course, you can make an even better deal here.  After all, there are no fairy tale stories of automatons - no beauty and the automaton or sleeping automaton.  

Maybe you can make a better deal here, after all, there’s no telling what the Fae can offer.  There are many rumors of deals with the Fae resulting in longer lives, better health, youth…who knows what you might be able to find.  

Though, Fae are, also, not to be trusted and money in the hand and a good reputation will be much more valuable in the human realm. 

However, to get that reputation and money, you have to get back to the human realm.  The captain better know what he’s doing.  

Royal Courtier - Faun Chamberlain

 Odele Brookrunner

Among the court, as Chamberlain, you are outranked by only the advisors and the Fae Queen herself.  As a faun, this is an unexpectedly high position,  Fauns are known as gentle nature spirits and a chamberlain must face the unruly servants and impolite guests with equal courtesy and solid resolve.  You don’t understand why the Fae Queen is seeking a new advisor and even less why she is having one elected.  You assume it is of some type of amusement for her.  Still, your job is to keep things orderly and the servants in their place. 

As for these humans, although it is your duty to see to the comfort of the guests, it is not your responsibility to protect them. 

Still, they are as helpless in many ways as people think you are and do elicit some sympathy from you.  

Perhaps you will help them not to fall into the traps of being in a fae court and, if they are truly worthy, you might even protect them from your fellow servants who might see them as new toys or prey.  After all, you know the etiquette of the fae court well and have many years of loyal service to use as reason why the Fae Queen should forgive a misstep if you’re willing to mentor the unfortunate human in better manners. 

All of this, however, depends on how well they treat you.  You may only be a servant but you are the chief servant and the keeper of the Fae Queen’s palace and that deserves respect.  

Passenger - Musician

S. “Cadenza” Hawthorne

Known by your stage name “Cadenza”, you are a renowned violinist who has captivated audiences across the land. Your ability to put new twists on old pieces and push your instrument to its limits has earned you a great reputation.  

You were on this trip seeking inspiration for a new sound, for something that would cement your place in history and fate has smiled up on you.   You now have access to the sights and sounds of the Fae court and creatures of myth and legends.  You have the perfect opportunity to create a unique sound that resonates with the hearts of both humans and fae alike.

Of course you will have to work quickly since you will only have a short while if the Captain has his way and gets the ship back underway…though that might be a large ‘if’.  Or maybe there is another way to gain more time with Fae instructions.  Maybe you can find a creature with a heart as adventurous as your own and find a way to bring them home.  After all, there are so many stories of fairy and magical spouses.  

Court Guard - Selkie Warrior

Caelan

You are a fierce protector born of the Selkie people.  Your people have never forgotten the long history of humans stealing Selkie skins, enslaving Selkies. Your heart is hardened by these injustices. You serve as one of the Queen’s guards and harbor a deep-seated mistrust of humans. Your queen’s realm has been free of them for so long and yet, now, they are here again.  You do not trust them, do not trust that their airship crashed by ‘accident’.  Humans are selfish and greedy and view what is not human as below them and only for their use.  

Your duty here is clear - Ensure that the humans do no harm in the Fae court.  

If they do, then you will see that they answer for it.  

Unfortunately, you know that there are many in the court that will be fascinated by the humans, maybe even willing to make deals with them.  You must make sure they understand the danger of trusting these creatures and ensure none are left in the court by the end of this day.

Airship Crew - Cook

Avery Thyme

You are the esteemed cook aboard the Caravan, known for crafting meals that delight the palate and comfort the soul on sometimes the barest of ingredients depending on the fortunes of the ship. With a keen interest in exotic flavors, you eagerly anticipate the opportunity to explore the fairy realm’s unique flavor possibilities. After all, a good meal is a cure for bad times, bad feelings and bad luck.  

Of course you know that no chef worth their knives gives away recipes and techniques for free so you’ve spent the walk to the Fae queen’s palace mentally preparing your own list of recipes and techniques you’re willing to trade.  

You’re not much concerned about making arrangements to get back to the human realm, that’s the job of the Captain, first mate and other officers.  That’s why they get the big bucks.  

Your job is to make sure everyone is fed well and kept healthy.  

Court Guard -Elf Guardian

Eirian

You are a seasoned warrior of the Fae, the silent sentinel of Tír na nÓg. With a keen eye and a heart as steadfast as the ancient oaks, Eirian’s presence is both a warning and a welcome to all who approach your queen’s lands. Involved in the event due to the airship’s unexpected arrival, Eirian’s immediate motivation is to ensure the safety of the realm.

You honestly do not care who will be the next advisor or if the humans stay or go.  These things do not change your purpose - To protect Tír na nÓg from any and all threats from outside or inside.  If your long life has taught you anything, it is that you never know where evil or harm can come from until it strikes.  You have fought alongside kelpies and trolls and goblins and you have had to fight against other elves, nymphs and all manner of beautiful creatures.  You have learned to reserve judgment until actions prove intent.  

So, you are here to keep a close eye on everyone, fae, human, fairy, etc.  Everyone came safe into the castle and everyone will remain safe until they either leave with the Fae Queen’s blessing or they commit a crime to earn punishment from the Fae Queen.

Passenger - Noble

L. Van Diebin

As the sixth scion of Lord Leopold Van Diebin, you find yourself traversing the vast expanse of your family's business empire. The journey is a delicate balance of duty and leisure, with the rolling landscapes and bustling marketplaces providing a picturesque backdrop to the serious task of overseeing our interests. Opting for more modest travel means, I immerse myself in the local cultures, gaining insights and experiences that are as valuable as any asset in our holdings. This trip, though void of the luxury of our private airship, promises its own unique rewards.

Court Entertainer -  Sylph Bard

Floridus Moonsong

With a  voice as ethereal as the air currents that carry it through the halls of Tír na nÓg. Encumbered with the sacred duty of preserving the Fae’s history through song and story, you have served the court with grace for such a long time. Yet, beneath the serene facade lies a desire to explore beyond your confines and pursue new tales to be told.

You are an artist and though you have enjoyed performing these many years, your audience does not understand your desire to create.  Not just desire, your bone deep need to create, to experience the new and translate it into songs that will allow audiences to share those experiences.

Unfortunately, you are a victim of your success.  The fae queen has no interest in losing your performances which the court enjoys so much.  Your needs do not offset her preferences. 

Therefore, if you are going to escape in order to explore then it will be up to you. You have long despaired that you will ever get that chance but new things are now happening in the court.  Not just an election for a new advisor, there are humans in the court.  Better still, these humans seem to be negotiating for a way home.  Maybe you have a chance now.   

Passenger - Doctor

Jules Mori

You are a distinguished physician whose expertise extends beyond conventional pharmacology to the realm of herbal remedies. With a profound interest in the healing properties of herbs, Dr. Mori views the accidental journey to this land as a serendipitous chance to expand medical knowledge that could revolutionize healing practices.

Fairy tales are filled with exotic flora and fauna with exceptional qualities such as the mandrake root, the unicorn’s horn, golden fleeces and more.  If you can secure such things then you would be able to relieve suffering on a greater scale.  You might even be able to set up your own hospital with a proper research area generously funded by grateful patrons.  

The trick is getting the actual true items and not the type of fairy trick such as fairy gold that turns to rocks the next night.  

Queen’s Advisor - Elvin Druid

Thistle Sproutwit

Thistle Sproutwit is a respected Elvin Druid who serves as an advisor to the Queen of Tír na nÓg. With a deep connection to the natural world,  Due to this, you know one very important rule - Things change.  Many people think that nature never changes but that is wrong.  Animals and plants adapt, spread and evolve in response to changes.  The land changes as rivers cut through it and volcanoes and forest fires restart it.  

It has concerned you for a long time that the Fae realm clings to being unchanging as if this is a strength.  The mountain refuses to change but the river still cuts canyons into it.  You are happy that the Fae queen is trying something new in allowing an election of an advisor.  

The humans arriving are such a breath of fresh air. With their short lives, they know even better than those with long lives that things change.  They don’t have hundreds of years to cling to nostalgic fantasies of their youth.  They have to do things now or not at all. 

The humans are an opportunity for something new if nothing else.  

 Passenger - Librarian

Adrian Paige

You are a librarian and with extensive knowledge ranging from languages, histories, geography and even some fairy and fae lore. This last area makes you extremely wary of the Fae and the court.  The legends and tales abound of how cunning the folk of the underhills are and that the exact letter of the word is the only thing to be relied upon with them. 

However, on the other hand, this accidental destination of the airship has given you an amazing opportunity.  You are, now, in the unique position to try to discern fact from fiction.  Although all the tales agree that words have extraordinary power in this realm which is why every word counts and no meaning can be assumed, the other tales are often contradictory about the nature of the fae and fairies.  Some declare them to all be malicious and some portray them as tricksters who don’t understand the dangers of their pranks and others talk of them being benevolent as long as you obey the customs of proper reciprocation.

Who knows, maybe you can gather enough truth to pen your own tome that will be copied and displayed with pride in multiple libraries across the world.  

Queen’s Advisor - Brownie Seer

Eirlys

Eirlys is a revered Brownie Seer, serving as the first advisor to the Fae queen of Tír na nÓg. With a deep connection to the land and its mystical energies, Eirlys possesses the gift of foresight and a profound understanding of the fae folk. Your visions have often protected Tír na nÓg from unseen dangers.

However, your visions did not reveal the current situation: Humans in the queen’s realm and an election for an advisor?  An election?  Royalty does not give such important decisions to the general populace, that is too much like sharing power. 

So, you have several concerns - Why did you not foresee this and why is the choice of new advisor hidden from you?  Why is the queen doing this?  And what, if anything, do the humans have to do with this?

Regardless of the answers to these questions, it is still your duty to ensure the stability of the court and that means taking a hand in the proceedings. 

Passenger - Broker

C. K. Emerson

Emerson is a shrewd import/export broker known for their keen eye for valuable goods and a vast network of trade connections. Emerson’s business acumen has been key in arranging many business deals across the end.  

Always on the lookout for a new opportunity, C. K. Emerson has often been accused of being an optimist.  Yes, their trip has been delayed.  Yes, the airship is a wreck.  Yes, they have been robbed.  Yes, they are in the hands of mysterious creatures. 

However, faint heart never won a fair lady and never made the kind of deals Emerson is famous for.  The Fae are known for being dangerous but they’re also known for rare and magical items and strange tastes as well as pots of gold.  If Emerson doesn’t get back to the human realms with one of those pots, well then they’ll eat their own hat.  

Court Guest - Dryad Master Healer

Berrilis

You are of the forest and the plants.  They all speak to you and tell you their secrets.  You know which ones will kill and which ones will heal.  The old trees who grew near witch woods and ancient standing stones have taught you the stories of what they saw and heard and, in this way, you have gained the knowledge of druids, witches and wise ones.  

Due to this deep knowledge, there is little you can not diagnose and heal. People have called you prodigy, not understanding the wisdom of the old trees much to their own detriment. 

Still, you know what you owe to the forest and you protect it and nurture it as it does you.  

New advisors are fine as long as they leave the woods and trees alone.  However, some of these possible advisors are to be watched closely, creatures that build with fire and clear land.  The Leprechaun and the smith with their love of building breweries and forges are threat enough.  However, now, humans have come into the land. 

You feel for the poor things, so out of their depth and surrounded by dangers.  However, they came in on a ship of wood that burned and smoked and broke branches as it fell.  

You are fine with healing them and would like them to get home safe.  As a healer, you want all to be safe.  However, that horrible polluting wood machine of theirs, would be better off as compost.   

Crew - Stoker

R. Coalman

Coalman is known to the rest of the crew as an enigmatic person of few words, Coalman has a mysterious past and prefers the solitude of the engine room. The crew respect Coalman’s hard work and dedication as well as the stoker’s desire for solitude.  After all, everyone on the ship is here to work, not necessarily make friends and loners are not uncommon among aircrew. 

However, you’re not a loner out of preference.  In fact, you are usually a very social person, hence your willingness to strike up a friendship with Pup, the youngest deckhand.  The distance is necessary. Don't most people have parts of their past they want to forget…

Court Guest - Leprechaun Emissary

Dizzy O’Shaughnessy

The news that the Fae Queen is appointing a third advisor was already great gossip but when it was she was going to do so by popular vote, well that sent the gossip round faster than a miser chasing a gold coin.  Of course, your own king and queen sent you to keep watch, find out who the new advisor is and who tried to become the new advisor but failed.  This will be useful information in the future. 

However, you have no intention of just sitting on the side and watching and listening. The Fae court has always been a bit uptight and this is a good opportunity to teach them to have fun.  And now that there are humans involved? Well, the potential for fun has just expanded.  Oh, the choices of what to do, what to do?

Well, whatever you choose to do, it will be fun for you and interesting for others.

Airship Crew - Engineer

Dale Rivet

As a seasoned engineer aboard the Caravan, you are known for reliability and meticulous work. You are well respected among the senior crew. Your pride and joy was damaged. You above all else are determined to repair the Caravan and ensure its return to the human world. You are subordinate only to the First Mate and Captain.

You are, also, well aware that your beloved Caravan’s crash was no accident.  You are so in tune with her that you would have known something was wrong but there were no hints, no warnings.  Someone did this to her so, first, you’re going to fix her and, second, you’re going to find out who did it and make them pay.  

Court Guest - Elven Noble

 Linu Silverstar

You are of a high rank in your home court, a very close friend and confidant of Queen Titania herschel.  When rumors reached  your home court of the Fae Queen’s intention to add a new advisor, you and Titania were, of course, intrigued and she sent you to this court to find out who the new advisor is, along with anything else you can pick up. 

Of course, the best outcome for you is if the new advisor is sympathetic to elven causes and, even better, if you can arrange this, Queen Titania will surely be generous in her rewards.  

The arrival of humans into these court games is, of course, a surprise but you did not become Titania’s favorite by letting opportunity pass you by.  So many plots and potentials to pick from.

Passenger - Diplomat

Peyton Riley Morgan Wellington VI

Diplomat Wellington is an emissary of the Grand Coalition with a reputation for deftly navigating complex negotiations. Your journey took an unexpected turn when an accident transported the vessel into the fairy realm. Seizing the unforeseen opportunity, you are determined to make the best of the situation by establishing relations with the fae, and focus on the potential for groundbreaking alliances-weapons, warriors, magic-all of these things could be of great use to the Grand Coalition. 

You are sure that you will be able to arrange things to your benefit once you decide exactly what  benefit to pursue.  

Court Guest - Dwarven Master Smith

Brolwaen Ironfist

Politics are not your thing.  You are a smith and deal in the truths of steel and fire not the double talking and almost but not quite lying of the courts–any of the courts.  However, your latest delivery coincided with the Fae Queen’s party and it would have been rude not to attend.  

At least the food and drinks are good.  However, the humans attending…that may be good for business or might be bad.  Human items are of lower quality than Dwarven made items but they can make them faster and in greater quantities.  Though, since humans don’t care about iron, nor fear it, there’s no telling what items they might put iron into.  That’s something to make sure the fae keep in mind if the humans start sniffing around trying to make deals. 

You’re in an interesting position here.  The humans represent new markets that you can open up and your presence here can close the Fae markets to the humans.  You’re not adverse to human weaponry being sold but only if you and your kin are the intermediary. 

Therefore, you need to make sure the humans go home unless they are bound to you to represent your interests.  

 Passenger - Journalist

T. Blythe

You are a seasoned investigative reporter with the Cog and Quill Courier newspaper and well known for your long Churchwarden pipe almost as much as your investigative reports on the mechanical marvels of the age and the societal shifts they bring. One of your regular sources tipped you off that this flight may have something of interest. You are quite sure the Fae realm was not what was being alluded to but you are not a journalist to turn down a brilliant opportunity such as this. 

It’s your job to uncover secrets and finding what your readers should know and here is a whole feast before you. 

You can come home with information about the Fae realm and this odd event that seems to have the Fae all atwitter.  You can chase down what caused the Caravan to crash despite its long history and reputation of stability and safety.  You can talk to some of your fellow passengers and discover just exactly why they are traveling.  There does seem an unusual number of special passengers on this trip.  

Court Entertainer - Nymph Dancer

 Lirael

Lirael’s dance is a spectacle of beauty and grace that belies their status as an indentured servant, bound to the court for crimes long past. Their every movement tells a story of sorrow and longing, a silent plea for freedom that echoes through the halls. Lirael’s diva-like demeanor is well-known, as they command the undivided attention of all who watch them. The arrival of the human airship ignites a spark of hope within Lirael’s heart, presenting a chance to break the chains of servitude that have held them captive.

It has been centuries since the crime occurred but Fae memories are as long as they are legendary.  The Fae queen thinks she’s been kind by sentencing you to dance for the court, after all, it is what you have always loved to do.  But being forced to do something for punishment quickly destroys your joy in it.  You remember laughing in joy as you danced through faerie circles and through moon pools, leaping along banks of rivers but no more.  Now, your stage is cold stone in a corner of a castle whose walls you memorized decades ago.  

You don’t show your misery, of course.  Knowing that you are miserable would just bring much of the court pleasure and you would be reminded that you should be miserable.  After all, you are a criminal serving your sentence. 

You don’t wish a worse sentence..and there are far worse than what you currently suffer…however, if you see an opportunity to escape this punishment, you will certainly grab it and hold it for all you are worth.  

Crew - First Mate

Taylor Throgmorton

You are entrusted with the airship’s navigation and the crew’s well-being. Known for a calm demeanor and a strategic mind, you are second only to the Captain in authority and are expected to oversee the crew and passengers while the Captain is in conference with the Queen. 

This is a challenging trip but you’ve been on challenging trips before. You came to this airship by way of research vessels.  You came up through the ranks beginning as a deckhand on a ship that was studying what existed in the deeper oceans and proving yourself so capable that you were the first mate of a ship sent to find and destroy a sea monster that was interfering with commerce off the coast of two nations.  It was your voice that steadied the crew when it was found it was a family of sea monsters, not just one.  So, if you could get your crew back from an encounter with a group of creatures almost as big as your ship, then you can get your people home from this place. 

Of course, you know you’re at a disadvantage.  At least on previous ships you knew what you were dealing with.  Even monsters are just animals.  

However, with the Fae and fairies…well humans are already unpredictable so there is no telling what these beings may do.