Professional Documents
Culture Documents
9 781588 467157
PRINTED IN CHINA w w w. w o r l d o f d a r k n e s s . c o m
978-1-58846-715-7 WW70202 $27.99 US WW70202
un, Fool, run,
The Knights are on the ride.
The sun, it lights their lances,
And golden crowns their pride.
9 781588 467157
PRINTED IN CHINA w w w. w o r l d o f d a r k n e s s . c o m
978-1-58846-715-7 WW70202 $27.99 US WW70202
By Stephen DiPesa, Jes s Hartley, Malcolm Sheppard, John Snead and
Chuck Wendig
The Longest Day of Summer, Now ings and filling the air with acrid cordite (a smell that
mixes with the potent brine). Then theres an explosion.
War.
One of the parapets falls atop us -- a crashing fist of sand
Light on my feet, Im buoyed by the heat coming off and thorn. I roll forward, just out of the way, sand sting-
the sand, driven by the drum-hiss of crashing surf, and ing my eyes. I dont see what happens to Sunra.
pushed forward by a sad and angry heart.
When my eyes stop watering, I see that Ive killed two
I pirouette and bend backward. An arrow slices more. I also see a goblin feasting on the body of Rooster
through the air above me. I see its dark shape, its razor- Petukh, tearing away great hunks of his leg flesh. Hes
tip, its shaft kept aloft and swift by a graft of a dozen black dead. I dance over him, kicking the gross crustacean into
hornets. Behind me, the arrow finds a home in the chest another.
of Papi Chulo. He bleats in pain. The pistol spins from his
Then I see the Keepers marshaling this mad army.
grip and into a briny tidal pool. Hornets erupt from the
wound. Then hes gone. Always together, hand-in-hand. Cruel syzygy.
Hands backward in the sand, I kick forward: the One in a white sundress with red flowers, her man-
flat top of my foot connects with the goblins head. His tid face staring out, the other in the black tuxedo with the
bone spur jaw slams shut on his tongue, red carnation boutonniere, his wolf head and
biting it off. It flops to the sand. The spider eyes looking as hungry as ever.
wretched thing is confused, even They are separate, but together.
more so when he finds me be- Ive known that for a long time.
hind him, sticking one knife Something thrusts
in his throat and another in through the back of my calf,
the small of his back. but I refuse to recognize the
Over his shoulder, I pain. I step forward with
see Tombs Tuttle go down my other leg. The knives
under a trio of the gib- are in my hands.
bering things. They stab I hurl them forward
downward. I cant see with all my might.
Tombs, but I can see his And then I let it all
blood running into the out. I open my heart. No,
sucking tide. The water is I tear it apart. I rip the
pink with it. ventricles open. I rend my
I could save him, but I aorta. All the blood and fire
dont. Thats not why were and anger and sorrow in-
here today. Thats not why side are now free in a single
Im here today. Im here to finish wave, as ineluctable as the tides.
this. It accompanies my knives. The
With the sand castle walls tower- sun shines bright with them. A streak
ing above me, the crumbling parapets held of fire. A sun flare. My hearts dread gaze.
together by coils of thorn and whisper-thin sedge, I push The dread light illuminates the third finger on my
on. left hand and the red bruise that rings the flesh. The light
A pair of goblins thinks they can flank me. They leaps forward toward its destination.
think wrong. One ends up dead atop the other, and the The wolfs head keens, its fur charring. The mantid
tide comes and takes them both away. face hisses and chitters before it disintegrates.
Sister Sunra is next to me; suddenly bullets are bark- I swear they call my name as they die.
ing from her AK, stitching holes in the onrushing ranks.
Her left eye is fused shut with a crust of blood. The hand The Longest Day of Summer,
that cradles the rifles stock is little more than a busted
claw. But shes smiling. Her teeth are smeared with red.
One Year Ago
I always liked her. I goosestep forward, and she pivots Ramona Ringfinger, Ivan says, putting his hand on
around me. my shoulder. His words are clumsy in that muddy Rus-
Back to back, we take down too many to count. My sian tongue of his. His hand is like a brick. Grandfather
knives glint in the hot sun, leaving arcs of black blood in will see you now.
their flashing wake. Her rifle chuffs, spitting brass cas-
2
I twist out of his grip and offer a shit-eating grin. I them through broken mirrors. Down in the dark of sewer
cant say what it is he offers in return: Ivans face is a curi- grates and watching from distant boats offshore. Every-
ous thing, a cement block that could be smiling, could be bodys shaken. Nobody feels safe anymore. Youre about
sneering. to lose everything.
Inside his office, Thunder sits pensive at a glass-top His mouth forms into a tight line. A halo of momen-
desk. The windows behind him are open. A balmy breeze tary celestial fire shudders above his head before wink-
blows in, growing hotter as it drifts over his shoulder. ing out. I have his attention.
Something about the room smells like I dunno, maybe This is a concerted effort on their part. Weve inter-
burning plastic. cepted loyalist messages. Weve heard the crustaceans
Standing off to the side is Tombs Tuttle. He has a whispering in the Hedge. These two I give the finger
corpse grin below a nose-less face and a pair of too-big to first the mantis face and then the wolf face. are the
sunglasses like you might see some drug-addled celeb- dirty birds who run the whole show.
rity starlet wear (hobo chic, Ive heard it called). He gives Ivan looms over me. Even his shadow has weight. I
a little wave. I wave back. know how this could go. I know what Thunder does these
Sitting next to Tombs is a court-less girl Ive only seen days to those who displease him. I watch his eyes for the
in passing. Black Betty? Black Bonita? Who can remem- command, the one that tells Ivan to crush my windpipe. I
ber? Shes a frail slip of a girl with too-long arms and think about how I could move to dance out of the way, to
double-long legs. She has a sketchpad in front of her and foxtrot right out that window, but I dont have to.
a lap full of colored pencils. Done, Thunder says. This will take time to mount
Ah, the artist. an offensive on these monsters. Get with the others and
So, Thunder says. Youre sure about this? plan it. Ill make sure everyones on board. Use this year
He motions for Betty or Bonita. She holds up her to train, Ramona. Ive seen you spar. Youre already good,
sketchpad. On it, the face of a mantis stares out, looming but you need to be the best.
large. My heart leaps. I say nothing. The girl flips to the Will do, I say. The anger in me is an arrow, one that
next page, and there it is: the savage wolfs face open in a has found its home. Success.
permanent snarl. She even got the drool-soaked muzzle Tombs gives me a thumbs-up.
right. I clench my fists behind my back and hope nobody Ivan escorts me out.
can see. They believed the lies, I think. I feel bad about this,
Sure as anything, I say. but comfort myself that maybe, just maybe, they werent
His eyes flicker with lightning. really lies at all, that maybe, just maybe, a kernel of truth
Lets go over it again. You say these two lies hidden under that pile of bullshit.
Mother and Father, I interrupt (never a good idea,
but its a habit I cant be rid of). Thats what they call The Longest Day of Summer,
themselves, at least.
This Mother and Father, theyre the ones respon-
Five Years Ago
The hit splits my lip. I see stars. The ropes of the ring
sible for the sudden incursion of the Gentry into my city?
are suddenly at my back, and, being dizzy, I imagine for
Theyre the ones fucking with the sanctity of this free-
a moment that theyre grabbing me and holding me and
hold?
wont let me go.
Behind my back, I gently rub the ringfinger bruise.
Papi Chulo moves in. The guys a fat-gutted goat, but
Give the man a kewpie. he moves like a little moth, flitting this way and that.
Shits pretty trippy, Tombs felt compelled to open Bitch, look up, he says with a wicked grin. His one
his mouth and say. A cancerous tongue picks something hand makes a goofy gesticulation and I watch it, won-
out of his eerily perfect teeth. He looks to me. Those bas- dering what kind of magic hes up to.
tards aint usually into that kind of unity, you know?
The only magic is misdirection. As my dizzy eyes
Thats why it should terrify you. follow his hand, he sucker punches me. A line of drool
Im still not convinced, Grandfather starts to say, escapes around my mouth guard. Gasping, I spit it out.
and by the time I decide to bite my tongue its already Outside the ring on the other side, Sister Sunra my
flapping. only friend in this Court right now watches me with
Listen. This citys on the verge of going shithouse. a little cigarillo clenched between her teeth. She winks.
You know it, I know it. Weve all heard the whispers. Chulo hits me again.
Were supposed to be the first and last line of defense, You gotta get mad, he says. I swing at nothing. You
and still everybodys seeing the cracks in that faade. gotta grab onto something inside you, ride it like a horse
Keeper sightings are through the roof. People are seeing thats on fucking fire.
3
4
I dont know what he means. I try to do a kickboxing His face. Father, the wolf. Spider eyes staring, pink
thing, try to whip my foot into his face, but he just laughs teeth clenching.
behind me. How did he get behind me? Prick! Somehow even though Im on my belly my legs are
Two pistons to my kidneys. Then a hoof stomps on around Papis throat. I pivot my hips. His face crashes
my foot. into the mat. But hes up again, and hes kicking at me
A surprisingly soft shove and Im on the mat, face with one of those chestnut hooves, but I wind my own leg
down, sucking in breath. around his and slide in behind him. Hes about to fall.
I heard you were fast, lady. He shakes his head. I dont let him not yet. First I choke him out. My arms
But you dont look fast. You dont look pissed off like are lithe, limber, like pale snakes, and theyre around his
you need to look. Me? Ill tell you what pisses me off. Tell forehead and throat and then my leg is around his other
you what makes me want to punch the shit out of things. leg and Im pushing him to the mat.
I think of Him. The Blind Shepherd. Kept me and all the I hold him there until hes blue.
other animals in a dead meadow. Made us eat like beasts. Something, a little voice, tells me to stop. Then I real-
Made us rut like beasts. Always watching us even though ize its not a little voice: its Sunra, screaming at me, trying
the fat bastard had no eyes! I think of that. I think back to pull me off.
to how that made me feel, sleeping in my own shit, sharp I listen to her.
hay poking me in the fucking back. And I get angry. I get Papi looks pissed, but he still gives me the nod.
super crazy angry. Then, and only then, I can punch the Sunra has a Corona for me, a half-lime drawing
shit out of things. You gonna get angry? Or you gonna go bubbles in the bottle. I drink it all the way down.
hang out with those pussyfart Snowmen?
So what happened? she asked.
It happens even though I dont want it to.
Found my anger, I say between gulps.
Her face. Mother, the mantis. Mouthparts clicking
and feeling the air.
5
Credits
Written by: Stephen DiPesa, Jess Hartley, Malcolm
Sheppard, John Snead and Charles Wendig The Changelin g : The Lost Line
Developer: Ethan Skemp
Editor: Scribendi.com
Autumn Nightmares
Creative Director: Richard Thomas Winter Masques
Prooduction Manager: Matt Milberger
Art Direction and Layout: Aileen E. Miles
Rites of Spring
Interior Art: Anna Borowiecka, John Bridges, Andrew Lords of Summer
Hepworth, Jeff Holt, Saana Lappalainen, Pat Loboyko, Britt
Martin, Peter Mohrbacher The Equinox Road
Cover Art: J.P. Targete
2008 CCP North America, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction with-
out the written permission of the publisher is expressly forbidden, except
for the purposes of reviews, and for blank character sheets, which may be
reproduced for personal use only. White Wolf and World of Darkness are
registered trademarks of CCP North America, Inc. All rights reserved. Sto-
rytelling System, Werewolf the Forsaken, Mage the Awakening, Change-
ling: The Lost, World of Darkness Book of Spirits, Autumn Nightmares,
Winter Masques, Rites of Spring, Lords of Summer and The Equinox Road
are trademarks of CCP North America, Inc.
All rights reserved. All characters, names, places and text herein are copyrighted by CCP North America, Inc.
This book uses the supernatural for settings, characters and themes. All mystical and supernatural elements are fiction
and intended for entertainment purposes only. Reader discretion is advised.
Check out White Wolf online at
http://www.white-wolf.com
PRINTED IN CHINA.
6 Introduction
Table of Contents
Prologue:
The Longest Day
of Summer
2
Introduction
8
Chapter One:
Freeholds
10
Chapter Two:
The Seasonal Courts
24
Chapter Three:
Noble and
Eldritch Orders
106
7
In the depth of winter, I finally learned
that within me there lay an invincible summer.
Albert Camus, Summer
Summer is heat. Its the parching sun overhead, dry- room for both in a good Changeling chronicle, preferably
ing out the ground until long cracks run through it. Its the playing off one another like dueling tongues of flame.
warm wet wind of a thunderstorm, a torrent lit by fiery bolts
of lightning. Its the warmth that lingers as the sun creeps Fragmented Traditions
past the horizon and the insects drone. Its violence that Changeling: The Lost postulates a social structure
erupts when the mercury creeps up too high and people can that plays out most commonly on the local level, without
no longer stand to be in proximity with one another. the over-reaching politics of changeling nations or em-
And arrayed under the summer sun, the monarchs and perors. Part of the reasoning behind this is simple logistics.
knights and free-lances and vagabonds of the Lost gather, It would be virtually impossible for a changeling emperor,
their banners marking their defiance of their former mas- president or high king to govern in such a way that he could
ters. Lords of Summer concerns itself with the organiza- bring entire rebellious freeholds to heel unless changelings
tions that changelings gather in, from the freehold to the were the most numerous supernatural being in the entire
entitlement, to support one another. A lone changeling World of Darkness, and then some. That would require
may have to flee and hide, but together, many can stand. quite a lot of abductions, particularly given that so many
abducted humans never leave Faerie.
Summer and Wrath At the same time, though, Changeling also postulates
The imagery of summer implies dynamism. A chronicle a world where changelings are aware of other freeholds, and
set in summer may have its lazy-day set pieces where theres might travel from city to city. Entitlements have members
little to do but sit on the porch and listen to the flies buzz, scattered across entire countries, convening now and again
but for a Changeling story, summer is more frequently about for official order business or initiations. The Great Courts
conflict. As the heat rises, the pot boils over. This motif maintain traditions from city to city; some vary widely,
isnt just the Summer Courts philosophy winning through, while others are neat reflections of traditions practiced on
either. Summer is a time for being outdoors, doing things the other side of the continent. The Lost of Tampa Bays
and for the Lost, that often involves hunting or being freehold may hear gossip about Grandfather Thunders rule
hunted, fighting or fleeing. Consider the tense energy of a in Miami. Thus, it becomes easier to allow for constants
city in summer, or clouds of dust rising from the dirt road as from place to place in Lost society.
the sun beats down. This is, in our humble opinion, a best of both worlds
The Lost, at least those of the seasonal Courts, also scenario. The constancy of some traditions from region to
associate summer with wrath. Wrath is a negative emotion, region allows for easier communication and familiar expecta-
but its also one that can be positively directed. Few change- tions, and that makes game play easier. Yet at the same time,
lings would say its a bad thing to be angry at the Gentry for the lack of a central government and ironclad tradition pro-
their ill-use. While wrath can fester or be directed against vides infinite opportunity for customization, to make each
the wrong target, the wrath felt by the Lost can also put freehold as unlike its neighbors as you like. The freeholds, en-
strength in their limbs and resolve in their hearts. This may titlements, even the Great Courts described here can provide
manifest as a revenge morality play, where each new act of all the details you like, but theres ample reason to change
revenge sparks another until two houses are destroyed what you need without breaking plausibility. Use them as you
or it can be a righteous wrath, sparking catharsis. Theres like; we hope thatll be to the fullest satisfaction.
8 Introduction
The Prologue: The Longest Day of Summer show-
Heraldry cases the heat and wrath and violence that changelings see
The motif of heraldry is something of a theme for this in summer, but its also a tale of the power of the group. Its a
book. Freeholds and Courts and entitlements are all social desperate time when a freehold must go to war, but if it goes
constructs, but theyre more than that theyre visually to war as a freehold
rich with symbols and meaning that go beyond simple poli- Chapter One: Freeholds expands upon the structure
tics. You can tell something about a Summer courtier by of changeling regional politics. The shifting politics and
looking at the colors he wears, and certainly by his Mantle concerns of the freehold are looked at here, with many ex-
(which is a powerful heraldic device in its own right). Each amples provided for Storytellers and players to draw on. De-
entitlement leaves certain marks on the mien of its nobles, mographics, distribution, organization, character and other
and an observer versed in those symbols can glean more subjects are all discussed here.
information there. Chapter Two: The Seasonal Courts provides a more
And perhaps more importantly, heraldry stirs the elaborate look at each of the four Great Courts tied to the
imagination. It would be enough to know that a lion is the seasons. The credo of each Court is explained in greater
symbol of the king, but it becomes more interesting when detail: what does their emotion signify to them, and how
you start to question whether the king is really as noble and does it reconcile with the purpose that binds the Court to-
valiant and lion-hearted as his heralds proclaim him to gether? Many sample offices within the Court are offered to
be. A knight who wears the scorpion as his personal em- better flesh out the Byzantine politics that mark so many
blem hints that hes a poisonous, cold-hearted creature. Its fine Changeling chronicles. The stereotypes and relation-
true even in modern times; consider the variety of gut reac- ships of each Court are also examined, from internal ties to
tions a person might have to a bald eagle, a hammer and other Courts to encounters with other supernatural entities
sickle or a swastika. Those emotional first impressions are of the World of Darkness. And to strengthen each Court,
potent narrative tools, incredibly useful for catching a per- each Court section also contains a new Contract list to of-
sons imagination. fer more seasonal power, as well as a new entitlement dedi-
All of the organizations described here can benefit from cated to the principles of the Court.
the power of symbolism. Even a freehold catches greater at- And what would a book about these various esteemed
tention if its name implies an image and that image implies changeling be without more paths to distinction? Chapter
other things in return. Grandfather Thunder holds court Three: Noble and Eldritch Orders contains 12 more enti-
with an ornate trident beside him, a symbol of the Miami tlements to flesh out a chronicle. From humble tradesmans
freeholds unity. Even a motley might show solidarity with a guilds (that conceal mystical power and cunning beneath
common badge. Changeling is already a visual game: with that humility) to the eldritch orders, these are entitlements
heraldry as another of the narrative tools at your disposal, it of legendary power and status. Some of the entitlements
can be even more so. here may even provide entirely new storylines for a chron-
icle after all, what if the Solstice Court is on the right
How to Use this Book path?
Lords of Summer is designed for any player with an The fourth season is upon us. The Midsummer Night is
interest in changeling society. Though the traditions of at hand, and what wars will be fought in its shadows? Who
the Lost vary widely from place to place, here you can find will win honor and rank when the sun sets?
a number of potential rituals, practices, customs and sub- Theres only one way to find out.
societies to drop into your chronicle or to use as inspiration
for building your own.
Among the many urban legends of the World of Dark- viduals who escape via these paths do not all escape from
ness are stories of strange, otherworldly people and mon- Arcadia together and often come from different decades.
sters that hunt silently on their own or gather in shadowy Some changelings assume that these escapees may have left
cabals. Changelings tend toward the latter. They are social Arcadia years or even decades apart, but all made it back to
creatures in part due to a longing for companionship that the mortal world together, because some event briefly made
cant always be easily gained from their lost loved ones, and the paths from Arcadia to one specific location easier and
in part from necessity. Most changelings know that alone, faster to traverse. The mystics of the Lost work diligently
one of their kind can be easily captured by the fae or their to understand whether some celestial conjunction, calendar
changeling allies and returned to Arcadia. To hide and numerology, or other cycle is at work in these conditions.
protect themselves, the Lost cluster in cities. However, for Be that as it may, it is definitely true that the freeholds of
changelings, not all cities are created equal. the early 21st century are seeing a population boom because
No one knows how many changelings there are, and an unusual number of changelings have recently escaped. It
their numbers vary wildly by city. A very few cities, like Mi- strains freehold resources a bit to accommodate the grow-
ami, are home to a hundred or more changelings. The Mi- ing numbers, but most find it a small price to pay for the
ami freehold contains slightly more than 100 changelings. greater number of Lost enjoying new freedom.
Between them, the four Los Angeles freeholds may contain Unlike the numbers of some supernatural beings, like
a total of more than 400 Lost the largest number in an vampires, changeling populations have no direct correla-
US city and before Hurricane Katrina, the New Orleans tion to mortal populations. Changelings arent predatory
freehold contained almost 90 changelings. and dont need a certain number of humans to support
The reason for these high concentrations of change- them. The Mask also aids larger populations of Lost to re-
lings is largely that the paths between Arcadia and these main concealed. In some large cities, there are either no
cities and others like them are in some way easier or shorter changelings at all or no more than one or two small mot-
than those between Arcadia and most locations. Unfortu- leys. Most cities possess only difficult access to Arcadia and
nately, these paths also go both ways, and so the fae are so a much smaller number of changelings make it back to
more likely to visit these same cities. The connections be- these cities. In many cities, there are as few as one change-
tween these cities and Arcadia are also not always static. ling for every 500,000 mortal inhabitants. Despite being
Occasionally there are unusual events that result a dozen or the largest city in the United States, New York City has a
sometimes as many as a hundred changelings successfully single small freehold with only 37 members. Similarly, in
escaping Arcadia and all ending up in the same location in the entire greater Chicago metropolitan area, there are only
the mortal world at the same time, typically a location in 21 changelings. Its said that few changelings escape to rural
or near a city that already has an unusual number of paths areas or small towns. Also, the Lost wish to remain incon-
leading from Arcadia. spicuous and hide amidst the mass of humanity, not stand
Some supernatural event or supernatural reflection of out as the few eccentrics in a small town. As a result, very
a mundane event creates a multitude of short-lived paths few small towns or rural areas contain enough changelings
between Arcadia and a specific location. Oddly, the indi- to form a freehold. Cities usually need a population of more
Freehold Character
City, having poured its Glamour into acquiring more Con-
tracts, tokens and the like to strengthen its position.
The character of a freehold reflects both the history Not all events that affect the character of a freehold
and nature of its inhabitants and the character of the city are of mortal origin. Though Detroit is in the grip of urban
it is in. Detroit is a city facing massive urban decay, falling decay, the freehold there is strong. The power and influ-
populations and rampant crime. The amount of crime and ence of the Winter Court has effectively hidden many of
poverty there has led to the Autumn and Winter Courts the freeholds weaknesses, and enemies of the Shield of
taking particular power in the Shield of Rust freehold. Rust have found themselves unable to mount an effective
Under their guidance, the freehold remains strong and offense. The most recent example of this strength was when
well-hidden from the True Fae, but theres less joy in the the notorious privateer Jack o Days was lured into a trap
court than there should be. Similarly, Los Angeles teems and forced to reveal many of his contacts, leading to a swift
with unfulfilled desires, unparalleled greed, continuous ra- and secret campaign that rid Detroit of even more privateers
Freehold Character 13
and loyalists. Within the freehold, there is a strong sense of plenty of incentive for the players characters to get involved.
security, even if it comes as the expense of the Spring and If they strengthen the Justice aspect while reducing the Sloth
Summer Courts influence. aspect, theyll have made local Lost society a better place
not a bad goal at all.
Good Sides and Bad Sides (For more on this particular approach to neighborhood
One particular brainstorming device that may help in design, and quite a lot of other excellent advice on setting-
characterizing freeholds is to assign a freehold a Virtue and building, see Damnation City).
a Vice, much like a character. For example, a wealthy free-
hold that is generous and open-handed with its subjects, The Freehold Commons
quick to offer sanctuary to a new straggler, demonstrates the All functional freeholds hold regular gatherings where
Virtue of Charity; yet its somewhat decadent subculture is the members socialize, discuss freehold business, resolve
based on indulgence even when theres little need, signify- problems and share information. At a bare minimum, each
ing a Vice of Gluttony. traditional freehold holds some sort of gathering on the
If youre completely stuck for freehold ideas, you can equinoxes or solstices. Most have some sort of informal
even pick a Virtue or Vice almost at random and figure out gathering at least once a month. Some freeholds have no
what that implies for a freehold from there. For instance, con- set location for their gatherings, but most have some sort of
sider the somewhat incongruous pairing of Justice and Sloth. location, called a commons, where they can meet.
This could suggest a freehold where the internal structure is Since most freeholds contain anywhere from 20 to 120
strong, the ruler is benevolent and the laws and regulations members, such meetings require a fair amount of space;
quite well-reasoned. Where does the Sloth come in? Perhaps therefore the location of these meetings both reveals and
it represents a failure to adequately enforce those laws; the ultimately shapes the character of the freehold. One of the
monarchs right-hand man might be corrupt and unwilling to most obvious differences between freeholds is whether they
do his job when avoidance might be easier. It might also rep- hold their meetings in the mortal world or the Hedge. In
resent a failure to prepare for the future a crisis is looming either case, the commons needs to perform several essential
on the horizon, yet the freehold is not taking steps because it functions. It must be a space where all of the members of
is too focused on internal issues, perhaps even being willfully the freehold can meet, safe from the prying eyes of mortals.
reclusive. Either interpretation is a possible start and offers
Freehold Commons 15
increasing amounts of time there, and by 1971, 41 of the 47 Some freeholds have taken the unusual alternative of
members lived there, venturing forth into the mortal world renting temporary space at buildings like local community
only to purchase food and other necessities. centers. In such cases, the commons is not a permanent
Only changelings who did not live in the Hollow had location, but a space that is open for use at specified hours
close ties to their families. In September of 1972, one of these a few times a week or month. Freeholds that use this alter-
changelings visited the Hollow and found the 41 change- native effectively hide in plain sight, with their meetings
lings who normally lived there missing. Repeated searching labeled everything from private folklore societies or book
revealed no sign of a struggle, and most residents took their discussion groups to various sorts of support groups. These
personal belongings with them when they left. None of the freeholds occasionally need to use various Contracts to
changelings who vanished were ever seen again. The most maintain their secrecy, and must provide lodging for mem-
common theory is that these changelings either returned to bers who are having problems by other means, usually by
Arcadia on their own or were lured away by either the fae having them stay with other members of the freehold.
or a particularly powerful hobgoblin and taken back to Fa- However, hiding in plain sight is an excellent way to
erie. Others believe they were killed or imprisoned in some avoid unwanted attention. As long as the freehold does not
distant portion of the Hedge. A few claim that the Lost need to have their commons open for more than two or three
who lived there simply faded into the fabric of the Hedge days a week for no longer than three or four hours at a time,
or transformed into hobgoblins. Regardless of their actual this option works quite well. In some cases, either a change-
fate, changelings who have heard of this incident under- ling or an ensorcelled mortal ally is one of the people who
stand that freeholds who spend too much time in the Hedge manages the community center and can provide all man-
risk losing their connection to the mundane world. ner of protections and other benefits for the commons and
the other members of the freehold. Mortals who accidentally
Mortal Commons overhear the changelings discussions can usually be placated
While many freeholds have their commons in a Hol- by being told that the members are rehearsing a play or dis-
low, most take the simpler option of having their commons cussing a novel or movie. Even if the explanations a bit flat,
be in the mundane world. The economic means of the the Lost can be very silver-tongued when they need to be.
changelings in the freehold has a great deal of impact upon Wealthier freeholds have the option of purchas-
the nature of their commons. A freehold in which most ing their commons. The most frequent choices are large
changelings are poor or working class usually has a com- houses or warehouses that have been converted to galleries
mons located in various forms of inexpensive structures. or lofts. The Hollywood freehold in Los Angeles owns a
Some illegally take possession of an abandoned warehouse large and lavishly appointed mansion on the outskirts of
or derelict apartment building and use various Contracts to Santa Monica that they use as their commons. Owning a
avoid notice by the authorities. These commons are effec- commons location provides the most options for security
tively free and usually located where law enforcement is un- and decoration in the mortal world. However, it is also the
likely to look for squatters. However, this same lack of law most expensive alternative and the option most likely to
enforcement means that crime is often rampant in this area attract mortal notice. Regardless of its location, a freeholds
and the freehold will usually need to post guards on their (or Courts) commons tends to attract the attention of its
commons to prevent desperate mortals from either moving neighbors. Some may consider breaking in to steal or look
in or stealing the goods and furnishings. As a result, even around, others might simply gossip about it. However, the
the poorest freeholds may try to find other alternatives. eccentric behavior of many changelings almost always at-
A few especially clever changelings construct elaborate tracts attention. In some neighborhoods, mortals living
and complex freeholds in the hidden portions of large pub- nearby wonder if the commons is some sort of den of vice,
lic or private structures, such as the unused and often com- in others, they might worry that it is a bad influence and
pletely forgotten dead space located in the attics or between may drive their property values down. In either case, having
the floors of shopping malls, parking structures or factories. a commons that is too obvious and visible can cause trouble
Although discovery by mortals can result in instant loss with both mortals and the fae and their allies. Nevertheless,
of the space and all its contents, as well as significant legal owning the building that the commons is in offers the free-
trouble, these hidden commons offer excellent security and hold far more safety, security and privacy than any of the
are difficult for mortals, other changelings or even the fae to other options for commons located in the mortal world.
find. The best of these commons possess borrowed electricity,
comfortable furniture, various useful appliances and the sort Freehold Reputation
of amenities normally found in fancy houses or banquet halls. and Cover Identities
The worst are much like commons made from abandoned
In addition to having a reputation with other change-
warehouses, with light coming from candles and furniture
lings, to a lesser extent, freeholds may have a reputation
made from scavenged cardboard and old packing crates.
among mortals. Unensorcelled mortals may know nothing
Freehold As sociations
and Social Modifiers
Freeholds form the center of a changelings social world, and influence how hobgoblins and other
changelings see them. They can even form a changelings affiliations with mortal society. If a Freehold deals
drugs or runs illegal gambling operations, the members will know other mortal criminals and understand
the customs and habits of the local criminal subculture. These same changelings might pick up manner-
isms and mortal associates that attract negative attention from police officers or others. Similarly, a wealthy
freehold in a good part of town that actively helps all of its members obtain respectable middle class jobs
provides the members with all manner of business contacts, but the members of this freehold may have con-
siderably less experience interacting with poor people or members of various fringe subcultures.
Because the associations and connections of a freehold affect the social interactions of the members,
the Storyteller may rule that a particularly factional freehold imposes bonuses or penalties to its members
social rolls. Each bonus is matched by a corresponding penalty. None of these bonuses or penalties ever
exceed +1 or -1. Examples include:
A freehold with numerous criminal contacts receives +1 to Social rolls with members of the criminal
subculture, but -1 with police officers and other official personnel.
A freehold with a Hollow commons, where members spend a great deal of time in the Hedge, re-
ceives a general +1 bonus with hobgoblins, including social rolls at Goblin Markets, but a -1 penalty with
members of mainstream mortal society.
No freehold should have more than three pairs of bonuses and penalties, and one or two is far more
likely. These bonuses and penalties apply to all members of the freehold, which further influences what
sorts of mortals (or other beings) the members regularly interact with. Freeholds should only have
bonuses or penalties with groups they either spend a great deal of time with or that they either actively
avoid, have significant numbers of negative interactions with or have no contact with. These bonuses and
penalties are a measure of both what sorts of mortals the members of the freehold are comfortable deal-
ing with and of the reputation that most members have with various mortal groups they interact with.
There are a hundred thousand ways that change- is particularly notable, as its eight reigning nobles are
lings might have banded together for protection, bound together in marriage. The Lord of the North
and each one of those ways might or might not have is wed to the Queen of Winter, the Serpent Queen of
worked. You see some elements of these potential soci- the East has taken the regent of Spring as her husband,
eties in the freeholds where the Lost experiment with the monarchs of South and Summer are caught in a
democracy or totalitarianism. But a greater power for particularly tempestuous relationship, and the warrior-
defense emerged when changelings found that a series lord of the West is all the more terrifying for his Au-
of powerful pacts, constantly shifting in ways that the tumn bride.
Others would have difficulty understanding, could The mark of each Courts passion is vivid. Its a
bind their society together and give them added super- shrewd tactical choice and clever philosophy that es-
natural power in the bargain. If any political structure tablished the Autumn Courts interest in sorcery and
is founded on finding a way to establish a societys se- fae magic as a key element in retaining their freedom
curity, the Great Courts are that one step more they but its fear that gives them the strength to pursue
are security in the face of the True Fae, alliances that that task. If a Courts modus operandi is the engine
are sworn on the passage of years itself. Thus they have that drives their resistance to the Others, its favored
endured and evolved where other alliances have failed. emotion is the fuel for that engine. While individu-
Theyre imperfect, of course, and sometimes outright al changelings may tend to join a Court for reasons
abusive, but theyve been one of the great success sto- of philosophy or reasons of emotional sympathy, the
ries in the history of the Lost. Courts themselves cant really be seen as favoring one
There are many Court systems around the world, over the other. Their purpose and their energy need
but the seasonal Courts are some of the most wide- one another. Without one, the other fades.
spread. They have their roots in Europe and North
America, but are also recognized in many other areas. The Narrative Power
In Japan, the changelings often gather under the sea- of the Courts
sonal banners as neatly as inserting a kigo, a seasonal To be open about it, the Great Courts are meant
word, into a haiku. In some areas of China, the direc- to be colorful. They appeal to the intellectual chal-
tional Courts and the seasonal Courts are recognized lenge of baroque politics and the tactical advantage of
as equals, or even tightly allied; the Four Luck freehold a like-minded support network. They also provide po-
Bodhisattvas of the
Broken Cage
I swear to do all I can for bleeding edge fash-
to encourage others to ion trends or inspiring
lead, rather than follow. To new and innovative uses
forge new paths rather than to for technology. Alternately,
blindly walk the old ways. To cre- it might also focus on a particu-
ate, to combine, to experiment, and to lar individual or group, either serving
let their own desires, rather than the com- as a personal muse, nag or bully to a
placent pap of the masses, be their guide. particular individual (and then moving
Many of societys rules of social con- on when he has gained enough momentum
duct involve restraining ones self within to continue his forward movement on his
certain perimeters of behavior which own) or by acting in a similar fashion for
have been deemed to be acceptable by the an entire subset of society. One Bodhisat-
masses. While this insistence on conformi- tva might dedicate herself to pushing those
ty seems on the surface to protect society, it who are in abusive marriages to stop defin-
induces stagnation and punishes those who ing themselves in terms of their co-depen-
think outside the box. So, at least, runs the dent relationships and break out on their
philosophy of the Broken Cage. own, while another might delight in tempt-
The Bodhisattvas of the Broken Cage ing those of a particular religious order into
are entitlements dedicated to encourag- thoughts, actions or desires which make
ing individuals (both human and Lost) to them reconsider their sacred vows.
break out of the rut of habit, conformity and While the Bodhisattvas are living em-
social acceptability. Depending on the individual Bo- bodiments of the Spring Court tenet, De-
dhisattva, this might be focused on a specific cause, sire Inspires Growth, their methods are not
like encouraging illegal recreational drug use, pushing always beneficial or even safe for those they choose
Within the
Freehold
What role does the Sum-
mer Court play within the
84 Chapter Two:
Two:The
TheSeasonal
Seasonal
Courts Courts
teacher takes on one or, at most, two apprentices at a changelings would dream of doing, enabling them to
time (often, with long years between each such induc- access some of the choicest goblin fruits, strangest
tion; many teach only one student in a lifetime). The Hedge-beasts, best-hidden trods, and deepest mysteries
master passes along much of what she knows to her of the Thorns. Some Magi use this ability to estab-
student and then leaves the newly-entitled changeling lish Hollows in nigh-inaccessible locations within the
to figure out the rest on his own. Sometimes, Magi Hedge, where they can find the solitude that many of
encounter one another in the depths of the Hedge, them frequently crave.
while wandering the perilous road of a trod. At such
times, they might swap stories and secrets, and perhaps
even trifles, but these chance meetings are rare and Rumors of the Magi
not to be counted upon. Given the exploratory man- Those that dwell in such proximity to the
date of the Magi, these changelings do not often enjoy dire power of the Hedge and the Briars that
the competition engendered by having many Lost so lash at the human soul are apt to engender
entitled within the relatively small areas encompassed a curious and even malevolent reputation.
by most freeholds, as discoveries (and the power and Listed below is a sampling of the many
influence that they can bring) quickly dry up, divided whispers that surround the Magi and their
between many. self-appointed tasks.
When Magi do manage to gather in any numbers The Magi of the Gilded Thorn gain
(invariably in freeholds situated in wilderness environ- their lore from a close alliance with one or
ments), they tend to form a loose fellowship of foresters more of the True Fae and many (perhaps even
and Hedge-wanderers, each staking out territory ac- all of them) are Arcadian loyalists. Some say
cording to some combination of skill, seniority, sorcer- that two or three particular Keepers seem
ous power, and personal charisma. In such freeholds, to be responsible for respective Durances of
the local Hedge is often as near to tame as that alien the overwhelming majority of changelings
environment can possibly be, as Magi band together drawn to the entitlement making them all
occasionally directing the efforts of other changelings, the slaves of a handful of Gentry though
as well when need be, to destroy, contain, or drive many dismiss this notion, given the difficul-
out as many of the dangers of the Thorns as they can. ties inherent in remembering any sort of fact
Invariably, one or more Magi will begin to chafe at the about existence on the far side of the Hedge.
competition inherent to even a bare-bones organiza-
tion, however, and will strike out on their own, seek- The Magi know secrets of penetrating
ing new vistas to explore and wilder Hedge to master. the deepest reaches of the Thorns and leading
others to the edge of Arcadia; a service that
Privileges they will barter for a steep price. Of course,
Below is a privilege shared by all Magi of the Gild- why they have delved deeply enough into the
ed Thorn. Thorns to learn such things (to say nothing
of what manner of madness would compel
Wisdom of the Thorns another changeling to bargain for a guide to
The fervor with which the changelings of the Gild- the borders of that grim and terrible place) is
ed Thorn seek the lore of the Hedge grants them some a matter of much speculation.
protection against its deleterious properties. Magi do The Magi can awaken kiths related to
not receive the customary 1 penalty to degeneration plant life in even changelings whose Seem-
checks made while within the Hedge, just as if they ings do not normally allow for such. Some
were within sight of an exit at all times. In addition, believe that the Magi stumbled across this
they may go a number of hours equal to their dots in knowledge through their explorations of the
Wyrd before losing a point of Glamour to the Thorns, Briars, while others maintain that the Gilded
and an equal period of time thereafter between each Thorn has uncovered lore allowing for any
such loss of Glamour. changeling to adopt the blessings of any kith.
Among other things, this means that the Magi
can delve far more deeply into the Briars than other
The Icelaw has a very clear policy when it comes It might seem like this process would keep restrict
to foreign supernatural beings: Avoid them when you introductions to a favored few, but this isnt the case.
can, lie as much as possible and never, ever, deal with So many changelings are found in flight that even the
them without allies at your side. most cautious Court elder is liable to find prospects
among them. For the frightened and newly arrived,
Recruitment the Courts an attractive refuge. They flock to the Si-
To join the Winter Court, run and hide. If youre lent Arrow, eager to keep their heads down until they
newly Lost, theyll find you hunched in your basements, make sense of their newfound freedom. Perhaps half of
shivering in your shacks and shambling, thumb out, on them stick around. They learn to trust the world again
the roadside. Newly-free changelings rarely have enough and want to enjoy their liberty. The Silent Arrow cuts
skill to hide from determined supernatural pursuers. If the them loose and wishes them well, but will not save them
Onyx Court can find these newly-minted fugitives from when they step loudly through their lives and draw the
Faerie, so can the Gentry. Veteran courtiers appreciate enemy. Members who cant follow the basic customs of
the fact that their prospects came into the world with the the Court arent wanted; no veteran wants to stick their
right idea. Now its time to teach them how to really hide. necks out to make loud, boorish Lost change their ways.
The elder doesnt introduce herself right away. She at- It never compels obedience at least, not at first. The
tends to her own safety first. She sniffs for the stink of a Silent Arrow has no time for indiscrete fools. Change-
Gentry plot around the runaway and takes a long look at lings who dont have the stomach for stealth are free to
the lives hes touched. Sometimes, she joins him in disguise leave, but as a rule, established Court members never
to better examine his character. Once she knows to her sat- help them again. Thats how a Winter changeling first
isfaction that he probably wont bring ill favor on the local experiences the callous, disciplined side of his Court.
freehold, she invites him into the Court community.
Knighthood of
Utmost Silence
My steps confound all hunt- Loyalist or exile. A strong motley
ers. Follow them. My voice is si- might even rout a cult of servi-
lent before them. Listen. On my life, tors. For now, though, the idea of a
they will not find you. crusade against the Gentry is
Look for the one with pure folly. The best policy is to
the sword, his mouth invisible. walk quietly in the world, hid-
Perhaps its in shadow, or maybe his face ing from Arcadias attentions, but that
is blank except for the alert eyes. He will doesnt guarantee your freedom forever.
hide you, protect you. Its his purpose in life When the Gentrys hounds circle, its time
hes a Knight of Utmost Silence. to call a Knight of Utmost Silence.
All changelings are fugitives, The Knights help changelings
on the run from capricious gods escape without a trace. On a mo-
whod take them back to alien tor- ments notice, an experienced team
ment. Some of the Lost the wrathful, can set a motley up with new identities
the puissant and the foolish dream half a continent away. Lesser knights
of fighting the True Fae, telling them form the rearward guard of evacua-
with a blades sting that their reign tions. When enemies pursue, they
has ended. The Gentry are not mere snipe and harass from the shadows,
monsters, though monstrous they buying the time their charges need
are. They are boundless things, ap- to get away. Discretion is a more
petite and intelligence combined powerful tool than violence for
into a singular mystic gravity that the work they do, so the Knights
sucks minions and stratagems into mad or- of Utmost Silence live up to their name by
bits. An individual can kill an unprepared never speaking of their charges. This poli-
The various noble and mystical entitlements of option for unusual architecture of changeling make,
the Lost can take many roles in a chronicle. They can perfect for providing a key plot hook in a story or even
provide new communities for the players characters to just a potent visual background for a scene.
join or interact with. They might offer potent mystical One narrative advantage of entitlements, of course,
advantages to suit a characters ambition. They are a is that theyre small enough in number that theres no
source of potential antagonists. They can be catalysts, pressure to include them in a chronicle for plausibil-
introducing new stories or directions to a chronicle itys sake. The odds dont require there to be a repre-
without ever directly benefiting or opposing the play- sentative of the Scarecrow Ministry or the Barony of
ers characters at all. the Lesser Ones in any given freehold. Yet at the same
Entitlements are a wonderfully versatile mechan- time its also easy to add a potential representative to
ic. The majority of them mix the qualities of secret an ongoing chronicle; many go where theres need,
society and noble rank, but more can be done with the and if a character is interested in learning more about
general concept. In effect, an entitlement can be an a specific entitlement, its not just plausible but likely
enabling device for a new twist on changeling society that her path will cross with such a noble. Changelings
or a slightly different sort of chronicle. Consider the are children of twisted fate, and its often the case that
Solstice Court from this chapter. Mechanically, its an appropriate things happen around them.
entitlement like the others: it has prerequisites, social The entitlements listed here are all designed to po-
advantages and disadvantages, and a privilege that has tentially appeal to players, but they also offer new story
a real effect in-game. Socially, it isnt a noble order as options. Each one has something different to bring to
such. Its potentially the larval form of a Great Court, the table. Here youll also find some examples of the
and the events of the chronicle might elevate them eldritch order, an entitlement of a different color. An
further or undo their dream. Similarly, the Lord eldritch order is an entitlement of particular strength
Sages of the Unknown Reaches arent just an entitle- and age, bound by stronger magic and reaching farther
ment; theyre a storytelling device for implementing a beyond the bounds of simple politics. They have more
crossover story or even a chronicle in a plausible fash- stringent requirements for admission, accepting only
ion. The Ancient and Accepted Order of Bridgema- those who are growing legends themselves and they
sons and their privilege of Wyrdbuilding opens up the confer greater privileges as well.
Privileges
Depending on their rank within the entitlement, Aetherwine Dan gerous Brews
Oneirophysics can achieve various effects which would be Aetherfruit generally take the form of
impossible for non-Dreamhealers. small grape-like bunches, although they are
also sometimes found in larger soft-fleshed
The Plunge forms with a single central stone. When
All Oneirophysics have the ability to take the Plunge, es- consumed raw they intensify dreams, and are
sentially slipping into a deep dream state at will. By spending sometimes used by those seeking prophetic
a point of Glamour, the Dreamhealer can drop into a state of
visions. When properly processed, however,
lucid dreaming that allows him to connect to the dreamstuff
of the Wyrd, even if he is outside of the Hedge or a Hollow
they produce Aetherwine, a powerful general
(see p. 193 of Changeling: The Lost for the normal rolls and anesthetic highly coveted by Chirurgeons and
restrictions on entering this state). A Oneirophysic who has Onierophysics, as well as those with less-
entered into the Plunge can use this state to enter into the wholesome intentions for the substance.
dreams of any individual who is, herself, currently sleeping Aetherwine must be processed in very
or unconscious, so long as he is making physical skin-to-skin
small batches, a lengthy process which re-
contact with her at the time of taking the Plunge. If this con-
tact is broken after the connection has been made, the Onei-
quires several weeks of careful attention as
rophysic can attempt to maintain contact and continue his the Aetherfruit are first fermented and then
work by making a successful reflexive Resolve + Composure distilled into a foul-tasting fortified liqueur.
+ Wyrd roll at the beginning of each turn. Success means he (Creating Aetherwine is an extended Wits +
may continue the contact for that turn. Exceptional Success Crafts + Wyrd challenge with 20 successes
means he may continue the contact for the rest of the scene necessary and each roll representing a day of
(or until the target wakes up, whichever comes first) with- wine-making. Anyone other than Wizened
out further rolls. If the Oneirophysic fails his roll to remain Brewers makes all rolls to create Aetherwine
connected to his patient, the bond is forcibly broken, and he at a -2 penalty, and failure on any individual
suffers a -2 penalty to all actions for the rest of the scene, due roll results in the batch being ruined.)
to disorientation.
The Plunge may be used only to enter the dreams of an A successful batch of Aetherwine produc-
individual who the Oneirophysic is making physical con- es only 10 doses. Each one-ounce dose has the
tact with at the time, at which time it can be used for any potential to render its consumer unconscious
of the normal dreamriding, dreamscaping or dreamweaving almost immediately. (Roll the consumers
uses. It is, however, most often used for dreamhealing, the Stamina + Resolve at a -4 penalty. Success
Oneirophysic specific rank-related Privilege. or Exceptional Success means the wine does
not work. Failure or Dramatic Failure and the
Rank-related Privilege:
consumer falls into a deep dream-state and
Dreamhealing remains unconscious for 11 turns minus his
Dreamhealing is a privilege which goes above and Stamina + Resolve if the roll was a contested
beyond the normal oneiromancers abilities to accelerate one. The consumer can elect not to resist the
healing or reduce stress by promoting a restful or affirming
Aetherwines effect.) This property is lost if
dream. Rank-related Privileges are available only to those of
appropriate rank for the privilege. Thus a Physic has access
the substance is diluted, and as Aetherwine
to all three rank related privileges, while an intern can only has a bitter taste and numbs the tongue when
use Dream Triage. tasted, it is difficult (but not impossible) to
An Oneirophysic can use dreamhealing on individuals consume it unknowingly. Tasting the wine
whose dreams he has connected to through normal oneiro- without consuming a full dose does not acti-
mancy methods (rather than through the Plunge). He must, vate its anesthetic property.
however, meet all the requirements of those methods (in-
August 2008
159
160 Chapter Three: Noble and Eldritch Orders