Pledges
Changeling has historically had a pretty lax take on Pledges. For the most part they've been used as a goodie grab-bag and rarely (if ever) have Sanctions been enforced. That's going to change, and Pledges will revert to RAW with a few tweaks. While this may seem a bit harsh, the truth is that soured bargains are just as much a part of fae tradition as anything else. Ignoring such is a disservice to the setting. Some might point out that Pledges are the main reasons for Motleys, but sharing Hollows confer a ton of benefits as found in all venues. So let's run through the changes.
Freehold Oath
Done away with, see Wyrdstone
Duration
Until a character has been in play a year, only Lesser and Medial Durations are available. These range from a single day to a season and offer plenty of flexibility. Once a character is proven to reasonably be expected to fulfill a Greater Duration by being in play for a year, they can then use Greater Durations in their Pledges.
Sanctity
Once a Pledge is made, it is either fulfilled or broken. This is per RAW. Their is no 'mutual dissolution' or 'hand-waving' if a character leaves the game. If a character leave, the Pledge is broken. Period. Be careful with your Pledges. There are no more 'freebies' or ignoring Sanctions.
Mechanics
Pledges have been one of the traditional time sinks of Changeling Storytellers, and mostly because players aren't doing their due diligence with the rules. If you don't understand the mechanics of Pledges, you have no business making them.
When a Pledge is made, the wording and mechanics should be recorded in this thread. It is up to all parties to vet both (feel free to discuss ICly). If the mechanics are sound, an ST will note the Pledge has taken hold. If the mechanics are not sound, the Pledge will simply not take hold and be wasted breath. The Wyrd is not a teacher or babysitter.
You will have two attempts to make a sound Pledge before it is nixed entirely. This will keep the back-and-forth with Storytellers to a minimum and put the burden on the player(s) to do due diligence with the rules. A nixed Pledge cannot be re-attempted for two months. However, each dot of Pledgesmith will give a character an additional attempt. So if a character has Pledgesmith (●●), they may take four attempts.
Bookkeeping
Successful Pledges should be recorded in the Signature or Minisheet of a Changeling including a link to the post with the details.
Active Pledge must also be recorded in the Pledge Calendar!
Questions about this, or Pledges in general, should go in the OOC Discussion thread.