(1906) Summers Ascent

[Rhodes]

Rhodes inclines his head to Penance. "I understand. It is good to see you again, Penance. We can discuss your return later."

With Richard's Announcement, the Dread Lord slides smoothly alongside him, and inclines his head to the Crimson King, joinging him in addressing the Freehold.

"Changelings of Sacramento, gather, please. As the Pledgesmith among the Sovereigns, I offered my services and the following Oath was agreed among all of us. Copies of the following Oath have been given to each of the Sovereigns - in Lady Ingrid's absence, I have the copies for the Vernal Court as well as my own.

Listen closely, and I hope all will swear to the Freehold of Sacramento. Those that do not? We will discuss your choice with you." The Autumn Sovereign lets the sentence hang in the air, a mirthless smile spreading across his lips.

Clearing his throat, Rhodes pulls a card from his jacket and reads thus, clearly to all feels the power of the Wyrd flow through the words.

"I swear myself to the Freehold of Sacramento for a full turn of the seasons, until this day one year hence.
I will not knowingly serve the Gentry or their agents.
I will not knowingly betray it’s oath-sworn members to their enemies.
I will not knowingly betray it’s oath-sworn members to any who would expose us, destroy us, or steal our freedom.
In return for so binding my actions, I ask the Wyrd grant clarity of sight, that I may resist the slip into madness that plagues us.
Should I break these laws, may I be cursed with the vengeance of those that hold true to this Oath. This I swear."

He looks around, watching the reactions, enjoying the feel of the Wyrd tingling in the air.

Oath Pledge Mechanics

• Fealty Task (-3, Greater): Must obey Freehold laws and work according to talents to defend freehold always.

• Vassalage Blessing (+3, Greater): Gain either +1 to all rolls concealing Fae nature, +1 to all Clarity degeneration rolls or +1 to Harvest rolls.

• Sanction: Banishment (-3), break it and the Monarchs can banish you, giving people bonuses to hunt you and run you out of town.

• Duration: Year and a Day (+3)

[Circe]

"Yup," with a nod was her answer to Seraphina's question leaving her to agree with Sonnie at once.

With a massive smile Circe motions towards the range. Just as Richard returns, "Well leeeeeeeeeeeets, di corso del cazzo in questo momento." Circe's shoulders and ears droop as she sighs at the interruption. Circe listens to the speech and the pledge being offered. She rolls her eyes having preferred some other kinds of benefits but kept her frowning lips shut.

Circe doubted she could negotiate something better. What with the whole tension between her and the bosses of Summer right now. If Simone was smart she'd avoid taking sides between Cole and Richard.

The elfin Fairest crossed her arms to watch who spoke up first. And it looked like nobody was. Oh hooray. Circe lets her arms fall to her side as she sighs while nodding her head. She holds up her hand, "Right right."

"I Circe swear myself to the Freehold of Sacramento fer a full turn o' the seasons, until this day one year hence.
I won't knowingly serve the Gentry or their agents.
I won't knowingly betray it’s oath-sworn members ta their enemies.
I won't knowingly betray it’s oath-sworn members ta any who would expose us, destroy us, or steal our freedom.
In return fer so binding my actions, I ask the Wyrd grant clarity of sight, ta resist the slips inta madness that plagues us.
Should I break these laws, may I be cursed with the vengeance of those that hold true ta this Oath. This I solemnly swear."

Though her tone was less solemn and more bored, at least she wasn't sounding too sullen about it. And it was pretty close for Circe and much better then her last oath for matching what was requested. She then turns to the ladies near here, "Swearing then pop pop right? No worries, I can wait ta pull a trigger."

[Sonnie Wu]

Smiling, Sonnie placed a hand over her heart like she was about to sing the national anthem. She did not, however. The Beast recited the new freehold pledge.

"I swear myself to the Freehold of Sacramento for a full turn of the seasons, until this day one year hence.
I will not knowingly serve the Gentry or their agents.
I will not knowingly betray it’s oath-sworn members to their enemies.
I will not knowingly betray it’s oath-sworn members to any who would expose us, destroy us, or steal our freedom.
In return for so binding my actions, I ask the Wyrd grant clarity of sight, that I may resist the slip into madness that plagues us.
Should I break these laws, may I be cursed with the vengeance of those that hold true to this Oath. This I swear."

Sonnie, once finished, looked about curiously, sensing the weight of the Wyrd locking down the oath and strengthening the bond of the freeholders. There was a finality to the sensation that was both intimidating and fascinating.

"Neat."

[Seraphina]

Seemed the firing range was going to have to wait, she thinks as she gives the Summer King her full attention.

When he says the words she knew most of the Freehold wanted to hear, a Freehold Pledge.
Seemed tonight was the night. And it had been a long time coming for them. Finally, they would have it, and maybe trust could be built.

There was a flutter in her chest as she watched Rhodes step forward, laying out the Pledge for them.

The time was now, and as such, the Nix step forward, her angelic voice powered by the Wyrd,

"I swear myself to the Freehold of Sacramento for a full turn of the seasons, until this day one year hence.
I will not knowingly serve the Gentry or their agents.
I will not knowingly betray it’s oath-sworn members to their enemies.
I will not knowingly betray it’s oath-sworn members to any who would expose us, destroy us, or steal our freedom.
In return for so binding my actions, I ask the Wyrd grant clarity of sight, that I may resist the slip into madness that plagues us.
Should I break these laws, may I be cursed with the vengeance of those that hold true to this Oath. This I swear."

She feels the magic take hold with her words and a sense of both relief and excitement taking hold.

She steps back and watches the others, smiling to Circe’s questions after, “Oh yah, we’re still on for the pop pop.” She wanted to give it a try.

Penance’s words were a bit weird; did she have an issue them? Was there a jealously simmering below the surface? There were a few quips floating on her tongue, but she swallowed them, not wishing to get into something that appeared to be a sore spot. It wasn’t the place. She didn’t find the woman unattractive at all, beauty came in all kinds of images.

“Sparring would normally be my go to activity, but I decided to try something different. Though perhaps Fawkes would be willing to fight. He’s actually really good at it.” Her pride still might be a bit hurt. Plus, she wore a dress, not really appropriate for a spar.

[Circe]

ooc Misunderstood the or part initially. Circe will take resistance to Clarity loss, since Fairest have issue with that

[Reed Mills]

This is why Reed's here tonight. To introduce himself. To become a member of Sacramento's Freehold.

And yet, he's nervous. His monochromatic brown eyes scan the Lost around him. Who are these people? What are they like? What do they want?

Reed does not trust easily. But these others will also be subject to the same Oath. That's a baseline. And if things don't work, a year isn't really that long. Not after forever in The Maze.

So he says the words along with the rest and lets the Wyrd seal his fate:

"I swear myself to the Freehold of Sacramento for a full turn of the seasons, until this day one year hence.
I will not knowingly serve the Gentry or their agents.
I will not knowingly betray it’s oath-sworn members to their enemies.
I will not knowingly betray it’s oath-sworn members to any who would expose us, destroy us, or steal our freedom.
In return for so binding my actions, I ask the Wyrd grant clarity of sight, that I may resist the slip into madness that plagues us.
Should I break these laws, may I be cursed with the vengeance of those that hold true to this Oath. This I swear."

He could use another drink. But he holds off on that. He's got to stay sharp. For now.

[Circe]

"Cool. Anybody that wants ta shoot shit can follow me, ta a now open range. Drinks are totally allowed." Patience is not one of the elfin Fairest's virtues. Circe heads over to the range to ensure nobody misuses any Red Riders to put an eye out by accident.

Or on purpose.