Freehold

Although changelings may not always like or even respect one another, the majority of changelings recognize their common bond of slavery and escape. Except for the few twisted wretches who work for the Gentry, the one of the few goals all changelings can agree upon is maintaining their freedom from the Fae. As a result, changelings naturally band together for mutual defense and support, to prevent any of their number from being dragged back to Arcadia or enslaved in the mortal world.

Local changeling communities are called freeholds, a name that reflects their focus on self-determination and mutual aid. Changelings who have recently escaped from Faerie are always offered the hospitality of the local freehold. These refugees are treated as guests for as much as a month, or perhaps even longer if they suffered mental or physical harm during their escape. After this initial period of open hospitality, changelings are usually offered a chance to join the freehold.

The decision to join a freehold can naturally be changed later, but is nonetheless of vital import, because membership in a freehold helps determine both a changeling’s loyalties and the contacts she will gain in the changeling community. Although some freeholds that are overcrowded or in turmoil may be reluctant to accept new members, joining the majority of freeholds is a simple act for any changeling not suspected of dangerous insanity, aiding the Fae or similar dire problems or crimes. The prospective member need only swear a pledge to give her services to protect and defend the freehold and its members from the Fae and their allies and to never knowingly give aid or comfort to these enemies.

Almost all freeholds include this clause in their pledges. Many freeholds also include other more extensive clauses. Some expect all who join to agree to aid and defend the members and the freehold as a whole against any external threat, including ones having nothing to do with the Fae. While most freeholds also have a clause that removes this protection if a changeling brings down the force of mortal law against himself, a few freeholds lack this clause and agree to shield changelings from even the full force of the police and courts. Naturally, most freeholds include provisions for expelling Lost who knowingly or sometimes even carelessly bring serious harm or threat of harm to the freehold. Almost all of the older and most traditional freeholds also require members to swear to obey the freehold’s official code of laws and the most authoritarian also require changelings to pledge to obey all of the leaders’ official pronouncements and edicts.

Freehold Oath

The Sacramento Freehold Oath:

“As the four Seasons come and go, and one ruler changes for another, as is the natural way of things, we shall watch over the Freehold and shape it from the predations of the Others. In return, we ask that you shall follow the rules laid down and never bring danger our society, and in doing so, you shall find your mind stays whole and focused. Break this oath however, and you shall be banished from the land forever.”

• Type: Vow
• Tasks: Fealty, Greater (-3)
• Boons: Vassalage, Greater (+3; Fortitude Blessing, +1 vs. Clarity checks)
• Sanction: Banishment, Greater (-3)
• Duration: Year and a Day, Greater (+3)
• Invocation: 1 Willpower

The Willpower is the base invocation cost, not an additional cost assigned to this Pledge. Once the Pledge has been made (or renewed), simply add [B]Freehold Oath[/B] to your character's signature line after they have taken it IC. All changelings are expected to take this Pledge if they wish to remain within the freehold. As a matter of tradition, most changelings will annually renew it at the Seasonal Festival of their Court ruler's coronation, however they may choose to do so at any other time. Those who choose not to officially Pledge themselves to the freehold will usually be viewed with a certain amount of suspicion.

Titles

The following titles are used on Edge of Darkness for Titles bound to the Freehold rather than any specific Court.

Steward

The right-hand of the Monarchy, aiding them with their duties and ensuring the smooth running of the Freehold. Reports to the Monarchy.

Emissary

Those changelings who specialize in diplomacy and socializing among those outside of the Freehold’s borders. Reports to the Steward.

Magistrate

Head of ensuring justice is delivered within the freehold, usually someone who understands the details of pledges and knows the laws intimately. Reports to the Steward.

Constable

Charged with keeping the peace within the Freehold as well as investigating crimes and breaches of the law. Reports to the Magistrate.

General

The head of the Freehold’s defense from outside (and internal) dangers. Reports to the Monarchy.

Archivist

A keeper of Freehold knowledge, lore and Tokens, a respected and trusted changeling who is willing to keep the history of the Freehold safe. Reports to the Steward.

Knight

Individual champions, chosen by the Monarchs to represent their Court and to serve the General in times of war. Reports to the General and the Monarchy

Ranger

Changelings who have been chosen to investigate the Hedge and ensure any dangers from the Thorns are dealt with. Reports to the General.

Pedagogue

A teacher among the Freehold, one who passes on knowledge of the Freehold, Contracts and anything else that helps new arrivals survive. Reports to the Archivist.

Spymaster

The head of the Monarchy’s espionage network, a changeling who is employed to uncover plots that act against the Freehold. Reports to the Monarchy. (Will not be linked to the character)

Spy

Agents of the Freehold who investigate potential hidden dangers and works to plant counterintelligence against the Freehold’s enemies. Reports to the Spymaster. (Will not be linked to the characters)