I vow to never turn down an offer to buy, barter or sell. Even happiness can be bought and sold, including my own.
The Pearl Satraps of the Spring Court believe that their happiness is paramount above all things. Not satisfied with mere contentment, the Satraps seek bliss whenever possible. Bliss, however, is rarely easy to come by, and never free. One always finds a cost associated, and the Pearl Satraps have chosen to not only accept that cost, but embrace it.
All things are up for purchase, sale or trade. That is the single overriding principle of the Satrapy of Pearls. But it’s not just about cars, real estate, old books or new technology. They embrace such material wealth, absolutely. But that’s all wealth is: trifling feathers, mere ornamentation. The Satrapy’s interest goes far deeper. And that cuts to the heart of the matter: everything is for sale, not just objects and luxuries. Sex, love, hate, betrayal, sorrow... all lie waiting on the auction block, but only the Pearl Satraps believe themselves wise enough to see it and take advantage of it.
It’s not just about one’s own happiness, though. Many Pearl Satraps place themselves as procurators for others, be they changelings, mortals or any of the odd strangers that skulk around the edges of the freehold. Everybody knows that if you need something bad enough, the Satrapy of Pearls can get it for you. A draught of a child’s blood? The heel from the left shoe of the Winter Court Queen? A simple apology whispered in one’s ear beneath the last full moon of Autumn? Of course. What’s desired can be purchased, the Satraps assure.
Mien
Pearl Satraps dress well as an emblem to project their luxury. The Satrapy has no shared standard for style, and so one changeling might prefer the modern trappings of haute couture, while another might traipse about in a lavish (even gaudy) silken robe once worn by some ancient Persian governess. Ostentatious displays, while rarely tasteful, work to affirm a Satrap’s commitment to wealth of some kind.
A Satrap’s mien shifts slightly, too. Mostly, it simply reflects impeccable grooming: not a hair out of place, perfect nails, heavenly skin. The other change to a Satrap’s mien happens to his eyes: they become pearlescent, as if they are not eyes at all but perfect pearls thrust into the sockets. It’s difficult to tell when a Satrap is looking at you, as his pupils are lost in a sea of opaline white. As a Satrap’s Wyrd increases, however, the mortal world begins to feel it. Those with Greed as a Vice have trouble resisting their own avarice, overtaken by a palpable hunger as the Satrap passes by. Mortals may believe that the changeling suffers from some kind of cataract, as well, seeing past the human guise and peering into those unnerving eyes.
Avaricious Finesse (Privilege)
Performing the task necessary to join the ranks of the Satrapy earns the changeling two rewards (as joining the Satrapy is just another transaction with something purchased and something paid). The first and most obvious reward is entry into the Satrapy. The second reward is something to be learned. One of the Satraps will impart a bit of wisdom to a new member of the order, passing along a handful of the secrets she’s learned over her time within the Satrapy.
Therefore, upon joining, a Satrap may take a new Social Skill Specialty. The only catch is that this Specialty must be possessed by one of the other local Satraps (for the character must be taught this Skill focus by another within the order.
Joining
One must belong to the Spring Court to join the Satrapy of Pearls. The noble order considers the other Courts to have missed the point, thus eschewing the potential of life and the magic that accompanies it. Life is meant to be enjoyed, and if one cannot understand that most basic of concepts, then one does not deserve membership of such noble standing.
One must still prove oneself worthy of the Satrapy of Pearls, however. The proof demanded is simple enough to understand, but often difficult to procure. One must first gain audience with a Pearl Satrap, which isn’t difficult as most are glad for the conversation (and the possibility of commerce). In asking for acceptance into the Satrapy, one only needs the say-so from a single other Satrap. In obtaining that say-so, however, the changeling must accept a challenge of commerce as determined by the Satrap. The Satrap will demand that the changeling acquire something from someone: a love letter, a favorite brooch, an embarrassing memory, whatever. In
obtaining this, the changeling cannot steal or inveigle it freely. It must be acquired by finding a price and paying that price ― which is what the Satraps do every day. If the changeling is incapable of playing that game and comprehending the give-and-take of universal commerce, then she doesn’t belong among the Pearl Satraps.
