Pledge

Pledges can only be made between PCs and ST run NPCs.

The word-bond carries tremendous weight among the fairies, and even the renegade changelings understand the importance of one’s pledge. An oath is never given lightly, a promise never casually made, for who knows when the Wyrd may entangle those words, tying them to the speaker’s destiny?

Unlike the highly formalized Contracts of the fae, pledges are simple agreements made between two or more parties. The precise terms, tasks and boons for adhering to the agreement and penalties for failing to do so are outlined when the pact is made, and the changeling invests a tiny bit of his Wyrd into the agreement. The terms of the pledge can be veiled in casual language, thus binding an unsuspecting participant if the changeling is sufficiently crafty. The wording of pledges can represent both open and formal vows as well as binding promises veiled in more casual language. Whether these pledges are between the members of a motley, the oath of vassal to liege, the pledge that ensorcells a mortal or grants a changeling access to the dreams of another, pledges define the relationship not simply among the Lost, but between an individual changeling and the rest of the world. Skilled and artistic pledge-craft is well respected among the fae, and other changelings looking for a bit of advice in the creation of oaths may approach those who demonstrate acumen in the art.

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 point is the base invocation cost, not an additional cost assigned to this Pledge. Once the Pledge has been made (or renewed), simply add Freehold Oath 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.

Pledge Crafting

See Also

• Changeling House Rules > Pledges
• Pledgesmith