The Sepulcher
From Changeling Venue
This page contains information specfic to the Lost Venue in Rome, Georgia USA. For general information about the city, please refer to this article: Rome, Georgia.
This is a work in progress and is subject to change at a whim.
"Terra Firma" - Freehold Overview
Named for the largest and most influential Hollow in the area, the freehold known as the Sepulcher has been the seat of authority and stability in Northwest Georgia since the 1940s. Founded and established by Amelia Dankspot, the Sepulcher takes it name from the fact of it's existence: every gateway leading in and out of its central Hollow connect to a expansive burial ground on the mortal side of the Hedge that is known as Myrtle Hill Cemetery. The Sepulcher's Hollow, sometimes called the Undercroft to distinguish it, is carved deep into the soil of the Hedge and spirals off into caverns and tunnels that only the foolish would risk exploring.
The Sepulcher Freehold has always been staunchly committed to protecting those who remain loyal to it and maintaining the seasonal traditions of the Courts as a means to ward against the Fae. So much so that the very nature of the Freehold is defined by the emphasis Amelia placed upon the rites and rituals of the Seasonal Courts. Her obsession with tradition as a potent tool against the Fae can be found in every aspect the freehold holds to to define itself.
Given the influential role of the Autumn Court in its creation, the Sepulcher has a mysterious and sometimes menacing nature that the Changelings of the Freehold have grown use to. Roman symbolism and mythic iconography sprawl out from the Undercroft and throughout the local Hedge. Repetition of the the numbers three, four and seven are also fairly common and prevalent throughout the Hollow and all locations in the area associated with it. Strange occult imagery can be found at auspicious times of the year, especially as the equinoxes and solstices grow near.
"Seasons of Mist" - History of the Freehold
Timeline of the Sepulcher
- 1931 - Amelia Dankspot returns from Arcadia.
- 1933 - Amelia rises to prominence within the Autumn Court.
- 1934 - Construction of the Sepulcher begins.
- 1944 - The Sepulcher opens its gates for the first time.
- 1946 - The Fall of Capitolina's Den. The Sepulcher becomes the new freehold.
- 1992 - Amelia begins taking sojourns into the Undercroft's depths.
- 1997 - Murdered Lost begin turning up. Amelia is blamed and hunted down in the depths of the Sepulcher.
- 1999 - Amelia's motley abandon the Sepulcher and go their separate ways.
- 2000 - Many new Lost begin to arrive in Rome and make the Sepulcher their own.
- 2004 - A huge chamber within the Sepulcher collapses on the eve of the Autumn equinox, killing three changelings.
The story of the Sepulcher begins with an Antiquarian Darkling calling herself Amelia Dankspot arriving in Rome fresh from her Durance in Arcadia in 1931. Like many newly returned Changelings, Amelia sought answers to why she was taken and how to prevent it from happening again. It was not long before she joined the Autumn Court, obsessed with understanding the nature of the Fae and the power of the Seasonal Courts. What she quickly learned, however, was that many of the Lost in Rome at the time were capricious and wrapped up in their courtly politics. As she came to understand the importance of the pledges forged with the seasons she pleaded with the Lost of her freehold to no avail. Even when she presented proof of how much safer they could all be if they'd only support the traditions more closely.
However a number of Lost in the freehold held to mantles of non-seasonal courts or remained courtless, resulting in many small factions competing for power and territory and the expense of everyone's safety. The freehold, known then as Capitilona's Den, was a great fortress shaped into the Hedge near Jackson Hill. Guarded by the cities Summer Court and other martial Lost, it was believed to be fortified to sufficiently withstand anything the Fae could throw at them. This complacency terrified Amelia, who believed a lack of clarity on the part of those vying for rulership of the Freehold would cost them all their freedom.
Amelia certain of her own clarity, however, and so she used her understanding of the seasons and the magics of the Fae to quickly become the most prominent member of the Autumn Court within the freehold. Using the resources of the Court of Fear and bargains she stuck with other prominent members of the Seasonal Courts she began to shape a Hollow out of the Hedge near Myrtle Hill. She burrowed deep into the soil of the Hedge; discovering twisting tunnels filled with strange, fungal goblin fruit and odd settlements of worm-like hobgoblins known as rotgrubs. Her efforts took nearly a decade, but slowly the Sepulcher began to take shape. Pledges made with the rotgrubs kept it safe and hidden from the notice of the Fae. Contracts that could control the earth, burrowing beasts, and the shadows allowed Amelia and her motley to expand and utterly control their territory.
Few outside the Autumn Court concerned themselves with Amelia's efforts at first. As the Sepulcher grew the King at the time, a courtless Beast who had helped found the Den and ruled from within it's walls for most of the past ten years became convinced it was a threat to his power and the safety of the local Lost. By his decree an armed force of Changelings marched to the gates of the Sepulcher and demanded it be surrendered to Den. Amelia refused and the seven stone doorways of the Sepulcher descended into the soil at her command. Sealing her, her motley, and those loyal to the Sepulcher within its tomb-like walls.
Furious, the King ordered an assault against the Sepulcher; sending his forces to tear down the Hollow from both sides of the Hedge if necessary. With his forces occupied by his madness-fueled siege, spies of the Gentry within the freehold took note and within a day's time a great Wyld Hunt descended upon Capitilona's Den. The Hollow a top Jackson Hill was razed to rubble and the majority of Rome's lost were drug back through the briars. From within the Sepulcher, Amelia watched and waited like Noah on his Ark. On the first day of Autumn, nearly a month and half after the fall of the Den, the gates once again rose and Sepulcher became the city's new Freehold.
Under Amelia's guidance, Rome's traditions solidified. Amelia used fear to motivate the other Lost; instilling in them the a dependence upon the traditions and rituals of the freehold to ensure their continued safety. She set into place the primary roles of the freehold, its culturally distinct rites, arcane architecture in its various Hollows, and so on that would play to its strength and create a means by which they could resist another tragedy as devastating as the Fall of the Den. Though all knew were the true power lied in the Freehold, Amelia never ruled as Autumn Empress. Instead she remained always as the Veneficus to the court and the oversee of what became known as the Undercroft Hollow. For only she knew its true depths and the secrets hidden within them. As the years went by Amelia became more and more introverted and obsessed with the lore hidden within the Sepulcher. Starting sometime in the late 80s, she began vanishing for months at a time into caverns and tunnels no one else had seen before and any who followed came back overwhelmed by fear and a sense of dread, but no memory of what they had seen. Not long after, Changelings began to turn up dead; found with their stomaches cut open and their entrails spread out in odd patterns.
Many knew that Amelia was an accomplished haruspex, a reader of entrails, and suspected her of these horrible crimes. Half a dozen went into the dark after her to bring her before the Ceasar of the time. They returned seven days later, fear in their eyes and each missing pieces of themselves: such as fingers, eyes and ears. They claimed Amelia was gone for good and that they had vowed never to reveal what they had seen or what had happened. With Amelia gone, the pledges with the rotgrubs faded and several tunnels below the Undercroft collapsed or were forgotten. Too many relied on the safety provided by Hollow to abandon it entirely, however. Instead the Hedge nearer the surface was reshaped so that many of the masoleums and structures along the surface of the hill opened up into newer chambers and room to be used by the freehold. Only the heart of the Hollow and some of the most useful structures deep within were maintained and still find use to this day.
"Crowns of Gold" - The Fleeting Seats
Last Updated: May 2008
Known as the Solium Novae, or Fleeting Seats, the positions of the Ceasar (sometimes called the Emperor/Empress) and the Senators (also known as Voices) within the freehold were established to maintain order within the Sepulcher and govern the populace in such a fashion that all are kept safe from the Gentry and the dangers of the Hedge. Every season, on the day of the appropriate seasonal solstice or equinox, a new Ceasar is chosen and he or she reigns as the ruler of the freehold for the duration of their Court's season. The previous season's Ceasar takes a seat on the Senate, representing their Court in freehold matters.
Each Seasonal Court holds to its own Laurel Ritual to crown their season's Ceasar. These are always performed on the day of the seasonal equinox/solstice and the trial associated with the rite lasts from noon until midnight. The following day a celebration is held in the honor of the new Ceasar in which the previous ruler makes a display to signify their passing on the crown to the next Seasonal Emperor and in turn the new Ceasar welcomes them to their seat on the Senate. A former ruler can refuse a position on the senate if he or she chooses, but in doing so he must choose another of his court to take the position or that court forfeits it's right to a senator until their season comes to pass again.
In the absence or demise of a Ceasar, the Senate rules the freehold as a triumvirate until the season passes and a new Ceasar is crowned. Should a Seasonal Court not have one worthy of the laurel crown or no members of that season be present within the freehold, there are certain rituals that can be performed (see below) to ensure tradition is maintained and ties to that season are not diminished. This is by passing the laurel to a poppet emperor not of that season's Court or by preserving the sanctity of the Ceasar's authority in the form of the empty throne.
The following Ceasar and Senators hold power at this time within the Sepulcher:
- Spring Ceasar - Currently held by Caretaker James.
- Summer Senator - Currently held by Jack Kehoe.
- Autumn Senator - Currently held by Mallory Schadenfreude.
- Winter Senator - Currently held by Fragile.
"Chalices of Bronze" - The Eternal Seats
Last Updated: May 2008
The Solium Aeterna, or Eternal Seats, were created to serve the needs of the freehold and reinforce the role of the Seasonal Courts in preserving the defenses of the Lost. Though each of the Eternal Seats is associated with a Seasonal Court, they were not designed to only be filled by members of that court.t. While it is seen as fortunate when it does occur it is by no means mandatory that a member of the Antler Crown be Hospes, or the Legatus be of the Court of Sorrow.
The most important aspect of the Solium Aeterna is the benefit they provide the local Lost. Those who hold one of these seats do so with the intent of serving the freehold and its populace first and foremost. Seat holders are often treated with a great deal of respect for performing their duties as the service they provide to the freehold makes life for the populace that much easier to manage. Thus helping to preserve clarity and maintain the safety of all Changelings in the area.
Appointment to or removal of a changeling from an Eternal Seat is performed by the Ceasar and can be done no more than once per season and only for a single seat. Thus the Autumn Emperor may appoint a new Legatus but then the new Legatus nor any other changeling that hold an Eternal Seat could not be removed from their position by that Ceasar.
This limit to the Caesar's authority is does not forbid them from appointing or removing a seat-holder in the event that a seat-holder breaks his oath to the freehold, commits some equally heinous act, leaves the freehold of their own accord, goes missing for over a month's time, is slain or recaptured by the Fae. In any of these instances a seat-holder can be removed and a new one appointed.
A changeling may always voluntarily step down from his Eternal Seat, though doing so is often seen in a poor light unless it is for the betterment of the freehold.
The following is a description of each Eternal Seat, it's seasonal association and who currently holds it:
- Veneficus (Mystic) - The changeling in charge of the Freehold's mystical resources, upholding various rites, and tending to strictly Fae matters. Associated with the season of Autumn. Held by Nathaniel Tyrfing .
- Legatus (Envoy) - The Freehold's go-to-person for mortal matters of any sort, passing on information, and negotiating disputes within the Freehold. Associated with the season of Winter. Held by Howard.
- Custos (Watchman) - The caretaker of the Freehold and it's Lost, charged with maintaining their safety and defending them from outside threats. Associated with the season of Summer. Held by Dirge.
- Hospes (Host) - The one who sees to the needs of the local Lost, tends to and protects the newly returned, and sees to guests/visitors to the Freehold. Associated with the season of Spring. Held by Hannah.
"Knives of Iron" - The Populace
|
[edit] Autumn Court
|
[edit] Winter Court
|
[edit] Spring Court
|
|
[edit] Summer Court
|
[edit] Courtless
|
"Sacred Ground" - Hollows & Other Locales
The Undercroft
The central Hollow of the Sepulcher freehold, the Undercroft is a winding series of underground tunnels and chambers that has sheltered the local changelings against the threats of the Others for half a century. This subterranean labyrinth houses several central chambers near the surface that are commonly used, including a throne room, an altar room, a well-stocked library, a dinning hall, a lavish parlor, a fungal garden, and countless private chambers/studies all connected by a series of hallways that wind through it's depths. Stairwells, tunnels and the like leading further into the bowels of the Undercroft are hidden throughout this area but many have been sealed off or forgotten. What lies deeper within the Undercroft is known to only a few but whispered rumors of a vault of forbidden tokens, a prison made of bones and cold iron, a library filled with stone books, and a gateway into the underworld itself are not uncommon.
Capitilona's Den
Once the heart of the old freehold, the Hallow called Capitilona's Den now lies in ruin; destroyed decades ago during the attack that brought the previous freehold to an end. All that remains of what many now call the Fallen Den is a single stone column at the heart of a spiral of rubble - a reminder of the constant threat posed by the Gentry. The names of every changeling that was killed or taken that day are carved upon the column in remembrance. A tradition persists that whenever a changeling is lost to the freehold their name is added to the column so that they are never truly forgotten.
Elysia
A luxury resort run by Mallory Schadenfreude that caters to clients with unusual desires and interests. While much of Elysia's clientèle consists of wealthy people seeking to get away from their ordinary lives and enjoy a bit of 5 star pampering, it also frequented by newly returned Lost and posh, well-known and well-connected changelings who support the establishment's efforts.
"Strength in Numbers" - Local Motleys
Pervigil
Pervigil, meaning 'ever watchful' was the name taken by Amelia's former motley. Consisting of a majority of the changelings once loyal to the Sepulcher, Pervigil set upon itself the task of stewarding the local Lost and seeing to their safety at whatever price. With Amelia's death, Pervigil fell apart; lacking anyone to guide their efforts. Most fell in with other local motleys but just as many went missing, were killed in unusual accidents within the Sepulcher, or simply were never seen again.
The Welcome Wagon
"Hand-Me-Downs" - Rites and Rituals
When Amelia Dankspot created the Sepulcher, she created many rites and rituals to oversee it's continued existence and strength even in times of crisis. These ceremonies are often used to resolve issues that arise unexpectedly, such as the death of a Caesar, the betrayal of the freehold but one holding an Eternal Seat, or even the discovery of a loyalist amidst the Sepulcher's populace. Unfortunately, many of the rites created to guide the freehold were lost when Amelia died. Lost and buried somewhere in the Undercroft's depths, they are there waiting to be found...perhaps when the time is right.
Most rituals are led by the freehold's Veneficus or in their absence the eldest Autumn Court changeling. If neither can be present for whatever reason, the duty passes on to the eldest changeling who currently holds one of the Fleeting or Eternal Seats. The level of pomp and ceremony to each ritual depends on who is leading it, and only it's evocation is truly required. Many Lost prefer grand ceremony to these affairs, however, as they seem to better reinforce their importance and serve as a change to show off one's loyalty to the Caesar and the courts through participation and contribution.
Seasonal Rituals
The importance of the seasons is a prominent theme in the structure of the Sepulcher, as it's founder truly believed the power the seasons hold, with the roots so firmly grounded in our world, is essential to keeping the Gentry at bay. As such several seasonal rituals were passed down to not only assure the continued support of the Seasons themselves but the changelings who bare their mantle.
Most important of all of these is the Ritual of Succession, sometimes called the Laurel Ritual, has sprung up around the traditional notion of a seasonal monarch passing on his reign to another at the end of his season. The other seasonal rituals are closely tied to role of the Caesar, and impart upon each season's monarch as a right that only they may call upon.
Ritual of Succession
On the eve of the equinox/solstice of a new season, the Ritual of Succession is performed. From sunrise that morning until sunset that evening, the changelings of that season's court gather and through their own means choose who will be their Ceasar. Most courts make an huge affair of how their Ceasar is chosen. The Autumn Court often reads auspicious signs left in the entrails of a animal sacrifice, while the Spring Court is fond of holding a debaucherous day-long revel with the last one standing becoming their Emperor. Usually the eldest Lost of the court choose the means by which the decision is made, often giving them an advantage should they wish to be Caesar.
At sunset, the freehold gathers and the court presents their choice to the assembled changelings in the throne room of the Sepulcher. The mantle of their season surrounds and infuses the throne corresponding to their season and once claimed by the court's chosen monarch the crown of their season appears above them. Traditionally, the new Caesar addresses the freehold and afterwards a celebration appropriate to the season is held to honor the new Caesar.
Rites of the Throne
These rites are used to fill the empty seats of governance, both Fleeting and Eternal, when circumstances arise that cause them to become empty or to replace a Caesar when the need arises.
On rare occasions in the past it has been known for there to be no one to assume the mantle of Caesar upon the turning of the season. Most commonly this occurs when there is no member of that season's court to claim the throne and it's mantle. Two rituals were created to see to this unfortunate situation that of the Poppet Rite and the Rite of the Vacant Throne. While neither is idea, the fear of breaking the cycle of seasons by leaving a throne empty is more than enough to see that they are enacted when necessary.
The Poppet Rite
“Let {he/she} who is not of this season take up the throne and bare the crown of the {insert Court} in all its symbolic aspects as best as they are able and lead with wisdom and fair judgment until {name of the season}'s end.”
Invoked before the first month of a season has come to pass, the Poppet Rite allows any changeling to take up the throne of Caesar and rule the freehold accordingly. While they gain no benefit from the season's mantle unless they join that season's court during their reign, in every other regard they hold the authority associated with the position.
The Poppet Rite is usually sworn by a courtless changeling and it is not uncommon for one who takes the reign of that court to join their faux Court during or after their reign as Caesar. Doing so is seen as a auspicious and a blessing upon that season and the freehold, but it is by no means mandatory.
While the Poppet Rite may be enacted by changelings who are of a court different than that season it is enacted during, it may not be used to swear in any who have ruled the freehold in the last year's time. Attempting to do so simply fails outright and is assumed to be a preventative measure to keep any one Changeling for ruling for more than one season a year.
The Rite of the Vacant Throne
“Let the ground lye fallow, the songs of our hearts ring empty for non will honor the traditions of the Seasons. An empty throne, strife and pain shall follow. May the watchful eyes of our Keepers remain unaware of this most unfortunate act and our safety remain under the guidance of the other Seasons.”
This act of last resort is seen as an ill-omen by most changelings of the Sepulcher. The Vacant Throne is not entered into lightly and while it has never brought the wrath of the Others by it's rare invocation, the idea that it might prevents it regular enactment. Most would rather see a Poppet upon a season's throne than see the seat remain empty and live in fear of what it might mean for their safety.
Enacting the Rite of the Vacant Throne can be done at any point before the first thirty days of a season passes. After that point, the throne of the season will acknowledge no seasonal ruler until the next season begins. Enactment of this rite empowers the Senators of the freehold to rule as a triumvirate in the absence of a true emperor or empress. If the rite is not enacted, they may still hold social authority within the freehold but the Sepulcher itself does not recognize their authority and no oath to the freehold maybe sworn upon the throne of it's rulers.
Fallen Crown Rite
“We lay the body of fallen Caesar to rest this eve and knowing he will not be forgotten so long as {he/she} lives on in our hearts and memories. Let another take up the weight of his crown and bare the burden of sorrow and sovereignty until season's end.”
Invoked the evening a Caesar is slain or recaptured, the rite of the Fallen Crown is one of the most sorrowful ceremonies the Sepulcher can ever be forced to enact. Upon invoking this rite the ties that Caesar held to the throne of his season is reclaimed and is offered to another. This may be done by the means of the Laural Ritual with the day after the Caesar's death acting again as the equinox/solstice of that season. The Poppet Rite and Rite of the Vacant Throne may also be enacted on that day in place of the more traditional Ritual of Succession.
Rite of the Iron Knife
“I, {insert name}, by right of tradition challenge you for your throne. Upon my loyalty to my court and this freehold, I claim {reason for the challenge}. By these words I stand and will claim your crown, else my fate I shall accept.”
The Rite of the Iron Knife, sometimes called the Usurper's rite, has seldom seen use within the Sepulcher but when it has it has shaken the freehold to it's foundation. For, by this rite, may a changeling rightfully challenge the Caesar for their throne. Only one of the Caesar's court may invoke this rite and no changeling may invoke it more than once a season.
Once it has been invoked, the Caesar and the challenger must face each other in a Hedge Duel to first surrender. The Caesar has the option of appointing any other willing member of their court to fight on their behalf, but doing so is usually seen as a sign of weakness. The two duelists and one neutral witness, often the Custos or eldest changeling present of Summer Court, then enter the Hedge. The rest of the freehold is expected not to interfere or enter the Hedge to watch, as doing so could bring too much unwanted attention. Instead often the scene it watched from away by interested participants or left well enough alone.
When the duel is concluded, the victor returns to and claims their throne. If this is the Caesar, he may then punish the would be usurper as he sees fit. If it is the usurper, they may not punish the Caesar for the loss of his throne and the shame associated with it is considered more than enough. No changeling may invoke the rite again for a full lunar month after such a challenge has concluded, this is done to prevent unending challenges to the throne that would only endanger the safety of the freehold.
"Bread & Circuses" - Rumors & Hearsay
- Amelia was not killed all those years ago, instead she became one of the Gentry herself and offerings are regularly made to her by the rotgrubs in the form of fresh, young mortals to keep her satisfied and complacent deep below the Hollow.
- Amelia's Fetch is still alive, and is a professor at Shorter College. She somehow knows everything about the Sepulcher and its populace and is waiting for the right time to bring the whole thing down around the local Lost.
- The garden beneath the Sepulcher is home to exotic, fungal goblin fruit that can erase unwanted memories, allow one to burrow through the earth like a mole, and increase the potency of prophetic dreams.
- There is an abandoned infirmary within the Sepulcher that causes any who enter it to be overcome by the most painful and brutal memories of their time in Arcadia.
- Spirals...what do they mean? Why are they everywhere?
