The Ink Dries All To Quickly
From Changeling Venue
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The freehold of the Green Ring has never been welcoming. It picked up the nick name "the Fortress" by other freeholds that admired their ability to remain closed to the rest of the world – "oubliette" or "asylum" by those that were less admiring. While it maintained some contact throughout the years with messengers, it rarely invited any one to its borders. Despite – or because of – the city's xenophobic tendencies, the freehold has been largely left alone. Some stray rumors still find their way to ears that will listen…
September 1912 - Fear the Wolf: The Autumn king is rumored to have a great fear of werewolves – a fear that quickly spread to the entire freehold. Messengers often traded for silver – the more pure, the higher they were authorized to pay. One paid handsomely for ten bullets made entirely from silver. Another was caught trying to steal a silver blade from a traveler of the Winter court.
June 1943 - An Unprovoked Murder: The freehold gained some infamy when several pledged members attacked a traveling motley from the west – killing four of the six strangers. One of the two survivors suffered injuries so great that she never walked again. The attackers were never officially punished, but a headless body – thought to be their leader – was found at the edge of the Green Ring a few days later.
December 1979 - Without a Tongue: A stranger shows up in a freehold to the south with no tongue and few fingers. Though pledged into secrecy, it is puzzled out that he traveled from the area of the Green Ring. When questioned, members of the Ring denied ever knowing the individual and were offended by the suggestion that they had anything to do with the man's disfigurement. Four days later the stranger was found dead in his room – a blank journal and broken pen in hands.
April 1982 - Attempt at Amends: The Green Ring briefly attempts to become part of the world and open its boarders. Pleasantries are made for a few months – festivals are given to celebrate a new beginning for the freehold. All spring, guests are welcomed and provided for. By August no more messengers are sent out. By September no more are allowed in. As the year draws to a close the Green Ring isolates itself completely.
January 1996 - Death and Abandonment: The Winter King dies. In the next few months, the city is abandoned. Pledges are broken to free those Lost that were connected to this land and hollows are left without masters. No one speaks of why the city is forfiet. The former residents seek to get as far away as possible and forget whatever happened within the Green Ring.
March 2000 – Life Springs Eternal: After four years without king or court, the lost of the Green Ring gather together in celebration. “Indigo” Adams, also known as “the First King”, is given the Banded Crown. After a short speech, the simple silver braid of the crown comes to life and takes on Indigo’s mantle – a spectacle of new growth, green leaves, and dark blue flowers. The freehold is blessed with several years of prosperous growth and leadership.
July 2000 – Storms Bring Relief: During one of the hottest summers in the cities history, Hael’s Wyndstaff steps forward to claim the crown for the Summer Court. During his coronation the summer’s heat final lifts as storms clouds fill the sky. The first night of the storm, the entire city sighs in relief and a good time is had by all. Three nights later the rains stop – damages total in the thousands.
April 2004 – It’s all Sevens: After a few years of private patronage, the Green Tael opens its doors to the public. Run by a local motley and located on the twelfth floor of the Brunswick building, the casino offers a variety of games as well as a place for the freehold to gather. Unfortunately, the security of the Brunswick building stifles the flow of casual patrons and hinders some of the more… “eccentric” lost of the court.
May 2006 – Summer Comes Late: Due to Hael’s inability to be present, Max Stone steps forward for the Summer Court. The crown is place on Max's head and is slow to react - the metal appears worn and pitted for several minutes before lighting itself a blaze. The others of the court do not contest this unusual rise to power and the city finds a new sense of stability in his rule.
August 2007 – Pride and Punishment: After a lover’s quarrel – involving Rebecca Tulane drifting off to see a certain guitarist instead of dancing for a private function of Heal’s – Rebecca is forced to perform in front of the entire freehold and several other guests and entertainers from out of town. Heal’s sense of justice involves the girl suffering through a storm that destroys the performance and humiliates her. As if to reclaim her place in the arts, Rebecca performs again a few weeks later. This time she is flawless – perfection has not been found as this in many years. Pity few bothered to attend after her first performance.
October 2007 – Ice Finally Melts: After years of avoiding the issue and pressure from the Spring and Summer Courts, the Winter Court finally pushes forward a candidate to take the crown. The new king does little to gain the confidence of his court, but does finally allow the freehold a court of four kings.
