Wardens of the Thorns
From Changeling Venue
Contents |
Template:
Wardens of the Thorns
Introduction:
Philosophy:
“Watching the Hedge is dangerous, at times we must even enter the fringes to secure ourselves and our communities”
Structure and Organization:
The Wardens gathered at hollows or in area where there are some collection of Changelings that meet up in mutual companionship. They tend to use those who can carry messages swiftly between groups, oft times that the only communication. The command structure is usually based on those who have the ability to lead and think while respecting those who serve in the capacity of fellow Wardens despite their Seeming or Kith.
Titles, Ranks & Status:
(TBA on interest of players)
Membership & Duties:
Most members are those who were former Hunters, Bounty hunters or trackers. Oft times trying to repent for their deeds and mistakes while under their former Mistress or Master influences. All the Seemings can be found in the Wardens, however not all Kith fit the mold of the Wardens concept. Their duties range from defense, scouting, and tracking, and guiding changelings who have made it to the other side.
Practices & Rites:
Resources:
We tend to find things in the Hedge, and these are good things to use as barter. (pending the Camarilla Addendum)
Requirements for Membership:
Benefits of Membership:
(based on the rules pending The Camarilla Addendum)
Stereotypes of other groups:
Vampires: Be elusive around these “walking dead”, their curiosity is dauntless
Werewolves: Ware their territories, they are very defensive of such things.
Mages: tricky bastards, we avoid dealing with them
Mortals: We were like them once, but they walk the world blind. Guide them away from the Hedge if possible.
History:
During the day or night, hunters abound tracking down runaway Changelings for Fae Mistresses and Masters. They relentlessly pursue those who think to escape through the Thorns. Some make it to the edge, many did not. Some actually made some progress through the Thorns only to be snared and captured by these relentless hunters. Faithfully they serve their Mistress or Master with depthless dedication. Given a smile or a treat as a reward. Pleasing their owner is paramount. And so each time they are sent out, they capture their prey with a sadistic drive.
However, it is only a matter of time until failure will visit the dedicated Hunter and that means displeasing their Mistress or Master. They are not as forgiving as might be imagined. The Hunter comes to find out that their Mistress or Master's ire has no limits. They would ensure success or be punished extremely mercilessly. That first failure chastised the Hunter, and with renewed vigor, they hunted again, any and all, at times often catching those they were not sent to find. Some sort of capture was better than none. Often this did avert their Mistress or Master's wrath.
They came to know Arcadia as most Changelings cared not to know; they came to know the byways of the Hedge, the twists and turns, the tricks and pitfalls. Oftentimes, they set the traps themselves to insure some random escapee triggered them.
However…… There are those Hunters who have failed many times, bringing the wrath and depthless cruelty of their Mistresses and Masters upon themselves. As often as not, the master killed a mate or friend for their failure.
Some Hunters came close to the real world and got a glimpse, and remembered, but that undiluted fear bred into them made them hesitate. This only brought the beginnings of memories thought lost and buried in the changes of what Arcadia had wrought. What their Fae Mistress or Master had erased from their minds.
This started the wave of changes throughout Arcadia, perhaps an unseen effect of the True Fae decision to allow them to Hunt wherever they can and must to capture the runaways.
At times, the Master or Mistress watched their hunting pet, watched them hunt and snag a runaway. More often than not, they had no time to watch everything.
Whatever the cause, some final straw breaks the fear that the True Fae holds over the desire to return to the world from which they were taken. Understanding begins to dawn on the Hunter, who now becomes a runaway of Arcadia.
Now a former hunter on the other side, some are discovered, some remain elusive. However, those who have gathered have formed the Wardens of the Thorns. Watching the Hedge for escapees, or if fate decrees, a True Fae on their own Hunt.
The Wardens often find themselves grouped at Hollows dedicated to the escaped Changelings who have banded together for mutual protection and community. The Wardens act as scouts, defenders, or lookouts, perhaps able to give an early warning if True Fae are spotted, however unlikely that may be.
