Winter Market
From Changeling Venue
Contents |
Overview
Most famous of the Winter Court’s rituals is the Winter Market, a gathering most Courts sponsor two or three times in the season. At the market, changelings of all Courts (and Courtless) are free to set up stalls or booths, buy, sell, run games and trade services or information. The Winter Market is less focused than the Autumn Court’s Fallen Fair and much more open to non-magical bartering. In most Courts, the Winter Market serves two purposes. The first is to be a clearinghouse for the Onyx Court’s information, “confiscated” goods and services, of which there are many. Winter courtiers make up the majority of purveyors at the Winter Market, if not by too much. The second is to counter the illicit draw and influence of the Goblin Market. The Winter Market provides an opportunity for the same sort of deals and networking without forcing any changelings to expose themselves to hobgoblins, exiled Fae and loyalists who are just as likely to sell information back to Faerie as they are sell Contracts to the free fae. Some Courts use the Winter Market to achieve a third goal. The confluence of changeling Courts gives the Silent Arrow an opportunity to judge the other Courts’ capabilities and natures. It’s also a chance for the Court to infiltrate their peers’ societies. Many Winter Courts feel no need for this measure, but quite a few do.
Famous Markets
While many Freeholds hold a Winter Market, none are as popular as the yearly event held by Lord Winter. While it always takes place a few days before the Winter Solstice, some consider it to be the official changeover from Fall to Winter.
Lord Winter's Market takes place at his Winter Mansion, a Hollow so massive and spawling, it has become a full-fledged Freehold over the past century. Located in the Vale of Frozen Sorrow, the event is so large it draws in Changelings from across the nation and participants from other countries are not uncommon.
History
Lord Winter first began running his Winter Market in the early 1900's. During this time, the market was only a local event held for the benefit of the Freehold of River and Sun. Using funds from his business pursuits, the market soon grew to be a popular event of the freehold.
Following the stockmarket crash in 1929, Lord Winter was forced to expand his home in the Vale of Frozen Sorrow to house the influx of now homeless changlings. He hired many of these Changelings providing them with money, food and lodging. Given the nature of his business, it became one of the few to expand during the Great Depression.
In 1933,Lord Winter used this influx of money to truly expand his Winter Market and invited Changlings from far and wide, as a way to boost the morale of Changelings across the country. All participants were provided free travel, food and lodging for the event. But none expected the sheer number of people who arrived at the turnout, becoming one of the largest gatherings of changlings in known history.
This began the yearly Winter Market and it continues to this day. The number of attendees from year to year fluctuates, only in the last decade have the number approched the level of the first event.
Events
Passing of Seasons
The Winter Mansion is located in the hedge and is most closely tied to the city of San Antonio. Historically, the city has never had a court of seasons and so there is no official changing of courts. But the Winter Market is always kicked off with the Passing of Seasons.
This tradition is more symbolic than literal. Namely a prominent member of the Autumn court passes a crown to Lord Winter. It is at this moment that the Winter season starts and the Winter Market has officially begun. This is purely symbolic, as many Freeholds do not begin Winter until the Winter Solstice has begun. But some consider Winter to have truly begun at the Winter Market, even if it is not yet official.
Announcing the Rake
While the Market is held at the Winter Mansion, officially the event is held by the entire Winter family, a royal line within the Duchy of the Icebound Heart. It is at the yearly market that the current Rake of the Duchy announces who shall hold his title for the following year. While this does not go into effect until the first of January when the announcement is made official, Changeling can get a preview of the future Rake and begin filling out their dance cards.
Attendees
A complete list of companies who will be attending the 2007 Winter Market will be announced as we get closer to the event. Here is a preview of companies who will be present.
Vendors
- Hedgespun Clothes and Armor from Malic Stitch
- The Goblin Fruit and Nut Company
- Goods from Vicky Sage
Attractions
- The Hedgeapple - Once again the Winter Market will open the secondary location of The Hedgeapple, providing its renowned service and delicacies.
- The Green Tael - The Green Tael will be running a gambling casino and world class service.
Artisans
A number of Artisans will be present and may be provided wares, services and art at the market.
