Post by Lady Sephira on Apr 19, 2007 14:57:21 GMT -8
*copied from the White Wolf Changeling the Dreaming Books: "Nobles - The Shining Host" and "The Shadow Court"*
Cats Cradle:
Nobles: The Shining Host
The Cat's Cradle is perhaps the most subtle of the secret societies. Its' existence is not even whispered of beyond a small circle. The Cradle is made up entirely of faerie noblewomen (both Seelie & Unseelie) who work tirelessly to ensure the long term survival of the fae at large. To this end they have secretly broken many of the laws of the fae, including various terms of the Escheat. All of them are women of power, however. It is unlikely that they would be harshly punished, even if this fact was revealed. It is possible that they work with the approval of the High King. Their two most consistent opponents are the Shadow Court and the Beltaine Blade.
In order to assure the fae's long term survival, the Cat's Cradle weaves a complex and arcane network of subtle alliance throughout the fae, so that it may pull together in the event of a major crisis. (e.g. the onset of Winter) In addition, the Cradle has made alliances outside the fae altogether. Tentative contacts have been made among the Gallain. Even certain, carefully researched Prodigals (i.e. vampires, werewolves, mages, etc.) are approached. Prominent members of the Cat's Cradle include Queen Mab, Queen Laurel, Countess Anne, and the Lady Sierra.
The Shadow Court
Made up of both Unseelie and Seelie noblewomen, this society attempts to breach the gap between the two courts. Although their primary goal - ensuring the long term survival of the fae - often puts them at odds with one or another of the political impulses of the Shadow Court, they are often the best sources for information and contacts within both Unseelie and Seelie factions. Because many Seelie members would balk at associating outright with fellow conspirators who openly espouse Shadow Court sympathies, the society's "official" position toward the Shadow Court is one of opposition.
The women of the Cat's Cradle wield great power and influence (either directly or indirectly) within fae political society, and those who suspect their existence credit them with preventing outright war between the Shadow Court and the Seelie power structure. Indeed, there are some who believe that without the subtle manipulations of this group, the Accordance War might have had a very different, and much bloodier, outcome. Perhaps the most important aspect of the Cat's Cradle lies in the connections it has established between Concordia and the other Kingdoms of the Fae.
Most Unseelie members of this group belong to either the Purist or Ritualist impulses. Purists see the Cat's Cradle as providing the necessary llinks that enable smooth transferences of seasonal power, while Ritualists hark back to the matriarchal customs that underpin many of the traditions associated with the year long round of festivals.
Cats Cradle:
Nobles: The Shining Host
The Cat's Cradle is perhaps the most subtle of the secret societies. Its' existence is not even whispered of beyond a small circle. The Cradle is made up entirely of faerie noblewomen (both Seelie & Unseelie) who work tirelessly to ensure the long term survival of the fae at large. To this end they have secretly broken many of the laws of the fae, including various terms of the Escheat. All of them are women of power, however. It is unlikely that they would be harshly punished, even if this fact was revealed. It is possible that they work with the approval of the High King. Their two most consistent opponents are the Shadow Court and the Beltaine Blade.
In order to assure the fae's long term survival, the Cat's Cradle weaves a complex and arcane network of subtle alliance throughout the fae, so that it may pull together in the event of a major crisis. (e.g. the onset of Winter) In addition, the Cradle has made alliances outside the fae altogether. Tentative contacts have been made among the Gallain. Even certain, carefully researched Prodigals (i.e. vampires, werewolves, mages, etc.) are approached. Prominent members of the Cat's Cradle include Queen Mab, Queen Laurel, Countess Anne, and the Lady Sierra.
The Shadow Court
Made up of both Unseelie and Seelie noblewomen, this society attempts to breach the gap between the two courts. Although their primary goal - ensuring the long term survival of the fae - often puts them at odds with one or another of the political impulses of the Shadow Court, they are often the best sources for information and contacts within both Unseelie and Seelie factions. Because many Seelie members would balk at associating outright with fellow conspirators who openly espouse Shadow Court sympathies, the society's "official" position toward the Shadow Court is one of opposition.
The women of the Cat's Cradle wield great power and influence (either directly or indirectly) within fae political society, and those who suspect their existence credit them with preventing outright war between the Shadow Court and the Seelie power structure. Indeed, there are some who believe that without the subtle manipulations of this group, the Accordance War might have had a very different, and much bloodier, outcome. Perhaps the most important aspect of the Cat's Cradle lies in the connections it has established between Concordia and the other Kingdoms of the Fae.
Most Unseelie members of this group belong to either the Purist or Ritualist impulses. Purists see the Cat's Cradle as providing the necessary llinks that enable smooth transferences of seasonal power, while Ritualists hark back to the matriarchal customs that underpin many of the traditions associated with the year long round of festivals.