Changeling - Players Guide.pdf

Organization
With a far more organized structure than any other kith,
the sidhe observe strict rules of hierarchy. The various ranks
within the nohility are the hackbone of this structure, with all
sidhe showing deference and respect to their "betters" and
kindness to those lower than themselves — at least, in theory.
On the surface, the sidhe may appear to respect social hierarchy
more than any other kith; after all, it is in their best
interest to show a united front to the commoners. In reality,
the webs of intrigue and deception often more accurately
reflect true status than nominal rank within the kingdom.
While rank and title are the most prominent mark of
status, it is not uncommon for a noble to retain her title even
after a horrible scandal. Her status nominally remains the
same, but the amount of respect she is due from others will
plummet. Invitations to balls and fetes are "lost in the mail,
dear," and though on the surface everything remains the
same, it will often take months or years for the sullied noble
to regain her former position in society.
Birthrights
Awe and Beauty
It is hard to explain the feeling one has in the presence
of a highborn to one who has not experienced it firsthand.
Their beauty is something more than physical; it transcends
superficial and cultural ideas of what is attractive to charm
the very soul of any who look upon them. Theirs is a timeless
beauty, unaffected by temporal notions of what is "cool" at
the time.
Even those who speak ill of them behind their backs find
it difficult to be openly disrespectful to the face of the
nobility, and even "common" sidhe inspire a certain level of
politeness in everyone they meet.
Noble Bearing
The inborn grace and style common to all sidhe lends
them a certain presence that is readily apparent to any who
look upon them. They seem to recover from any misstep
without missing a beat, and even pooka have a hard time
finding ways to embarrass highborns.
Frailties
Banality's Curse
Having returned so recently from Arcadia, the sidhe do
not have the tolerance that commoners built up over centuries
of increasing Banality. This world is in many ways alien
to them, and the force of disbelief among many of the world's
people is stifling and often painful to any sidhe faced with it.
Many sidhe try to shield themselves from the dullness of
the mortal world by spending their time in freeholds, but this
can lead to Bedlam. Only those sidhe who learn to dance
along the razor's edge between dream and reality are able to
survive for long in this harsh world.
Courts
As the acknowledged leaders of both the Seelie and
Unseelie Courts, the sidhe are in a somewhat awkward
position. While Court affiliation helps to define nearly every
aspect of a sidhe's existence, beneath the intrigues and
politics they will always grant a measure of respect to their
equivalents in the opposing Court.
In centuries past, the Seelie and Unseelie Courts took
turns ruling over their people for different halves of the year.
But since the sidhe returned from Arcadia, the Seelie have
maintained a tenuous hold on the reins of power. The notion
over who should rule — and for how long — is one of great
debate among both nobles and commoners, and will continue
to be until a resolution is reached.
Seelie Sidhe
Like Glorianna, Titania and Oberon, and the other fae
known in legend and song, Seelie sidhe are the epitome of
unearthly beauty and power. Although many Unseelie sidhe
have dispensed with the trappings of medieval royalty, at least
in part, there remains a strong sense of tradition within the
Seelie Court stretching back to the days before the Shattering.
More so than any other kith or faction within changeling
society, the Seelie sidhe feel a responsibility to maintain a
constant level of Glamour within the world, and many of their
actions, both openly and in secret, are in pursuit of that goal.
Unseelie Sidhe
Although commoners rarely make a distinction between
the Unseelie and Shadow Courts, the sidhe know the
truth of the matter. Even the most high-ranking among the
Seelie Court acknowledge that there is a certain Unseelie
aspect in everyone, regardless of their formal affiliation.
Although they differ greatly in opinions, both Courts are
respected and heard out in the Parliament of Dreams. But
even some within the Unseelie Court believe that the Shadow
Court goes too far in its opposition to the Seelie.
Since the Resurgence, many prominent members of the
Unseelie Court were notable by their absence. A few scattered
members of House Ailil have made themselves known, but many of
the leaders among the Unseelie appear to have remained in Arcadia.
Why did this happen? Memories of the journey are too clouded for
anyone to say for certain, but speculations abound. Did they make
the crossing with the others, and choose to remain hidden once
reaching this world? For what purpose? Until the Shadow Court
chtxises to show their hand, the matter is up for speculation.