changeling lost: the gambit

7/29/2019 Changeling Lost: The Gambit

1/8

Angelus Morningstar

Dream ShardDream Shard

The GambitThe Gambit

Author:Angelus Morningstar

Artwork:Gavin Hargest AcknowledgementsLost Shards are fan- made products designed for use with

the World of Darkness book, Changeling: the Lost.

Absence of trademarks from copyrighted materials does not

constitute a legal challenge to the original owners. Any

original material is the intellectual property of Angelus

Morningstar unless otherwise c redited.

1


2/8

Angelus Morningstar

The system of the Great Courts is a dynamic of powers

that is thought to keep the Fae away from the influence of

a freehold. The shifting and conceding of power is

considered to be the basis of confusion for the Fae, who

cannot understand such voluntary surrender of power.

For the most part, the extant Courts in the world are

based on naturally shifting phenomena, such as the change

of the seasons, the partition of directions or the cycle of

day and night. Yet here, there exists another principle ofpower division that is not based on natural events, but

rather that of chance and whim. Even more erratic than

the power plays of the changing seasons or encroaching

direction is that of the Court of Suits. Each of these Courts

derives their power from one of the suits of the tarot,

which many changelings assert have a strange affinity with

the fickle flow of fate.

By placing their trust in the shifting powers of the suits,

a freehold can claim a more chaotic dynamic than any of

the other Court systems can attest. Power relies solely and

purely on the fickleness of fate and chance, and not some

determined order.However, the Court of Suits is very rarely stable, the

shifting sands of politics is temperamental and conflicting

as the members of the freehold are constantly in arms and

struggling against each other. The Court of Suits has found

popularity in cities where there is an immense level of

gambling, Las Vegas is notorious for the influence of these

Courts, as is Monte Carlo. Beyond those two casinopoli it

can be more common to find the Court of Suits to be

utilized in freeholds found entirely within the Hedge. With

fortunes literally turning at the toss of a dime or turn of a

wheel, few changelings are will ing to commit long- term to

the art of the Court of Suits.

From these circumstances, has emerged the custom ofthe Gambit. It is a temporary ( albeit sometimes longer

than expected) cessation of the normal method of politics

within a freehold and the establishment of the Gambit.

The whole purpose of this is to cause a great dissembling

within the freehold, to throw off the Others in times of

emergency.

The Four SuitsA t the heart of the Gambits power lie the four Suits,

and more often changelings will refer to their group as a

suit, rather than by the more common name of Court. The

four suits are Swords, Cups, Coins and Staves.What follows is a break down of the different suits.

Each small write up will contain the overarching themes of

the Court. Unlike the normal courts, the Suits have

neither conventions regarding their players ( or courtiers),

nor dedicated rituals. The Suits are far to transient to

develop trends like these. Furthermore, unlike the

traditional Courts, the Suits do not so much have an

emotional affinity as a strategy of game. This fundamental

shift in property of Courts is just one of the factors that

confounds the Fae during the great game. Each Suit is

aligned with a stratagem, a modus operandi that flavours

their theme.

Like the emotional affinities of the Seasonal and other

Courts, if a harvest is performed in a manner associated

with the stratagem, the changeling gains a surplus of

glamour as though they had harvested with the emotional

affinity of the Seasonal courts. That is to say, if a

changeling in the Suit of Swords harvests in a manner

aligned with their stratagem of risk, they gain the extra

glamour from Harvest.

The Suit of SwordsThe Fae are stagnant and unchanging, the Fae are

renown for their inability to create or innovate. The

fundamental philosophy of the Suits is one of novelty andaction. Thus, the Suit posits, an entire faction dedicated to

the pursuit and celebration of such things must surely be

beyond their grasp.

Of the four Suits, the Swords are almost always the first

to move. They are guided by a philosophy of action and

movement. They, like the fires of their crown, must always

be in motion and hunger for novelty and originality. For

the courtiers of the Swords, life is punctuated with huge

bursts of glory and luck, followed by an equally devastating

downslide of disaster. They are commonly found pursuing

activities involving risk, from high stakes gambling, to

extreme sports, to entering the chambers of marriedspouses.

Unsurprisingly, the changeling that originally bartered

with the suit and forged an alliance with it , managed to do

so with a gambit where he literally placed his life and soul

on the line. This great game of cards has been sung to hav e

spelled out defeat for the hero, when he bet double or

nothing on the last card, offering his life and soul as

recompense. The suit took this bid, only to find that with

the last card the suit had lost. Some still whisper that the

real game was no the cards, but to see how much the

changeling would risk to get the alliance.

Typically, the courtiers of Swords are also the most

martial of the four courts. Not because they necessarilyhave any particular prowess at combat, but because they

are quick to rush into the face of danger and spite their

enemy with whatever cunning artifice and device they may

have at hand. One may just as easily see a Sword courtier

battling hand to hand as gleefully throwing explosives from

range into the heart of the enemy.

Heraldry

The Suit of Swords principally corresponds to Summer,

the midday sun and the southern direction. For this reason,

they may draw upon the heraldry of the Summer and

Northern courts which are very familiar to them.

Beyond this, the changelings in the court of Swords,also draw upon images of fire, heat and light. In particular

the metal bronze is a favoured substance that the

changelings forge their weapons and trinkets in. Indeed,

such changelings are known for having an array of bronze

knick-knacks hanging from their lapels and skirts, some

gaudy, some refined but almost all seem to enjoy the

gentle clink these trinkets bring.

Mantle

The mantle of the court of Swords is highly vibrant and

energetic. As their affinity with the court grows, their body

develops a certain movement, like the erratic flickering of

flames. At low levels of Mantle, from to , the

changeling is suffused with a subtle sense of power, there is

an aura about them like a heat haze that radiates energy.

At higher lev els, +, the changelings body is filled

2


3/8

Angelus Morningstar

with almost volatile energy and their skin seems to flicker

like the crackle of flames, their voice is more magnified

and their hair and skins shines with a lustrous radiance.

A t Mantle , the changeling feels a simple quickening

in their steps, and function as though they had the Fresh

Start Merit.

Once the changelings Mantle reaches , they begin

to manifest a much more fluid motion and step. With the

cost of a glamour, the changeling may add their Wyrd totheir Speed and Initiative.

A t the height of their power, the changelings internal

energy lifts and moved them, and at Mantle , the

expenditure of Willpower on a physical action grants them

the + 4 instead of the normal + 3 modifier.

Risk

A t the heart of the Sword stratagem is to place a

powerful faith in the game itself, to trust to fate, chance

and all the forces that would push and pull at the hapless

players. This is the art of risk, to take the leap of faith into

the depths, the go beyond the new horizons that no-one

has explored. Yes, with risk there is danger, but the greater

the risk, the greater the reward (usually). Thus, the court of

Swords play high on the gambits, and very often rash and

plucky.

A lmost always, the players in Swords are daredevils,

thrill- seekers and in constant search of the next big gambit

or punt. They veritably feed on the rush of adrenaline that

comes with the risk, and such intense emotions heightened

by risk are ambrosia to the Suit of Swords. Of course, as

players of risk, they are not above putting their targets into

risks way for the sake of the harvest. After all, the risk is

often intensified when forced unwillingly into the gambit,

as its that lack of control that puts you on edge.Stereotypes

Cups: Who has time to worry and wallow in the depth

of emotions? Thats old news.

Coins: Sedentary misbegotten wretches. Getting them

out of their comfort zones would do them a world of good.

Staves: Lofty and proud, but their keen wit is a sign of

some worth.

The Suit of CupsEmotions are a deep source of glamour and power, as

every changeling knows. The Fae may have some intuition

of emotion, but the Cup courtiers attest that they are onlyperverse mockeries of those made by human hearts and

minds. By truly and profoundly embracing the range of

mortal emotion, the Cups hope to put themselves beyond

the influence of the Fae who cannot truly ken their depths.

The Suit of Cups draws upon the vast array of emotions

as tools as much as energy. Each single emotion is just one

carefully made brush in a broad and wider palate. They are

moved by their emotions and just as equally move their

emotions to great heights. In attempting to seek these

depths, the Cup courtiers are more succinctly drawn to a

sense of aesthetics. They love art in its manifold creation

and enjoy surrounding themselves with beauty. More thanany other suit, Cups will patronize the arts and other

endeavours of beauty.

The first changeling to strike a deal with the Suit of

Cups, was said to be a master charlatan and swindler. This

character came to the suit itself and produced such a soul

wrenching tale of heart break that the stones were said to

weep for him. Broken and pit iful before them, the suit was

moved to great measures of compassion, freely offering the

protection of an alliance against the Fae. However, like

most of his acts, this was one ruse among many. Such was

the pride of the suit, and the legend that he spun, that

upon the discovery of the falsehood, the suit was more

inclined to uphold the agreement than to wreak vengeanceon the shyster.

Within the freehold, the courtiers of Cups are

entertainers, performers, artists, creators of beauty and

refinement, and even masters of etiquette. Beyond these

roles, the Cup courtiers are often drawn to works of charity

and compassion, seeking to provide succour and healing to

their fellow Lost, and nurture their freeholds much like a

priest with their flock.

Heraldry

The Suit of Cups principally corresponds to Autumn,

the setting sun and the western direction. For this reason,

they may draw upon the heraldry of the Autumn and

Western courts which are very famil iar to them.

Changelings in the Suit of Cups will also garb

themselves in elegant and flowing clothes. Any outfit that

can be composed of folds of cloth is considered highly

desirable, including scarves, veils and sarongs. The Suit of

Cups is also highly drawn to displays of exotic apparel;

piercings, tattoos, face paints and extravagant make- ups are

a common motif.

Mantle

It is often said that the Mantle for Cups is called the

Veil of Tears. Those who are blessed with it draw aboutthemselves a Mantle of emotional outlet that hides and

disguises them. At low levels of Mantle, from to ,

the changelings skin and hair feel slightly damp to the

touch as though they had just emerged from water. At

higher lev els, +, the changelings skin and hair seems

to ripple as though the changeling is moving underwater.

The first of Mantle ( Cups) grants the changeling the

ability to understand emotions with a simple flair. They

gain a +2 bonus to any roll designed to understand

emotions.

Upon achieving dots in Mantle, their art of

emotion becomes succinct, allowing the changeling to

subtract their Wyrd from any attempts to discern thechangelings true emotions.

When a changeling becomes the epitome of Cups, all

actions of deceit and guile becomes second- nature. For at

Mantle , the changeling gains the 8 Again rule on

all rolls involving deception and deceit or subterfuge.

Bluff

Never let the opponent know what youre truly

thinking. If they cannot perceive your motives, then how

can they out-manoeuvre you? This is the purpose behind

the powerful emotional array, for one display of emotion

becomes a veritable mask to disguise what one truly feels.

This is the stratagem of bluff, to keep the enemy constantlyoff guard.

The changelings of Cups feed best when the emotions

they elicit are the result of false emotions portrayed. Thus

3


4/8

Angelus Morningstar

the Cups changelings can be found anywhere from playing

the false lover, to traipsing the stage and screen, to giving

false but stirring speeches at the chapel. They cultivate

false love, false hope and other tokens of unrequited

affection.

Stereotypes

Swords: So forward, so direct, so very easily led astray.

Coins: There is some common sense to making afoundation of fortitude, but theyre always so grim.

Staves: They may be aloof, they may be mercurial, but

they are so confoundedly rational.

The Suit of CoinsThe best offence is a good defence, claims the Suit of

Coins, and the best defence is to root the self in the

materialism of the world. By virtue of the fact that Earth is

far from Arcadia, then if immerses themselves in the

foundations of the world one distances themselves from the

influence of the Others. In particular, while the

materialism of the modern world may help to detach from

Arcadia, the foundation of human technology and

invention further confounds the others.

The Suit of Coins luxuriates, invests into technology,

and the array of human world. They surround themselves

with trapping of the modern and human world, and more

than any other suit, will make intensive endeavours to

install modern contrivances and technologies into their

homes. It is the home that is the foundation and pinnacle

of each changeling in the Suit of Coins. They become

veritable bastions against the encroach of the Gentry. Not

for the Coin suitors are the havens of the Hedge, for they

feel most comfortable surrounded by the good solid brick

and mortar of human hand or, even better, their own. Forthose changelings who do not seek monetary fortune, there

is a strong satisfaction that can be gain from constructing

things with ones own hands. Whether accruing wealth or

building monuments, the impetus is toward some measure

of security.

The story of the alliance with the Suit of Coins was not

one of trickery, guile or chance. No, it was simply a matter

of purchase. The pragmatic founder of the suits alliance

simply offers a considerable sum of payment to the suit, and

after much haggling and negotiation the terms of payment

were agreed acceptable. Howev er, what exact ly that

payment consisted of is a matter of speculation, and will

run the gamut of inordinate amounts of wealth to

payments with strange abstractions.

The influence of the Suit of Coins within the freehold

generally ensures a measure of stability and growth.

Though not necessarily profiteers and entrepreneurs

(though many are), they are more directed to the stable

and fundamental building of the society through tangible

and fungible commodities.

Heraldry

The Suit of Coins principally corresponds to Winter,

the night and the northern direction. For this reason, they

may draw upon the heraldry of the Winter and Northerncourts which are very familiar to them.

Coin Suitors are known for displaying their materialism

in ostentatious fashion. Whether it is a gross display or

wealth, or an array of technological apparatuses. There is

also the sense of heav iness about their apparel, as there is a

strong preference for leathers, denims, and other clothing

that give the changeling a sense of protection (sometimes

even turning to clothing with plates inside them as

genuine armour).

Mantle

The Mantle of Coins provides the changelings who

sport it a very powerful resilience to the world aroundthem, offering a sense of stability and grounding.

Changelings with Mantle to , will give the

impression of being solid and firm people, even the more

softer personalities will seem to hold a hard edge

underneath like steel under velvet. When the changeling

reaches a Mantle of +, the changelings skin tends to

become tougher, like leather or perhaps even calloused,

their eyes turn steely or flinty and their face more angular.

Mantle ( Coins ) imbues the changeling with a sense

of earthly stability. It grants them a +2 modifier to prevent

themselves from falling over or otherwise losing their

stance.

For the changeling with dots in Mantle, the

changelings skin takes on a slightly obdurate nature and

offers the changeling a 1/0 armour rating ( in addition to

any other mundane armour that he may wear) .

Changelings who have reached the peak of their

Mantle with , will find that while they are within

their chosen home, it will take on the defensive qualities of

the Suit. For a point of glamour, the changelings

homestead will impose a negative modifier on anyone

trying to break in (for that scene), equal to the

changelings Wyrd.

Hold

Security is paramount for the Suit of Coins, their first

line of defence is the only line, and one that everything is

invested into. To do this, a changeling must exercise

prudence and caution by investing their good fortunes into

something that will be a tangible barrier between them and

the Fae. From the vantage point of these bastion estates,

the changeling can safely extend their influence and will.

For the changelings of the Suit of Coins, the most

endearing emotions are also the most enduring. Not for

them are the extreme, but ultimately transient emotions of

the ev ery day, but those emotions rooted deep within the

psyche. Thus these changelings will dip into deep wells,

and bring them to the surface, either by inciting nostalgiain veterans, or reliving the unrequited love of many years

or even the torturous trauma of childhood that never went

away.

Stereotypes

Swords: So very, v ery reckless. All we hav e to do it wait

them out.

Cups: We both hav e fortifications, ours are simply worn

on the outside.

Staves: You cant out think rock, and eventually you

will come to the mountain.

The Suit of StavesEvery changeling can attest that at the heart of Arcadia

is madness, a seething cold irrationality that undermines all

reason. Even those Fae with a v ain and cold logic of their

4


5/8

Angelus Morningstar

own are underscored with specious reasoning. Thus, the

Suit of Staves attests that a truly profound set of logic and

reason is anathema to the mindset of the Fae.

The Suit of Staves cultivate a keen and careful

intellect. Even beyond the game of the Gambit, the

changelings of the S taves are known to indulge in parlour

games and board games to keep their edge. By learning

strategy inside and out, the Staves hope to apply it to the

larger reality of the Gambit. Beyond that, the Staves arehighly Mercurial, fond of conversation and sophistry. For

everything there is a reason, and the Staves like to reason

about it all. Furthermore, of all the Suits, the changelings

are the most communicative. Not only do they have an

affinity for the written and spoken word, they extend that

affinity to the pursuit of the contractual nature of the

Wyrd. A Stave suitor is just as l ikely to go into depth about

the minutiae of a legal accord underpinning a pledge to

look for either loopholes or edges to their advantage.

It is said that the Suit of Staves was swayed to an

alliance with the changelings through the weight of a well-

reasoned argument. The Suit forced the supplicant to pleadhis case before a mock-court, and argued it so succinctly

that the Suit could not but help accede to the case. Just as

notoriously, legend abounds that the changeling had

planned the case in its entirety, citing litigious loopholes

and all manner of precedents. In doing so, the changeling

was able to catch the Suit out in an accord it was obliged

to fill to the True Fae, that was argued extended to their

once kept vassals. She went on then to further posit that

the Suit was then subsequently freed from its former

obligations to the Fae as its purview was far more closely

tied to the mortal world..

Stave suitors are diplomats, mediators, strategists,

thinkers, philosophers, lawyers and keepers of the variousaccords. The Suit lauds talent of any description, placing

mental faculties above any other. Yet, as long as those

talents are applied in a carefully considered and rational

manner, such skills are not gone to waste.

Heraldry

The Suit of S taves principally corresponds to Spring,

the rising sun and the eastern direction. For this reason,

they may draw upon the heraldry of the Spring and Eastern

courts, which are very familiar to them.

Of all the Suits, the Suits of Staves tends to be the most

utilitarian in their outfits. Though they may not dress drab,

but there is often a formal cut to their fit and lessembellishment in their design. The Suit of Staves also

prefers lighter garments, with minimal layers, and clothing

that gives of certain softness. Simple, unadorned robes in

pastel may accompany lightweight suits and fashions.

Mantle

The Suit of Staves offers a Mantle the brings to the

changeling a quick and clear mind. When a changeling has

a Mantle (Staves) of to , the changelings hair and

clothing tends to ripple gently as though in a soft breeze.

At higher lev els of +, the changelings every litt le

movements are accompanied by simple gusts, their

footsteps being a whirl of wind.

When a changeling has of Mantle (Staves) the

changeling gains a +2 modifier instead of the normal +1 for

rolls that utilize Specialities

With dots in Mantle, the changeling suffers no

negative modifiers for using unskilled Mental Skills.

When a changeling attained Mantle (Staves) ,

the changeling has a keenly functioning intellect. By

spending a point of glamour, they may re-roll a failed

Mental roll, but must keep the second roll.

Plan

Nothing beats a good game play. The best stratagemthe S uit claims is one that is planned out to as many

eventualities and variables as possible. Games of chance

are about the odds, and these too can be calculated and

included. While there is, of course, no such thing as a

perfect plan, or a perfect plot, the Suit of Staves are all

about devising the best plan for the occasion. If that means

the occasional cheating, or underhanded tactic, than that

is simply part and parcel of the plan.

The changelings in the Suit of Staves harvest emotions

best that are produced as the result of some carefully

planned contrivance. For the emotion harvested to

produce the bonus, it must be the result of some

manipulation.

Stereotypes

Swords: Their brevity can sometimes match our levity.

Coins: They are stuck in a bed of mud they have made

their own, and cannot adapt.

Cups: They cannot shake off the irrationality of their

emotional detritus

Face CardsWithin the traditional tarot deck, there are four face

cards per suit. These cards are the King, the Queen, the

Knight and the Page. Each of these cards holds certainfunctions and duties for the changeling lucky (or unlucky)

enough to draw them).

The King: Just as the Seasonal Courts have their King

or Queen, so too does the Suits. The King of a suit is their

leader, competent or otherwise, selected by Fate to guide

and direct their fellow suitors. Naturally, the different

Kings will be inclined to different leadership styles pending

the suit they must lead. Kings of Swords are often brash,

direct and aggressive, while Kings of Coins are subtle,

patient and unyielding.

The Queen: This role serves as counterpoint to the

King, the role of the Queen is to lead from the shadows.

They work to be the power behind the throne, or thecourtly advisor. Queens of Cups tend to assume a role of

spy masters, while Queens of Coins become like some

dynastic matriarch protecting her clan. Queens of Sword is

likely to be a tyrannical beta to the Sword King, and the

Queen of Staves tends towards becoming a taciturn

diplomat.

The Knight: Knights are given the task of being the

champions of their Suit. Thrust upon them is the

responsibility to defence the interests and honour of their

suit. When there is a call for a Hedge Duel, they are

expected to front up to face the enemy at the appointed

time, and they are asked to be the last stand in defenceagainst assaults upon the freehold. Of course, not all

champions use conventional weapons, or even

conventional combat. As long as they apply their powers,

5


6/8

Angelus Morningstar

arts, talents or sheer brutality to the task, they fulfil their

role.

The Page: The role of a page is somewhere between

that of an errand boy and a great advisor for the King.

They are expected to insert themselves socially among the

other suits and represent the suits interests, or bring back

good will. They are an all- round task performer for the suit,

ranging from hosting the gathering, to marshalling the

throng, to becoming a missive envoy. In all things they arethe intermediaries between the suits.

Rules of the GameSo what is the objective of this Gambit? If it is a game,

it must surely have goals and rules. There is, and they are

rules that go back beyond memory. It is said that the

Gambit is not just a game, but a smaller manifestation of

the workings of the Wyrd itself. This is the game that the

Fates play, the objective is to come out on top. For while

the Gambit is in play, luck (both good and bad) runs

rampant through the freehold, and a canny changeling can

use this achieve things they might otherwise be unable to.

Fortunes seem to come hard and go fast in the Gambit, and

the hope is to have won more at the end of the events than

not.

The game itself is a game of politics, where each Suit

makes bids, and attempts to win tricks. These acts accrue

each Suit a measure of power, designed to place their Suit

in charge for the next turn. Each Suit is either trying to

build enough influence to trump the Suit in power and

take charge, or maintain enough power to declare a

victory. The Suit that can declares victory gains a

permanent bonus for all its players.

Central to this game is the Deck. This is a tarot deckthat becomes the focus of the game, and is imbued with the

powers of the game like a Corporal for a pledge. This Deck

is mystically weighted with the influence of the Suits, and

can literally control the fate of the freehold. It is from this

deck that the players are assigned a Suit and potential role,

and it is the Deck that shapes the play. This Deck is the

sole property of the Fool (see below) and attempts to wrest

it from him or her by force or guile will inevitably fail.

Their bond is sacrosanct.

CommencementAs is custom, the reigning King or Queen has the right

to cal l the procession of Suits to order. When this happens,the current state of politics is dissembled and the members

of the freehold are called to draw a single card from the

Deck (which has first had the Major Arcana removed).

The card they draw determines the Suit they join, and if

they are lucky enough to draw one of the four face cards,

then they assume that cards responsibilities as well.

Each changeling in the freehold then represents a

single card within the deck. As is to be expected, most

freeholds do not have enough changelings to form an

entire deck. It may be chance that determines that one suit

is plentiful, while another is sparse, and that is the set up

for the Gambit. It may also be that certain face cards arenot drawn, and in these cases, those Courts will have to get

by without those roles to support them.

There is one single exception to this. The original King

or Queen who called the Gambit does not draw a card.

They become the Fool, of no suit, and yet representing all

of them, for they are the keeper of the pledge of the

Gambit. Their function is one part Master of Ceremonies,

one part Peace Keeper and one part Dealer (or Broker) .

The cards drawn remain in the possession of the

changeling that drew it. The remaining cards are shuffled

with the Major Arcana and kept by the Fool.

PlayThe game is broken down into turns, which is typically

one week, but may be any regular interval. At the

commencement of each turn, the Fool draws a card from

the Deck. The first suit card is called the Rule, for it

determines which Suit is in charge. It is the draw of the

Rule that determines which Suit is in power for the next

turn. For the first draw, simply which suit it is sets the

power for the first turn. For subsequent draws, the Rule can

be trumped by the actions of that Suit.

Throughout each turn, the Suits will commit to pledges

and attempt to fulfil them, which contributes to the

strength of their play. If a play is strong enough, that Suitmay trump the Rule.

Bid

The first action to be taken is the bidding. Each Suit

puts forth a number of bids. Each pledge is sworn for the

duration of each turn. The Task are either Endeavour or

Forbiddance, with the limitation that Endeavours must be

completed before the end of the Duration, and

Forbiddances must be upheld for the length of the

Duration.

For Sanctions and Boons, the normal range are not

permitted, allowing and introducing a single Boon called

the Award and a single Sanction called the Penalty. BothAward and Penalty giv e their suit a measure of influence

over the Deck, equal to their numeric value (both Award

and Penalty can be of Lesser, Medial or Greater

magnitude). Thus if a changeling has a Task with the

Award, Medial Boon and Penalty , Greater Sanc tion,

should they succeed, then their Suit is granted two

measures of influence, but failure would penalize them

three measures of influence. Influence can be reduced to,

but not below zero.

It is also be possible for multiple changelings to swear to

serve the same bid. That is, there are more changelings

working to serve the same pledge, thus giv ing it a better

chance of success. The trade-off is that there are less actualbids being made, as the resources of players are ordered into

fewer bids. They either succeed or fail as a group.

These bids are made to the Fool, who takes note and

score of the final result for each turn. The following factors

in making the bid may increase or decrease the final value

of the Award or Penalty by the stated amount. T hese

values need not be calculated in the pledge- crafting.

Pledging the oath publicly before the freehold

for all to hear +1

Forswearing any aid from friend or foe + 1

The Task is in line with the Suits stratagem +1

The Task is in line with the opposing Suitsstratagem (Staves vs. Cups /Swords vs. Coins) - 1

For every three changelings participating in the

same pledge - 1

6


7/8

Angelus Morningstar

Tricks

Throughout the remainder of the turn, the changeling

is expected to pursue their pledge and fail or succeed. The

core changelings will go out and attempt to fulfil their

pledges, while those unsworn will typical ly run interference

with the fulfilment of those pledges.

The game will either run as an internal game, where all

the pledges are designed to affect the other members of thefreehold within the limited space provided, or an external

game where the players must perform their deeds and

return at the appointed hour.

There are a large number of tactics available in the

pursuit of these tasks. They primarily involve the

attempted interference of the other Suits tricks, or

intervention to prevent such interference.

Return

A t the t ime of the next draw, the changelings return to

the appointed place. All pledges are declared fulfilled or

forsworn by the Fool, and the total amount of influence is

tallied.Then, the Fool makes another Draw. Like the original

Draw, the Rule determines who is the ruler of the next

turn. However, should a Suit have a higher amount of

influence than the numerical value of the Rule (Pages =

11, Knights = 12, Queens = 13, Kings = 14), then they are

declared the ruler instead. In cases of multiple trumps, the

highest wins. In cases of draws, the Fool keeps drawing till

one of the tied Suits cards is drawn. That Suit then

becomes the ruler for the next turn.

It should be noted, that the players should all have

their cards they originally drew. This means that while

some Suits may certainly be larger, or missing their face

cards, this gives them an advantage in the draw, as the

Suits with fewer players will have more chance of their

Suit being drawn. Suits lacking face cards, have chances of

very high numbers being drawn that are rarely trumped.

DenouementThe game will come to an end when one of three

things occurs.

Stalemate: The game can only go on for so long. At the

beginning of the game, the duration is declared and when

this time runs out, the game is at an end. Should the period

of the Gambit expire in such a fashion, then the freeholds

normal power reasserts itself.Checkmate: If the ruling Suit trumps a draw of their

own Suit. That is, if the Staves are the Ruling Suit, and a

three of Staves is drawn, with the Suit having an influence

of four, then they gain a state of absolute Rule and win the

game.

Foolsmate: The Final way for the game to end is

through the death of the Fool. However, this is an

undesirable ending for most of the payers and is possibly

the most dangerous part of the Gambit, ( the risk is party,

why it offers up so much protection) . If the Fool is

destroyed by treachery, then the freehold is dissolved until

the start of the new season. This leaves all of the freeholds

residents without the protection a freehold formally offers.

Variant RulesThe following rules can add a little more complexity to

the game. They are entirely optional:

Fortune Favours the Brave

When the Gambit is enforced, the influence of the

Suits kicks in and creates the following effects throughout

the freehold. It should be noted that these benefits extendonly to changelings, faerie creatures and the Ensorcelled:

Luck truly does run rampant in the Gambit, the

requisite number of successes to gain an exceptional

success is reduced by one. That is, an exceptional

success can be achieved normally though four

successes.

Conversely, if an action fails normally then the chance

for it to become a dramatic failure also increases. If,

upon a roll with no successes, if any of the dice show a

1, it automatically becomes a dramatic failure (this

may seem strange at first as more dice means failure

has a greater chance of becoming a dramatic failure,

but more dice also meant the roll had a better chanceto succeed in the first place).

A player may spend a point of Glamour once in a

scene to make a single roll again attain the 9-Again

rule (or upgrade a situation with the 9 Again rule to

the 8 Again rule for that one instance).

By Hook or By Crook

Not only are the face cards providers of significant

roles, they are augmented with particular powers that can

be used once during a turn.

King: The Kings participation in a pledge grants it a

+2 influence modifier to the Award or Penalty

Queen: The Queens participation in any attempts to

interfere with an opposing Suits pledges automatically

grants +2 to all rolls relating to running interference by

mystical or occult means.

Knight: The Knights presence in a pledge offers that

group (or any pledges self- sworn) a bonus 2 to any

Resistance draws against physical assaults.

Page: If the Page participates in no pledges, they may

request from the Fool the details of one of the hidden

pledges of one of the Suits. The pledge is chosen by the

Fool, though the Page may choose the Suit.

Lords of Misrule

The Fool shuffles the Major Arcanum into the Deck.

Upon performing the Draw, if a Major Arcanum card is

drawn, then it triggers a freehold- wide event provoked by

the symbolism of that card. After this, the Fool must draw

another and another until a suit card is drawn. In this

manner, a number of Major Arcanum cards may be drawn,

each exerting their influence over the freehold.

The Fool: This card symbolises capture by the Others.

It represents both our kidnapping to Arcadia and our

escape through the Hedge. In fact I would suggest it has

close affinities to all journeys through the Hedge and newly

emerged changelings.

The Magician: This is the card representing the Wyrd,and those who would master it. While these mysteries are

most closely associated with the Court of Autumn, it can

7


8/8

Angelus Morningstar

also represent a greater magical intrigue at play. The

workings of faerie magic are strong in this time.

The High Priestess: This is the card of the human

mystery. It represents the power and intrigue of that part of

humanity lost to the changelings. When this card appears

it nominally represents the influence of humanity into the

freehold, unknowingly. It is also the card of humans within

mystery, such as the ensorcelled.

The Empress: This is the card of the nurturer. Itrepresents the home and hearth, the mother, the family.

With the influence of this card, the significance of

changeling families come to the fore. It may mean an

external threat to loved ones for the freehold, or the

significant of their role.

The Emperor: This is the card of the builder, the

empire maker. This card represents the strong influence of

the current ruling monarch (for whatever season it is). It

suggests that the freehold's activities rely strongly on his or

her leadership and activities right now.

The Hierophant: This is the card of human divinity.

While changeling may owe allegiances to some divineprovidence, they still seem the province of humanity at

heart. This card represents the pull of such agency, either

through their religious institutions or some other unknown

Dues ex Machina.

The Lovers: This is the card of the Fetch, it represents

the influence and play that a Fetch can bring upon a

freehold and their resident changelings.

The Chariot: This is the card of conflict, of war. While

it has strong associations with the Court of Summer, not

all conflict comes from within. This is not the subtle

Byzantine conflicts of politics, but the brutal politics of

conflict and strife. It suggests blood will be spilled.

Strength: This is the card of temptations and personalgratification. While it is strongly associated with the Court

of S pring, not all yearnings come from their haunts. It

suggests that the court is caught up in affairs of the heart

(or other desires) , possibly frivolous, or possibly grandiose.

The Hermit: This is the card of isolation. It could be

suggesting the influence of bridge- burners or other militant

groups. It could be a warning to sever more ties from the

mortal world. Whatever the situation, it is a sign of

distancing from either A rcadia or the mortal world at large.

Wheel of Fortune: This is the card of Fate and the

Wyrd. It represents powerful influences of these forces

throughout the freehold, and potentially the nearness of

Arcadia.

Justice: This is the card of oaths and pledges. It suggests

that commitments and obligations should be upheld and

honoured, or that some form of broken pledge may occur.

The Hanged Man: The Others in disguise. It represents

the hidden influence of the Fae within the court, either a

Fae who is currently trapped as a Charlatan, or loyalists

under their sway .Death: This is the card of change. It represents that

fundamental political/social or change within the freehold.

There is a change in the winds.

Temperance: This is the card of prudence and caution.

While strongly associated with the Court of Winter, it is

not the court exclusivity. It could be advise for a fallow

period in the freehold, or for times of reflection and

quintessence

The Devil: This is the card of servitude. It represents

potential capture by the Others, or the work of privateers.

It is the fundamental card of bondage and enslavement

that brings horror to the freehold. It is a v ery ominous card.The Tower: This is the card of disaster. Some ruinous

activity is set to befall the freehold. Be it an invasion,

natural disaster or internal war set to tear them apart.

The Star: This is the card of magic itself. It represents

the influence of non-faerie magic within the freehold.

While it could potentially point to supernal magic, it is any

source of mystery that is not ken to changel ings.

The Moon: This is the card of madness itself. It could

mean something that will profoundly shake the clarity of

the freehold, or it could mean that an agency of madness

itself will wend its way through the freehold. It is a time of

uncertainty, treachery, lies, deceit and illusion. (It may also

represent the influence of the Moon Court) .The Sun: This is the card of revelation. It is a period

where truth will out and clarity is stabilised. It will

represent a time where power triumphs over indignity and

illusions are shattered. It is the glory of righteousness and

justice to be done. (It may also represent the influence of

the Sun Court).

Judgement: This card suggests that something lost will

be restored or returned to the freehold. Someone who has

left wil l return. It is a card of redemption, rejuvenation and

reinvigoration for the freehold.

The World: This is the card of Earth. To it are

attributed all aspects of the mundane world.

8

changeling lost: the gambit

Documents