Escheat

The Escheat

The Six Basic Rights
as interpreted by a past Baron, and also a current Baron

The Right of Demesne

A lord is the king of his domain. He is the judge and jury over all crimes, large and small. His word is law. A noble expects obedience from his vassals and respect from all others. In turn, a noble respects those lords superior to him.

Baron Lonne's Interpretation – “Short version? Fuck. That. Look, here's the thing - judging criminals, fine, obviously that needs to be done, but that whole expecting obedience and respect? EXPECTING it, like it's something inherently DESERVED simply because I happen to have a fancy title? To hell with that. If you feel like calling me a cunt to my face, go right the fuck ahead, I can take it. I'll probably just laugh. Respect someone because you feel they've earned it, not because some asshole made it a law. As for my so-called 'superiors'? Yeah, I respect Duke Simon, but it's not because he has 'Duke' in front of his name, it's because he's doin' a good job running shit. Guess it helps that we're both goats..."

Baron Ethan’s Interpretation - '”'Respect is not something you just get, not with just time and not because of a title either. It must be earned. If you’re not worthy of it? Guess what, nobody is going to respect you, ennobled or not. And trust me, I don’t get my kicks ordering people around. Regardless if they are my people, if I say someone should do something? I have a good goddamned reason and I stake my reputation on it. If I didn’t have some respect for Countess Naevys, I would never have accepted her Knighting, much less being appointed Baron. This latchkey County needs someone at the fuckin’ reins.'”

The Right to Dream

Mortals have the right to dream unhindered by our needs. The Dreaming will die if we steal directly from the font. No one is allowed to use Glamour to manipulate the creative process. Although you may inspire creativity in the mortal mind, it is forbidden to give direct instruction or to infuse a human with raw Glamour.

Baron Lonne's Interpretation - "Three very good reasons not to do the whole Rhapsody thing. One, it fucks the victim up something fierce; hell of a dick move. If they even survive, they're probably going to hate our guts, and for good reason. We'll likely have to put them down to cover for your mess; don't think for one second that we're going to forget who caused said mess in the first place. We won't. Two, it's fucking overkill. There are easier and less harmful ways to get your Glamour fix without having to resort to something like this. I'd rather see you wither away from Glamour starvation than going around pulling this shit. Yes, I'm talkin' to you, House Leanhaun. Three... what was the third one again? Oh yeah. I'll kick your fucking ass if I catch you doing this. PERSONALLY. And then, when you're sobbing and begging for the sweet embrace of death, I just might point out a loophole in the Right of Life..."

Baron Ethan’s Interpretation - '”You’re not supposed to Ravage people. I would not treat my Dreamers that way, but I also strive for Rapture as well. Besides, not everyone has the mentality to think “do I want chicken tonight, or eggs for the foreseeable future?” Surprised that a redcap plans that far ahead? When you eat anything, you learn to ration everything. Or you go hungry. Everyone has their ways, we have enough Freeholds and Dross to keep all of our changelings going, we should have no problem taking care of our Dreamers. And the club named “Rhapsody”? That’s a warning against that particular practice. You should see what I’ve done to Ravagers in the past, just for comparison’s sake.”

The Right of Ignorance

Do not betray the Dreaming to Banality. Never reveal yourself to humanity. Not only will humanity hunt us down for our wisdom and our power, it will overwhelm us with Banality and destroy our places of power. The more humanity knows, the more ardently it will seek us, draining the world of Glamour and petrifying our essence with its basilisk gaze.

Baron Lonne's Interpretation - "Wow, that whole basilisk gaze bit is some of the worst purple prose I've seen in ages. Who WROTE this shit? Ugh. Seriously though, wording aside, the idea behind it is solid enough. Don't go around showing your true form off to humanity in general, it's likely to get your dumb ass killed. I'm not just talkin' about humans here, either. They're bad enough with their guns and nukes and Banality, but there are plenty of other groups of Prodigals out there that also don't want humanity to know this stuff, and they'll probably hunt you down and gut you like a pig before we even get around to it. However... enchanting the occasional well-deserving and trustworthy mortal, or some of the more agreeable Prodigals? Not really that big a deal, most of the time. Be responsible with it, keep close tabs on them while they're Enchanted, that sort of thing. As long as they don't cause a problem, we don't have a problem. If they do cause a problem, that makes them your problem, which in turn makes you my problem... and I solve my problems."

Baron Ethan’s Interpretation - '”I hate this wording. TLDR: Do not tell others about us. Simple, right? But then you think, well the person I am dating should know--- and my friend that I think is something supernatural--- just for not having any secrets--- and and and. Don’t twist my words by going Wyrd, saying that is showing not telling. Spilling the beans puts you at the risk that I spill your guts. Right to Life is great and all, but if we have to play the trolley game and lose one to save ten? Some other ratio? DO NOT TELL OTHERS ABOUT US. Some can be trusted, and those with The Sight figure it out… and hope to whatever you pray to that they are smart enough to keep their mouths shut. The safety of those close to me, my people and those I am sworn to protect, means a lot more to me than the safety of one person with a problem shutting up.”

The Right of Rescue

All Kithain have the right to expect rescue from the foul grip of Banality. We are in danger together and must strive together to survive. Never leave anyone behind. Kithain are required to rescue other faeries or any creature of the Dreaming trapped by those who serve Banality.

County - This portion of the Escheat is to be adhered to. Any Kithain, even your greatest enemy, shall be rescued if there is need.

Penalties for Breaking - Fae found in violation of this Right will be summarily banished from the Freehold for a specific amount of time or may be sent on a quest of redemption.

Baron Ethan’s Stance – “Nobody gets left behind, or forgotten. Not just a cute saying in a Disney film. My continued faerie existence and my very life have been on the line, and saved twice by those adhering to this tenet. Not only do I firmly believe in that, but it is just the right thing to do.”

The Right of Safe Haven

All places of the Dreaming are sacred. Kithain cannot allow faerie places to be endangered. All those who seek refuge in such places must be admitted. Freeholds must be kept free of both Banality and worldly violence.

County - Those places that are sacred to us will be respected and protected by us all. The freehold doors shall never be barred to one who is truly in need. Even in the case of banishment, should you be in danger of becoming undone, you will be able to seek the nourishment of the balefire.

Penalties for Breaking - Violators of this Right will be either shunned or banished for a specific period of time. Repeated offenses will earn longer periods of punishment.

Baron Ethan’s Stance – “In my eyes, this supersedes even the Right Of Life. Freeholds help who they can, but they don’t get multiple chances to do so. Places of Glamour and The Dreaming need us to tend them, and to protect them. Sometimes from each other. And if you start shit? Well, you’ll reincarnate eventually. They don’t.”

The Right of Life

No Kithain shall spill the lifeblood of another Kithain. No Kithain shall bring salt tears unto the earth. No Kithain shall take from the Dreaming one of its own. Death is anathema.

County - No Kithain life shall be taken. Should duels to the death be required, due to fior or otherwise, they will be by chimerical weapons alone. These will be held outside of the Dreaming.

Penalties for Breaking - Fae who violate this sacred Right can face imprisonment for a specified period of time, maiming or banishment. Extremely dangerous quests might also be considered as penance in certain circumstances at the ruling of the Count, Countess or Chancellor.

Baron Ethan’s Stance – “You would not believe the number of people who do not give a shit about this tenet. It’s the people who appear to break it on the regular, and then once caught out they turn around and recite it, like the old trope about “if you confess before your Miranda rights, you cannot be arrested”. It’s bullshit. You get as good as you give. I don’t believe I’m above it, but I sure as hell do not think you are.