The West Court

The reality is, the world is at war. Humans fight with humans. Humans fight with the natural land and the beasts that walk within it. The changelings fight the encroachment of the Fair Folk, and worst of all, the Lost might often battle their own. The changelings of this Court believe themselves to be the true guardians of the freehold, warriors who know that permanent peace is impossible and that war must be managed and fought by the virtuous. They, of course, claim that they're the virtuous ones. The Lost that comprise the Court of the West obsess over martial prowess. Many carry assault rifles slung over their shoulders and knifes or swords sheathed in hip-hung scabbards. Some know how to fight with only their hands, learning close combat techniques honorable and dirty (a gentle disarm followed by a kneecap-shattering heel kick). These courtiers know that they're the first and last line of defense against the humans, against the Fae, and against other changelings.
It's the latter group that concerns them most. Changelings, it seems, have taken from their imprisonment some of the callousness from their Fae tormentors. Every one of the Lost seems capable in even the best of times to exhibit some of that pitiless cunning, and it comes out unexpectedly. In this way, changelings are their own worst enemies, and the Court of War knows that. Its members strive to tamp down such manipulations.

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Mantle

Within the Court of the West, the Mantle is one of cold ferocity, of stone-cold martial ability. Lost with Mantle 1 to 3 radiate an eerie coldness that isn't cold to the skin so much as it is cold to the marrow of one's bones. They also tend to have their eyes glint and flash like a polished blade turned in the sun. Those with Mantle 4+ may actually see their skin develop the black stripes of the White Tiger, even manifesting a faintly downy fur. One's breath often smells of a fresh kill, the heady scent of coppery blood even though no meat has passed across that changeling's lips.
A courtier with Mantle 1+ finds himself married to whatever weapon he has chosen to carry at that time -- any weapon in his hands gains a point of Durability, becoming as steely and unyielding as the changeling is. With Mantle 3+, the changeling develops the ability to enter the fray like a tiger would -- fast and without mercy, gaining a +1 to his Initiative score. At Mantle 5, the changeling gains the reflexes of a beast, as well, allowing him to choose the higher of his Wits or Dexterity for purposes of determining Defense. Moreover, he can apply his full Defense against multiple attacks in a given round of combat.

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Nicknames

The White Tiger Court, the Sword, the Court of War

Emotion

Honor

Colors

White and Black

Related Species

• Changeling