Gangrel

Hound Master under Viscount Talbot

Overview

Sorrow is a close companion to the Lost: taken from their homes; their lives stolen by a Fetch; family long since aged, leaving the poor changeling behind. The Winter Court grab ahold of this sorrow, refusing to hide away from it. Instead, its courtiers use it as a weapon to break the wills of their enemies; they use it as a shield against false hope and temptation.

Fitting that, unfortunately, Winter courtiers are those most likely to fall into depression. Those of the Onyx Court must be certain to play a careful balancing act with their sorrows so as not to fall to despairing inaction.

Turning of the Seasons

High Winter: During Winter’s time at the throne, a freehold grows quiet, withdrawing into its shell. During this period, the freeholders upgrade their security, prepare their plots and plans, and maintain their readiness. Only rarely do they go to war — the Silent Arrow far prefers its information networks, misdirections, and, if it comes down to the wire, assassinations.

Low Winter: When other Courts rule, Winter is in the background, gathering information and running errands under the radar. Within the freehold, they are the ones to go to if you want to find someone or something. They may also take rolls as scouts, doctors, researchers, and the like.

Bargain

Winter’s Bargain is such that, should the Gentry come calling, they must mourn their victims — in whatever bizarre manner a Stranger may play at mourning. Given the Winter Court’s rather sour views on honor, its courtiers are more than willing to strike at the mourners.

The Court of Sorrow bears three main traditions that uphold their end of the Bargain: a grand wake for all who have fallen to the Gentry; a discrete Winter Market, wherein approved vendors trade information and “confiscated” goods; and an annual masquerade ball that uses tokens and magic to hide participants’ identities.

Associated Powers

Contracts

Winter Contracts, both Common and Royal, are imbued with power relating to Winter itself (such as ice and snow) and the Court’s emotion, sorrow.

Mantle

A subtle effect, the Winter Mantle exudes a feeling of starkness around the courtier — details becoming just a little bit clearer and stiller. Powerful changelings will find a chill breeze and snow following them.

• Safe Place 1
• Hallow 1
• Library 2
• Staff 1
  

A share home for students of the College. You can probably blend in with them, and maybe even use some of the college's facilities. But it won't be very private.