Freehold Culture

Every Freehold is different, and Las Vegas is unique among them all.

Due to strangely strong Wards that are diligently kept up by the Seasonal Courts, Las Vegas is a bastion of safety in a dangerous world. Much of the year, the Gentry can do little to the members of this Freehold. The reasons why are the subject of remarkable research and usually known only to the ultimate scholars of the Lost. In practice, this means that Las Vegas presents an incredible opportunity for Changelings to grow beyond being mere survivors hunkered down against the shadow of those that hunt them. A concentration of long-lived Changelings who have grown into their power has led to a clear culture that promotes active participation in Freehold rituals, development of personal assets and 'a life', and community development.

While not all characters feel the same way, generally, there are some common themes for what Changelings in Las Vegas tend to appreciate:

• The most basic thing you can do to earn some respect is put together a life and be able to blend in. Lots of characters are connected enough or skilled enough to create Alternate Identities of some stripe or another. Basic things like a job, interests, friends and other symbols of establishment in the community are a great start. Destroying your Fetch and retaking your life is supported, but not required.
• Gathering mundane connections and power is valuable. Contributing Resources and other material assistance to your Court makes the lives of your fellow Courtiers easier. Superpowers are great and all, but real world connections move mountains. If the Court needs the underworld in Whitney to slow its roll for a night so Winter can do something secret for their Ritual, Knowing A Guy who can get that done is super helpful.
• Participating in Freehold rituals is mandatory and expected. Actively assisting in putting together the required rituals that support the Freehold's Wards is appreciated by many (but not all, for reasons!)
• Cultivating Goodwill across different Courts goes a long way. The Courts in Las Vegas are not all best friends, so Goodwill bridges gaps.
• Being part of a Motley in the Freehold is respected; characters whose Motley does well will find that their stock rises or falls as a collective.
• Characters who are beginning to rise in power in their Courts usually swear special service to a Knight or their Monarch directly as a vassal. This is a mark of an established Courtier who is investing in their community's structure, which tends to garner appreciation from the Freehold generally.
• No Court wants to lose face. Keep your Court's dirty laundry out of the public eye. This is especially important in Winter and Fall.