The Cat's Cradle is an extremely subtle secret society composed only of Noblewomen, both Seelie and Unseelie.
Overview[]
The Cat's Cradle is perhaps the most subtle of all of the secret societies. Its existence is not even whispered of beyond a small circle. The Cradle is made up entirely of faerie noblewomen (both Seelie and Unseelie) who work tirelessly to ensure the long-term survival of all of the fae. To this end they have secretly broken many laws of the fae, including various terms of the Escheat. All of them are women of power, however, and it is unlikely that they would be harshly punished, even if this fact was revealed. It's possible they work with the approval of the High King. Their two most consistent opponents are the Shadow Court and the Beltaine Blade.
To assure the fae's long-term survival, the Cat's Cradle weaves a complex and arcane web of subtle alliances throughout the fae that it may pull together in the event of a major crisis like the onset of Eternal Winter. In addition, they have made alliances outside the fae altogether. Tentative contacts have been made among the Gallain. Even certain, carefully researched Prodigals are approached. Prominent members of the Cat's Cradle include Queen Mab, Queen Laurel, Countess Anne and the Lady Sierra.
Membership[]
- Queen Mab
- Queen Laurel
- Lady Sierra
- Countess Anne ni Eiluned
- Countess Rhona McCready ni Scathach
- Countess Annabelle Mendoza ni Fiona
- Baroness Talora Balliet ni Dougal
Rituals and Rites[]
The Cat's Cradle officially gathers twice a year, once during the summer solstice and once during the winter. All members in a given region gather to exchange news and gossip, fellowship, and good food. Business is inevitably and surreptitiously conducted during these celebrations, encouraging the growth of genuine friendships and political alliances alike.
Boon[]
Members of the Cat's Cradle may call upon any other member, without notice or warning, to seek shelter and support for any reason - up to and including breaking clauses of the Escheat.
Ban[]
The members of the Cat's Cradle may not yield the identities of their sisters to any temporal authority - doing so is a violation of their Oath in the eyes of the Dreaming.
Recruitment[]
The Cradle aggressively recruits ennobled commoners and Autumn sidhe targeted by efforts to delegitimize their rule, but any Kithain noblewomen of the requisite temperament and desire to protect their people are welcomed.
References[]
- CTD: Nobles: The Shining Host, p. 47
- CTD: The Shadow Court, p. 33
- CTD: Changeling: The Dreaming 20th Anniversary Edition Player's Guide, p. 57-59