The Crystal Circle is a cabal of the most powerful Seelie Kithain sorcerers known.
Overview[]
Only the most talented of fae magic-users are considered for this powerful cabal of Seelie "sorcerers." The Crystal Circle consists of both noble and commoner fae who have mastered at least one of the Kithain Arts and are adept at another. (Minimum requirement: 5 in one Art, 4 in another.) The Crystal Circle is known of by the changeling populace, but its goals are generally obscure. It is known that its members travel deeper and farther into the Dreaming than any other changelings have dared since the Shattering. What they do there, though, is unknown. Some say they search for Arcadia, while others believe they guard the borders against incursions from the Nightmare Realms. It is even rumored that they travel in the realms of the Umbra and of the dead.
In general, the Crystal Circle is perceived as benign by most Seelie changelings. Many ballads tell of these conjurers showing up and saving the day at the last moment. Its members are closely allied with the Red Branch. Although generally good natured, they do not suffer fools lightly and it is rare that they take outsiders into their confidence. Sidhe of the Crystal Circle do not acquire Banality as quickly as other sidhe. They are particularly adept at the Arts of Chronos and Dream-Craft.
The Crystal Circle also masters the Art of Naming and are a major part of that ceremony for all fae.
Membership[]
- "Duke" Guile aka "Scarlet Sorcerer"
- Rhynn MacKenna ap Scathach
- Bella Luna
- Alley Cat, the Monster Maker
Rituals and Rites[]
The Crystal Circle meets annually on Beltaine for high ritual workings. Soothsayers assemble at Caer Astra in the Duchy of High Mountains, imbibe vision-enhancing substances, and gaze deeply into the Dreaming sky beyond the snow-capped peaks, seeking glimpses of the future. Visions that come swift and clear to multiple seers receive the greatest attention - the Circle still bitterly regrets not acting on visions of the High King's disappearance, and blames itself for the chaos that followed.
Social or projects-oriented groups meet on a regular basis to exchange information, rumors and innuendo, and new techniques. Some formalize their schedules to sync with seasonal milestones and others meet when something can be arranged. In a genuine emergency, all of the members of the Circle posses a minor treasure enchanted to allow them to contract all of their fellows in the immediate area.
Boon[]
The Crystal Circle enjoys an assurance of neutrality in all the domains under Kithain rule, enforced by the binding will of the Dreaming in the form of their Oath, free from worldly violence and interference in their affairs.
Ban[]
Members of the Crystal Circle are forbidden to hold more than honorary noble titles of to involve themselves in the affairs of politics or governance, as these are a source of conflict and distract from the Circle's focus on scholarship and the execution of their most important responsibilities.
Recruitment[]
The Crystal Circle recruits from all kiths and primarily from the Seelie Court, though they have recently invited a select few Unseelie sorcerers whose character and probity are sufficiently trustworthy to join their ranks. If this experiment pans out, the intent is to be more open to the consideration of Unseelie members going forth, subject of course to the Circle's entry requirements and said recruit's willingness to swear the Circle's Oaths of service to the Dreaming. Most of its members are wilders and grumps, die primarily to the degree of arcane mastery necessary to meet the requirements of entry, but the Circle is not inherently biased against the admission of childing prodigies - there have, after all, been a few in the past.