House Ailil

Name	House Ailil
Pronounciation	eye-LEEL

House Ailil is one of the noble houses of the Unseelie Court.

A Discourse on House Ailil

Although some may question the wisdom of writing down the history and ways of House Ailil, I believe that the current disruption in Concordian politics presents a unique opportunity for the advancement of the house's greater purpose. To this end, I have compiled this manuscript as a statement of who and what the Ailil are so that even their newest members may act with full knowledge of their ways and means.

The house thrives on power. Over the long centuries, they have perfected their skills in diplomacy and intrigue. They wear their Unseelie natures with pride, despite the efforts of the Seelie rulers of Concordia to paint them as villains. House Ailil has an ancient heritage as the leaders of the Winter Court; a legacy denied them since the Resurgence by the usurpers of House Gwydion.

Their house symbol is the dragon: the most powerful and canny of mythic beasts. They emulate the wisdom and subtlety of the great serpent in their dealings with those outside their house. Unlike the hedonists of House Leanhaun or the nihilists of House Balor, they have learned the lessons of patience and planning. Despite the lateness of the hour, the nearness of Endless Winter, and the sometimes insufferable condescension of their Seelie kin, those of House Ailil rest secure in the knowledge that their goal: to restore the long-upset balance of duality that forms the essence of the Dreaming itself, lies almost within their grasp

To understand what they strive for, the one who reads this must first comprehend their past, for within its clouded memories lie the seeds of their renewal and the keys to their survival and ascendancy.

The Ways of House Ailil

On the Taking and Breaking of Oaths

• The Oath of Membership is the Oath pronounced by all Sidhe of the House after their Fior-Righ.
• The Oath of Adoption is sworn by non-house sidhe and commoners who join the house.
• The Oath of Loyal Opposition is sworn by Seelie members of the house.
• The Oath of the Forsworn acknowledges the guilt of oathbreaker.

References

• CTD: The Shadow Court, p. 62-63