Welcome to Ardent Harbor,

  In order to avoid pesky entanglements, and future confusions (and so no one will be able to say ‘but I didn’t know’ to me) I present, for your edification my interpretations of the Escheat, and how it applies to this happy place.

The Right to Dream:

  Notice how I put this one first? Good. Ardent Harbor is not the strongest Hold about, and so, its Dreamers are its most precious resource. Reverie is strongly encouraged, as it is not, to my mind, “Direct Instruction” but gentle guidance. Indeed, my dreamers are yours in that regard, though be kind. They are not to be mistreated. If you feel you have a Dreamer who needs away from the world for a bit, I sincerely hope you find this environment to your liking.

  Ravaging, and certain other dark methods of gathering glamour are forbidden, both by the Escheat, and by me. I’ve heard all the excuses, and was not impressed by them. This world is too short of Dreamers to let anyone take more fruit than the tree is ready to give. Ravaging not only rapes a human’s creativity, it spreads Banality within you, him or her, and robs the next Kithain to come along of much needed energies, for the well will be dry, or even tainted after it. Therefore, I see Ravaging as a violation of many parts of the Escheat beyond this… the Right to Life among them. Think on that before you figure I’ll ‘just let it slide’.

The Right of Safe Haven

On the lighter note, I will turn no one away unless I deem said person a threat to the Dreamers or other Kithain/Kinain of this Hold or the Hold itself. I grant hospitality to even the Oath broken, snub them if you like, but I will not send them out into the Winter to fade. Worldly violence is not permitted, though I’m not so foolish as to think a mere scrap of paper will prevent that. Come in peace, follow the Escheat, and be welcome. Should you need more than the traditional three days and nights, let me know. Even if space is more limited than you think, I will surely try to arrange something. Me Casa su Casa.

The Right of Demesne:

Oh, don’t panic, I’m not going to expect a ‘Your Excellency’ or ‘Most Honorable’ out of your lips every five minutes. It can get tedious for both of us.  If you are more comfortable with a lack of titles, and no ‘official Court’ matter is going on, by all means, we can dispense with them. On the other hand, I know how hard some strive to live up to their titles, if you disturbs you not to have your title used, by all means, kindly let us know, and I will try to accommodate, though I will not force the untitled to comply if no Court is in session. This is supposed to be a carefree place in most regards, and Pooka try hard enough to get the rest of us to understand without adding to their stress level by forcing thees and thous.

Now, one thing I would like is respect or at least a good semblance of it. Mutual preferably.  One can say ‘Your Excellency’ like a curse, or snidely, or ‘Yo, dude’ with a warm and kind manner. Guess whom I’m likely to consider throwing out of those two examples? Good guess.

The Right of Life:

Chimerical weapons only please, at least once you enter the Fairy’s Wheel. While it’s a nasty world we live in, keep your guns, your stainless steel mortal Katanas (Where DO you keep those things? It must be painful) and explosives out of most of the Hold, all right? This is no insult to your skills or ethical standards; merely the best way to practice ‘Gun Safety’ is not to have on in the room.

As a whole, I prefer life to death, admittedly, I’m judging something without even trying it, but them’s the breaks. If you absolutely must duel with someone, let me know, if I find it has just cause, something that still satisfies honor will be arranged. Then you and your foe can bash each other to your heart’s content.

One last note on this tenent, the Escheat says no Fae blood is to be spilled. I thus consider Kinain, who do have Fae blood, albeit mixed with mortal, also protected by it.

The Right of Rescue:

  Does anyone really need me to state my opinion on this one? If a Kithain is endangered, or a Kinain, valued treasure, Dreamer, or even a Chimerical Friend, of course we’ll go to their aid. Mind you, there are exceptions.Some have been found guilty by other Courts, or are a threat to the Dreaming themselves. I won’t re-enchant a kin slayer.

The Right of Ignorance:

  You’ll notice mortals sometimes get into the Freehold’s area, many are Dreamers, all are ‘potiential’’ Dreamers. They are not permitted within the Rath, but outside, I expect you to stay alert. Make sure the mortal in question is enchanted before you speak of our world. While Ardent Harbor has ways of keeping it’s own secrets, a touch of the Mists that work to our advantage, it’s hardly fool proof; i.e. some Fool could get around that.

  Think about who you are enchanting as well, a school kid who no one will take seriously is one thing, a respected business man is another. Each fae is responsible for the mortal they enchant.

  So, there you have it, punishments vary depending on the severity, as I see it, of the Crime. You may of course petition to a Higher Court, of course, that’s assuming you can somehow get a message while incarcerated in a mad Viscount’s dungeon… just kidding. Actually, their Graces seem to be very busy, good luck if you try and of course, being the Seelie ‘Repay all debts’ sort of fellow I am, I certainly won’t hold any grudges for you attempting to go over my head.

     Your Brother in the Dreaming,

                                Viscount Jude, Lord of Ardent Harbor   

  
P.S. These rules were written long before I married Taelara of House Fiona, but she is Viscountess here, and my partner in rule. Heed her, as you would me... or if I may advise, even more so, she's very good with a sword.