The Bellicose Journals
Overview
This burgundy-bound chimerical volume contains five individual journals written from around the time of the Civil War. Their original covers were removed before stitching together, with each separated by a hand-printed page to give the name of the author and a title for the journal (obviously added by whoever compiled them, since they were not specifically works of scholarship when they were written).
Each journal has several mentions of locations that might be freeholds, outlined below the description of each journal.
A Southern Lady's View of Society
Isabella is a wealthy Boggan who lives in a grand plantation home on the outskirts of Atlanta. Her journal entries focus on the social and political dynamics of changeling society in the South, as well as the ways in which human politics and social mores impact the fae. She also discusses her own experiences navigating these complex power structures.
The Estate: Attended a garden party held at the Estate during the summer of 1862. She describes the opulent decorations and lavish spread of food and drink, and notes that the event was well-attended by many of the prominent changelings in the area.
The Glade: A location of great power and mysticism, but notes that it was very difficult to access due to the werewolf packs that guarded it. They mention that they once attempted to enter the Glade, but were chased off by a pack of wolves.
The Hollow: Isabella also mentions that she heard rumors of strange happenings at the Hollow, a freehold located on the outskirts of town. She speculates that the Hollow may be a site of powerful magic or perhaps even home to some kind of dark entity.
The Market: Isabella mentions visiting the Market to buy fresh produce and meats for her family's meals. She notes that the selection is always best in the mornings, and that she often sees other changelings there who are also looking for good deals.
The Pit: Isabella writes about hearing rumors of a dark and dangerous Pit located somewhere in the city. She has never seen it herself, but she warns others to be careful when traveling alone at night, especially in the areas where the Pit is said to be located.
The Terminus: They were once smuggled out of the city during a dangerous time, and expresses gratitude to the changelings who helped them. They note that the Terminus was a well-known hub for changelings passing through the city, and that many stories were told about it.
"Today, I had the pleasure of attending a meeting at the Terminus, where I discussed the upcoming harvest season with other changelings in the area. It was heartening to see so many of us coming together to ensure the safety and prosperity of our community. I couldn't help but feel a twinge of sadness, though, when I thought about those who couldn't be there with us. Those who had been lost to the ravages of the war, or to the cruel whims of the mortals around us. But still, we persevere. That is what we do. That is who we are."
The Tower: Isabella briefly writes about seeing the Tower from a distance while she was out walking one day. She mentions hearing rumors that powerful changelings live there and that they are not to be crossed.
A Soldier's Account of the War
Captain Tucker is a Redcap who serves in the Confederate army during the Civil War. His journal entries describe the battles he participates in and the horrors he witnesses, as well as his own conflicted feelings about fighting in the war. He also provides insight into how changelings in the army were treated and how they adapted to the challenges of war.
The Glade: A place of great beauty and tranquility, and notes that they often went there to escape the chaos of the city. They mention that they once had a conversation with a werewolf who was guarding the Glade, and were surprised to find that they had a lot in common.
The Hollow: John writes about a trip he took to the Hollow with a group of fellow changelings in the spring of 1863. He describes the long journey through the woods to reach the freehold, which was hidden deep in a thicket of trees. John notes that the Hollow was guarded by a powerful fae creature, which he describes as being both beautiful and terrifying. He also mentions that he saw strange, otherworldly things while inside the freehold, and that he felt as though he had been transported to another realm entirely.
The Market: John mentions visiting the Market often to purchase goods to outfit his corby. He notes that it's a great place to find rare and exotic items, but that the prices can sometimes be steep.
The Pit: John briefly mentions rumors of a dangerous Pit located somewhere in the city, but he doesn't give it much credence. Almost suspiciously so, as if he is not willing to commit what he does there to paper, as to not implicate himself.
The Terminus: A chaotic and unpredictable place, but notes that it was necessary for changelings who needed to get in and out of the city quickly. They mention that they once witnessed a group of Redcaps attempting to take control of the freehold, but they were ultimately driven off by a powerful Sluagh.
The Tower: John writes about seeing the Tower up close during a visit to one of the neighboring freeholds. He describes the architecture as impressive, and notes that he felt strangely comfortable in the presence of the powerful changelings who lived there.
"It's been a long time since I last put pen to paper like this. But there's something about these times that makes me want to hold onto every scrap of memory that I can. It feels like the world is changing so fast, and I don't want to lose my footing. So I'll write. I'll write about the things that matter to me. About the Tower, where I go to feel safe and strong. About the friends I've made there. About the dreams that keep me going, even when everything else seems hopeless."
A Freedman's Tale
Hannah is a former slave who was Chrysalised into a Nocker shortly after the end of the Civil War. Her journal entries detail her experiences as a changeling in a world that is still hostile to her, as well as her struggles to adjust to her new identity and navigate the complex social and political landscape of the post-war South.
The Estate: In her journal, Hannah writes about a meeting she had with the changelings who lived at the Estate in the fall of 1861. She describes the strange aura of the mansion and notes that the family who lived there were extremely reclusive and rarely left the property. She uses the period’s code for names, signing them as Mr. and Mrs. H—. Hannah also mentions that she heard rumors that the Estate had a functioning door into the Dreaming—unusual before the Resurgence—but she was unable to confirm whether these rumors were true.
The Glade: Mentioned in passing, noting that they had heard rumors that a powerful Changeling lord had taken up residence there, and that his presence had caused a great deal of controversy among the werewolves. They express curiosity about what might be happening there, but do not have any further information.
The Hollow: "The Hollow is a strange and wondrous place. I've never seen anything like it before. It's like walking into a fairy tale. A place where the light filters through the trees in a way that makes you feel like you're underwater. A place where the air is thick with the scent of wildflowers and magic. I feel like I could stay here forever, and never tire of its beauty."
The Market: Hannah writes about visiting the Market to sell the fruits and vegetables that she grows on her land. She notes that she enjoys interacting with the other changelings there and hearing about their lives and experiences.
The Terminus: Mentions that they spent several weeks at the Terminus during a particularly cold winter, and notes that the changelings there were very hospitable. They mention that the freehold was often crowded, but that there was always a sense of community there. They also note that they learned a lot of useful information from other changelings passing through the Terminus.
The Tower: Hannah mentions seeing the Tower from a distance while she was out for a walk one day. She notes that it looks imposing and that she's heard stories of the powerful changelings who live there.
A Merchant's Journey
Samar is an immigrant Eshu who runs a successful trading business in Atlanta. His journal entries describe the challenges he faces as a non-white changeling in a society that is still deeply racist, as well as the opportunities that arise from his unique perspective and connections. He also provides a window into the economic and cultural exchanges that were happening during this time.
The Estate: Samar writes about a battle that took place between the changelings who lived at the Estate and a group of “hobgoblins” who had been causing trouble in the area in the winter of 1864. He describes the fierce fighting that took place both inside and outside the mansion, and notes that many changelings were injured in the battle. He was particularly astounded that a gryphon appeared to turn the tide of the battle.
The Hollow: Samar also mentions that he heard rumors of a powerful weapon hidden somewhere within the Hollow, but that he was unable to confirm these rumors.
The Market: Samar writes about visiting the Market with his family to purchase food and supplies for their shop. He notes that it's a bustling and lively place, but that he's always on the lookout for trouble.
The Pit: Samar writes about being robbed by a group of thugs in a dark alleyway near the Pit. He notes that he was lucky to escape with his life, but that the experience left him shaken and wary of traveling alone at night.
"There are times when I wonder if we'll ever be truly safe. The war may be over, but there are still so many dangers out there. Mortals who hate us for what we are. Other fae who would see us destroyed. It's enough to make me want to hide away in the Pit, where I know I can defend myself if need be. But I can't let fear rule my life. I have to keep moving forward. That's what my parents would have wanted. That's what I want, too."
The Terminus: A dark and foreboding place, full of whispers and secrets. They mention that they once overheard a conversation between two powerful nobles discussing their plans for the city, and that they were able to use this information to their advantage. However, they also note that they never quite felt safe at the Terminus, and were always looking over their shoulder.
The Tower: Samar mentions hearing rumors of a powerful changeling who lives in the Tower and who has a reputation for being ruthless. He notes that he hopes never to cross paths with this changeling.
A Rebel's Confession
by Emily Davis
Emily is a Sidhe noble of house Liam who initially supported the Confederacy but later has a change of heart. Her journal entries describe her gradual disillusionment with the cause and her growing realization of the moral implications of the war. She also reflects on her own privilege and how it has shielded her from the worst of the conflict. Though she never mentions her fae name, there are enough similarities in experience that Agnes thinks there’s at least a decent chance this was one of Aoife’s past lives.
The Estate: In her journal, Emily mentions attending a masquerade party held at the Estate in the summer of 1863. She describes the elaborate costumes worn by the changelings in attendance, and notes that the atmosphere of the event was both festive and somewhat eerie.
The Hollow: Emily also mentions hearing whispers of strange happenings at the nearby Hollow, and notes that she would like to explore the freehold at some point to see if there is any truth to the rumors.
The Market: Emily writes about visiting the Market with her parents to purchase food and supplies for their household. She notes that it's always crowded and noisy, but that she enjoys the variety of goods on offer.
"The Market is a riot of color and sound and scent. It's like walking into another world entirely. A world where the rules are different, and anything is possible. I love coming here, even though it can be overwhelming at times. There's so much to see, so much to take in. I feel like I'm learning something new every time I visit."
The Pit: Emily doesn't mention the Pit specifically, but she writes about feeling a general sense of unease when she has to travel through some of the darker and more dangerous parts of the city. She notes that she tries to stick to the well-lit and well-traveled streets as much as possible.
The Terminus: Mentions in passing, noting that they had heard rumors that the freehold was raided by Thallain during a particularly violent period of the war. They express hope that the Terminus was able to recover, but do not have any further information.
The Tower: Emily mentions seeing the Tower from a distance while she was out for a walk one day. She notes that it looks imposing and that she's heard stories of the powerful changelings who live there.