The Court of Whispers

Leader- Loke Ahem. An Eladrin whose cool elegance hides a mind like a snake behind the face of an angel. She is always impeccably dressed in the latest fashions and is always just a bit more informed than anyone else. She speaks with veiled authority and never repeats herself. Unless it’s a rumor worth hearing twice.

Seat of Power- Rynead

Domain- Gossip, scandals and hearsay. The Court of Whispers thrives on unspoken truths, whispered betrayals, and the subtle dance of social warfare. They believe secrets have power and controlling a story is as good as controlling the world

Social Structure- Though it appears fluid, the Court of Whispers is organized into a strict hierarchy built not on titles or power, but on reputation. Standing is determined by the following metrics:

The amount of blackmail. This being used to influence the other members of the court to spread your own versions of stories and scandals

The amount of gossip. With those who bring the juiciest or newest gossip being held in high regard

The skill at which one can apply subtle insults or back handed compliments. With the most skilled being able to insult you in ways it takes days to fully sink in

The style of the member. With those appearing in the latest fashions while laying hidden meaning in their clothes gaining an edge over other members

Attendance at Court events. Both internally and in the wide variety of balls, galas and parties held across the League. These events always provide dozens of ways to heighten a members standing or to find interesting gossip

Traditions/taboos-

Gossip is sacred. Everything about everyone is fair game, especially your friends

It is considered deeply offensive to be earnest or genuinely nice without any subtext.

Compliments must always carry a second meaning, as kindness with out turning it into a back handed complement upsets them as they continue to look for hidden insults in your words. If there is none, then they will find one.

To admit ignorance is a sin. They automatically assume the air of one that already knows what you're talking about, but simply wishes to see what you know. They will always allude to knowing more than they truly do

Reputation is everything. Any member who is far to embarrassed or scandalized to recover their reputation is exiled.

They follow the more superficial aspects of Dion-Isis, following her creed of charm over truth.

To join is both at once a very simple and very complex task. A potential member must make an impressive showing at an event. When ever the Court of Whispers attends an event, they always ensure to arrange decorations to have hidden meaning and symbology that only the more skilled in the subtle arts can pick up on. (This is often employed in their complex code known as "The Flower Code" ). Then the potential member must impress with their own skill with gossip and words with layered meaning. When sufficiently impressed, any member of the Court may approach attempting to recruit them. If the potential member seems to eager or overly smug about this, they are immediately rejected as the Court prefers those of a similar bearing as their own.

Relations to other Courts-

The Court of Nee-love: They collaborate frequently, especially during The Festival of the Lantern Bride , where romance and scandal are tightly interwoven. Many say the Whispers plant break-up rumors or drive a wedge in couples, just to watch the Nee-love patch them back up.

The Court of Fairs: Useful partners for large galas and themed balls. However, the Whispers mock their rigid structure and find their efficiency deeply unfashionable.

The Court of Hate: Viewed with some disdain. Their obsessive focus on personal grudges is seen as tacky, though occasionally useful when scandal needs a violent flourish.

Dealing with the Oligarchy- While the Court of Whispers holds no official diplomatic ties, they are avid spectators of the Noble Houses. They host minor plays in which Fey actors reenact the latest duels, betrayals, and scandals of the Oligarchy. Sometimes they plant a whisper among Nobles that can cause real damage, a game the Court finds delicious. They often observe these events and many noble balls with scrying magic, just watching the latest episode of drama unfold

Certain nobles, desperate for status or revenge, seek out the Court to learn the skill of subtle social sabotage. Most fail to master it. A few thrive and they are always remembered.

Notable Myths/events-