Caline Facts

Lying within the land of Caline is a life form known as 'The Unseen'. It feeds on the psychic energies of those of the Caline line, having partially bonded to them when it was given to the Baroness Sabiah Caline and her brother, Khalid. In return for this symbiotic relationship, the Unseen provides all of the Houses basic necessities upon their slightest whim. Magical items such as would come from the powers of sorcery, Logrus, Pattern, Trump, or conjuration are not included. However, things of comfort such as clothing, food, jewelry, etc. are all available upon the slightest whim of its habitant. Of course, the Unseen has its limits, though it is said that when angered it none the less may prove itself to be a fearsome enemy. Like ghosts traveling down halls however, the Unseen assists its caretakers. It is the servant of Caline. It is the helping hand that is so often needed.

History establishes Calines colors to be Scarlet and Gold. Scarlet represents the blood ties of family and the honour it brings in addition to the symbolism of the martyrdom which so many have suffered in Caline's past. Gold represents the 'River of Gold' which ran through Caline's gorge long ago. It is hoped that one day, that the Unseen will revive this long forgotten aspect of the family lands. In addition, Gold also stands for Generosity and Elevation of the Mind.

Within the conservatory and high above the windows, a banner hangs, displaying the House crest of Caline. Upon a scarlet field, an ornate golden design is filled with spiraling circles intersecting within an oval framework, resting for all to see. Creeping up from beneath, as if to mount its web, a large golden spider sits.

Ancient heraldry defines the following meaning from this: Family, Generosity, Wisdom, Labor, Providence.

Posted over Caline's gate, leading into Chaos, is the following guiding principle that was established by the founders. Previously, it read, "Bellaque matribus detestata" meaning: 'And the wars which Mother abhors', though in a surprising move by the current Baroness, it was changed to: 'Ille qui nos non necat solum nos firmat', translated as 'That which does not kill us only makes us stronger'. Many speculate upon what this might indicate.

Psyche:
Due to the feeding of the Unseen upon the psyche of those residing within, all members who are at least partially bonded, will experience a higher sensitivity of the mind within its realms. The will gives form to the power of the Unseen. Communication between members within Caline may psychically occur even when not in the same room or line of sight. It may be noted that members of Caline only become partially bonded once they are oath sworn into the House. +news psyche for more information.

Conjuration:
A power in which the will of the mind is used, it may experience some easing due to assistance from the Unseen, though no bonuses towards the conjured result are provided.

Logrus and Pattern:
Both of the major powers work as news states they should do in the donut of Chaos.

Sorcery:
Magic within Caline is erratic and wild if one is not attuned and at the very least partially bonded with the Unseen. The bonded members of Caline however will experience a quicker recovery time and will not have to work as hard as they would for similar results outside of the Ways. Once a member attains full bonding with The Unseen, sorcery is no longer erratic.

Ritual Bonding:
A secret ritual exists within Caline in which a few of the members may choose to risk their lives to undertake. It is said that the symbiote called The Unseen is allowed to bond with members of the House that it selects. Much risk is associated however since the bonding may effect neurological or physical aspects of the body, and that is to say nothing of the inherent danger from the ritual itself. There is said to be no mental attachment, such as the voice of the Unseen however, and once adapted, several benefits might occur - assuming full adaptation is managed. Among the possible benefits are an empathy with other bond mates, an overall stronger psyche, the ability to resist mental conditioning, minor magical cantrip ability, or perhaps even cellular changes. Negative side effects might range from sensory mutations to mental changes, but it is possible, with effort to adapt to the symbiote. It is only a matter of acceptability to the Unseen... though it should be noted that to this date, this ritual has not been attempted, and so all of these affects can only be conjecture.