Pale Dowager
The Pale Dowager is a True Fae who was active in the mortal world during Victorian times.
Overview
Once known as the Pale Maiden, the Other heard a prophecy stating that the True Innocent would destroy her. She decided to take on all Virtues as a bulwark, so she could be in a position to see when such an individual appeared. Though she did not often enter the world, her influence was very much felt — the Pale Dowager was a dreamscaper of great skill, using Intimidation for her work. She infects her victims, known as “the Decorous” with a guilt-laden, self-propagating dream-poison that focuses on the restrictions Victorian high society placed upon itself.
Cold Iron Propriety
The Pale Dowager often sends gifts to those members of society, favoring weddings, birthdays, and Christmas; these gifts contain her dream-poison. Once the dream has fulfilled itself in the psyche of the person in question, they are unquestionably changed. Once per scene, when someone infected with this dream rebuffs an improper advance, calls into question someone’s moral fiber, or otherwise applies a judgmental, imperious view on the world, the target suffers a single level of lethal damage. This damage manifests as an ailment that might be associated with that person’s most publicly known vice (e.g. a terrible cough for a smoker). The one inflicting this damage isn’t even aware they are doing it — it simply happens, making clear the signs of that individual’s moral failings to those around them.
Appearance
This Other, when she appears, is a tall, rail-thin woman with powder-white hair piled atop her head and twitchy, long-fingered hands. Her face is lined, and her mouth constantly holds a sneer of contempt.
Gallery
The Pale Dowager
References
- CTL: Victorian Lost, p. 53-54, 57-58