The Court of Barred Doors has always been extremely secretive, and its members are ever guarded in their speech, at least in the presence of interlopers. Even the exact origin of the court is shrouded in some mystery, though the more garrulous Old Gods do tell of a time when the wounded Creator bid all but one of their number leave him, and then apparently spoke at some length to he who would become the first God of Secrets.After the Creator’s death the God of Secrets methodically gathered about him those Gods he knew to be trustworthy and dutiful, and meeting in the dark places, speaking in hushed tones, the Court of Barred Doors was subtly constructed.
When the rot came for the body of the creator, the Gods of the Barred Doors were noticeable in their absence from the conflict, and when their siblings asked them why they did not join in the fight they simply sighed and walked away.
Time passed and the happenings of the Court remained ever private and concealed from prying eyes. The Court of Barred Doors became something of a laughing stock among the other Gods, who wondered loudly whether the mysterious group actually did anything at all, but were always met by stoic silence.
One evening however the revelry of a party thrown by the God of the Dance was interrupted by an almighty shattering sound, and the bruised and bloodied body of the God of Mirrors tumbled out of the huge mirror hung in the entrance of the Room of the First Ball. Looking upon the tattered form of the ailing God, the assembled muttered among themselves in puzzlement, for no weapon existed that could cause such wounds. Then the Gods of Secret and Shadow strode forwards and bore their comrade away to a dark, hidden place; they would return later to announce that the Unreal had risen against the Gods.
Since that war, the Court of Barred Doors have become somewhat more open, and certainly they have indulged in courtly politicking more than was initially the case. The Court accrued significant respect from its members’ actions in the war and the earlier mockery of the Court’s air of mystery dissipated. Each year the Court holds a grand celebration in the Hall of the Second Self, the manse of the God of Mirrors; there they commemorate the end of the war with the Unreal.
It has been alleged that it was the machinations of the God of Love that were responsible for the creation of the first Children of Grace, and though it has never been confirmed, the repute of that estate has been somewhat tarnished by the allegation. The Court watched the war between the Children and the mortal kingdoms with great scrutiny and when both sides resorted to consorting with the Unreal it was those of Barred Doors who first moved to impose a peace.
When the three tools of the creator were brought before the Gods, those of the Court of Barred Doors were swift to press their claim. The Gods of Shadow and Mirrors urged that the tools be turned over to their keeping that they might better guard against the enemies of creation. The God of Love implied that handing over the tools would have beneficial consequences for all, and said no more. The God of Secrets simply looked at some of the deities with a raised eyebrow, and was rewarded with blushes, indignation and ultimately a number of reluctant supporters for the Court’s right to the implements.
The War of the Gods drew in all of the Court save for the God of Time, who remained aloof if not disinterested. When the Iron Rule came down the majority of the Court of Barred Doors resisted the Gods of the Iron Laws; as a result many who had survived the war up to that point were slain, and more still were wounded and sealed away.
Now that the Iron Rule has passed the surviving Gods of the Court will be quick to resume their duties. Should new Gods attempt to assume positions in the Court then they will almost certainly be subjected to intense scrutiny, for the old Gods of Court of Barred Doors will be looking to see the estates filled by dutiful and serious figures.
At social occasions members of the Court tend to wear masks designed to conceal their features, rather than make a fashion statement. Veils are also common.