The Blind Players

The Blind Players own and operate Crime Scene one of many theatres in and around the Second Ring. Aside from being noteworthy that their plays and performances draw crowds from all over the city and from all walks of life, rumors abound of midnight acts where men and women are murdered on stage for the entertainment of the rich and powerful. Is this all part of the act or are people really leaving this mortal coil in front of an audience, who can say?

"The Blind Players transport us to another world with their haunting performances and mesmerizing masks. Their unique blend of art and mystery leave us wondering what's real and what's just part of the show." -Masked Patron

Public Agenda:

Publicly the troupe has maintained that they are a simple theatre troupe offering entertainment to the masses, a slight reprieve from the doldrums and tedium that is the life of the people. Their highest calling is to provide a brief respite in this dark and depraved world.

History:

Much of the origin of the Blind Players is unknown though their owner Thomas Stratton is a public figure even they are a recluse refusing the usual delights of the outerworld and instead preferring his own theatre exclusively where he watches from a private box. The physical location of the theatre in the Second Ring before the players got to it was a place where the dead held sway over the living and the residents learned to fear what creatures might lurk in it's darkened halls. When Thomas bought the place to turn into a theatre his peers openly mocked him declaring it a waste of investment and time that he'd never see the money he would pour into the place return. 2 years later and it is one of the places to see and be seen within all of Arbor. The performers and staff come from all over Arbor and beyond to have a chance to join in the theatres many plays and performances.

Attire / Common Garb / Quirks:

The Blind players are instantly recognizable by their masks that cover their eyes completely, both masking their identity and marking them as belonging to the troupe

Written Description:

Moving with grace and fluidity a lithe and beautiful dancer glides across the stage. They jump and leap making it all look so effortless, tonight you are witnessing a true genius perform and as they turn to face the audience instead of eyes you are met with an inscrutable mask of cloth covering the eyes and giving meaning to their name, the Blind Players.

The Final Act

It is almost an open secret that the players have a unique showing for their more discerning clientele. Deep into the dead of night a missive arrives at the correct doors with instructions that the final act will soon begin. When people arrive every person is given a mask similar to the ones that are worn by the players themselves and once everyone has found their seats the show begins. The performance is a play told in 3 acts the contents of which differ from night to night though the end is always the same. The villain masked and bound at last is killed by the hero the method of their execution varies dramatically, at times beheaded others hung thrown into acid, burned alive... many methods exist and never the same twice, and att the end a bow by the hero a man or so the rumors say. Is it real or elaborate trickery no one in the audience is sure which is part of what makes it fun.

Structure and Hierarchy:

There are only three positions within company that merit talking about, the performers, the stage crew and the front of house staff.

The performers

encompass all of the people who exist to put on a show. They are the face of the troupe and are celebrated if they are seen in the streets and have no want for attention and adoration. They are truly what the Blind Players want the world to see. The shiny wrapping around darker secrets.

The Stage Crew

Unseen and unknown, they wear all black, handle all of the stage elements that must be moved and help the performers with any costume changes. They are the force behind the performers that keep everything moving and without them there would be no performance.

Front of House

These used to be employees as well however due to the notoriety of the theatre they have been replaced by Artifex, these handle all ticket sales and ensuring guests get to their seats on time. They are useful as they do not ask questions or refuse any orders.

Notable People:

Thomas Stratton Owner of the Blind Players and their sole patron.

Territory:

The Blind Players control the branch around Crime Scene no other companies want to compete with the most popular show in the city though the The Green Cloaks do take a small cut of the profits to help maintain peace in the area or so they claim.

Notable Structures:

Crime Scene The location where all of the Blind Players shows take place.

Type

Entertainment, Troupe

Leader

Thomas Stratton

Controlled Territories

• Crime Scene