Reisor Semattz
Overview
Reisor Semattz was a halfling actor, performer, and advocate for the arts in Novus. He was responsible for the advocacy that led to the relighting of the lanterns in the Lamplight District and was subsequently bestowed with the Brass Ring of Lanterns in honor of his efforts. Upon his death, he bequeathed the title to Venus Cousard.
Early Career
Reisor Semattz was always a perfromer, raised in the tradition of minstrels and pantomimes which performed in small scale fashion as they travelled through various sections of Novus. The Semattz Traveling Performers were a novelty and a welcome distraction in an era of Novus marked by austerity and extreme personal sacrifice in service to Novus. Reisor became a skilled performer in his own right. However, Reisor's parents were able to scrape together enough money to ensure Reisor recieved an education. During those years, Reisor learned of many classic pieces of literature, which he would later adapt to become some of the most well-known stage plays of all time.
As a young man, Reisor took up the mantle of the Semattz Traveling Performers, but notably opened it up to include all amnner of artists, including painters, sculptors, and performers. These shows were subversive, setting up in places without proper permitting or public sanction, which placed him at odds frequently with both the Brass Spears of Novus and the Brass Ring of Novus.
Semattz was often found at the ruins of the Orpheon Skystage (later renamed to the Semattz Honorarium Theatre) where he cultivated a community of artists that would later be the bedrock of the Lamplight District.
Later Life
Reisor was always known for his belief that art and enterainment were necessary for the mortal soul to survive. This fact transceneded race and class and Reisor (while sometimes considered a public nuisance) would perform private shows for nobility within Novus. This became the template for patronage system that would one day rise within the city.
Reisor eventually took a back seat, no longer looking to headline shows, but to build a lasting system of arts and entertainment in the city, where great artists could practice their craft. During this time, Reisor campaigned for access to the disused Lamplight District. When he was refused, as bringing it back to full function would present too much of a drain to the resources of the reconstruction efforts, Reisor led efforts to repair the district apart from official efforts. People across various social classes and backgrounds pitched in to this effort, drawn in by Reisor's relentless charima. Before too long, a semi-functional, semi-illicit space for the arts in Novus was carved out.
During this time, Reisor mentored many young artists, including a very young Venus Cousard, who he took in as an orphan and considered to be an adoptive son. He also promoted Agathe Fentheana, whose show became the first major hit across the city.
Due to these efforts, an official recognition was almost inevitable. Reisor had always dreamed of an officially recognized arts and entertainment district in the city, a dream he would not realize until close to his death. Reisor was granted the Ring of Lanters while he was exceptionally ill, but he had succeeded in raising the Lamplight District.
Honorarium
Reisor's name is known by all of the old guard of the Lamplight district, who understand that without his passion, drive, and charisma, none of this would be possible. At his insistence, there are no sculptures or portraits of him, as he would notoriously say "A face like mine is no work of art." However, plaques can be found throughout the Lamplight District and The Orchid always keeps a table empty in memory of Reisor.
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