Imperial Guild of Entertainers

Overview

The Imperial Guild of Entertainers serves the Eternal Empire of Koth by providing entertainment, communication and organized activities competitions across the Empire. The Entertainers Guild preserves the written and oral history of the Empire as well as the other ancestral and cultural expressions such as dance and theater. Imperial Entertainers serve as heralds to the nobility and guilds of the Empire, as well as couriers of news, correspondence and proclamations. Entertainers also run public posts for news throughout the Empire. In many areas, written chronicles are published regularly to the citizens.
The Order of the Gilded Mask wield the weapons of war and espionage for their guild. These are some of the most accomplished spies in the Empire of Koth. Members of the order are trained to blend into any people, culture or organization. They are the hidden face of the guild, the eyes, ears and mouth of the Empire, gathering and spreading information for the guild and the Emperor.

Locations

The main guildhall of the Colony of Dupree is in Dupree Proper. It is known as the Traveler’s Faire. Also known as Jobere’s Faire to the locals, this guildhall boasts a grand hall for feasting, an amphitheater for plays and concerts, a grand hall of art that leads into a garden of wonders as well as a hall for dances and other physical performances. The Diamond of Dupree is located above the western docks and is known as the Court of Four Dragons or just the Four Dragons. Lesser Guildhalls of the Imperial Guild of Entertainers, known as stagehalls can be found in every major town or city of the Empire and almost all entertainers, heralds, criers and couriers choose to wear the colors openly. Smaller communities are serviced by travelling guildsmyn who make rounds to provide regular services such as plays. dances, concerts, messages and correspondence. In such communities, stages are generally erected with the heraldry of the Entertainer’s Guild prominently displayed. These are often used for community gatherings.

Heraldry

The motto of the Imperial Guild of Entertainers is “Adorned in Truth.” The duty of the guild is to portray the truth to the people. There are many types of truth that the guild recognizes. The first truth is in the experience, what is seen, heard, smelt, felt and tasted by the people. The second truth is in the heart, the emotions of the people. The third truth is in the thought, the study and facts.
The symbols of the Imperial Guild of Entertainers are white mask of comedy and a black mask of tragedy on a red and gold field. The Golden Chronical sits above the colors, denoting the guild’s role in keeping histories, records and the written word. An imperial herald and musician flank the colors, constant companions to the citizens of Koth.
The motto of the Order of the Gilded Mask is “Secret and Bold.” The Gilded Mask seeks and defends the fourth truth, the hidden truth that remains unseen and unknown. They serve as spies and detectives acting in secret while in plain sight.
The symbol of the Gilded Mask is the golden mask of drama. The expression of the mask is different for each individual. The quill of truth and the lantern of discovery flank the colors.

Major Symbols and Practices

The Grey Mask

Some say that the inspiration for the Grey Mask is that of the mysterious Grey Men the Fae. The identity of those who tell their tales under a Grey Mask is protected by the Guild. The guild creates special Grey Masks that will completely obscure the identity of those who wear them, allowing those individuals to give testimony or bear witness as well as inform on powerful individuals or organizations with less fear of discovery. Sometimes, information is so important that even the members of the Guild will not know the identity of the person under the mask. Such an occurrence must have the permission of the Guildmaster or the Master of the Mask.

The Emissary’s Satchel

This stylized courier’s satchel may not be opened save for the intended recipient. The ruler of a land may break the seal, but such an act will not be forgiven or forgotten by the guild, the representatives of the Empire or the rulers of other lands who have dealings with the Empire.

Curtains

The use of gold curtains on the stage and in one’s home indicate that there is a premier or major joyous announcement coming from the owners. These are often used to indicate a coming trothing, fasting, birth or promotion.
The use of black curtains on the stage and in one’s home indicate a closing of a show or that a major sorrowful announcement is coming from the owners. These are often used to indicate a recent death, demotion or loss of some sort. These are used to alter those around to be respectful of the household’s privacy and loss.
The use of red curtains on the stage and in one’s home indicate an active play or a deployment in the legion.

Spectacles

The Diamond The Diamond is an ancient contest that is found in every culture on Urth. It is part gladiatorial games, part sport, part contests of wisdom and wit. Powerful patrons, mortal and immortal share interest in the outcome of these contests. In the Empire of Koth, the Guild of Entertainers hosts, promotes and manages this tradition. They construct temporary, basic and massive elaborate facilities for these throughout the Empire as is needed.

• The Quadrennial or the Grand Diamond features questors from the whole of Urth who compete for the honor of the title of King.
• The High Diamond is held the year before the Grand Diamond where questors from a region compete to determine which of them from the previous Yearly Diamond may progress to the Grand Diamond.
• The Yearly Diamond features standardized contests to choose champions for the High Diamond.
• The Seasonal Diamond features local events as qualifiers for the Yearly Diamond.
• Contests are held throughout the year to find contestants for the Seasonal and Yearly Diamonds.

Seals

The use of seals pre-date the establishment of the Empire of Koth and can be found across Urth. The Guild of Entertainers records, produces, and approves seals for ranked individuals across the Empire. Using a seal without their mark is punishable under Imperial Law.

The Five and One

There are five named masters of each imperial guild also known as the Hand of the Guild. The sixth named master is the head of the guild’s military forces and is generally known as the Sword of the Guild.
Within a territory, be it a Kingdom or Colony, the upper echelon of the Imperial Guild of Foresters consists of the Guildmaster and five other titled Masters:

The Master of the Guild (Guildmaster)

The Master of the Guild is the appointed leader of the Guild in the territory. The Guildmaster is responsible for all operations, all members, all resources and all tribute of the Guild. The Guildmaster sits on the Council of Guilds for his organization, representing its interests across the territory

The Master of the Diamond

The Master of the Diamond is the appointed leader of the Guild in the territory who oversees the contests of the Diamond including gathering the appropriate patrons, contestants and prizes. They are also responsible for constructing and maintaining the arenas. In addition, the Master of the Diamond is the final arbiter of any dispute within the Diamond. The Diamond is an ancient contest that predates the existence of the Eternal Empire and all other known civilizations. Many believe that it began as a gladiatorial competition between warring forces. It has many incarnations and now includes other competitions such as contests of speed, strength and endurance. In the Empire, the Diamond is both the name of the overall contest and the arena where many of the contests occur.
Being a ‘questor’ of the diamond is a privilege that can garner wealth, favor and fame for those who perform well.
The Master of the Diamond has three named Foremyn who serve to oversee specific aspects of the Master’s domain:

• The Bonecaster who oversees games of chance outside of the Diamond
• The Dealer who oversees games and shows of skills with cards.
• The Croupier who manages the coin and organizes other forms of wagers.

The Master of the Word

The Master of the Word is the appointed leader of the Guild in the territory who oversees the collection, performance and preservation of all art, chronicles, news and histories. It is said that the Master of the Word may have as much information at their fingertips as the Master of the Mask, so far and deep is their reach. They are responsible for guiding Quills and distributing their stories throughout the Empire. The Master of the Word has one or more printing presses at their disposal and wide discretion in publications. As such, the Heralds and Couriers also serve the Master of the Word before all other Masters of the Guild save the Guildmaster.

The Master of Music

The Master of Music is the appointed leader of the Guild in the territory who oversees the collection, performance and preservation of all music. Another part of their duties is to arrange performances of music, train musicians and recognize the ability of musicians including the registration of orchestras and travelling troupes. The Master of Music also serves to regulate and oversee the manufacturers of musical instruments.

The Master of the Stage

The Master of the Stage is the appointed leader of the Guild in the territory who oversees the collection, performance and preservation of all theater and plays. The Master of the Stage is also responsible for constructing and maintaining the venues of the Guild across the territory, except the Diamonds. They also plan and execute all open celebrations, ceremonies and parades for the wealthy, the guilds and the nobles of the Empire.

The Master of the Mask

The Master of the Mask is the head of the Order of the Gilded Mask within the territory. This position makes him an officer in the Imperial Legions, typically a Lieutenant. These members serve as spies and couriers for the Legions.

The rank and file of the Guild of Entertainers:

• A prospective member must first become an Aspirant.
• Aspirants who are accepted into the Guild are made an Apprentice.
• Apprentices who have demonstrated proficiency and loyalty advance to Journeymyn.
• Journeymyn who show expertise and leadership may be granted the title of Foremyn.
• Foremyn who master their craft and display unswerving dedication may be granted the title of Master or Mistress.

The rank and file of the Order of the Gilded Mask:

• A prospective member must first become an Aspirant.
• Aspirants who are accepted into the Guild are made a Phantoms.
• Phantoms who have demonstrated proficiency and loyalty advance to Witness.
• Witnesses who show expertise and leadership may be granted the title of Muse.
• Muses who master their craft and display unswerving dedication may be granted the title of Peer.

Guild members who perform specific functions:

The Master of the Hall

The Master of the Hall is responsible for running a local Guildhall. The Master of the Hall will report to the Guildmaster directly, sending regular reports and ledgers to the main Guildhall.

Herald

The speaker, messenger and representative of a powerful individual or organization, typically a journeyman. A herald displays the blazon of his employer prominently at all times and is mandated to place his employer first, before Guild interests. Heralds enjoy protection from reprisals when acting on behalf of their patron. Also, while acting as a representative of their patron, Heralds are not allowed to actively oppose the workings of those whose lands the herald visits.

Gold Cloak

The leader of a troupe of performers within the guild, be they actors and actresses, musicians and singers or dancers, typically a foremyn. Gold Cloaks are so named because of the distinctive golden cloaks they alone are allowed to wear. These celebrated members of the guild are often welcomed by communities and leaders alike, gaining room, board and favor for their performances.

Fool

The Fool is a type of advisor and diplomat for wealthy and noble members of the aristocracy. Fools also function as a type of guardian, ousting threats against their employers. Fools play a dangerous game. While they enjoy the protection of their patron, they often generate disfavor and enmity with their targets. Some Fools play a physical role, while most play social and mental games to achieve their goals. Those that play the part of a fool for a patron wear jester’s hats in the colors of their patron. Black jester hats are freelancers seeking work.

Quadryn, Octryn, Ringer

These are local positions within the Diamonds.

• Quadryn run an actual formal Diamond.
• Octryn are responsible for running a single type of event within the Diamond such as the Climbing of the Vine, the Running of the Winds, the Waewards and the Delves of Kthal.
• A Ringer is the local champion of a specific event.

Quill

A travelling guildsman who is responsible for recording and later publishing events. Quills are afforded access to people, places and events that are normally restricted to the general public but not considered to be secret. Quills may be hired by public officials, guilds or private individuals and often work as investigators. Quills wear pen feather on their lapels and carry guild folios to show their allegiance. The color and number of quills denote the importance and fame of the Quill.

Courier

A travelling guildsmyn who is responsible delivering correspondence between parties. A Courier is not subject to searches by Guilds or civil authorities while on assignment.

Why join the Imperial Guild of Entertainer?

• You live for your art and share it with the people of the Empire and beyond.
• You want to travel, run your own troupe, seek and write about exotic people and places.
• You welcome being the center of attention.
• You seek the applause and approval of the people through your performance.
• You seek immortality through your art, that your skill be proclaimed throughout time.

Whispers about the Imperial Guild of Entertainers?

• They are all spies for the Empire.
• They distract the masses from the real problems facing them. It’s all a farce. Everything is rigged in their favor.
• They report only what the Emperor wants changing events and facts, even rewriting history to suit the needs of Koth.
• They are all dreamers who care nothing for what happens to real people.
• The Guild serves a secret leader who can take other forms and possesses magical writing and speech which can control those that read or hear it.

Typical missions of an Imperial Entertainer

• Gather intelligence against an enemy of the Empire, foreign operative or suspected criminal.
• Deliver a message or package to a remote or dangerous person or location.
• Find stories to tell, write or put to another medium.
• Organize and maintain the integrity of the Diamond through protecting or securing questors, patrons and prizes.
• Distract and occupy a target.

Entertainer Traditions

IMPERIAL HERALD

• Discipline of Detection [Social]
• Flair Approach
• Discipline of Persuasion

IMPERIAL COURIER

• Discipline of Defense
• Discipline of Stealth
• Agile Approach

Example Aspects for Imperial Entertainers

• ALL THE URTH IS MY STAGE
• SO IT IS WRITTEN
• I BRING NEWS
• I KNOW PEOPLE