The White Mask Theater & Performers Guild - RP Thread

[VanillaRose]

The meeting was cordial enough, but Selis knew that the niceties and politeness she and Aneva Shartess exchanged were simply a part of the game. The Iron Throne wanted to add The White Mask Theater to its holdings; the true "why" was unknown to the young Performers Guild Director.

Selis sipped her wine in the theater's kitchen as Solus prepared dinner. Her mind was swirling with thoughts. Her Sembian blood was intrigued at the concept of owning a portion of the Iron Throne, but the price - losing sole control of the theater she and Zein built together - was steep. She watched Solus dice tomatoes with absent-minded disinterest; her loyal assistant easily surmised her mood, and they exchanged a look before Selis pressed her lips into a thin frown at his words. "On the surface, it looks like it was a big misunderstanding..."

Her nose wrinkled. "Mm. There are rarely 'big understandings' when business is involved."

She fell quiet then, and the remainder of her evening was spent wondering what would happen next. She had agreed to review the offer Lady Shartess had prepared; if nothing else, waiting for the papers to be delivered gave Selis extra time to think and prepare.

[Dajala Silverleaf]

Dear Lady Selis Vhaire
Performers Guild Director
Publisher & Editor of The Baldur's Gate Gazette .

I would like to offer my services as an artist and illusionist . As long as there are no conflicts with my duties to Doran Amar. I would enjoy working with my hands and getting to know new people. To create is a joy and a gift our gods give to us to share with others.
I would also be delight to continue illustrating for your paper.


Dajala Silverleaf Councilor of Doron Amar, Coronol of the inner circle Ahrn'Ar'Ruar .

[ThatPirateGuy]

A letter arrives on fine parchment, bearing a wax seal with Valkur's emblem, addressed to Guildmistress Vhaire.

Lady Vhaire,

My name is Gregor Capstan, Shantyman. Upon hearing tales of the White Mask Theater, I traveled to Baldurs Gate from Athkatla to audition for your performance troupe. As of yet I've been unsuccessful finding you at an opportune moment, and would greatly like to discuss employment and study at your fine theatre. I've not had much training in the fine arts, but I can play both the drums and lute well, am well versed in many ballads, shanties, and warchants, and am confident my natural talents can be honed to suit your liking. I can be reached at the Elfsong Tavern, for the time being. Graciously looking forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,
Gregor Capstan

/// Player note, I've 5 years experience performing at rennfaires and medieval reenactments, and have quite the repertoire, and Gregor is a reflection of the character I play at those events. My other character is Grah'Thok Muz'grub, to put forth my RP resume. If there's anything you'd like to ask, feel free.

[VanillaRose]

The White Mask Theater reopened in grand style once the workers were finished with all the nitpicky details that the guildmistress requested. Word quickly spread throughout the area that the theater was open to the public, and Selis Vhaire found herself giving tours of the place within two hours after the last worker departed.

The young woman quickly put together plans to host a preview party, and couriers traveled the lands delivering the formal invitations to various friends, allies, and even a few people whom were included simply as a polite courtesy (some of whom she hoped would not attend).

A detailed tour was offered to those who attended the party, and everyone was treated to a lavish five-course meal in the spacious lounge and dining room. The party started in the evening and lasted until the wee hours of the morning; some guests were still enjoying themselves in the lounge when Selis finally expressed her thanks, spoke her farewells, and retired to her suite.

In the days following the theater's reopening, the expanded structure has enjoyed a healthy stream of visitors and guests. New artists have arrived and expressed their interest in performing, and the many people stay for drinks and dinner. Selis seems elated that so many people seem to enjoy their time at the theater, and she is convinced that Baldur's Gate and the surrounding area is experiencing a newfound appreciation for culture, arts, and entertainment.

Word spreads that the theater will soon host a weekly or bi-weekly "games night" that will feature dice games, card games, trivia, charades, and other fun pursuits. It appears that the theater will soon stay busy all the time - which is exactly what a very tired (but happy!) Selis wants.

[Higher Porpoise]

A letter, sealed with a wax harp and expertly penned in deep blue ink, arrives addressed to the White Mask's Miss Selis Vhaire:

Lady Vhaire,

I implore you forgive me for not formally introducing myself, but I have regrettably lacked the proper time to do so until now. My name is Gilliam Redshield - I am both a scholar and avid theatergoer as well as a performer in my own right.

I give my sincerest regards in light of the recent fire at your theater and am ecstatic that it has been repaired so promptly. I attended the Masquerade some time ago, a wonderful event, and news of the White Mask's destruction struck like an elven arrow.

If it pleases you, I would love to arrange a personal meeting so that we may be better acquainted and I might even audition for your cast, if you would do this humble thespian the honor. I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience.


Most sincerely,
Gilliam Redshield

((Hope it's okay for me to have more than one character involved with the theater.))

[Kaden Asen]

A note left under the door, sealed with the coat of arms worn by the man known as "Kaden Asen"

Selis

I have recently looked into the matter of what happened on that fateful day we have spoken so much about recently. I have come across troubling matters, that will be of concern, to include matters of your safety. I ask for a meeting, as I am aware of a threat which seems to be close to you, yet I do not know whom it is.


If you wish a place to leave word, either with the Temple of Torm, or Temple of Mystra. I visit both as often as I am able, and word will reach me there.

May Mystra grace your endeavors
Trent Blake, known to you as Kaden Asen.

[Slartibartfaß]

A message written in rather tiny letters is found at the door to the inner rooms of the White Mask Theatre.

Hello there,

I, Midnight the Sunshine - explorer, merchant and writer - want to offer my services to you.
While I'm unfortunately everything but a good performer, I am very capable in finding interesting stories and write them down.
Furthermore I seem to just have luck in finding little things that make life easier as a performer (instruments for example).

If you consider me being perhaps worth your attention you can reach me either at the "Helm and Cloak" or at the "Blade and Stars".
And of course out on the streets, trading, wandering and exploring.

Luck and courage!
Midnight the Sunshine

The message is pinned near the bottom of the door, hinting that the one pinning it there perhaps wasn't the tallest possible inhabitant of the city...

[VanillaRose]

Seemingly at the height of the new theater's popularity, Selis Vhaire disappeared with another Performer, Jack Artreri, to parts unknown after the two had an intense lovers' quarrel.

The pair return to Baldur's Gate, albeit upon different ships, and it is soon clear that their romance has amicably ended.

Selis quietly makes her way back to the theater, slips into her room, and sorts through the missives and letters she received during her absence.

[Bladecutter]

Placed upon Selis' desk (Assuming) is an envelope with the words "From Rhamea" written on the front in fairly bad handwriting. The envelope is unsealed and fairly bland, but carries a couple of notes in it. Each note is also written in fairly bad handwriting, as if the person writing it is still refining their ability to write. They're written in basic black ink.

Note 1:
Miss Selis, I'm putting these notes here on your desk to let you know that Gregor and I are getting married, in case you haven't heard yet, and what our most basic plans for the wedding are. We'll need your permission for some of it, which is why I wanted to tell you the plans in the first place. I'd have liked to tell you and talk to you about it in person, but I haven't been able to catch you...

Note 2:
Well, firstly, we were planning on having it in one of two places: The Tymoran Temple and The White Mask. Gregor and I would both prefer the Mask, since we're both currently living here, it's where we met, and we both love the theater. Obviously we'd need your permission for such a thing to happen, but I believe that an event like that would bring notice back to the theater again, which has dwindled in your absence. Another bonus would be that everyone on the Sword Coast seems to want to come, and the Mask is more spacious than the temple...

Note 3:
Another idea I had was something that could both attract more people to the wedding and give it more spice. I was thinking that, since we couldn't get to the Masquerade that everybody was looking forward to, we could combine the two events into one! A Masquerade wedding. With the performances after the wedding, so that they can seamlessly blend. And I'd feel bad if everybody started leaving because the fun stuff was over!

Note 4:
We've already got a lot of people wanting to come. But I need to see what you have to say on this to give them a date. I'm going to send a blanket invitation to the Order of the Radiant Heart, and I need a date to hire Fist members as guards. Not to mention I'd be able to answer people when they ask me when it is! So lemme know your opinion, I'll probably be around the Mask. Or the merchant campfire outside of the Gate... Or maybe Candlekeep...

[VanillaRose]

The guildmistress is reclusive for a long time. There is speculation that she is likely nursing a broken heart, although mean-spirited rumors about her state of mind flit through the Palace District as well. Correspondences go unanswered; knocks upon her door echo throughout the otherwise empty theater.

Eventually, a hastily written missive is left in the lounge. It reads "For Gregor and Rhamea" on the exterior of the envelope.

The wording inside is as follows:

Congratulations on your upcoming nuptials. I am glad that love is capable of intertwining the hearts of others.

You are more than welcome to use the theater for your ceremony. I have no objections, and I think it would be nice to have the place filled with people again.

However, I doubt that a Masquerade-themed wedding could happen at this point in time. Solus has departed from the Sword Coast. The ladies of Candlekeep are busy with their duties. Some of the new Performers left when I had to take my leave of absence. There are simply not enough people to perform the show, and I lack the energy and inspiration to rally others as I did in the past.

Regardless, I am thrilled that the two of you wish to spend the rest of your lives together. Love is truly the source of all creativity - treasure it and each other always.

Warmest regards,

Selis Vhaire

[vetinari]

*Alison Schlump, Jester, and Seeker of Candlekeep makes an appearance at the theater once every few days. Sometimes she stays in her quarters there, but often not*

*She collects and reads any messages addressed to the Theater, and places any correspondence to Selis in a box near the door to Selis's quarters*

*When she's in a particularly chipper mood, she plays dress-up with the Theater's costumes and reenacts favorite scenes from plays on the stage, often needing to play 2 or 3 different parts by herself*

[Nerialka]

*A copy of a letter adressed to Duke Eltan is sent to the Theatre to the attention of Selis with a small note attached to it*

Dear Director,

I thought it wise to bring this to your attention as one of the members of your guild is being held unjustly in the jails of the Flaming Fist company.

Do not hesitate to contact me should you or any member of the Theatre wish to take part in his defence.

Kind regards,

Amaliel Tyrend.

[vetinari]

The White Mask Theater has sat nearly empty for over two months now. The occasional Guildmember will arrive to spend some time in the back-rooms, but the echoing emptiness of the place drives most of them out again. Some of the items in the main theater area have been stolen, but the proximity of the Theater to the Ducal palace has detered all but the most skilled or desparate thieves.

Recently, however, the nearly-deserted White Mask Theater has started to see signs of life. A few hirelings have appeared to clean and dust the place, straighten the furniture and such. These day-laborers appear to have been hired by Provisional Director Alison the Harlequin, who commands them wearing her bright orange leathers and ridiculous-looking top-hat.

Furthermore, signs have appeared around the Gate, Beregost, and Candlekeep, looking for Performers of all sorts.

[vetinari]

An announcement on the White Mask Theater gate and the bulletin boards of Baldur's Gate.

The Performer's Guild wishes to congratulate its two newest members.

Darla, the halfling bard from Waterdeep
Elisuna the elven playwright and actress.

Welcome to both of you, and may you find much joy in your endeavors and bring more joy to the people of Baldur's Gate!

Signed,
Provisional Director, Performer's Guild
Alison the Harlequin

[vetinari]

Greetings, Lords and Ladies, Saers and Dames, Goodmen and Goodwives!

The Performer's Guild will be sponsoring what will be the first of a ten-daily event.

Open Stage Night, at the White Mask Theater.

Come to the theater and show off the skills you have! Event is open to all! Whether you have a lot of talent or just a little, everyone is welcome to come to the stage and perform. Whether it is song or dance; juggling or storytelling.

Refreshments will be served, courtesy of the Performer's Guild.

Date: Ninth day of Tarsakh ((Saturday, 9-Apr))
Time: Eighteenth Hour ((6pm EDT; 20:00 GMT))