Author(s): Chameleon
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Peer Review Thread: This thread
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Synopsis: Ionu's theatre troupe, the Inverted
Abstract: The Inverted is a theatre troupe dedicated to Ionu and the god's illusions. Some say the theatre troupe is just a cover for the advancement of Ionu's more secretive goals, but nonetheless, these theatrical players are considered some of the best in Mizahar. When they tour, people come from all over the world to witness their amazing illusions. Having trained with the Inverted opens doors for people, especially in the realm of espionage and intelligence, but most remain to serve their god. History: The Inverted have existed ever since people have learned about Ionu's existence. In the beginning, they were simply a group who worshipped illusions and aimed to create something worthy of their god's attention. Over time, they grew and developed to form a theatre troupe which would secretly work for Ionu's goals. The group developed to stretch across the globe with some of the most impressive illusions that could be found. However, following the Valterrian, the Inverted collapsed and seemed to disappear. Slowly, the group sprouted again in Alvadas, hoping to continue with what their ancestors had started. At first the new group began as an offshoot of the actors from The Crooked Playhouse before establishing themselves as the new Inverted. It took a long time for them to grow in size and numbers, but in the last hundred years, the group has started to visit other cities in attempts to share Ionu's touch and their illusions. While most outermost cities will have only heard of the Inverted through travellers and merchants, many people from cities close to Alvadas can boast to have seen the Inverted. Wherever the name is mentioned, however, it is almost always praise for their performances. Performances: The most important part about the Inverted is the performances they hold across the world. Mostly, these are shows of dance and acrobatics, likening the group to a circus, but occasionally, when the right actors and playwrights can be found within the group, the Inverted have been known to put on plays, operas, musicals, and pantomimes. Whatever it is the Inverted do, it is what is least expected of them. The group move from city to city mostly with a large, brightly colored caravan, that trails in a long procession as they cross each region. Inside the many wagons and carts is the entirety of the Inverted's possessions, somehow, and are often well protected by members of the Inverted or hired mercenaries on particularly long and dangerous journeys. In cases where sea travel is necessary, the Inverted may sail with the Mischief, or hire a cargo ship to transport them across to their destination. Mostly, the group tends to rotate around Alvadas, Syliras, Kenash, and Riverfall, attempting to visit them at least once a year, but lately, they have been reaching out, hoping to hold performances at other cities, leading to a break in their schedules and the Inverted being even less predictable than usual. Intelligence: As well as acting as a theatre troupe, the Inverted also have several intelligence and espionage branches designed to keep an eye out in different cities. The Inverted have several spies located within nearby cities, some of which are responsible for keeping track of the moods of the general populace, others of which attempt to rise in the rankings of those in power to learn more about the cities and organizations they join. Partly, this intelligence is for the protection and profit of the Inverted, used to determine where it is safest to travel, where they will be best received and where Ionu's control is fading. Through these spy networks, the Inverted hope to increase Ionu's influence and to protect Alvadas from any threats. Organisation: The Inverted lack a formal organisation, with many temporary members, therefore making it hard to understand the size of the faction. Although it is clear they aim to hold impressive performances, very few know of their goals in serving Ionu. The group is funded through the money they gather at every performance and with donations from the city of Alvadas and other Ionu followers.
Membership: Joining and Requirements: There are two ways in which someone might join the Inverted: through their faith in Ionu, or through their skill in performing. Those wishing to join can seek out and petition for admittance - in these cases, they will have to demonstrate either their skill or prove they follow Ionu and have a desire to openly worship him. More often than not, they are taken on as a new recruit. However, the Inverted often take interest in those who show particular faith or talent, especially in the realm of espionage and intelligence, and will personally reach out to them with an offer to join their group. In these cases, the recruit is viewed as someone to be respected, often a little higher in the rankings than if they petitioned themselves. For required skills and lores, members will be expected to have knowledge on Ionu and the Inverted, and at least 20 points in either a performance or investigative skill, and 10 points in a supporting skill. (EG. 20 Dance/20 Intelligence, 10 Acrobatics/10 Observation) Training: Depending on what a member's particular talents are, they are trained in various skills. Those who have an investigative nature undergo many practice missions, often without knowledge that is is one. Meanwhile, those who wish to perform will often be mentored by a more experienced member who will teach them the finer skills of their art. In both cases, training is fairly informal, and the amount varies as necessary. Benefits: There are many benefits to joining the Inverted. Firstly, any performer from the theatre troupe is automatically viewed as very talented and will find that gaining employment is easier for them. The group also opens doors in terms of espionage, and many members may find that they are approached with offers of jobs in that skill set. Finally, if a member of the Inverted needs any materials to supplement their work, it is provided free of charge. Members of the Inverted will still find their wages following the corresponding base pay for the job they have, but opportunities for extra money will be more available. Hierarchy: The Inverted hold a firm hierarchy within the group, where it appears that status is judged on skill as a performer and experience within the group. However, in many cases a member's perceived position within the hierarchy is simply a front, used as an illusion to hide status, and those who appear to have the least power often are simply acting through another individual in the group. Members of the public and newer members to the group are unaware of the hidden hierarchy. An individual's real status is almost always determined by how close they are to Ionu. The only true level of status is the number of Ionu marks a performer has. At the head of the Inverted is the Azure, informally known as the Director, who is considered to manage everything. Most believe that without the Azure, the Inverted would fall apart. However, although he, or she, does play an important role in representing the theatre troupe and organizing performances, the Azure is simply a figurehead for the rest of the group to hide behind and has very little power in the actual actions of the group. Senior performers, known as Sapphires, are next in the perceived hierarchy. As well as organizing their own performances, they are often tasked with helping with the organization of the show and helping the newer members represent the Inverted well. These performers are often well respected in the group, apart from a few who are there simply for the performance, not for Ionu. These Sapphires aren’t considered much better than any individual member by the rest of the Inverted. Below them are Cyans, which are performers from the troupe that have been deemed skilled enough to remain with the group. It is their responsibility to provide regular spectacles, whether it is on their own or as a group performance. Beyond the illusion of hierarchy, this is where most members of the Inverted find themselves. The newest members of the Inverted are known as Cobalts. They are often taken under the wing of a more experienced member, both to train them and to watch them closely for hidden agendas. Even in the true hierarchy, Cobalts are considered the lowest and are often met with mistrust unless they are already marked by Ionu or have completed a special mission for the troupe. The Indigos are viewed by outsiders to be the lowest in the Inverted. These form the staff that were considered unfit for the stage, but continue to serve the group by working behind the curtains on props, make-up, costumes and everything else that composes the performances. In reality, Indigos are considered just as important as any other member of the troupe and can be very influential within the group. Allies/Enemies: Just like Ionu, the Inverted remain secretive in terms of their allies and enemies. It is unclear whether they trust any particular organisation, but the Inverted will join with or fight against a group, based on necessity or situation, and with Ionu's whim. However, the Inverted will avoid any city that has openly criticized Ionu and consider those against their god as their enemies. |
