The Masque of 1000 Faces
(Den Masque von tausend Gesichtern)
Revised for 596 CY
Part divine comedy, part killing joke, this travelling temple of Olidammara
claims to have been formed by the Laughing Rogue himself. It has relentlessly
travelled the length and breadth of Perrenland entertaining countless generations
of Perrenders - and in that time, it has been home to some of the finest raconteurs,
rogues, and reprobates to roam the rivers and roads of Perrenland.
Reflecting its constant state of motion, the Masque's membership is in a constant
state of flux. Individuals come and go at whim, and it's not uncommon for small
groups to break off or rejoin at any time. Often these groups will journey to the
more distant corners of Perrenland to perform, picking up all manner of interesting
titbits along the way. So as a result of these constant comings and goings, the
Masque is always up to date with the latest goings on in Perrenland.
The show itself is an ever changing spectacle of colour, sound, movement, and
improvised comedy. The only limitation is the number of performers present. Performances have included everything from improvised plays (in the style of commedia
dell arte) to sound and light shows of Wagnerian proportions. When the company swells
to it largest size it becomes a vast fair accompanied by side-shows that promise
games of skill and chance, and stalls that offer all manner of refreshments and
knick-knacks.
Just as the Masque publicly celebrates the boisterous and bawdy nature of its
performances, tawdry side-shows, and alehouses, it shyly hides a darker side from
prying eyes. Members of the group have been accused of all manner of daring thefts
and elaborate swindles, however very little is ever proven, and through careful
management the Masque has never been called to public account. From time to time
rumours have surfaced that it harbours members of the secretive Temple Raiders of
Olidammara. Likewise it has been said that the Temple Raiders have used the Masque
as a recruiting ground. Of course the Masque has always denied any connection.
Following an unfortunate misunderstanding involving two drunken members and the
undergarments of the High Priest of Pelor, the Masque has publicly stated that any
member convicted of serious criminal activity would be expelled.
The relationship with Perrender society tend to be ambiguous. The populace flock to its shows while the authorities grow weary of its outlandish behaviour and rumours of criminal activity, rumours that have never been conclusively proven due to their
constant relocations. Interestingly, relations between the Rhenee and the Masque are
warm and cordial - the two groups having realised their common ground on the margins
of Perrender society. As a result, members of the Masque are often seen travelling
on Rhenee barges, while Rhenee often run the Stalls and Side-shows and occasionally
appear in performances.
The Masque eschews oaths of secrecy and exclusivity for its security, relying
instead on the anonymity and discretion of its members to guard its secrets. As
such, it is normal for its members to go about their daily lives with their identities hidden behind elaborate masks and costumes; as a matter of fact, it is
not unheard for members to assume multiple identities when travelling with the
Masque. Likewise, members rarely share personal details with each other. Those who
would cross the Masque face retribution in many forms. And in a land where
reputation is essential, character assassination is every bit as deadly as physical
attack.
Of course, all that really matters is that the show must go on.
Alternate names: der ewig Zirkus (The Eternal Circus), der Mitternacht-
Zirkus (The Midnight Circus), Firma des lachenden Mannes (Company of the Laughing
Man), The Harlequinaide, der Zirkus des Schattens (the Circus of Shadow), der
Dimmerungs Zirkus (the Twilight Circus)
Motto: The show must go on.
Contact Person
John Brinsmead John_Brinsmead@Hotmail.com
Den Masque Membership Certificate (125Kb).
