Traveling entertainers? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Traveling entertainers? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Bergtann
01-27-08, 10:41 AM I've been prevailed upon to start a new campaign, and I wanted the players to have more interaction with NPCs than normally. I hit on the idea of having them guard a caravan of traveling entertainers, travelling between villages and towns.
Plenty of opportunity for adventure, and interacting with interesting personalities.

I was hoping people here might have quick ideas and short notions for NPCs that I could incorporate in the wagon train. Any good NPCs that has stood out prevously, etc.

I'm not asking for entire backstories, just quick ideas:)

The setting is homebrew, similar to the twilight of Rome (Dark Ages should start soon). No halflings, very different Gnome and Orc cultures. No Druids or Clerics. Northern setting, quite some distance from the capital.
CrimsonDeath
01-27-08, 02:01 PM You could check the Optimization Circus (http://forums.gleemax.com/showthread.php?p=14904025). Of course, some of those NPCs might be stronger than your PCs by the time they actually become entertaining...
Bergtann
01-27-08, 02:28 PM I did notice it just after posting this thread. However, that is mainly for builds. And I was hoping for ideas for an eclectic lot of personalities.

Buildwise, I expect a lot of the performers will be level 1s. Commoner and expert with a smattering of Bard 1. Several people with high Dex and Cha, skill ranks in perform, tumble, use rope, etc. Good opportunity for PCs to start learning such skills too.

I think the caravan will be mainly actors putting on shows and plays. A few singers, a clown, a juggler. No magican. A strongman. Maybe a freakshow, but I am uncertain. A seer?

I didn't want to steal too much from Girl Genius.
I_roll_ones
01-27-08, 05:01 PM Do the actors JUST entertain? Storytellers have a large role in cultures without widespread literacy or books.

It could be a covert cover for political commentary, via the use of allegory. Add in some skills for running the crap away if someone catches on or tells the guards.

They could recite morality plays. What morals would be present in these plays? Do the actors switch them for whatever city they are in, or try to send their own message?

The Greeks often used their own myths to demonstrate ideas, adapting them to suit the moral or idea they were trying to portray. Or, they could be performing stories relating to a hero-god to curry favor with that church, or to spread that faith. Or, if a church gives a large enough donation, start to do stories of that faith.

Do these cultures, presumably without a printing press, have widespread literacy or books? Probably not. If so, then bards and storytellers(With a good memory) would be highly valued as being able to memorize and perform histories, myths and legends(The line between these blur a bit).

Do the travllers have a route they go? (Say, they go to the same towns) If so, do they carry news from one town to the next?

Girl Genius, given the presence of Sparks, is more of entertainment with slight morality(The Heteodyne Boys were heroes, after all) and perhaps some history. However, I assume that Girl Genius has a LOT of printing presses(If not, get those sparks some freaking caffeine) so the emphasis is on entertainment and flashy stuff. Hence, the "Tart it up" idea when performing the "Socket Wench of Prague". The dancing cat business is also probably added in for the same reason.

However, as long as a circus doesn't have Clanks/Clockwork, it is unlikely that people are going to make the connection, given the nature of that circus. [SPOILER] Since they were hiding sparks, the flavor of the performances was secondary in the story. If your circus has a definite "flavor" that is not clockwork, you should be fine.

And are these people those who couldn't find work elsewhere? Those without land, or pushed off of it, so they had to make do elsewhere? If they have to hire guards, then I assume it is slightly dangerous.

Also, what is the prestige associated with traveling musicians? In some cultures, it is low and associated with uh, ladies of the night. In others, it is a highly esteemed profession, and they are hired by nobles so the nobles can show off their wealth, or considered carriers of history and information. Is it a lower class or higher class pursuit?
CrimsonDeath
01-27-08, 05:19 PM On the other side of the spectrum, they could essentially be a travelling thieves' guild with the performing troupe as cover. Which would help explain the need for guards...
Bergtann
01-27-08, 06:25 PM Very thought-provoking.

Do the actors JUST entertain? Storytellers have a large role in cultures without widespread literacy or books.

Almost both. The setting is the northern frontier of the Empire, nearly beyond the empires ability to project power. Literacy is not rare in the empire at the moment. This will plummet over the next generations.

Barbarian tribes/nations exist in the immediate vicinity, and Bards and Spirit Shamans hold the "knowledge repository" roles in these cultures. Storytellers will be entertainers to the empire, and important figures to the barbarians.

It could be a covert cover for political commentary, via the use of allegory. Add in some skills for running the crap away if someone catches on or tells the guards.

This is a very good idea. I shall incorporate it with alacrity!

They could recite morality plays. What morals would be present in these plays? Do the actors switch them for whatever city they are in, or try to send their own message?

Morality plays are a good idea. The central ones should have fairly universal appeal in this world, while the ones that deals with customs should be changable.

The Greeks often used their own myths to demonstrate ideas, adapting them to suit the moral or idea they were trying to portray. Or, they could be performing stories relating to a hero-god to curry favor with that church, or to spread that faith. Or, if a church gives a large enough donation, start to do stories of that faith.

There is a smaller element of prozelyzation to the religons. They are more similar to philosophies in the Empire, while the barbarians are animist and ancestor-worshippers. Still, heroes and generals with political ambitions could use them as a convenient tool.

Do these cultures, presumably without a printing press, have widespread literacy or books? Probably not. If so, then bards and storytellers(With a good memory) would be highly valued as being able to memorize and perform histories, myths and legends(The line between these blur a bit).

The empire has some priniting presses, but no movable type. However, not much in the way of literature will be making its way to these hinterlands. You are right though, both the carrying of news and the keeping of history would be vital roles.

Do the travllers have a route they go? (Say, they go to the same towns) If so, do they carry news from one town to the next?

Girl Genius, given the presence of Sparks, is more of entertainment with slight morality(The Heteodyne Boys were heroes, after all) and perhaps some history. However, I assume that Girl Genius has a LOT of printing presses(If not, get those sparks some freaking caffeine) so the emphasis is on entertainment and flashy stuff. Hence, the "Tart it up" idea when performing the "Socket Wench of Prague". The dancing cat business is also probably added in for the same reason.

And are these people those who couldn't find work elsewhere? Those without land, or pushed off of it, so they had to make do elsewhere? If they have to hire guards, then I assume it is slightly dangerous.

Also, what is the prestige associated with traveling musicians? In some cultures, it is low and associated with uh, ladies of the night. In others, it is a highly esteemed profession, and they are hired by nobles so the nobles can show off their wealth, or considered carriers of history and information. Is it a lower class or higher class pursuit?

The caravans follow fairly set routes. And once a year, many caravans meet up for a festival. However, as the empire declines, the soldiers have been increasingly unable to keep the Emperors roads safe. And in some cases, are just as bad as the bandits.
This is a progressively worsening problem.

The work is a lifestyle. Some families have done it for generations, but the main recruitment is from people who join up for other reasons. It is considered a trade, and in older days, have been quite a legitimate one. (A fairly respected guild) Times change, and official attitudes are increasingly sceptical.
However, in remoter areas, they retain their traditional prestige.

This caravan, however...is travelling around one of the more dangerous areas of the empire, in an inhospitable and worsening climate. People who work here probably can't, won't, or know they shouldn't be on one of the caravans serving richer areas.

Incidentally, Orc territories may now be safer than empire ones. To Orcs, they are peaceholy. Orcs do not have money though.
Bergtann
01-27-08, 06:29 PM On the other side of the spectrum, they could essentially be a travelling thieves' guild with the performing troupe as cover. Which would help explain the need for guards...

It would not be beyond possibility that a couple of thieves have joined with this thought in mind. Without the rest of the caravan knowing.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Bergtann 01-27-08, 10:41 AM	I've been prevailed upon to start a new campaign, and I wanted the players to have more interaction with NPCs than normally. I hit on the idea of having them guard a caravan of traveling entertainers, travelling between villages and towns. Plenty of opportunity for adventure, and interacting with interesting personalities. I was hoping people here might have quick ideas and short notions for NPCs that I could incorporate in the wagon train. Any good NPCs that has stood out prevously, etc. I'm not asking for entire backstories, just quick ideas:) The setting is homebrew, similar to the twilight of Rome (Dark Ages should start soon). No halflings, very different Gnome and Orc cultures. No Druids or Clerics. Northern setting, quite some distance from the capital.
CrimsonDeath 01-27-08, 02:01 PM	You could check the Optimization Circus (http://forums.gleemax.com/showthread.php?p=14904025). Of course, some of those NPCs might be stronger than your PCs by the time they actually become entertaining...
Bergtann 01-27-08, 02:28 PM	I did notice it just after posting this thread. However, that is mainly for builds. And I was hoping for ideas for an eclectic lot of personalities. Buildwise, I expect a lot of the performers will be level 1s. Commoner and expert with a smattering of Bard 1. Several people with high Dex and Cha, skill ranks in perform, tumble, use rope, etc. Good opportunity for PCs to start learning such skills too. I think the caravan will be mainly actors putting on shows and plays. A few singers, a clown, a juggler. No magican. A strongman. Maybe a freakshow, but I am uncertain. A seer? I didn't want to steal too much from Girl Genius.
I_roll_ones 01-27-08, 05:01 PM	Do the actors JUST entertain? Storytellers have a large role in cultures without widespread literacy or books. It could be a covert cover for political commentary, via the use of allegory. Add in some skills for running the crap away if someone catches on or tells the guards. They could recite morality plays. What morals would be present in these plays? Do the actors switch them for whatever city they are in, or try to send their own message? The Greeks often used their own myths to demonstrate ideas, adapting them to suit the moral or idea they were trying to portray. Or, they could be performing stories relating to a hero-god to curry favor with that church, or to spread that faith. Or, if a church gives a large enough donation, start to do stories of that faith. Do these cultures, presumably without a printing press, have widespread literacy or books? Probably not. If so, then bards and storytellers(With a good memory) would be highly valued as being able to memorize and perform histories, myths and legends(The line between these blur a bit). Do the travllers have a route they go? (Say, they go to the same towns) If so, do they carry news from one town to the next? Girl Genius, given the presence of Sparks, is more of entertainment with slight morality(The Heteodyne Boys were heroes, after all) and perhaps some history. However, I assume that Girl Genius has a LOT of printing presses(If not, get those sparks some freaking caffeine) so the emphasis is on entertainment and flashy stuff. Hence, the "Tart it up" idea when performing the "Socket Wench of Prague". The dancing cat business is also probably added in for the same reason. However, as long as a circus doesn't have Clanks/Clockwork, it is unlikely that people are going to make the connection, given the nature of that circus. [SPOILER] Since they were hiding sparks, the flavor of the performances was secondary in the story. If your circus has a definite "flavor" that is not clockwork, you should be fine. And are these people those who couldn't find work elsewhere? Those without land, or pushed off of it, so they had to make do elsewhere? If they have to hire guards, then I assume it is slightly dangerous. Also, what is the prestige associated with traveling musicians? In some cultures, it is low and associated with uh, ladies of the night. In others, it is a highly esteemed profession, and they are hired by nobles so the nobles can show off their wealth, or considered carriers of history and information. Is it a lower class or higher class pursuit?
CrimsonDeath 01-27-08, 05:19 PM	On the other side of the spectrum, they could essentially be a travelling thieves' guild with the performing troupe as cover. Which would help explain the need for guards...
Bergtann 01-27-08, 06:25 PM	Very thought-provoking. Do the actors JUST entertain? Storytellers have a large role in cultures without widespread literacy or books. Almost both. The setting is the northern frontier of the Empire, nearly beyond the empires ability to project power. Literacy is not rare in the empire at the moment. This will plummet over the next generations. Barbarian tribes/nations exist in the immediate vicinity, and Bards and Spirit Shamans hold the "knowledge repository" roles in these cultures. Storytellers will be entertainers to the empire, and important figures to the barbarians. It could be a covert cover for political commentary, via the use of allegory. Add in some skills for running the crap away if someone catches on or tells the guards. This is a very good idea. I shall incorporate it with alacrity! They could recite morality plays. What morals would be present in these plays? Do the actors switch them for whatever city they are in, or try to send their own message? Morality plays are a good idea. The central ones should have fairly universal appeal in this world, while the ones that deals with customs should be changable. The Greeks often used their own myths to demonstrate ideas, adapting them to suit the moral or idea they were trying to portray. Or, they could be performing stories relating to a hero-god to curry favor with that church, or to spread that faith. Or, if a church gives a large enough donation, start to do stories of that faith. There is a smaller element of prozelyzation to the religons. They are more similar to philosophies in the Empire, while the barbarians are animist and ancestor-worshippers. Still, heroes and generals with political ambitions could use them as a convenient tool. Do these cultures, presumably without a printing press, have widespread literacy or books? Probably not. If so, then bards and storytellers(With a good memory) would be highly valued as being able to memorize and perform histories, myths and legends(The line between these blur a bit). The empire has some priniting presses, but no movable type. However, not much in the way of literature will be making its way to these hinterlands. You are right though, both the carrying of news and the keeping of history would be vital roles. Do the travllers have a route they go? (Say, they go to the same towns) If so, do they carry news from one town to the next? Girl Genius, given the presence of Sparks, is more of entertainment with slight morality(The Heteodyne Boys were heroes, after all) and perhaps some history. However, I assume that Girl Genius has a LOT of printing presses(If not, get those sparks some freaking caffeine) so the emphasis is on entertainment and flashy stuff. Hence, the "Tart it up" idea when performing the "Socket Wench of Prague". The dancing cat business is also probably added in for the same reason. And are these people those who couldn't find work elsewhere? Those without land, or pushed off of it, so they had to make do elsewhere? If they have to hire guards, then I assume it is slightly dangerous. Also, what is the prestige associated with traveling musicians? In some cultures, it is low and associated with uh, ladies of the night. In others, it is a highly esteemed profession, and they are hired by nobles so the nobles can show off their wealth, or considered carriers of history and information. Is it a lower class or higher class pursuit? The caravans follow fairly set routes. And once a year, many caravans meet up for a festival. However, as the empire declines, the soldiers have been increasingly unable to keep the Emperors roads safe. And in some cases, are just as bad as the bandits. This is a progressively worsening problem. The work is a lifestyle. Some families have done it for generations, but the main recruitment is from people who join up for other reasons. It is considered a trade, and in older days, have been quite a legitimate one. (A fairly respected guild) Times change, and official attitudes are increasingly sceptical. However, in remoter areas, they retain their traditional prestige. This caravan, however...is travelling around one of the more dangerous areas of the empire, in an inhospitable and worsening climate. People who work here probably can't, won't, or know they shouldn't be on one of the caravans serving richer areas. Incidentally, Orc territories may now be safer than empire ones. To Orcs, they are peaceholy. Orcs do not have money though.
Bergtann 01-27-08, 06:29 PM	On the other side of the spectrum, they could essentially be a travelling thieves' guild with the performing troupe as cover. Which would help explain the need for guards... It would not be beyond possibility that a couple of thieves have joined with this thought in mind. Without the rest of the caravan knowing.