The Entertainer's and Streetseller's Guild (SH19)

Entertainers and streetsellers are the most diverse of professions, whose members span out over the city, performing on street corners or hawking their trinkets in the market squares. They are friendly and insistent, full of false charm, and their guildhouse reflects this. Some might call the building gaudy, with bright, fake marble columns made out of painted ship masts, and colourful murals decorating the walls. The building itself is situated on one of the roads just off Tick Tock Square on Hightower Isle.

Despite the name, the guild caters mostly for the entertainers. Inside is a small theatre which hosts amateur productions by members. The theatre is a makeshift affair, being little more than a pit for the audience with a raised stage at the end. The plays are popular as there is only a minimal ticket price (2d), which makes it economically practical for students to attend. It is also popular with the performers, as talent scouts from the Marienburg Dramatic Society (C35) mingle with the crowd, and being selected by them is the only way to bigger and brighter things. When not showing plays, other acts including concerts and dances are performed, and travelling troupes will often play here rather than at the smarter theatres. Above the theatre is an art gallery with free wall space for its members.

The streetsellers receive no special support like the entertainers, but they are taken greater care of than they would be by the Merchants and Traders Guild. For a minimal monthly fee they can ensure that their 'patch' isn't poached by newcomers.

The object of everyone in the guild is to be recognised, to be moved up the social ladder, to become famous. Members are savagely competitive, and there is much bitter infighting between troupes of players. Everyone resents those who have succeeded and deride those who they are still fighting against.

Map

Common Knowledge

"What do ya wan' to go there fur? Bunch o' poofs!"

"It may be called the entertainer's an' Streetseller's Guild but I ain't seen no streetsellers there mate."

"It's a house of sin that's what it is. Full of drunk rag tag students, watching a 'performance' by some whore who thinks she can 'act' if she flashes her tits. In this district, in my lifetime as well. It makes me sick."

"It's, like, good, like, 'cos plays are, like, too 'spensive up at that posh place, like. Brining drama back to the common man, like."

"That place is sooooo vulgar! I mean, they even have goblin playwright there. A goblin! Imagine! If you want to see drama there are plenty of proper theatres in Marienburg."

Emma van de Schaar (SH19a), Playwright, Ex ­ Poet, Ex ­ Actor Social B4

"Good Morning. How ca . . . my god, you're perfect. Your hair is just the right colour! Sorry I must just write down your description and I'll be with you in a minute."

"You liked my books, did you? And have you acted on what you've learnt?"

Emma is youngish, plain, with teal coloured hair which she chews constantly and damp grey eyes. She cares little for the style of her clothes or her appearance generally, and to most people she looks bedraggled and untidy. One can come across her wandering around the city in a dreamlike state, stopping every now and then to write furiously in her diary as something captures her eye ­ a strange statue perhaps, or a beggars expression.

Emma is kind, if a little absent minded, and she has often worked as a volunteer in Shallyan Soup Kitchens around the city. As her writing became more widely known and she grew in status, she suggested moving the entertainer's guild, which was little more than an elaborated counting house, to a location where plays could be performed. She had seen much talent on the streets of Marienburg, and also saw how much of it was wasted. She saw the new guild as a way of helping members progress in their careers, rather than just taking their money, as well as offering entertainment for the poor classes.

However, she is now weary with the guild she has birthed. She dislikes the members, who are like spoilt children, constantly feuding with each other, and the endless problems it throws at her. She resents it, because it detracts from her writing time. Emma has written two plays, and is halfway through her first novel. She hates the class differences, and the injustice and suffering the poor have to undergo, and this is her subject matter. Unfortunately, the guild has distracted her to such an extent over the past month or so, that the work on her book has reached an impasse. She is irritable and almost frantically looking for ideas.

Emma is a member of the Marienburg Dramatic Society (C35), which tentatively supports her. On the one hand she is a brilliant contemporary writer, but on the other hand her work attacks the rich and calls for social reform, and many society members are wealthy professionals who would rather not hear what she has to say. She is friendly with many of the school children across the square, whom she occasionally buys sweets for from Mary­Anne's (SH13). She makes regular donations to both the Edelmoed Temple (SL10) and Sister Marianne's Orphanage (SL12). While on her wanderings, she often stops to buy a cup of tea from Granny Hetta (SB26a), who feeds her with delicious rumours.

M 4 WS 36 BS 25 S 2 T 3 W 7 I 41 A 1 Dex 34 Ld 40 Int 57 Cl 42 WP 50 Fel 54

Age: 31

Alignment: Neutral (Shallya, not devout)

Skills: Acting, Charm, History, Linguistics, Luck, Public Speaking, Storytelling, Read/Write, Theology, Wit

Possessions: Knife, good quality clothes, writing materials, diary, purse with 16 Gu.

Arnold Slooff (SH19b), Labourer Social D9

o An old dwarf, with a severe receding hairline and long grey hair and beard, still obviously strong and fit despite his age. His eyes crinkle up when he smiles (which is rare), and he always seems stressed. Arnold is the Stage Manager for the theatre.

o Friendly towards the actors (he sees them as his fractious children), and dour and sullen to everyone else. Very skilled and able, but likes to "discover" the solution at the last minute, which drives Emma to distraction.

o He has a happy life at the theatre where people treat him with respect, and hopes this continues.

o "I'm not sure, give me some time to think it through."

o Arnold has live in the city for well over a century, and has always been involved with the theatre. He is scornful of the Marienburg Dramatic Society, which sacked him several years ago on the grounds he was too old. He is a member of the Stevedores and Teamsters Guild (SR5), which he has little to to with. All the players like him, confiding in him and asking his advice.

M 3 WS 42 BS 17 S 4* T 5 W 8 I 29 A 1 Dex 30 Ld 57 Int 22 Cl 50 WP 52 Fel 18

Age: 163

Alignment: Neutral

Skills: Carpentry, Consume Alcohol, Drive Cart, Scale Sheer Surface, Swim, Very Strong

Possessions: Sword, Leather Jack, Flask of Herbal tea, Sturdy boots, 17 Schillings

The Blue Rose Theatre Company

The Blue Rose Theatre Company is a small affair with three members, and potential newcomers must be "of a soulful disposition that tends towards expressing essential ironies through the undying word" (known to everyone else as acting). It is fair to say that Eustachius Assenburg, the leader of the trio, is the most pretentious and arrogant person that exists. Ever. The plays he performs "attempt to explore the intrinsic contradictions of the modern world and thus expose the idiosyncratic conundrums of the spiritual nature of man."

Eustachius Assenburg (SH19c), Entertainer ­ Actor

o A fairly young man, with slicked back blond hair and blue eyes. He is tall, strong, and conventionally handsome. He wears good quality, ostentatious clothes with a blue velvet rose through the buttonhole, and he is unnecessarily vain ­ forever preening himself.

o Egotistical, arrogant, pretentious and boring. He gets worked up about the "metaphysical nature" of the plays he puts on, but in truth he is a bad actor and a worse director. If anyone suggests that his work could do with a little improvement, he fills with self pity and anger.

o All he wishes to do is to become a full member of the Marienburg Dramatic Society (C35). This is a dream that will, fortunately, never be realised.

o "But surely you can see that in this scene the chair represents the burdens of society ­ constantly being dragged from one area of responsibility to another, never being broken into its component parts and reduced to the primal wood it came from. This furthers the themes this play expresses"

o Eustachius is an intellectual snob, and hates everyone from the Vulgar Goblin Company (SH19f - k), taking it as a personal insult when any of them get offered a place at other theatres. He has a suffocating love for his sister, Juliana (SH19d), who is the only person who truly likes him, and a grudging respect for Remiel (SH19e). If he suspected anything between the two, he would be angry, confused and deeply upset. He admires Emma (SH19a), who pretends to enjoy his work. Arnold is constantly in his bad books for imagined sabotage attempts on his masterpieces by technical problems.

M 4 WS 41 BS 39 S 4 T 3 W 7 I 30 A 1 Dex 41 Ld 32 Int 28 Cl 28 WP 45 Fel 27

Age: 30

Alignment: Neutral (Ranald)

Skills: Blather, Flee!, Read/Write, Ride, Silent Move Urban.

Possessions: Knife, Several Plays, Velvet Rose, Fine clothes, Small Mirror.

Notes: Minor delusion - thinks himself to be a good actor.

Juliana Assenburg (SH19d), Entertainer ­ Actor

o An extraordinarily pretty young woman. She has coffee coloured hair, sparkling emerald eyes, a snub little nose and a winning smile. She is gently freckled, slim, and slightly short. She too wears a blue rose, but a smaller, more tasteful one than Eustachius'.

o She has a charming and effervescent character. Innocent and happy, because her brother has protected her from the wicked world.

o Although she is a brilliant actor, she no longer has the drive to become one of the Dramatic Society (C35). She has begun to resent her brother's smothering protection, and has a desire to see more of the world than the small social circles she is confined too.

o "Please don't tell Eustachius, but I'm going off acting."

o Juliana is friendly and attractive, and there are few people who dislike her. She has become romantically inclined towards Remiel (SH19e), who she sees as mysterious, unpredictable and dangerous ­ everything her brother is not. Eustachius would be irate if he knew of the tryst. Because she has been protected by him, Juliana knows no one outside the Entertainer's Guild.

M 4 WS 28 BS 30 S 4 T 3 W 7 I 38 A 1 Dex 32 Ld 31 Int 35 Cl 32 WP 30 Fel 43

Age: 21

Alignment: Good

Skills: Acting, Charm, Dance, Excellent Vision, Read/Write, Sing

Possessions: Knife, Several Plays, Velvet Rose, Fine clothes, Powder Box, Small Mirror.

Remiel Lietz (SH19e), Entertainer ­ Actor, Ex ­ Slaver, Ex ­ Racketeer, Ex ­ Thief, Ex ­ Sea Captain, Ex ­ Marine

o A swarthy and silent sea elf. His eyes lurk in deep pits, his delicate features are disguised with stubble, his clothes and hair are unkempt, and yet he appears glamorous. He always thinks carefully before answering a question, and his general demeanour is world weary.

o He has a reserved, thoughtful and practical character. Many people would see him as evil, as selling human slaves doesn't seem to bother him. He is certainly immoral. The affair he is having with Juliana is seriously confusing him, making him feel guilty. Although he won't admit it, he is obsessed with her.

o Remiel has several conflicting motives. For some time he operated as a slaver, finding lone newcomers to the city, befriending them, before drugging them and shipping them out to Araby. Thousands of visitors pass through Marienburg every day; faces aren't remembered and lone travellers are not missed. He originally operated from the Helmsman (SB1), and Red Lantern Square (R1), but has moved on. Posing as an entertainer, he planned to get access to naive innocents for his slaving racket. However, he has surprised himself by falling deeply in love with Juliana ­ just the sort of person he is meant to bodysnatch. The people he works for are growing impatient, as Remiel has not delivered 'the goods' for several weeks...

o "Please leave me alone to think."

o Remiel is a loner by nature and knows few people in ordinary society. He is known amongst the Arabians of the city, and has an arrangement with Malik Durani, a spice clipper captain to smuggle slaves out of Marienburg. He doesn't operate with the guild's explicit permission, but he can get away with this as he is a sea elf (as long as he isn't too obvious.) Part of the Slaving Crew that runs from The Jackal Inn (SR31)

M 5 WS 71 BS 56 S 6* T 4 W 11 I 82 A 3 Dex 75 Ld 65 Int 64 Cl 65 WP 57 Fel 65

Age: 107

Alignment: Neutral (Ranald not Devout)

Skills: Acrobatics, Acting, Animal Trainer ­ Monkey, Blather, Boat building, Bribery, Cartography, Charm, Concealment Urban, Consume Alcohol, Dance, Disarm, Disguise, Dodge Blow, Drive Cart, Etiquette, Excellent Vision, Evaluate, Haggle, Identify Plant, Linguistics, Luck, Numismatics, Pick Lock, Read/Write, Ride, Row, Sailing, Secret Language ­ Battle Tongue; Thieves' Tongue, Secret Signs ­ Thieves' Signs, Seduction, Silent Move Rural, Silent Move Urban, Sixth Sense, Speak Tar ­ Eltharin, Speak Arabian, Speak Tilean, Specialist Weapon ­ Fencing; Fist Weapons; Incendiaries; Pistol, Storytelling, Strike Mighty Blow, Strike to Stun, Street Fighting, Swim, Very Strong, Wit.

Possessions: Sword, Knife, Pistol, Leather Jack, Leggings, Costumes, Play Texts, Writing Equipment, Velvet Rose

The Vulgar Goblin Theatre Company

It could only happen in Marienburg. Named after its illiterate goblin director, the company puts on immensely popular extravaganzas of music and colour, including 'The Whoremaster of Brionne' and thrilling murder mysteries such as 'The Rat Trap.' Wazekial, or Waz as he is known to his friends, doesn't write the plays, doesn't act in them and doesn't design the set, but he does take all the credit. And he deserves it too, for whatever quality he brings to the "shows" he directs, it drags people to the guild's small theatre in their droves. His plays are sold out for weeks in advance, and it isn't just the common folk that come to see them either ­ it has become quite the fad amongst the rich young things to see and be seen at a Waz Production.

Wazekial 'Waz' Poldervaart (SH19f): Director, Ex - Beggar

Wazekial is perhaps the most unusual looking goblin anybody has ever come across, as Marienburg and his success has affected his self image. Like most goblins he stands just over four feet tall, and has muddy green skin. That is where the similarities end. He wears bright blue and yellow striped velvet leggings, and a tight red shirt (showing up his pot belly) ­ both of these items are perfectly tailored. On his feet he wears comfortable sandals, and he has a thick leather jack that he carries over his shoulder but never wears. He has a red Mohican, and unusually for a goblin, a crazy goatee beard. Jammed on his enormous nose are a pair of tinted glasses, and a fat cigar (unlit ­ he can't stand smoking them) either hangs out of his mouth or is shoved behind an ear.

Waz is forever surrounded by a clutch of hangers ­ on, sycophants, scribes and servants, which gives the impression that he is some eccentric foreign prince. But life was not like this for Waz when he first arrived in Marienburg. Somehow sneaking in from the wasteland ­ perhaps through the sewers ­ he lived on Riddra and begged throughout the Suiddock. He didn't object, the life was easier than the one he'd known outside the city walls, and he soaked up the sights and sounds of the Marienburg. The consumerism, the opulence, the ideals and crazy coincidences of city life appealed to him, although being a goblin he often misinterpreted or missed crucial facts, which has resulted in his current, rather confusing beliefs on good living.

All these new experiences had a profound effect on him, and his small brain started churning out ideas that no goblin brain should ­ stories that were tragic, comic, farcical, none of which could be realised. It was only after having watched a play at the entertainer's guild did he discover what to do with his thoughts. However, not being able to write was a problem, and he hadn't the faintest idea of how to go about producing a play, acquiring actors and props, rehearsing or how to finance it all. Ignoring these niggling problems, he scoured the audience that evening for people to help him, and by the end of the evening he had two ­ Robert Hoornweg, a recently redundant scribe and Ben Odijk a labourer who was to serve as company manager. Over the next few days he went out onto the streets on Riddra and Luydenhoek looking for actors amongst the beggars, thieves and prostitutes. With an untrained cast, a hastily transcribed script and the 'flair' and 'inspiration' of the director, rehearsals commenced.

One month later and it was the opening night of his first production ­ 'The Arabian Princess.' It was a total flop. All other performances were cancelled, and Waz went back to stage one. But it wasn't a failure completely ­ his small company had learnt a lot, and they were willing to have another try. On the second attempt, Waz was triumphant, creating the unique mystery/thriller ­ 'The Rat Trap.' It was (and still is ­ there are reruns every six months) the most popular play that had been put on at the entertainers guild. The Vulgar Goblin Company had struck gold.

The reasons for Waz's success are varied. His plays are popular because they give people what they want ­ entertainment, thrills, violence, story, heroes and villains, suspense and many full breasted young women with low cut tops. He advertises and pushes his shows constantly, paying people to say how great they are, giving away complimentary tickets to the right people, printing notices and sticking them up all over the city. He is impractical and egotistical, but has an infinite enthusiasm that one cannot help but get caught up in. Arrogant and sure of his own self worth, but in such an exaggerated and over stated manner, that it is impossible not to like him for it. His gaudy style and disinterest in what people think of him (the company is named after a critic's cutting remark) is refreshing in a city full of cynics.

Waz has made a considerable sum of money with his plays, and apart from spending it on himself, he intends to move the company to a new theatre he is planning on building elsewhere in the Suiddock. The crucial advantage in doing this, is that he can charge higher ticket prices (the guild enforces a 2d ticket price for its theatre.) No one is certain whether this new scheme will be yet another surprising success, or if Waz will have finally over extended himself. One interesting point of this development is that despite his obvious success, the Marienburg Dramatic Society (C35) has, understandably, been reluctant to admit Waz to their ranks. If Waz's plan goes ahead, the Vulgar Goblin Theatre will be the first ever in Marienburg that isn't controlled by the society, possibly stimulating greater freedom in the performing arts... Another plan of Waz's is to do a tour of the Empire, possibly even the Old World!

Waz is an unusual character in that he can be found in the best and worst parts of the city. He lives on Riddra, but because of his wealth, he can often be seen in the Centralwijk on shopping sprees. His clothes were designed by the wacky Mimi Zegulio, and Oliver Bonner has deemed him worthy enough to wear his scents. As he is (for the moment) in the fashion spotlight, he is a welcome patron of The Silver Coin. He has bought up a deserted warehouse in Stoessel, where he rehearses his current plays, and which he is planning to convert to a theatre. He can often be seen talking to the architect Titus van Mierlo is The Osric's Arms.

M 4 WS 31 BS 36 S 3 T 3 W 9 I 55 A 1 Dex 49 Ld 61 Int 32 Cl 35 WP 42 Fel 63

Age: 28

Alignment: Neutral

Skills: Begging, Blather, Comedian, Concealment Urban, Consume Alcohol, Luck, Night Vision, Public Speaking, Secret Language ­ Thieves, Secret Signs ­ Thieves, Silent Move Urban, Story Telling

Possessions: Crazy Clothes, Short Sword, Leather Jack, Cigar, Tinted Glasses, Pouch with 5 Gu

Notes: Waz is not affected by animosity of dwarves or fear of elves which goblins normally suffer from ­ Marienburg is a cosmopolitan city after all.

Ben Odijk (SH19g), Company Manager, Ex ­ Labourer

o A large, but not overly imposing man with powerful forearms. He has a square jaw, a stern face and closely cropped hair. He wears a leather jack and labourer's trousers, and carries round a leather file. He stands just behind and to the right of Waz most of the time, and generally only talks to him.

o Quite intelligent, despite his former profession. He is organised, and practised at dealing with logistics ­ although the Vulgar Goblin is a small operation, the efficiency with which he runs it is unparalleled. He is quiet, and rarely talks to strangers, unless it is to tell them to stop bothering "Mister Poldervaart." Calm, and rarely sparked to violence.

o Ben finds the responsibility far more stimulating than being a labourer. He acts as a mixture of personal advisor, bodyguard and go between, organising meetings and rehearsals, checking finance, keeping records of Waz's appointments etc. Due to his background he also constructs most of the sets.

o "Mister Poldervaart does not want see you today. He does not want to see you tomorrow. Mister Poldervaart never wants to see you."

o Ben is friendly with most members of the company. He dislikes Robert (SH19h) instinctively, plays up to Belinda's (SH19i) advances and flirts with her in a low key way and drinks and plays cards with Bart (SH19j). He is closest friends with Waz however, and is grateful to him for the opportunity he has been given. He has two assistants under him, one to look after finances and the other as a messenger, but he controls all the various labourers and servants associated with the company.

M 4 WS 54 BS 35 S 5* T 4 W 8 I 42 A 2 Dex 33 Ld 57 Int 40 Cl 42 WP 33 Fel 30

Age: 30

Alignment: Neutral (Manann)

Skills: Animal Care, Bribery, Carpentry, Cook, Disarm, Dodge Blow, Drive Cart, Engineering, Haggle, Public Speaking, Ride, Read/Write, Scale Sheer Surface, Specialist Weapon ­ Fist, Street Fighting, Strike to Stun, Swim, Very Strong

Possessions: Mace, Studded Leather Jack, Leather file with notes, Pouch with 10 Gu

Robert Hoornweg (SH19h), Scribe

o A gormless looking young man with an uncontrollable mat of sandy brown hair. Robert wears poor clothes and shuffles rather than walks. His whole appearance is rather vague, as though he were half asleep.

o Robert is not very quick on the uptake and often misspells words ­ the reason he got chucked out of his last job. Waz doesn't mind about spelling mistakes. The two got on tremendously. Robert had never really been into theatre, he just used to visit the guild to see student friends. Waz's plays appeal to him, although he doesn't know why.

o Wants to be paid more for what he does, although he would never change jobs. Resents the amount of money Waz is making, and will seek to embezzle some of it when he can. This is unlikely to work considering his intelligence.

o "I'll jus' write that down..."

o Robert is not close with the rest of the company ­ he does not see it as the extended family the others do. Friends with students at the Marienburg University. Robert has been kicked out of the Scribe's guild, and so can't get a job anywhere else. Robert does not know that Waz is thinking of replacing him.

M 4 WS 33 BS 29 S 3 T 4* W 7 I 25 A 1 Dex 31 Ld 30 Int 26 Cl 34 WP 30 Fel 29

Age: 26

Alignment: Neutral

Skills: Read/Write, Secret Language ­ Classical, Very Resilient*

Possessions: Short Sword, writing equipment

Belinda Scheffers (SH19i), Entertainer ­ Actress, Ex - Prostitute

o A short, voluptuous young woman, with plain brown hair and a freckled face. She is attractive rather than beautiful, and wears slightly too much makeup. She wears colourful clothes that show off her figure to the fullest.

o Belinda flirts shamelessly with everyone. She prefers the company of men because she knows she can control them, and dislikes the spiteful comments other women make to her. When acting she is passionate and melodramatic, taking the lead female roles (which are often 'romantic' in that they involve her flashing a lot of her figure.)

o She knows that she isn't a serious actress, but enjoys performing in Waz's productions and is one of the few members of the guild that doesn't want to advance any further. She is slightly scared of Waz's plans for expansion, fearing that she won't be good enough for a 'proper' theatre.

o "Meet me after the show, and I might give you another kind of show altogether ... if you're willing!"

o Friendly with the other members of the company, continues her romances with Bart off stage, flirts with Ben and indeed all the other male actors, mocks the members of The Blue Rose Company. Is well known by the regular audience ­ many of which are university students keen to get into bed with her (she satisfies the wishes of most of them ­ she evidently hasn't completely abandoned her old profession.)

M 4 WS 34 BS 31 S 3 T 3 W 6 I 43 A 1 Dex 46 Ld 30 Int 33 Cl 32 WP 28 Fel 51

Age: 19

Alignment: Neutral

Skills: Acting, Acute Hearing, Blather, Charm, Concealment Urban, Jest, Palm Object, Read/Write, Seduction, Silent Move Urban, Sing

Possessions: Knife, Several Plays, cheap colourful clothes, 4 or 5 lovers.

Bart Hofman (SH19j), Entertainer ­ Actor, Ex ­ Bodyguard, Ex ­ Bawd, Ex ­ Gambler, Ex ­ Student

o A lithe, handsome young man, with a slightly rakish face and neat shoulder length black hair. His eyes have a roguish twinkle, and he doesn't take anything anyone says seriously. Perfectly toned muscle ripples under his tight clothing (when on stage) although it is not excessive ­ it gives the impression of him being powerful without being brutish.

o Quite Intelligent but lazy. He is a charming person to be around, often coming up with original ideas and plans. No women can resist him, and he knows it! He has an adventurous spirit, and revels in trying new experiences, and has little respect for the law.

o Bart sees acting as a pleasant diversion, like everything else in life. He comes from a middle class family living in the Stroompoort. He went to university, but didn't study, spending much of his time drinking, gambling and whoring. The university kicked him out after a year, and he carried on much as before, paying his way by guiding naive visitors round the dodgy bars in the Suiddock. Just before he was "discovered" by Waz he started working for The Guild (SB36) on small jobs as a lookout, or by helping loading stolen goods, and this is what he intends to carry on with.

o "Hey ... relax!"

o The rest of the company idolises Bart ­ he is the epitome of the leading male part (in Waz's plays at least.) Enjoys his affair with Belinda but knows it isn't anything serious. Friendly with Ben, although Ben wouldn't be pleased if he found out about Bart's illegal connections. Treats Eustachius with contempt and constantly eyes up Juliana. Still great friends with many students, and a familiar face at The Helmsman (SB1) where he collects many of his customers for his 'tours.'

M 4 WS 54 BS 45 S 4* T 3 W 9 I 45 A 1 Dex 47 Ld 31 Int 44 Cl 43 WP 26 Fel 50

Age: 25

Alignment: Neutral

Skills: Acrobatics, Acting, Bribery, Charm, Consume Alcohol, Disarm, Drive Cart, Excellent Vision, Fish, Gamble, Jest, Luck, Numismatics, Palm Object, Read/Write, Secret Language ­ Thieves, Sixth Sense, Specialist Weapon ­ Fist, Street Fighting, Strike Mighty Blow, Strike to Stun, Swim, Very Strong*, Wit

Possessions: Sword, Knife, Several Plays, tight colourful costume, drab city clothes, Leather Jack, Pouch with 3 Gu.

Other Company Members
The Vulgar Goblin Company comprises between thirty and forty members, making it the largest company based at the Entertainer's Guild. There are 15 actors in total, including Olga Ooms and Ruben Raamsdoink. There are also stage hands, props managers, carpenters, publicity men, tour managers, although the characters will probably never meet these people.

Other Companies

The Vulgar Goblin and The Blue Rose are not the only companies that perform here regularly. The Seven Stars Theatre Group produce plays of a religious or moral bent, and they disapprove of the Vulgar Goblin's Lewd Songs and antics. The Red Curtain Group perform tired renditions of William Rattlespear classics, and The Magic Light Company do plays that rely more on the technical creations of their resident Illusionist and dwarven engineer. All these companies generally hate each other, seeing whatever they're doing as the way forward in drama, and the other groups attempts as dangerously misguided.

Artists and Other Entertainers

The Artists Work dominates the first floor, and while most of it is utter rubbish, all the best modern artists have started here before moving on to better and brighter things (often working at the Contemporary Setting.) Buyers visit regularly, as the trick is to discover the good artists here before they move on and their prices escalate out of all proportion. Any adventurers who wish to become artists would have to show here first. The other entertainers don't have any specific roles within the guild, but many mingle throughout the crowd when plays or other events are put on, getting a good sum from the cheerful, often drunk audience.

Adventure Ideas

A Jealous Nature
Eustachius has finally snapped. After he failed to book a three day slot for one of his masterpieces in a months time, because one of "that damned goblin's farces" was going to be in its third week, he has sworn to get revenge by destroying the production in any way he can. He travels to a slightly more dubious area of town, where he bumps into the characters, and, thinking they are sort of person he needs, asks them to come and have a drink with him. He explains the situation, and asks them to sabotage the production any way they can ­ stopping short of killing people or burning the guildhouse down. What the adventurers do now is up to them. They might go along with the plan, or they might go and warn Waz. If the adventurers side with Waz, they will gain an effective ally and and ineffective (but possibly irritating) enemy.

Remiel and Juliana
Remiel and Juliana have finally eloped. Eustachius is furious and upset, and thinks that Remiel has kidnapped Juliana. And for once he is right ­ Remiel has overcome his conscience and intends to sell Juliana as a slave. The adventurers are hired by Eustachius to find Juliana, and they uncover Remiel's slaving ring. Eustachius has talked to other people as well, and the Guild (SB36) are angry when they find out. They too will be hunting Remiel. The only difficulty is that Remiel will stay low in Elftown before taking her to The Jackal Inn, so the adventurers best bet is to intercept them as they arrive. On the other hand Remiel may have decided to quit slaving, and try to flee to the Empire or Bretonnia. The only problem is that his fellows at the Jackal want to find him, the guild wants to find him, and Eustachius has hired a small army to find them. Remiel approaches the adventurers and asks them to smuggle the two out of Marienburg.

The Ticket Touts
A number of unscrupulous bawds, noting the popularity of Waz shows have begun selling false tickets. The adventurers might be hired by Ben Odijk to find the touts and "persuade" them to stop operating. However many bawds the adventurers intimidate though, the tickets keep on appearing. The only solution is to trace them back to their source ­ Alden's Printing House. Or maybe the adventurers need to get tickets for a rich patron, and fakes are the only ones available. The GM can deceide whether they are accepted or not...

The Fashion Spotlight
A rich young friend of the adventurers wants Waz to come to a party she is hosting. However as Waz is both very fashionable and therefore greatly in demand, It will be difficult for the adventurers to get to talk to him, let alone persuade him to disrupt his 'busy schedule.' However, he might acquiese if the adventurers do something for him ... maybe sort out the ticket touts that have been plaguing him...

All the World's a Stage...
The adventurers are hired by Waz as actors or stagehands for his next production. Put the characters through the rehearsals and the performances (give them a small scene!) and subject them to the full blast of Waz's directorial fury. What the characters don't know is that they are deeply resented by the people that they replaced. These old actors will do anything in their power to sabotage the adventurer's plans and the production.