Publius

[!] Following a meeting between the East Bight Band and the Tokoko refugee’s, a short poem on the curious folks would enter circulation after publishing by Timeo de la Baltas. Describing them and the encounter, it would read as follows... [!] A depiction of an East Bight Boy speaking with a Tokoko refugee, artist unidentifiable. Before me I beheld a paranoid menagerie of curious Eastern folk, Piety preventing meeting until we made appropriate offerings. Beautiful robes and dresses accomplished by odd cloth shoes and sandals, One would wonder as they spoke their sing song tongue where our difference stemmed from. Whilst my eyes were wide akin to a child mid discovery, Their own remained in a perpetual suspicious squint. Mirroring each other as we continued to gawk, My hope is they too looked on me in wonder - not shock. [!] Hibou Plongeant had arrived to perform in fair Markev for the Wiekley Sigmundi festival. Though drunken rowdiness may have soured the latter part of the night, before them, they were presented a poem that had left them in some esteem – published as well, it would read as follows... [!] The East Bight Boys brawling one another following a heated disagreement! Jutting from the tundra similar to a finely cut gemstone, Markev stands watch, a wary gaze over the Czena and into Yatl. Hearty and of good hearth, only these fair Ruskans would make camp in a blizzard, Proving stoic, if not so noble as to prove worthy of their enduring majesty. Humanity’s vanguard against the vaeyl and pagans alike, Magnanimous they are for not reminding us more often of our debt to them! But if a blessing looked like anything, Haensetians would not deny, Barbanov banners may put all others to lie!

Timeo de la Baltas read this letter with delight – Markev was one of the most beautiful cities he had ever visited, and now he was afforded the opportunity to perform there! Glowing with pride, he would reply...

[!] Throughout your travels upon Atlas, readings of poetry and the observation of play scripts became more common in human settlements – all seemingly published by one ‘Timeo de la Baltas’. Those who held an interest in plying an artistic trade may soon hear of his art collective; Hibou Plongeant. Of it, they would likely learn the following... [!] Actors and musicians practice for a performance at the Carolustadt Cantina in old Imperial costumes, as depicted by Jaspar ‘le Rond’, c. 1696 Origins of the Troupe Timeo de la Baltas caught resting with his notebook upon a bridge in Rosenyr, by Jaspar ‘le Rond’ c. 1696 Prior to the formation of the troupe, the young troubadour Timeo de la Baltas honed his craft travelling across Atlas. Performing poetry, and writing for nobility, and gaining worldly knowledge from his adventures, he found great fortune after some of his works became published. Now presiding over a small horde of minae, rather than settle, the young man is now investing in artistic talent of all sorts around Atlas! Contracted to perform at numerous taverns, courts, and festivals, time would tell if the guild of performers would rise to bring about a golden era in culture and art! Aspirations and Works of the Group A depiction of ‘The Lusty Kharajyr Maid’ being performed, date and artist unkown. Currently, performances at the Rosenyr Red Rose festival, as well as minor shows around Belvitz and Carolustadt have been noted – but each comes to both acclaim from the masses and critiques alike! With the hopes of soon becoming more than just a troupe – in becoming the pre-eminent bardic guild of all of Atlas, thousands of minae are poured upon the performers as they strive to publish more literary and musical masterpieces than all other nations combined! Bardic Standard. The troupe hopes to write and perform a set of poems and songs that become a standard for all performers – be them elvish lyre players, tavern side singers, or a simple lute player, the personnel of Hibou Plongeant seek to create a Bardic Standard in which many can find easy access and begin study! Revival of music as part of Courtly hosting etiquette. Where once it was only proper etiquette to host a feast with musicians available, there now is hardly ever a trumpeter at a single court! Hibou Plongeant hopes to visit the courts of all nations and their vassals should they be welcome, to play and reignite the culture of music that used to accompany rule and dining alike! Live performances of stories and epics. At no point in reliably recorded history has there been a play performed until ‘The Lusty Kharajyr Maid’ was showcased at the Rose Festival of Rosenyr. Visionaries amongst the artists in the troupe now see this as likely the new breakthrough artistic medium that may connect more closely with the masses, and seeks to perform more plays in the near future. An alternative for the peasantry to escape poverty. In dire economic times, or ones whence the greed of a few accost the many, to be able to idly perform for minae may bring in the extra money necessary to keep food on their table. Education. Aside from the musical aspirations of the group, the promotion of creativity is also best served by a sharp mind. Artists that are apart of Hibou Plongeant will aspire to teach those interested instruments and how to read basic common, to serve them in singing and recitation. Preservation and promotion of culture. As Imperial standards have been met by many of the different peoples of humanity, many have lost what had made them so unique and powerful at heart. The guild wishes to celebrate all histories and preserve the knowledge we have on them, so that we may never regress to before wherever we have progressed to! Lifestyle. Long has it been since any have dared to live so free and have ambitions that simply contributed to their joie de vie – joy of life. Many who join do so in the interest of mutually assuring that they are not returned to poverty or a dull life shoveling dung – many dramatically announcing they would prefer death to serfdom. Opportunities and Work with Hibou Plongeant Noblewomen judge the handicrafts of a Hibou Plongeant jeweler. Far more than a simple band, the troupe employs all sorts of folk – musicians, artists and actors primarily, but security and craftsmen of alternative sorts are more than welcome! Many within the troupe take up a craft as well, be it smithing, tailoring, or even folk widdling, those seeking patronage for their works may seek the troupe leader Timeo for sponsorship. Those who wish to live the lifestyle of the artist may commit to being a part of Hibou Plongeant can find steady work as they travel and perform though, as many courts and cities seek to be entertained by the troupe! Currently, there are three primary types of profession within the troupe: Bards The backbone and catalyst of the troupe, the bards endeavor to garner both fame and minae for their talents. Meant to enhance the drinking pleasure at taverns, the intensity of a tourney, or simply provide pleasure at the long and sometimes fruitless court sessions, the bards also include among them many singers – soon to form perhaps the first choir in centuries! Bards may perform on their own for commissions or pleasure. Artists Presiding over the fine arts such as portraiture and other forms of visual art, this designation is also afforded to those who dare perform in the experimental plays of the troupe. Only artists of the troupe with gain the patronage of its founder, Timeo de la Baltas, as to give them an edge in international competition. Furthermore, those of these skills will be rigorously praised by our bards to help drive their popularity – and perhaps their commission prices – to new heights! Artisans Encompassing all alternative art forms – be they jewelers, tamers of wild beasts, calligraphers – those of any craft of cultural value may find sponsorship and use in the troupe. Those wishing to work security are also found under this designation. Tailors, barbers, and many other jobs find employment within Hibou Plongeant already. Joining the Troupe or Receiving Patronage! New and old artists alike judge one another’s work at the Ratcatcher tavern. Those who wish to join or receive patronage from Hibou Plongeant simply need to send a letter detailing their craft and offer a simple introduction, or be inducted but Timeo de la Baltas in person! Members can be found in the cities of all human nations, and may communicate there interests before or after performances! All performers will be offered either minae, or the opportunity to choose to forgo their payment for alternative payment. (Post letters in the comments below if you are interested in applying!) Hiring the Troupe! Musicians receiving payment and reading the parameters of an upcoming performance. Should you have interest in hiring the troupe to perform in your court, town, or keep – simply send a courier to the Carolustadt Cantina detailing your parameters of performance (what you would wish the troupe to do at an event) and payment will be negotiated. The troupe offers to perform once at any court, town, or keep completely free as to prove the quality of their craft! For more details, write to Timeo de la Baltas. (Discord: Publius#1947 Minecraft: Coupublius) (Write below the RP letter requesting a performance! Reminder: We will perform at any location for the first time for free!)

Timeo noted this wedding for hearing of the authentic Akritian cuisine was served – he even tried contacting the couple about recipes naively thinking they cared so deeply as to know the ingredients of the food catered! They provided him the name of a chef though, and so he saught this man in his neverending adventure to enjoy the finest foods...

[!] Around fair Carolustadt following the fair St. Karlsmas season, a new Carol would be popularized via the publishing and patronage of the Archchancellor, Mister Morris. Across the Empire, copies could be found and people could idly be heard humming or singing the tune. It goes as follows... [!] A homeless minstrel plays this and pleadingly looks to you for any minae you can spare! Ascending into the square of Carolustadt I look a fool or dumbstruck, Aweing at the opulence that makes ubiquitous the Empire’s influence. Crossing paths with throngs of folks far and near, I gaze up to the Lorraine, Neck straining to see so high this priceless piece that crowns the square. Beyond it, I know, is God - but just past, the Palace in which the Emperor resides, Who presides over the only court where a King would proudly kneel. Of such grandeur and good posture stands this city so high, Fair Carolustadt is the only city of God aneath the Seventh Sky. [!] Simultaneously, a less popular self published work by Timeo de la Baltas circulates; a poem about young love with a legionnaires daughter. This work would also thank the Archchancellor Mister Morris on the back for access to printing presses and his patronage – it goes as follows. [!] A dramatic scene of a young nobleman being refused the chance to woo a lady by her nan, you may think on this poem should you have heard it! Winding streets akin to the knots in my stomache, My fears lay upon another encounter with your father. Legionnaires akin to bricks of the walls of fair Carolustadt, He now akin a wall himself between us. Cafard am I to think we had to avoid his patrols like thieves, Wishing for enough respect to enter your home – if only as a servant. Roaming with a burden on my knees I knew not in your company, Your presence lifted my spirits such so, That a heart of gold could not encumber me. Dragging my feet along I hope not to see the fool in my reflection. For I still imagine that same fool alongside you, Fool I shall remain for still dwelling on this too. Because if I were to look up, perhaps I’d see beyond, Should my sights set on another, in my heart, you will remain fond. Those who endeavored to know would come to note that Timeo de la Baltas wrote these pieces, and may hear tell of his search for more steady work! (Discord Publius#1947)

Timeo readies his performers, and commissions with his remaining minae a cute set of armour!

[!] Around fair Belvitz, a new tune written by Timeo de la Baltas would be performed by bards and children alike about the Duma of 1695 – it goes as follows. [!] You may see this jovial drunkard performing about Belvitz, oh my! Over some dice in fair Belvitz, Decisions are made through games, not fits! Ran by Duke Ratibor ‘the Rambunctious’, Superb was the food, so delicious! What jubilant manners, what odd sorts, Despite standing on the table, they dug at the food like warts! Roscoe and Incredibilis both spoke in union, But come time to vote, ‘ayes’ erupted in unison! Making free states of a tavern, Offering respect to the owner and ale as they govern! Bishop Ritz found cause to pump it up, Without thanks to that fair free state for what was in his cup! Such is Carrion rule and the power of its Black™, Boldly left open were the doors - they feared no attack! Attacking they’d dare do though, as Constantine stood, Vouching for work and conquest where he could! Before those attending a Count sat menacingly, Was this there true fear? Quite possibly! None who beheld such a sight could deny, Adria’s fair Duma left lame legislating to die!

1500 minae

“Un mille (1000)” Bids an Auvergne man.

Whilst you mill about your day in boredom, yearning for anything to annihilate the monotony of your home and work life, you hear some cute gals giggling about over some gossip. You cannot help yourself, and you are simply overcome with curiosity – what you hear is a story of the ages! Said gals you have so rudely listened on upon! ”Divorce? How could she divorce Ser Crétin? So what if he did not write it if she has been moved to marry!” Said the uglier of the two! ”Do you not see? She fell in love with the words of the poem, not the man – she claims now to love this troubadour in finding out the truth of the piece’s origins!” Chimes the prettier and more reasonable of the duo. ”But even so, what does that matter? She would leave him for not alone producing these honeyed words?” Droning on, you almost agree with this negative nancy... ”Honeyed words or not, it is what kept them together! Without it, they are not one in marriage! Lady Crétin apparently even learned his name and by reading the mail the Lord and this poet sent one another...” Your brows nearly touch your hairline with anticipation, your fascination making you look suspiciously stimulated for a bystander! ”Well, out with it, who’s this troublesome bard?” Hisses the hag, and you are nearing ready to give her what for in lacking any sense of romance when finally it is said - ”Timeo du la Baltas. He rides the roads now, breaking hearts, writing stories, and taking commissions wherever he goes. Some say he sends Lady Crétin flowers even to this day...” Finally now, you are spotted by these two, and they look to you with discomfort and disgust before they happen away. Embarrassed you may be, you are now alerted to an opportunity to hire this more sensational Troubadour!