Guildhall of the Performing Artistes
A bastion of artistry and excess, the Guildhall of the Performing Artistes stands in glorious contrast to the more utilitarian guildhalls of craftsmen and laborers.
Formerly the keep of the eccentric noble Lord Ren, this castle-turned-theatrical haven remains one of the most contentious landmarks in the Free City—its grandeur and opulence often drawing the resentment of more "serious" guilds.
Lord Ren, though notorious for his peculiarities, was second only to Zagig Yragerne in his passion for the arts. His boundless patronage and deep admiration for performers, musicians, and artists led him to commission and fund many of Greyhawk’s cultural institutions, including the Great Theatre itself. Lacking an heir, he ensured his artistic legacy would outlive him by bequeathing his formidable keep—along with its priceless collection of art—to the guild of performers who had brought him joy in his final years.
Now, the Guildhall of the Performing Artistes functions as:
- A prestigious art gallery, rumored to house the finest collection in the Flanaess.
- A private theatre, where nobles and ambassadors enjoy exclusive preview performances before major shows debut at the Great Theatre.
- A living and training space for the city’s most promising yet impoverished young performers.
The Guild of Performing Artistes boasts an eclectic membership, including:
- Jugglers, clowns, musicians, actors, acrobats, and even snake charmers.
- A significant number of demihumans, including elven poets, half-elven bards, and gnome musicians.
- A notorious troupe of half-orc clowns, whose dark humor is not for the faint of heart.
The guild enjoys the prestigious patronage of the great wizard Otto , of the Circle of Eight , whose passion for music and performance rivals his love of food. A shrine to Lirr, the goddess of poetry and art, is housed within the Guildhall, and it is said that her blessing graces all who perform within its halls.
Security at the Guildhall is surprisingly formidable, given the guild’s reputation for frivolity. At any time, it is guarded by:
- A rotating group of 25-49 resident performers, who double as watchmen to pay their lodging.
- Three seasoned sergeants (5th-level fighters), personally hired by the guild.
- A staff of 20 attendants, who assist in both theatre operations and security matters.
To protect its vast collection of priceless artwork, the Guildhall employs magical defenses, including:
- Magic Mouth spells that alert guards to suspicious activity.
- Invisible strings tied to valuable pieces, triggering alarm bells at a nearby watch station.
- Additional mystical wards, rumored to have been personally crafted by Otto himself.
While a few daring thieves have managed to steal pieces from the gallery, their chances of escaping Otto’s wrath are slim. Those caught rarely live to attempt a second heist.
Guild of Performing Artistes
From humble street performers to renowned opera soloists, every entertainer in the Free City is required to join the Guild of Performing Artistes.
The guild’s prestige and influence stem largely from its wealthy patrons, particularly among the city’s cultured nobility. Most notably, the wizard Otto of the Circle of Eight is an active supporter and member, lending the guild a layer of protection few would dare challenge.
The Guild of Performing Artistes is one of the most diverse guilds in the Free City, boasting the largest proportion of demihumans among its ranks. Its over 700 members include:
- Elven poets whose words weave magic.
- Half-elven bards with voices as enchanting as their songs.
- Gnome musicians whose compositions push the boundaries of sound and illusion.
- A troupe of half-orc clowns, whose performance style treads the line between humor and intimidation.
While not all members remain in the Free City at all times, many take their talents on tour, spreading the guild’s reputation throughout the Flanaess.
The Guildhall of Performing Artistes is an extravagant structure, housing:
- A small but elegant theatre, used for private performances and rehearsals.
- A renowned art gallery, containing priceless works from across Oerth.
- A shrine to Lirr, goddess of poetry, prose, and art, where members offer dedications before every major performance.
Many performers within the guild are infamously superstitious, and it is tradition to perform a dedication to Lirr on the opening night of any production. Those who fail to honor this tradition often find their performances plagued by inexplicable mishaps—or worse, the disapproval of their peers.
Comments