Inkspreader

Inkspreader's are entertainers that were found almost exclusively within Florahil due to the cultural importance of tattoos within the nation and prominence of low level arcane casters among everyday citizens. The actual acts they can perform vary from entertainer to entertainer, and often depend on the tattoos they have. Some are able to manipulate the ink of a harp on their back to perform audible music, while their fellow performer has a beautiful pattern dance across their skin, from shoulder to chest to shoulder. A different troupe may be able to change the color of their skin, changing a solid black tattoo into various colors that sync with both the live music and their dance movements. Other troupes may perform juggling, comedy, or plays, depending on their ability and dedication.
After The Second Arrival, in which Florahil appeared in the world of Sinstram, these Inkspreader troupes quickly expanded out to other nations, who never having seen anything quite like it before, became enthralled with the acts. As a result Inkspreaders are often considered festival-worthy should a town or village know they will soon arrive, and many "mediocre" Inkspreaders from the Old World were suddenly launched into fame and wealth as they got further from home. As a result, Inkspreader's have formed an interior culture war of "art versus profit", a concept that is no stranger to the now suffering bards, buskers, and more mundane performers of Sinstram.

Career

Qualifications

Inkspreaders, in theory, only require two things to be able to perform. A basic understanding of arcane magic and the ability to use that magic to adjust their already existing tattoos. That said however, one cannot underestimate the need for stage presence, charisma, and the drive to create new art. Like any freelance performer, one can only make a living as an Inkspreader if the individual or troupe can juggle the responsibilities of practice, promotion and performance.

Perception

Demographics

Demographics are difficult to pin down when it comes to Inkspreaders. Originating exclusively from Florahil due to The Second Arrival, the concept itself was novel and previously unheard of; As a result, it started with limited numbers, with likely under 5,000 total performers worldwide. As the profession gained fame however, many would apprentice with troupes, leaving their homes behind to both get tattoos and learn the magic required to perform. Within 15 years of the First Inkspreaders performing travelling shows it is expected that number at least doubled, with many being novices from foreign nations, and some being newly self taught natives of Florahil seeking the fast track to wealth.

History

Founded and until the past few years, exclusive to Florahil, Ink spreaders were a common source of entertainment in theater and at street corners. Their sources can be traced back to a 40 year long cold war with Florahil's former political rival "Placholder" before leaving the Old World. Throughout the cold war, Florahil sought to increase the average citizen's ability to be self-sufficient and more capable in combat in case of their need for militia forces; They did this by hiring traveling wizards and sending them into towns to help teach any interested in the most basic of magic spells. It would turn out that Florahil citizens had a particular skill for illusion magic. This skill wasn't particularly valuable to armed forces and citizens would find personal uses for it, changing the appearance of their clothes or home, or enhancing public spaces with smells and color. Florahil's already existing love of art and theater had a second renaissance as new plays and shows that heavily relied on illusion magic came out near monthly. If these productions failed (as they often did in the then over-saturated market) the performers would venture off on their own, performing in one act shows, on corners with petty magic, or after The Second Arrival become grifters in less magically compitant places of the world.

Alternative Names

Inkspinner, Tattoo Singer

Demand

Luxury

Legality

Many nations across Sinstram are either indifferent to Tattoos (such as Kalzarum) or actively encourage them (such as Windari), meaning that the legality falls under the same umbrella as any bard, acting troupe, or other performer. In Woadpress however, where tattoos are outlawed, Inkspreaders are not allowed to even enter the borders under threat of indentured servitude.