Esmee's Entourage
Named for the young sorceress martyr of the early six century, the Entourage operates in dark shadows all over the Inner Seas. Those initiated into its secrets can recognize each other through the symbol of a circle wit a bisected line. Those that sympathize with the plight of the persecuted arcane community, it provides a much needed service - identifying, rescuing, and training young men and women that exhibit magical talents before they are caught by authorities. For those that see the arcane as Tarien's greatest bane, they see the organization as an illegal cult undermining the very core of civilization. The truth, of course, lies in one's perspective.
Most members of the Entourage subscribe to the first point of view. Many have had their lives saved when elder members of the organization rescued them from persecution upon the manifestation of their powers; typically an event that reveals most magi to the community at large. These youths are spirited away from their homes - and authorities - and smuggled to far flung cities where they can be taught control in secret. Most return to society upon achieving that control, keeping their power secret as they go about their lives as merchants, artisans, and farmers. While they might keep an ear to the ground for news of other magically attuned youths, they generally keep the heads down in an attempt to live out their lives in peace. Occasionally, as they grow in years and wisdom, another youth will be placed in their care. While these service is never required, few refuse, allowing them to pay of the debt of their own rescue.
The most passionate members often take up the crusade, leading the efforts to find and rescue young magi. As they operate more openly, these members live in constant danger and their lives are often brief, especially for those operating in the least tolerant nations. It is these members that the public sees as they will use their magical gifts to spirit away youths from village stockades or deter pitchforked mobs. Most do their best to restrain their own displays of magic. After all, if the ultimate goal is acceptance of the arcane, burning peasants does little to further the cause. A few, however, see the current sentiments as a declaration of war. Indeed they will point to the Mage Wars themselves, stating that they did not begin the hostilities. These magi willingly use their powers to sow fear and destruction against the mundane without compunction. Fortunately for Tarien, this sentiment is rare and the Entourage itself has been known to cull its own of the worse offenders.
Rumors of secret society with the Entourage also persist among its members. There are those, it is said, who seek to not only restore magic to glory in Tarien, but also to undo the The Three Strictures, opening up the continent to the full powers of magic. Few in the society speak of it, however, and those that do only mention it whispers.
Founding Date
Mid 6th Century
Type
Secret, Occult
Location
Notable Members