Masque of the Dragonsong Bards

(To be added)

(To be added)

The **Masque of the Dragonsong Bards** is a peculiar Harlequin Masque, formed and "led" by the illustrious Alvixo the Dragon. This Masque's theme differs from other Harlequin Masques, with fantasy being their inspiration. Their outfits are inspired by the aesthetics of fantasy, with the Troupe of Light themed around the heroes and protagonists, from aspiring adventurers to noble knights, the Troupe of Dark incorporates many villain archetypes, like nefarious necromancers, malicious marauders and murderous monsters, and the Troupe of Twilight uniting these two alignments in intrigue. Their philosophy is that life is a game, of rolls and luck, and their purpose is to win it, and enjoy every step along the way.

## History

The Masque's origins started with Alvixo the Dragon. He had once been an Exodite Eldar on the distant world of Eia'yurthi, a Maiden World around the Eastern Fringes. When a performance of the Fall of the Aeldari was put on by another Harlequin Masque, much to the begrudging members of his isolated and stoic tribe, Alvixo was the only one who stayed for the entire production. At the end, he begged the Harlequins to take him with them. They took him onboard. It is unknown when he established the Masque, alongside the other two troupe masters, though. However, he claims that, whilst skimming through the Black Library he found "interesting reads".

## Organisation

The Masque of the Dragonsong Bards for the most part keep within the usual Masque composition, with a Light, Dark and Twilight Troupe, with two Starweavers squadrons and one Voidweaver squadron. Rhe'tath stands as the current Shadowseer and Obricon as the Death Jester.

## Combat Doctrine

The combat doctrine of the Dragonsong Bards includes the Saedath of the Fall of Nagor'ith, and it has three acts- The Aristeia, the Intrigue, and the Slaughter.

The Fall of Nagor'ith is the tale of a hero of an ancient Aeldari house. The hero, Nagor'ith, has to fight invaders, rampaging monsters from the north, who wish upon their people's death. The first act is a glorious battle, slaying countless foes. A cast of characters are presented, and there's excitement, action, and even wit in the dialogue. Then, the intrigue, as a traitor among the house's council lurks, and Nagor'ith tries to manoeuvre the courts and schemes. But, when he finds the truth, his family is murdered. This leads to the final act, the Slaughter, as Nagor'ith invokes the dread of Khaine and goes on a rampage, massacring all who stood in his way. When he finally gets his vengeance and murders the traitor, he exiles himself, leaving the house of Nagor'ith to crumble.

Aristeia is associated with Light, and follows a narrative where lives are at stake and the heroes are the only ones who stand in the way against the tide of foes. They make their presence known, but use shock and awe to dazzle the enemy in an array of dextrous strikes, allowing the enemy seldom time to respond.

Intrigue is associated with Twilight, and tells the tale of an intricate plan, weaved through fine threads. When Intrigue is in play, it's to strike at the heart. Light and Dark may work together to spread forces thing, attacking at numerous locations. Mere distractions for a perfectly executed execution.

Slaughter is associated with Dark, and its focus is blood. A final act to a campaign may involve a blood slaughter, where the enemy is torn down, their homes are pillaged, if anything is worth plundering, and blood drenches the street. It is a Danse Macabre, as the enemy is united in death.

## Customs & Beliefs

The Masque of the Dragonsong Bards have a few notable customs. One is a competition, where bardic tales are written, recited and sung. The Troupe Masters and Shadowseers judge whose song invoked the most emotions. Though comedic songs are common, though tragic songs may occur as well. However, one of the most interesting customs is the 'Dragon Game'. This is an event with involves much theatrical roleplay, where some Harlequin Players take up the role of various characters, not with a script, but to act and react in certain situations set in a fantasy world. They act as a party, delving dungeons, slaying monsters and saving (or damning) their world. The Troupe Masters write and plan these adventures, with the Shadowseers narrating and driving the story with the Players- though this isn't a strict rule by any means, as any Player can ask to fulfil any of these roles. It is a form of great entertainment for the Dragonsong Bards. Any Players who want to engage, but may be in another party, may take up supporting roles- even the Troupe Master who planned may act as a background character. However, this is not a harmless activity. The Dragonsong Bards take prisoners and put them as enemies within these games, for extra excitement, from humans to Orks to ferocious beasts. From there, they are doomed to die for the entertainment of the Players. If they live, a rarity indeed, they'll be kept alive until re-cast as another mob to be slain.

## Notable Masque Members

**Alvixo the Dragon-** Alvixo is the Troupe Master of Twilight in the Dragonsong Bards. Instead of the typical, ugly agaith common with most Troupe Masters, he wears one depicting a dragon. His personality is flamboyant and amiable, even to aliens below him- though he will typically. He is also a psyker, and commonly uses his power to take on many disguises. He calls these 'prologues', where he will steal, sabotage or assassinate. He has fooled the scent of Orkz as a gobbo, infiltrated a Craftworld under the guise of a Banshee, and powered down an Imperial bastion's security system as a mere guardsman. Sometimes he doesn't even announce his departure, or what he's done to give his friends an advantage. His longcoat has a dragon on each lapel, one bright red and dark blue, and visa versa.