Les Troubadours Tordants
The Witty Troubadours
Troupe
"Les Troubadours Tordants" (french for 'The Witty Troubadours') get their name from the witty jokes that are told before the show starts. Although not a comedy troupe per se they are often mistaken so. They offer a variety of talents and perform mostly on commission usually for the upper middle class for a modest sum. They sometime perform as buskers but on individual basis, never as a troupe.
Performances
They specialize in a well rounded multi-skilled show that always shift focus from one member to the other. Upon request they can perform uniformly such as a recital, circus or choir. However, they always perform at their best with an eclectic talent show.
The drummer sits alone on the side in the dimly lit room setting a slow repetitive rhythm. The poet walks-in narrating the back-story with his distinctive countertenor voice; walking between tall candelabras, cantrip flame dance on his fingertips, illuminating candelabrum one at a time to gradually lighten the ambiance. The rhythm increases, the lute player joins the tune and kneels across the drummer. The melody accelerates always faster and faster; and at the apex, a loud deep voice start to sing epic tales, in the now well lit room the baritone can be seen standing in the back with hands raised to the ceiling. A fair-haired woman tumbles at the forefront of the stage in a duette with the syncopation, following a strong point in the rubato. She snaps stiletto knives from her mane, promptly pinning the lyricist's sleeve to a wooden column. Turning his head, he reveals a knife between his teeth, meticulously swallowing the knife, he falls to the ground, feigning death as the music stops. The translucid curtains falls in front of the troupe, a puff of scented rose petals puff into the air as a bloody allegory and the echo slowly fades in the room as a perfect artistic trinity leaving a dozen patrons stunned in awe.
Members
The troupe is composed of five members, excluding the manager and stagehand. They are a well rounded bunch who complement each-other nicely both from personality and skillset aspects.
Arkhmad, the signer
Has a tremendously deep voice yet melodious. A signer since early childhood, he's the youngest member at 20. His half-elven blood never was a limitation and always blends-in as a social chameleon.
He's very charismatic and charming. Having a conversation with Arkhmad sparks an instant connection and makes you feel like you're the most important person in the world. Unsurprisingly he's very popular with the ladies and embodies the platonic ideal.
I walk into life's melody one tone at a time.
GéPéTo, the manager
He always introduces the troupe with witty words, elegant language, and concludes with an underwhelming 'dad joke' style which does not sounds always good or particularly witty. He does a great job at managing the logistics and finances of the troupe. This is one of the main reasons why they well renown while still relatively unknown.
Has a loud voice, is a fast talker and stand-out in a crowd. He can sometimes feel overwhelming , but dealing business with him never feels like a rip-off.
If you don't enjoy the show, please see a cleric, you're clearly dead inside!
Irena, the juggler
Juggles with broken bottles and her signature brass stiletto knives. She's double jointed and can perform any acrobatics trick. She's also well versed in using both thrown and missile weapons.
She's ever optimistic but rough on the edges tomboy in a slender Sune skin. She's very witty and known to destabilize the strongest barbarian with quick barbs. Her hidden talent is breaking wind on command after having a couple of pints and a goat cheese platter.
Pull my finger cutie-pie!
Nikolai, the stagehand
This Tabaxi (cat-person) takes care of all the manual labor for the troupe. He loads, unloads and coaches the caravan. He's in charge of the setup of the stage, and when on the road, serves as a cook. Taciturn, he remains cloaked in the shadows and never attend shows unless explicitly required by the manager. He's also been known to take care of nefarious affairs when absolutely needed. He thrives on this and and shines like a jewel in total darkness.
He's quiet and uncomfortable in social situations, so he avoids them when he can. He tends to agree with everyone, sometimes causing misunderstandings. He's low-key, speaks in a soft voice, and seems innocent (almost simple minded) to the point it starts to feel like an act after exchanging a few sentences with him.
I know nothing, I just load an unload stuff, I do what I'm told...
Philippé, the lutist
Recognized by his pointy long beard, he is a decent lute player and can play any wind and string instrument. He's allegedly a Thiefling hiding his horns under a turban and his tail in his pants. His special talent is translating poems in sign-language.
Genuinely funny, Philippé is also brutally honest without any filter. Not mean, but always straight to the point.
Wanna hear a ballad in private?
Prince, the poet
Known for his deeply touching poems, this high-elf has many skills. He plays the Pungi (a wind instrument rumored to charm snakes), swallow knives, eat and dances with fire. He's also an apprentice illusionist, the key to enhancing shows with a bit of magic.
Elegant, very self conscious, he keeps a brush handy to conform to the highest grooming standards. He's always using refined language to the point where it's almost demeaning to others. He's a bon-vivant and can turn any boring evening into a memorable party.
I can swallow anything!
Randy, the drummer
Known for always wearing a red headband while performing. He's the most gritty troupe member. He performs feats of strength such as bending metal bars and winning thug wars with a horse. He's quite confrontational even for a dwarf.
Mind your own business!
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