Troupe
Troupes are magical groups found in the League who perform rituals through a tradition of theatrical performance.
"I swear to keep the secrets of the Black Dragon Troupe, to tell nothing of my comrades arts, to protect all of my brothers and sisters from harm and to work only for the good of the Troupe, sound in the knowledge that they do so for me."
Traditional Oath of the Black Dragon TroupeThe relationship between a Troupe and it's Patron (or Patrons, if they are particularly lucky) is a complicated one - by accepting funding from a rich individual or Carta, they are accepting an implicit agreement to show their Patron in a good light. They are likely to send performers to work at their Patron's party or perform at their Patron's request, but a Troupe must pay careful attention to the political climate - to be seen to support a Carta that is out of favour may be a quick way to ruin.
Most Troupes will insist new members swear an oath of secrecy upon joining - the precise details of this oath change between Troupes, but the principals are often the same - to protect its members and its secrets. Often, if a Troupe also has a Charter, the oath will be built in to that; and the punishments for breaking the oath are a closely held secret.