## Description

Holy Symbol of Callera, in the form of a Pendant. (Generated by Dall-E. Prompt: “Cinematic oil painting of a golden pendant. The pendant features the face of a beautiful goddess with a serene expression, smooth skin, and hair made out of fire. The background is a soft, dark velvet to highlight the pendant's luster and the fiery hair's glow.”)

The Joybringers act as the official Marcandrian clergy for Callera. She is a goddess of art, beauty, love, joy, passion, and revelry, with the message that one should seek a fulfilling life, and to find a joyous life through ones passions and through artistry. The Joybringers seek to spread and nurture the worship of Callera and her values.

The Joybringers are a loose organization, one in which each temple act independently, keeping only the minimum organizational hierarchy necessary to function. The Joybringers tend to be heavily involved in Marcandrian festivities and revelry, and are often the ones who both plan, organize, and run public events in Marcandria; be that on their own accord or on behalf of either nobles or other influential entities. The Joybringers are passionate and free spirited individuals, all deeply engulfed in artistry, who seek to both teach and show the people how to achieve a fulfilling life, filled with ones joys and passions. While the Meranzeum aids people's financial wellbeing, and the Greenwardens see to their physical health, the Joybringers seek to heal people's souls and to elevate what it should mean and feel to be Marcandrian.

The Joybringers are most present in the larger population centers in Marcandria, tending to stay in areas with a lot of culture and opportunities to engage with the people. Their massive temples often stand among the most exquisite and luxurious buildings in the cities they're in. The Joybringers do have some presence in the more rural regions of Marcandria as well, though this tends to only consist of one or a few individuals whose decided to put the inhabitants there “under their wings”.

The Joybringers tend to avoid bickering or politics between nobles or other factions. So long as neither side seeks to hamper the Joybringers endeavors, they see little reason to get involved. Rather, they see staying out of such conflict as a way to avoid alienating either side, and as a way to potentially act as a bridge between the opposing sides. They tend to have little they can offer by themselves if drawn into conflict. However, due to their charismatic nature and deep involvement in both the populace and leadership, they can have a lot of influence when it comes to swaying public opinion.

Faction symbol/insignia: Callera's visage with her fiery hair, often worn as a pendant.

## Members

The Joybringers tend to be very eccentric and outgoing people, who not only live by Lady Firehair's teachings, but who has an irresistible urge to exude and share it with all others. Its members tend to come from the middle-to-upper classes within Marcandria. Lower class citizens are not turned away, though because the Joybringers tend situate their temples in the finer areas of settlements, most who are in close vicinity to them tend to be from the middle or upper classes. Those of lower class thus tend to have less opportunity to involve themselves with them. Lower class citizens also tend to have fewer possibilities when it comes to pursuing and developing their artistic skills, which means there's a gap in the reality of them and the Joybringers who tend to be engulfed in it.

The Joybringers are all artists, be that as musicians, painters, singers, sculptures, stylists, poets, dancers, theatre performers, or otherwise. They act as organizers, mentors, and guides in all things artistry and revelry. They are often employed by nobles to teach their children etiquette, artistic literature, and to help them develop their artistic skills. Many burdened by guilt or tragedy also seek out the Joybringers in hopes of regaining their joy of life, with it not being too uncommon for those who have been helped through such hardships ending up as Joybringers themselves.

Some, though not all, Joybringers have divine powers gifted upon them by Lady Firehair. Those who lead temples often tend to have such gifts, though it is by means mandatory. The Joybringers tend to place much more emphasis on the strength of one's character than the power one has been given. Though, Lady Firehair's favor nonetheless tends to be strongly correlated with the strength of one's character, meaning the two are often one and the same within the Joybringers.

### Visual Identifiers

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Most noticable about the joybringers from a distance is not their attires, but their mannerism. Over the top, eccentric. Their mannerism can be quite animated, using highly expressive, large, dramatic movements to convey emotions, ideas, or messages when conversing.

Tend to be indulgent and hedonistic.

Can often appear pompous and over-the-top, both in terms of appearence and behavior/mannerism. Can be a bit whimsical in nature.

Easiest way to identify them is usually through their eccentric and over-the-top behavior.

### Members List

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## Beliefs

Quote: "Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time. It is the journey of a free soul. Use it to find meaning in your life, to move past hardship. Let it heal you. Let it show you the greatness and wonders of life."

The Joybringers are fervent devotees of Lady Firehair, embodying her tenets of art, beauty, love, and passion. They are outspoken in their belief that all lives should be filled with these elements and that life should be experienced fully with happiness and joy. They wish to exult in life and have an urge to spread and share the joyous wonders of life with the rest of society.

They firmly believe that the pinnacle of happiness is only achieved when shared—that one's own joy is magnified when those around them are also happy. This belief underpins their commitment to enriching all lives with beauty and joy. Driven by this philosophy, the Joybringers actively engage in and promote public festivities and cultural events, aiming to envelop society in joyous wonders. Their efforts are both altruistic and self-serving, as they understand that to be surrounded by happiness, they must first cultivate it in others.

The Joybringers hold deep respect for those who pursue their heart's desires. They encourage individuals to act on their passions, whether it’s a youth mustering the courage to declare love or an artist creating works true to their soul. They preach the importance of letting go of fears and reservations, boldly chasing one’s dreams, as a life unchased is a life unfulfilled.

Central to their belief is the concept of self-love and self-expression. You should always seek to become who you want to be—to become your true self. This is why the Joybringers teach the arts of personal presentation and self-styling, helping individuals to discover and express their inner beauty. This focus on appearance and presentation can sometimes be misinterpreted as vanity, and they often struggle to understand those who do not place similar value on outward expression. This is also partly due to their belief that understanding and showcasing one's true self is crucial to personal fulfillment. They may, however, end up showing displeasure towards those they perceive as neglecting self-care or harboring negative views on art.

All Joybringers are artists in their own right, viewing art as a powerful medium for overcoming life's challenges. No matter how lost you may feel or how much hardship you're experiencing, you can find your true path forward through the wonders of artistry. They believe that engaging with art—whether creating it or experiencing it—can free the soul and provide profound insights into life’s complexities. Art, in any form, is seen as a sanctuary for those burdened by life’s hardships, a path for experiencing the greatness and wonders of life, and as a medium from which to find your true self.

However, the exalted pursuit of these tenets can sometimes veer into the realm of luxury, with followers indulging in extravagance under the guise of fulfilling Lady Firehair's commandments. This misinterpretation can blur the lines between genuine spiritual fulfillment and mere material indulgence, challenging the Joybringers to continually clarify and exemplify the true essence of their faith.

Callera's Tenants:

1. (Joy/Revelry) Exult in life, let all dance in all its joyous wonders. Find joy in all things, and let your laughter chime like silver bells on a summer breeze. Spread love, joy and happiness, my darlings, like fireflies on a moonlit night. Let all dance with the wind, skip with the stars, and twirl in the moon's tender embrace. Embrace each of life's moments with an open heart, and let every surprise become a sparkling gem in the treasure trove of your memories. Fill all lives with boundless revelry and celebration. May all revel in life's pleasures and waltz through its wonders, for Lady Firehair's magic is found in every joyous pirouette. Embrace the carnival of life and let it sweep you away in a whirlwind of laughter and merriment!
2. (Love) Follow your heart, for love knows your true destination. Seek out love's enchanted pathways, and let the stars be your guide. Love none more than yourself except Lady Firehair herself, and loose yourself in love of her. Love is the greatest pleasure, the most euphoric of experiences—a waltz that sets your soul ablaze. Awaken love in all, so they too may revel in its euphoria.
3. (Passion) Let your passions be the wings that let your heart roam free. Chase your dreams, your desires, and your passions—chase them like fireflies in the night, and see them illuminate your path with dreams fulfilled. Shine your true self without fear of judgment, and let the world delight in the breathtaking sight of your authentic soul. Share your passions with the world, for the heart that overflows with dreams is a heart forever young. Let all pursue their desires tirelessly, for happiness is achieved through passion..
4. (Beauty) In beauty there is happiness. Fill your life with beauty and wonder, as Lady Firehair's laughter dances upon the breeze of every soul. Seek beauty in the simplest of joys and embrace the enchantment of every moment. Treat your body as a temple of artistry. Relish and worship it, making it as beautiful and attractive as it deserves, for within every curve lies a mesmerizing tale. Share your beauty with others, so that it may move them with love and desire. Love those who respond to your beauty, and let warm friendship and admiration flower where love cannot or dares not. Encourage beauty in all things, and scatter the seeds of wonder wherever you go.
5. (Art) Art is the journey of a free soul; it enables us to find and lose ourselves at the same time. It manifests our deepest emotions. Use it to find purpose, love, joy, and to heal past hardships. Art spreads beauty and passion. Collect, share, and protect these treasures. Let art inspire and reveal the greatness and wonders of life to you and to all. Relish in song, dance, and plays. Celebrate the masterpiece of creativity, and let it dance upon the tapestry of existence.

## Goals

The primary goal of the Joybringers is to spread the worship of Lady Firehair and her tenets. They aim to transform Marcandria into a society where all inhabitants can live lives filled with happiness, love, and fulfillment. The Joybringers' endeavors and the events they organize are designed to share and elevate the wonders and joys of life. These activities also serve to increase people's familiarity with and devotion to Lady Firehair, fostering more devout worshipers. While their motives are largely altruistic, many members also participate in these endeavors to enhance their own personal fulfillment and happiness.

## Organization

The Joybringers operate with a loose organizational structure, with each temple functioning as an independent entity. While different temples collaborate when beneficial, there is no overarching authority dictating their collective actions. The hierarchy within each temple is fluid; members have ranks based on seniority and artistic accomplishments, but these do not necessarily confer authority. Leadership for specific endeavors is often determined by charisma and initiative, allowing even novices to lead projects involving more seasoned members.

The temple leader, known as the Revelmaster or Revelmistress, is a title that shifts according to current leadership. Positions within temple administration are somewhat more stable, as these roles require some level of training and hand-over to operate smoothly, though they still exhibit flexibility. Individuals may temporarily step down from their roles to pursue personal passion projects, then return, contributing to a dynamic rotation of responsibilities. The position of Revelmaster or Revelmistress often rotates among a few members, occasionally welcoming newcomers or seeing long-standing leaders retire.

Joybringer temples recognize three main ranks below the Revelmaster or Revelmistress: Novice, Aesthete, and Joybringer. Advancement is informal, based on engagement and recognition by fellow members rather than formal assessments. Over time, as members gain seniority and produce artistic works, their peers begin to acknowledge them as Aesthetes or Joybringers, reflecting a consensus-based approach to ranking.

Members of all ranks can lead or participate in planning and executing temple activities, ranging from festivities to various services offered by the temple. Leadership in these activities often goes to those most popular among the participants. Not all members possess divine gifts; however, those who embody the tenets of Lady Firehair, demonstrating charisma and a profound connection to art, are more likely to receive such blessings and ascend quickly within the temple ranks.

Financially, the Joybringers sustain their activities through payments for services and donations from nobility and occasionally the Meranzeum, aimed at fostering public happiness. These funds support the organization of events and expansion of services. Additionally, organizations and influential individuals sometimes hire the Joybringers to manage private events and celebrations, further supporting their mission.

Ranks:

1. Revelmaster/Revelmistress – Leads the temple. While any member can theoretically become Revelmaster or Revelmistress, it typically requires a level of accomplishment and seniority equivalent to that of a Joybringer.
2. Joybringer – Senior members recognized for their artistic achievements and deep expertise in their chosen disciplines.
3. Aesthete – Recognized once members have demonstrated involvement and achievement within the temple's activities. The criteria for becoming an Aesthete vary widely.
4. Novice – Newcomers to the temple, learning and beginning to contribute to its activities.

## Operations and Endeavors

The Joybringers worship Lady Firehair, the goddess of art, beauty, love, joy, passion, and revelry. A lot of her tenants, and the beliefs of the Joybringers, centers around the propagation of these tenants. The Joybringers' endeavors therefore very much align with one or more of these tenants.

The Joybringers are very much indulgers of the beliefs they hold. They do not simply preach Lady Firehair's message, but tend to live deeply engrossed in it. They are therefore people who very much want to experience events filled with beauty, passion, and love; and who seek to constantly surround themselves in beauty and revelry. A Joybringer's spare time is thus often spent either practicing their artistic skills both to the services and project they are involved with and entirely separate ones, or they indulge in their own desires--most often together with fellow temple members and other associates. They are very much indulgers of life's wonders and pleasures. Joybringer temples tend to have private chambers where they can enjoy good wine, food, games, and whatever other indulgences or hedonistic actions that may strike them or their company fancy. Life as a Joybringer is a life where one always chase one's desires, which as Joybringers often involves the effort of spreading the euphoria they themselves seek.

indulging in their own desires

Tend to indulge in what they see as the joys and pleasures of life. Temples thus often have chambers for its members where they can indulge in good wine, fine food, and whatever other hedonistic indulgences may strike them fancy.

- Teach etiquette. Performs stylist services,
- In beauty there is happiness - performs fashion styling services, makeup and makeover artists, and etiquette mentoring, so that people can become their most beautiful selves.
- Operate theatre, bathhouses, styling--studio, music and artistry “schools” (or rather, a place where people can come and practice music and artistry, with the Joybringers guiding them while there?)?
- Marriages etc.
- Sunite clergy buy beautiful items of art, sculpture, and handiwork whenever they find it. Sponsoring good artists where necessary and overpaying for such items so as to drive prices up, create more demand, and so increase the supply of things of beauty. This is to be done as often as funds afford and subtlety permits, and in disguise if need be

## Locations

- Bathhouse, salons, syyling-studios, etc often included here.
- Temples tend to be excessive and luxurious, to the point of indulgent and hedonistic.

## Relations with other Factions

## Stance of Succession Conflict

1 2 3 4

Keyowrds: jovial, whimsical

- Beliefs: Values those who are artistically gifted - i.e. their own twist on meritocratic values. If you're beautiful (i.e. make efforts to present yourself as pleasing as possible) and for example good at playing music, then they'll be welcoming. If you're not taking care of yourself and is artistically inept - when you may be able to convince them to teach you - though asking for other favors will probably be met with a straight no.

a rather loose and informal organization where temples operate mostly independently from one another.

Members: Clerics, bards, artists, musicians, performers (dance, theatre, etc), entertainers, festival/party planners, “beauty salon thingy”.