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Desert Fire Dancers

The Desert Fire Dancers were a visiting group of Zanaryan fire-dancers and qitarists from the deserts of Keikis, using their performances to spy on Elysia for their Lord Ea.

Over time, as their contact with the homeland faded, their original mission was forgotten in favour of making their performances real. Some of the group did eventually return to their families, leaving gaps — and yet more when Staccato broke away from the main group — which were filled by Elysian dancers and musicians. The troupe's techniques eventually evolved to incorporate those from several other cultures, creating a unique and appealing style that appeals to many aspects of society.

Now one of the better known of Elysia's many troupes, the Desert Fire Dancers are in great demand all across the continent, with venues available to them wherever they go. Indeed, while their off-shoot, Staccato, remains a wandering troupe like the original Dancers, the DFD themselves have developed a regular circuit and are pre-booked for months in advance. Taverns, inns and theatres the realm over covet their presence and frequently spend a small fortune on preparations and promotion for their arrival.

Joining

As with most other troupes, joining is simple — and as literal. Though inserting oneself into a live performance, which are usually now on a formal stage, can be disruptive if the joinee isn't as good as they think they are, the Dancers are adept at covering mistakes and thrilled when people try. Because they are so well-known and have to maintain such a high standard, they are far less likely to accept random performers just because they have the guts to throw themselves into a live performance, but the Dancers have always tried to maintain their organic origins and will just turn it into an element of a one-off dance. Indeed, Elysians should consider themselves fortunate to witness such a scene.

Actually becoming part of the group is much tougher, however. If the would-be joinee displays enough skill the first night, they are invited to rejoin the group on following nights for as long as the troupe remains in town — a sort of short-lived apprenticeship during which the troupe tests his mettle, ingenuity and skill. If he can't keep up, he is thanked for the privilege and turned away. On the rare occasion that a musician or dancer meets the DFD's standards, however, they are invited to join the caravan and put to work right away.

Note: The Desert Fire Dancers are one of the more successful troupes in Elysia, but a significant proportion of their income goes straight back into the group for living costs (such as feeding their dashiri and buying supplies) so individuals don't actually see that much of it.

Known Members

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