Lore:House of Reveries

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The Amphitheater of Rellenthil
Banner of the House of Reveries

House of Reveries are a well-known group of performers and artists known for providing entertainment to Summerset. They are recognizable by their distinctive painted masks and stage names, which they always use.[1][2] Apart from aiding their performance, the masks also fulfill a crucial role for the actors and actresses themselves: they offer a vital service by allowing them to perform without the worry of facing the overly strict standards of decorum of the Altmeri society.[1][3] The House of Reveries was regarded as the heirs to the Altmeri long legacy of cultural arts, with its membership being highly exclusive.[4]

Their base is in the village of Rellenthil, where they have an amphitheater for performances and auditions for new members.[2] Most of Rellenthil has some affiliation with the House of Reveries, but membership in the troupe is exclusive to performers.[5] Those seeking to join are referred to as Hopefuls.[2][6] The symbol of the house is a double horn. The banner of the House prominently features this instrument against a white backdrop, adorned with green embellishments.[7]

Overview[edit]

Various masks of the House of Reveries: the Veiled Mask, Flowerwine Mask, Red Visage Mask, and Quatro Mask
Various masks of the House of Reveries: the Breath of Y'ffre Mask, Tranquil Mask, Enigmatic Mood Mask, and Garden Serenade Mask
"We always wear a mask. To your mother you are an innocent child, to your lover a sinful treat. A friend to your companions, a terror to your enemies. But many here find their true selves within their craft, within their passion." — Alchemy[8]

In addition to offering anonymity and fostering an environment where performers could solely devote themselves to artistic expression, leaving their past identities behind,[1][9] the masks of the House of Reveries symbolized several other concepts. Their masks contribute significantly to their performances, enhancing the dramatic impact.[3]

The masks hold various symbolic meanings when worn onstage. The Red Visage signifies tragedy, signaling the production's shift towards themes of fury and remorse, unsuitable for happy endings.[10] Conversely, the Quarto Mask embodies the essence of the Unreliable Narrator, reflecting uncertainty and an aversion to committing to a definite conclusion. It is used to symbolize concepts like the Perchance Acorn or the Eclipse in the Lunar Lattice during performances.[11] The Flowervine Mask is chosen to represent growth, nature, or aspects of Y'ffre.[12] The Veiled Mask, The Face Half Veiled, denotes characters with obscure motives and intentions, shrouded in mystery.[13] The Tranquil Mask signifies the calmness and peace within one whose emotions are immersed in the fantasies of the House of Reveries.[14] The Breath of Y'ffre Mask invokes the mystical moment when the entities of creation were named and shaped by Y'ffre, as order intertwined with chaos to bring forth the Green.[15] The Enigmatic Mood Mask represents a performer whose character may take unexpected turns at any given moment. Audiences should anticipate the unpredictable nature of one wearing this mask.[16] Adorned with looping floral motifs, the soothing Garden Serenade Mask offers a promise of gentle rest and unconditional acceptance in an environment devoid of conflict and intimidation.[17]

Performers of the House of Reveries were renowned for their penchant for theatrical and exaggerated emoting.[18]

While the House of Reveries is welcoming to newcomers compared to the rest of Summerset, it primarily consists of Altmer. However, it also includes members of other races such as Bosmer,[19] Orcs,[20] Nords, and likely others. Regarding Nords, the first member of Nordic background became active within the House as of 2E 582.[21] Khajiit,[22] Bretons,[23] and Redguards are also present among the Hopefuls and staff associated with the faction.[24] The House of Reveries extended its welcome even to Daedra, albeit discreetly. A notable instance featured a Watchling known as Cres, assuming the guise of an Altmer, becoming a part of the crew, and taking the name Dreamer. Yet, it remains uncertain whether Cres joined or faced banishment.[25][26]

History[edit]

Manor of Masques
Members of the House of Reveries
"Determined to make a difference, she did the unthinkable. She cast aside her own name, burning down her old identity. From those ashes she rose as the Grand Maestro Ingress, and swore to create a group of like-minded companions. And thus the House of Reveries was born." — House of Reveries: The History[1]

The precise founding date of the House of Reveries is unknown, yet by 2E 582, it had already seen at least three successive leaders.[1][27] It is widely believed that the House of Reveries is nearly as ancient as the settlement of Rellenthil itself. From the early days of the settlement, this renowned troupe has been arranging performances day and night at a stunning outdoor theater.[4] It was established with a singular purpose: to create a sanctuary where artists could pursue their craft purely out of love and passion for the art itself. Founded by the visionary leader Ingress, the House of Reveries sought to provide a haven free from the societal pressures of fame and fortune. Ingress, who had grown disillusioned with the notion of performance as a means to gain power and recognition, renounced her former identity as a noblewoman and assumed the role of the first Grand Maestro. With a group of like-minded artists, she mandated that all members don masks and adopt new names, emphasizing the importance of devotion to art over personal ambition. Thus, the House of Reveries was born, ushering in a new era where performers could thrive in an environment dedicated solely to the pursuit of artistic expression.[1][9]

The institution remained active in the isles and was eventually led by at least one other Grand Maestro, followed by Grand Maestro Forte in 2E 582.[27]

By that time, the House of Reveries was also active beyond Summerset, with members traveling to distant lands. One member, Serenade, was invited by Queen Euraxia to perform in Rimmen and stayed there after Euraxia's fall and the ascension of Queen Khamira. However, it's unclear if she established proper arrangements with the new monarch.[28]

A traveling troupe of entertainers, accompanied by a senior member Maestro Enigma, journeyed to Blackwood to perform in the village of Farmer's Nook. One member of the troupe, Alchemy, was involved in investigating the mysterious disappearances of villagers. Together with an adventurer, they successfully managed to avert the crisis.[8][26]

Hierarchy[edit]

Grand Maestro Forte ca. 2E 582
"The House of Reveries has always appointed a Grand Maestro. The title was passed down to me by my predecessor, just as the title was passed to her. Suffice to say, my duties within the troupe are numerous." — Grand Maestro Forte[27]

The Grand Maestro of the House of Reveries holds numerous responsibilities. They are often recommended other artists,[29] and have the task of approving the plays to be produced by the troupe.[30] Auditioning the Hopefuls and determining their suitability for joining the troupe falls under their purview.[8][6][2] New members' identities are to be known only to the Grand Maestro, their mentor, and the troupe's Grand Maestro.[31] They are responsible for selecting new members and have the authority to expel those who violate the troupe's rules. Additionally, they provide guidance to the troupe,[27] overseeing various aspects of the work, including hiring individuals for roles such as managing food and cultivating flowers for productions.[5]

Known Grand Maestros[edit]

Gallery[edit]

  • Alchemy

  • Exaggerated theatrical emoting associated with the House of Reveries

See Also[edit]

Books[edit]

History and Information
Plays and Invitations
Related
Unofficial

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g House of Reveries: The History — Quill, House of Reveries Archivist
  2. ^ a b c d Manor of Masques quest in ESO: Summerset
  3. ^ a b Discover the Organizations You'll Encounter in Summerset
  4. ^ a b Our Blessed Isles: A Guide — Runilstir the Surveyor
  5. ^ a b Eilayne's dialogue in ESO: Summerset
  6. ^ a b Meet the Character - Alchemy of the House of Reveries — Maestro Engima
  7. ^ Banner of the House of Reveries, Hanging in ESO
  8. ^ a b c Alchemy's dialogue in ESO: Summerset
  9. ^ a b c Quill's dialogue in ESO: Summerset
  10. ^ Reveries Red Visage Mask hat description in ESO
  11. ^ Reveries Quarto Mask hat description in ESO
  12. ^ Reveries Flowervine Mask hat description in ESO
  13. ^ Reveries Veiled Mask hat description in ESO
  14. ^ Tranquil Reverie Mask hat description in ESO
  15. ^ Breath of Y'ffre Mask hat description in ESO
  16. ^ Enigmatic Mood Mask hat description in ESO
  17. ^ Garden Serenade Mask hat description in ESO
  18. ^ Ta-Dah!, Happy Face, and Sad Face emotes description in ESO
  19. ^ Lace, Daring, Quicksilver, and Bramblebush's race and faction in ESO: Summerset
  20. ^ Scorcher's race and faction in ESO: Summerset
  21. ^ Mead's dialogue in ESO: Summerset
  22. ^ Ashalha's race and faction in ESO: Summerset
  23. ^ Aubaud Boulat's race and faction in ESO: Summerset
  24. ^ Lakuzh's race and faction in ESO: Summerset
  25. ^ Cres, and Dreamer's dialogue in ESO: Blackwood
  26. ^ a b The Face of Change quest in ESO: Blackwood
  27. ^ a b c d e f Grand Maestro Forte's dialogue in ESO: Summerset
  28. ^ Serenade's dialogue in ESO: Elsweyr
  29. ^ Tenor's dialogue in ESO: Summerset
  30. ^ Candlelight's dialogue in ESO: Summerset
  31. ^ House of Reveries: The Audition — Quill, House of Reveries Archivist
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