Information Sheet: The Brotherhood
Information: The Brotherhood When was the Brotherhood formed?
It was formed in January of 1880 and consisted of John Saville, Henry Wilder, and Allaster Holt. Allaster brought in Alec Bowdoin. Charlie Perkins was initiated during the first week of September, 1880.
The Brotherhood is led largely by Prof. James Selwick and his pupil John Saville. Prof. Selwick supplies the inspiration for the projects the Brotherhood undertakes and keeps the order, while John represents the young men's interests, turns the Professor's inspiration into philosophies and projects, and finalizes the big decisions. The rest of the group are more or less equals.
More to come.
What has the Brotherhood done so far?
Their hijinks have yet to go past small projects yet, though they are looking forward to one large group effort some time in the future. Their goals are very much focused upon helping one another gain notoriety. Individual projects are up to the players, though you are encouraged to give yourself a little exposure.
The current members are all expected to be completely devoted to keeping the secret of the Brothers' identities and to preserve their reputations until the day they can be known for who they are without fear of ruination. They are also expected to be at least tolerant of their brothers' quirks and individual philosophies, and to always come to the aid of a brother in need.
The moral and social philosophies held by each brother may vary, but they are under oath to keep the hideout itself a safe place to disagree peacefully. Whether or not this is actually followed is another matter...
What are the Brotherhood's philosophies?
The Brotherhood's ideals are fueled in large part by the teachings of Prof. Selwick. They involve rejection of classical methods in art as the only possible valid art form, freedom of subject matter from the confines of religion and morality, and freedom of artistic expression for all people. They are against censorship and for accessible education, much in contrast to the ideas of society. Being comprised mainly of wealthy college students, they are very well-educated and well-rounded individuals, but some may run into problems and paradoxes involved with that very raising and trying to reconcile an aristocratic background with egalitarian philosophies.
Where is the Brotherhood hideout?
The Brotherhood works out of a four-story brownstone in one of Boston's Back Bay neighborhoods. The brownstone is generously supplied to them by a supportive patron, along with the help of one maid under the employment of the patron. She is a long-time servant of his and keeps dutifully to herself. Her name is Eugenia Hunt. She is about 5'4" tall, of stocky build, and has brown hair and hazel eyes. It is said that the patron earned her undying loyalty when her nephew fell deathly ill and the patron paid his medical bills. For the duration of the game she will be an npc. The house is also visited by the patron's sister, a popular and glamorous society matron whose company is sought out by other ladies.
What is the Brotherhood hideout like?
It is four stories tall and made of a red brick typical to many of the city's buildings. The house comprises of all four stories.
The first story opens into a foyer. The stairs go up the right onto the next floor. Double doors to the left open into the formal parlor. Further down there are closets for coats and hats, a butler's closet underneath the stairs, and a manual dumbwaiter. There is a well-appointed kitchen and a pantry, as well as a small ice box. It only barely holds the contents of one day's meals and the ice must be changed daily by the maid.
The second floor is largely open and clear of all furnishings. There is a large fireplace flush to the back wall, and sofas and chairs have been pushed to the very edges of the room. A piano sits prominent on the floor, as well as other instruments mounted on the walls. There are two rooms connected to this one. The one on the left is a sitting room for ladies, and the one on the right a smoking room for men. These were not the original purposes of the rooms, as the brownstone has not been used as a normal house since the Brotherhood took it over.
The third floor houses a study in what might have once been a master bedroom, and a meeting room in another, filled by a large oak table with enough seats for all the members. A repurposed bedroom was converted into a bathroom. The bathroom has one toilet, usually covered by a screen, a wash basin, and a tub set into a wooden frame.
The top floor is also largely clear of any furnishings and houses a number of wardrobes and bureaus that contain supplies and costumes. This floor also has easels, canvasses, and painting supplies, and the windows are kept clean and free of streaks. In the middle of the floor is a boxlike wooden stand covered over with a white cloth. It is sturdy enough for models to stand, sit, or lay on for posing. Other materials and props are found in the supply cabinets and closets.