Boothler Samael was a most unusual man. Well known as Mikelmerck's foremost magician, he was also a noted entertainer. Indeed performance was his first trade. As a young man, he was called to duty in the court masques of the Sarathame kings and had a successful career as a noted dancer and orator. His light comic touch was much admired and he was a favourite both on and off the stage.
Advancing rapidly in favour, he passed into the inner circle of the kings and thence to some of their closest secrets. Records of this period are sparse and Samael himself revealed nothing of note in his autobiography. What is certain is that he left the court and with the blessing of Rickart III, proposed and built a circuit of theatres around Mikelmerck. All were on noted leyline points. He and his troupe of actor-mages walked the circuit time and again bringing protection and amusement in equal measure. Now, the only surviving venue is in Strangmont and it is here that Boothler Samael's ghost resides.
Like many of the great Mikelmerckian dead, his work continues after death and is likely to do so for some time. He had no successor. Subsequent Sarathames moved away from theatre and its protective magic and many of his secrets are lost. Boothler Samael talents have not been forgotten, but his legacy at present is greatly diminished. There are still actors, to be sure, but they perform for their own amusement. The deeper meaning of their activities eludes them. Even so, they are, unwittingly, maintaining his tradition and Samael's ghost has not given up hope that his protective magic may find a successor.
He sits in the gallery of the Strangmont theatre, kicking the boards at the rare good performance. To be "kicked by Samael" is therefore a great compliment. The old door keeper, Ym Rowsel knows the ghost well. His eyes are ever on the alert for signs of true talent. Boothler Samael is still waiting patiently to teach his skills and Ym's task is to find a suitable protege.
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