The AMMA

Stage magicians have formed exclusive "societies" for as long as stage magic has been practiced, and some of those societies do more than just practice the art on the stage. The Allegheny Masters of the Magical Arts are one such group. Though they are probably hiding something (and not just behind your ear), they have been cooperative with the government, and they help protect New Dunston from discovery by using their valuable knacks for deception and illusion.

Internal Structure

The AMMA works using a mentor/student system. Students learn a wide variety of simple, useful knacks, and oaths of secrecy are sworn as each new knack is learned. Children of members are most commonly the new recruits, though the AMMA has been known to adopt orphans from the Gaslight Home of Lost Children when those children show potential to be good illusionists.

A more senior member tends to represent the faction in the House of Commons, though whoever runs the faction is not necessarily who represents it. A woman, Marjorie Smith, has run the house since the early 1970s, but she tends to send someone else to represent the AMMA at government functions.

Relationships with Others

The AMMA has not yet made any real enemies in the other factions, at least in any visible way. Some of the magicians are arrogant and generally disliked, but the house's past actions in keeping the Commonwealth safe have made up for many of the hard feelings caused by the brashness of some members.

The AMMA gets along especially well with the Tinkers and Weaponsmiths, with some consultants from each faction working with the other almost constantly.

History

In 1932, a stage magician with a knack for illusion, Erik Mahler, founded the AMMA. Erik actively recruited practicing and retired stage musicians from across the northeast United States. Some were lured in by Erik's charisma, others found his study of the occult fascinating, and others just wanted to commune with like-minded individuals. Two years later, Erik bought a seat on the House of Commons.

At first, the faction seemed like a suspiciously innocent entertainment group which probably posed a threat to the security of the Commonwealth. The war in 1952 changed all that, with the AMMA working to mask the conflict from those in the Mundus. Their efforts were greatly appreciated, as the wild activity of the civil war was not noticed in the grim. Since then, the AMMA has been greatly respected as a friendly force capable of aiding the government in times of need.

Erik died in the early 1970s, though it is widely suspected that he only faked his death. For now, though, the faction is run by Marjorie, who has led her magicians to aid the government in any way they can. In addition, some of the members have proven themselves to be valuable soldiers after only brief training in the militia.