Le Cirque du Macabre: The Dark Circus [Sand-box Victorian Horror; Recruiting!]

[Miss Nyx]

LE CIRQUE DU MACABRE
.. Welcome to the Dark Circus ..

Come One! Come All!

"Witness this thrilling collection of the bizarre, the otherworldly, the spectacularly unique, and extremely rare; one of a kind beings from all over the world! Le Cirque du Macabre has arranged an extended tour of England, setting up their Big Top on the outskirts of London! Entrance to the Circus grounds is a mere two pennies! A shilling covers all Performances! Two shillings include the nightly Freakshow!"

The Concept:
Hello loves! I'm delighted to introduce you to Le Cirque du Macabre, a Sandbox-style Gothic Supernatural, minor GM plot-lead game. The setting is Late-Victorian London, 1892. I welcome you all to take inspiration wherever you see fit concerning the time period and non-human nature of the game and it's characters, including renditions of characters such as Dr. Frankenstein, Dr. Jeckyll/Mr. Hyde, Van Helsing, or even Dorian Grey. Ultimately this game is intended to progress fully without the appearance of any of these listed characters, and I encourage you to exercise your creativity in designing an Original Character of your own. OCs may be created as a number of supernatural or magical beings such as Witches, Vampires, Lycans, Ghouls or Ghosts, Succubi/Incubi or other Demonic entities, Banshee and even Mythical or Mythological creatures (with a solid backstory and reasonable magic).

The game itself will revolve around the curious nature of the circus performers as they perform and travel, the newly minted coven of Vampires who own the circus and dwell beneath the guise and glamour of show business, and the unbelievable misfits and supernatural beings they collect and encounter in their travels, as well as the curious spectators who are drawn in by the intrigue and mystery surrounding the Circus. Elements of violence, gore, horror and sexually tense imagery (non-consent/rape) may be common place in this game as it is intended to be dark in nature. Ultimately, this game will be plot-focused over smut, but sexual elements are anticipated and welcome to appear throughout the life of the Game. Under no circumstances will anyone be required to participate in scenes involving any situations they may be uncomfortable with.

The Rules:

• Elliquiy's Rules come first and foremost. Everyone is expected to adhere to their standards of RPing, please don't be "that person."
• We will be hosted in Extreme Small Groups. Some violence and possible death may occur, at the players discretion of course.
• This game is LBGTQ friendly!
• Your GM is MistressNyx. Any questions, concerns, and character sheets should be directed accordingly. Please refrain from posting a CS until it has been approved by the GM.
• Mary-Sue characters are strictly prohibited. Well-rounded characters with strengths and weaknesses and character flaws make the world go round, so please keep that in mind when creating your characters. As a rule of thumb at this present time, it's encouraged to avoid overtly powerful characters--less is more, we'd love to have a wide variety of presences.
• At present there is a character cap of three per player. Please try to avoid making duplicates of one type of character (If you play a character who is a performer in the Freakshow, your remaining characters will ideally be either a Carnie or Spectator though I am inclined to give leniency if you would like to write an open role few writers are interested in.)
• This game is Free-Form/Sandbox style, meaning you are welcome to play among one another as you see fit. Regular event-style 'plot point' situations may arise to keep things interesting, and we will assume a posting order for these circumstances. In order to remain active in this game, you are expected to post at least once a week--more often is encouraged, but we all understand life and muses can be tricky to balance. If you anticipate being absent for an extended period please inform your GM or post publicly in the OOC. If you expect you can no longer keep up with the game for whatever reason a polite notice of withdrawing is expected.
• Images should be realistic and pre-Modern if you can find them! Try and avoid using a FC who appears obviously modern for the sake of amplifying our game Aesthetic. You are welcome to any Face Claim that has not been previously taken by another player. You are also welcome to use realistic art for your character or FCs who can't be identified, but anime images are not preferred for this particular game.
• This game is for experienced writers. Expect at least two paragraphs of content excluding dialogue on the regular. Mirror posting, and proper grammar and spelling is encouraged! We will be posting from a third-person point of view and all character sheets will be screened before accepted.. please don't be discouraged if you don't make the cut, I'd hate to allow an inexperienced writer into this game only to have a difficult time interacting with more advanced writers.
• Smutty things happen, it's expected and typically anticipated, but please be aware this game will also be exceptionally plot-driven. I'm not particularly picky if you take your steamy scenes to private message or play them out on the board, all I ask is that you utilize the Spoiler code, or the board designated for graphic scenes.
• Have fun! Be polite to other players, do not invoke or involve yourself in drama or bullying or you will be ejected from this game, and plot/ship to your hearts content! Make this story your own!

The Cast:

The Coven - The young "family" of vampires who's livelihood and peaceful existence rests beneath the survival and success of Le Cirque du Macabre, all owing their existence to the Master, Atticus Valerius. These particular vampires are gifted with supernatural talents, a grotesque and monstrous true appearance, and intense hunger (especially the young ones)--they're also highly territorial in this game, and any vampires outside of the Coven will likely be viewed as a grave threat to the Coven's survival. Children are expressly forbidden from creating other vampires, as they themselves are likely far too young to assume the responsibility that comes with it.
The Apprentice: The "first born" of the Master and his chosen right hand who will assume responsibility of the Circus, should anything happen to him. This vampire may be up to two centuries of age.
The Children (1/5): The fledgling vampires beneath the coven Master and Apprentice, all under a century of age.
Poppets: Blooded humans under the control of the Coven who have not quite transitioned to full vampires themselves. They maintain the cover of the Coven during daylight hours.

The Freakshow - The main attraction beyond the day to day activities is the Freakshow. Once the sun sets the price of entry doubles and the bizarre, ghastly and phenomenal gathering of misfits take to their stages, draw back the black sheets, and allow spectators into their tents to be shocked and amazed. (You're not restricted to the list below, you're welcome to design a performance all your own!)

The Magician (TAKEN) - The Ringmaster himself performs mystifying, unbelievable and often times terrifying acts, closing all performances once nightly.

The Siren (TAKEN) - A mermaid or water nymph, confined to an impressive tank of solid glass in the second largest tent just left of the Big Top. The siren has two shows a night where she drifts to the surface and sings her eerily enchanting song to the delight of the crowd.

The Skinwalker - The Skinwalker is a Shapeshifter of a most curious design, delighting spectators in the most unusual and terrifying fashion by assuming the identical physical appearance of any human being or animal brought before its cage.

The Phoenix (TAKEN) - Noted for the riveting performance of being set ablaze and burned to death, only to rise again from the ashes as a magnificent young Phoenix of multicolored plume.

The Living Dead Girl (TAKEN) - Defying the laws of nature, the Living Dead Girl is noted as otherworldly and highly attractive, but is ultimately known for being run through with swords, shot with bullets, beheaded by the guillotine, even completely dismembered, though seeming to remain living all the while and in cheerful spirits the entire time.

The Seer - The first tent to the right of the big top houses the Seer, one of the most popular attractions. The witch tells the future, reads tarot, and may even host the occasional seance to commune with the spirits of the dead.

The Strong Man - The man with the strength of an army, he is noted especially for his performance of hoisting all manners of impossible things above his head, including but not limited to the canons that shoot the human fireballs, towers of acrobats, and even Tandy the circus elephant.

The Phantom (TAKEN) - A literal ghost traveling with the circus who has a humble display of a cozy home setting just off-shooting from the Seer’s tent. She/He entertains by making their presence known to the daring and brave attendees who sit in the rocking chair by moving objects, projecting a disembodied voice, and destroying the set to terrorize the guests as they see fit.

The Grotesque Beast (TAKEN) - The title says it all, the Beast resides in an enormous cage that is covered during the average show, but late night for an additional fee of three pennies, the Ringmaster will draw back the blackened tarp to allow paying attendees to gape and marvel at the horrific creature as they see fit.

The Dancing Doll (TAKEN) - When the audience has gathered around, this near human size doll seems to come to life to put on a spectacular and elegant show, dancing for the entertainment of the spectators.

The Carnies - Footing the majority of the performance from the time the Circus opens until the late night Freakshow, the Carnies are all valuable members of the circus, hard working and well paid individuals... many of them are simply misplaced magical beings seeking refuge and a life of peace in a very harsh and unforgiving world.

Animal Trainers/Tamers
Trapeze artist
Aerial Acrobats
Contortionist
Daredevil
Tight-rope walker
Fire dancers/eaters
Sword fighter/swallowers
Knife thrower
Marksmen
Acting Troupe
Mysterious Beasts
Clowns

CS Template:

Code Select Expand



[float=left][img height=300 padding=10]PHOTO LINK[/img][/float]
[b]Player Name:[/b] You are.
[b]Character Name:[/b] Your character.
[b]Alias(s)[/b]: Nicknames your character goes by.
[b]Occupation:[/b] Freak, Carnie or Spectator.
[b]Position:[/b] What specialty if member of the Circus, what role of employment as a Spectator.
[b]Age:[/b] Your character's truthful age.
[b]Gender:[/b] Your character's gender.
[b]Race:[/b] Your character's race. (Human, Vampire, Unicorn, etc.)
[b]Sexuality:[/b] Your character's preference.
[b][u]Talents/Abilities:[/u][/b] No more than three.
[u]Talent One[/u]: Description.
[u]Talent Two[/u]: Description.
[u]Talent Three[/u]: Description.

[b][u]Physical Appearance[/u][/b]: Include a brief physical description of your character.
Height:
Weight:
Hair Colour:
Eye Colour:
Physical Age:
[b][u]Persona:[/u][/b] How does your character act around their peers or superiors? Are they angry, aloof, stubborn or prideful? What character flaws are they best noted for having?
[b][u]Biography:[/u][/b] A brief recollection of your character's history.
[b][u]Additional Info:[/u][/b] Any further details you may like to include.
[b][u]Weaknesses/Flaws:[/u][/b] Either race-related or otherwise.

[b]Ons:[/b] Intimacy your character enjoys.
[b]Offs:[/b] Hard limits of your character.

[xPeachyPuff]

This is a really interesting idea! I'm putting my interest down, possibly with the Siren in mind, though I need to think on it more tomorrow as I'm just about to head to sleep. If someone comes along and scoops up the idea, that's no problem either, as I can happily come up with something else c:

[Miss Nyx]

Glad to have your interest Peach! Take your time, I'm still working out the kinks myself and won't open the game to CSes until there's a reasonable level of interest. :3

[Totoro]

Definitely interested. Love the concept.

[Miss Nyx]

Glad to hear it Sun, you know you're more than welcome. <3

[Bekah Boo]

*Pokes head in*

[Totoro]

Thank you! Initial instinct pulls me to the grotesque beast 'cuz that's kinda my spirit animal.

[Miss Nyx]

Is that a Bekah I see?! > w > -sets out cookies to strengthen the temptation-

He's yours if you want him Sun, I don't doubt for a minute you'd do him justice!

[Totoro]

Does it have to be a him?

[Miss Nyx]

Not at all, it may be a her if you so prefer... or a genderless entity entirely if that's your wish. I kind of purposely left that role in particular open to interrpretation but I extend this flexibility to every role, none of them are set in stone at all.

[Totoro]

I think something of a 'them' was what I envisaged. Will think it out but hold onto the claim and see how interest goes.

[Bekah Boo]

Is that a Bekah I see?! > w > -sets out cookies to strengthen the temptation-

He's yours if you want him Sun, I don't doubt for a minute you'd do him justice!

Why must you tempt me so? You are absolutely evil....
*grumbles and slides card for Living dead girl in*

[Levi]

Count me in!!

[Miss Nyx]

Why must you tempt me so? You are absolutely evil....
*grumbles and slides card for Living dead girl in*

Bwahahahahaha, oh you know you love it. > w < Zombie-girl is absolutely yours. I look forward to what you come up with!

Count me in!!

Glad to hear it Levi!

[Captain Whitebread]

Would you be interested in an Irish ginger firewalker/eater/juggler/knife thrower who is also a banished Seelie fae?  He wears a mask so the audience doesn't see the tears that are streaming down his face because of his sorrow over not being able to go home.  The masks makes people think he's blind.....

He's not a complete concept yet and may be subject to change without notice...

[Kuroneko]

*peeks in, intrigued*

Interested in the Seer, if that concept is still available 

[Miss Nyx]

Would you be interested in an Irish ginger firewalker/eater/juggler/knife thrower who is also a banished Seelie fae?  He wears a mask so the audience doesn't see the tears that are streaming down his face because of his sorrow over not being able to go home.  The masks makes people think he's blind.....

He's not a complete concept yet and may be subject to change without notice...

With the inner-workings of Fae being complicated enough to literally be an entire game in itself it may be best to avoid such a character for this environment. I also have a preference that your character specializes in no more than two areas of performance. While I would prefer they have one area of performing (even the Carnies, yes), I'll permit two within' reason. This is simply to allow a healthy variation of character types for all of our interested writers--and I imagine just becoming an expert in one area of performing can be quite difficult, even for the supernatural. Your character being Irish is absolutely acceptable.

The game is not yet openly recruiting so you've got some time to think it through. Pending an impressive character sheet you may just get by with your initial concept.

[Miss Nyx]

*peeks in, intrigued*

Interested in the Seer, if that concept is still available 

Great to see you Kuro! :) The Seer is yours, I'll make note.

[Captain Whitebread]

Irish but not Fae.   <thinks>

Joseph Thomas Sheridan Le Fanu, named for his Grandfather.  Familiar name?  He wrote Carmilla, the novel about the lesbian vampire. Died in 1873.

He's on the run from her, because she's sworn to wipe out the entire line, because the original Joseph exposed her.  He's hiding with the Circus because it's the last place she'd look (or so he thinks)

Yes?  No?

[Miss Nyx]

Irish but not Fae.   <thinks>

Joseph Thomas Sheridan Le Fanu, named for his Grandfather.  Familiar name?  He wrote Carmilla, the novel about the lesbian vampire. Died in 1873.

He's on the run from her, because she's sworn to wipe out the entire line, because the original Joseph exposed her.  He's hiding with the Circus because it's the last place she'd look (or so he thinks)

Yes?  No?

This is acceptable, he surely wouldn't be unwise hiding among a Coven!

[Miss Nyx]

Safe to say the interest is overwhelming in the short time I've had the concept pitch up, so I'll go ahead open up this thread for Recruitment. :3

Please send your CSes to me for reviewing before posting them publicly!

[Bekah Boo]

Bwahahahahaha, oh you know you love it. > w < Zombie-girl is absolutely yours. I look forward to what you come up with!

*giggle* I should have something to you tomorrow ;3
Once again you're terrible.
xD

[Miss Nyx]

*giggle* I should have something to you tomorrow ;3
Once again you're terrible.
xD

Sooo looking forward to it darling... and I know, I'm a fiend aren't I? I probably shouldn't have posted this concept at all with everything I'm juggling right now--I didn't mean to I swear.. just couldn't resist!

[Bekah Boo]

Sooo looking forward to it darling... and I know, I'm a fiend aren't I? I probably shouldn't have posted this concept at all with everything I'm juggling right now--I didn't mean to I swear.. just couldn't resist!

Pffft you have a problem dear, in the best way possible of course ;3
It's great and I know it's going to be amazing.

[Kuroneko]

Great to see you Kuro! :) The Seer is yours, I'll make note.

Thanks! And, awesome.