enthymeme (
enthymeme) wrote in
bakerstreet2012-07-20 08:35 pm
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welcome to the greatest show unearthed

Cirque de la Nuit
Literally.
For the secret of the Cirque de la Nuit is that each performer is kidnapped, modified, and enslaved by the one who runs it, a mysterious figure known only as The Ringmaster. He draws the most promising, the most beautiful, and the most talented from any dimension to which he has access, then with a combination of magic and medicine transforms each into their fullest potential, a shining jewel to play their parts like marionettes on strings of his manufacture.
Will you be a part of the circus? Or are you one of the lucky few who's managed to procure a ticket? Step right up, then, and see what it has to offer....
HOW IT WORKS:
♦ Leave a comment with your character's name and fandom in the subject. You can either select an option and set the scene, or fill out this form for other commenters. Please note that this meme is open to both sexual and non-sexual content. You may wish to list non-sexual RP as one of your prefs.
♦ Tag another character. If they haven't already selected an option, you can RNG it, or just pick your poison.
♦ Play out the results and respect others' preferences.
♦ Have fun!
The kidnappings come without warning or a chance at escape: those summoned by The Ringmaster suddenly find themselves in the circus, so wound about by bindings both physical and magical they can hardly move, much less think of escape. Most are unconscious for the process of alterations, which could be considered a mercy considering how long and painful it is. The Ringmaster works with the careful precision of a master sculptor, and each of his creations bears a symbol of his craftsmanship that also serves to keep them under his unfaltering control.
As the symbol can only be removed by another person at the cost of their life, almost no one has ever even tried to escape the circus, and even if they did there would be the small issue of getting away from where it exists, suspended between dimensions. Most don't even realize they're being controlled, however, for the compulsions holding their imposed personae in place are subtle in their strength.
The best of The Ringmaster's creations, those who perhaps already possessed innate talent or beauty, or who simply adapted to the changes better than most, are fortunate enough to take their places in the First Circle. These are the most privileged and pampered, and each wears a tiny jewel in their ear to mark their rank.
1) Beast Tamer
Merciless and deadly, the Beast Tamer can subdue the most unruly animal with will and whip. They seek to dominate and control, no matter how meek or cowardly they might have once been.
2) Tightrope Walker
The Tightrope Walkers are the most exquisite jewels of the circus, delicate and graceful of form and movement and often breathtakingly lovely of face, able to dance butterfly-light on the finest of wires. They are also, however, often the most passive, the most controlled, like puppets crafted of fragile china.
3) Acrobats
Whether they are skilled as trapeze artists, hoop dancers, or tumblers, the Acrobats are all agile and quick of body-- and mind. Something about the changes made to allow their feats of skill also tends to make them more sly and cunning, more apt to lie or cheat to get ahead of the rest.
4) Strong (Wo)Man
These performers were enhanced for strength-- some were given added bulk and others simple toning, but all are significantly stronger than any unaltered human. Alas, they often lose some of their mental acuity in exchange for the physical enhancements, but none will ask a performer balancing an anvil to perform calculus.
Those without special skills or who did not adapt quite so well are still given places in the circus ranks, however, being placed in the Second Circle. Members of this group bear an unobtrusive bracelet around one wrist as a sign of their rank.
5) Clowns
Many a flaw can be hidden with makeup, and those who did not quite meet The Ringmaster's exacting standards of beauty must hide behind makeup and costume. Many are failed Acrobats, and as they are quite aware that only a small mischance prevented their admission to the First Circle, they spent much of their time plotting the downfall of those more privileged.
6) Sideshow Performers
These can include jugglers, fire-breathers, or knife-throwers, daredevils or magicians, those with clever hands and nimble tongues who can amuse the guests before the main show. Some failed Trapeze Artists are veiled and costumed and put to work in a side tent as exotic dancers, while former Strong Men discourage the guests from getting too close (though rumor says they can be bribed, at times).
7) Beasts
The Beast Tamers must have creatures with which to perform, after all. Those who already wore the forms of beasts are enhanced, whether to look more beautiful or more deadly (or perhaps both), while some others are transformed entirely into lions or tigers or other fierce beasts to share in the main performance. Some of these unfortunates manage to retain their intelligence after the change, but others find themselves slipping away and becoming as mindless as the creatures whose forms they wear.
8) Sideshow Exhibit
The displays in the sideshow tent include those whose alterations fail, those who become trapped halfway between humanoid and beast form, or those who began in such an inhuman shape that they could never fit into the First Circle even with all The Ringmaster can do. Their existence is barely better than those of the animals, for they almost always remain caged, subject to the stares and giggles of the crowd. These again are guarded by former Strong Men, but they cannot be everywhere, and occasionally the mocking and stares of the guests devolve into worse.
The worst off of the circus denizens are those who inhabit the Third Circle. These unfortunates wear a plain leather collar as a sign of their rank, though none are likely to mistake them for a member of one of the other Circles.
9) Slaves
These are the fallen, the failed, the grotesque, those who are too deformed to exhibit, too ugly or ungainly to be allowed to perform, or those who tried to escape and are now in disgrace. They remain hidden from the view of guests, serving as menial laborers in whatever manner The Ringmaster or the members of the First Circle might desire. (Rumors say the former prima Trapeze Artist attempted to run away from the circus, and now bent and disfigured from her punishment, cleans the quarters of the current prima.)
And what would a circus be without an audience?
10) Guests
It is difficult indeed to obtain a ticket to the circus, for most do not even known of its existence. Only the rich, the powerful, those who are well versed in dimensional travel, or somehow privileged to be given a ticket by The Ringmaster himself in return for some service are ever allowed into the circus grounds. Some say that anyone who can provide The Ringmaster with a particularly good candidate will earn a lifetime's pass in return....
Did someone call for a helping of angst?
He cleans, does their menial labor, and, sometimes, in whatever they demand. After all, he still retained his pretty face.
As they were getting a new beast master today (the last one got eaten by his beasts), Lindsey was directed to spend his upcoming days helping the man settle in. He was cleaning the man's room in nothing but a loincloth and his enchanted collar was a permanent fixture to his neck.
I sure did
"Lindsey..."
And angst is served.
"What... what is this?"
But realizing that he was staring, Lindsey quickly dropped his gaze again. There was recognition of the face, but Lindsey never recognized the man who wore it. That, along with a lot of his fight, had been taking from him.
"Is there something you want, sir?"
Oh, these poor twins...
Eliot took off his shirt and nearly ran forward to drape it around his older brother's shoulders. He cupped a hand against Lindsey's cheek.
"Damn it, Linds. What'd they do to you?"
I'm sure eventually they'll raise Lindsey's status when they realize they have twins on their hands.
"I don't... I don't know you.... sir." Invited to, he looked up at that familiar face in confusion.
Did he know this man? They looked so alike, and at the back of his mind, something tugged softly. "I can't recall..."
Ha, they'll move them both to second tier... And through them into something mutually humiliating.
He sighed and rubbed his face with his free hand. He knew they'd done... something to him. Sometimes, it almost felt like he wasn't himself. He hated it. But they couldn't selectively destroy someone's mind, could they?
"What did they do to you?!"
Yeah, cause otherwise, a beast tamer's only companion would be a beast. Other thread, option 1 or 2?
"I have a brother?" He raised his hand to his head, trying to clear the fog from it but everything still felt awkward, weird, like he was viewing his thoughts through distorted glass.
"I tried to escape. I..." Suddenly frightened, he looked down and groveled. "I'm sorry, I'll never try to escape again. Please, I promise."
Surprise me...
He sighed heavily and took in his brother's worn features. "Get some sleep. I'll do... whatever. You look like you're about to drop."
Alrighties. And I am so sorry... this will traumatize Eliot.
"I'm sorry... please don't be mad at me. Don't send me away! They'll think I did something wrong and... " He blinked when he found himself seated on the bed instead. Oh.
Believing Eliot wanted what some of the first circle performers sometimes wanted with him, he removed his loincloth and turned around, spreading his legs.
*whimper*
I might be slightly regretfl... maybe. If I think really hard about it.
Wretched confusion swam in clear blue eyes as Lindsey turned to the larger man seated beside him. There was a sense of familiarity when he stroked his hair, and whether it was just for the comfort or to seek more of that familiarity, he leaned into Eliot's touch.
"Are you really my brother? I can't remember you..... why can't I remember you?"
For the record, you didn't traumatize Eliot. You sucker-punched him.
Oh, that's fine then. He can handle a few hits.
"I want to remember... I can't remember anything before coming here."
He can deal with being traumatized, too.
Subtly, he examined his brother's gaunt body. "When's the last time ya ate?"
Do you want me to try to traumatize him? There's few things that can.
"Yesterday... I think? Slaves only get left overs... there weren't any this morning."
Feel free to... Although there's also the other thread... *hinthint*
"You wait here. I'm gonna get ya somethin' to eat, all right? I'll be right back."
I know, I keep trying to write it but I keep getting sidetracked.
"I'm not... Slaves aren't allowed to steal food."
I only have one answer to that:
I'm working on it. It's getting lengthy.... happens whenever I set scenes. :(
"Can I stay here? If I stay in your room, the others won't look for me. They'll think you claimed me."
Sounds like it should give me a good bit to play with
He squeezed Lindsey's shoulder before walking over to the small kitchenette. There wasn't a whole lot in the fridge. Clearly, it was only meant for if he had company or got hungry during the night. But there were eggs and there was butter. Soon, the scent of breakfast food drifted across the room.
I cut it a bit short, but it should be something.
Getting up, he wrapped the blanket around himself and tried to approach Eliot slowly. "What are you making?" Anyone else he wouldn't dare to speak, much less ask a question and get up close.
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He rummaged through the drawers until he found one with the flatware. Lindsey's thoughtless action tugged at his heart. It was as if his brilliant big brother was now a child in a man's body. Quickly, he grabbed a fork and moved the eggs onto the plate before Lindsey could burn himself on the pan.
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"I'm sorry, brother," he murmured, using the term as a title, like master, than any form of familiarity. He watched the food hungrily but didn't reach to interrupt again.
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Don't matter how smart Lindsey still is right now...
So true... And... yeah, Lindsey's skin probably all scarred up. Only his face is still pretty.
When Lindsey has more scars than Eliot, you know something tragic happened.
I suspect Eliot's scar-free right now. Can't have a prized performer be covered in scars.
Depends on the scars. Some can make a guy look rugged and tough.
Yeah, but those would have to be severe scars.
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still think they'll both end up second tier?
I think so, though that will make Lindsey lose his advantage. .... Did this just become a verse?
Definitely think so...
Looks like there's two. XD
mirror image verses
For the slaves, perhaps. So very different for the masters. Lindsey's like... Moreau's Eliot.
Still, twin brothers, twin verses with the roles flipped.
Very true, that. At least Eliot won't be so broken in his verse.
Very true. Or, rather, he'll be broken, just not shattered.
Broken as in tamed... but I don't think he'll truly be broken like quivering.
Exactamente
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(Anonymous) - 2012-08-07 03:21 (UTC) - Expand(no subject)
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