Introduction
The circus IS escape, for both those who perform and those who watch from the sidelines, lost, if only for awhile, in the world of dreams.
But then, what is a life of a circus performer? What happens when the lights go off and the tent goes down? What is left of the contortionists and strongmen, the animal tamers and trapeze artists? Their world is the canvas of the tent, their energy the crowdβs applause. To be a circus performer is to be homeless, a talented wanderer seeking praise from others. Under the costume and makeup is a person, a person with untold secrets and fears. Yes, the tale of a circus performer is a sad one, one of dark pasts and darker secrets, haunting reminders of painful memories and unknown futures.
But to be a circus performer is also to free your soul, to escape a world of skyscrapers and gray skies, to grow and thrive in the small but somehow, limitless, world of freedom and possibilities. To be a circus performer is to dream.
IT BEGINS
You steal from your bed before the sun has risen in the sky, slipping into the cool morning. Closing the door quietly so as not to wake your slumbering neighbors (or worse, your family), you give your house a last look. The small building has been more war zone than home, a place of constant conflict. But today you leave your less than ideal life behind, cast aside the remnants of your old life (if you can call it that), and set off forβ¦for what? You have nowhere to go, no destination in mind. But lifeβs about the journey, right?
Setting your mouth in a firm line, you force yourself to take the first step, to divorce your broken family and painful past. The first step is hard, and you falter, wondering if the beaten path of your burdened life is better than the undetermined trail of your future. Despite your doubts, you find the courage to continue, and before you know it youβve reached the property gates. Turning onto the cracked asphalt road, you take a breath of frosty air, trembling with anticipation.
Leaving has never felt so good, and you smile at the weight of your backpack on your shoulder, feeling the canvas bag containing your spare clothes, crumpled money, and few personal items bump on your back.
As you walk the empty streets, you become intensely aware of the silence, the stillness that surrounds you like a stifling blanket. Looking to your right and left, you spot a flier stapled to a telephone pole, its corners fluttering in frigid wind thatβs picked up since your departure. Curious, you cross the street and flatten the poster against the pole, but recent rains have caused the ink to run, making the paper difficult to read. The colors (primarily red, black, and off-white) have faded, and the ink of the scrawling script at the top of the poster has run into the graphic at the center of the page. Despite the flierβs poor condition, you remove it from the post and add it the things in your backpack, unsure of why you do so.
After a half hour of walking, you spy something in the distance, a colorful tent beyond the skyscrapers and buildings of your town. Unaware of your own actions, you begin running towards it, the red, black, and white stripes becoming increasingly vivid as you approach. As you get closer, you realize how far from the city the tent actually is, and end up cutting through the park and onto a dirt trail. Posted there, at the beginning of the trail, is a faded banner, and down the trail, approximately 100 yards away, lies the large tent, pitched in the huge dirt parking lot behind the park. Curious, you read the weather beaten banner, entranced by the cryptic script and stunning twists and turns of the bannerβs graphics. Only by squinting are you able to read the foreign words spanning the width of the poster, and when you decipher them, a shiver goes up your spine.
Le Cirque dβAmes
it reads.
The Circus of Souls.
A circus? Countless children, caught up in their fantasies, have dreamed of fleeing to the magical world of the circus, but few have ever done so. Now is your chance to create a new life for yourself, to join the brightly costumed wanderers. Uncertain, you approach the tent, suddenly nervous. Upon reaching the tent, you muster the courage to reach for the canvas, then draw the tent flap aside, peering in. Itβs too dark to see properly, but you're drawn to the mysterious interior. Before you realized what youβve done, you step inside the tent, letting the flap close behind you. You, my friend, have just entered The Circus of Souls.
PLOT
You have happened upon Le Cirque d'Ames, known to most as The Circus of Souls. Your next move is up to you, whether you retreat or seek out Vienna (the ringmaster or βStory Tellerβ of Le Cirque dβAmes) or one of the other performers. Everyone is welcome in The Circus of Souls, for all the performers know the sorrows the past can hold. Whether they have been in the circus since birth, were hired to perform, or are runaways like yourself, the performers of Le Cirque dβAmes are more like you than you think. Though happy and humorous on the outside, many performers have dark pasts and secrets, cleverly disguised by their bright makeup and brilliant costumes.
All you must do, as Vienna will tell you, is ask to become a member of Le Cirque dβAmes, and your request will be granted. The circus travels the country, moving from city to city, a life thatβs never dull. If adventure is what you seek, then the Circus of Souls of is the perfect way to escape a morbid past.
There will be lies, deceit, secrets, loss, and hate, but there will also be joy, growth, healing, and love. How your story progresses is up to you, but you can be certain there will be plenty of drama beneath the tent of Le Cirque dβAmes. How that drama plays out, however, is up to you. You are yourself, your very soul. You ARE Le Cirque dβAmes.
CIRCUS INFO
History of Le Cirque dβAmes
Le Cirque dβAmes began in the 1950βs in Paris, France. Bernard Martin, a young magician, had taken to the streets of Paris, performing for passersby. As word spread of the talented Monsieur Martin, Bernardβs act grew, first three, then five, then ten. Before long, Bernard was travelling the streets of France with a company of twenty men and women: contortionists, animal tamers, jesters, fire eaters and acrobats. Crowds were in awe of the rag tag performers, the sensational stories and magnificent feats that distracted them from their every day lives.
Bernardβs father gave him money to go to school and βget a real jobβ, but instead, young Bernard spent the money on banners, costumes, a small tent and, best of all, a tiger-- all part of his plan to develop what he said would be βThe circus of the century.β Disgusted with his sonβs life choices, Bernardβs father turned his back on the boy, forcing Bernardβs mother and their relatives to do the same.
Deeply hurt by his fatherβs actions, Bernard hid his pain with more acts, more performances, and more pizzazz. He married one of the performers, Maria, a contortionist, and the two had twins, a boy and a girl, the following year. Couer and Ame, Bernard called them: Heart and Soul.
The day the twins were born he officially named the renamed the circus (previously Le Cirque de France) Le Cirque dβAmes, The Circus of Souls. Twenty years later, after battling a terrible illness, Bernard passed away, and the twinβs mother soon after.
Disheartened, Couer left the circus and moved to London, leaving her brother to decide the fate of the circus. Knowing how hard his father had worked to create the circus, Ame decided on a fresh start in America. So, he and his performers (animals included) boarded a boat and sailed to America, where they started anew, performing for the many crowds America had to offer. Vienna, daughter of Ame, became owner of the circus when her father passed away five years ago. Le Cirque dβAmes still travels the country, taking in the lost souls of the land.
Home of Le Cirque d'Ames
Moving from city to city means the performers have no true home, the tent under which they perform being the closest thing to a permanent residence.
The tent, striped black, red, and white, is large, the back half used to house the pens in which the animals are kept and the front half used for performances. Though the fabric has faded some, the striped tent is still something of a mobile landmark, its shape and color attracting a steady stream of audiences. Upon closer inspection, audience members will find various tears in the tent (acquired through years of use), some of which are patched with pieces of old costumes, blankets, and banners. As Le Cirque d'Ames is a smaller circus, the tent isn't as big as most, but plenty large for acts, animals, and people. With a capacity of 200 audience members and 40 performers, Le Cirque d'Ames is far from the rag tag band of gypsies most people expect.
In good weather, particularly in the summer, Cirque d'Ames will give performances under the stars, setting up benches in a large grassy area and directing spotlights to a large patch of dirt or grass. Performers sleep either in the vans, in cots/hammocks in the tent, or out in the open.
Method of Travel
The circus has an eight car train, but prefers to use the caravan method, using five vans and three 18 wheelers to move its performers from city to city.
Three of the five vans carry 8 performers each, and the other two are dedicated solely to luggage and supplies.
Performers of Le Cirque d'Ames
The circus is a place for enchanting, terrifying, and seemingly impossible feats. The spectacles on display both charm and shock the audiences, and there's never a dull moment beneath the striped tent.
Different acts in the circus-
Animal "charmers" (Performers who choreograph different acts using animals such as elephants, monkeys, zebras, tigers, etc)
Aerialist (Primarily trapeze artists)
Tightrope Walkers
Sword Swallowers/ Fire breathers
Bareback Riders
Story teller (the 'Ringmaster' who typically performs with animals)
Stilt walkers/ Jugglers
Jesters/ Clowns
Oddities (Cirque d'Ames doesn't exploit "bearded ladies" and what not, but will take in anyone who wishes to showcase an unusual talent [ex: strongman, contortionist, etc])
Animals of Le Cirque d'Ames
Cirque d'Ames is a small circus, and has fewer animals than most travelling circuses. Many of the animals have been with the circus since birth, exotic and domestic animals born for a life in the spotlight. Most of the animals are performers, but some are simply companions for the performers and other animals.
Horses-
Bruno - Stallion - 6 years - Gray Percheron - Bareback Acrobatics
Genevieve - Mare - 4 years - Gray Percheron - Bareback Acrobatics
Pony-
Philippe - Gelding - 10 years - Black and White Shetland pony - Clown Acts
Zebra-
Madeleine - Female - 6 years - Various acts
Elephant-
Eleanor - Female - 22 years - Various acts
Tiger-
Leon - Male - 8 years - Bengal Tiger - Animal Tamer acts
Monkeys-
Louis - Male - 3 years - Capuchin Monkey - Clown Acts
Marie Antoinette - Female - 5 years - Capuchin Monkey - Clown acts
Parrots-
Tomas - Male - 13 years - Red Macaw - Various acts
Marcello - Male - 19 years - African Gray - Various acts
Colette - Female - 7 years - Blue Macaw - Various acts
Dogs
Dorothee - Female - 4 years - Terrier - Clown acts/ Companion animal
Elise - Female - 2 years - Collie β Companion Animal
SKELLY
(Please delete everything in ()'s. And remember, no perfect charries!!!)
Original Name (The name you have upon joining Le Cirque d'Ames) :
Performance Name (The name you go by during performances or have decided to change your name to. Strictly optional.) :
Gender:
Age:
Circus Act (You probably won't determine this until you actually JOIN Le Cirque d'Ames) :
Personality (At least 3 sentences):
History:
Crush:
Boyfriend or girlfriend:
Appearance: (Please provide a detailed description of your charrie. You may post a picture in ADDITION to a description, but not as a substitute.)
(This is my first attempt at making a RP on this site. Please don't be too hard on me! If you have any questions regarding plot, charries, etc., feel free to ask.)
- 53 posts here • Page 3 of 3 • 1, 2, 3
The Story So Far... Write a Post » as written by 9 authors
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Chandler looked toward Kaylee, offering a simple smile. He shook his head though, letting the two get acquainted. He took it as his cue to slide into the background. He listened for a couple of moments before being distracted. The clanking of chains became more prevalent as he began to listen. He looked back at the two girls, deciding to ignore the urge to go look and see what was making the noise and be around people for once.
---
βMmβ¦,β He paused as he watched Elise bounced back and forth. βNo, I suppose some of us are running towards something. All really depends on your opinion on things, I guess,β He said as he shrugged, mostly to himself. βAnd you are right about animals and love. But animals arenβt the only non-judging organisms on Earth,β He said as he secured the last of the spoiled hay in the wheelbarrow and grabbed the handles.
βBut love, well it is difficult to explain that one. I suppose if someone would cut you down like that it wasnβt truly love. You just have to be careful about who you love, I guess,β He said as he pushed the barrow toward the truck. He placed it there and looked back at Ace. βYou arenβt judged here, well by me at least,β He said as he put the tools away.
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"I'm sure we could talk to Vienna about grabbing one extra long bed for you. We have plenty of strongmen here, but I believe you're our first tallman." Now that she was becoming more comfortable with Devon, her accent flowed beautifully with her words, rather than simply slipping out.
"This is pretty much the end of the tour, that is, unless you would like to visit the tiger cage or the stables..." She poked her head into the ring before continuing, "which are being mucked right now.... So, perhaps that wouldn't be a great idea." she lightly smiled again, brush her bangs out of her eyes and looking to the wall clock for the time.
"The show is almost here." She mumbled this, more to herself than the tall man across from her.
- 53 posts here • Page 3 of 3 • 1, 2, 3
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View All » Add Character » 17 Characters to follow in this universe
Newest
Viktor Volkov
"To ride a horse is to ride the sky."
Chandler Alan Titoc
I'd much rather be in the background, thank you.
Mademoiselle Marl??ne
The Oriental Equestrian
Aceline Chad
The curious, but quiet, young clown who seems to always be able to smile.
Lexi Murray, aka Ladybug
"Alexis? Moi? But it is I, my flower, the one and only Ladybug!"
Terra
A rebellious Aerialist of Le Cirque d'Ames
Mathieu
A reserved Animal Tamer of Le Cirque d'Ames
Vienna
The mysterious Storyteller and owner of Le Cirque d'Ames
Trending
Chandler Alan Titoc
I'd much rather be in the background, thank you.
Aceline Chad
The curious, but quiet, young clown who seems to always be able to smile.
Mathieu
A reserved Animal Tamer of Le Cirque d'Ames
Vienna
The mysterious Storyteller and owner of Le Cirque d'Ames
Terra
A rebellious Aerialist of Le Cirque d'Ames
Lexi Murray, aka Ladybug
"Alexis? Moi? But it is I, my flower, the one and only Ladybug!"
Mademoiselle Marl??ne
The Oriental Equestrian
Viktor Volkov
"To ride a horse is to ride the sky."
Most Followed
Lexi Murray, aka Ladybug
"Alexis? Moi? But it is I, my flower, the one and only Ladybug!"
Chandler Alan Titoc
I'd much rather be in the background, thank you.
Vienna
The mysterious Storyteller and owner of Le Cirque d'Ames
Viktor Volkov
"To ride a horse is to ride the sky."
Terra
A rebellious Aerialist of Le Cirque d'Ames
Aceline Chad
The curious, but quiet, young clown who seems to always be able to smile.
Mademoiselle Marl??ne
The Oriental Equestrian
Mathieu
A reserved Animal Tamer of Le Cirque d'Ames
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Le Cirque d'Ames
1, 2, 3by Luv-is-a-Bug on Thu Mar 17, 2011 10:20 pm
- 55 Replies
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- Last post by Luv-is-a-Bug
on Sun Jul 01, 2012 1:37 pm
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Le Cirque d'Ames
Most recent OOC posts in Le Cirque d'Ames
Re: Le Cirque d'Ames
I literally just looked at the OoC board for Le Cirque and saw you'd posted here (total luck that I happened across it, really, I haven't posted here since 2011!), and I wanted to tell you that it seriously made my day. I tried to message you, but I suck at using this site and I've either sent the same message to you 3 times or not at all. It keeps showing up in my outbox instead of my sent messages.
In any case, I hope you hear from me somehow, because I wanted to say I MISS you! Foo RP gang FTW. Seriously, you are so talented and amazing, and it'd be a privilege to talk/RP with you again. Come to "Way Out West" and RP w/ me and RJ!!!
Re: Le Cirque d'Ames
- InvisibleSoul from Foo :)
Re: Le Cirque d'Ames
Re: [OOC] Le Cirque d'Ames
Re: [OOC] Le Cirque d'Ames
Re: [OOC] Le Cirque d'Ames
Thanks. I just feel like the flow is so...odd. I always read my posts aloud before I submit them, and it was all choppy and weird. It would seem, from the contract, that our scatterbrained Vienna has a high opinon of herself. XD
I like Christa. XD She's like, the perfect mix of cocky and intrique. And yes, creating random lists of dangerous objects with which to juggle is incredibly fun.
Ha ha, Devon need not fear, Leon is basically an oversized house cat-- hardly the man eater described in Vienna's contract.
Reianna, sure, you're more than welcome to have Blake become a Le Cirque magician, as soon as he formally joins the circus.
Don't you just all love our bilingual charries? Let's see, we have French, German, and Russian, so there's three, and I probably left out one or two. What a fantastically talented group of performers. XD
Re: [OOC] Le Cirque d'Ames
Re: [OOC] Le Cirque d'Ames
And Vienna's post ain't that bad, I didn't spot anything that my mind didn't directly correct before presenting it to my counsiousness, so it's fine by my standarts.( Stupid brain, can't take one day off)
Re: [OOC] Le Cirque d'Ames
and SHUTTUP. I personally loved your posts. The contract thing was hilarious.
I feel like Devon would be quite scared of Christa from this last post. What, with her eye-locking and random array of dangerous objects >:D
I love thinking of insane things one could juggle. It's quite fun :D
Re: [OOC] Le Cirque d'Ames
Okay, finally posted for Vienna and Terra, but ees kinda, erm, bad. XD Vienna's post is crud, but I can only retype a post so many times before I seriously endanger what is left of my sanity.
Re: [OOC] Le Cirque d'Ames
I'm waiting for Vi, too. In the meantime... Cookies, anyone?
Re: [OOC] Le Cirque d'Ames
but I couldn't sleep after the finale. Freaked me out.
And, btw, I haven't dropped off the face of the planet. Just waiting for Vienna :)
Take your time though. It's quite ambitious to play three characters.
Re: [OOC] Le Cirque d'Ames
Tee hee, our speical Chandler. XD
I know! Waaay better than I hoped. Foo RP was right and good, but it's nice to actually have, ya know, characters. XD Good luck on your exams!
And sorry, I really did mean to post for Vienna and Terra today, but I ended up studying for my math test and watching the season finale of Pretty Little Liars. I'll try and post tomorrow.
Re: [OOC] Le Cirque d'Ames
Luv this role-play is going exceptionally well, better then before =P And sorry I wasn't on yesterday had lots of stuffs to do. 3rd quarters exams are coming up so I'll attempt to be on at least once a day. But then like in June I graduate and school technically ends end of May. So I'll be on more.