CIRQUE {pleasureable sins of the macabre} HIRING ARTISTS

[Coeur Torve]

{ WELCOME ::: bulletinboard ::: thestory ::: regulations ::: availability }
{ coeurtorve ::: ownerslist ::: souvenirs ::: staffnpcs ::: affiliations }

THE GUILD

WELCOME! Cirque du Coeur Torve is a Breedable/Changing RP-Intensive Shop on GaiaOnline!
We are rated PG-13 for suggestive/crude language and material.
We are currently looking to HIRE a full-time artist, if you're interested, please PM the mule with art samples.

Cirque revolves around an odd continuing storyline. Cursed (or blessed) with strange powers, it travels throughout time, space, and dimension to pluck up lost souls with unusual talents for their mysterious performances and shows. It's spoken in whispers that there is a demon somewhere possessing the caravan, and draws its powers from the unwitting castmembers and the various audiences. As time wears on, castmembers fall deeper into the darkness of Cirque, changing from what they once were, into a beautiful nightmare - or perhaps just a horrifying one.

What is the price of glory?

[Coeur Torve]

{ welcome ::: BULLETIN BOARD ::: thestory ::: regulations ::: availability }
{ coeurtorve ::: ownerslist ::: souvenirs ::: staffnpcs ::: affiliations }

BULLETIN BOARD {news}

APRIL 19TH 2009
___Byagane's artwork is on the way, please welcome Lily Robinson to the floor, and enjoy the sins of the newly revamped Cirque. Oh, current world is Hogsmeade.

OCTOBER 13TH 2008
___Welcome to the war-torn world of Sanctuary. May Diablo have mercy upon your souls.

FEBRUARY 17TH 2008
___Upcoming World Change on the 25th to the Moulin Rouge 1889! Get all those open RP's finished up!

JANUARY 27TH 2008
___It's a bit hard to keep this thing updated! but without further ado, we have a new weekly world and post your thoughts at the suggestion thread! located here: Suggestion Thread

JUNE 5TH 2007
___A little late on this, but I'd like to welcome the new members of our crew- Hazina, ARU, Jo and Aemilia. I hope you all can show them the fine Cirque hospitality we're known for. twisted

JANUARY 10TH 2007
___Welcome the sexy new Russian, Iosif. Doesn't the accent just make you melt? Everyone give a nice round of applause for our new attraction: Hadrian the Merman! Also welcome Silvaara who has joined onto the troupe. Come one, come all! The auction is here!

JANUARY 9TH 2007
___Merry Belated Christmas, and Happy Belated New Year guys! <3 Also congrats Chromatically Metallic (kyyi) on winning the raffle! Things have been slightly slow. buuuuut there's word of a comeback auction! smile

DECEMBER 9TH 2006
___500 pages!? You guys are awesome! heart

DECEMBER 1ST 2006
___The Secret Santa Event is ON! Check out the event thread for all the info you could possibly need.

NOVEMBER 27TH 2006
___Cirque is hosting a Secret Santa event starting Dec 1st! Check out the Hiring/Event post for more info.

NOVEMBER 26TH 2006
___We've gone through the potential hires (concept threads) and approved the majority of them. This really doesn't mean much yet, but an approval just basically states that your concept is eligible in certain events. Its basically just so during raffles we don't call out somebody's number and they have no clue what sort of character they want. Stay tuned for more info on this!

NOVEMBER 14TH 2006
___Looks like Cirque has some fresh meat. Tuari's Phillipe the Firedancer, Ogre's Charlot the Knife Thrower, Taichou's Maxem the Spark, Esopha's WingTing the Bubble Fairy, Silvarah's Lucrezia the Skyward Bound, and Rabid Ice Weasel's Hadrien the Merman . You guys better be ready for the ride ahead, congrats. We hope to see all other performers back at the next auditions.

NOVEMBER 10TH 2006
___The first Cirque hiring extravaganza is going on now. Stop by The Hiring Tent, fill out an application and give us a little taste of your talent. Uh... don't call us, we'll call you.

NOVEMBER 6TH 2006
___Just opened recently and we have almost 50 pages! <3 and with that we will be having a flatsale soon.! check out the hiring post.

NOVEMBER 2ND 2006
___It's hard to set up an entire circus with only four sets of hands. We'll have to hire on some more help very soon. But first, lets get this area cleaned up and presentable. The guild is up as well, Scarlett has hung up a flyer to remind people that it indeed does exist.

[Coeur Torve]

{ welcome ::: bulletinboard ::: THE STORY ::: regulations ::: availability }
{ coeurtorve ::: ownerslist ::: souvenirs ::: staffnpcs ::: affiliations }

THE STORY {we came to be}

In the ringmaster's trailer is a thick book with a cracked leather cover. It sits open to a page covered in swirly, thick handwriting with a picture of a boy in dusty overalls in the right hand margin. These pages tell the tale of the circus, though only this page is legible for now.

SHE'D BEEN SAVING UP HER NICKELS AND PENNIES FOR DAYS after she'd heard the fantastic news. It was supposed to be right out between the city and the suburbs, smack dab in the middle of the field out back of the old closed-down high school. She hadn't been to see it herself just yet, mind, and in truth, a part of her held itself in reserve as though the entire thing might be made-up; but her aunt had already been with her two little boys, and they'd told her all about it. The stands, the stages, the shows and spectacles and such splendor!... all in and around the big tent that had appeared overnight, just like magic! And that's exactly how they'd said it to her, too- "just like magic"....

She could use a little magic in her life, that was for sure. Everything that filled her hours was tiresome, mind-numbing and predictable; whether it was the tedium of schoolwork during the day, or the dull repetition brought on by stitching together raincoats in that cramped little room out on the East Side, or even those few bare hours spent at home between dinnertime and bedtime, tuning into the stories on the radio and tuning out of the tired old arguments between her tired mother and her tired father and her tired brothers and sisters.

But the circus! The circus was like a sunny summer day coming in mid-February. That break from the ordinary she needed so badly, that moment of youth she felt so deprived of. If only she could, she'd save every cent she earned for weeks and spend it all in one day among that collection of wonders; as was, though, she already felt terrified that she might miss her opportunity. It had flitted in so suddenly, so unpredictably- what would she do if it disappeared the same way, without giving her even a taste of the marvels she craved? Unthinkable!

The more she thought about the prospect of missing out on this opportunity, the more she felt the hole that, surely, only the sights and sounds of the circus could fill for her. First thing in the morning, she promised herself, she would get that adventure she so richly deserved. One day of playing hooky- nothing her classmates hadn't already done, at least the ones with the rich clothes and the fat wallets that came along with them-, one day to remind her what it was about this world that made it worth exploring. One day, to get enough excitement and wonder to last her the rest of her life....


WAKING UP IN THE MORNING shouldn't be such a difficult chore. Awakening to an unruly number of hideous aches throughout his head and body, along with a bothersome and fuzzy memory of the night before, he let loose a dry and grating groan. The back of his throat felt sticky and clogged, and through the morning haze that wouldn't quite clear through his eyes, he discovered that he'd fallen asleep in his work clothes- again. Which was marvelous, of course, just marvelous. His bedsheets were now as filthy as he himself was, and were beginning to pick up on that peculiar reek one acquired when one spent all day mopping up after the collective messes produced by a few trained circus animals, a few dozen carnies, and a few hundred customers. He wasn't even sure which group he hated cleaning up after the most!, only that all three somehow managed to combine themselves into the most unholy of all foulnesses ever to trickle over the worn soles of his shoes and bring horrifying new stains to the toes of his socks.

There were worse things in life, he tried to console himself, struggling to somehow utilize his feet to unwrap his blankets from around his waist. After all, something had to be keeping him with the caravan- something he ran from, or something he strove for. In the midst of his early morning stupor, he couldn't actually remember just what it was that kept him hanging around... only that it was rather important to him to accomplish, more important to him than comfortable living, or security and stability in his life, or even his own sense of dignity. That last bit was much more than evident by the fact that this was by far not the first such morning he had awakened to be disgusted by his own grisly reflection in the mirror, but simply another in a long line of such disappointments.

Something was worth this. Something that he hadn't fully discovered yet, perhaps, but it was there. If he had to spend another year mucking dung out of the animal pens and cleaning vomit off of the stands, it would be worth it, because he was driven and willing to make it worth it. Digging his hands through his filthy and greasy mass of hair, he resolved to get cleaned up and put on a good face before he got back to work that day. You never could tell when someone important might be watching you, after all, or what opportunities were lying in wait right around the corner. Every day was full of new opportunity, and it would be a shame if it were squandered for want of a little soap and water.

But even before that on his agenda, his most essential part of circus life was waiting. A small bag of props was slumped pitifully beside his bedstand; first thing, each morning, before he even ate breakfast, he honed his act. Without practice, after all, he could never hope to juggle well enough to earn a spot as a performer- and there was little point in hanging around a circus without wanting to perform! Gathering up the bag, he tiptoed past the beds of his sleeping companions and slipped out the door. The air was fresh and quiet, and he had hours to himself before the morning crowds would begin to trickle in. He intended to take advantage of the peace while he could.


IT WAS MORE THAN SHE COULD HAVE EVER DREAMT OF. Pressed up against the window of the city bus, nose smashed against the glass in her enthusiasm, she felt her eyes threatening to pop right out of her skull as tried to swallow down every little bright-colored scrap of the tent canvas with them. It had cost her ten cents just to buy the ticket to get here, and she had another dime tucked away in the front of her bra just so she wouldn't forget and accidentally spend her fare back home- but, hundreds of yards away and without so much as a foot on the ground yet, she could already tell it was going to be worth every penny spent!

The bus hadn't come to a full stop yet, but she just couldn't wait to get on her feet. Grabbing the gritty leather edge of the seat in front of her, she stretched out her knees and nervously smoothed her hair, leaning the right side of her hip into the seat back as the bus's brakes groaned to a full stop. Shoving with merciless determination ahead of the other passengers disembarking- young faces, old faces, men and women, small children, all eager and excited to get off the vehicle and out into the sunlight- she hastened her footsteps down to the ground and sucked in her first thick, wonderful breath of the circus air.

That first look was dazzling, almost overwhelming. Teeming with life, nearly every inch of space seemed occupied by the joy-seekers that clustered around each little stand and stage and tent that formed the proverbial ring of circus buildings, jeweled at the very back by the big top. The little group let off by the bus pressed forward, intent to add their numbers to the midst of those waiting with varying amounts of patience to buy their way in; by some strange primal force, she found herself moving with the herd, inching ever closer to the wonderful chaos that was the circus.

"Cirque du Coeur Torve", proclaimed one sign that hung over the ticket stand, its raised letters painted in bright red and orange. Slightly beneath it, in smaller text and less blinding color, a second sign added, "Enjoy the show". There was no notice to tell her the price of admission, but when her turn came at last to come in front of the teller and fumble with her purse, she was immediately informed by a voice with a strange, unidentifiable accent- "That'll be five cents." Just the trip had taken more out of her pocket! Sliding over the proper number of pennies, she was rewarded with a strip of blue paper and an indefinite wave of the attendant's hand.

Holding onto her ticket between both her thumbs and forefingers, she handed it timidly to a gentlemen manning the front gate. Her heart began to flutter as she took that first step past him, each little motion sped up the dawning of anticipation, every small flicker of the eye stretching out a new moment of suspense; then she was caught up in the crowd, and she was away!

And oh, was she ever; right out and away from the whole world of work and worry she'd once been so embroiled in. Awe filled up her eyes as she paid witness to feats she never would have thought possible- a man sticking a sword down his own throat and living to gloat about it, a woman that could tie her own body in a knot and even more bizarre shapes, a child who draped themselves in hissing, venomous snakes but didn't suffer a single bite for their daring. Disbelief mingled freely with discovery as she stormed through the freak shows, meeting with things that spat in the face of common knowledge and destroyed the theories of modern science- and how she delighted in every rule broken! A small break, in which she sampled cuisine she had never heard of (which, admittedly, she didn't really like all that much; but oh, even something that tasted awful was marvelous, when it was a part of the circus!), and then she was off to get her palm read and discover the hope of the future.

Head awhirl with new thoughts and new dreams, she hardly realized that the morning had faded behind her as the flow of the crowd drew her at last to the marvel that could not be denied; the main event at last, the big tent. Aware of the crescendo of music building up within its walls, she was eager and overeager as she thrust the price of admission into the hands of the lovely young lady that doled out tickets outside the entrance, pushing her way into the darkened tent with impatience. It seemed that she was just in time- the true show, that for which all else she had already experienced and been taken in by was merely the appetizer, was about to begin....


HE'D GIVE ANYTHING TO BE THAT PERSON. That center of attention, that idol on the pedestal. Standing invisible in the darkness behind the center stage, he watched with open envy the performer that frolicked in the heavy beam of the spotlight, drawing laughter and amazement with their grounded acrobatics and improbable feats of physical awe. It was almost painful to watch; his very spit tasted bitter on his tongue, soaked through with his own jealousy. Over and over, again and again, his mind repeated the same tired questions- What was it that he lacked? What was it that he needed to be that person who everyone watched, admired and envied?

Brooding would get him nowhere. The next act needed setting up, and he knew who'd be blamed if it weren't ready by the time this one were over. Struggling and grunting with the heavy stage prop, he dragged it as unobtrusively as he could to the leftmost of the three rings laid out in the big top. If he got so much of a glance out of even one person in the uproarious audience, it wouldn't matter; he was the muscle, not the entertainment, and he knew the difference all too well. Any single person in that audience could fill his shoes- it didn't take any talent to push around stage props, and he was quite aware. Yet, he could take some small amount of pride in the steady reminder- without him, the headliners would have no one's shoulder's to stand on. If he were to give up right now- just throw up his hands in disgust and walk away- the next act wouldn't be ready, and the whole performance would be thrown off. He might be a bit player on this stage, but he was important nonetheless. He was the steel girder in the building, the turbine in the engine, the oxen that pulled the wagon along....

"You. You're the one that I see working that juggling act in the morning, aren't you?" The fierce whisper by his ear startled him; wrapped up in his thoughts, he hadn't been aware of the other person that had come up beside him in the darkness until the voice had spoken. Trying to make out the person's facial features through the shadows, he answered with a numb nod and a quiet "Yes, that's me."

"Good," came the heavy-handed reply. "You're just what I need. My partner's fallen off the wagon again, and is too drunk to perform. You're taking his place. We're on in ten- go get in costume." For a long moment, he could only respond with a blank, open stare. "... Did-I-speak-too-fast-for-you? Do-I-need-to-speak-slow-er?"

Oh, great. Not even five seconds after having opportunity beat him over the head with a bag of bricks, and he'd already annoyed its agent. "No! No no, I understand, I-"

"Then don't make me say it again, or I'll find someone else to fill your shoes." Their patience was already wearing thin, and he didn't dare to let it run on empty. Abandoning the stage set-up, he hustled his way straight out of the tent and to his trailer out back, digging around through his belongings for those old circus duds his mentor had given him as hand-me-downs in the instance he might get a chance just like the one in front of him now. He felt a momentary pang of guilt at leaving his job unfinished, but logic spoke up quickly enough; there were dozens of hands around the circus, and what he had been doing wasn't really all that important after all. They'd find someone else to take his place easily. He had a more essential task ahead of him, and he couldn't be concerned with such trivialities.

Pulling his shirt off over his head and struggling into the slightly undersized performance outfit, the full impact of the situation caught up with him in an instant, paralyzing him with a sudden surge of fascination. All the work he had put into working around this place, all the hours he'd sunk into training his act, every humiliation he'd suffered through for the sake of that intangible dream... it had finally brought him closer to that perfect life. And oh, the price he'd paid was worth it, even if he had to pay it a thousand times over. A star, he thought; he was taking one more step on his way to taking that center stage he lusted after, another step towards acheiving that ultimate goal of stardom at last....

At the end of the ink-splotched passage you find a scribbled signature: Arrien

[Coeur Torve]

{ welcome ::: bulletinboard ::: thestory ::: REGULATIONS ::: availability }
{ coeurtorve ::: ownerslist ::: souvenirs ::: staffnpcs ::: affiliations }

REGULATIONS {faq}

Q: HOW DO I OBTAIN A CIRQUE?
A: GOOD QUESTION LARGE FONT! LET US DIVULGE ...

___We have come to the conclusion that there is a problem of there being an active shop, good art, and poor roleplaying activity (or activity period), from an owner.

___Of course there are several in Cirque that are the great exception, and we appreciate that. Your dedication and loyalty has meant the world to us. This is not the closing of Cirque, it is a new era. From this point on characters and roleplay will be FREE. That's right, you may have a Carnie and roleplay your heart out in Cirque, with castmembers or otherwise. To do this you MUST have an approved concept (approvals will be extremely scrutinizing now), and the mule MUST make you a journal thread.

___After your character has built up momentum, meaning your journal is regularly updating and you keep up with the shop (we don't ask for mad crazy roleplay, just enough), there will be a flatsale. Each journaled character, and only each actively played character may compete for an official slot on the Cirque ticket and character art. This has been decided upon to prevent people from the outside who lack the motivation to make themselves known or put in the hard work of a concept from getting a freebie with all their money, when those who work hard cannot. We feel we should reward effort from now on, as it is the greatest reward for our time. RP hopefuls are inactive for too long, or they leave without notice their journal will be confiscated and the concept put on a probation period for flatsales if and when they return.

___This may not be ideal for some people, but in other ways it's exciting for newbies. They now have free access to NPCs and other characters they may wish to interact with. In a sense they are working out the kinks in their character not just in concept but in roleplay, which benefits us all in the end.

Q: What's the difference between a flatsale, auction, or other event category?
A: Flatsales are available only to active non-art roleplayers, people who dedicate themselves to their characters and custom idea and get it for a low gold price. Auctions are open to anyone whether they have a concept or not, and usually feature a guest artist. Other events may entail a "premade" which has a preset talent and appearance (so it already has art), and you get to fill in the personality and history blanks.

Q: How much are they if you do have a flatsale?
A: Right now we've settled on a flatsale price of 15k. This may change in the future, but so far we haven't planned to do that.

Q: Can I have one?
A: My first suggestion would be to start thinking about what job you'd like to perform and WHO that character would be. Create a backstory for them, design their image, start thinking about a personality. Get all that stuff down and then we'll talk... during a flatsale.

Q: So what if I have a GREAT concept, but I'm not a very good writer?
A: This is a tough question. Flatsales usually revolve around having a good concept AND being a strong writer. Auctions and some events, on the other hand, have nothing to do with that. But if you're going to be writing in chatspeak ... confused

Q: What's the difference between stage 2 and stage 3 besides a new picture, a new title and a couple perks?
A: Spoiler! Highlight to read:
In this case, the price of fame is a hefty one. The longer you stay with Cirque, the longer the mysterious demon who possesses the caravan will be feeding off your soul. By the time you reach stardom you will have lost bits of your humanity and this will begin to show physically.

Q: My character's talent is seen in both sideshows and main performances. How should I classify them?
A: Its totally up do you. Do you picture them in the big top in front of a huge audience, or do you think they'd be more comfortable with a more intimate crowd as they pass by their booth and get a close look? Do you think they'd rather be able to talk to the audience as they come up to them, or do you think they'd rather go out on stage, do their thing and return to their trailer?

Q:There's already a character with the same talent as my concept! gonk
A: You have several options. You can scrap your original idea and come up with something new, but that's sometimes a difficult thing to do. Or you can think about that particular talent for a while. Is it a talent that typical circuses usually have a lot of, like clowns and acrobats? As long as your character is vastly different from another with the same talent, this is usually okay. If its something that circuses usually have very few of, like a contortionist, see if you can come up with a way to use that talent in a completely different way. We suggest contacting the user behind the other character before going ahead with your idea (and our staff would okay it with them before hiring anyone on anyway) just to make sure you're not stepping on anyone's toes. Another option is contacting that character's player and seeing if they'd like a partner. Trapeze artists always need someone to spot them! There's a lot of gray areas but in most cases we can figure out a way to make it work.

Q: Alright, so I have a character here with a really awesome job and I really don't want any partners.
A: If any concept could possibly encroach on any character currently in Cirque, we'll get the okay from you before hiring them on. Meaning, you're not going to suddenly discover that your lion tamer has a cute little assistant without you knowing. But please be reasonable about this. If the concept in question is far enough away from your character that WE can't see the connection, then don't expect to get much sympathy from us. We aren't going to hear "I have a lion tamer and you just hired on a horse trainer! That's not cool!" And when it comes to clowns, freaks and other jobs that usually have a lot of people involved, don't expect to be the only one.

Q: Is it alright if the world our character comes from is one we made up completely?
A: As long as it can be classified somehow in Historical, Fantasy or Sci-fi its okay. And since I'll let "anything else" go into the Sci-fi category, anything goes. just think of it that there's infinite different dimensions, they're just classified into one of the three types. The caravan itself comes from one of my own story worlds... but I'll get into that some other time.

Q: Can the caravan travel into the future?
A: Technically, no. But the caravan itself comes from the equivalent of our "sometime in the future" (they've lost track.) So it can travel from that time and back. So yes... it can travel into the future.

Q: By other worlds do you mean planets? Dimensions? Universes?
A: Its not exactly clear but one theory is this- Every dimension came from the same starting point, but every choice made by any being split the dimension, playing every possible outcome of that choice. Since there were so many choices to be made early on, and so many choices made after, there are an infinite number of unique worlds, slightly different worlds and and nearly identical worlds. The possibilities are endless ...

Q: Is it possible to change jobs or talents?
A: Yes, but only if it makes sense for your character and you have our approval. Changing from stage 2 to 3 can include your character getting a big promotion to another job, or just getting a bigger trailer and a fancier costume.

Q: What is the password?
A: It is monkey. You'll need this password to enter a flatsale or auction and it will always be asked at them. But make sure to check back before any flatsale or auction, because it can, and will, be changed.

Q: Can my character go from working in the side show to working in the performance? Or visa versa?
A: If it makes sense for them to, yes.

Q: Will you allow cosplays or characters already existing in literature/film/TV?
A: No. Your character has to be of your own design. While we'll allow make-up designed after existing performers, like for Cirque du Soleil, everything else about the character has to be original.

Q: Can I base my character's world on one I've read in a book/seen in a movie/anime, etc?
A: Yes, as long as your character isn't based on a character from that universe. But I see no problem with an unmentioned elf from Rivendale hopping on the circus wagon as we pass through Middle-earth. Just take note that you will have to research the part and if you screw up any culture details, fans of that series may be a little miffed.

Q: How many Cirque characters can I have?
A: Not including minor audience members, two. This may open up to more in the future, but that's it for now.
___Note: if you already have a cirque character and are seeking to obtain another, your current character must at least be in their second stage/a cast member.

Q: What are approvals and how do I get approved?
A: It's really simple. All you have to do is mosey on over to the Concept Forum in the guild and make a thread explaining the talents/personality/appearance/etc of the character you've dreamed up for Cirque. As long as its not a carbon copy of an existing character and you've given us enough information to give us a good idea of what your character's about you'll get a shiny stamp and be approved. To enter some raffles and to obtain a Cirque through things like cards and secret Santa gifts you'll have to have an approved concept. Other events may require you to have an approved concept, but we'll always let you know when those come up.
___Note: Just because your concept is approved does not mean that it will surely make it in Cirque. The stamp and approval is just to keep people who have never seen the shop to drop 100g on a raffle, end up winning, and not know what to do with their character... or worse. Its also the pool from which we will be drawing for certain RARE chances to get a Cirque.

Have questions? Ask them here in the thread and we'll be happy to answer.

{rules}

1. Let's get this out of the way first. These are RP heavy personas. If you don't like RPing or don't have the time, then maybe this isn't the shop for you. You will be expected to RP occasionally, if not frequently. If your character is left idle for 3 months they will be NPCed and considered sick, missing or even fired.
   
2. Be nice to everyone. Settle differences in private. Don't bring unnecessary drama into the thread (unless its in character, of course.) And for god's sake, don't go stirring up trouble just for the thrill of it.
   
   
3. Don't beg, whine or guilt trip the shop owners/managers/artists when trying to get a persona. We will most likely just be annoyed and end up not wanting to give you one anyway.
   
   
4. If you don't win a flatsale/auction/event take a deep breath and move on. Maybe go revise your concept a little or ask for a critique (Dahli will most likely be glad to give anyone a critique on their concepts, but don't expect her to be all fluffy bunnies about it.) And try again next time. 3nodding
   
   
5. DO NOT abuse the Fame and Respect systems! If we catch you doing this you thrown out in some creepy C type world and left for dead. Or maybe we'll just feed your greedy arse to a certain demon we know.
   
   
6. We take cheating very seriously. If you have evidence of someone fudging respect numbers or using mules to get fame please PM a staff member so we can investigate this privately. Be ready to support your claim with screenshot evidence.
   
   
7. Please keep the PDA (public display of affection) down to a minimum in the thread. Its great that you brought your boyfriend/girlfriend into the thread, but don't subject everyone else to your three page long snuggle-fest.
   
   
8. Remember: All sexually explicit roleplay should be kept off of Gaia
   
   
9. For now there is a limit of only two Cirque characters per person. This may open up to more in the future, but that's it for now.
   
   
10. There will be absolutely no co-owning. This just gets messy and complicated.
    ___The Cirque staff only aims to treat our customers with fairness and we are always open to suggestions - as long as these matters are carried out privately. If you have any problems with how we're running things or want to suggest something for us to improve, please PM the mule about it. Harassing staff members on personal accounts is strictly against all policies.
    
    
11. We welcome you to RP AS your persona and not as yourself with your persona. Imagine that it is YOU who joined the circus.
    
    
12. If you'd like to go out of character please distinguish this somehow. Even a simple ((OOC: Hey everybody!)) is fine.
    
    
13. No godmodding other characters. The only character that you may slightly god mode is the Ringmaster, but this is only slight actions like introducing you on stage. For example "The ringmaster bowed and gestured toward the tightrope near the top of the tend. 'Now,' he said, 'Time for some high-flying fun!' The spotlight suddenly glared into Mary-Sue's eyes as she stepped out onto the platform and waved to her adoring fans."

[Coeur Torve]

{ welcome ::: bulletinboard ::: thestory ::: regulations ::: AVAILABILITY }
{ coeurtorve ::: ownerslist ::: souvenirs ::: staffnpcs ::: affiliations }

AVAILABILITY {job openings}

Performers:
___Anyone who performs in the main show is considered here. This is mainly based on talent, but you don't need much of it to make it on stage. With practice, experience and a little help from your friends you'll make it big. Plus it doesn't hurt that the demon has a tendency to give performers an extra oomph to wow the crowd ...
Sideshow:
___Whether you're both with a physical deformity, just good with make up, or have a talent that can't really be exploited on stage, you'll fit right in in the side show. Before and after the performance, crowds will peruse your booths oooing and awing at your misfortune, talent or abilities. Don't worry about having to trick people into taking interest in you, once you've done it enough you'll be quite convincing. Especially considering the demon likes turning those tricks into a reality.

Pffft ... No auditions being held ... You'll have to check back later. Don't give us that look. However ... Well you do have an odd look, don't you? We are seeking to employ Sideshow-ah ... folk ... Here, take a pamphlet. Don't call us, we'll call you.

{flatsales&auctions&other}

None.

[Coeur Torve]

{ welcome ::: bulletinboard ::: thestory ::: regulations ::: availability }
{ COEUR TORVE ::: ownerslist ::: souvenirs ::: staffnpcs ::: affiliations }

COEUR TORVE {stages}

Stage 0 - Runaway:
___So you've dared to run away to join the Cirque eh, well, until you secure a spot in the lineup there's not much for you to do ... Besides run errands, clean manure, and cater to everyone else's whims.
___Proceeding to the next stage is simple, be active and roleplay enough to earn the right to qualify for a flatsale. You may roleplay with anyone, same as any other full-time Cirque, but you may not participate in performances or special storyline events. You don't even have to roleplay with an actual Cirque, feel free to roleplay with other runaways in whichever world we currently inhabit.

Stage 1 - Carnie:
___You can't expect to join the circus and be allowed on stage right away. While you're honing your act, we'll be putting you to work. Think of yourself as a roadie. We're not just gonna let you in the band, but if you want to hang around with us, you're gonna have to lug around a few amps. Good thing is, we'll give you a choice - manual labor, or dealing with the customers and handing out fliers.
___To proceed to the next stage you must go through a mentorship with either a castmember or a headliner. They'll show you the ropes and hopefully give you a few tips on how to make it big. (Basically this can be any RP with any stage 2 or 3 performer/sideshow.)
___Before being a full fledged castmember you will have a first performance. (This will either be a lone RP by yourself or with others and will depict your first time in front of an audience.)
___To move on to the next stage you'll need a considerable amount of respect. (See below for an explanation on this and how to achieve them.)
___When you've achieved all of this fill out the form in the guild promotion thread.

Stage 2 - Castmember:
___Be proud! You're a regular now, kid. But this is where life starts getting tough. Now you don't just have to worry about your bosses and other castmembers, but your fans! Yes, every performer has got to have fans. Not only that, but you'll be expected to help some of the newbies out as well. Cirque is harsh, but at least its more exciting than your old life! And just think, once you get those fans chanting your name and your peers giving you that respectful nod, you'll be hitting the big time.
___To move on to the next stage you'll need a considerable amount of fame and respect. (See below for an explanation on this and how to achieve them.)
___You will need to have mentored at least one carnie to move on. (Note: the same newbie can have more than one mentor, as long as they credit them in the promotion thread.)
___Once both tasks are complete, fill out and post the form in the promotion thread in the guild.

Stage 3 - Headliner:
___The star of the show! You're the reason people come to the circus. You're what they're here to see. You've earned the respect of the audience, your peers and even the ringmaster. You've hit the big time, but that doesn't mean you can relax, newbies to the biz will be begging to get a helpful tip from you, and unless you want to be a washed-up has-been, you'll be expected to keep up with the show. Oh, and those weird physical anomalies you've developed? Don't worry about them, they're completely harmless. It's the price you pay when you've sold out to a demon.

Stage 4 - ???:
___We've heard the stories of stars who at the peak of their fame, or even in their slip into yesterday's news, suddenly disappear and are never heard from again. We don't talk about it much, partly because we don't know much about it, but mostly because we're all afraid that this is our own fate. Just keep a level head and try not to take yourself too seriously... you wouldn't want to end up like them. When you've sold your soul to a demon, there comes a time to pay up. Just watch that she doesn't come to collect too early.
{worlds}

___Cirque has a very mysterious ability, the caravan can bend time and space, traveling through history and even other worlds. This power allows us to perform for a much wider audience, not to mention being able to choose from a much broader selection of talent. Below are the types of worlds which we frequently travel to when hiring new help.

World Type A:
Theme: Historical
Shows held here: Often
___The one we're used to out of character. This is the human world, where normal human beings dwell. There is no “magic” in this world and illusions are performed by slight of hand and trickery. Performers from this world must use their raw talent and physical skill to garner fame. Sideshow attractions from this world are either considered to be born with a physical handicap or choose to be viewed as "extraordinary" through make-up and trickery.

World Type B:
Theme: Historical
Shows held here: Often
___Close to our world but with the inclusion of magic and a few magical beings. This is the type that includes worlds like Gaia. The sentient beings of this world are mostly human-like, but can differ from elves to angels to anthros. Performers from this world range from having a natural talent to the aid of magical objects or powers. Sideshow attractions may use natural deformities, their natural looks, make-up or magic to draw a crowd.

World Type C:
Theme: Sci-fi
Shows held here: Rarely
___You never know quite what you'll find here. What's normal in this world is extraordinary in most others. The shows don't usually go over so well, except maybe to oogle at the humans, but this world is great for picking up new talent. Performers attract viewers with abnormal physical appearance, unusual skill and beasts only found in their particular world. Many of the ordinary beings from this world would do well in the sideshow.

{fame}

Before considering someone for stardom we take two things into consideration:

Fame:
___Fame is based on the audience and popularity. (In every castmember's journal will be a poll with one option. Anyone can vote in this poll giving you one point of fame. WARNING: Abuse of fame, like using mules to vote, may result in a castmember being FIRED and/or an audience member being BLACKLISTED. Either way, if we suspect abuse your fame tally will be reset!)

Respect:
___We can't rely on popularity alone. How you get along with your peers and bosses effects your status as well. (These points will be based on RP and you will be responsible for keeping track of your own respect points. Every 100 words of RP counts as 1 respect point. The easiest way to get a word count on RP is to open a program like Word or Open Office, paste your RP into it and find the word count feature usually under Tools. You may tally it using decimals to be more accurate. If anyone has any suggestions for this system, feel free to bring it up in the thread or through PM. Note: Only your in character RP counts. In cases of group RP, only include your posts/messages. YOU are responsible for doing your own word counts and tallies.)

Fame to Achieve (FtA):
___50-100
___This will change as the shop gets more/less popular. Its supposed to be difficult, but reasonable to achieve.

Respect to Achieve (RtA):
___From stage 1 to stage 2 - 50
___From stage 2 to stage 3 - 500
___This is still in testing mode. if these figures are too easy or too hard to obtain they will be adjusted. give us input if you have an idea for improvement. these numbers are subject to change at any time! Please check you meet the current requirements before apply for a promotion.

If you have any questions or concerns about fame and respect, please PM the mule or ask in the thread.

[Coeur Torve]

{ welcome ::: bulletinboard ::: thestory ::: regulations ::: availability }
{ coeurtorve ::: OWNERS LIST ::: souvenirs ::: staffnpcs ::: affiliations }

OWNERS LIST {performers and sideshows}

Ankita the Blind Seer | Headliner | Sideshow
Shen & Rasui les Mouvement Jade | Headliner | Performer

Charlot the Knife-Thrower | Castmember | Performer
Aemilia the Prestige | Castmember | Performer

Silvaara the Thrakena Coercer | Carnie | Performer
Hazina the Maasai Fakir | Carnie | Performer
Lily Robinson the Lady Deathe | Carnie | Sideshow
Daisy and Lavender Sanson the Sugar and Spice | Carnie | Sideshow

So-and-So the Such-and-Such | Runaway | Roleplayer
So-and-So the Such-and-Such | Runaway | Roleplayer
So-and-So the Such-and-Such | Runaway | Roleplayer

[Coeur Torve]

{ welcome ::: bulletinboard ::: thestory ::: regulations ::: availability }
{ coeurtorve ::: ownerslist ::: SOUVENIRS ::: staffnpcs ::: affiliations }

SOUVENIRS {freebies}

... And you thought your parents were cheap.

[Coeur Torve]

{ welcome ::: bulletinboard ::: thestory ::: regulations ::: availability }
{ coeurtorve ::: ownerslist ::: souvenirs ::: STAFF NPCS ::: affiliations }

STAFF NPCS {who plays what}


Name: Outrun The Halfling
Rank: Head Artist/Owner
Responsible for: Art
Character(s): Ankita, Dieter
NPC(s): Kira






Name: Uennie
Rank: Secretary/Assistant
Responsible for: Odd Jobs
Character(s): Hazina, Shen & Rasui
NPC(s): A.R.U.






{golden list}

Cupcakette for being the awesome girl she is. We love you Caro, and we hope you're having all the best of luck!
Klytie for being a dedicated RP Manager for a really long time, we miss you too!
Glei, tandemonium, Shosetsu, kaleidoscopegrl, Tuari, Matisha, hachixyukionna, [Dot] Panda, [ Hot Chocolate. ], Princess Chu, FairyTale Asylum, Potato Lord, Takakun, AvynWing, Aneria, Aki Ana, jayoku, Renault, Oniongirl, Tomqueen and everyone else who gave support, suggestions, bumps, interest, love and stuff at our concept/hiring thread.

{dingy list}

None yet, let's keep it that way man.

{coal list}

None yet, let's keep it that way man.

[Coeur Torve]

{ welcome ::: bulletinboard ::: thestory ::: regulations ::: availability }
{ coeurtorve ::: ownerslist ::: souvenirs ::: staffnpcs ::: AFFILIATIONS }

AFFILIATIONS {make the jump}

[url=http://tinyurl.com/y46sq7][img]http://snipurl.com/g8m2q[/img][/url]

Cuento De Hadas
Oasis of the Exotics
Pithy Twigs
Go-Go Sushi
Moonstruck
EndGame
Hiccups

{credits}

___Coordination, additional ideas and original graphics are by cupcakette.
___Original Storyline/Concept, and Fame/Respect System created by Dahli Lama.
___Art belongs to their respective artists.
___Characters belong to their respective players.
___Journal idea belongs to Anya!
___Concept forum idea inspired by IoDM's quester guild, belonging to Sabin Duvert.
___Many thanks to Google and Hybrid-Genesis.

Oh, before you leave ... Ah yes ... This little bit of your soul should do nicely. Have a nice day!