The Circus of Shadows
The Circus of Shadows was established in 1306 G. E. by harlequin gremlins looking to find an easy and convenient mode of travel. Originally a small traveling event starring the harlequin gremlins that traveled in caravans, the Circus of Shadows grew from a small event that sometimes happened in the remote parts of Altairus to a worldwide sensation featuring acts of all kinds.
One of their favorite acts is The Uninvited Parade, in which all the harlequin gremlins in the circus begin to sing, dance, and march through the towns they visit, sometimes destructively. This is often a way of advertising that the circus is in town. Alternatively, the harlequin gremlins could just think that the person on the receiving end needs some cheering up. Either way, it definitely draws attention to themselves and the circus.
The Shadow Moons
The Shadow Moons (shown right/below) are the official symbol of the Circus of Shadows. They actually combine two symbols: the triple moon and comedy/tragedy masks.
The symbol can be understood as a symbol of the dual nature of the Circus of Shadows and of laughter in general. The comedy moon on the left represents the joy and fun laughter can bring, while the tragedy moon on the left represents the pain malicious laughter brings. Alternatively, it can represent how circus performers cover up their sadness and anxiety with smiles for the sake of others. Either interpretation holds.
This symbol is plastered all over the Dark Carnival and other places the Circus of Shadows goes. If you are ever unsure, just look for the expressive purple moons over a black backdrop.
Yearly Performance Schedule
The Circus of Shadows hosts performances starting after the Autumnal Equinox and lasting up until the Vernal Equinox. It is at this time of year when harlequin gremlins' and nekomata magic are the strongest, both being Dark elementals (Unseelie faeries). From September to November, the Circus of Shadows sets up the Dark Carnival. Complete with all sorts of rides and attractions, the Dark Carnival is meant to coincide with Summer's End.
Further Reading: Circus of Shadows/Dark Carnival Food
These performances from the Circus of Shadows take place all around the world, but they are more likely to stake out in places that are densely populated, such as Ygdrassil's grove and Grimberg.
Between the Vernal Equinox and the Autumnal Equinox, the Circus of Shadows goes through a rest period. This does not mean nothing is going on. The circus's employees take this time of year as an opportunity for professional development and making improvements to the circus as a whole. Still, many in the circus are relieved by the time spring comes around, as it means that they get a chance to take a breather.
Structure
The Circus of Shadows is technically a business. This means all of its employees are on a payroll and are expected to perform certain duties. That being said, co-workers are like family to one another more often than not. Traveling and sharing meals with one another will do that. Even Strombolio, the current ringmaster, is very approachable and fair enough to take suggestions from employees and clients.
Assets
The Circus of Shadows' most noticeable asset is the massive purple-and-black tent the performances are held in. This tent has been ravaged many times, both by outside attacks from wendigoes and from the performances themselves, but it is never anything that giving it a quick patch and possibly new stilts can't fix.
Besides this, the Circus of Shadows travels in a series of wooden wagons that form a caravan. These wagons contain various equipment for performances, such as fireworks, in them. They also serve as moving houses for circus workers.
Perhaps the most important asset the Circus of Shadows possesses is Lethal Joke. This handheld cannon was originally designed to be a handy fireworks launcher, but it was retooled into a powerful weapon against the wendigoes when the War of the Wendigoes started. After the War, it went back to the Circus of Shadows with Strombolio.
History
The Circus of Shadows was "established" in 1306 G. E. The exact date is unknown, as this date actually refers to the earliest anyone recorded any sort of recounting of harlequin gremlins traveling in wooden trailers and providing entertainment to the towns they visited. This was typically done in exchange for food and supplies.
Over the years, the Circus of Shadows got bigger and bigger. The acts became more and more elaborate as the traveling harlequin gremlins accrued the resources to purchase and carry heavier equipment and push for advancements in technology that would enhance their performances.
The latter would lead them to becoming well-acquainted with the nekomata that lived outside of the Nekomata Islands. These nekomata loaned their magical expertise, especially their power to animate dead things, to advance technology used in the Circus of Shadows.
This all would eventually lead to the establishment of the Dark Carnival in 1716 G. E. Featuring various rides and attractions animated with nekomata magic, the carnival lasts from September until November and is held in recognition and celebration of Summer's End.
Comments