Carnival of Curiosities

The charismatic yet mysterious Ringmaster and owner of the Carnival of Curiosities. Born into old money but drawn to the carnival life, Merlin abandoned a privileged upbringing to build this traveling show of oddities. Known for his hypnotic voice and commanding presence, he runs the carnival with an iron fist in a velvet glove. Recently, financial troubles have plagued the carnival, and Merlin has been making desperate deals to keep his dream alive. He knows every secret of every performer—or so he believes. His pocket watch, a family heirloom, is always on his person, and he's been known to consult it obsessively as if counting down to something only he knows is coming.

The carnival's enigmatic fortune teller whose predictions have an unsettling way of coming true. Lyra joined the carnival fifteen years ago after escaping a troubled past she refuses to discuss. Her tent is filled with authentic mystical artifacts collected from around the world, and her readings are eerily accurate. Recently, she's been predicting a 'great darkness' coming to the carnival, causing tension among the troupe. Some believe she has genuine psychic abilities, while others suspect she uses an elaborate information network to learn people's secrets. She keeps a small locked chest under her reading table that she guards fiercely.

The carnival's mighty strongman whose feats of strength draw gasps from every audience. Behind his impressive physique and booming laugh lies a gentle soul who writes poetry in his private moments. Hugh joined the carnival after his family farm failed during the Depression, finding that his natural strength could finally be an asset rather than just a curiosity. He sends most of his earnings home to his elderly parents. Recently, Hugh has been suffering from mysterious pains that he hides from the others, fearing he'll lose his position if Merlin discovers his strength is failing. He's been seen taking unmarked pills before performances.

The breathtaking aerialist whose death-defying acts leave audiences spellbound. Orphaned at a young age, Penny was raised by traveling performers before finding her home with the Carnival of Curiosities. Her grace above the ground contrasts with her awkwardness on it, where she's known for being accident-prone and somewhat naive. Penny keeps a journal documenting every carnival member's routines and habits—a practice she claims helps her choreograph her acts but that others find unsettling. Recently, she's been spending time with wealthy patrons after shows, returning with expensive gifts that have raised eyebrows among the troupe.

The carnival's painted performer whose comedy masks a melancholy soul. Once a promising vaudeville actor, Flip turned to clowning after a scandal ruined his legitimate theater career. His performances blend slapstick humor with surprising moments of poignant beauty that often move audiences to both laughter and tears. Flip keeps a scrapbook of newspaper clippings about the carnival, meticulously documenting their journey and the public's reception. He's been arguing with Merlin about modernizing the carnival's acts, believing their traditional approach is becoming outdated. Recently, he's been spotted practicing knife-throwing behind his trailer—a new skill he hasn't explained to anyone.

The sultry sideshow fire dancer whose flame-eating performances captivate audiences. Mona joined the carnival five years ago after escaping an arranged marriage in her conservative hometown. Her act combines danger with sensuality, making it one of the most popular attractions. Behind her confident persona, Mona is saving every penny to open her own legitimate theater someday. She keeps a small red book with detailed financial records and has been seen having heated conversations with Merlin about her contract terms. Recently, valuable items have gone missing from other performers, though no one has dared accuse the fiery Mona directly.

The carnival's knife-thrower whose precision with blades is matched only by his cutting wit. Formerly a surgeon whose career ended after his hands were damaged in the Great War, Shiv found redemption in the carnival where his still-remarkable dexterity could shine. His act involves impossibly close throws that leave assistants unscathed—most of the time. He maintains a doctor's bag of medical supplies and serves as the carnival's unofficial physician. Shiv has been lobbying Merlin to invest in new safety equipment, leading to visible tension between them. Recently, he's been documenting injuries among the performers, claiming it's for insurance purposes, though some suspect other motives.

The exotic animal trainer whose whispered commands control beasts that would devour others. Raised in a traveling menagerie, Pandora has an uncanny connection with creatures both magnificent and dangerous. The carnival's collection of trained exotic birds, snakes, and big cats respond to her as if she speaks their language. Fiercely protective of her animals, she's been known to threaten anyone who suggests mistreating them. Pandora keeps detailed records of feeding schedules and behavioral changes in a leather-bound book she guards closely. Recently, she's been arguing with Merlin about inadequate conditions for the animals and has threatened to report the carnival to authorities if improvements aren't made.

The carnival's grizzled old roustabout who knows how to set up and tear down the entire operation blindfolded. Having spent fifty years with various traveling shows, Dusty has seen it all and tells tales of carnivals long gone to anyone who'll listen. As the carnival's unofficial historian, he keeps a trunk of memorabilia including posters dating back decades. Though officially just a worker, Dusty has Merlin's ear and often influences decisions behind the scenes. He's been growing increasingly concerned about 'bad omens' he claims to see in everyday occurrences. Recently, he's been spotted taking inventory of the carnival's equipment at odd hours, making notes in a small book he keeps in his boot.

The carnival's illusionist whose sleight of hand and elaborate contraptions create seemingly impossible phenomena. With a background in engineering and theater, Crystal creates spectacles that blur the line between science and magic. Her act features disappearances, transformations, and communications with the 'spirit world' that leave audiences questioning reality. Crystal keeps detailed blueprints of her illusions locked in a fireproof case. She's been feuding with Lyra over their overlapping claims of communicating with spirits—Crystal through theatrical illusion, Lyra claiming genuine ability. Recently, Crystal has been working on a revolutionary new illusion requiring dangerous chemicals, and several performers have reported feeling ill after being near her workshop.

The carnival's photographer and creator of the 'Chamber of Photographic Wonders.' With his collection of modified cameras and developing techniques, I.M. produces portraits that supposedly capture 'the soul's true nature' or 'glimpses of the future.' His darkroom tent is strictly off-limits to others, and strange lights and smells often emanate from it at night. I.M. maintains albums of photographs of every carnival member and many patrons, categorized by what he calls their 'aura type.' He's been pressuring Merlin to give his exhibit more prominence, claiming he has documentation of genuine supernatural phenomena. Recently, several performers have accused him of photographing them without permission during private moments.