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Description

Update #4: There was an error in one of the dates (accidental duplicate), dates have been adjusted!

Update #3: All designs have been claimed, thank you guys SO SO much! The free raffle is open for those interested!

Update #2: The free raffle is now open, read at the bottom for details of how to enter for a free sketch commission!

UPDATE: Claims now open!!
All claims are first come first serve, but only one successful claim is allowed per person for the first hour (9-10pm CST). After that point, there is no limit to the number of claims.

Update: All descriptions are done!

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It's time for the winter advent series!! This time around we're featuring 12 designs created by prince-corvidae and Alkemistry with art by Alkemistry ! We've worked super hard on this theme and I'm so stoked to share it with everyone!

This season's advent comes with two parts: A design preclaim for the 14 special designs we have prepared, as well as a free raffle for a sketchy fullbody commission by Alkemistry !

Preclaims will become available at 9PM CST!
The raffle will open at around 10PM CST!



Aethersong: Danse of the Midnight Cirque

The season of Aethersong is one of warmth, comfort, and joyous reflection upon a year's many hopes, dreams, trials and tribulations. Across all the realms of the aether, a grand festival of glimmering lights and warmth blooms despite the bitterness of the wintry nights. Song, dance, and festivities abound -- all in celebration of a wish made upon a future star. A future year of all fate's designs.

And in recent years, one now-famous troupe has made Aethersong celebrations around the aether that much brighter.

The Midnight Cirque.

Each winter season, the mysterious floating isle of the Cirque appears, hosting festivals of light and music. One by one, it visits the cities of the aether to bring delight to all those who would come to see their show of dance, song, and feats of magic and mystery. The show is free of charge to all those with a dream in their hearts -- as rumor says the Cirque itself was founded by but a simple dream.

And so each performance of the Cirque, together weaving a story of a dream come true, comes from the hearts and souls of its performers, each gifted in their respective arts. Each was once a recluse, a misfit, or a lost soul with nowhere to go. And one by one, following that single simple dream of the Cirque's founder, they too found a future, and a home with the Cirque.

Each of them, too, has a dream -- and in the shimmering winter nights, before an audience of countless dreamers, they would see it brought to life upon the stage.



Advent Preclaim: Rules and Terms

Claims are first-come-first-serve. Comment with the design's number or name to claim it.
Claims will open when comments are enabled, at 9PM CST.
For the first hour, only ONE design may be claimed per person.
One claim per comment. If a design you want is taken, please comment again.
DO NOT edit claim comments.
Each design will be revealed on the day listed. They are a surprise (no requests), but will follow the colors and aesthetics of the previews as well as the traits and lore listed below!
By purchasing these character designs you agree to abide by the rules in my Terms of Service .

Owners may use these characters for any personal use, including RP within or outside the Aetherverse, tabletop games, worldbuilding, etc. If you own the character design, you may edit their design details or redesign them however you like. You do not need to credit me unless using or posting my original artwork/image. If you wish to use a design for commercial use please contact me privately.

Payments are in USD and payments are conducted via PayPal Invoice.

Payments must be made within 48 hours after I reply to your claim, unless prior notice is given, otherwise your claim will be forfeited.

Payment plans are available for ALL designs, with an extended pay period due to the holidays! The default plan is 30% down with the remainder due in up to 60 days (normally 30!).
For design #12, the payment plan is extended to 90 days.

Preclaims end at 11:59PM CST on Wednesday, December 1st.
If any designs remain unclaimed after this period ends, they will be made available for sale at the day of posting, at a higher price.



About the Lore
These designs are humanoid characters styled after the different species and races of the Aetherverse setting; but can be used in any lore as you see fit. All lore details are completely OPTIONAL, feel free to use as much or as little of it as you like.
For more about the Aetherverse lore, species, and setting, check out our lore site!

Lore and Species of the Aetherverse

If you are interested in roleplay or discussion about using characters in universe (as well as general art/commission openings) feel free to join our Discord here!

discord.gg/72EuRhpYwd



Advent Designs: Danse of the Midnight Cirque
Each design has a rating to designate the level of detail on each design.

★ - Includes one fullbody illustration. Designs will come with and without clothes and shading.
★★ - Includes the above, with more elaborate clothing and marking details.
★★★ - Includes two fullbody illustrations to show an ability to transform into an alternate form.
★★★★★ - This is a Legendary design, including all of the above, as well as elaborate traits and a unique feature that will never be shared by another Aetherverse character design.

Each character represents a star of the Cirque's story and show! Feel free to interact with other owners to share your stories if you wish!

Overture. Clara, The Sorcerer Godfather, and the Rat King
NPCs!

December 1st, 4th, and 6th
Designed by prince-corvidae and Alkemistry .

As each of the Cirque's founders introduces the story of the show -- that of a simple wish come true, and the dream of a winter's night, spirited away to a kingdom of delights -- they tell in their acts of dance, sorcery, and swordplay a tale of near-tragedy and a sudden twist of fate. The tales of each character will be revealed on each day, painting a deeper portrait of the history of the Midnight Cirque, its hopes and dreams...

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Scene 1. The Prince of Broken Dolls ★★★

December 9th
Designed by Alkemistry .

Race: Manu (Human), Cursed (Alternate Monster Form: The Beast of Broken Dolls)
Manu Lore
The dream of lost royalty, of princely grace now stolen...
Performing the role of a doll brought to life, this Manu was once a prince of peerless valor, beauty, and grace -- but cursed with a stroke of vanity darkening his noble spirit. Years and years passed, and the gold and jewels lost their luster in his eyes. He wanted more. And so, in pursuit of perfect beauty he consulted a daimon of dark bargains - a toymaker of unknowable origin. With this bargain he would sacrifice his throne, his words twisted against him. And a new body he would have.
That of a simple toy made in his likeness, given as a humble gift.
So furious was he that he would shatter this wooden nutcracker in his hands, cursing the daimon. And so its dark magic spilled forth, consuming him...and twisting his form into a wretched beast of wood and cord, cloth and painted gold and porcelain jaws.
Perhaps this, too, was the daimon's plan.

$750 | Claimed by:

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Scene 2. The Spellbound Soldier ★

December 11th
Designed by prince-corvidae and Alkemistry .

Race: Capry (Satyr)
Capry Lore
The dream of finding something truly worth protecting.
Once a guardian of a noble family's estate in the lush autumn kingdom of Fable, a twist of fate landed this scarred soldier into the Cirque's ranks.
The house that this Capry once protected was that of a powerful mage -- one who was notoriously eccentric in his experiments. It was one such experiment that left the house a smoldering crater, its members vanished in the aftermath.
But from the rubble this faithful knight awoke - but half the man he once was.
Aimless and lost without a purpose, he chanced upon one of the Cirque's shows -- and met a humble Doctor who offered a new set of limbs if he'd give a new dream a chance.
And so he gladly joined, lending his knowledge of blade, rifle and spell to weave together a fantastical battle among an army of toy soldiers.

$375 | Claimed by:

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Scene 3. The Mouse Knight ★

December 13th
Designed by prince-corvidae .

Race: Caelha
Caelha Lore
The dream of discovering something worth fighting for.
This intrepid Caelha, full of fire and fury despite her petite stature, never felt at ease among the rank-and-file soldiers of the oppressive Faction of her homeworld. She would look to the horizon, dreaming of the world beyond - and imagined becoming a hero someday. Managing to escape the Faction during her first mission abroad, she found herself whisked away among the crowd of an Aethersong showing of the Cirque, and was enthralled at the acts of swordplay and battle upon the stage. Seeking counsel with the Rat King, she was quickly enlisted under a new cause - serving as a general of his 'army' of dancers, her halberd gleaming upon the stage as she fights valiantly for her new lord.
But someday she dreams of a future beyond the Cirque still - and knows that with time and training, someday her blade will save a life in need.

$375 | Claimed by:

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Scene 4. The Doll Doctor ★

December 15th
Designed by prince-corvidae and Alkemistry .

Race: Manu (Human), Voidtouched
Manu Lore
The dream of talents recognized, and charity appreciated.
This Manu was once an unorthodox medic from the capital of the aether, Cor Ionas. Once finding work as a tinkerer and dollmaker, he quickly learned that his birthgift -- his innate magical talent -- had an unusual blessing. He could use his knowledge to mend and heal living flesh -- but the method would leave much to be desired by the capital's authorities. He is able to heal only by replacing wounded parts with those of dolls -- but perfectly stitched together and functional as real body parts, animated by a magical breath of life. The patients he saw at his hole-in-the-wall clinic found their new body parts - ceramic, wooden, or even soft plush - often better than before, and his reputation only grew. However, soon enough the city guard would come knocking, learning of his business as an unlicensed mage. When these 'crimes against medicine' were discovered, the doctor found himself on the run.
And just so happened to find a new job among the Cirque, who happened to be desperately in need of both an emergency medic and a dollmaker.

$375 | Claimed by:

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Scene 5. Keeper of the Shimmering Night ★★★

December 18th
Designed by Alkemistry .

Race: Nebulon, Gratia or Erudita (Mid-aged or Elder) {Rare Traits, Two Forms}
Nebulon Lore
The dream of witnessing the world for all its hidden beauty.
This inquisitive, graceful Nebulon once found solace in lonely winter nights upon an uninhabited pearl. There she made a castle of ice and crystal out of her frosty microstar's power, and there lived in blissful silence, accompanied only by ghostly familiars crafted from arcane ice and crystal. Then, upon a dark winter's eve, the Cirque's traveling isle had a sudden accident while on their tour, forcing an emergency landing on this lonesome pearl. There the founders sought the aid of the mysterious lady of the castle. Initially the Nebulon cast them away, but they were persistent -- and soon, she became curious to know why. After learning the heartfelt tale of the Cirque's founding - and their goal of seeing dreams realized - she realized the hole of lonesomeness that had frosted over inside her heart. Bringing her minions with her, she joined the Cirque and provides many of the magical effects that dazzle the senses, culminating in a moonlit dance of snowflakes upon a snowy forest night.

$750 | Claimed by:

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Scene 6. The Cacao Dancer ★★

December 21st
Designed by prince-corvidae .

Race: Solscian

(Solscian Lore here!)
The dream of freedom realized.
The first born child of a noble family, this Solscian rebelled against the expectation that he would lead -- spurning the typical role of The Glistening to pursue his true passion; that of music and dance. He soon found kinship with another pair of dancers, sneaking out to visit them every fortnight. Things came to a head when the trio was caught, resulting in this Solscian being locked away in his family's estate and arrangements for his friends to be punished in accordance with their rank. It was the sincerity of the three dancers' pleas that attracted the attention of the Sugar Plum Fairy during the Cirque's visit nearby, and saw them freed -- and now the Solscian spends his days performing dazzling burlesque shows, blending sultry outfits with fast paced and dizzyingly elegant choreography.

$425 | Claimed by:

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Scene 7. The Coffee Dancer ★★

December 23rd
Designed by prince-corvidae .

Race: Solscian

(Solscian Lore here!)
The dream of freedom realized.
Born as a member of the Blinding, she was never expected to be graceful or elegant -- only brutal. Her parentage was not enough to qualify her for a storied position amongst the royal guard, only nobles might serve as generals, and her scores were never high enough to qualify for the standing army. Instead, she was relegated to the lowest of The Blinding's duties; that of a guard in the lower cities.
It was here that she found some semblance of freedom -- learning dances firsthand from the street performers that hung around unseemly areas, plying their trade. She protected them and in return, they taught her -- showered her in affection and sweet words. It was one of these performers who introduced her to a pair of fellow oddities, other Solscians who wished to break rank and dance as she did. But eventually all good things came to an end. The trio was caught, separated, and she was sentenced to death -- as a warning to all who might try to lead a member of the Glistening astray. It was the sincerity of the three dancers' pleas that attracted the attention of the Sugar Plum Fairy and saw them freed -- and now Coffee spends her days performing daring acrobatics and aerial dances to tantalize the crowd.

$425 | Claimed by:

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Scene 8. The Tea Dancer ★★

December 27th
Designed by prince-corvidae .

Race: Solscian

(Solscian Lore here!)
The dream of freedom realized.
As a member of the The Gilded and the only child of the most coveted tailor in the capital, this Solscian's future was set in stone from the very moment of his birth. Most of his youth was spent making costumes or finery for the wealthiest of Solscians and their companions. Yet, the art of clothesmaking never held his attention for long. What truly captivated him was dancers he eagerly watched every festivals and more importantly, their routines.
By chance meeting, he came into contact with two others, a noble and a member of the Blinding -- who both shared his passion. The three became quick friends and this Solscian took to carefully crafting each of their secret performances. Unfortunately, after years of these hidden meetings -- the trio was caught.
He was sentenced to pay a terrible, crushing fine that would have indebted him forever to the service of the city. It was the sincerity of the three dancers' pleas that attracted the attention of the Sugar Plum Fairy and saw them freed -- and now Tea spends his days crafting the choreography of the circus' many dancers, serving as a wise and thoughtful organizer - and himself performing a beautiful, slow dance of shimmering silks.

$425 | Claimed by:

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Scene 9. Waltz of the Flowers ★

December 29th
Designed by prince-corvidae and Alkemistry .

Race: Capry (Satyr)
Capry Lore
The dream of spring's loving sanctuary.
The Capry of Fable hold strict laws against uncontrolled magic use. But from youth, this individual found themselves desiring something more with their secret gifts of floral magic. In a world that venerates the season of withering and decay, their gifts brought life to Spring all around them. Escaping to life in the mountainous northern reaches of the Queen's sacred autumn forest, it was there that this Capry created a sanctuary of spring meadows among the alpine heights -- serving as a passage of sanctuary for travelers. But as beautiful as this was, the Church of Fable learned of these actions and deemed them heresy. And so this Capry left to find their own path - and became enamored with the Sugar Plum Fairy's delights among the Cirque, where they now weave their floral magics to shape a wondrous dance of flowers.

$375 | Claimed by:

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Scene 10. The Cavalier ★★

December 31st
Designed by Alkemistry .

Race: Sylori [Gladiatori]
The dream of undying loyalty in the face of oblivion.

Hailing from the proud and fierce nation of Feroxa, this merfolk warrior dedicated himself to guarding a powerful but vain young Regnas and his growing tribe of followers. Having experienced generations of experience, the Cavalier guarded this Regnas's clan faithfully for countless years -- and so when he would witness its downfall, the weight of the burden fell all the more heavy upon his shoulders.
The Regnas, vainly seeking the benefit of voidal powers, would sell his people to the Mirrored God to become the entity's champion.
The destruction came too quickly for the Cavalier to save anyone -- and left behind only the scars of failure.

And so, when at death's door he found himself rescued by a beautiful daimon of sweet sanctuary - the Sugar Plum Fairy - he would find a new calling at their side.
Only to witness that sanctuary fall to the same darkness - but this time, he had a chance to save the despondent daimon before they too would be lost.
This time, the scars left a darker impact - corrupted by the Void now tainting his burdened heart - but with the life he still had, he and his daimon queen would find themselves yet another life.

This time, perhaps third time really is the charm.

$425 | Claimed by:
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Scene 11. The Sugar Plum Fairy {Daimon of the Sweet and Unending Dream} ★★★

January 3rd
Designed by Alkemistry .

Race: Daimon [Elder], Two Forms (one humanoid, and one monstrous fey form)
The dream of protecting the flock of the lost, nurturing the desolate and needful in a garden of unending bounty.
This elder daimon once commanded the power of worlds.
With their gifts of command over all nature's beauty, they shaped from the dust of a desolate pearl a garden kingdom of all possible delights. Bountiful fruits, gleaming castles and shimmering, warm skies abounded as they shaped their dream -- a sanctuary for those left without a home at the hands of the dark entity, the Mirrored God.
And soon enough, people of all species, creeds, and backgrounds populated their kingdom, and all were cared for with anything they needed provided. Each was equal among the faerie court, where they each served to oversee the wellbeing of the kingdom.
But soon enough, darkness crept its way within the glittering walls. Envious of their faerie queen's power, a covetous court member tipped off the Mirrored God's forces to the aether-rich domain, originally just wanting to gain a glimmer of power in exchange for spilling a secret or two. But this single act would lead to an army of voidals spilling forth from a gash in the shimmering sky -- and soon enough the domain was lost, its people shattered. Almost everyone was lost to the void, becoming husk-like minions known as the Shardless -- and in their absolute grief, the Sugar Plum Fairy nearly let themselves be devoured too.

But their most faithful courtier, a Gladiatori who once lost everything and was taken in by the Fairy at death's door, could not bear witness to her end -- and the two managed to barely escape with their lives. Unsure where to go, they managed to hear about a showing of the early performance of the troupe during its shaky first year. It had heart and passion, but needed a spark of magic and whimsy. So the Fairy found a new passion and delved into their daimonic soul to find her lost power -- hoping to recreate in the Cirque what they had lost. And so they dream of a haven for all the misfortunate souls of the aether -- this time guarded by the mysterious energies of the Cirque's drifting isle.

$750 | Claimed by:

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Scene 12 {Finale}. The Fated Stroke of Midnight ★★★★★

January 7th
Designed by Alkemistry .

Race: Aetherling [Legendary Paragon], Void + Air + Aether. Two forms, one humanoid and one aetherling form.
Unique Trait: Favored by Nihila, this aetherling serves no primal but the Sister of Void herself, acting as Her champion of shadows. This manifests in a Fated Gift -- the power to make soul-binding contracts to those who possess a powerful enough dream.

The dream of a darkened heart brought to light.

Six shadowed wings across a starlit sky, fluttering silent as the winter stillness.
A call has been delivered, and the Void hath answered.
Nihila brings forth her champion to answer the plea of a man at a desperate crossroads.
Fate shall play her hand upon this winter night as the hour strikes twelve...

Summoned by one of the Cirque's founders at the start of its tale, this child of Nihila was sent as a champion of Her dark gifts, and Her truth as the secret guardian of the emptiness of the Void beyond all knowing.
A paragon of countless centuries, this aetherling has seen the darkest of the worlds -- and as eons passed, allowed that darkness to cloud their soul in a haze of bitterness.
Perhaps it was Nihila's wish to see light brought to this soul.

Binding the three founders of the Cirque into an oath upon their collective dreams, this Paragon is the hidden final act of the show -- perched upon an ancient grandfather clock, their magic of fate ringing out as the doleful chime strikes twelve. Behind their luminous eyes rests the hopes of a thousand dreams.

And perhaps someday, as midnight after midnight passes...this Paragon too will find in their crystallized heart the dream long lost.

$1500 | Claimed by:



Bonus: Free Commission Raffle!

The prize this time around is a free sketch commission from Alkemistry ! This is a fullbody sketch (colored) for 1 character, or uncolored for 2 characters.

To enter for a chance to win this commission, please reply under the featured comment for the raffle.
In your reply, say what you're most looking forward to during the holiday/winter season for 1 ticket to the raffle!
Posting a journal or poll linking this post grants 1 extra ticket. (Please link these in your entry)
Tagging a friend who has not yet commented grants 1 extra ticket for each friend (up to 3).

The raffle will end on Sunday, December 5th at 11:59PM CST!



Where to Find Me!

Commission Info: kem.carrd.co/

Links: linktr.ee/aethermancy

Art Discord for updates, projects, and commission openings:discord.gg/72EuRhpYwd

Description

Update #4: There was an error in one of the dates (accidental duplicate), dates have been adjusted!

Update #3: All designs have been claimed, thank you guys SO SO much! The free raffle is open for those interested!

Update #2: The free raffle is now open, read at the bottom for details of how to enter for a free sketch commission!

UPDATE: Claims now open!!
All claims are first come first serve, but only one successful claim is allowed per person for the first hour (9-10pm CST). After that point, there is no limit to the number of claims.

Update: All descriptions are done!

--------

It's time for the winter advent series!! This time around we're featuring 12 designs created by prince-corvidae and Alkemistry with art by Alkemistry ! We've worked super hard on this theme and I'm so stoked to share it with everyone!

This season's advent comes with two parts: A design preclaim for the 14 special designs we have prepared, as well as a free raffle for a sketchy fullbody commission by Alkemistry !

Preclaims will become available at 9PM CST!
The raffle will open at around 10PM CST!



Aethersong: Danse of the Midnight Cirque

The season of Aethersong is one of warmth, comfort, and joyous reflection upon a year's many hopes, dreams, trials and tribulations. Across all the realms of the aether, a grand festival of glimmering lights and warmth blooms despite the bitterness of the wintry nights. Song, dance, and festivities abound -- all in celebration of a wish made upon a future star. A future year of all fate's designs.

And in recent years, one now-famous troupe has made Aethersong celebrations around the aether that much brighter.

The Midnight Cirque.

Each winter season, the mysterious floating isle of the Cirque appears, hosting festivals of light and music. One by one, it visits the cities of the aether to bring delight to all those who would come to see their show of dance, song, and feats of magic and mystery. The show is free of charge to all those with a dream in their hearts -- as rumor says the Cirque itself was founded by but a simple dream.

And so each performance of the Cirque, together weaving a story of a dream come true, comes from the hearts and souls of its performers, each gifted in their respective arts. Each was once a recluse, a misfit, or a lost soul with nowhere to go. And one by one, following that single simple dream of the Cirque's founder, they too found a future, and a home with the Cirque.

Each of them, too, has a dream -- and in the shimmering winter nights, before an audience of countless dreamers, they would see it brought to life upon the stage.



Advent Preclaim: Rules and Terms

Claims are first-come-first-serve. Comment with the design's number or name to claim it.
Claims will open when comments are enabled, at 9PM CST.
For the first hour, only ONE design may be claimed per person.
One claim per comment. If a design you want is taken, please comment again.
DO NOT edit claim comments.
Each design will be revealed on the day listed. They are a surprise (no requests), but will follow the colors and aesthetics of the previews as well as the traits and lore listed below!
By purchasing these character designs you agree to abide by the rules in my Terms of Service .

Owners may use these characters for any personal use, including RP within or outside the Aetherverse, tabletop games, worldbuilding, etc. If you own the character design, you may edit their design details or redesign them however you like. You do not need to credit me unless using or posting my original artwork/image. If you wish to use a design for commercial use please contact me privately.

Payments are in USD and payments are conducted via PayPal Invoice.

Payments must be made within 48 hours after I reply to your claim, unless prior notice is given, otherwise your claim will be forfeited.

Payment plans are available for ALL designs, with an extended pay period due to the holidays! The default plan is 30% down with the remainder due in up to 60 days (normally 30!).
For design #12, the payment plan is extended to 90 days.

Preclaims end at 11:59PM CST on Wednesday, December 1st.
If any designs remain unclaimed after this period ends, they will be made available for sale at the day of posting, at a higher price.



About the Lore
These designs are humanoid characters styled after the different species and races of the Aetherverse setting; but can be used in any lore as you see fit. All lore details are completely OPTIONAL, feel free to use as much or as little of it as you like.
For more about the Aetherverse lore, species, and setting, check out our lore site!

Lore and Species of the Aetherverse

If you are interested in roleplay or discussion about using characters in universe (as well as general art/commission openings) feel free to join our Discord here!

discord.gg/72EuRhpYwd



Advent Designs: Danse of the Midnight Cirque
Each design has a rating to designate the level of detail on each design.

★ - Includes one fullbody illustration. Designs will come with and without clothes and shading.
★★ - Includes the above, with more elaborate clothing and marking details.
★★★ - Includes two fullbody illustrations to show an ability to transform into an alternate form.
★★★★★ - This is a Legendary design, including all of the above, as well as elaborate traits and a unique feature that will never be shared by another Aetherverse character design.

Each character represents a star of the Cirque's story and show! Feel free to interact with other owners to share your stories if you wish!

Overture. Clara, The Sorcerer Godfather, and the Rat King
NPCs!

December 1st, 4th, and 6th
Designed by prince-corvidae and Alkemistry .

As each of the Cirque's founders introduces the story of the show -- that of a simple wish come true, and the dream of a winter's night, spirited away to a kingdom of delights -- they tell in their acts of dance, sorcery, and swordplay a tale of near-tragedy and a sudden twist of fate. The tales of each character will be revealed on each day, painting a deeper portrait of the history of the Midnight Cirque, its hopes and dreams...

-

Scene 1. The Prince of Broken Dolls ★★★

December 9th
Designed by Alkemistry .

Race: Manu (Human), Cursed (Alternate Monster Form: The Beast of Broken Dolls)
Manu Lore
The dream of lost royalty, of princely grace now stolen...
Performing the role of a doll brought to life, this Manu was once a prince of peerless valor, beauty, and grace -- but cursed with a stroke of vanity darkening his noble spirit. Years and years passed, and the gold and jewels lost their luster in his eyes. He wanted more. And so, in pursuit of perfect beauty he consulted a daimon of dark bargains - a toymaker of unknowable origin. With this bargain he would sacrifice his throne, his words twisted against him. And a new body he would have.
That of a simple toy made in his likeness, given as a humble gift.
So furious was he that he would shatter this wooden nutcracker in his hands, cursing the daimon. And so its dark magic spilled forth, consuming him...and twisting his form into a wretched beast of wood and cord, cloth and painted gold and porcelain jaws.
Perhaps this, too, was the daimon's plan.

$750 | Claimed by:

-

Scene 2. The Spellbound Soldier ★

December 11th
Designed by prince-corvidae and Alkemistry .

Race: Capry (Satyr)
Capry Lore
The dream of finding something truly worth protecting.
Once a guardian of a noble family's estate in the lush autumn kingdom of Fable, a twist of fate landed this scarred soldier into the Cirque's ranks.
The house that this Capry once protected was that of a powerful mage -- one who was notoriously eccentric in his experiments. It was one such experiment that left the house a smoldering crater, its members vanished in the aftermath.
But from the rubble this faithful knight awoke - but half the man he once was.
Aimless and lost without a purpose, he chanced upon one of the Cirque's shows -- and met a humble Doctor who offered a new set of limbs if he'd give a new dream a chance.
And so he gladly joined, lending his knowledge of blade, rifle and spell to weave together a fantastical battle among an army of toy soldiers.

$375 | Claimed by:

-

Scene 3. The Mouse Knight ★

December 13th
Designed by prince-corvidae .

Race: Caelha
Caelha Lore
The dream of discovering something worth fighting for.
This intrepid Caelha, full of fire and fury despite her petite stature, never felt at ease among the rank-and-file soldiers of the oppressive Faction of her homeworld. She would look to the horizon, dreaming of the world beyond - and imagined becoming a hero someday. Managing to escape the Faction during her first mission abroad, she found herself whisked away among the crowd of an Aethersong showing of the Cirque, and was enthralled at the acts of swordplay and battle upon the stage. Seeking counsel with the Rat King, she was quickly enlisted under a new cause - serving as a general of his 'army' of dancers, her halberd gleaming upon the stage as she fights valiantly for her new lord.
But someday she dreams of a future beyond the Cirque still - and knows that with time and training, someday her blade will save a life in need.

$375 | Claimed by:

-

Scene 4. The Doll Doctor ★

December 15th
Designed by prince-corvidae and Alkemistry .

Race: Manu (Human), Voidtouched
Manu Lore
The dream of talents recognized, and charity appreciated.
This Manu was once an unorthodox medic from the capital of the aether, Cor Ionas. Once finding work as a tinkerer and dollmaker, he quickly learned that his birthgift -- his innate magical talent -- had an unusual blessing. He could use his knowledge to mend and heal living flesh -- but the method would leave much to be desired by the capital's authorities. He is able to heal only by replacing wounded parts with those of dolls -- but perfectly stitched together and functional as real body parts, animated by a magical breath of life. The patients he saw at his hole-in-the-wall clinic found their new body parts - ceramic, wooden, or even soft plush - often better than before, and his reputation only grew. However, soon enough the city guard would come knocking, learning of his business as an unlicensed mage. When these 'crimes against medicine' were discovered, the doctor found himself on the run.
And just so happened to find a new job among the Cirque, who happened to be desperately in need of both an emergency medic and a dollmaker.

$375 | Claimed by:

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Scene 5. Keeper of the Shimmering Night ★★★

December 18th
Designed by Alkemistry .

Race: Nebulon, Gratia or Erudita (Mid-aged or Elder) {Rare Traits, Two Forms}
Nebulon Lore
The dream of witnessing the world for all its hidden beauty.
This inquisitive, graceful Nebulon once found solace in lonely winter nights upon an uninhabited pearl. There she made a castle of ice and crystal out of her frosty microstar's power, and there lived in blissful silence, accompanied only by ghostly familiars crafted from arcane ice and crystal. Then, upon a dark winter's eve, the Cirque's traveling isle had a sudden accident while on their tour, forcing an emergency landing on this lonesome pearl. There the founders sought the aid of the mysterious lady of the castle. Initially the Nebulon cast them away, but they were persistent -- and soon, she became curious to know why. After learning the heartfelt tale of the Cirque's founding - and their goal of seeing dreams realized - she realized the hole of lonesomeness that had frosted over inside her heart. Bringing her minions with her, she joined the Cirque and provides many of the magical effects that dazzle the senses, culminating in a moonlit dance of snowflakes upon a snowy forest night.

$750 | Claimed by:

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Scene 6. The Cacao Dancer ★★

December 21st
Designed by prince-corvidae .

Race: Solscian

(Solscian Lore here!)
The dream of freedom realized.
The first born child of a noble family, this Solscian rebelled against the expectation that he would lead -- spurning the typical role of The Glistening to pursue his true passion; that of music and dance. He soon found kinship with another pair of dancers, sneaking out to visit them every fortnight. Things came to a head when the trio was caught, resulting in this Solscian being locked away in his family's estate and arrangements for his friends to be punished in accordance with their rank. It was the sincerity of the three dancers' pleas that attracted the attention of the Sugar Plum Fairy during the Cirque's visit nearby, and saw them freed -- and now the Solscian spends his days performing dazzling burlesque shows, blending sultry outfits with fast paced and dizzyingly elegant choreography.

$425 | Claimed by:

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Scene 7. The Coffee Dancer ★★

December 23rd
Designed by prince-corvidae .

Race: Solscian

(Solscian Lore here!)
The dream of freedom realized.
Born as a member of the Blinding, she was never expected to be graceful or elegant -- only brutal. Her parentage was not enough to qualify her for a storied position amongst the royal guard, only nobles might serve as generals, and her scores were never high enough to qualify for the standing army. Instead, she was relegated to the lowest of The Blinding's duties; that of a guard in the lower cities.
It was here that she found some semblance of freedom -- learning dances firsthand from the street performers that hung around unseemly areas, plying their trade. She protected them and in return, they taught her -- showered her in affection and sweet words. It was one of these performers who introduced her to a pair of fellow oddities, other Solscians who wished to break rank and dance as she did. But eventually all good things came to an end. The trio was caught, separated, and she was sentenced to death -- as a warning to all who might try to lead a member of the Glistening astray. It was the sincerity of the three dancers' pleas that attracted the attention of the Sugar Plum Fairy and saw them freed -- and now Coffee spends her days performing daring acrobatics and aerial dances to tantalize the crowd.

$425 | Claimed by:

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Scene 8. The Tea Dancer ★★

December 27th
Designed by prince-corvidae .

Race: Solscian

(Solscian Lore here!)
The dream of freedom realized.
As a member of the The Gilded and the only child of the most coveted tailor in the capital, this Solscian's future was set in stone from the very moment of his birth. Most of his youth was spent making costumes or finery for the wealthiest of Solscians and their companions. Yet, the art of clothesmaking never held his attention for long. What truly captivated him was dancers he eagerly watched every festivals and more importantly, their routines.
By chance meeting, he came into contact with two others, a noble and a member of the Blinding -- who both shared his passion. The three became quick friends and this Solscian took to carefully crafting each of their secret performances. Unfortunately, after years of these hidden meetings -- the trio was caught.
He was sentenced to pay a terrible, crushing fine that would have indebted him forever to the service of the city. It was the sincerity of the three dancers' pleas that attracted the attention of the Sugar Plum Fairy and saw them freed -- and now Tea spends his days crafting the choreography of the circus' many dancers, serving as a wise and thoughtful organizer - and himself performing a beautiful, slow dance of shimmering silks.

$425 | Claimed by:

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Scene 9. Waltz of the Flowers ★

December 29th
Designed by prince-corvidae and Alkemistry .

Race: Capry (Satyr)
Capry Lore
The dream of spring's loving sanctuary.
The Capry of Fable hold strict laws against uncontrolled magic use. But from youth, this individual found themselves desiring something more with their secret gifts of floral magic. In a world that venerates the season of withering and decay, their gifts brought life to Spring all around them. Escaping to life in the mountainous northern reaches of the Queen's sacred autumn forest, it was there that this Capry created a sanctuary of spring meadows among the alpine heights -- serving as a passage of sanctuary for travelers. But as beautiful as this was, the Church of Fable learned of these actions and deemed them heresy. And so this Capry left to find their own path - and became enamored with the Sugar Plum Fairy's delights among the Cirque, where they now weave their floral magics to shape a wondrous dance of flowers.

$375 | Claimed by:

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Scene 10. The Cavalier ★★

December 31st
Designed by Alkemistry .

Race: Sylori [Gladiatori]
The dream of undying loyalty in the face of oblivion.

Hailing from the proud and fierce nation of Feroxa, this merfolk warrior dedicated himself to guarding a powerful but vain young Regnas and his growing tribe of followers. Having experienced generations of experience, the Cavalier guarded this Regnas's clan faithfully for countless years -- and so when he would witness its downfall, the weight of the burden fell all the more heavy upon his shoulders.
The Regnas, vainly seeking the benefit of voidal powers, would sell his people to the Mirrored God to become the entity's champion.
The destruction came too quickly for the Cavalier to save anyone -- and left behind only the scars of failure.

And so, when at death's door he found himself rescued by a beautiful daimon of sweet sanctuary - the Sugar Plum Fairy - he would find a new calling at their side.
Only to witness that sanctuary fall to the same darkness - but this time, he had a chance to save the despondent daimon before they too would be lost.
This time, the scars left a darker impact - corrupted by the Void now tainting his burdened heart - but with the life he still had, he and his daimon queen would find themselves yet another life.

This time, perhaps third time really is the charm.

$425 | Claimed by:
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Scene 11. The Sugar Plum Fairy {Daimon of the Sweet and Unending Dream} ★★★

January 3rd
Designed by Alkemistry .

Race: Daimon [Elder], Two Forms (one humanoid, and one monstrous fey form)
The dream of protecting the flock of the lost, nurturing the desolate and needful in a garden of unending bounty.
This elder daimon once commanded the power of worlds.
With their gifts of command over all nature's beauty, they shaped from the dust of a desolate pearl a garden kingdom of all possible delights. Bountiful fruits, gleaming castles and shimmering, warm skies abounded as they shaped their dream -- a sanctuary for those left without a home at the hands of the dark entity, the Mirrored God.
And soon enough, people of all species, creeds, and backgrounds populated their kingdom, and all were cared for with anything they needed provided. Each was equal among the faerie court, where they each served to oversee the wellbeing of the kingdom.
But soon enough, darkness crept its way within the glittering walls. Envious of their faerie queen's power, a covetous court member tipped off the Mirrored God's forces to the aether-rich domain, originally just wanting to gain a glimmer of power in exchange for spilling a secret or two. But this single act would lead to an army of voidals spilling forth from a gash in the shimmering sky -- and soon enough the domain was lost, its people shattered. Almost everyone was lost to the void, becoming husk-like minions known as the Shardless -- and in their absolute grief, the Sugar Plum Fairy nearly let themselves be devoured too.

But their most faithful courtier, a Gladiatori who once lost everything and was taken in by the Fairy at death's door, could not bear witness to her end -- and the two managed to barely escape with their lives. Unsure where to go, they managed to hear about a showing of the early performance of the troupe during its shaky first year. It had heart and passion, but needed a spark of magic and whimsy. So the Fairy found a new passion and delved into their daimonic soul to find her lost power -- hoping to recreate in the Cirque what they had lost. And so they dream of a haven for all the misfortunate souls of the aether -- this time guarded by the mysterious energies of the Cirque's drifting isle.

$750 | Claimed by:

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Scene 12 {Finale}. The Fated Stroke of Midnight ★★★★★

January 7th
Designed by Alkemistry .

Race: Aetherling [Legendary Paragon], Void + Air + Aether. Two forms, one humanoid and one aetherling form.
Unique Trait: Favored by Nihila, this aetherling serves no primal but the Sister of Void herself, acting as Her champion of shadows. This manifests in a Fated Gift -- the power to make soul-binding contracts to those who possess a powerful enough dream.

The dream of a darkened heart brought to light.

Six shadowed wings across a starlit sky, fluttering silent as the winter stillness.
A call has been delivered, and the Void hath answered.
Nihila brings forth her champion to answer the plea of a man at a desperate crossroads.
Fate shall play her hand upon this winter night as the hour strikes twelve...

Summoned by one of the Cirque's founders at the start of its tale, this child of Nihila was sent as a champion of Her dark gifts, and Her truth as the secret guardian of the emptiness of the Void beyond all knowing.
A paragon of countless centuries, this aetherling has seen the darkest of the worlds -- and as eons passed, allowed that darkness to cloud their soul in a haze of bitterness.
Perhaps it was Nihila's wish to see light brought to this soul.

Binding the three founders of the Cirque into an oath upon their collective dreams, this Paragon is the hidden final act of the show -- perched upon an ancient grandfather clock, their magic of fate ringing out as the doleful chime strikes twelve. Behind their luminous eyes rests the hopes of a thousand dreams.

And perhaps someday, as midnight after midnight passes...this Paragon too will find in their crystallized heart the dream long lost.

$1500 | Claimed by:



Bonus: Free Commission Raffle!

The prize this time around is a free sketch commission from Alkemistry ! This is a fullbody sketch (colored) for 1 character, or uncolored for 2 characters.

To enter for a chance to win this commission, please reply under the featured comment for the raffle.
In your reply, say what you're most looking forward to during the holiday/winter season for 1 ticket to the raffle!
Posting a journal or poll linking this post grants 1 extra ticket. (Please link these in your entry)
Tagging a friend who has not yet commented grants 1 extra ticket for each friend (up to 3).

The raffle will end on Sunday, December 5th at 11:59PM CST!



Where to Find Me!

Commission Info: kem.carrd.co/

Links: linktr.ee/aethermancy

Art Discord for updates, projects, and commission openings:discord.gg/72EuRhpYwd