conversations.from: system
conversations.value: ##[Table of Contents and Players' Guide](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TaUJCZLeD6eusN4j3su7LeSvRxIfeugfmu0sAjA7ljM/edit?usp=sharing)
  
  --------
  
  The circus comes without warning. There is no announcement in the paper, no billboard, no word at all - simply a field filled to bursting with white and black striped tents, penned in by an ornate black wrought-iron fence, where yesterday there had been nothing. The sign hanging from the locked gates informs the public only this:
  
  *Opens at Nightfall, Closes at Dawn*
  
  When night has fallen and the gates are open, the circus announces its name: ***Le Cirque des Rêves***, the Circus of Dreams. The name is an apt one, for the wonders that await - acrobats who perform with no nets beneath them, tattooed contortionists in evening gowns, living statues that move imperceptibly over the course of the night, a garden in bloom made entirely from ice, a carousel adorned with fantasy creatures who seem to breathe, a roomful of stoppered bottles that smell like so many memories.
  
  And everything inside, from the tents and the fence, to the costumes and props on the performers, to the food and drink for sale, are decked entirely in black and white and shades of gray. Even the grass has been either painted or powdered, and a chemist has been consulted to turn the flames of the grand bonfire in the central courtyard a dazzling white.
  
  *Le Cirque des Rêves*, indeed - everything hovers on the edge of reality. Days, weeks, years pass, and you remember the circus like childhood stories, unsure of what parts were real, what parts must have been clever machinations, and what were impossible fancies.
  
  Few patrons, if any, are ever aware that the wonders contained behind the wrought-iron gates are a showcase of the abilities taught by two longtime rivals. One, famed stage magician Prospero the Enchanter, coaches individuals with innate magical talents to perform greater and greater works, limited only by the strength of their will. The other, the mysterious Mr. A. H---, can teach anyone with a suitable temperament to weave sigils and alchemical symbols into impossible shapes that bend reality around them.
  
  *Le Cirque des Rêves* is the venue for a grand competition, each fantastical tent a gambit made by competitors unknown to each other. The students know only that their opponents are among the circus crew, and they cannot interfere with another’s work. Beyond that, the precise rules remain a mystery to all but their mercurial and taciturn mentors. So, too, does any hint of how the challenge ends - when the competition will be over, or how a winner is determined.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: A performer of extraordinary feats of balance, agility, and coordination.
conversations.prefix: Acrobat:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: An acrobat who performs extraordinary feats while suspended in the air above the audience.
conversations.prefix: Aerialist:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: A performer that coaxes extraordinary feats from live animals, whether white tigers, snow leopards, coal-black horses  or other exotic, monochromatic beasts.
conversations.prefix: Animal Trainer:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: A performer of extraordinary feats of flexibility.
conversations.prefix: Contortionist:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: A performer of extraordinary feats of balance on a thin wire or rope suspended in the air above the audience.
conversations.prefix: Wire Walker:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: A performer of seemingly impossible feats using misdirection, sleight of hand, mirrors, light, and other methods that are concealed from the audience.
conversations.prefix: Illusionist:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: A performer of extraordinary feats of fire manipulation.
conversations.prefix: Fire Artist:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: A performer of extraordinary feats of fire manipulation.
conversations.prefix: Fire Artist:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: A performer of extraordinary feats of divination.
conversations.prefix: Fortune Teller:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You make a habit of observing the fine details of your surroundings. You have a talent for noticing clues and identifying problems.
conversations.prefix: Perceptive:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You have a tendency to roll with the punches and it takes a lot to shake you. You’re rarely off of your game or distracted from the task at hand.
conversations.prefix: Unflappable:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You’re attuned to the moods and emotions of the people around you, and as a result you find it easy to relate to others. You’re always the first to offer a kind word or sympathetic ear.
conversations.prefix: Empathetic:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You’re warm and sociable, with a great sense of humor. Almost everyone enjoys your company. You can make anyone feel welcome and important.
conversations.prefix: Gregarious:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You feel strongly and with great conviction, and you bring that zeal to everything you do.
conversations.prefix: Passionate:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You are audacious, courageous, and bold. You are not easily frightened, intimidated or otherwise daunted.
conversations.prefix: Daring:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You are eager in most things - eager to help, eager to understand, eager to please. Your energy is infectious.
conversations.prefix: Enthusiastic:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You hold fast when you have made a decision and are not easily deterred from your goals. You believe that where there’s a will, there is always a way, and you will keep looking until you find it.
conversations.prefix: Tenacious:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You’re curious about the world and committed to learning more about everything in it. You take it upon yourself to investigate whatever strikes your fancy, from asking questions to consulting texts to doing research of your own.
conversations.prefix: Inquisitive:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You maintain a sense of wonder in all things, from the beautiful diversity of the human experience to the incredible feats you and your colleagues are able to bring to life night after night. How can anyone be cross when there’s so much magic around every corner?
conversations.prefix: Whimsical:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You put a great deal of care into everything, from the words you say to the actions you take. You say what you mean and you mean what you say, and whatever you do, you’ve thought it through.
conversations.prefix: Thoughtful:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You often act without care or caution and you don’t tend to worry about consequences until they fall into your lap.
conversations.prefix: Reckless:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You’re easily influenced by strong emotions in the people around you. It’s tough to tell how you really feel about a situation when you’re around others, and being surrounded by negativity can induce depression and anxiety.
conversations.prefix: Mood Sink:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You are prone to fits of pique and possessed of an over-dramatic manner that others find irritating at best, and insufferable at worst.
conversations.prefix: Histrionic:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You don’t do well when left to your own devices, and prefer the company of others. You’re prone to melancholy without the distraction of another person.
conversations.prefix: Lonesome:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You don’t always notice - or care - when you’re prying into affairs that are none of your concern. Other people hate the way you tend to prod their vulnerable spots, and sometimes you find yourself pursuing questions with answer that are dangerous to know.
conversations.prefix: Nosy:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Your passion bubbles close to the surface and often boils over. People don’t like to give you bad news and find themselves strategizing about how to manage your moods.
conversations.prefix: Quick-Tempered:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You have a tendency to judge others quickly, and often based on little evidence. You don’t usually look beyond the surface of what you deem judgment-worthy, and that creates barriers between you and other people.
conversations.prefix: Judgmental:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You are not easily swayed once you’ve decided your course - even if it’s a *bad* decision.
conversations.prefix: Stubborn:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You overthink everything, which can paralyze you with indecision prior to acting but also torture you with regret when it’s too late to change anything.
conversations.prefix: Anxious:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Whatever happens, happens - good, bad, or otherwise, you’ll put your head down and get back to whatever you were doing. Others find you cold, unsupportive, or uncaring.
conversations.prefix: Indifferent:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Wide-eyed, trusting, and sincere, you have no ulterior motives and don’t expect them in others, making you vulnerable to manipulation.
conversations.prefix: Naïve:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: The circus arrives without warning.
conversations.prefix: Le Cirque des Rêves:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Your magic style is highly flexible, allowing for feats to be performed at will, while the results are easily adjusted for optimal ongoing function. **[Counts as a Strength when played on a challenge.]**
conversations.prefix: Highly Reactive:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: The feats you can accomplish are limited only by your imagination. **[Counts as a Strength when played on a challenge.]**
conversations.prefix: The Sky Is The Limit:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You amount of magic you can control is limited to what you can consciously direct at any moment. **[Counts as a Weakness when played on a challenge.]**
conversations.prefix: Limited Capacity:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Your enchantments are vulnerable to failure if you are unable to consciously direct them - whether you are hurt, incapacitated, or distracted. **[Counts as a Weakness when played on a challenge.]**
conversations.prefix: Driven To Distraction:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Any changes to your spells involve going back to the drawing board - whether a trial-and-error ridden set of revisions to the original or starting over entirely. **[Counts as a Weakness when played on a challenge.]**
conversations.prefix: Rigid Adherence:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: The only limit to the number of spells you can maintain at one time is the amount of material you can acquire to anchor them. **[Counts as a Strength when played on a challenge.]**
conversations.prefix: Everything At Once:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Once established, your enchantments remain stable and in effect until the physical anchor is destroyed. **[Counts as a Strength when played on a challenge.]**
conversations.prefix: Sure and Certain:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Your spells can be crafted quickly or they can be creative and complex - never both. Fast spells are simple and familiar, complex spells take time and research.  **[Counts as a Weakness when played on a challenge.]**
conversations.prefix: By The Book:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Proprietor of the *Le Cirque des Rêves*, providing a majority of the financing and creative direction. Eccentric theatrical producer who made his fortune pushing the boundaries of entertainment. A creative, gregarious, but moody, perfectionist. Brings a theatrical sensibility to everything he does.
conversations.prefix: Chandresh Christophe Lefèvre:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Highly in-demand fashion designer. Creates all of the costumes used in *Le Cirque des Rêves*. Formerly a Romanian prima ballerina, and still carries the grace and elegance of that experience. Has a wicked eye for aesthetics and provided input for the creative direction of the circus, in addition to outfitting all of the performers.
conversations.prefix: Ana "Tante" Padva:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Engineer and architect, designer of all of the mechanical circus attractions. Timid and polite, he usually looks out of place among the circus crowd.
conversations.prefix: Ethan W. Barris:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: The Burgess sisters are *not* twins, but since they do almost everything together and look so similar that few can tell them apart, most people treat them as such, regardless. Tara and Lainie have been a little bit of everything, from actors to dancers to librarians, and now work mainly as business consultants, wielding their keen senses of observation. Every aspect of the circus bears input of their striking but refined eyes for detail.
conversations.prefix: Tara and Lainie Burgess:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Chandresh's personal assistant. Deals with paperwork and bureaucracy so his boss can focus on his work. Polite and reserved; doesn’t call attention to himself.
conversations.prefix: Marco Alisdair:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Master and teacher of learned magic, architect of the competition, and co-financier of *Le Cirque des Rêves*. 
conversations.prefix: Mr. A. H---:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: World-renowned stage magician, master and teacher of innate magic, architect of the competition, and co-financier of *Le Cirque des Rêves*.
conversations.prefix: Prospero the Enchanter:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You're meeting a lot of new people - people you'll be working with, traveling with, and living with - for the first time. How does it go?
conversations.prefix: First Impressions:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: The contortionist performing for *Le Cirque des Rêves*. Covered in tattoos of strange symbols woven in complex patterns all across her skin. Quiet, but sharp-eyed. Mysterious.
conversations.prefix: Tsukiko:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: The stage magician performing for *Le Cirque des Rêves*. Friendly and fashionable, with an easy laugh.
conversations.prefix: Celia Bowen:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Tsukiko's assistance, should you need it.
conversations.prefix: A Favor from Tsukiko:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Ethan’s assistance, should you need it.
conversations.prefix: A Favor from Ethan:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Celia’s assistance, should you need it.
conversations.prefix: A Favor from Celia:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Chandresh’s assistance, should you need it.
conversations.prefix: A Favor from Chandresh:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Marco’s assistance, should you need it.
conversations.prefix: A Favor from Marco:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Ana Padva’s assistance, should you need it.
conversations.prefix: A Favor from Tante Padva:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: One of the common areas on the train that houses *Le Cirque des Rêves*. A comfortable lounge with a bar and a piano. Seems to lend itself to after-dinner conversation. Open at all times, but the bar is only staffed for a few hours after the circus closes at dawn.
conversations.prefix: Bar Lounge:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Each crew member has a private compartment functioning as their bedroom and personal living space. Quarters are just on the cozy side of cramped, but they are comfortable and there's some space for personal touches.
conversations.prefix: Private Compartment:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Each crew member has a private compartment functioning as their bedroom and personal living space. Quarters are just on the cozy side of cramped, but they are comfortable and there’s some space for personal touches.
conversations.prefix: Private Compartment:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Where the crew of *Le Cirque des Rêves* eat. A menu of simple but tasty basic staples (scones, cheese, nuts, dried fruit, sandwiches, quiche, tea, coffee, and juices) is available from the kitchen at all hours, with a more expansive buffet spread for dinner each evening before sundown.
conversations.prefix: Dining Car:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: One of the common areas on the train that houses *Le Cirque des Rêves*. A comfortable lounge with inlaid bookshelves and good lighting.
conversations.prefix: Bookshelf Lounge:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: A way to get in touch with Marco when a letter won't be fast enough.
conversations.prefix: In Case of Emergency:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: *Le Cirque des Rêves* travels by rail, disguised as an ordinary coal transport. All of the equipment and supplies for the circus are housed on board, alongside living areas for the crew.
conversations.prefix: The Train:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You arrive at the circus grounds and find your assigned compartment, performance space, and backstage area, and start to get settled in to your new home.
conversations.prefix: Moving In:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: It's your first time seeing the grounds, and the mysterious *Le Cirque des Rêves* doesn't seem so mysterious in the sunlight. What catches your attention first? How do you use the time you have before the crowds come?
conversations.prefix: Poking Around:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You care deeply about others, even when they don't necessarily care about you.  You long to belong, and you want others to belong, too.
conversations.prefix: Compassionate:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Deep down, you believe you can't change fate.  And sometimes, you don't try when you really should.
conversations.prefix: Resigned:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: A performer of extraordinary feats of hand-to-eye co-ordination. Capable of keeping numerous objects of various nature airborne in dazzling speeds and forms.
conversations.prefix: Juggler:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: A performer that uses invisible illusions in her act. From being trapped in a box, to floating down an invisible staircase to safety.
conversations.prefix: Mime:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You tend to assign yourself tasks and standards that you pursue to the point of distraction, but are rarely entirely satisfied with your performance.
conversations.prefix: Obsessive:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: A performer of extraordinary feats of strength.
conversations.prefix: Strongman:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Whatever it takes, you need to forget something that has happened. Even if it's destructive it's better than remembering. 
conversations.prefix: Forget the Past:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: A performer of extraordinary feats of ... 
conversations.prefix: text:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: At the slightest hint of criticism you withdraw and become cruel and uptight.
conversations.prefix: Defensive:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You capture images on canvass to delight, awe, or inspire. 
conversations.prefix: Portraitist:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: A performer of extraordinary feats of sword swallowing, knife throwing and blade usage. Perhaps even sculpting.
conversations.prefix: Sword Swallower:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You've never really found anyone that you clicked with of it you're usually left by yourself, but you've grown accustom to that by now. Sadly because of this, your speaking skills are extremely lacking and your emotions often get out of check having no shoulder to lean on and no one to return to.
conversations.prefix: Lonely:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You've always relied on something during your life, either magic or money or people. You have done this for so long that alone, you act as a dull blade and forget some of the truths and struggles of the world. You are often unable to pull through a situation without the aid of an idle force causing you to often fall flat before the 'finish line'.
conversations.prefix: Dependent:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You don't think your better than everyone else, you know it, but others don't tend to agree. Your attitude roots from low self-esteem which causes you to do whatever is in your power to debunk comments from others that paint you as weaker than you want and say to be.
conversations.prefix: Arrogant (Low Self-Esteem):
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You are a very organized and methodical person who doesn't shake easily. Very few things can disrupt your thought and screw with your emotions. If they do, you do not show it. You are a level mind that seeks the most logical and strategic approach.
conversations.prefix: Composed:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: This is your home, and you love the people here. You will watch over them, care for them, and defend them when they need you.
  
  
  
  
  Photo credit Andrew Lacey
conversations.prefix: Guardian:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You would love to get closer to them. But if they knew the real you, would they want to? Is it worth the risk to find out?
conversations.prefix: Shy:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You tend not to put a great deal of effort into your physical appearance. It isn't the best for making first impressions.
conversations.prefix: Unkempt:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Navigating the social hierarchy is an art unto itself. You generally can grasp the right person to speak to for your purpose and what the right words are to charm them. 
conversations.prefix: Social Graces:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You make an impression, people tend to remember you after you're gone. 
conversations.prefix: Intriguing :
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: *Extending the real into an imaginary space.*
  ***
  You can visualize and appreciate beyond the physical easier than most. 
conversations.prefix: Quadratura:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: *Pushes the boundaries of the norms or the status quo, radical or experimental*
  ***
  If there's a rule, you question it. Sacred cows make the best steaks, after all. 
conversations.prefix: Avant-garde:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Even if it's sometimes a mask, charm feels realer than real in your hands.
conversations.prefix: Charming:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You like a good time and try not to take yourself too seriously.
conversations.prefix: Good Sport:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You know when to serve the greater good. 
conversations.prefix: Dutiful:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You've gotten used to living simply, and require very little in the way of luxury to be happy.
conversations.prefix: Unfussy:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: A black and white dreamscape, with wonder in every tent and mystery around every corner.
conversations.prefix: Le Cirque des Rêves:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Opening Night has arrived - finally, you begin the performances you've been training for, waiting for, possibly dreading. It's your opening salvo in a competition you still don't know the rules of. How do you fare?
conversations.prefix: On Stage:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You experience an act by one of your fellow performers. What do you think?
conversations.prefix: In The Crowd:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: The circus is in full swing, and there seems to be magic around every corner. Do you go looking for some? Does some find you?
conversations.prefix: Under the Cover of Darkness:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: A daring, reckless aerialist with *Le Cirque des Rêves*. Sister to Charlie Devereux. Haughty, fiery and determined to be the best of the best. Her grace in the air is matched only by her ability to charm a crowd.
conversations.prefix: Caroline Devereux:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Though you didn't see him in any of your crowds, you  receive an unexpected communication from your mentor regarding your performance on Opening Night.
conversations.prefix: A Word From Our Sponsor:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Something *odd* happens if you decide to share a drink with one of your fellow performers.
conversations.prefix: Morningcap (Optional):
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Dark thoughts and dark memories plague you when you are low and lurk at the edge of your mind when times are good. Will you ever be free?
conversations.prefix: Haunted:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You've only ever had one friend, and even he is hard to talk to sometimes. Its not that you don't want to confide in people...its that you don't want to confide in people. Its complicated. 
conversations.prefix: Lonesome:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You can get a little... carried away. You're not exactly evil, but sometimes you just aren't good either.
conversations.prefix: Disney Villainess:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Constantin likes to drink. Probably a lot more than someone who works with explosives should.
conversations.prefix: Alcoholic:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You make connections easily with others. Your good grace and casual wit draws others to you.
conversations.prefix: Friendly:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You disregard social mores. You can be erratic, sometimes fun, but most of all you are uninhibited. Beware the honesty of liquid courage.
conversations.prefix: Drunkard:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You are taking an easier path. Keeping things simple. Known.
  ***
  *It is a jelly-like substance slightly cloudy and yellow used in oil painting. It does impart an ease of working to the colours, but it is liable to make the paint film brittle and cause heavy cracking.*
conversations.prefix: Megilp: