CARNIVAL OF ANGELS CHARACTERS
SUBIRA the tightrope walker
A determined woman who travels ahead of the circus caravan to rescue wanderers in the wastes. She is plagued by dreams of those in need, and when she rescues Tris, the player character, she is minutes from fading away into a shade.
BEFORE PURGATORY: “In my past life, I made some serious mistakes and hurt a lot of people. I’m trying to be a better person now. Does that mean this place has served its purpose?”
RELATIONSHIPS:
Prem: "He used to annoy the hell out of me, but now, after Sudhir? I find that I needed the old Prem more than I thought.”
Elissa: “I’ve tried everything to convince her that this life is worth something. Talked to her, brought her back gifts from my excursions. None of it has worked.”
Victor: “Victor is angry, but he’s a generous sort of angry. He wants to hurt things that would hurt us.”
Samuel: “He’s a better man than he knows. Someday, I hope he’ll work up the drive to join me on my ventures.”
Whim: “He creeps me the hell out.”.
PREM the beast tamer
A young man obsessed with uncovering the secrets of his new world. Prem would give most anything to save his romantic partner, Sudhir, who has faded away into a shade. Also, he has a spooky demon lion.
BEFORE PURGATORY: “I was a promising young researcher, focussed, bright... but my family cut me off when I introduced Sudhir.”
RELATIONSHIPS:
Subira: “She’s a supremely kind woman. She even brings me back samples.”
Elissa: I don’t know why she hasn’t faded yet. There’s something in there that keeps her holding in. I admire that part of her... but I’m not sure I ever want to find out exactly what it is.”
Victor: “Sometimes, the ones who think they’re being original are the most predictable of all.”
Samuel: “I get Subira and Elissa. I even kinda get Victor. But Samuel? He’s a mystery to me. How can you live in this world, and just... sit back?”
Whim: “I think he knows something.”
ELISSA the knife thrower
A young girl (~12 years old) who has fallen to Purgatory very recently. Elissa’s former life and her new one have combined to leave her terrified and defensive, and Tris must work hard to earn her trust.
BEFORE PURGATORY: “I lived with bad people. I don’t want to talk about it.”
RELATIONSHIPS:
Subira: “I don’t think she saves people so fewer people die. I think she saves people so she can sleep at night.”
Prem: “He asks too many questions.”
Victor: “Victor understands a little. He never covers over how bad things are. He’s actually willing to get angry.”
Samuel: “He tries to help. He really does. But I guess we both know it won’t be enough.”
Whim: “Who? The jester?”
VICTOR the daredevil
A teenage rebel and a bit of a pyromaniac. Victor believes that someone is pulling the strings on this world, and he’s waiting for a chance to give that person a piece of his mind (and the edge of his knife).
BEFORE PURGATORY: “I was a rich kid. Threw my weight around a bit. Drugs and designer clothes and expensive motorbikes. Stepped all over the little guys. I was a real douchebag. That’s how I know there’s always a bastard at the top.”
RELATIONSHIPS:
Subira: “She’s a good person, but she doesn’t think big enough. Saving a few wanderers isn’t going to change anything real.
Prem: “He’s an annoying little prick, but I guess we all need an annoying little prick in our lives to keep us on our toes.”
Elissa: “I want her to be safe. I just don’t know how to change anything.”
Samuel: “He doesn’t get up in my business, and he’s a damn good cook. Can’t really ask for anything more.”
Whim: “Actually, I kinda like him. He keeps things fresh.”
SAMUEL the strongman
A middle-aged fellow who takes things in stride. To Samuel, this world isn’t any better or worse than the previous one. Samuel is the rock that holds the troupe together. He’s also the troupe handyman, building props and cooking meals.
BEFORE PURGATORY: “I dunno. I did some good things and some bad things. No better or worse than anyone else, when you get down to it.”
RELATIONSHIPS:
Subira: “It’s good work Subira does. I know I couldn’t do it. I do wish she would take better care of herself, though.”
Prem: “He’s really a good kid, but sometimes he can’t see the forest for the trees.”
Elissa: “That girl needs someone. I’m doing my best to be that person.”
Victor: “He’s got a fire in him, but he’s got to realize that if he keeps burning like he does, he’ll run out of fuel sooner or later.”
Whim: “Sometimes I catch him looking at me in a way I really don’t like.”
WHIM the Jester
A creature of darkness and chaos. Whim guides the Carnival from the shadows, sculpting it into a source of endless sadistic entertainment. It revels in the sufferings of the other members of the troupe. Whim’s tricks are “funny,” but only in a horrible morbid schadenfreude sort of way (At one point, it juggles torches, “accidentally” sets itself on fire, burns up, and appears unharmed later). Most everyone watches stunts secretly hoping something will go wrong, at least a little, and Whim embodies and fulfills that urge.
BEFORE PURGATORY: “Maybe this place served a purpose before I came here. Now it serves no purpose but mine.”
RELATIONSHIPS:
Subira: “I consider her my masterwork. The look on her face whenever she returns from a failed rescue is priceless.”
Prem: “Ah, young lovers. So many breaking points.”
Elissa: “She might not be worth it. They’re no fun if they don’t fight.”
Victor: “Someday, I want to see him try to kill me. Wouldn’t that be fun?”
Samuel: “He’s like a sheepdog. He makes no wool for me, but the flock couldn’t hold up without him.”