I am finally making my inspo list for my TFC posts, not adding tags to this because I don't want it showing up randomly in people's scrollings. If I remember to, this post will be updated every so often when I get new notes of inspiration.
The posts/creators will be linked - as I'm too socially awkward to tag accounts directly - they are not my posts and credits go to original owners.
Anything by Hexserath, specifically these posts:
X X X X X X X
Any of Iyayadonna's writings for TFC
This Post by Darthsuki
And of course any of the posts and AMAs from the Official Account
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Blep Note: Thank you for reading my ramble. No AI was used in the making of this.
Media is not mine, all credit goes to original owners and creators.
My feelings on and interpretations of each character (plus random associations):
Big ramble time.
Inspiration notes: too many to count for this one, plus lost track of a few, I’ll eventually make a post that acts as a masterlist for my inspos. Inspo List.
Blep note: when writing these analyses(?) I was all over the place, for example the danger level and love type interpretations - TT’s was written first. There’s like no organisation to this, the thoughts were written as they came. I also flip-flop between referring to MC as just MC or referring to them using We/Us/You. I also wrote these as opinions/interpretations came, anytime words stopped coming to my mind I took a break and either doomscrolled or read something. Some of these were actual analyses of the characters and some of it just turned into creative writing… Mind you, I am not the most confident in my creative writing.
This post is also liable to get random updates, I will label them as updates or edits - if my thoughts change dramatically then perhaps a follow up post.
Some Edit notes: I had yet to consume all the canon information available for this at the time I had started this post, so I am probably extremely wrong on some things, but I try (even as I wrote this edit I haven't seen everything, I probably never will lol). And in saying that, information can tend to fall out of my head the second I read something, that's part of why I started this little post of mine so that I didn't have to rely on my scattered brain - it also helps to have a way to keep characterization of each character somewhere that I can go back to for when I do my creative writing. I also have been meaning to learn more about Commedia Dell'Arte but due to not having Word on my PC anymore, doing research things like that and not instantly forgetting what I read is a bit hard.
I also apologise for spelling and grammar errors.
Another Edit: just for clarification (and my peace of mind), all of this is my opinions and it's hard to say what is definitively canon information in this post, I made this just for shits and giggles. If you want canon information go to the official account/s and read through the stuff yourself. <3
IMPORTANT: Whilst I do not write NSFW, The Freak Circus is an 18+ game and media. Neko and Moderators have said many times that they do not want minors interacting with the game and its content, please respect that.
MDNI.
EDIT:
Random Troupe Notes:
Typically when alone they speak Portuguese with each other, or to avoid others overhearing/understanding them
The circus does hire other monsters for different kinds of external work, but never to join the circus
It's said/inferred a few times that animals are not fans of them
They would notice if MC wasn't human, along with that it's key for MC to be human in the canon story lines
Only two characters in the troupe don't have siblings (I'm unsure if this includes Columbina or not)
All of them have varying degrees of yandere tendencies
All of them are of different races, except for two of them
If I remember correctly, it's also said that they have different names they go by when outside of the circus / out of costume
When eating humans: they prefer muscles and parts with more more meat or flesh, though each of them have a favourite part. Not all organs are eaten, but they're repurposed in other ways.
The most visited tent is Pierrot's
Random Associations for the troupe:
Song: Tusk by Fleetwood Mac
Song: HOW 2 GET AWAY WITH MURDER by South Arcade (I can't really explain this one)
Song: Mountain Sound by Of Monsters and Men
Pierrot:
Easily my least favourite, especially in fanon. I dislike him a lot less in the game. But he’s still not my favourite. Reason why he’s my least favourite is because he’s deceitful (they all are, but Pierrot’s deceit feels more personal) and constantly finds loopholes and ways to cross boundaries. I used to like him more before the fanon coloured my opinion of him, primarily when he’s reduced down to being a “sweet puppy” and nothing more than that, he’s not a good person (none of them are) but when people makes excuses and reduce him to “he doesn’t know better”, when he very much knows better.
He’s a complex character, they all are. But he’s not just a “sweet boy” but he’s also not absolutely heartless, he cares for MC in his own way - but I shouldn’t have to say it, his way of caring is incredibly unhealthy. He’s not even slightly into healing his trauma.
Danger level: obviously it’s high, but he feels a lot more dangerous than the others - to me at least - primarily because he doesn’t feel like there’s much predictability to him. He has mood swings that can swap incredibly quickly, we see this at the end of Day 1, if we don’t say that we’ll come back the next day, he will drug us and kidnap us - and if it wasn’t for Harlequin walking in and seeing us and helping us get out (behind the excuse or reason of enjoying the chase, which I think is an excuse, I think that there’s a whole lot more to it) we would probably be done for. Not to mention he’s also canonically the strongest of the troupe.
Love type: simply, his love is clingy, he finds every way possible to be around MC - even if we tell him to back off, he comes back or finds a loophole, or just waits until we’re not aware of him - aka asleep - to come back. It would be suffocating.
Marking/scent (added this category for the hell of it): I feel like he would smell like cherries, chocolate and a bakery - pastries, pies, tarts. For a bite mark, hands or shoulders.
Random Notes: (Mostly things I picked up on when reading throught AMAs)
The sheer amount of times my painfully white ass has mispronounced his name (I keep reading/pronouncing it as "Pery-Ot")
Birthday is May 11th
Sleeps on his side, curled up in a ball
Likes cappuccinos
Third eldest
Likes chocolate or strawberry ice cream / desserts
Is in charge of cooking
Favourite season is spring
Music genres he likes: pop, lo-fi, some Brazilian styles
is Right-handed
Dislikes lemonade and overly sour foods
Dislikes having fools and only accepts having one in special cases.
Random Associations:
Cherries
Song Lyric: "Don't let me in with no intention to keep me, Jesus Christ, don't be kind to me, Honey, don't feed me, I will come back" -It Will Come Back by Hozier
Song: Sleepless by Eric Saade
7 Deadly Sins: Wrath
Harlequin:
Again not a good person, but I have an easier time liking him because he’s a whole lot more blunt and forward with his intentions. And to put it crudely, I’m a bottom and a half, which very much colours my feelings towards the characters. I also very heavily associate him with The Devil and The Tower tarot cards, both cards are bad on the surface. But when you reverse The Devil it becomes about breaking free from addiction and bad habits. The Tower on the surface is a bad card, it signifies destruction and chaos, but when the dust settles from The Tower falling you can rebuild on firmer foundations and learn what you did wrong. At the moment it doesn’t feel like there’s a lot for me to say about him, but in saying that, he is an incredibly guarded character - to me it feels like he’s so used to being dumbed down as the problem or the slut character to the point that he himself doesn’t know who he is beyond that caricature, that he’s scared to be more than what people reduce him to.
Danger level: Harlequin is interesting, I’m not really sure how to describe him. He’s canonically the second strongest (along with Jester), but other than that I’m really not sure. He reminds me of a snake or ambush predator.
Love type: I think he would enjoy the chase and hunt of someone, but part of me also thinks that it gets repetitive for him and sometimes he just needs someone to stay with him. He craves to be someone’s first pick, but he would never say that. If you told him that he was your first pick, he wouldn’t believe it. He is seasoned with trust issues (they all are but Harlequin especially).
Marking/scent: would smell like citrus, sour but sweet at the same time - or in the AMAs it was said he wears a perfume that smells like night-blooming jasmine. Bite mark placing would be the neck or thighs.
Random Notes:
Isn't a fan of people who don't speak their thoughts
Likes spicy food
Birthday is May 26th
Sleeps on his stomach
Caused Pierrot to crash a truck
Has a perfume with a scent similar to night-blooming jasmine
Likes cold brew coffee
Is the youngest
Is said to like lemon ice cream / desserts
Says he gets along with Doctor the most
Music genres he likes: rock, pop and Brazilian funk (I am not sure if I noted this down right, oopsie)
Is right-handed
Dislikes sweet foods and drinks
Is in charge of buying things and keeping it organised
"Has a rule about this and currently has none." In regards to how many fools each member has
According to doctor: Harlequin smiles to hide everything he feels. And if he truly wants to tell you something, he won't say it outright. It's easier to understand what he wants based on his actions.
Has requested to have a flamethrower
Keeps the knives Pierrot has thrown at him
Random Associations:
Citrus
Snakes
Song: Phantom by NateWantsToBattle
Song: THE DEATH OF PEACE OF MIND by Bad Omens
7 Deadly Sins: Envy, Lust, or Pride
Jester:
I’m definitely going to be biased with this, he’s easily my favourite. The way this man feels like he commands the air around him is just chefs kiss. The first meeting(?) of him, the animated step-step of his when on the stage had me folding like a cheap lawn chair.
But in more seriousness, not foaming at the mouth over him, he feels incredibly protective of others - he doesn’t let many get close to him, but the few he has close connections with he’s extremely protective of. I also feel like he’s supportive of the few he likes, the type of supportive that makes you feel confident, I also feel like his support and presence is like a weighted blanket . But he also gives the vibes of being a little shit in some ways, I can’t explain it but he reminds me of the Sphinx - like it feels to me he’d give you riddles just so he can see how you respond and react, literally like a cat toying with a mouse just for shits and giggles. He’s manipulative, but for some reason I have an easier time liking his manipulativeness over Pierrot’s and I genuinely don’t know why.
More on his manipulation - his hypnosis or mind control ability, I don’t know if there’s anything canon yet about this, if there is I haven’t seen it. I interpret his ability as a hive mind, it would probably feel like having cotton in your brain. It feels like it would be incredibly distressing or surprisingly soothing. Maybe my autistic ass just wants something that forcefully makes my thoughts just stop for a moment, but that’s beside the point.
Danger level: we already know that this man is dangerous, along with the factor that mind control is also one of the strongest abilities in most media… He’s also canonically the second strongest - next to Harlequin - if I remember correctly. I think he would also be incredibly hard to escape, you would only escape if he let you, and even then it would be a game or test - a riddle, that if you answer wrong then well you would probably receive some form of punishment (do whatever you want with that).
Love type: am I gonna be incredibly biased with this? The answer is yes. But in more seriousness(?), his love would be possessive, but not in the way that Pierrot is clingy or even in TT’s surveillance, but in the way that someone holds a beloved item close. He also gives the vibes that he would just make your problems disappear, like everything in your life is always going smoothly to the point it’s eerie. I can’t decide whether or not he would be the type to let you have a life outside of the circus - or more specifically, I think at the start he wouldn’t be bothered by letting you have a life outside of the circus, it would be like a way to get you to trust him. But as time progresses he would get more restrictive, but you wouldn’t even notice it because he’s just that good at manipulating you, it’s once you’re always with him that you realise how he’s cut you off from the rest of the world - and it’s like being trapped in a pit with no way out, as if the earth itself moved to keep you close. He would condition a fawn response in you as well.
Marking/scent: would probably smell like a forest, mountain or rain, or alternatively like vanilla with lavender or cinnamon. Bite mark place would be collarbone.
Random Notes:
Pierrot says Jester is very gentle
Knows sign language / is insinuated to know sign language
Can handle the children the best
Mentions each member of the troupe has their own precious keepsakes
Dislikes loud people
Birthday is September 29th
Sleeps on his side or back
Dislikes nicknames
Plans the circus's travelling routes to overlap with places that celebrate various holidays/events/carnivals
Likes double espresso coffee
Fourth eldest / second youngest
Is said to like fruity flavoured ice cream / desserts
Book genres he likes: strategy, psychology, classic literature, dark fiction, horror and history
Music genres he likes: pop, electronic, rock, and dark synthwave
Dislikes overly emotional people (rip me)
Is the first to learn a place's language if doesn't already know it
Has nicknames for each member of the troupe
Is ambidextrous
Will have 5-10 fools
If he was unable to be in charge of the circus and couldn't choose TT to take over, he would choose Harlequin, "He understands how our worlds work and would have no trouble managing things. Pierrot and Doctor aren't very good leaders, but they're excellent at following orders."
Random Associations:
Weighted Blankets
Storms and rain
Belladonna (plant)
Song Lyric: "Why don't you ask him who's the latest on his throne?" -Tusk by Fleetwood Mac (I honestly associate Tusk with all of the Troupe members but this lyric especially for Jester)
Song: Cover My Traces by Reach
7 Deadly Sins: Pride
Ticket Taker:
I don’t know where to start with him, I don’t really have a starting point… His mirror ability or illusions he has, I love it. I already find mirrors to be eerie so the idea that someone could potentially see me through them or reach at me through them is definitely something, it gives me a feeling of paranoia that fits well with psychological horror. He feels like no matter what you do, he just knows. It’s not quite the same feeling that Doctor gives of feeling like you’re stripped to the bone in front of him, but it’s similar. But I feel like if you got used to that feeling of being constantly seen and perceived, it would become soothing and comforting, sort of similar to how Jester can feel like a weighted blanket under the right circumstances.
I feel like if he had an office of sorts, it would be the perfect room to go to if you felt overstimulated and wanted somewhere predictable to be.
TT was originally my least favourite when I first saw him in the game, but I think that’s primarily because of that early mention of how he makes you feel perceived. But after reading more about him and how other people write him, he became one of top favourites (he’s fighting Doctor for second place in my favourites).
That moment in the cafe where the lights go out and we have the choice between grabbing a knife or turning on the lights, I think all those eyes are his, something like a background check or perhaps him checking on Pierrot who is in the area. (EDIT: This post does touch on this but I'm not sure what to make of it personally.)
Danger levels: I feel like TT would be the least dangerous (besides Columbina but I’ll get to that soon) or more accurately the most predictable in danger levels. Personally if I was in MC’s shoes and had to pick one of them to be around all the time, I’m picking TT because of his aforementioned predictability (I’m a creature of habit and a half, and I need things to have routine and predictability) - you know what pisses him off and you know what doesn’t, stay on your best behaviour and you’ll in theory be fine. Though in saying that, I think he’d be the hardest to escape, as mentioned before he can see and walk through mirrors - and mirrors are everywhere, in shops and bathrooms and your home, there’s no consistent way to avoid them - and I highly doubt chucking a sheet over a mirror is going to stop him.
Love type / how his love would be: his would be permanent (all of theirs would be permanent especially if they grew to like MC like how Pierrot and Harlequin do), but his would be especially permanent, as I mentioned earlier he is like a 24/7 surveillance system.
Marking/scent: would smell like an old library or bookstore with tea and coffee and leather, (or alternatively my brain thought he would smell like a courthouse, I’ve never been to one so I don’t know…). Bite mark place, I feel would be somewhere more private, probably inner wrist or arm, or to be a bit more freaky - waist as it’s easy to hide.
Random Notes:
Dislikes children
Likes musicals and opera
Birthday is June 28th
Sleeps on his side
Also likes double espresso coffee
Likes seafood
Is the eldest
Is said to like vanilla flavoured ice cream / desserts
Cooks when Pierrot can't
Is said to have a similar cooking style to Hannibal
Handles paperwork and social things
Goes to museums, art galleries and theatres with Jester
Is right-handed
Says that he and Jester are meticulous when selecting "assistants", and that even Doctor has particular conditions when selecting "assistants"
Alternate name for him is Bilheteiro
Also mentions that he's after someone who is useful and can do more than just follow him around
Will have 5-10 fools
Apparently finds the British pronunciation of English to be easier.
Random Associations:
Chai Tea or Black Tea
Bookstores or libraries
Weeping Willow trees (I can't really explain this)
Song: Zombie by The Cranberries
Song: Hotel California by Eagles
7 Deadly Sins: Greed or Pride
Doctor:
Doctor was actually my original favourite before Jester wormed his way into my heart. I’m not surprised he was the one I liked the most originally, Silverair was my favourite in Homicipher and I really liked Dottore in Genshin despite him being the reddest flag humanly possible (I am a creature of habit to say the least…).
I don’t really have much to interpret him off of… My primary thing is that he makes you feel like a bug under a microscope. But I mean if he was my doctor I think I would actually get somewhere with my shit box of a body. In saying that, he would be an incredible listener and would not forget a single thing you told him. Also if you like the type of hugs that make you feel like you’re soul is being crushed back into your body then I think he’d give incredible hugs - maybe it’s just because he’s a beefy man…
A note I made in my character planning(?), because he cannonly likes metal music, I can imagine sitting with him in his lab/tent with music playing. Much like TT, I think his space would be a good place to go to when overstimulated or needing a break from the outside world.
Random Headcannon, based upon the factor that I don’t think Doctor’s ability (for lack of better words) has been mentioned so… My little idea is heavily inspired by The Crow (Brandon Lee Film), in my head his ability is having a familiar or familiars, specifically crows, and being able to see through the eyes of a crow or crows, also being able to essentially swap places with them. Along with potentially seeing/noticing things he doesn’t through standard perception, assuming that he can’t already perceive practically everything. (EDIT: though due to the fact that animals are said to dislike monsters, I could be very wrong about this idea.)
Danger level: I’m not actually sure how dangerous I feel he is. He’s not trapping like all of the others, if anything he would find it fascinating to watch you escape - you’re his little lab rat, and he loves seeing the results of any test he does. But in saying that, if he doesn’t want you doing something then you’re not doing it - I can imagine him either putting you in The Chair(TM) if you were causing him issues, or alternatively constricting you to just sitting in his lap and encased in his arms as he works, have fun watching him either write for hours on end or dissect things.
Love type: it’s constrictive but also oddly free, he wants test results and you can only get so much new information from doing the same things over and over again. So he’ll let you run like a headless chook if you need or want to, but he’ll also make sure you settle every so often - by your choice or not, doesn’t bother him. Also you can’t tell me he wouldn’t keep MC’s heart in a jar if they were to die.
Marking/scent: would smell like incense sticks, dried flowers, herbs and blood. Bite mark place would be ribs, collarbone, or chest/sternum, he would want it close to your heart or lungs.
Random Notes:
Listens to Slipknot and Linkin Park
Birthday is October 30th
Sleeps on his back or sitting up
Is afraid of Pierrot taking actions he can't predict or fix
Favourite Bands/Artists: Angra, Sepultura, System of a down, Rammstein
Likes mochas
Is second eldest
Is said to like cookies and cream flavoured ice cream / desserts
Refers to MC as Sweetie
Does the repairs and handles meat/food storage
Like dragons blood incense
Likes documentaries, and is said he would enjoy analog horror and found footage horror
Has his own form of medicine
Was inspired by a Brazilian animal
Is Left handed
Has at most 2 fools
Picked up a Russian accent from various radio shows and other programs.
Random Associations:
Incense sticks
Dried Flowers
Moths or just insects in general
Crows or ravens
Smoke or mist
Song: Warhol by Palaye Royale
Song: Mr. Doctor Man by Palaye Royale (I can't really explain this one either)
Song: Disease by Lady Gaga
Song: Rats by Ghost (the song started playing as I was writing for him)
7 Deadly Sins: Greed or Gluttony
Columbina:
I honestly don’t know what to do for her, there’s not much about her in the game, and each character when telling the story of her has bias obviously. In my mind, I’m unsure of whether she is actually an angel or if she’s just described as one because of her personality and being sacrificed.
I also find it interesting how the Fools have pink as their colour as pink was also her colour, it could mean things but it also might not. I don’t know how to perceive her…
Though her being an angel - if she actually is one - and how MC often feels compared to her or has the same describing words as her, along with Pierrot being in love with both Columbina and MC, makes me wonder if the MC is also an angel or of angelic blood (I can’t really articulate this point that well, even then would MC be an angel in the biblical description or in the standard way.)
In my mind, Columbina was the MC before we as the player came along. She went with Pierrot’s route (for lack of better words), and she ended up getting a bad ending, though there was no way around the ending for her, if she didn’t die we wouldn’t have the game/story we do. On a side note, I think it’s incredibly possible we end up with the same demise as her - we literally see this in TT’s tent, he even mentions that what you see in the mirror could be your doomed future, and in saying that I also think Pierrot’s mirror is a doomed future for MC, then Pierrot breaks that mirror before we can fully see what we become.
I just overall have conflicting thoughts on her, one part of me goes she’s the “innocent” one, but the other part of me doesn’t think she’s innocent. She is still a monster, still someone who had to eat humans, but she’s still a victim. Angels don’t always have to be good, we don’t really know if she is a legitimate angel or if she’s described as one because her actions were classed as angelic. There’s also the factor that biblically accurate angels aren’t cute or pretty, their descriptions tend to be unsettling or scary - which leads me to believe that angels that appear cute or appealing, aren’t actually angels, but rather a different entity that wants you to have your guard down. (Religious people please don’t come at me for that thought of mine. For clarification I am not religious, I don’t apply myself to any one religion.)
Danger level: I have mixed opinions, I feel like she’s not physically dangerous but psychologically she would be. Going more with the idea that angels that appear appealing to humans aren’t actually angels, she’s meant to be disarming, she doesn’t have the claws and teeth that the others do but she doesn’t need them if she’s able to lure prey/humans in just because she’s cute. It’s like a Venus flytrap, they lure flies in with a sweet scent just to then trap and eat the fly.
Love type: I think she would also have a clingy type of love, she would adore giving hugs and kisses to the one she likes. But it’s a sickly sweet type of love, it’s that feeling you felt as a kid when you ate too many sweets before dinner. It’s like a sticky spider web that she snares you in and never lets you leave. She would make things for you - dolls, plushies, clothes - so that you always have a part of her with you, or alternatively so that she always has her mark on you. I feel like she’s surprisingly territorial and would only share you with the rest of the troupe, if she shares at all.
Marking/scent: would smell like roses, Lily of the valley, apples and pomegranates. Bite mark place, I would say arms but also collarbone and chest.
Edit: I was just scrolling through the official account and saw this post , which does debunk some of my ideas/theories, not entirely but definitely shoots it in the leg in regards to what is canon details for the MC. (I am still trying to get better at consuming all the canon content available but it's safe to say I can get distracted or things go in one ear and out the other.)
Random Notes:
Likes rainy days
Was malnourished and very ill for a time as a kid, but was helped by a stranger before it could get too serious
Likes fruit
Is 5'10 (152.4 cm)
Is the same age as Harlequin
Birthday is January 5th
Random Associations:
Lily of the Valley
Venus Fly Traps
Song: Little Miss by Boa
Song: Spectrum by Florence + The Machine
Song: notre dame by Paris Paloma
Song: the warmth by Paris Paloma
Song: I Of The Storm by Of Monsters and Men
7 Deadly Sins: Gluttony or Sloth (I'm not really sure for her but I didn't want to leave her out)
——
Blep Notes: Thank you for reading my ramble. No AI was used in the making of this.
Characters are not mine and credits go to the original creator.
The Freak Circus Characters as Tarot Cards (Minor Arcana):
So my previous post with assigning Major Arcana cards got way more attention than I expected, and in that post I mentioned doing the Minor Arcana so here it goes? Again potential for characters being OOC. Again I’m using The Pulp Girls Tarot Deck guidebook and Tarot for Self Discovery (published by Herron Books) as my sources.
I’m also assigning the Suits of the Minor Arcana to them, there are only 4 suits and there’s 6 characters getting assignments so there will be doubles.
Inspiration notes: like how I mentioned in my notes on Jester’s card assignment from my Major Arcana Assignments (Christ how many times do I say assignment), iyayadonna’s characterisation of all the characters are inspirations and influences. Hexserath’s mirror hall theory as well is a note of influence, particularly regarding the tragedy/broken mirror. Inspo List.
Also I’m gonna be too big for my boots for a moment, but if for any reason other people do interpretations of MC or make OCs that have Tarot involved with them, please share with me. I would adore to see how other people use Tarot in this piece of media.
Low key, I also wish I was confident enough to actually tag people, but yeah nope, I’m much too shy and socially anxious for that.
Blep Note: Tumblr crashed on my iPad half way through making this post, before I could save the draft again, and I can’t remember anything I rambled about before the crash so… rip me. And because of that crash I swapped to finishing this up on PC, so I apologise if spelling/grammar/formatting/etc is different at random points. Another note, if these are OOC, I am blaming it on the fact that I haven't read the comics yet, I also need to play the game again to refresh my knowledge of things...
(Edit: you can find the Major Arcana Cards here)
IMPORTANT: Whilst I do not write NSFW, The Freak Circus is an 18+ game and media. Neko and Moderators have said many times that they do not want minors interacting with the game and its content, please respect that.
MDNI.
Pierrot:
Blep Notes: Unrelated to my card assignments but god I struggle a lot with writing or doing anything with Pierrot, so again liable to being OOC. I was tossing up between Three of Swords and Five of Cups when I was figuring out Pierrot’s card but Three of Swords just felt more fitting as the Five of Cups feels as it's further along the path of healing.
Potential Cards: Five of wands, Four of cups, Five of cups, Three of swords, Six of swords, Eight of swords, Nine of swords, Ten of swords
Suit Assignment (No Card): Cups
Cups are associated with emotional life: love, relations and connections. They also deal with the unconscious, creativity and intuition. Cups often make reference to your spontaneous and habitual reactions.
Cups can shine a light on gut feelings, relationships, and emotional states. When they appear reversed, cups can point to repression, fantasies, and creative blocks.
“You have been hurt. A recent loss, break-up or moment of grief has left you heartbroken. You may still be in recovery. The Three of Swords comes as a reminder that pain and sorrow are a necessary part of life. We need to experience pain - and the lessons we learn by overcoming pain - in order to grow. Giver yourself the time and space you need to process your loss. You will heal, and what you have learned will help your future self."
Heartbreak and emotional pain
Feeling hopeless or adrift
Painful transition period
Reversed:
“You have been through a loss and are now on the road to recovery. The clouds part and the silver lining starts to shine through."
Period of deep healing
Finding comfort in your survival
Forgiveness and moving on
Harlequin:
Blep Notes: For his individual suit it was surprisingly hard to figure out which one felt the most fitting because none of the suits really screamed him. Surprisingly I actually struggled to figure out a card for Harlequin, because none of them clicked perfectly in place like The Tower did. If anything this card feels more like internal dialogue or internal worries about how MC would see him.
Potential Cards: Five of wands, Eight of cups, Two of swords, Five of swords, Seven of swords, Ten of swords
Suit Assignment (No Card): Wands
Wands represent passion, inspiration, spirituality and willpower. They rule over the spiritual side of consciousness and address your core self or life force - your personality, ego and energy, both internal and external.
Wands depict action, creative forces, enthusiasm, and facing down challenges. Reversed wands can be destructive and reckless.
“You may be trying to get away with something. The Seven of Swords indicates trickery, deception and betrayal. If you're caught you'll be humiliated - and even if not, there's the constant fear of being unmasked. If you're trying to sneak away from a situation gone bad, ask yourself if this is an escape or merely postponing the inevitable. Or you may be the victim of someone else's betrayal. Keep your wits about you and listen to your intuition if something seems off."
Betrayal and dishonesty
Deluding yourself about something
Keeping damaging secrets
Reversed:
“The truth of a situation may finally be emerging. Or perhaps you are suffering from imposter syndrome. Back yourself - you have what it takes."
Lies revealed
Dropping the act
Aligning tactics with morals
Jester:
Blep Notes: Despite having his individual suit being Swords, none of the sword cards really felt like him. I also can't lie, I felt on the fence about giving him a Queen card, primarily just because of how everyone refers to him as "mommy" for some reason (that's a whole other possible tangent/ramble). I honestly feel like a different card could've been more fitting but I just couldn't figure out which one.
Potential Cards: Three of wands, Six of wands, Seven of wands, Queen of wands
Suit Assignment (No Card): Swords
Swords rule over intelligence, logic, truth, ambition, conflict and communication. In readings they often speak of the power of the mind, which like the sword itself is double-edged: it can be used to both help and harm.
Swords highlight things like clarity of mind, thoughts, and ideas. Reversed, swords can cut deep: strife, conflict, and cold, hard facts come to the front.
“The Queen of Wands nurtures the creative flame that burns within you. Courageous, independent and fiery, she inspires you to take charge and walk your path with determination. You attract people with your vitality and vision, and enjoy being the centre of attention. Own your power: you're a natural leader who inspires others and motivates by giving them confidence and self-assurance..."
Confidence and courage
Killing it in a leadership role
Renewed energy in all areas of life
Reversed:
“You may be feeling pessimistic, temperamental or overwhelmed. Perhaps you are trying to do too much. It's time for a break. Turn your awareness inwards."
Loss of personal power
Fear of rejection
Surrounded by selfish or demanding people
Ticket Taker:
Blep Notes: Whenever assigning anything to TT I always worry that it’ll overlap too much with Jester, because they both have the authority or leader role, Jester just has more of a leadership role than TT does. Whooo more Swords! I probably could have just done a few posts with each individual suit with how half the cast has Sword cards... But also I think if I were to go with any other card for TT I would've been heavily influenced by Hexserath’s mirror hall theory.
Potential Cards: Three of wands, Ten of wands, Seven of cups, King of swords, Three of pentacles, Five of Pentacles, Page of pentacles, Knight of pentacles
Suit Assignment (No Card): Pentacles or Swords
Pentacles deal with the material aspects of life: money, work, environment, the body and physical health. They represent your long-term future, career, luxuries, sensuality, security, business and finance.
Pentacles are about wealth, resilience, opportunities, and security. When reversed, pentacles can represent possessiveness, financial troubles, and losing your footing.
Swords rule over intelligence, logic, truth, ambition, conflict and communication. In readings they often speak of the power of the mind, which like the sword itself is double-edged: it can be used to both help and harm.
Swords highlight things like clarity of mind, thoughts, and ideas. Reversed, swords can cut deep: strife, conflict, and cold, hard facts come to the front.
Card: King of Swords
Keywords: reason, authority, discipline, intellect, integrity, clarity, morality, structure, truth
Upright:
“The King of Swords symbolises intellectual power and authority. He urges you to be objective, using your intellect to get your point across and achieve your goals. Put emotions aside and make decisions based on impartial judgement. Your detachment means that you may appear stern or uncaring, but others respect you for your balanced decisions and the conviction of your self-expression. You get straight to the point and speak the unvarnished truth..."
Sticking to your standards
Trustworthy authority figures
Self-discipline
Reversed:
“You may be misusing your mental power and authority, manipulating others or showing off. Keep your ego in check."
Mind games and gaslighting
Misuse of power
Crushed under impossible standards
Doctor:
Blep Notes: Figuring out which individual suit fit him the most was a struggle, mostly because he had elements of all of them except for Cups. As always, I struggled with Doctor, I think that's primarily because I just don't know how to interpret him.
Potential Cards: Ace of swords, Queen of swords, Knight of Pentacles
Suit Assignment (No Card): Wands or Swords
Wands represent passion, inspiration, spirituality and willpower. They rule over the spiritual side of consciousness and address your core self or life force - your personality, ego and energy, both internal and external.
Wands depict action, creative forces, enthusiasm, and facing down challenges. Reversed wands can be destructive and reckless.
Swords rule over intelligence, logic, truth, ambition, conflict and communication. In readings they often speak of the power of the mind, which like the sword itself is double-edged: it can be used to both help and harm.
Swords highlight things like clarity of mind, thoughts, and ideas. Reversed, swords can cut deep: strife, conflict, and cold, hard facts come to the front.
“You are a truth-seeker. The Queen of Swords signifies the power of judgement that comes from using unbiased intellect. Compassion is important, but don't let emotion cloud an independent assessment of the facts. You're highly perceptive and not afraid to say what you think, and others respect you for your truth-telling. They come to you for advice and you expect to be treated with same honesty and frankness that you embody. You know your boundaries and don't suffer fools gladly."
Judgement based on facts
Selective about sharing time and energy
Constructive criticism
Reversed:
“You are letting your heart overtake your mind and getting too emotionally involved. Take a step back and look at the situation objectively before taking your next step."
Need for objectivity
Cold, detached attitude
Manipulative, bitter energy
Columbina:
Blep Notes: I had a ramble here before Tumblr crashed on me... But essentially, I didn't know what card to give her, none clicked in place nicely. Because I really didn't want to give her a card that felt too positive, but also didn't want something too depressing, as she was in a sense a willing sacrifice (I feel like I could have worded this much better but ehhh). Eight of Swords would've also been very fitting but I didn't want ANOTHER person to be assigned to a Swords card in this post.
Potential Cards: Four of wands, Nine of wands, Ace of cups, Six of cups, Eight of cups, Ten of cups, Queen of cups, Six of swords, Eight of swords
Suit Assignment (No Card): Cups or Wands
Cups are associated with emotional life: love, relations and connections. They also deal with the unconscious, creativity and intuition. Cups often make reference to your spontaneous and habitual reactions.
Cups can shine a light on gut feelings, relationships, and emotional states. When they appear reversed, cups can point to repression, fantasies, and creative blocks.
Wands represent passion, inspiration, spirituality and willpower. They rule over the spiritual side of consciousness and address your core self or life force - your personality, ego and energy, both internal and external.
Wands depict action, creative forces, enthusiasm, and facing down challenges. Reversed wands can be destructive and reckless.
Card: Eight of Cups
Keywords: self-awareness, coming to an end, withdrawal, disappointment, introspection
Upright:
“There's something missing. You're disappointed with how a situation has turned out - maybe a job, career path, relationship or creative project - and you need to move on. It's sad to leave, but this is not a negative moment: you have recognised that you won't find true happiness in what you've already built. Change happens when we need it most..."
Sense that something is missing
Planning your quiet exit
Following your heart
Reversed:
“Unsure whether to stay or go, you're in a limbo of indecision. Ask your intuition, and be brave enough to take the plunge - there are great rewards in store if you act."
Living on autopilot
Fear of the unknown
Clinging to the past
——
Blep Notes: thank you for reading my rambling. No AI was used in the making of this.
As always characters are not mine, all credits go to original creator. Sources of information are also not mine and credits go to original creators and publishers.
IMPORTANT: Whilst I do not write NSFW, The Freak Circus is an 18+ game and media. Neko and Moderators have said many times that they do not want minors interacting with the game and its content, please respect that.
MDNI.
Ramble time for The Freak Circus because my brain did brain things. (I am working on doing more with the Tarot Card Assignments, but this little rant got stuck in my head.)
So I heard through the grapevine (aka saw one TikTok) mentioning that some people aren’t a fan of the fact that there’s gonna be a polyamory route between Harlequin, MC and Pierrot. There’s simple answers for those people: don’t play that route if you don’t like it, or just don’t play the game.
I also wanted to mention, I really want to avoid what happened to Homicipher (being abandoned/cancelled updates due to pressure of the fandom) happening to TFC. This isn’t just an indie game problem, it happens to mainstream games/media as well (for example, Cyberpunk 2077’s rushed release, fans rushed devs to release the game quicker causing us to get an unfinished game at the start, and people complained about that as if it wasn’t their fault.) but it hits indie games a lot worse.
The game is a privilege, not a right for us to have. I fear that sometimes people forget that (for any game or piece of media.)
I am happy with what we have at the moment, and I will be grateful for every update. Keeping in mind that Neko is a solo dev on this. I personally much prefer that time and effort is put into everything possible, even if it means it takes long periods of times between updates.
So in short, let Neko take however long necessary to make the game and to update it, I can’t speak for others but I know I’ll be around for how ever long it takes.
I’m going to end the rant here before I start speaking in circles.
——
Blep Notes: Thank you for reading my ramble. No AI was used in the making of this.
The Freak Circus Characters as Tarot Cards (Major Arcana):
Uhhhh so this is the first time I’ve actually posted anything on tumblr, but this idea hit me randomly out of god knows where so here we go? This also probably horribly formatted because I’m on mobile.
Just some notes before I start rambling, I do tarot readings on occasion but I’m probably an amateur at best so… I’m using The Pulp Girls Tarot Deck guidebook and Tarot for Self Discovery (published by Herron Books) as my sources. These also could all be OOC, I hope not but who knows - and in saying that I’m very open to other people’s opinions and suggestions for this idea of mine. (Edit: forgot to mention that this is just the 22 Major Arcana cards, might also assign Minor Arcana cards at some point)
If for whatever reason this post is well received or I figure out if a different card fits someone better then I may do a follow up post, or even do a post assigning cards from my Oracle Decks to the characters.
I was also very tempted to do an ask in one of the AMA’s as to what tarot card would be assigned to each character, but I wasn’t sure if it would be too dense of a question or how to even get into the AMA’s, so I just decided to go with whatever the hell my brain thinks. This is also done because I am coming up with my own character concept or way of interpreting MC.
Edit (Taken from my eventual next post): Inspiration notes: iyayadonna’s characterisation of all the characters are inspirations and influences. Hexserath’s mirror hall theory as well is a note of influence. Inspo List.
Edit: Minor Arcana assignments has been posted <3 You can find it here.
IMPORTANT: Whilst I do not write NSFW, The Freak Circus is an 18+ game and media. Neko and Moderators have said many times that they do not want minors interacting with the game and its content, please respect that.
MDNI.
Pierrot:
Blep Notes: I can’t lie, I struggled with this one. This is also definitely the most OOC one, I think I probably could’ve gone with The Lovers instead and it would be more fitting… If anything I feel like The Fool card would suit MC more.
Card: The Fool
Keywords: innocence, freedom, adventure, idealism, spontaneity, beginnings, leap of faith
Upright:
“The world is your oyster. The Fool represents new beginnings, adventure and personal growth. Imagine yourself at the outset of a journey, not sure where it might take you. Call on your inner free spirit and take the plunge. You might feel under-prepared, but the Fool is a reminder that you have everything you need. Throw caution to the wind and greet life with a sense of wonder and awe, with the trust and innocence of a child…”
New beginnings and sincerity
Calculated risks
Clean slates and open paths
Reversed:
“something is holding you back. Step forward with confidence that the universe will catch you. Beware of acting recklessly, and be mindful of the impact of your adventure seeking on those around you.”
Irresponsibility and foolishness
Leaping before you look
Need for more planning
Harlequin:
Blep Notes: I was stuck between The Devil or The Tower for him, but The Tower just felt more fitting.
“Prepare yourself to be hit by a lightning bolt. Radical change is coming- sudden, unexpected, life-altering upheaval. It may be a tragic and traumatic event that brings your world crashing down around you. Don’t fight it: as you’re forced to question everything you thought was true, you’ll realise that the world was built on false foundations. The Tower brings a blessing in disguise - now you can reconstruct on firmer ground, with all that wisdom that comes from having survived the worst.”
Sudden changes, upheaval
Destruction and chaos
Revelations and enlightenment
Reversed:
“You can see the crisis coming, and you’re doing everything you can to avoid it. Don’t resist: the tower is unstable. It must fall.”
Resisting an incoming crisis
Struggling to hold the pieces together
The calm after the storm
Jester:
Blep Notes: much like Harlequin’s card I actually think this is the most fitting of all the cards. Jester was also the first to have a card assigned to him, I totally don’t have a favourite character… This was also inspired by iyayadonna’s characterisation of him. I think The Moon could’ve also been fitting.
“The father figure of the tarot, the emperor is powerful, disciplined and practical. He encourages you to be a firm but fair leader, establishing structure, creating rules and systems, and imparting knowledge. You’ve gained the benefit of wisdom through your life experience, now apply it to a project or endeavour. Take pleasure from offering guidance as a boss, coach, or friend…”
Creating calm out of chaos
Knowledge and expertise
Power and leadership
Reversed:
“you may experience an abuse of power or overly domineering behaviour, probably from an older man or person in authority…”
Obsession with control
Manipulation or abuse of power
Feeling powerless in a situation
Ticket Taker:
Blep Notes: like Pierrot I struggled to assign a card to TT, I was tossing up between The Hierophant, Strength and Justice. I also think The Emperor would’ve worked well for him but I didn’t want to double assign a card.
“All your actions have consequences. The Justice card calls you to account - if you have acted in accordance with your higher self and for the good of others, you can rest easy. If not, it’s time to reflect on how your own actions have contributed to the situation you now find yourself in. Take responsibility, be accountable for what you have done, and you’ll be treated with fairness and compassion…”
Life lessons
Honesty is the best policy
Getting what is owed to you
Reversed:
“You may be aware deep-down that you’ve done something that’s not in line with your ethical system. Maybe you’re in denial. Own up to it - or live with your conscience.”
“The Hermit symbolises a time when you turn away from the outside world to begin a period of reflection, soul-searching or even a quest for spiritual enlightenment. You may simply be feeling anti-social and need a break from the everyday, or you may enter a period of contemplation that leads you to re-evaluate your life’s course. Either way you’ll be energised by solitude - it’s a perfect time to reflect on your personal values and get closer to your authentic self.”
Focus on introspection
Searching for answers
Feeling the need to be alone
Reversed:
“You may have withdrawn too much from the world or become overly reclusive. It’s time to emerge back into the world and reconnect with others.”
Feelings of loneliness
Isolating yourself
Self-rejection
Columbina:
Blep Notes: I was tossing up between a few cards for her being The Sun, The World, Temperance and The Lovers, but settled on this card primarily for the fact that it has mentions to The Tower. Though it is very possible that one of the other cards would have been more fitting.
“The calm after the tower’s storm, the Star represents the blessings of the universe. You have come through tough times with a rejuvenated sense of yourself and the world around you - you’ve uncovered your resilience and inner power. Your hope and faith have been renewed- it’s time to take hold of the magic flowing around you and let your dreams and aspirations soar…”
Hope and guidance after difficult times
Renewed belief - in life, in others, in yourself
Beauty and creativity
Reversed:
“you may be feeling hopeless and defeated, drained by the difficulties you have been through. It’s time to draw a line under the past and move forward.”
Despair and loneliness
Refusing help or avoiding taking action
Giving up too easily
——
Blep Notes: thank you for reading my rambling. No AI was used in the making of this.
As always characters are not mine, all credits go to original creator. Sources of information are also not mine and credits go to original creators and publishers.
