FIDGETVALVE CLOWN
GnomesMechanical Clown & Entertainer
"Laughter is the most important invention of all—more than steam, more than gears, more than any machine. A good laugh can heal wounds, bridge differences, make life worth living. My mechanical gags are just tools for delivering that medicine.""
Identity
- Residence
- The Entertainment District, Gearhaven
- Civilization
- Gnomes
Appearance
• Clothing: He wears a colorful costume with mechanical elements—spinning gears, extending arms, popping surprises. His shoes have built-in sound effects and his pockets are full of mechanical gags. • Distinguishing Marks: A scar on his face from an early performance accident, permanently paint-stained fingers, and a tattoo of a smiling gear on his wrist.
Relationships
- Family - A wife who helps with his performances, children who assist as apprentices, parents who don't understand his "frivolous" career
- Allies - The Entertainers' Guild, children who love his performances, fellow performers who share his passion
- Rivals - Competing entertainers, those who've copied his gags
Personality
- Traits: Endlessly playful, genuinely passionate about bringing joy, surprisingly sophisticated about performance, fiercely protective of children
- Mannerisms: Performs constantly even when off stage, speaks in puns and jokes, uses mechanical sound effects in conversation
- Voice: Exaggerated and theatrical, with special sound effects and voices for different characters
Backstory
Fidgetvalve was originally trained as a mechanic but discovered his true calling in entertainment when he started incorporating mechanical gags into his work. He's since become one of Gearhaven's beloved performers, bringing joy to children and adults alike. He maintains that laughter is essential to life and that mechanical humor bridges the gap between technology and humanity.
Daily Life
His days are spent performing at various venues, maintaining his mechanical props, and developing new gags. He frequently visits hospitals and orphanages to perform for those who need joy most. His evenings are dedicated to prop maintenance and planning new performances.
Secret
Fidgetvalve has discovered that his performances seem to have unusual effects on audiences—enhanced mood, improved healing, even (he suspects) mild magical effects. He's terrified of this knowledge being exploited and has been quietly modifying his act to reduce the effect.
Story Hooks
- 1 Fidgetvalve needs help understanding the unusual effects of his performances, offering his entertainment expertise in exchange.
- 2 Someone has learned about his discovery and wants to exploit it for profit; he needs help protecting his art from exploitation.
Narrative Value
Joy-bringer and unexpected healer. Provides entertainment, access to community networks, and raises questions about healing through joy. His discovery adds wonder and ethical complexity. ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════