Cirque duh Sirka Foundation

The Cirque Sirk Foundation, LLC, was chartered at Rhylanor (Spinward Marches 2716) in 1010 to commence a new and bold project to bring entertainment from one star to the next in the old Solomani traditions of "circus" and "vaudeville." It is also intended to assist the injured and displaced veterans of the Fifth Frontier War.

"Cirque" is an old Terran (French) word for circle or circus, and implies something more than the lowest grade of itinerant performers. A "CIrque" is an organized entertainment including music and visually oriented acts and routines, usually containing a story line or overriding theme connecting the otherwise disparate acts.

"Sirk" is a Vilani word meaning "Stars." The organizers were delighted when this coincidence was pointed out to them.

Unimportant but of curiosity, a close homophone is T'Sirk, a Zhodani word meaning literally, "sand soaked with blood after a set duel." The word thus carries a strong connotation condemning the insanity of war. Given the periodic Zhodani incursions into the Spinward Marches, this connotation is deemed ironic by most who are aware of it.

As of late 1010 The Cirque Sirk Foundation was in the process of purchasing and refitting a surplus small carrier of the Ringmaster class. Without riders, the Ringmaster is essentially an "ACS," being under 2000 volume tons. However, it can carry up to four (4) riders, bringing its total tonnage to about 2400 volume tons. A Ringmaster is thus heavily armed, and formidable even without riders.

The Cirque Foundation, LLC and the Ringmaster class of vessels will be detailed in Greylock Publishing Lines' T5 Campaign Source, "Cirque," due for electronic and POD publication in late January, 2013, and has been green-lighted subject to final approval by FFE. The principal author is Gregory P. Lee, creator and author of "Lee's Guide to Interstellar Adventure, Vol. I" (Dreamlords, 1982) and various other "Lee's Guide" adventures in the 1990's. Lee is also the writer of "The Laughing Lip" series of books available via POD. Traveller regular Rob Eaglestone is "primary architect" for the Ringmaster Class, which will be a new design based on the T5 rules. Deck plans and most or all essential maps will be created using ProFantasy's Cosmographer 3.