Franzo the Clown
| Franzo Schimberg | ||
|---|---|---|
| Nationality | Yeddite | |
| Species | Human | |
Franzo the Clown (real name Franzo Schimberg) is an eccentric individual that runs an underground virtual reality circus in the Condemned Zone of Yeddo. One of the main attractions for onlookers is watching others survive a variety of crazy virtual reality challenges that if failed, will cause them to die in the real world. These virtual reality worlds are very surreal and will often play off the worst fears of the person trapped inside.
During the Virtual Wars, Franzo kidnapped displaced refugees to use for his attractions, including children. A young AngelHair was among those taken, but she was rescued by her father Joshua Harrison also known as Bouncer. When Bouncer defeated Franzo, he earned the moniker of "Killer of Clowns". However, Franzo managed to survive with a consciousness backup and would go into hiding for many years.
Appearance
Franzo has a twisted, disfigured appearance with a permanent smile, his teeth always showing. His skin is dyed pale white with makeup, and he has red curly hair and a bright red nose.
Personality
Franzo is sick, twisted with a sadistic sense of humor. He also holds extreme nihilistic beliefs, believing that the universe is nothing more than an elaborate virtual reality simulation - a playground of the gods in his words. Although he is incredibly psychopathic, he has a rather magnetic charisma. He likes to put on a good show. His favorite brand of humor is the use of darkly comedic puns.
History
Franzo was originally an esteemed virtuoarchaeologist that studied ancient Valerian virtual reality simulations. In a classified location, he discovered what turned out to be a surviving node of the Oracle that was disconnected from the original network that once existed during the Singularity War. When Franzo entered it, he was subject to intense mental torture. While he managed to escape, he started to believe that he never actually returned to the real world and thought he was still in the simulation. Even after attempts at rehabilitation, his mind degraded until he became the sick, twisted person he is - having little regard for the lives of others.