New Clown Order

The New Clown Order is an umbrella organization in Los Santos which, unofficially but nonetheless with jurisprudence, oversees the activities of all participating Clowns. The NCO formulates its Code, or Clownstitution, and governs over clowns who follow it, including bestowing punishments for those clowns who break the Code. The NCO is headed by Elders, currently styled as Kings and Queens, who author the Code and make sure it is enforced.

The NCO operates separately from the Clowncil, which is an organized criminal enterprise. However, signing the Code is a requirement to be in the Clowncil. Some members of Clowncil are considered to have signed, even if they have not yet physically have done so.

Background[]

Following the five-year war with the mimes, a war lost by the clowns, many battle-weary clowns found themselves back in Los Santos once again. Torn apart by the events of the war, many clowns were in conflict with other fellow clowns, sometimes violently so, and relations between fellow clowns were generally poor. Over the course of several weeks, many clowns voiced their disappointments in other clowns as well as their desire for a new structure and law to apply to all clowns. Chatterbox and a few allies held careful conversations with many clowns in the city to see where each one stood. The foundational ideas of the Order manifested slowly during this time period, eventually leading to the formation of the Order.

The Clown Code[]

The New Clown Order code is subject to change by the Clown Royalty, through recommendations by all NCO members (i.e. signers) on a periodic basis. The code as it currently stands (as of July 29th, 2024) is listed below.

"I swear and affirm that I will follow the Clown Code, and any failures to comply with the Clown Code will be treated as a breach of contract.

Clowns must commit to being identified by their mask and/or face paint. Clowns may not use their persona as a shield to hide behind.
Clowns must consent to being voice ID'ed.
Cannot use a gun against members of the police unless they shoot first.
Clown-on-clown violence prohibits guns and ocean dumping.
Snitching is acceptable if comedy is the goal rather than purely malicious intent.
No serious malding will be tolerated.
Clowns are not to target other clowns' friends, family members, or loved ones for the purpose of harming said clown.
Every clown must make an effort to be unique.
All clowns can be subjected to Clown Court / Clown Hall should it be deemed necessary by the King or Queen.
Clowns may not impersonate other clowns to help said clowns evade warrants or arrests.
Clowns may not sue the police unless approved by the Clown Royalty."

Note: It was not immediately clear whether or not the prior escape clause, which entailed removing mask or face paint for seven days, and/or the acknowledgement line were now omitted from the Clown Code. For reference, those are listed below:

Once signed onto the NCO Clown Code, a clown agrees that if, at any time, the clown wishes to walk away from the NCO, the clown may not dress as a clown for a period of seven days.
By my signature, I acknowledge that I have read, understand, and agree to the policies and procedures of the NCO Clown Code.

By adhering to the New Clown Order Code, clowns commit to a community of respect, humor, and a shared responsibility for maintaining the integrity of the clown way of life. Any violation of these principles may result in the forfeiture of several privileges of being an NCO member.

Specific punishments for violating the Code are intentionally not defined as they will be administered on a case-by-case basis, usually at the sole discretion of the Clown Royalty.

Only clowns may sign the Code. Further, all clowns are strongly encouraged to sign the code unless there is a prior trust issue and no invitation can occur. A clown is defined as a person wearing makeup or a mask for an extended period of time.

Prior Versions of the Code[]

May 16th, 2024

"I swear and affirm that I will follow the Clown Code, and any failures to comply with the Clown Code will be treated as a breach of contract and remediated through binding arbitration of the Clown Elders.

Clowns must commit to being identified by their mask and/or face paint. Clowns may not use their persona as a shield to hide behind.
Clowns must consent to being voice ID'ed.
Snitching is acceptable if comedy is the goal rather than purely malicious intent.
No serious malding will be tolerated.
Clowns are not to target other clowns' friends, family members, or loved ones for the purpose of harming said clown.
Every clown must make an effort to be unique.
All clowns can be subjected to Clown Court / Clown Hall should it be deemed necessary by the Elders.
Once signed onto the NCO Clown Code, a clown agrees that if, at any time, the clown wishes to walk away from the NCO, the clown may not dress as a clown for a period of seven days.

By my signature, I acknowledge that I have read, understand, and agree to the policies and procedures of the NCO Clown Code."

Further comments on each clause:

Transparent Identity: As one example, no clown may claim innocence by saying, "I didn't do it. It was someone else in my clown mask."
Funny Snitching: The Elders have admitted they may need to vote on whether snitching was genuinely funny or not.
No Malding: Malding is defined as excessive complaining or frustration.
No Targeting Loved Ones: This rule does not apply if the loved one attempts to harm a clown first.

February 20th, 2024

"I swear and affirm that I will follow the Clown Code, and any failures to comply with the Clown Code will be treated as a breach of contract and remediated through binding arbitration of the Clown Elders.

Clowns must commit to being identified by their mask and/or face paint. Clowns may not use their persona as a shield to hide behind.
Clowns must consent to being voice ID'ed.
Clowns cannot use guns against members of the police unless they shoot first.
Any shootings involving police and clowns must be reported to the NCO (Clown Elders).
Clown-on-clown violence prohibits guns, knives, or any other lethal weapons. Wrenches are acceptable.
Snitching is acceptable if comedy is the goal rather than purely malicious intent.
No serious malding will be tolerated.
A clown must never ask the police for "free passage" lest they be punished.
Clowns are not to target other clowns' friends, family members, or loved ones for the purpose of harming said clown.
Every clown must make an effort to be unique.
All clowns can be subjected to Clown Court / Clown Hall should it be deemed necessary by the Elders.
Clowns that refuse to sign the Clown Code are not to be attacked or unmasked / defaced unless they cause serious issues first.
The Clown Elders are responsible for organizing Clown Halls and Clown Courts. Failure by an Elder to do so may result in Clownpeachment.
Clown Elders must make an effort to organize a Clown Hall every two months for the replacement of at least one Elder. (One Elder voted out, one Elder voted in.)
Once signed onto the NCO Clown Code, a clown agrees that if, at any time, the clown wishes to walk away from the NCO, the clown may not dress as a clown for a period of seven days.

By my signature, I acknowledge that I have read, understand, and agree to the policies and procedures of the NCO Clown Code."

Further comments on each clause:

Transparent Identity: As one example, no clown may claim innocence by saying, "I didn't do it. It was someone else in my clown mask."
Restrictions on Clown vs. Clown Violence: Explosives would be included in "lethal weapons".
Funny Snitching: The Elders have admitted they may need to vote on whether snitching was genuinely funny or not.
No Malding: Malding is defined as excessive complaining or frustration.
No Targeting Loved Ones: This rule does not apply if the loved one attempts to harm a clown first.

February 19th, 2024

"I swear and affirm that I will follow the Clown Code, and any failures to comply with the Clown Code will be treated as a breach of contract and remediated through binding arbitration of the Clown Elders.

Clowns must commit to being identified by their mask and/or face paint. Clowns may not use their persona as a shield to hide behind.
Clowns must consent to being voice ID'ed.
Clowns cannot use guns against members of the police unless they shoot first.
Any shootings involving police and clowns must be reported to the NCO (Clown Elders).
Clown-on-clown violence prohibits guns, knives, or any other lethal weapons. Wrenches are acceptable.
Snitching is acceptable if comedy is the goal rather than purely malicious intent.
No serious malding will be tolerated.
A clown must never ask the police for "free passage" lest they be punished.
Be respectful in another clown's home. In particular, shoes off and no swearing.
The Elders have the final say on anything that falls under the Clown Code.
Clowns are not to target other clowns' friends, family members, or loved ones for the purpose of harming said clown.
Every clown must make an effort to be unique.
All clowns can be subjected to Clown Court / Clown Hall should it be deemed necessary by the Elders.
Secrets are meant to be kept. No spilling of tea unless it's funny.
Clowns that refuse to sign the Clown Code are not to be attacked or unmasked / defaced unless they cause serious issues first.
The Clown Elders are responsible for organizing Clown Halls and Clown Courts. Failure by an Elder to do so may result in Clownpeachment.
Clown Elders must make an effort to organize a Clown Hall every two months for the replacement of at least one Elder. (One Elder voted out, one Elder voted in.)
Once signed onto the NCO Clown Code, a clown agrees that if, at any time, the clown wishes to walk away from the NCO, the clown may not dress as a clown for a period of seven days.

By my signature, I acknowledge that I have read, understand, and agree to the policies and procedures of the NCO Clown Code."

Further comments on each clause:

Transparent Identity: As one example, no clown may claim innocence by saying, "I didn't do it. It was someone else in my clown mask."
Restrictions on Clown vs. Clown Violence: Explosives would be included in "lethal weapons".
Funny Snitching: The Elders have admitted they may need to vote on whether snitching was genuinely funny or not.
No Malding: Malding is defined as excessive complaining or frustration.
Respect for Clown Homes: A clown's home must be respected, with zero tolerance for swearing or dirty shoes.
Secrets Among Clowns: Secrets between clowns are sacred and must be kept.
Supremacy of the Elders: This clause is also meant to imply all clowns must respect the Elders.
No Targeting Loved Ones: This rule does not apply if the loved one attempts to harm a clown first.

January 5th, 2024

"I swear and affirm that I will follow the Clown Code, and any failures to comply with the Clown Code will be treated as a breach of contract and remediated through binding arbitration of the Clown Elders.

Clowns must commit to being identified by their mask and/or face paint. Clowns may not use their persona as a shield to hide behind.
Clowns must consent to being voice ID'ed.
Clowns cannot use guns against members of the police unless they shoot first.
Any shootings involving police and clowns must be reported to the NCO (Clown Elders).
Clown-on-clown violence prohibits guns, knives, or any other lethal weapons. Wrenches are acceptable.
Snitching is acceptable if comedy is the goal rather than purely malicious intent.
No serious malding will be tolerated.
A clown must never ask the police for "free passage" lest they be punished.
Be respectful in another clown's home. In particular, shoes off and no swearing.
Secrets are meant to be kept. No spilling of tea unless it's funny.
The Elders have the final say on everything.
Clowns are not to target other clowns' friends, family members, or loved ones for the purpose of harming said clown.
Every clown must make an effort to be unique.
All clowns can be subjected to Clown Court / Clown Hall should it be deemed necessary by the Elders."

Further comments on each clause:

Transparent Identity: As one example, no clown may claim innocence by saying, "I didn't do it. It was someone else in my clown mask."
Restrictions on Clown vs. Clown Violence: Explosives would be included in "lethal weapons".
Funny Snitching: The Elders have admitted they may need to vote on whether snitching was genuinely funny or not.
No Malding: Malding is defined as excessive complaining or frustration.
Respect for Clown Homes: A clown's home must be respected, with zero tolerance for swearing or dirty shoes.
Secrets Among Clowns: Secrets between clowns are sacred and must be kept.
Supremacy of the Elders: This clause is also meant to imply all clowns must respect the Elders.
No Targeting Loved Ones: This rule does not apply if the loved one attempts to harm a clown first.

Roster of the Order[]

Main article: New Clown Order/Members

By design, there are two spots for Elders overseeing the NCO, and in addition one Master of Whisperers. Members are those clowns who have signed the New Clown Order code. The two Elders do some nominal level of administration for the NCO and also make decisions regarding the clown community by voting.

The Master of Whisperers is responsible for maintaining a good legal reputation and serves as a shadow or stealth clown. The Master also breaks ties on Elder votes. The Master of Whisperers role is not up for election and continues indefinitely until the Master steps down or the representative is impeached.

On April 5th, 2024, Chatterbox usurped exclusive control over the NCO once again after having been dissatisfied with the performance of the elected Elders, who had had been negligent in their basic duties running the group. Chatterbox suspended elections indefinitely and pledged to run the group as it had originally been intended to be run, according to him. He left open the possibility of resuming Elder elections after he had had sufficient time to set the proper example to the rest of the NCO. All twenty or so clowns who were in attendance at the called meeting bent the knee to Chatterbox. Party Hardy was presumed to be leading the NCO alongside but under Chatterbox.

On May 16th, 2024, after reinstating the Clown Code, the New Clown Order began collecting new signatures from existing and new signees. These signatures, as well as the main copy of the Clown Code, are currently in the possession of Party Hardy.

Voting Process[]

When a formal decision is required, the Elders currently present in the city, not including the Master of Whisperers, deliberate and then vote, unless the vote is deferred to a later time. A majority vote prevails. In the event of a tie, the stalemate is broken by the additional vote of the Master of Whisperers, if that clown is available. If there is a tie and the Master is not available, the vote is deferred. All decisions require a minimum of three votes, including the Master when that person's vote is applicable and available.

Clown Halls[]

Main article: New Clown Order/History § Clown Halls

On a periodic basis, roughly monthly or bimonthly, Clown Hall gatherings will occur. At these meetings, the Elders will make announcements, solicit possible suggestions for Code changes from the Members, and perform other administrative activities.

Clown Court[]

Main article: New Clown Order/History § Clown Court

When the Elders deem that a clown decision needs to be made that is larger than usual, they call a Clown Court. At a Clown Court, all signers hear the court case against an accused. Guilt or innocence is decided by both the Members and the Elders. Suggestions for punishments are offered by the Members to the Elders. Finally, if the accused is guilty, then the Elders select a punishment.