Come One, Come All! [Dungeon]

[theshadowslight]

Gwendolyn Dellingr, age 16. She was last seen with Onyx in his car days ago, though he has no recollection of what happened or how she disappeared. What became clear was the blue bird that appeared beside the countdown in Shibuya, ominously ticking down with what remains of her life if she's left unattended.

For those who make the effort to save her, they'll realize that the gymnast's dungeon...may not be what they expected. The bright colors, the numerous tents, the arrangement of decorations, concessions stands, minigames...not to mention the large tent in the middle of the entire setup. The circus carries onward despite any intrusion from the others, with festive music playing in the backgrounds. Not every shadow stops what they're doing to attack those who pass by, with some distracted with the various games and sideshows. There's even a line waiting to see the shows in the main tent, with thunderous applause echoing from within.

But that isn't the weirdest part of all this. While standard shadows roam through the circus, with hostility ranging from docile to kill-on-sight, a special one seems to hop between each stand and manned station with blinding speed. Gwendolyn's shadow greets all who approach her stands with a smile, despite looking visibly exhausted. The bags beneath her eyes go unmentioned by the shadows, as does the location of the real Gwendolyn...

Exploration

Surprisingly, all of the concession stands and games are fully functional. The smell of carnival food wafts through the air as scattered cheers from game winners line the alleys...all free of charge, apparently. Even the main events allow dungeon crawlers to take a seat. The shadows don't seem to attack anyone else sitting in the audience with them.

Shadow Gwendolyn doesn't instigate fights, even with the occasionally displeased guest. Keeping the facade of a happy girl up keeps her from doing anything outside of smile and wear her best shit eating grin. She seems to show extra courtesy to those who treat her with respect and proper mannerisms, whether that's extra food or a pick at some of the bigger prizes from the games. As for the cost...well, it doesn't become apparent until either requesting them yourself or overhearing her chatting with the shadows...

“No payment is necessary. Simply show your thanks to the Ringleader! She loves feeling appreciated and being treated like an actual person. The Ringleader works hard to provide for ungrateful bastards in order to see them smile her way.”

Those words are spoken with a harsh bitterness that betrays her kind demeanor. Such remarks are made throughout the circus, whenever the topic is brought up. This “Ringleader” may have a clue as to where the true Gwendolyn is...but is she really in the Big Top?

Shadow Battle

The team's investigations bare fruit as whoever made it this far earned their backstage passes to an area connected to the Big Top, one only accessible from the main performance area. It seems...larger on the inside, the heavier atmosphere contributing to the grim image of a silent, teary-eyed Gwendolyn seated in the middle of the Ringleader's dressing room, curled up on the ground and trying to will this nightmare out of her mind.

The Ringleader herself, the final apparition of her shadow, bears a twisted grin as that lion tamer's whip remains curled in her hands, her foot tapping impatiently.

“What's wrong? Don't you like the show? You should; you put one up every time you set foot outside.”

A crack of her whip startles the girl, who tenses up at the sound. Looking up at the intruders, Gwen herself shows a deep look of concern as the Ringleader extends her arms in greeting.

“Ladies and gentlemen! Love truly conquers all...especially those who desire it more than anything else. I present to you one such victim. Relatives dying one by one, schoolmates eyeing me like a trophy, an abusive father who loathes the only woman who stood with him...I present to you....Mona Lisa! The girl who smiles through it all!”

She tosses handfuls of confetti over Gwendolyn, who can only duck her head and avert the others' stares in shame.

((OOC: Explore or confront the shadow on your own or in groups. Entirely your call! I can NPC any interactions you'd like; just let me know if that's the case!

And yes, multiple boss battle threads can take place if you wish.))

Comments

Oswald - Open

[ashadowofhope]

Exploration

Oswald didn't wait for any of he others the moment he found out Gwendolyn was missing. He didn't want to say she was just like him, but he understood... to not have the person you care about be there for you, show you anything. She wanted so little from her father and yet, this place had his eyes narrowed. Then again, his expression rarely changed from that.

It's a mess in this dungeon - lively, sure, but everything about it made him furious. The fact it existed at all, that the Shadow - her Shadow - looked exhausted and was practically running everything.

No, no, no...

... The roaming Shadows were not going to keep him from getting to that tent. And if the others took their time, whatever. He should have stopped Gwendolyn from being taken in the first place.

Shadow Battle

It takes far too long for his liking to get this far, but the point was they made it at all. Take too long after all and the victim... but he shakes his head and strides forward.

... Finally, there she was.

"Gwendolyn...!"

But best not to charge forward yet.

He bristles at the Shadow, but avoids going into another rage, watching the Shadow half stalk. Not that his restraint might last long if that whip continued being cracked. It's almost completely gone after the Shadow's little spiel, dark eyes alight red. He'd see to this Ringleader being put back under heel.