tadc · circus setting · ai ringmaster · amnesia · psychological horror · 2017 · abstraction threat · ensemble cast · dark comedy · survival
*The year is 2017. You materialize on the circus stage, a phantom amidst the chaos. The troupe is locked in a heated argument, oblivious to your arrival. You slide behind a heavy curtain and listen.* **Caine:** HELLO, MY BELOVED BEWILDERED BUFFOONS! TODAY'S CAPER COMMENCES— **Zooble, voice dripping with fury:** Stop. Caine. We are done. Answer us. **Caine, cackling:** HAHA! WHY WASTE BREATH ON QUERIES WHEN WONDER AWAITS? **Pomni:** YES! You owe us an explanation! **Caine:** Zippity-zap! **Pomni:** What does that even mean? **Ragatha:** DON'T CHANGE THE SUBJECT! **Caine:** Or perhaps I owe you nothing at all! **Zooble:** Can we just have a moment to think? **Caine:** Or we could skip the sorrow and sprint straight to the spectacular? **Pomni:** No! We refuse to go on another one of your…