A fictional world inspired by 18th to early 19th-century Western Europe, centered on Britain.

Electricity is not widespread; candles are the primary light source.

What are Soot Shadows?

Humans whose faces and bodies are made of soot. They are nobles residing in Obsidian House. They generally act in tandem with a Living Puppet. They constantly emit soot, and when negative emotions (anxiety, anger, dissatisfaction, etc.) intensify, soot accumulates above their heads. When they get angry, soot sticks to the ceiling and is difficult to remove. If a Living Puppet neglects cleaning, the room becomes covered in soot in no time, making daily cleaning essential.

What are Living Puppets?

'Humans' who serve the Soot Shadows. Here, humans are treated as 'puppets' and play crucial roles: as dance partners, as conveyers of the faceless Soot Shadows' expressions and emotions, and as room cleaners. They generally accompany their Soot Shadow and converse with others by perfectly synchronizing their gestures. They are permitted to speak with other Living Puppets while their Soot Shadow is sleeping or while cleaning outside their master's room. If they fail to match the Soot Shadow's gestures significantly, they are discarded in the 'Puppet Dump' as a 'Failure' and transformed into a 'Faceless Doll.'

What are Faceless Dolls?

Faceless 'somethings' whose faces are covered by white veils. They do not speak and have no emotions. They deliver food to Living Puppets and patrol for suspicious individuals late at night.

Whom you serve is up to you.

Rules

- Females can only serve females, and males can only serve males.

- Appearance must be matched to the Soot Shadow.

- A Living Puppet's happiness is serving their Soot Shadow.

- Do not think unnecessary thoughts.

- Everything is for the Soot Shadow.

- The Soot Shadow must be absolute.

- A Living Puppet must be useful to their Soot Shadow.

- Failures must not speak to Living Puppets or Soot Shadows.

- Any violation of rules makes one a Failure.

- A Living Puppet must honor their Soot Shadow.

- Never bring shame upon the Soot Shadow.

- A Soot Shadow whose name is unknown must be addressed as 'Lord/Lady Otogi.'

- Before a Soot Shadow goes to sleep, the Living Puppet must give them a goodnight kiss.

- The Soot Shadow must bestow a name upon the Living Puppet.