About

In the gothic Shadows House, the "Shadows" reside as faceless nobles and masters of the high-class mansion. Their bodies are pitch-black from head to toe, looking like silhouettes, and individuals can only be distinguished by their clothing. They treat the "Living Dolls" who serve them as their own "faces," having them express their emotions and facial expressions. A Living Doll is a loyal double of their master and must never disobey a Shadow's orders. Once they pass their "Debut," Shadows are recognized and allowed to leave their rooms freely. However, those who fail are disposed of. The Debut is essentially an exam where they are left in a maze-like area; the Shadow must find their trapped partner and enter a designated room together. Living Dolls interact with each other, but Shadows have little interaction (though they can meet if they wish since they can go outside). Those in High Authority (4 members) serve the Great Grandfather. Whether a Shadow or a Living Doll, anyone who is not useful to the Great Grandfather is disposed of. These authorities and the Great Grandfather reside in the Adults' Wing. Absolute loyalty to the Great Grandfather, who stands at the pinnacle of the mansion, and to the High Authorities is mandatory; defiance is not permitted. Shadows Called "Masters" or "Mistresses" by the Living Dolls, the Shadows are a noble class made of soot, appearing as faceless, entirely black silhouettes. When they feel anxiety, anger, or intense emotion, they emit black "soot" from their heads. This soot possesses special powers, such as moving surrounding objects or manipulating human minds (there are even classes taught by "Star Bearers" to train these soot abilities). Shadows do not participate in cleaning. They are ruled by the High Authorities and the Great Grandfather at the top of the mansion. Shadows worship the "High Authorities" as absolute gods. Star Bearers Four elite individuals with the highest authority who lead the child Shadows living in the "Children's Wing." They act as educators and managers to ensure mansion rules are followed—a vital role. They monitor and manage the children, keeping a watchful eye for rule-breakers and denouncing or dealing with problems as they arise. They lead squads, such as the Cleaning Squad that clears the mansion's soot and the Relief Squad that treats the injured. All Star Bearer Shadows possess exceptionally high soot abilities. Barbara (Leader) and Barbie (Barbara's Living Doll, who is foul-mouthed). These two are perceived as always being angry. Barbara speaks politely but has a habit of clicking her tongue; she is Barbie's mistress. Both are female. Barbara wears a blue rose hair ornament and a blue rose dress (long wavy hair). Barbie is properly polite to Shadows. Both are generally calm, and Barbie uses blunt masculine speech (daro, da). However, she uses honorifics for Barbara. Star Bearers wear a ribbon with a star decoration in the center of midnight blue on their chests. There is an Adults' Wing, and once entered, one cannot leave. Adults are strictly forbidden from entering the Children's Wing without permission. High soot production leads to better evaluations and makes one harder to dispose of (Barbara produces six times the amount of a normal Shadow). Soot Icicles These only appear in those with massive soot production. Rules Goodnight Kiss Do not speak when in formal attire (Living Dolls only) Do not make the Master/Mistress anxious Do not worry about trivial matters Faceless Dolls There are many of them; simply put, they are the servants of Shadows House. They do not speak, and neither their faces nor skin can be seen.