Denial – Circus

Denial/Circus > Anger

Enemies: Poor cosplaying characters of wonderland known figures. Rabbit companion, Tweedle Dee and Dum. Cheshire cat.

Weapons: Stealth - Frogs, Timeclock (Perhaps a carousel)

Upgrades: getting the Timeclock

Outfits: Yellow Dress, Circus outfit (performing)

What player learns: using the Timeclock, collectible engine

Transition: Shock > Denial will be (optional) Alice in a mining cart, running, being chased by enemies from the previous stage. Falling with the cart into Denial, turning into a raft.

Concept

Denial is the first stage of Grief Alice encounters upon her return to Wonderland. It hints at the shattered reality of Wonderland - islands floating in the sky, broken toys and teapots - but Denial paints the scene with such lovely light, color, music, and sound that we’re briefly lulled into believing everything is alright.

The Rabbit Plush is Alice's companion, sometimes running ahead of Alice to guide the way, other times jumping into Alice’s arms for a ride. He delivers dialog and provides for Alice a companion to talk to (rarely to talk with). Rabbit is Alice’s curiosity projecting itself forward into the unknown. Alice expresses her fear and wonderment to Rabbit throughout the journey. Cheshire Cat appears from a darker place within Alice’s mind. He knows just how fucked up things are but is characteristically oblique. “The best lessons are learned the hard way.” He derides Alice’s relationship with Rabbit - not only because Rabbit seems to lack a brain but also because “Rabbits are fine to ruminate and stew but one in your belly will take you further than a lucky paw.”

Alice’s goal at this point is a mirage or a fool’s errand - rearranging the deck chairs while the ship sinks; making the bed while the house burns. The Jabberwocky is released from its cave and lays waste to the illusion. Denial is blown apart and we see the true nature of Wonderland in its current state. A wasteland of destruction - entire kingdoms blown into orbit around a central “sun” of Chaos.

Story

Alice arrives at the Denial Realm; it's a huge Amusement park. She walks around and practically sees posters for the Circus who has reached "town" she goes to visit. She helps them rebuild or perhaps rework the place for their grand opening. She sees the ride of the "horror house" which is the ride towards Queensland (anger), no one I willing to recognize that ride in the amusement park. She visits the Botanical garden to collect tickets or objectives to open the various rides, there are mini games, she eventually opens the Horror house ride.

At the "night" the circus is finally ready to open it's grand show Alice is kidnapped and forced to sing/dance and is forced to dress in a costume of a harlequin. The shows goes on and on, eventually Alice somehow escapes the circus to the Horror ride towards Queensland.