The Ringmaster

The Ringmaster is a Duke of unknown magical ability.

Ten minutes walk away from a truck stop in Alabama, there is a small roadside attraction that bills itself as a hall of mirrors. From the exterior it is small, ramshackle, and not apparently worth any kind of entry fee. The funhouse-style body warping mirrors are placed against the walls haphazardly. It is not a great experience.

This is the domain of the Ringmaster. Once inside, it becomes apparent that there is no natural exit, and the images in the mirrors show a reflection of the viewer's worst self. Escape can only be achieved by breaking the mirrors showing the dark selves and eating the pieces, metaphysically taking responsibility for the worst parts of yourself, even at risk of allowing it to harm you. Although Phoenix Jackson referred to it obliquely as "an Otherspace", this is probably a manifestation of the House of Renunciation.

The Ringmaster is so nicknamed for his costume, which is to say, he dresses like a circus ringmaster. The Ringmaster was last seen wearing a red tailcoat and black velvet trousers, and carrying a whip. It is entirely likely that he does this on purpose because he has a flair for the dramatic. An employee of Mak Attax in New Orleans appeared to recognise this description of him, asking if "Duncan is back in town".

The Ringmaster is a significantly better name than Duncan.