keeperoftales: (Default)
Forgotten Tales Mods ([personal profile] keeperoftales) wrote in [community profile] realmofstories2018-11-02 08:01 am

Nightmare on Index Street

Nightmare on Index Street—





After the final hours of Halloween are coming to an end and everyone is slowly beginning to gather their things and return to their homes to prepare for the clean-up to come in the later days, a strange, eerie silence falls throughout the Index along with a mysterious gray fog. It seeps over the ground like a veil dragged behind an invisible bride and soon engulfs the entire city. The sound of hooves clattering over the cobbled streets echo over every street like an army followed by a chorus of loud, high maniacal laughter. In the next instant everything turns pitch black, as if the light of the world had been shut off.

And then just as suddenly, the light returns. But the sight that greets those who bear witness sends chills down every spine. Pumpkins lay smashed along the streets, cobwebs cover almost every window and doorway, and scarecrows swing from nooses tied to various branches. A cold, black frost covers the ground, steam rising from the thin, icy sheet before a new sound echoes around.

Crunch. Crunch. Crunch. Crunch. Crunch.

Big, heavy footfalls and then—
VRRRRRMMMMMM WHEEEEEEENNNNN

An ear-splitting roar of motor and metal as sparks fly from a giant chainsaw. The thing wielding it? A giant skeleton several stories tall, its mouth open wide as another shrieking laugh erupts, its eyes glowing fire. As it laughs, those closest to the abomination scream in terror before it suddenly swings its weapon out, cleaving everything and everyone in its path.

YOU THINK YOU CAN DESTROY ME, OUTSIDERS? YOU THINK YOU CAN BECOME HEROES? I'VE EATEN THEM ALL, DEVOURED THEIR SOULS AND TAKEN THEIR POWER. NOW I WILL TAKE YOU AND YOUR WORLDS! I WILL CONSUME EVERYTHING!!


From its open mouth a black vortex appears, growing larger and larger until it hurls outward to smash onto the street in front of it. At first nothing happens—only a gaping, black hole exists. But then the first claw reaches out, the first tendril, wing, tail, head. Black, hellish creatures rise up and locals scream the words,

"Erasers! It's the Story Eater's minions run for your lives!!"

By now the journals of each Aspect will have begun to burn, a loud buzz drumming in their ears as the Storyteller reaches each and every one of them.



Aspects! The Story Eater has sensed of your arrival and has breached the barrier of this world. It must be repelled, but there are only so few of you and it has grown so strong. We fear you will not survive if you face it now. But with the aid of the one known as the Father of Christmas, you may be able to weaken it enough. Quickly, find his gifts, use your powers, and weaken him until I can write a new barrier to expel him.

Please, hurry!





§ prompts.


¶ I. Unwrap Those Presents! So what are our would be heroes to do? The Storyteller is utilizing the essence of—if you haven't guessed already—Santa Claus to create special presents that will help damage and delay the Story Eater. Again, it won't be enough to defeat it, but it will give the Aspects that extra oomph and time to chip away at that giant HP bar for the Storyteller to do its magic to reconstruct the shield and expel the Story Eater.

There are four types of presents:

  1. Big Red. Big red presents will summon giant snowmen that will fall either on top of or around the Story Eater. They can't really attack, but they will create a lot of ice and snow in attempt to freeze the Story Eater place. It will also help make parts of the Story Eater a bit more brittle, so those who do try to do direct attacks can deal some damage and chip away some of that bone structure. Nothing massive, but at least some cuts and small bones can be hacked off.

  2. Polka Dot Blue. Blue, polka dotted presents come in various shapes and sizes, but they all do the same thing when unwrapped and opened—create a lot of noise. Technically they're choirs singing various Christmas Carols, but doesn't really sound like it up close. Fortunately, they also come with special ear muffs and a small note saying, "Cover your ears before opening," but if disregarded then those who hear it will find themselves stunned and a little hard of hearing for a good while. Closing the flaps will silence the noise. What needs to be done is to direct the opening of the present towards the Story Eater. The "music" will amplify and stun it, giving a few precious seconds of vulnerability.

  3. Orange Gift Bags. Large gift bags with black ribbons tying them close will unleash an explosion of pumpkins once opened. These pumpkins will rise into the air laughing before raining down in a wide area and explode on impact. So be careful! These will need to be brought over near the Story Eater to deal damage.

  4. Black Envelopes in Black Stockings. These gifts are a bit harder to find, but it's also easy to notice a giant sock hanging from somewhere and a black envelope sticking out of it. They're up high, so some climbing or flying will be required. But once reached, opening the envelope will produce one of two cards. A card that is labeled "TRICK" can be used and thrown at the Story Eater. The card will expand in size and turn into steel to slice at the Story Eater, dealing a lot of damage. A card that is labeled "TREAT" can be used to help heal or boost those fighting, even allowing characters to immediately learn abilities that could help with the fight.

And around all these presents will be Erasers trying to reach and destroy them first. Some will be easy, but some may require a bit of fighting, so be prepared!


¶ II. Erase the Erasers. Erase the Erasers. The Erasers are pouring out of the black vortex and it seems as if there's an endless army of them. They are going after the citizens, so try to intercept them and defend the populace. They come in all shapes and forms, some even looking like creatures straight out of the lost stories themselves. Alternatively, try to see if you can plug up that massive hole. Perhaps a few well placed snowmen and pumpkin bombs? The gifts will also be effective against the Erasers, although it might be a little overkill.



¶ III. Help the Injured.The site where the Story Eater’s avatar landed has been reduced to rubble, and the monster is bent on more destruction as it plows through the city, any citizens caught in its wake bursting into torn pieces of ink and paper. Not everyone’s essence or heart is geared for offense, and there’s more than one way to help save the day. Those who still wish to help can try to save those who haven't been lost, or perhaps heal them if they have the knowledge or power at their disposal. Don't forget there are magical healing potions that everyone received on their first day, and it's not too difficult to find more, possibly buried underneath the rubble. Finally there are the "TREAT" cards that could also be used to help heal the injured.


¶ V. Wildcard. Make up your own prompt! Especially in regards to the festival, anything can really happen.


[Mod note: Refer to the accompanying Game Notes for more information!]
rokubro: (‡ 186)

[personal profile] rokubro 2018-11-16 11:52 pm (UTC)(link)
Haha, sorry, didn't mean to offend you. [At least it's a genuine apology! Since she really does seem bothered by it.

But yes, anyway.]


Same. At least I think my hearing is coming back. [Though he wouldn't be surprised if some permanent damage was actually incurred....] Ready to try to find the next one?
scrutinies: art: https://www.zerochan.net/2367602 (14)

[personal profile] scrutinies 2018-11-16 11:56 pm (UTC)(link)
[Cyrus, too, is taken by surprise, having been too keenly focused on watching the street below for the right moment to strike. He's thrown back in a different direction, separating him from Ophilia, though he manages to keep his own gift back clenched tightly in one hand, unwilling to let it be lost for any reason— not when they need it so badly. It's a struggle to get back to his feet, and once he does, he has to quickly sidestep a splash of acid— but it's very clear that they're about to have much more to worry about as the Eraser prepares to strike once more.

What he wouldn't give to have his magic available to him here— and yet all he has is the ability to find things as well as a pipe that he's yet to figure out the nature of. He looks to the gift bag in his hand, then back to Ophilia across the way, glad that she seems to be unharmed for now. Well... they do have two of these now.

He grimaces, grabbing the ribbing that cinches the gift back closed and slipping his fingers through it, preparing to wind up and sling the bag itself towards the creature.]


Miss Ophilia, you may want to duck!

[He trusts her to take cover— this may not be pretty. Holding his breath and hoping that his aim will be true, he raises the bag above his head and lets the ribbon go slack, sending it flying towards the Eraser itself with the hopes that it will open mid-air.

This could be brilliant, or it could go very, very badly.]
scrutinies: art: <user name=isacoque site=tumblr.com> (07)

[personal profile] scrutinies 2018-11-16 11:56 pm (UTC)(link)
That seems a shame— I can now say wholeheartedly that anyone who's yet to have the opportunity should absolutely give it a go!

[That's a lot of words to say that 'everyone should try this.' The next Eraser that goes down ends up knocking the brush-head off of the broom, but Cyrus doesn't seem deterred by that in the least. He laughs, tucking an arm behind his back and adjusting his grip to hold the broom handle like a fencing epee.]

En guarde!

[He thrusts into the chest of the next frozen Eraser, and though it takes a couple of well-aimed thrusts for this one to fall to pieces, shatter it does.]

I quite agree— we make an excellent team!
rokubro: (‡ 244)

[personal profile] rokubro 2018-11-17 12:00 am (UTC)(link)
[—Oh. WELL.]

Don't worry, I got this! [And with a grin he'll dart off and in no time at all he dispatches the remaining Erasers. After swinging his blades to clear off any residual goop, he makes his way back to Roxas.]

Nice job back there.
rokubro: (‡ 059)

[personal profile] rokubro 2018-11-17 12:04 am (UTC)(link)
[Cyrus you are a piece of work—but it's great. Usually it's Rokurou who's the weird fun one of the group (okay, there's also Magilou, but Magilou's brand of "weird fun" is....really weird). He can handle this.]

Haha, granted we are kind of just smashing ice statues. How much of a fighter are you really? [Since Rokurou was the one who did most of the fighting earlier when Cyrus grabbed the box.

Anyway, Cyrus's high spirits is contagious as and Rokurou will be slicing through the next with a little bit more energy and flair than previously. Oooh, should he try carving one into another shape first? no...no he shouldn't just end the poor thing's life]
twilightskey: (Is that all you got?)

[personal profile] twilightskey 2018-11-17 04:02 am (UTC)(link)
[He really needed to get himself some sort of weapon once all this was done. Once the Erasers were taken care of, Roxas let out a huff, reaching up to rub at his ear. The ringing was still there, but was starting to lessen a little by the time Rokurou came closer.]

Yeah... Thanks for your help.
chippedsoul: (I tried to speak)

[personal profile] chippedsoul 2018-11-17 04:25 am (UTC)(link)
It's just a painkiller. [He opens the bottle, which had a fine powder inside.] Powdered curcumin. Put it in a drink and take it like that.
rokubro: (‡ 119)

[personal profile] rokubro 2018-11-17 05:50 am (UTC)(link)
It was a team effort. [And a clap on the shoulder for friendly reassurance.] How are the ears? Seems like you can hear me so at least you haven't gone deaf.
hatesviolence: (☣ this is my last time she said)

[personal profile] hatesviolence 2018-11-17 05:56 am (UTC)(link)
...Hm. [He looks at it skeptically... But then takes the bottle, and after recapping he pockets it.] I'm all right for now, but I'll keep it in mind.

[And after finishing the apple, he...holds onto the core so he can throw it away later.]

What about your injuries? [A slight nod towards him.]
chippedsoul: (teach me)

[personal profile] chippedsoul 2018-11-17 06:28 am (UTC)(link)
[At that, he looks to his own arm. Though his skin showed signs that it had been burned, there was no pain.] I'm fine. I'll just need an ointment to treat this. [With the bandage securely fastened on Shizuo's arm, he takes a step back. He leans against a nearby counter, resting a hand against his forehead.]
hatesviolence: (☣ by something that's real)

[personal profile] hatesviolence 2018-11-17 06:34 am (UTC)(link)
[He looks at his bandaged arm and...hey it's actually pretty good. But before he can say his thanks, he sees Asougi's expression and frowns a bit.]

Hey, you should rest, too, and I can try and help treat your injuries. I'm not as good, but I know basics at least.

[Kind of. Had to, ah ha ha ha ha.]
chippedsoul: (how you justify?)

[personal profile] chippedsoul 2018-11-17 06:55 am (UTC)(link)
[He shakes his head, grabbing a piece of fruit to eat himself.] All I need is rest. [Which is unfortunate. He glances toward the windows. The fight was still going on out there, but no way he'll be able to do much now. And there was still that little...annoyance to deal with.]
twilightskey: (What are friends for?)

[personal profile] twilightskey 2018-11-17 07:18 am (UTC)(link)
[The clap on the shoulder was enough to jostle him, but he recovered quickly. He couldn't help the slight grin at the gesture; Axel used to do that a lot, back in the day.]

Yeah. There's still a ringing, but I can start to hear you again. [He still spoke a bit loudly, but hey, at least he can hear!]
rokubro: (‡ 071)

[personal profile] rokubro 2018-11-17 07:25 am (UTC)(link)
[Want some hair ruffling? Because that'll probably happen at some point. With your super spiky hair, did you hair cement that thing—]

Good to hear. [And a stupid, cheesy grin. Get it? GET IT?? puts self in time out] Up for looking for another one? I can help cover for you since you don't have a weapon.
hatesviolence: (☣ show me where forever dies)

[personal profile] hatesviolence 2018-11-17 07:29 am (UTC)(link)
[...Dude.]

You just said you needed ointment. Where is it?

[DON'T MAKE HIM USE FORCE BECAUSE HE WILL.]
sparrowrain: (pic#12644145)

[personal profile] sparrowrain 2018-11-17 03:29 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Sorry Rokurou she's easily offended. She just gives him a look, but moves on because - ]

Of course, we can't just let these guys wander around unopposed.
rokubro: (‡ 006)

[personal profile] rokubro 2018-11-17 11:18 pm (UTC)(link)
Then let's find those presents.

[And find more things to fight.

AND SO OUR INTREPID DUO GO FORTH TO HOPEFULLY NOT GET SEVERELY INJURED BY THE NEXT PRESENT...]
chippedsoul: (years gone by)

[personal profile] chippedsoul 2018-11-18 06:10 am (UTC)(link)
[He takes in some air, sighing. Seriously dude. He pulls from his pocket a small container.]

You rub this where the burns are.
hatesviolence: (☣ but there's still)

[personal profile] hatesviolence 2018-11-18 09:23 am (UTC)(link)
[Look, you told him to rest and treated him. It's only fair the doctor listens to his words and let's the guy help him out.

Anyway.

He'll be taking that container and after looking at it a little curiously, he'll open it up and slowly and very carefully apply it on. He's just so used to his normal strength, he's probably not using as much force as he probably should.]


Like this?
starseeing: (055)

[personal profile] starseeing 2018-11-18 11:01 pm (UTC)(link)
[ And duck she does, because that's the only thing she can do before he lets fly the pumpkins.

Ophilia sees the flash of light cast her shadow upon the rooftop before hearing the multiple explosions, igniting like firecrackers at a festival. Only with their power ten-fold and the flames shooting out in all directions. The cleric covers her head and ears as she feel the heat wash over the top of the roof like a wave, the flames close enough that a few sparks singe her back.

But she also hears the pained cry of the Eraser. Cyrus has managed to toss it directly under the canopy of one of its wings, blasting it off from the shoulder joint entirely. Inky blood spews from what was once there, spilling onto the rooftop and stumbling haphazardly as a child who has tossed their milk onto the kitchen floor. Yet it still lives, and while it is now grounded, it's still as ferocious.

The Eraser opens its beak and snaps at the both of them, spinning to sweep its tail on the ground. She jumps and rolls over it, clutching onto her staff tightly and whipping her head towards the direction of the dropped gift bag-- and then back to Cyrus. Because that Eraser? It's pretty angry that he's just managed to explode one of its wings off, and it begins to approach him menacingly on its hinged legs. ]


--Professor!

[ She can't help him with physical attacks right now. The distance is too great and her staff is only wood. But what she can do is give him a buff-- one of speed, so that he might be able to evade and dodge whatever next attack the Eraser has in store for him. ]
starseeing: (062)

[personal profile] starseeing 2018-11-18 11:01 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Ophilia's shoulders grow rigid, and she looks to her side. ] It's.... [ Straining, it sounds like there is something coming from just beyond the shadow of the alleyway.

So of course when she peers towards the darkness, three more Erasers leap out at them. These ones appear the size of horses, but instead of hooves their six legs taper off into treacherous spikes. They're fast-approaching, too, bowing their heads towards them in their charge. ]
Capell--!

[ She'll call out to him worriedly, and then channeling her abilities she throws up a barrier around them both. It's not the new power she has re-learned, but one she's managed to make in her own time. It will have to do to give them time to prepare their counter, though, as the Erasers encircle them. ]
starseeing: (003)

[personal profile] starseeing 2018-11-18 11:02 pm (UTC)(link)
[ For a moment she wonders if Snow White's essence had attached herself to him because of his snow white hair. And he indeed does have a pretty face, probably more lovely than he even knows it to be,.... but the birds? She can't quite figure that one out. But that aside-- ]

I am.

[ Would he have expected her to ever say that she wasn't alright? Especially in the middle of a battle and when others are hurt and injured? She gives her best reassuring smile at him. And then, as if to distract him from more questioning about her own state, she will coyly deflect: ] I wasn't the one who was running into the battle while already beaten, bleeding, and bruised.
chippedsoul: (what the hell are morals?)

[personal profile] chippedsoul 2018-11-18 11:21 pm (UTC)(link)
[However little force he was using, it's enough to make the Disicple flinch with uneasiness. Though it could just be that the ointment was a little cold to the touch.] Yes. My legs as well. You'll need to apply some there.
twilightskey: (...no)

[personal profile] twilightskey 2018-11-19 08:58 pm (UTC)(link)
[The clap on the shoulder he could tolerate, but the hair ruffling will earn Rokurou a frown and Roxas lightly batting his hand off. His hair was off-limits to most, excuse you.]

[That cheesy grin is met with a frown of his own, but the offer had Roxas looking out at the streets-turned-battlefield, before he gave an affirmative nod.]


Yeah. I just need to find more presents. [And some earmuffs because good gravy did he not want to go through with that again.]
rokubro: (‡ 006)

[personal profile] rokubro 2018-11-19 10:34 pm (UTC)(link)
[The batting and the frown just earns a more amused chuckle. Yeah that's not going to stop him.]

I think I saw some down the street.

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