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: (‡ 090)

[personal profile] rokubro 2018-11-05 05:13 am (UTC)(link)
Hey, I don't mind fighting!

[And he really doesn't. With both greatswords in hand, he does a wide, spinning sweep, slicing through a wave of Erasers before bringing the blades down to finish off a few more. Besides, this is the first time he's had to fight some real monsters, and these things are what attacking their worlds. Good time as any to figure out what works and what doesn't.]

Just shout if you get in trouble!

[And he'll glance just in time to see an Eraser lunging Cyrus's way. TIME TO PRACTICE SHOOTING—and hey he's actually going to manage firing this weird rifleblade, the bullet hitting the shoulder of the Eraser (which looks suspiciously like a mix of a lion and a bear). It's not a kill shot, but it at least diverts the creature.]
rokubro: (‡ 012)

[personal profile] rokubro 2018-11-05 05:15 am (UTC)(link)
[At those words, Rokurou's hands freezes just over the bag.]

Why do I get the feeling you just jinxed us.
rokubro: (‡ 226)

[personal profile] rokubro 2018-11-05 05:18 am (UTC)(link)
[Ow....ow... His ears are still ringing and he feels as if he had been run over a cart full of oversized rappigs.

But when he tries to speak to see if she's all right, his voice sounds muffled, his ears ringing.

Oh. Crap. He's been around loud canon fire and explosions to know what this effect means. He's going to try shouting at her, anyway, hands pointing at his ears.]


You okay????
slovenlyserenade: (pic#12631819)

[personal profile] slovenlyserenade 2018-11-05 05:28 am (UTC)(link)
No way! Besides, I think the Story Eater smashed all of them.

[There are pumpkin corpses everywhere. Guess the Story Eater really hates them too.]
scrutinies: art: https://www.zerochan.net/2367602 (14)

[personal profile] scrutinies 2018-11-05 05:39 am (UTC)(link)
[Rokurou does seem to be enjoying himself— enthusiasm that Cyrus is quite grateful for, given the near miss he assists with.]

My thanks!

[He manages to dodge another Eraser, putting on a burst of speed to close the distance between himself and the gift— but just as he lunges for it, another creature attempts to intercept, this one oddly shaped like a man but with a head that seems to resemble a wolf. Cyrus grits his teeth, shoulder-tackling the creature out of his way and sending it stumbling backwards as he seizes the box. The Eraser doubles back on him, but Cyrus hugs the box to his chest to safeguard it, swinging one fist towards its face— a fist that just so happens to be holding onto his newly-acquired pipe.

It is, to say the least, ineffective. He hasn't quite had the chance to sort out how to use this particular 'weapon' yet.]


Another assist, if you please!

[Once he's clear of this one, he'll be able to get that box open—]
rokubro: (‡ 205)

[personal profile] rokubro 2018-11-05 05:40 am (UTC)(link)
Whatever happens, I'm blaming you. [But no, if he thinks good things, it should be fine! Good thoughts good thoughts...

He'll slowly reach for the fancy ribbon tying the gift bag and all it takes is one tug to loosen it free. At first nothing happens. And then...

?????

Rokurou is sent backwards when there's just a sudden THOOM! as scores of giant pumpkins suddenly shoot out from the bag like lava spewing from a volcano. And you know what they say about what goes up.]


...Run—RUN!!

[And he is making a mad scramble onto his feet as the first one plummets down towards him, bursting into fiery large chunks.]
rokubro: (‡ 209)

[personal profile] rokubro 2018-11-05 05:44 am (UTC)(link)
[Just as Cyrus makes the request, a blade suddenly cuts slashes through the back of the Eraser, sending it reeling forward but away from Cyrus before it falls to ground and starts to ooze what looks like black ink-like blood. Or maybe it's just ink, who knows.]

You called? [Just a cheeky grin before he hops back to turn and face outward. For now the Erasers seem to hang back a bit, wary of the dual sword wielding maniac.]

Now, go for it!
chippedsoul: (reflections of me)

[personal profile] chippedsoul 2018-11-05 05:57 am (UTC)(link)
When angered, huh... [He turns, slicing at an Eraser that had tried to sneak up behind him.] I'll keep the path open.
chippedsoul: (show me wonders)

[personal profile] chippedsoul 2018-11-05 06:04 am (UTC)(link)
[He allows her to work, but still keeping his guard up as he held his sword in his uninjured hand. It was an odd sensation as the healing magic does it's work. It's not painful, just strange and tingly. He takes in some air, then flexes the arm she had healed to check on it. He then raises a brow at her statement.]

It did. [Was she saying there was a chance it wouldn't have?]
hatesviolence: (☣ i won't stop)

[personal profile] hatesviolence 2018-11-05 06:22 am (UTC)(link)
[Just a nod as he passes.]

Nah, you don't have to. You can keep a few off me, but I'm gonna need some to really get this going. Might wanna keep a distance, too.

[There's an audible crack as he rolls his neck before he glances and—ah yes this steel beam will do nicely. Don't mind him as he pauses just long enough to wrench it out of the nearby pile of debris and swings it over to rest on his shoulder as if it were a baseball bat.]

Don't wanna accidentally hit you.

[Already more Erasers are climbing out of the hole, and while Shizuo is already generating a fair bit of voltage, if he can just whack a few and get into a fight, that should really get it going. At least, he thinks. He's only figured out that that the electricity thing is linked to what was used to animated Frankenstein's monster, and that it only really "sparked up" whenever he was mad. So it's not an unreasonable assumption that fighting—something that quickly sends him in a rage—should give him the jumpstart he needs to try this crazy idea.]
twilightskey: (OK fine! You asked for it!)

[personal profile] twilightskey 2018-11-05 06:36 pm (UTC)(link)
A: Polka-Dot Presents
[Never did Roxas feel as defenseless than he did now. He hadn't been one to ask for the Keyblade, nor did he particularly relish the fact that he could wield one, but as he saw the Erasers pour in he lamented his lack of offensive power. Fortunately, there's plenty of presents lying around, which Roxas was quick to snatch and use.]

[Unfortunately, he had snatched one of the polka-dotted presents and opened it up... without giving himself clearance or aiming it at the Erasers. When the deafening chorus erupted, he was tossed back by the force of it.]

[Your character might find Roxas knocked on his back, stunned and groaning in pain. Nearby is an Eraser, who is also stunned by the singing present nearby.]


B: Erase the Erasers
[Even with the aid of the presents, Roxas was quick to realize that unless they did something about that vortex, they wouldn't be able to stop this onslaught unless they stemmed the source. He just managed to wind up near one of the ones fighting off an Eraser, letting out a breath as he wiped the sweat from his brow.]

We'll never stop them until we plug that vortex up!

C: Wildcard
[Hit me up if you have any other ideas for Roxas you'd like to play out!]
twilightskey: (Huh?)

D

[personal profile] twilightskey 2018-11-05 06:38 pm (UTC)(link)
I don't know, but I don't think we really have a choice.

[Roxas was eying the black envelope in his hand skeptically, before he turned to Ophilia.]

I can open it for us.
scrutinies: art: <user name=isacoque site=tumblr.com> (12)

[personal profile] scrutinies 2018-11-05 08:30 pm (UTC)(link)
[He would love to take the time to investigate and see exactly what it is that the Eraser bleeds, but alas— now is hardly an opportune time to do so. He flashes a grateful smile in Rokurou's direction before quickly regaining his own balance and proceeding to pull the top off of the present without fanfare, ripping paper in the process—

Only to result in a very loud whomp sound in the distance, and to their left, the both of them are able to see a snowman's head peeking just above the ridgepole of a nearby roof.]


Did we do that?

[He sounds absolutely delighted.]

Quick, we must capitalize on this opportunity!

[Thankfully, Rokurou's efforts to clear the Erasers have gone a long way, as many of the creatures have begun to scatter, keeping their distance after seeing the way he'd cut down so many of them already.]
chippedsoul: (deceit so natural)

[personal profile] chippedsoul 2018-11-05 09:35 pm (UTC)(link)
[He gets the message soon as he picked up that steel beam.] Right. [He'll give him the space, weeding out a few of the Erasers. This is boring,why do we have to restrain ourselves like this? He's barely tapped into these abilities that awoken within him and he wanted to see what else he could do.

He glances in Shizuo direction. He needed to get angry anyway, right? So stealing some kills in front of him will probably speed things along.]
hatesviolence: (☣ will ever change)

[personal profile] hatesviolence 2018-11-05 10:46 pm (UTC)(link)
[With each swing of the beam, he can feel that rage building up. Stupid Erasers, messing with everyone's world and forcing them all here. Stupid Story Eater for destroying the lives of all these innocent stories. And now they're all coming in here and more lives were probably los—]

The hell—??

[Just as he was about smash down another Eraser, a certain RUDE PERSON up and decides that kill stealing is okay. He immediately turns at the other guy AND...]

Thanks, but I like I said, I got it.

[...Thanks him?? Well on the one hand it is nice to have someone have his back for once. On the other hand, he did say he could take care of it and he doesn't want the guy risking himself more than he needed to.

On the upside, there is a veritable electrical storm crackling around Shizuo now, so if Asougi isn't too careful, he might get accidentally zapped.]
sparrowrain: (pic#12644165)

[personal profile] sparrowrain 2018-11-05 11:26 pm (UTC)(link)
Well, I know, but... what do they do, exactly?

[ All of this just makes her more curious to open it. Carefully. ]
sparrowrain: (pic#12603972)

yes that sure was my broken html

[personal profile] sparrowrain 2018-11-05 11:27 pm (UTC)(link)
[ she's only starting to look up when she sees his hands and his mouth move, and she has such a headache now... ]

What???

[ and it's shouted despite herself. ]
slovenlyserenade: (pic#12631844)

[personal profile] slovenlyserenade 2018-11-05 11:36 pm (UTC)(link)
[No problem here! Capell used to be the master of running away, but in this case it's absolutely necessary. If any of those fall on them, it would hurt. A lot. Did he really just jinx them?? Rokurou wouldn't have to shout a third time, he is already sprinting away after the first warning.

And then one lands directly behind him, exploding fiery orange guts all over his back. He only just barely recovers his balance and manages not to fall forward.]


H-How are these pumpkins supposed to help us??!

[He shouts as he continues running. The memory of washing all those seeds off still haunts him.]
sparrowrain: (pic#12644162)

[personal profile] sparrowrain 2018-11-05 11:37 pm (UTC)(link)
[ it's nice of him, but she doesn't think she can do that either. At least, not the way she is. Her hands stop digging though, half curled around shattered stone. And she sighs, like she's giving up.

But. ]


I can do that. Just... look the other way for a moment, would you?
chippedsoul: dgs_tanunu (karma's gonna come)

[personal profile] chippedsoul 2018-11-06 12:20 am (UTC)(link)
Mmhm. [You're welcome. He's going to keep doing what he's doing and kill more Erasers before he gets to them. Maybe you need a faster weapon, Shizuo. The extra obstacle of avoiding getting zapped is revealing that he's a bit more agile than before.]
starseeing: (041)

[personal profile] starseeing 2018-11-06 03:12 am (UTC)(link)
No more than you are.... [ She replies, keeping the tremble in her voice controlled. She sees the cuts on him, but... she can heal him later. For now they'll have to focus on their enemies. Although she's not sure how good he is with the sword, she is relieved enough that she won't be alone in this fight.

And then... she feels something stirring within her, something that makes her feel stronger than before. A new power she has been trying to revive, but has yet to succeed. A new power she feels that is just at the tips of her fingers. But she can't think more about it when one of the Erasers emits a horrible, high-pitched scream. It sounds almost human. ]
--They come!

[ The Erasers advance towards them, one of them taking the lead and throwing out its limb like a whip. ]
starseeing: (003)

[personal profile] starseeing 2018-11-06 03:12 am (UTC)(link)
...My apologies. [ She says hurriedly, releasing his arm and stepping away. All she needed to do was to see if it would work, and now that she knows it does, she'll try healing the next wound without the need for touch! She extends her palm towards his middle, standing about a foot or two away. ] This is the first time I've actually used this ability here for these sort of injuries.

[ She'll reassure him with a smile as she calls that same energy forth. Like what happened with his arm, he'll find that the wounds of his torso will begin to mend. ]
starseeing: (065)

[personal profile] starseeing 2018-11-06 03:12 am (UTC)(link)
....It somehow summons pumpkin spirits to the battle. These pumpkins then sacrifice themselves in a fiery explosion.

[ And that's the best way she can describe it poetically. ]
starseeing: (082)

[personal profile] starseeing 2018-11-06 03:12 am (UTC)(link)
I will stand ready. [ Ophlia replies, holding onto her staff.

BUT DOES IT SAY TRICK OR TREAT?? ]
starseeing: (pic#12648904)

[personal profile] starseeing 2018-11-06 03:12 am (UTC)(link)
....That.... [ Of course he would think of a plan, and she suddenly claps her hands together. ] Oh, that just might work with these gifts! [ She leans in, her tone hushed and almost conspiratorial. ] When opened, these bags unleash a powerful attack that rains... pumpkins, flaming pumpkins down!

We could surprise that blasted Story Eater as it turns the corner... perhaps from its blind spot! [ It's a giant and they are tiny... if they can get to a roof beforehand and fire off one of these bags at the right time, they might be able to do some serious damage! ]

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