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realmofstories2018-11-02 08:01 am
keeperoftales) wrote in realmofstories2018-11-02 08:01 am
Entry tags:
Nightmare on Index Street
Nightmare on Index Street—
§ 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:
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.
[Mod note: Refer to the accompanying Game Notes for more information!]
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.
Big, heavy footfalls and then—
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.
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.
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!]
no subject
She didn't know how starved she had been for air until he clears most of the pile atop of them, and as if suddenly remembering that she's still in a very dangerous situation, Ophilia scrambles to out from the pit they had been in, nursing her injured arm. She looks worse than she actually is, covered in ash and dust, but he looks worse than her.
She's just about to ask after him when two of the locals rush up to her and help her out, stabilizing her once they hoist her to her feet. This way, dear, and let's get you off the battlefield, mm? and have some water are all distantly heard even as she looks back at the man she had once been fighting with. Or... no. The one to whom she had just been a burden in a fight. If she had not been so vulnerable, so weak, he could surely have kept the Story Eater engaged for quite some time on his own. He could have saved more time for others to evacuate their homes, but now...
This is not a battle for the likes of her, especially not with such powerful enemies abound. Lowering her head, she lets herself be escorted to the medical tents. ]
no subject
Once he's out, he's also ushered to the tents and without much protest despite saying he's okay. He's about to experience some of the healing magic of this place, and while it won't bring him back good as new, a few healing potions and well placed spells relieve and mend most of his pressing injuries and exhaustion. But he also looks around for the woman he just helped, and spots her in the tent over.
Should he go check on her or... Well she seems to be well taken care of, and he doesn't want to be bother...
...
If she's still around after he's finished and up and walking again, then he'll approach just to see how she is. And if she's moved on, then that's that—he'll just return back out to see what more he could do with the strength he has left.]
no subject
[ She'll wave to him as he approaches. ] Oh, thank goodness you are alright. [ She says as she looks over him. ] I had worried after you!
no subject
Is it really okay for you to be walking around? [Worry worry worry, his focus clearly on her arm as well as quickly looking her over. Was she hurt anywhere else? Aaaah, if only he had reached her sooner or had done a better job of shielding them... Or even if he had some power that could have created some shield or barrier like she had done for him before.] And sorry about your arm... Wish I could have done more to prevent you from getting hurt.
[AND HE REALLY LOOKS AND FEELS SO GUILTY ABOUT IT.]
no subject
And you... your strength is incredible, could have taken him on your own! [ Had she not been in the way. What good is she for support if she can’t throw up a shield in the most critical moment? But while these lines of thoughts continue within her mind, she remains poised, smiling, and she even manages some grace despite her exhaustion and injuries. ] This world is truly blessed to have a brave soul such as yours here.
[ Ophilia will dip one foot behind her for a polite curtesy, lifting up a part of her long skirt with her good hand. ] Thank you, kind sir... You saved my life.
no subject
Aaah, there's no need for that! Just did what I could to try and help, that's all.
[HE IS NOT USED TO ALL THIS PRAISE AND THANKS.]
Besides, I'm not that brave or strong. [............In other ways not physical.] And you helped protect me back there, too, with that uh...shield barrier thing. If I had something like that, probably could have done more to help.
no subject
Ophilia shakes her head as she straightens from her curtsy. ] Brave, strong, ....and humble? [ She replies with hint of coyness to her smile. His response to her compliments reminds her of a number of those in her traveling group, the familiarity bringing her some comfort. Whenever they deny it, it only makes her want to tell them that their goodness stems from something deeper. ] You have the makings of a hero already.
When we look back with regret of what we could have done, we diminish the impact of what we have already achieved. [ Ophilia lifts a hand to tuck her hair behind an ear. Of course she doesn't take her own advice, but this isn't for her. ] ...And the feats you have already performed are indeed incredible. [ She raises her gaze to meet his. ] The people here are lucky to have your help.
no subject
Like I said... I'm really not... [Just some embarrassed mutterings of denial. Hell, his own essence is a villain...ish. Antagonist, at least, when told from Victor's point of view, and considering what all the monster has done—yeah.
So. Ophilia's words are definitely hard to really sink in let alone accept. And now he feels so uncomfortable that he doesn't know what to do with himself, so his first thought is to run away.]
A-Anyway, like I said, you helped a lot, too, so. Don't sell yourself short, either. And I'm sorry about your arm—hope it heals fine.
[??? Or something. He has no idea if they use magic or something on broken limbs—like in video games?? Or will it take a while he just doesn't know. Regardless, his words come out more abrupt and a bit stilted before he starts to turn as if to leave, trying so hard to keep his composure.]
no subject
She won't keep him here longer, but she takes a step after him. ]
--Ah, sir, one more thing.
no subject
But he does stop and look at her, waiting for her to continue.]
no subject
[ She wishes she had the strength and ability to return to the town herself. At least two people from her own world are still out there fighting, and she's met a couple others that must be battling against the Erasers as well. Not to mention there's probably a lot more people that have to be brought to safety from their homes!
She can only hope that they will be safe, and if she can't go herself, then someone far more capable than her should.
Ophilia releases his hand once it is cast, her gaze a bit more serious than before. ]
Please.... be safe.
[ After that near-miss, it's pretty obvious that she's not ready for another battle anytime soon. Her place is away from it all, especially if she only knows how to heal. Perhaps when her energy is restored she will make her way back out onto the ruined streets, but for now Ophilia will remain in the medical tents. ]
no subject
But he just stares at the hand before fingers slowly close over into a fist as he pulls it back.]
...Yeah, you, too. And thanks.
[With a small nod, he then turns to make his way back out, taking one last glance around to see all the people wounded and crying. Maybe...he should try and see if he can at least stem the tide of those damn Erasers...
That fist will tighten as slowly that inner rage builds, all his remaining strength beginning to gather for what would come to be his final showdown.]