realmofstories | Chapter 03: Act I

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Chapter 03: Act I

The Little Mermaid: Act I—

§ instructions.

The first Act of our third campaign is underway! This is the designated log for all Main Scenes. Others are free to create their own toplevels for the Sub Quests, which are detailed below. Each Main Scene has their own unique toplevel and those cast into the roles are to thread their scene under each. All scene instructions are provided in the toplevels. There are also toplevels for each Sub Quest this time around, but players are more than welcome to create their own individual toplevel if they have something else in mind they would like to do.

As a reminder, characters will find similar information and instructions within their journals so they won't go in blind. Also to note, all characters will have all their belongings within them as well as the additional supplies provided to them by the Storyteller. As you know, everyone has undergone a special "mermaid" transformation upon arriving into the Book, but do note: characters in Main Scenes will have a second wardrobe change while acting the scene. Their merform will stay the same, but they'll have additional bits to add to their role. Outfits will be provided in the prompts themselves, and these outfits will only be in affect during the scene. The moment they leave the setting area, they return to their other wardrobe.

Finally, just to be clear, characters who are in Main Scenes are not immediately dropped in to their location and will have to travel to the "setting location" and then return. Threading all of that isn't necessary, but it's to help give a better idea that characters can take a break between scenes or wait a bit to help with other things like the Sub Quests.

Feel free to refer to the Game Notes for more detailed info as well as ask questions or clarifications.

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[Keith shrugged a bit.]

That's fine. I was mostly just curious, but it still sounds like you were pretty high up.

[He paused at a hatch in the lower deck. It was pretty damaged, which allowed a glimpse into the cargo hold below, revealing what looked like treasure chests. Carefully gripping the edge, he attempted to pull it open, which was hard when he didn't have much to brace himself against... like with legs... against a floor...

But he tried all the same, despite the hinges being rusted.]

It was definitely a cool experience, especially seeing that the world really was round like everyone thought.

[He knew it was, but...there's a difference between hearing and believing the theories and seeing it with his own eyes, you know?

And upon seeing Keith trying to attempt the open that hatch, Rokurou will swim to the other side to try and help.]

On three. One, two—

—three.

[With them both managing a good tug, the door came free with a crack. The hinges hadn't moved, but the rotted wood broke under their combined pressure. Putting it aside, they could now see the cargo hold with various things inside.]

Alright... let's see what we can find.

[Keith carefully made his way in, looking for anything that might give them trouble.]

But, you're right. It is really cool to be up that high. It's one of the reasons I like being a pilot.

What is it like being up there? And I'm guessing there were other people and civilizations on other planets.

[He'll be swimming around as he speaks, taking a peek at some of the cargo and chests. There didn't seem to be anything really noteworthy, and they're on the lookout for some pearls, anyway. So oysters...oysters...

He does spy a few scattered bones, but no full corpses. So he'll note them, but not be too wary just yet. It's kind of strange but cool that they are able to see thanks to so me bio luminescent algae lighting the walls and floor, and at one end of the cargo hold is another door.]

Yeah. We came across a lot of different races. It was how I found out I was only half-human. [Keith didn't seem overly bothered by that, just let it drop into the conversation like no big deal.] I was even able to find my mom again.

[Like Roku, Keith was checking various chests and crates and barrels. Most everything seemed fairly normal. After all, was this a special pearl that was part of the treasure or was it still in the oyster? Keith wasn't taking any chances to miss it.

But then he spotted that other door.]

What about in there?

Half-human, huh? What's the other half if you don't mind my asking?

[He isn't really bothered by the idea, just curious. After all, he's a daemon—can't really judge.]

We might as well... [His voice trails as his right eye suddenly starts to glow a little bit from behind his long bangs. Holding out a hand as a signal for Keith to wait, he slowly drifts forward and he notices the slash marks on the walls near the door as well as something like black ooze around the frame of the door.

......Hm.]

Think there might be something waiting for us if we open that door. Assuming it doesn't burst through it instead.

[Keith glanced at the other for a second, visibly considering it.]

Galra. They're another race from another planet back home.

[He was just going to leave out the whole 'evil conquering empire' part for now.

Instead, that weird ooze was a bit more important.]

"Something"? [Keith looked... concerned.] Something like what?

Suddenly, air--

Dojima went on instinct, grabbing onto those arms that were wrapped around his chest, refusing to let go as he took in huge gulps of air, coughing out the water that had gotten into his lungs. Thank god Eustace didn't need to worry about drowning, because the detective was not about to let go, clinging onto him as the storm continued on around them.

He really owed this guy a drink after all this.

It took more than a moment for Dojima to realise he was being spoken to, and to decipher what was being said, but...

Whale?

...Right, a whale, they could call upon a whale for help if they...

...Shit.

"Can... can you sing?"

"Huh. A revival of the world..."

Quite literally too. Dojima gazed out over the broken, grey coral and dark waters.

"...Well. Guess all we can do is do our best to set things right... And get a happy ending for you, and her."

Eustace allowed Dojima to use whatever part of him he needed. Normally he would mind so much physical contact, but this was a dire situation and a necessity. That said, it was a bit difficult trying to keep afloat, especially since "treading water" as a half-fish was quite different than with legs. But he managed.

"........Rarely."

That was all Eustace was going to initially answer that, but he sighed.

"However, we have little choice, and there was no specification that we had to sing well."

Not that he...really wanted to sing at all. On occasion he might hum to himself or repeat verses of an old song, but never in public let alone another person.

[Rokurou will just nod at Keith's answer, the current situation forcing their idle chatter to an end. Well, not that it mattered too much—it's not like he knew what Galra were and wouldn't have too many questions about it.

More of that ooze slowly seeps from the cracks, and there's an ominous creak of the rotted planks.]

...My best guess is either an Eraser or one of those blot monster. But either way, it might be big, and in a cramped place like this we'll be at a disadvantage.

[As fight happy as the war daemon is, even he knows when some are worth the trouble and not. Especially when his sense of "PROTECT" is in higher gear due to Keith's essence.]

"...Fine."

Just don't hold this against him, Eustace.

Dojima took a deep breath, and as loudly as possible-

"E-everyday's great in your o-cean!"

... Just, don't ...don't ask...

"Hey whale, can you hear?

That we're calling you here?

We're in, need of help, so

Please come out and save us!"

LOOK HE'S DOING HIS BEST, ALRIGHT.

That...was...a...very.......interesting performance. Or so that was what the expression Eustace had seemed to indicate. At some point his ears might have flattened a little as he did his best to hide his cringe. But the man was right next to his ears. It was difficult.

In any case, Eustace looked out to the waters, but there didn't seem to be any sign of the whale. ...Ugh, he had to sing, too, didn't he...

Should he try to follow up Dojima's, er, lyrics? Or do something different? He wasn't really familiar with the style, but... Well he could try???

After clearing his throat, his voice will come out a little softer but clear. Whether this was his natural singing voice or some story magic at play given his role, it carries into the wind and he doesn't sound half bad, really. Bit awkward and clearly not wanting to do this at all, but he was doing his part.

"....Hey whale, listen to our plea.

We're lost in this big open sea.

Come and help us reach the shore.

So we don't have to sing anymore."

Uuuggh.

Dojima grit his teeth, raising Excalibur high again, watching as the Eaters moved towards him, while trying to keep Kimishima still in his line of sight. Good, she had managed to incapacitate one of them, and thanks to her glowing colours she was easy to keep in view...

Another Eater charged at him, and again he rolled, holding Excalibur sideways so that--

The Eater swam right into it, slicing it's own body in half. Two... three, down, and another five to go?

His turn to move, charging forward, slashing the sword at a wide angle to try and catch any Eaters that got close enough.

"Got any ideas for, dealing with them?--Ngh--"

Another swipe at one that got close. He was definitely open to suggestions!

Edited 2019-08-21 07:19 (UTC)

Look when you've nearly drowned and have to belt out a song to save your ass, it's not going to sound pretty, okay? And the only thing he could think of for some reason was that damn Junes song...

Still, Eustace followed after him, his voice... a lot cleaner and more 'mermaid' sounding than his. Dojima had to practically shout those lyrics, but the other man's voice just carried naturally... even if he sounded as awkward as Dojima felt.

"...I'll buy you a drink, after this."

Least he could do for the guy.

For what felt like an eternity, they waited, for... something, anything to appear, as they weathered the storming sea. The 'prince' was feeling like they had humiliated themselves for nothing.

But... as Dojima squinted in the darkness, he saw something... white, in the water. And upon the next flash of lightning, it became clear as the noon day sun--

A whale. A very large, humpback albino whale...!

"It... it worked...?!"

Eustace just let out a sigh at the offer. He was a bit weirded out by how his voice sounded, but he wasn't going to comment anymore than he had to about what they both had to just go through.

An effort that he was starting to feel like they wasted. He was about to just drag Dojima to get this over with when he heard Dojima's exclamation.

"...?"

Turning towards where the older man was looking, his eyes widened in surprise. That... That really worked?? At least they didn't have to do this again (hopefully). Still surprised by the sight, the whale eventually drew near close enough to them and seemed to wait patiently.

"...So it would seem. Let's not waste anymore time."

Time to pull Dojima closer so he can climb up on the whale.

"Yeah, definitely--"

The adrenaline rush from before was starting to wear off again, and if this kept up he was definitely going to get hypothermia. Still, Dojima kicked along with Eustace's swimming, to try and help, even as he cringed from the pain. Those claws digging into and slicing down around his calve was coming back to him, now that he wasn't in immediate danger.

Th whale was low enough in the water that Dojima could scramble onto it's back, ignoring the pain from his still splintered covered fingers. He sat there, hands holding onto the creature-- which, if he could let himself be honest, was pretty amazing, he'd almost, ALMOST say magical...

"...Uh, thanks for the lift."

...was all about he could say to the whale. What do you even say to a whale...?

After ensuring that Dojima was on the whale, Eustace contemplated joining...but now that he was able to see Dojima's state, he somehow managed to climb up alongside him. He actually got a little help from the whale, the creature lifting its long flipper to boost him up a bit.

"Don't need you falling off," was all he said before Dojima could question his actions.

"If you feel you need to rest, go ahead."

"...Heh, thanks."

Dojima couldn't help a wryly smile at the other man, sighing as the whale began to move towards the lighthouse, finally.

"...But I'll rest when we dump me on the beach. I don't... sleep on jobs."

Eustace would understand, right? Dojima could tell by this guy's actions... he was some sort of soldier or trained professional. And this was a 'job', after all.

Eustace was silent for a moment as he watched the lighthouse slowly draw nearer.

"The prince was unconscious when the mermaid rescued him."

Although the delivery was his usual dismissive tone, there was a very small upturn of the corner of his mouth as he glanced over at Dojima.

"...Mm. Good point."

Dojima glanced over at the other man, noting that small smile, before sighing through his nose.

"Alright, alright. I... I trust you." He still didn't like being a burden, but...

He was reaching his limits, his whole body truly starting to ache. Letting himself slowly shift so he was laying down more fully on the whale's back, he glanced up at Eustace.

"... I was serious about that drink. Once we're back at the Index."

Already though, his eye lids were starting to droop.

Although he wasn't saying it, he knew the kind of stress Dojima had just experienced. His efforts to try and stay awake was valiant, but it would be better for him to rest, be it falling asleep or just closing his eyes. There was no point in him possibly worsening his condition. Really Eustace would like to try and tend to his wounds, but he had nothing to work with.

At the mention of trust, his eyes remain fixed on him with no change of his expression as he watched the man settle more fully onto the whale's back. Only at the mention of the drink does the Erune allow himself to show a more relaxed expression, one that's just barely visible but there.

"I'll hold you to it."

And after Dojima's eyes closed, he quietly added, "You did well, Ryotaro Dojima. I'll make sure you arrive back safely."

[Right... Keith frowned.]

And, uh... what are those again?

[There had to be another way in, maybe? Or... they could open the door and swim away real fast so it came out, and then come back once it was gone?

Or lure it out to a more spacious area to fight it off?

He was going through a few scenarios in his head as he considered their options.]

We really should check that room, but... [Yeah. Cramped space.] Maybe we can get it out into open water.

[The wood of the ship would be easy to break through, judging by the creaking it was making around the door at the moment...]

Basically the native enemies of this place. The Erasers are the Story Eater's minions and the ones who cause real damage to the stories. The blots are... I guess you could say leftovers of the stories. Not all of them are hostile, but going to assume any out here are, like those undead pirates earlier. Pretty sure those were blots. I treat them all the same, personally.

[Rokurou explains as he keeps his eyes trained on the door before looking around, his daemon eye softly gleaming as it begins to point out the weaknesses of the structure. It won't be too much longer now.

But to lure it out...

He looks around to the side of the room and notices a few notable cracks. There are more in other places, including the ceiling above them.]

There are a few weak points we can use. This wall over here leads to the outside, I think, so if it really is strong enough to break through that wall, we can try and make it slam into this one, too. I might be the best one for that since my current form allows me to swim fast. Plus I can take a big hit if necessary.

[Does he want to? Not really, but again. Must protect the Red.]

[Keith looked... concerned. He took in the information about the Erasers and the Blots, mentally filing that away for later, and then considered the area, looking around at things, too.

He moved to the other side, checking the indicated wall. He could see through it a bit, and it did indeed look like open water past it.]

That could work. [He pressed his hands against the wood, giving a little push to check for any give.] It looks like this is an outer wall. [He frowned a bit, though.]

I'm not exactly slow, you know. [Keith was used to being one of the faster, more agile members of his team, and, the longer he spent like this, the more he got used to it. Brute strength wasn't something he could do, but he knew how to fight and compensate for that against stronger enemies.

He moved, positioning himself next to Roku, but also putting the wall crack between them.]

If we let it come for us, we can split to each side once it charges. Hopefully, the distraction of having two targets split up will confuse it enough to crash through the wall.

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Page 16 of 22

Chapter 03: Act I

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