storyevents ([personal profile] storyevents) wrote in [community profile] realmofstories2019-09-15 02:25 pm

Chapter 03: Act III

The Little Mermaid: Act III—





Once again, when all the scenes have been completed and some time has passed for everyone to rest and enjoy the ball, the moon will eventually begin to fall as the sun peeks out from the horizon. It is at this moment that all fall into a deep sleep and share a dream of what has transpired so far...
Though the priestess "saved" his life, the prince found himself put off by her pushy demeanor as they danced while watched by the nobles. Throughout their dance and their walk through the castle gardens, his thoughts drifted back to the mermaid who brought him to shore. Eventually they would part ways, and while getting fresh air, the prince heard a voice calling out to him: the very same mermaid who saved him. The two of them made their way through the ice along the shore and found each other through singing with relative ease, despite the prince's shyness. As they spoke, the mermaid made it clear that despite her desire for the prince to join her, his own desires and choices were most important—even if it meant not choosing her or the priestess.

The priestess caught wind of the mermaid speaking with the prince and went down to the beach to confront the sea dweller. She argued that the mermaid didn't belong on land or with the prince, but the mermaid responded that it was her choice and the prince's whether they wanted to pursue their love. Neither lady would back down from her stance.

The mermaid's frequent visits ashore did not go unnoticed by her family, but her two elder sisters were curious and supportive of her romance with the prince.

The prince returned to the beach to speak with the mermaid, still hesitant about the choice ahead of him. The mermaid spoke honestly about how he could possibly go back and forth with the sea witch's help, but not without a price. She again stressed that what he wanted was important. In the end, the prince chose to go with the mermaid and took the potion.

Unbeknownst to them, however, the priestess tried to take matters into her own hands. She rowed out onto the ocean to summon the sea witch and ask for a deal to keep the mermaid away from the land forever. The sea witch supplied her with a potion, but the priestess unwittingly traded away her humanity and became a mermaid herself in order to "defend the land" from the princess.

The prince's disappearance does not go by unnoticed, and the priestess herself sends word to the worried monarchs of the fate of their son. The king is the most outraged, crumpling the paper in his hand before immediately ordering all his ships to be ready for deployment. He would bring war to the people who lived in the oceans.

The dream fades with such an ominous development, and those familiar with the original story will be able to tell that this is a drastic departure from it. But there is nothing they can do but to follow the events as they unfold. When the Aspects awaken, they will discover themselves split up and each side already engaged in war. Some are with the merpeople while others are on the royal navy ships. Strange floating platforms made of debris, sand, seaweed, and wood float between the spaces, allowing closer access to those of the sea. The skies themselves are dark with the distant rumbling of thunder, and the seas are choppy from both the weather and the soldiers of the underwater kingdom raising waves to crash into the ships.

This war will last for as long as it takes for the Aspects to get through their scenes, and each one must follow a designated glowing trail to a special whirlpool portal that will take them to where they need to go. Those waiting must either take part in the war or try to pacify the angered Blots, and just hope that everything will pass quickly.






§ instructions.

The third Act is underway! This is the designated log for everything. Each Main Scene has their own unique toplevel and those cast into the roles are to thread their scenes under each. All scene instructions are provided in the toplevels. Everyone is free to create their own toplevels for the Sub Quests, which are detailed below, or for anything else you'd like to thread out.

As a reminder, this Act is set in the ocean with the Royal Navy Fleet. Characters cannot transform into their opposite form, so those on the Navy side can't take on their merforms and those as mermaids cannot have legs. There is a way, and that is detailed in the Sub Quest section.

Finally, just to be clear, characters who are in Main Scenes are not immediately dropped in to their location and will have to enter special marked portals 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.





§ sub quests.

Everyone is free to participate in the Sub Quests. There are no specific top levels, so you're free to incorporate them however you wish in your own top level.

¶ I. Royal Navy vs. Merfolk. Everyone has been assigned to a side and the list can be found here. As always, even those with scene roles will be able to participate at some point. Those of the Royal Navy will have sailor uniforms, and everyone else will have their merforms. There are other floating "stages" and platforms scattered over the water's surface to provide additional "land" for those assigned to the Navy. Blots will fill the rest of the armies, and the only Erasers around will be occasional strange deep sea creature that lurks in the ocean waters. Now as for what everyone can do:

  1. Safe Zones. There are shallow coves and giant clam shells that serve as neutral safe zones that both sides can meet. These also serve as "base camps" and areas for medical needs and rest. There may be a stray Blot or Eraser that might try to attack from time to time, but it's otherwise safe and far away from the war zone.

  2. Fight each other. Go have fun, but try not to kill each other. The Navy will have access to all ships and their weaponry, which includes cannons, harpoons, guns, netting, explosives, and whatever else may prove useful. The Merfolk will have weapons, sea creatures, and ability to influence the water (potentially strong enough to knock or even completely capsize a ship with enough effort and concentration). That said, the actual ammunition on these are paintballs and dyed water balloons and water guns; and the physical weapons have foam points foam with paint as well. The Blots, on the other hand, will have very real weapons and there are real weapons available. So while the gist is to have more of a mock fight, if people want to have a real battle, there's nothing stopping them.

  3. Hold anti-war protests. Not everyone is for this war, and one way to combat against the involved blots fighting on both sides is to try and persuade them to peace. How that can be done can vary, so have at it. There are even fun signs that can be used.

  4. Star-crossed romance. Another way to try and end the war is prove that there can be romantic union between the two races. Even if it's fake, if a Navy and a Mermaid manage to have some kind of romantic scene between them, a special rose shaped coral will appear. These corals can be used against the blots to pacify them and spread platonic love and care to the other side. The more created and used, the better.

Now, for those who would like to switch sides, a member of the opposite side must retrieve a special glowing pearl to give to the others. Mermaids will find them deep in the ocean guarded by eels, Navy members will have to get through blot sailors and enter the captain quarters of any ship. The process must be repeated to switch back again. Or they could take a shortcut and kiss, that's an option.

¶ II. Aiding the War. Whichever side of the war they are on, there will still be plenty to do outside the conflict. The Sea King's palace and the Royal Navy's flagship will need fortifying from attacks to keep other Aspects and Blots safe, supplies will need to be delivered across both territories (and perhaps through no man's land...), and non-combatants will need to be evacuated to safe areas. Maybe a few generous souls will offer medical aid to the wounded (perhaps even regardless of species, for the truly daring and selfless)?




chippedsoul: (the summer breeze)

Wildcard

[personal profile] chippedsoul 2019-09-17 04:25 am (UTC)(link)
[The Disciple is choosing to keep himself as far away from the front lines as he can avoid it. It was a battle he had little interest in, just a festering ground for Hyde to show up unwanted. So he sticks to the shallow coves that have been turned into a neutral base and where the injured would arrive. For once, his essence had it benefits.]

You need to lie down and rest. [He's currently dealing with a stubborn navy sailor, so he's not really paying attention to whomever is approaching him.] I'll be with you momentarily. [A few times he'd rub his right arm before continuing to tend to the sailor. His wounds have all been healed at this point, but this particular wound on his arm was still causing him some irritation.]
detectiveforhierophant: (Be precise)

[personal profile] detectiveforhierophant 2019-10-13 05:53 am (UTC)(link)
[Dojima meanwhile had also been avoiding the front lines, considering his state. His previous location had been taken over by some navy blots, and he didn't feel like fighting them was a good idea.]

[So instead, he swam slowly towards another cove, hoping to stay low and avoid getting into any fights.]

[But when he heard a particular voice call out, he sunk lower in the water, eyes narrowing and his heart rate speeding up. That sounded--]


[No. Wait. It did sound a little like Hyde, but the tone was all wrong. Calm and soothing, despite being a bit rushed.]

[So it would be safe to assume it was the ‘Jekyll’ side of the man. Disciple, wasn’t it…?]

It’s alright, take your time.

[His bandages should be changed after all, but… he’s also curious if the other man will recognize him at all as he pulled himself onto the shore to wait.]
chippedsoul: (to empty space)

[personal profile] chippedsoul 2019-10-13 06:19 am (UTC)(link)
. . . [He only stopped what he was doing for a second when he heard Dojima. Once he was done with his patient, he bows and sends them off. He then turns his focus on the voice, getting up and walking towards the source. He spots a man sitting on the shore close by, still in mermaid form. His eyes narrow. He doesn't remember meeting this man, but there's a feeling of familiarity just looking at him.]

Detective. [Even that seems to be the right way to address him. This must be that man then...]
detectiveforhierophant: (Hrmm that's unlikely...)

[personal profile] detectiveforhierophant 2019-10-13 09:15 am (UTC)(link)
[He noticed the pause, his own eyes scanning the other man carefully. Did he remember anything from that night...? Dojima couldn't help but wonder how much either side shared with the other.]

[It'd take a bit for him to get his 'human' legs (and pants) again, so for now he was stuck waiting for the young man to reach him. He blinked a moment at the 'Detective'. Huh, now did someone tell him, or...?]

...Got it in one. [Dojima tilted his head] Though you can call me Dojima-- Ryotaro Dojima.

chippedsoul: (A moment's thought)

[personal profile] chippedsoul 2019-10-13 08:04 pm (UTC)(link)
...Right. [Shizuo did tell him a name. Now he can put a face to it...that's leaving him feeling this mild irritation. He shrugs it off, kneeling down to examine his condition.]

You need a change of bandage. [Was this chest injury from Hyde, or something else?]
detectiveforhierophant: (It's been a long day)

[personal profile] detectiveforhierophant 2019-10-14 04:56 am (UTC)(link)
[It was definitely Hyde; as Naomi had said, she hadn't perfected potions for dealing with broken bones yet, so Dojima was going to need to take it easy.]

Yeah... I don't like being a burden to others, but I know I can't do it properly myself.

[There was a small pause, before Dojima glanced back up at the younger man.]

...Are you alright though? I, well-- [He looked a bit sheepish, one hand moving to rub the back of his neck.] I'm sorry about dropping the chandelier on you.

[He sort of was pushed into a corner, but he had been worried about lasting damage to the man.]
chippedsoul: (an updated autopsy)

[personal profile] chippedsoul 2019-10-14 05:01 am (UTC)(link)
[He listens to Dojima talk as he checks his kit to see if there's any ointment and a fresh roll still left.]

You don't need to apologize. I don't even remember what happened. [Good to know it was a chandelier that stopped him though.] Raise your arms.
detectiveforhierophant: (Be precise)

[personal profile] detectiveforhierophant 2019-10-14 05:11 am (UTC)(link)
Maybe I don't need to, but I want to. You didn't ask for this.

[But Dojima obeyed, raising his arms up for the other man to get to work-- but not without wincing, taking a laboured breath.]
chippedsoul: (teach me)

[personal profile] chippedsoul 2019-10-14 05:27 am (UTC)(link)
...No, but he needed to be stopped, so thank you. [The breathing isn't missed as he starts to undo the old bandages.] Say something if you feel any discomfort, or need a break.
detectiveforhierophant: (being with you makes me happy)

[personal profile] detectiveforhierophant 2019-10-14 05:36 am (UTC)(link)
...You're welcome. I'm glad I could help.

[Glad that Disciple was here and didn't do anything he'd regret. At the man's instructions, Dojima gave a short nod. It was okay as long as he didn't move too much.]

So, is the medical skill from Jekyll?

[Come to think of it, he didn't know anything else about the man beyond his essence... He did look Japanese, though. The name 'Disciple' was a little... odd.]

chippedsoul: (life is a butterfly)

[personal profile] chippedsoul 2019-10-14 05:40 am (UTC)(link)
Yes. [He manages to get the bandage off and...that's quite a bruise, even with Naomi's help.]

I will say, if what I heard was true, that was reckless of you to go on your own.
detectiveforhierophant: (Another body...)

[personal profile] detectiveforhierophant 2019-10-29 08:31 am (UTC)(link)
[He's had worse, he'll be fine. Though, he noticed just how... short, the man is with his responses.

Was he like this before, or was it due to his circumstance? He didn't really know anything about him... So it was hard to judge.]


Yeah, trust me. I've heard that from a lot of people. When I saw 'Hyde' in Shizuo's post, I... ran into it without asking more. I just knew the story, or some parts of it.

[Dojima kept his arms up, keeping his breathing even. It hurt like hell, but he'd get over it.]

...I'd like to know more about you, if you're willing to talk.
chippedsoul: (I tried to speak)

[personal profile] chippedsoul 2019-10-29 10:01 am (UTC)(link)
. . . That depends on what you ask, though there isn't much to tell.

[He'll have to clean the bruised area first before applying the new bandages. It might sting a little, so careful what you say detective.]
detectiveforhierophant: (It's been a long day)

[personal profile] detectiveforhierophant 2019-11-10 08:17 pm (UTC)(link)
[Hm. Interesting response. But maybe if he didn't ask about Disciple directly...]

What's your home world like? The worlds people come from around here is pretty... varied.
chippedsoul: (no other voice)

[personal profile] chippedsoul 2019-11-10 10:57 pm (UTC)(link)
. . .Like the Index, without all the magic and fictional creatures. Normal.
detectiveforhierophant: (Let's go over it again)

[personal profile] detectiveforhierophant 2019-11-11 01:35 am (UTC)(link)
Huh. We might be from a similar world then, just... different time periods. I'm from 2011.

[That might be a shocker to the guy, or maybe he'd be unphased. Hard to tell.]

What country are you living in?
chippedsoul: (A moment's thought)

[personal profile] chippedsoul 2019-11-11 05:09 am (UTC)(link)
1898, London. [He tosses the wet cloth aside, putting on an ointment.] For now.
detectiveforhierophant: (It's been a long day)

[personal profile] detectiveforhierophant 2019-11-14 08:44 am (UTC)(link)
1898... So what we'd call the Victorian Era... or the Meiji Era, depending on where you're from.

[Well, that was certainly interesting. Over a hundred years difference between them... but, London, England? Dojima squinted a bit, tilting his head.]

Not to assume too much, but you look like you're from Japan, like I am. Or at the very least, East Asian.

[China, Korea, Signapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong... plenty of places he could be from, but something in his gut told him Japanese.

He couldn't help a shiver from the touch and coldness of the ointment, but he still stayed still.]


chippedsoul: (to empty space)

[personal profile] chippedsoul 2019-11-15 03:34 am (UTC)(link)
I suppose. I'm just stationed in London right now. [Once the ointment has been placed, he searches the kit for a fresh bandage roll.]

Is this all from him?