Chapter 03: The Little Mermaid

[storyevents]

The Little Mermaid—

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Much time had passed since the Aspects restoration of The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter and transforming it into a new work titled The Legend of Princess Kaguya. With two stories now successfully restored, general spirits within the realm had risen not only within the Index but in the surviving Books scattered throughout the Void. Strengthened by the increased amount of magic supplied by the new Books, there were increased reports of successful defenses and push backs against invading Erasers.

Eventually, the Aspects' journal glowed a soft, silver white light and a new message from the Storyteller awaited them upon opening.

Aspects, we first would like to welcome and thank those who have recently accepted our pleas for help. And now we must once more call upon your skills and talents to restore another Book within the realm. The title of this work is The Little Mermaid and will require everyone to take on different forms throughout most of it, especially when underwater. We are fortunate to have those whose essences have deemed them worthy to lend their powers, and we hope you will be able to work together to restore this Book to its former glory. And fear not, your new forms will allow you to swim unimpeded. Because our powers have strengthened, we are able to immediately transport you into the Book. Meetin in front of the Grand Library within three days time, and like before supplies will be provided. You may use this time for your own preparations and read on the original work if you so desire.

Once the three days had passed and everyone had their change to make the necessary preparations, the group gathered in front of the Grand Library where several of the high ranking Librarians awaited them. The Librians escorted the Aspects inside and through large doors that were restricted to personnel only. Down several stone staircases they were led until they entered a large chamber. Within was a large, glowing circle etched in a variety of alphetic characters, runes, and glyhps. Some may liken it to a magic summon circle.

Already resting within the circle were the promised provisions such as food, medical kits, magical potions and curatives, tools, and other basic traveling supplies were on hand for them. Because of the nature of the story, everything was packed not in bags or boxes, but in special translucent "bubbles" that would allow anyone to reach within to retrieve the items without breaking and keep the contents dry. Underwater they would be able to float no matter how heavy the items within were, and on land they would not break even if dropped. These "bubbles" were wrapped within a large cargo nettings to help with transport.

After the Librarians gave their final instructions and ensured everyone was ready, the group gathered within the circle. They would hear the Storyteller's voice whisper around them—

We pray for your safe return.

—before they are suddenly enveloped in a bright white light, the sound of water already rushing in around them before words and brief visions of the Book they were entering appear around them.

Far, far out in the oceans, with waters the deepest of blues and clearer than any crystal, dwells a kingdom of special beings called the 'merfolk.' Led by the Sea King, these people of the sea lived within a castle of sea crystal, coral, and pearls. Blessed with peace they could frolick and play to their hearts content.

However, the youngest of the Sea King's daughters had a fascination for the humans who dwelled in the lands above. Because the princesses were forbidden from going to the surface until the age of fifteen, she must wait each year, listening to the stories of her elder sisters before it was finally her turn. What wonders and adventures awaited her?

And that is where our story begins...

When the Aspects next open their eyes, they would find themselves in within the remains of what was once a beautiful underwater kingdom. The chamber they appeared within was large, the walls lined with broken, cracked sea crystal. The water itself was dark and murky, almost pitch black in places, and it felt thick like oil—or ink—when they moved. Only dim lights provided from the remaining sea creatures and glowing crystals scattered about provided any usable light. With pieces of the buildings crumbling away even now, their location was the safest and would serve as their main camp.

However, the most notable and greatest change of all was to their vary person. They had been warned they would experience a kind of transformation, but only now would they realize what form they would take. Everyone had some kind of "merform" where, except for a slight change of attire, their upper halves remained the same, but instead of legs they now had tails or some other form reminisicent of an underwater creature. Movement would take some getting used to, but all would find it more or less "natural."

Those who had been chosen to play out certain roles would find their journal glowing and within were instructions as to where they needed to go. Soft, glowing crystals served as torch lights to lead them to nearby rooms that would take them to their designated places. But that would come later. First they would have time to explore and help with other tasks left by the Storyteller, all of which would help not only with the scenes to come but also to help slowly restore the world itself.

But they must tread with care. Dangers lurked within the water just outside of the kingdom, and even within. The skies above the ocean were in constant turmoil as well, with storms raging nonstop and ghostly ships ready to spear any merfolk caught unaware.

Chapter 03: Act I

[storyevents]

The Little Mermaid: Act I—

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§ 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.