realmofstories | Chapter 04: Act II

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Chapter 04: Act II

A MIDSUMMER ROSE: ACT II—

With the tasks completed, the story progresses onward to the next Act. As everyone falls asleep, their dreams replay the events of the story thus far.

The two queens fought fiercely with sharp words and powerful magic, but in the end Titania surrendered and muttered “just curse the brat.” Carabosse did indeed curse Tam Lin to prick his finger on a spindle and fall into a deep slumber, as well as give the child an invitation to join her dark forces should he ever decide to forsake his family.

While Oberon was hesitant to trust his son with Puck, the rebellious fairy argued that being rough around the edges meant he could better handle a crisis. So the king set Puck the test of retrieving a flower from a dangerous locale and returning with the flower intact, lending the sprite a priceless dagger for protection and a further test of trust.

Puck trusted little Tam Lin to hold the magical flower while the sprite carried the babe, eventually stumbling upon a convenient baby carriage. The two then enjoyed the beauty of the wild forest on their trek.

While still in pain from parting with their son and previous hurts in their relationship, Oberon and Titania reaffirmed their love and trust in each other as they set out to destroy the spindles.

Puck raised Tam Lin more as a younger brother than a son and they formed a strong bond. While Tam Lin took after Puck in being easygoing and playful, they still had a love and protectiveness for the forest they called home. The two would often use Puck's ability to shapeshift and communicate with animals and Tam Lin magically gifted skill with music to soothe and heal injured animals they came across and to protect the forest from any outside threats.

Carabosse did her best to intimidate Nick Bottom into telling her Tam Lin’s location, but the playwright parried her at every turn and even accused her of being a yaoi fangirl. Eventually the evil fairy’s temper reached its zenith, prompting the soon-to-be donkey to challenge her to a children’s card game. Bottom won through the use of sleight-of-hand, but Carabosse caught the cheater, and for his insolence turned him and all the town into donkeys.

When everyone awakens, they find themselves in the forest cultivated by Puck and Tam Lin and once again in their strange fairy forms. It is flourishing, more color, sound, and even music filling the air as sunlight streams through the open branches. However, within the shadows lurk dangers that manage to slip in and the forest still needs care and protection as it will be their main stronghold.

Like before, the magical fairy rings made of flowers and glowing mushrooms will send those who are to act their scenes to their proper location. However, there are other paths illuminated by glowing mushrooms and flowers, each one leading to various places both within and outside the large forest.

One path in particular will lead them to the cursed village where they are to help cure those afflicted by the curse as well as fend off the Erasers and other dangers that threaten the village. However they should be careful as they will have a "curse" of their own upon entering.

§ instructions.

The second Act 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.

As a reminder, there are two different fairy forms that characters outside the main scenes can take when in the setting of the story. While in Tam Lin's forest, they will take on their fairy form (can be the same as last Act or different). While in the cursed village, they will take on some kind of "hoofed" creature or fairy with a slant towards the equine.

Finally, just to be clear, characters who are in Main Scenes are not immediately dropped into their location and will have to step into a designated fairy ring made of iridescent mushrooms and flowers 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. Lifting the curse. Everyone in the village has been turned into donkeys, and those who enter the village will also find themselves "cursed" with a hooved form, causing a bit of havoc within the village. The temperaments between each one vary from morose to hostile, and both can be difficult to handle. Some donkeys even stray from the village and need to be herded back, or else they are attacked and killed by the Erasers that lay beyond. To lift their own curse, the Aspects must protect and lift the curse off the villagers. There are a few ways to do this:

The cursed villagers no longer remember who they are, but a reminder of who they used to be could help. Although they cannot speak, clues range from the bits of clothing left on their bodies, their behavior, and the locations they tend to stray to.
The more hostile and aggressive ones may need to be subdued; knocking them unconscious may expel the curse from them.
Finally, there are some glowing white candied roses scattered about the village. Should the cursed villagers eat some, they will be cured.

Reminder: Aspects who enter the village will take on a new "hooved creature" form and must help lift the curse of at least one villager before they can leave the village and get rid of the "curse."

¶ II. Protect the forest and its creatures. With the Fairy Queen caught up in a complicated love affair and Tam Lin distracted by his own romance, the protection around the forests have gone thin, and many fairy creatures are left unattended and vulnerable.

The Forests. Tam Lin's forest has a barrier that must be strengthened every so often by using the pollen of the purple flower and casting it over the barrier. The weakest points will be where the shadows and darkness are greatest, and hostile creatures and Erasers are lurking. For the forests outside, follow the glowing mushroom path to different "outposts" to replenish the magic barrier in the area. Not only can they use the flower, but they must increase the amount of light to disperse the darkness.
Fairy creatures. A cute, little fairy creature may help guide them and even become attached. If not leading them to one of the weakened locations, the creature will lead the Aspects to a special nursery where many of the wounded need to be fed and healed.

Note: Aspects will have their fairy forms while in the forests.

¶ III. Clear the Castle Path. The pathway to the castle is covered in thorny vines and unpleasant fae folk under Carabosse's command. Some are just ordinary plants, while others will come to life and attack anything that tries to pass them. These plants also seem more resilient to flames this time, some even spitting fire and acid. The faes will create illusions and puzzles for our heroes to solve, such as turning parts of the road into blocks and forcing them to try and piece them back together (like Tetris). Other faes prefer being combative, trolls and orcs battle ready to stop anyone.

¶ IV. Bucking Bicycles. Scattered throughout the forest, at first they seem like regular bicycles with toy horse heads attached to them, but anyone who tries to ride them will suddenly find themselves bucked and tossed onto the ground. In order to ride one of these mighty metal steeds, one must first earn its trust. Perhaps a little elbow grease might persuade them, or a nice metal carrot.

¶ V. Wildcard. Make up your own prompt!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[He just smirks a little since it really is kind of odd, as if their roles should be switched. But hey, at least he'll actually have a go at doing this role seriously for once...

...Mostly.]

Oh? Are you admitting that this was all a ploy to get my attention?

[Naomi would try her best to stay in-character that was certain... only she doesn't really know the story that well.]

Yes. You're the one who left fellow royalty off the invite list for reasons unknown. What did you think I was going to do?

[It's all right, neither does he.]

Oh I knew you'd come. But rather than facing off my wife, I was hoping I'd have the chance to end things between us once and for all.

[Script, what script.]

It's unfortunate I had too much to drink at the time.

[PLAUSIBLE.]

[... Okay, she has no idea... what? Is this going the route she thinks it might?]

You could've ended things by talking to me...

[So we're going this route huh?]

I see. So it wasn't so much you didn't trust me, but you didn't trust yourself.

[She quirks an eyebrow.]

[It's fine, he left it vague. There's apparently some ~history~ between them, but she can take it however she thinks would be interesting.

But he'll just arch a brow in return. Sounds like they're going for some drama.]

Who's the one who's holding onto a grudge all these centuries?

But now I'm curious what you're imagining here since I can already say whatever trust I had in you in the past no longer exists.

[Aren't these fairytales honestly about the drama in the end? Just... aged for everyone... mostly.]

You'll have to excuse me if I was the one left behind all so you could marry her. I think I have a right to continue bearing a grudge for it unlike you especially now you've scorned me twice.

[So yeah, exactly how this is going.]

I still had some trust in you to honor my place as another ruler... but no, you can't do that much. You're certainly not the man I remember.

[Yep, they're definitely doing this. Now how to milk this... Fairy tales are full of tragic backstories, too, right? Let's amp it up.

As if knowing that he can no longer just "play it off," he takes on a harsher tone.]

By cursing my first born? A bit cowardly when you should be taking it out on me, don't you think?

[Ah, but this should have some more ~feeling~ so...a small sigh.]

Look, I won't deny that my choice hurt you, but I was also left with no choice. It wasn't just for my kingdom. By the time I met Titania, you had also changed.

[He kind of wishes he paid more attention to whenever the girls gossiped about those weird soap drama stories, so he's kind of fishing here, but it sounds pretty good to him so far.]

It's a sleep curse. It could've been worse, but who knows? If I'd been invited, maybe I would've given your son an actual blessing.

[But they can't stay all day talking about 'maybe's now could they.]

Sometimes, change cannot be avoided, but if it had been so noticeable, why didn't you talk to me?

[Most relationships fail because of communication so she's going to roll with that.]

A sleep curse that ends in death and now you plan on kidnapping him.

[Just very dry, sarcastic response.

But all right, she's going for the miscommunication angle...which to be fair, is probably very likely. He's also not exactly keen on making Oberon the "innocent" one since he knows very well that guys screw up a lot. Plus, wouldn't it be more interesting for Carabosse to have a sympathetic reason of some kind? Yet if Oberon also actually cared...hmmmm.]

That... [A reason...a reason... He doesn't actually mean to stall, but it kind of works in his favor. ...Why does everything he thinks of just makes Oberon seem like a dick—

Time to BS this and spout off dumb excuses and assumptions because that's what usually happens, right?] Things were still unstable and I was often out fighting. You've already fallen to dark magic and I already tried to warn you once. Would you really have been willing to listen and let go of it all?

Considering how things went when I cursed him, kidnapping is doing him a favor...

[Honestly, she had... well, no considering who had been playing Titania at the time. She hadn't spoken to them before, but wow, there's some basics to do to be a mother.]

[Ah, he's picked a good way to go. The little she remembers about the story, Oberon and Titania hadn't been the best in the story by far. It'd been played more as a comedy of course, but at this point, marching forward.]

For you? Of course I would've. I didn't even intend on learning more dark magic, but what I had learned helped, did it not?

[There's just a "glare" at the whole favor thing before he internally nods at Naomai's response. He had expected it, and it's a good one. So he first acts surprised by her answer before putting on a thoughtful look, as if ruminating over her words while he's really just deciding what to do next.

He has two paths. He could either take the "sentimental" route and see where it goes, or possibly cut things early and take the "prideful rejection" route to end the discussion.

...Well when he thinks of it that way, there's clearly only one answer.

So he finally softens his expression a bit, as if recalling the past. Pretending to be bittersweet, there's a small quirk of his lips.]

Yeah, it did. With all the fighting we had to do, with my swords and your magic... At the time it was necessary, and we were quite the formidable pair.

[He's just going to cast Naomai an amused glance because he is just piling on dramatic tragic backstory.]

[Credit where credit is due, at least he's remembering he's supposed to be a 'father' here. Question was, what was next? They'd probably moved off the script already so what would these two do as they'd been made at this point?]

[... Eh, screw it. Someone had been Shouty McCurse in the previous part anyway.]

[Oh, she sees the way he's going. Sentimental... not that expected, but she can work with it.]

We were. We promised to always have each other's back... and then some.

[She sent him a quirked eyebrow back. What would he do now?]

[Let's just pretend Oberon didn't think they'd be going down memory lane.

Does he dare be suggestive. On the one hand, he actually respects Naomi quite a bit so that's probably a good reason why he's "behaving" this time around instead of cutting up like he usually does. On the other hand, story. Personally he doesn't care how it goes, but he is having a bit of a fun right now.

He chuckles a bit.]

I think you had mine more than I had yours. [Oh yes. He went there.] But those were some good times, I won't deny that.

[Weird things are happening and they might as well.]

[Naomi was having a bit of fun at least. Tangled relationships were what the story was all about, right? And well, then, he did take that step.]

Like you didn't enjoy that... [She smirks.] Great times. It's difficult to find anyone else capable of coming near it. Though, I have to assume Titania can for you?

[Now there's a smirk.]

Now, now, you know I'm not a "kiss and tell" kind of guy.

[That's a trap and he knows it.]

[She rolls her eyes.]

Oh? Since when? Something must be missing then.

[Does she shift her eyebrows again? Well... yes.]

I'm pretty sure we didn't need to share anything since anyone could hear it for themselves instead.

[Fairies. Wild crazy sex outdoors. Yeah he can easily imagine that.]

Exactly. And perhaps they could've heard us less, but where's the fun in that?

[Like she wouldn't play along with something ridiculous like that at this point.]

You know what they say, the louder you are just means the more fun you're having.

[Weren't they supposed to be arguing or something—but of course Rokurou is the same, he's more than happy to go on the path of ridiculous.]

So? Are you having fun?

[However this ends, they at least played their part in fleshing out Oberon and Carabosse's 'history' together.]

About as much fun a king of an entire kingdom can have.

[A wry grin.]

I will admit I like the peace, but I miss the fighting.

[Because Rokurou must make every character he plays some kind of warrior, and Oberon is now a fearless fairy warrior, fight him.]

But what about you? Cooped up in your... Sorry, but your domain is just depressing to look at.

[PERSONALLY he honestly doesn't care and thinks it's kind of cool. Daemon and all. But Mr. Fairy King probably would find it troubling.]

Just making curses all day?

[Hey, she doesn't really care. It's for the next person taking the role to worry about.]

It's been quiet, hasn't it?

[Quieted... since she became queen. Seemed like that was the answer all along.]

Yes, darkness doesn't really give much for color.

[But they made due with what they could get... not that Naomi cares. She preferred the palette.]

No even if a world of perpetual sunshine and rainbows is just boring. I actually do some ruling to keep the others beneath me from cursing everyone or everything. That war would still be going otherwise.

[At least he's mostly staying in character this time so should be. Workable, personality wise??? Probably???

A slight arch of the brow.]

Is that right? And here I thought you were just biding your time for the right moment.

[Like. A CERTAIN CHILD'S BIRTH.]

I was biding my time where we would meet again and negotiate, but somehow I never received correspondence back from your domain. Next thing I know, I'm hearing word of your son being born and received no prior invitation.

[Annnd since they're back on this, she'll cross her arms and scowl.]

I finished our fight and you shut me out entirely.

[He has two paths again. The "Oberon was a real dick" path or the "We could make this even more interesting" path.

Clearly, time to make things even more convoluted.]

Hold on, what correspondence? You're the one who never answered my messages.

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