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 was not letting go of that hunk of wood, even if it had likely broken on impact. Was still long enough to be useful if need be, and he showed it with how his guard didn't drop.

If anything his stance only changed to be ready if this was more an act than anything.]

Used to play baseball for fun.

Baseball? [Just a small grunt before he finally gathers his legs beneath and pushes himself up to stand, giving his one last shake before he looks over at the one he attacked.

He'll also be keeping a distance, more for 76's sake than his own.]

Sport that uses a bat -usually smoothed down wood or a metal instrument- to hit a ball. Further it goes a certain way, more chance you have to score points.

[In the most basic of ways to describe it. Was something fun to do during the summer at least, when he had free time.]

And I take it I was the ball in this instance. [Just a rueful shake of his head.]

In any case, I'm grateful and I apologize for suddenly attacking you. This is...an oversight on my part, but this is not the best place for me to be in.

You'd be correct.

[Did eyes him still, but at least he didn't look like he was immediately going to take another swing. Good thing? Good thing.]

Yet you're probably stuck like the rest of us while all of this- [Gesturing a bit about The Cursed Village, Donkeys, and everything that came with it.] -is ongoing.

[Just a heavy sigh, head hanging slightly.]

So it would seem which is again unfortunate. My essence is a wolf and it happens to have an appetite for horses. I've managed to keep it under control, but since I've taken on this kelpie form which is also carnivorous...

...You can imagine the difficulties.

[Sounded very unfortunate, and all the more reason to keep that chunk of wood with him, even if at the moment he moved to prop it against his shoulder, still well in hand. Not looking like he was about to take another swing

but could if needed.]

Sounds rough.

[76.]

Very.

[Just a snort of irritation before he moves on from his "problem." Not like he can do anything about it now and he's told everything he needed to inform 76 about the situation.

Eying the makeshift bat, Eustace considers something before speaks again.]

Once I'm free from this "curse" I'll leave, but I might need your help with that.

[Well informed really, and it made sense if that was the whole truth- he already knew how these Essences could influence something, so he could believe that much. He was just taking it with a grain of salt- his own precaution as it was.

There was a huff, one of those hooves digging in to the ground as if ready to pivot-]

Fine with me. Better to get this over with and at least give you something of a break, huh?

[Gruff as it came off? That was... just how he sounded, honestly. Willing to help.]

[He pays no mind to it given that he can behave the same way.]

It would be to your benefit as well. [Hopefully, anyway.]

I've collected the flowers, but herding them let along getting them to eat them has been difficult.

[Certainly doesn't help those hangry pains.]

If only they were sheep- donkeys have always been a pain to deal with.

[At least with sheep you could just sit them on their asses and they'd just... sit there until someone right them up. Always made sheering them easier- this?

This was dealing with some stubborn creatures, even if they were supposedly people under a curse. Supposed to be gentle and affectionate unlike some others along that line.]

Have you tried mixing them with something along the lines of grains?

[Now he was wondering if there were any feedbags around- could they get to something like a stable?]

[If a kelpie could frown, he would be doing it.]

Grains? ...I didn't consider they would have been cursed that far, but it couldn't hurt to try.

I remember passing by a stable not far from here.

[He shrugged and gestured towards a nearby donkey.

It was trying to eat a straw hat.]

It couldn't hurt to try, no. Might be one of our best shots.

[The real work would probably be getting a feeding bag on to one of their heads-]

Lead the way then.

[........All right, point taken.

Eustace nods and leads 76 to the stable he mentioned, and fortunately it really isn't too far, not even a minute's walk. Granted, they're on four legs so they can cover the distance a little quicker.]

Through here...

[But even before they arrive, they'll hear movement within, the doors already broken open. Inside they'll find..... A lot of donkeys munching away and making a general mess of things.]

[Maybe some of them were really excited to be and act like a donkey? Who knows. Curses were probably very strange things.

He followed along easily enough before just, stopping. Staring with the flatest expression he could manage, even with half of his face hidden by fabric. Really? Really?]

Of course this wouldn't be easy.

[Stepping in closer to the broken open doors to get a better look inside-]

Well, hopefully one of them hasn't attempted to eat the feed bags, they're no goats. I'll go in, if they get violent can probably manage to draw them out and leave you to look for a feed bag.

[Seeing the ~~feast~~ small group of donkeys is certainly pushing that predatory switch, so he takes a few steps back and nods while closing his eyes as he collects himself.]

That's probably for the best. I'll wait out here.

[At least some of the goats in there should be docile, but never know with donkeys and food.]

[He'd grown up working on a farm, but even they didn't have this many animals- and of course then he didn't have to worry about walking in to a barn while having the full body of a large horse from the waist down. So he snorted and, well.

Proceeded carefully. Donkeys were supposed to be gentle, yes, but clearly not all cursed donkeys followed the rules of the actual creatures and instead acted more like mules here and there—]

I can see at least one hanging in the back corner here.

[Question was if he could get the damned thing without causing a riot as he tried not to... step on any of them, let alone bump against a donkey.]

[It's cool he's just waiting outside, helping to keep an eye on the donkeys. But...hm.]

They still seem calm from where I am. [He takes a few steps to the side to get a better view of where 76 is talking about.] And I can see the bag you're talking about. If you don't think you can make it, is there another entrance or opening that's closer?

[With 76 already inside he could keep their attention and Eustace could make for the grab if there is. If not, welp. He looks around to see what he could do as a distraction...]

There's also a corral near here if we want to try to move them there instead.

There's a back door here- [And by Here he did certainly mean towards the back of the barn- usually tended to be a front in the back. Always made transporting either animal or hay in and out easier, rather than just having a one way where 'traffic' could get easily jammed.

Other reasons that came in handy, but that was beside the point.]

Make a move, could get to it faster than I could at this rate.

[They could judge if herding these guys elsewhere was needed now or not- could come in handy once the bag was gotten.]

[Eustace tries to peer inside to see the door, but he figures it'll be faster if he just moved to the other side.]

Got it. I won't take long.

[With that he immediately steps back, glad that he's at least grown accustomed to being on four legs even if in a different form. Silently he makes his way around the barn and immediately spots the door. He then takes care to lightly nudge it open with his muzzle, cringing a little when it creaks a bit, but with all the other sounds in the barn it seems they haven't noticed—yet.

He only takes a moment to make eye contact with 76 before he sticks to the shadows and slowly and stealthily picks his way through the barn towards the bag of hay. ...How he was going to carry it out he'll figure it out later. Depending on its weigh the might be able to just lift it with his mouth and carry it out with a little bit of strain.

In any case, there will be sudden layer of humidity as a black kelpie tries to silently make its way towards the sack. Even as a horse he can put his skills to good practice, remaining alert and one eye on any nearby donkeys. Fortunately the distance isn't too far, he just has to be careful to not accidentally step on any fallen tools or other items.]

I'll do what I can in here in the meantime.

[Which was half distraction and half looking out for anything else within the barn that might be needed that he could get in to. Of course he eventually had to start stepping over as well as around some of the donkey's- his size at least helped with the stepping over part when he was careful enough.

He caught sight of Eustace, nodding a bit then once he had it. Mindful of where his own hooves went as he had to freeze for a moment when one of those in the barn acted as if it was going to get rowdy-

Only to just... Eat more hay that was on the floor after pushing someone out of the way.

Alright then.]

[Despite the tension, it would appear that the donkeys do seem to be more interested in eating, so Eustace is able to grab the bag without much issue...

...

Until he actually has to grab it. He knew he would have to use his mouth and he's had some practice carrying things like this due to his wolf transformations. However, the bag itself is quite heavy, and although he tries it's impossible for him to carry it.

So there's a loud THWUMP as the bag falls onto the floor, and he immediately freezes when all the donkeys turn to him. ...Is it just the light or are all their eyes flashing red...

...

Well, he's not even going to bother to try and communicate what he's going to do next. And that is to grab the bag and run dragging it behind him. MIGHT AS WELL LEAD THEM OUT.]

[76 couldn't say he was surprised, going stock still the moment the sound hit him.

All he could do was try to get the hell out of dodge the moment the donkeys gave chase, and he couldn't remember the last time he'd ever seen one more this fast- hell, was almost like a sudden flooding of them as if there were more of them in that barn than either of them had seen initially.

That had to be a trick of the eyes, right?

This was not some quickly emptying barn clown car filled with suddenly very incensed donkeys stampeding after Eustace, right?

At least there was a large enough hole that he could gallop out of there himself, trying to run through that 'tide' to at least try and help the guy not possibly get in over his head in this two man action.

Shit.]

[Cue appropriate background music as Eustace struggles but forces his way through at a fast sprint, dragging the sack behind him.

Well. IT'S KIND OF WORKING?? They wanted to lure the stubborn things out and by golly, they are being lured. Eustace would just prefer not being chased while encumbered by this damn thing because man is this an awkward strain for his neck.

He should have tried to learn if there were any special kelpie powers that could have helped with this (probably not). So any back-up 76 can provide to keep them off his back will be greatly appreciated.

In any case, knowing he can't do this forever, Eustace leads them all into what he hopes is a pen. There are fences and an open gate, so close enough. After having to kick one or two that managed to get close, he then flings the sack into the pen before dashing in and jumping over the fence to escape. Only after swerving on his hooves does he shout at 76:]

Close the gate!

[He practically leaped the last bit of space between himself and the fenced area, all so that he could catch the gate and latch it solidly closed behind the lot of them, letting out a huff breath and-

Well.

Other than a few that seemed pissed off still, the rest were content to start eating out of the sack. Hooves kicking a little at the ground himself-]

Damn well one way to get this done with. Throwing those roses in there with them will get the job done, and keep this bunch out of further trouble.

[He did look over-]

You alright?

[That really did have to be a pain.]

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