realmofstories | Chapter 04: Act III

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Chapter 04: Act III

A MIDSUMMER ROSE: ACT III—

As everyone is taken from the second Act into the third and final Act of this story, they will all share the same visions of how the story has proceeded thus far:

Bonny Rose and Puck met and proceeded to blame each other for the donkey curse, but eventually took a moment to realize they needed to work together in order to brew the cure, with Bonny Rose protecting Puck while he gathered ingredients and brewed the potion. (All while bickering and swearing as only fantasy-Scottish redheads can.)

After freeing the town, Bonny Rose was in a much better mood and got along considerably better with her new traveling companion Nick Bottom, developing an amiable friendship until the two were separated by distracting swarms of butterflies and will-o-wisps.

Titania found Nick in the forest and he followed her willingly to her castle, with the queen demonstrating her considerable might defending her new paramour against a serpentine creature. The two indulged in a steamy bath and soothing Titania's wounds.

Surprisingly, Oberon and Carabosse had a scintillating past as lovers and partners on the battlefield, until Carabosse fell too deep into dark magic and Oberon began to fall for Titania. The two of them had a tense but surprisingly civil conversation about the past, the curse and her kidnapping plans, and Titania's mothering skills, and Carabosse promised to alter the curse and divulged that it can be broken with True Love, romantic or platonic.

Oberon managed to coax a particularly sharp Titania to their room, and eventually managed to break the curse on her.

Titania apologized to Nick for her behavior while under the love potions' effects. He accepted her apology, and the two agreed to part ways and for Nick to be left alone from now on.

Meanwhile, Bonny Rose and Tam Lin met in the forest, and the two normally outgoing youths were so stricken with each other that they became shy. They bonded over their shared feelings of being trapped in certain roles, and Tam Lin managed to charm her by introducing her to a wolf pup and taking her on a ride through the forest.

After the lovebirds parted ways, Tam Lin went to Puck for romantic advice. This was a mistake, as apparently fairy romance is much more complicated than Tam Lin thought, all he wanted was to know how to ask out a girl.

Carabosse managed to lure Tam Lin away with a handsome male visage before revealing her true form, offering Tam Lin a chance to join her dark forces. He refused, and she unleashed the (altered) curse on him.

When they awaken, the Aspects will find themselves in the middle of a desolate looking fortress, everything battered and filled with debris. A few bones and broken pieces of armor can be found scattered about, dark clouds constantly looming overhead—and along with the occasional cawing of crows, the loud roars of dragons can be heard followed by large, dark shadows as they fly overhead.

This is the fortress where Tam Lin is held captive and Bonny Rose must rescue him from. Once again those who must fulfil their role will find a path illuminated for them by glowing mushrooms and lead to different doors through which they must pass through before appearing in their designated scene setting. The rest will be tasked to try and clean out the fortress while protecting their safe location as well as helping the dragons roosting in the many towers overhead.

The Aspects will also discover that while they no longer are in their fairy forms, they can turn into something else—dragons.

§ instructions.

The third 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.

Fairy forms are no longer at play, but everyone will now have a dragon form they can transform into. It's mostly by their own will, but a few may have some accidents as they get used to it. These transformations can be either partial or full. IMPORTANT! Characters cannot transform into dragons while doing scenes. Only those playing Tam Lin and Bonny Rose in Scene 6 will be able to use their given dragon form to use.

Finally, just to be clear, characters who are in Main Scenes are not immediately dropped in to their location and will have to follow the glowing path of mushrooms to a designated door 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. Dungeon Sweep. Another Act, another place to clear out to make it hospitable during their stay.

Safe Zone. The safe zone in this location is a central outdoor plaza, which may not seem all that safe, but that's where they end up. Flowers from Tam Lin's forest can be found sprouting around the area and like before, the pollen can be used to help erect magical barriers to prevent enemies from entering. There are also small storehouses, barracks, and a kitchen nearby that can be used.
Haunted Armor. Aside from the monsters, there is an army of haunted armor patrolling the halls and walls of the fortress, and some will even try to break into the safe zone. Although mostly armor, they are formidable foes, each one carrying the spirit of a strong, powerful knight of ancient times. Even if one were to hack off parts of the armor, they will still be able to move and even reattach themselves. The only way to completely destroy them is by piercing through the center of the chest piece where a stone core rests inside.
Disabling Traps. There are numerous traps within the fortress, ranging from classic spikes from the walls to sudden pitfalls to revolving walls and even a rolling boulder. When venturing through the fortress, take care not to set them off because where there's on trap, there are sure to be more.

¶ I. Dragon Egg Hunt. Many dragons can be seen flying overhead, but they don't really bother the characters all that much. If anything they seem to be focused on dealing with some other problems, and those who venture up to the other towers will discover the reason why—as well as why they're able to transform into dragons.

Egg Thief. There are several dragon nests scattered about the towers, but there are these harpies that keep trying to steal them and fly away with them. Chase after them and return the eggs to earn the dragons' favor.
Protect the Eggs. One would think a dragon wouldn't have trouble protecting its roost, but when it comes to smaller threats such as small basilisks and other large snakes, their large size becomes a disadvantage, especially if they don't want to accidentally crush their own brood. Help fend off these threats to earn the dragons' favor.
Egg Hunt. Now some of these eggs are on the move. Whether taken by something else and hidden somewhere, rolled off on their own, or on their way to hatching with their little legs or wings already breaking through, they need to be found and returned to their nest before something truly terrible happens.

¶ IV. Wildcard. Make up your own prompt!

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[Gobo, watching anxiously, took half a step forward when the fight began, before pulling himself back. He could handle himself well enough but in bigger stuff like that, he might just wind up a liability. Besides, he had another task to do, so he hurried to that instead.

As he neared to his picked spot, there was definitely a gap that wasn't there a minute ago, of a sort that might be missed unless one were looking for it. He skidded to a stop and looked it over, then turned back toward the noise. What signal, what signal-??

Over the din of the chaos sounded a piercing whistle, a snippet of a tune of his own to catch Kazuma's attention. He repeated it, hoping it would also help locate him, and waited anxiously.]

[With some excellent footwork and dodging skills, Kazuma is taking advantage of the smoke and the confusion to force the guards to fight one another.]

Got him!

You idiot, that's my arm!

[Just a simple push here, a little punch there, and they were at each other. The little sentry could do nothing, but squeak loudly at them both to stop. As he slowly works his way out of the fight, he could hear a faint melody from somewhere. Considering the direction, that had to be coming from Gobo. So he quietly attempts to sneak away, keeping a lookout for Gobo.]

[He was doing the same for Kazuma and once he spotted him, he got to a bit of a higher spot, waving both hand and tail, hoping the flash of color would let him spot him easier.

Once he would be so spotted, he rushed over to the tunnel, waiting just inside the mouth of it for his partner.]

[He sees that tail tuff wagging and follows after it, eventually coming to the tunnel Gobo has uncovered. Small, but still big enough to fit a person like him.] Good work.

[As he joins him down in the tunnel, something sparkles past them. The little pixie scout from before was now blocking their way. It tsk at them, wagging their finger. Kazuma doesn't wait for them to make their move and reaches to grab the scout. They easily dodge his attempt with a chuckle. It knocks him with some pixie dust, which whatever was in it, immobilizes him once inhaled.]

[Oh SHOOT this was bad. Gobo faced the pixie, who seemed to be reaching for another round of the dust. As quick as brains work, he went through his options, of which there weren't much. Either his fists or his music.

Making the decision quickly, he pulled out a simple homemade guitar, that first strum knocking against the pixie like a blow. It didn't make it stagger much, but it did at least distract it off the dust for a moment.

Fingers working quickly, Gobo started playing a melody, quick and fast to catch its attention, then something slower, heavy, as if the notes themselves were falling asleep. Directing the music ~~most~~ toward the pixie, he continued playing determinedly, watching it.

Come on, fall asleep...]

[Kazuma has fallen onto the ground, unable to move thanks to the dust. He could only listen as Gobo tries to put a stop on the pixie. It's too late for the pixie to retaliate as the melody has already reached it's ears. It stifles a yawn, trying to stay in the air, but it's wings starts to feel heavier and heavier. Eventually with a thump, it falls to the lull of the song of sleep.

Unfortunately, Gobo's power of song was just a little too potent. Though it's hard to tell with Kazuma being stunned, he too has also fallen asleep to the melody.]

Hah!

[A victory strum and he turned the guitar around so it rested on his back.]

Looks like we're clear to go, uh-

[That pause was as he turned back to look at Kazuma, noticing him looking awfully still for being so... still. Running over, he came up to his side and grabbed him by the shoulder, shaking him.]

Kazuma? Nick, hey! Wake up!

[He may not show any reactions on the outside, but his insides were fighting itself to remember how to breath and sleep. As he gasp for air, he could feel the other's thoughts creeping onto him, that burning sensation all over his body. It was changing once more to suit Hyde's needs, claws, sharp teeth and more bulk, tearing into the gaudy suit. The tunnel felt even smaller as he gain about a feet in size and eventually the pixie dust's effects had worn off, leaving Hyde to simply yawn.]

No need to shout. Ugh. [He could barely sit up.] Is this the biggest tunnel you could make? [He press his clawed hands against the walls of the tunnel. Cracks appear in the wall as he puts pressure on them, trying to stretch and make more space. This was probably a bad idea since he could bring the tunnel down.]

[He backed up, watching with wide eyes as the change went over Kazuma, hitting the opposite wall after a few moments. Gobo looked behind him and then back, pressing a bit more into the rock.

Then the walls trembled and groaned and he looked up and around them, breath quick in his throat. Sudden envisionments of the tunnel coming down, of rocks surrounding him- of digging Boober and Red out of the rubble that almost took them-

He blinked and shook his head quickly, clearing away the memory. That seemed to shave the edge off the initial fright as well and he glared back some, even if still pressed against the wall.]

This tunnel is exactly like it needed to be, back when decent people needed it! If you don't like it, then- [He waved a hand back down the way they'd come from.]

[He had to laugh at Gobo's attempt to tell him off.]

Quite a mouthful from a little pipsqueak. [He smiles, showing his teeth, with yellow slitted eyes staring him down.] Are you sure you can handle the rest of this "mission" on your own?

Yeah, I could!

[He puffed himself up some, glaring back at those frightening eyes.]

I found the Cavern of Lost Dreams, I locked up the Invisible Gargoyle, I plunged the bottomless depths of the Hole to Who Knows Where, and I beat the Beast of Bluerock! You don't scare me, and I've got a mission to do, that I can do on my own!

If you try to get in my way, well- well I wouldn't, if I were you!

[A few of the rocks come loose as Hyde moves his claws from the walls of the tunnel and comes uncomfortably closer to Gobo.]

And none of that means a thing to me, you know? [He tilts his head to the side, that amused grin still on his face.] I wasn't going to, but if you really want to start a fight with me, I be happy to oblige!

[You're really going to start a fight with him?] Hush, he wanted it first.

[He edged back momentarily, then screwed his courage to the sticking place and pulled himself back up again, glaring her down.]

What I want to do is finish this mission, and if you're in my way, then so be it! I've taken on bigger monsters than you and made it through to the other side just fine!

Then let's see you do just that! [He brings his claws forward to swipe at Gobo.]

[If there's something that can be said about Fraggles, it's that they're quick. Part small size, but in Gobo's case it's also winning races and years of dodging "the hairy monster out in Outer Space" (read: a dog, albeit one who definitely did chase him around a lot). So as soon as Hyde comes for him he ducks and lunges forward, skirting through the space between his legs. He rolled around and came back up in a crouch, thinking fast.

If he can manage to trip him up somehow, maybe he can get away and run off down the tunnel, find his own bolt hole toward the castle. Hyde definitely had a harder time moving around in this passage as it was; the rocks breaking down earlier were enough of a clue to that.

The rocks... The rocks! Maybe he wouldn't have to trip him, maybe...]

Hey! [He braced for another swipe, knowing it was coming.] Is that the best you got??

[Claw marks appear on the cave wall where Hyde had swiped.] Tch! [He doesn't seem too concern about the damage he's causing to the hole as he shifts about to find Gobo.]

I've only just started! [That strike comes as Gobo predicted.]

[He dodged that strike much as before, though this was with a roll to the side rather than forward through his legs again. His eyes scanned the rock walls quickly, looking for what he needed. This was his home turf and he was going to fight for it, Story or no.

Seeing what he sought, adequate unevenness to give foot and handholds, he scrambled up the wall and to the ceiling, waving his tail tauntingly. Come and get him, Claws!]

[His claws dig into the cave wall as he misses again.]

I'm going to crush you under these rocks! [He cuts out a chunk of rock from the wall and just flings up towards the ceiling.]

[He ducks the rock, maybe not quick enough judging by that wince, but the rock does hit the ceiling beside him, opening up a crack on impact. Clinging to the wall still, if just barely, he reaches behind him and pulls out his gourd-guitar. A little pang of regret for this, a brief mental apology and then he swung the thickest part of it for the split. Twice, three times, cracking the hardest part of the bowl against the rock, until the break began to split, dislodging more rocks from the ceiling.

Losing his grip Gobo fell more than it was a controlled drop, mostly managing to land well but springing backward, keeping his eyes on Hyde, as the earlier-weakened walls of the tunnel started to tremble again.]

[Hyde doesn't seem to be paying attention to what Gobo was doing. He could easily swat away the falling rocks, no problem. He doesn't notice the increasing frequency of them as he smacks them into the cave walls, making the shaking even worse. The rocks cut and tear into the costume while he moves after Gobo. He's certain he's just making himself an opening to get out.]

I've got you now! [He reaches for his tail as he sees him fall. The weight of the rocks slow him, but they were more of a small hindrance to him. If he wants to bury him, he'll make sure he'll get buried along with him!]

[Whether further damage from rocks or his Essence's bolt holes at work, there's a small opening at the bottom of the wall that, on seeing that reach for him, Gobo is able to scramble toward, losing a few hairs off the end of his poofball in the swipe, and the falling rocks. It's a tight fit in the emergency but he's able to go in a few feet, hopefully far enough to be safe; he thunks his back against the wall and, breathing heavily, listens to the ruckus outside to try and gauge what's happening, as well as take stock of his injuries.

Now that the adrenaline was starting to die down, he realized he hurt. That rock had indeed hit him on its way to the ceiling, and his whole shoulder was likely going to sport a pretty bad bruise underneath his clothing and fur for a while. The landing did him no favors, his guitar was badly banged up and would need repairs, and he had general scratches and scrapes. Better that than having been skewered by those claws...

At least, in this precise moment, he was safe. He didn't know what he was going to do now, but looks like that'd be something he'd have to figure out on his own.]

[Gobo could probably hear Hyde scream in fury when he just misses Gobo by a hair and disappear into the much smaller opening. The thing with a cave in, is that as strong as one was, there will a come a point where there isn't much space to shuffle all the rocks away.]

You stupid furball! You think, you've escaped have you?! [He probably has, but that won't stop Hyde from doing reckless things. He's digging through the rocks and rubble, for Gobo and for the sake of getting himself out of the mess he had caused. The longer he is unable to find the Fraggle, the more intense the cave shakes and his screams got.]

I have! [He lifted his voice to be heard above the trembling ground.] You're in my territory now, and I can traverse it better than you!

[Taking his own advice he decided to beat feet down the tunnel, which twisted and wound its way away. The earthquake wasn't ineffective, cracking the ceiling or floor even as he retreated, and more than once he had to dodge falling rocks, some avoided better than others.

But at last the tunnel started edging up and opened back into the forest where Gobo, exhausted, collapsed to his knees and then to the ground. He lay there panting for a few moments, then glanced back over his shoulder. When he was recovered enough he got to his feet and looked himself all over, already dreading being seen again by someone else- seen by Wembley. None of this looked good, though he was sure it wasn't as bad as it seemed.

As for the mission, hell or highwater he'd do it. But he'd do it alone, and he'd do it with one eye out for... whatever monster he'd left behind in that tunnel.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Chapter 04: Act III

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