realmofstories | Chapter 01: Act I - The Horseman of Christmas Past

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Chapter 01: Act I - The Horseman of Christmas Past

A Hollow Christmas Carol: Act I—

§ instructions.
This is the designated log for all the main scenes for Act I: The Horseman of Christmas Past. All sub quests and nonrelated threads are to be made in their own posts. The scenes are listed below along with the assigned cast. Organization wise, the threads can happen in any order so you don't have to wait for one group to post before you do. Just start when you're ready! But to help, include in the subject line the scene header (ex. Scene 1, Scene 2, etc.) You can fluff it up a little to make it more specific like including the main characters or even scene title. Just be sure to have the number so we know which is which!

As a reminder, characters will have the necessary information within their journals. Those who are selected to play a scene will find their journal flashing red, so hard to miss. Aside from a few aesthetic changes (costumes, makeup, etc., think stage effects), all characters will be unchanged and won't gain any new powers or properties (ie. "Ghosts" are still tangible). The information they have is roughly the same as what is written OOCly.

Although there are certain characters set for a scene, it's not impossible for those not directly involved to make an appearance as random side characters or helpers. Characters can either just happen to be there or those cast as the role can make a "call out" through the journals. Any items and locations found through the main scenes are also free to be used by others for fun. There are also Bonus scenes that are basically extra prompts for people to have fun with if they'd like.

If you have any questions, post them to the Game Notes.

§ main scenes.

¶ Scene 1: Ebegeeser and Horseman of Christmas Past. The Horseman is supposed to show Ebegeeser how he was as a teacher and he was (supposedly) a decent guy. So the best way to showcase that is give Ebegeeser a classroom to teach. The two will need to recreate the Schoolhouse, take care of some pranks, and deal with animated straw children. The "children" can behave however players want them to. Angels or devils, throwing things at Ebegeeser. Even the Horseman can be a brat and play along if they want. The Horseman will also have their pony to deal with and yes—must ride it at some point. Note: If it's pre-planned to not find the Schoolhouse here, let us know so that it's noted in other scenes involving it.

Find the gift with the Schoolhouse to kick things off. [It's a big green box with a piece of a chalk on top so it should be be pretty obvious]
Disarm three pranks set up within the Schoolhouse. [Pranks can be whatever you guys want]
Ebegeeser "teach" a class of "children" and the Horseman.

Cast: Ebegeezer - Kazuma Asougi; Horseman - 9S

¶ Scene 2: Ebegeeser's first meeting with Beltrina. Set in the Schoolhouse, Ebegeeser first meets the beautiful Beltrina...and starts thinking about her wealth. Beltrina herself is practicing the violin and is already in a relationship with Bromfred. But could Ebegeeser worm his way into her heart!? Time for Ebeneeser to get his flirt on...and the Horseman might sit on the side and watch. MUSICAL NUMBER ♫ Note: If the Schoolhouse is pre-planned to not be found in the other scene, then they will need to find the box. Otherwise, the scene is set in a random building.

Beltrina plays or uses the violin. [Can be meshed with the musical]
Ebegeeser tries to flirt with Beltrina through song. [♫]
Mention Bromfred.
Bonus: Horseman of Christmas Past makes an appearance to speak with Ebegeeser [Can have a separate thread]

Cast: Ebegeezer - Cyrus Albright; Beltrina - Pearl; Horseman - Therion

¶ Scene 3: Bromfred's arrogance and Ebegeeser's jealousy. After learning about Beltrina's relationship with Bromfred and Bromfred constantly messing with him, Ebegeeser is brimming with hatred and jealousy. Bromfred's feelings are far simpler—he just finds the guy dumb and an easy target (no one said Bromfred was nice). So they are at each other's throats and will showcase their dislike through the magic of rap. The characters will have to find microphones, make a stage, and then dish out insults at each other a la "Drop the Mic." Who will be the victor? Will Ebegeeser let slip his murderous thoughts!? MUSICAL NUMBER ♫

Find the gift containing two microphones. [Small yellow triangular box up in a tree]
Make a stage. [There will be planks of wood and a toolset available nearby]
Rap at each other. [♫]
Bonus: Horseman appears to warn Ebegeeser through rap. [♫; can have separate threads]

Cast: Ebegeeser - Edna; Bromfred - Therion; Horseman - Ib

[Mod note: Refer to the accompanying Game Notes for more information. If you wish to switch out of your current role, let us know!]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[...There are boars big enough to carry someone? Well, if 9S is sure of himself, he just shrugs.] We should go locate the Schoolhouse then. [He'll go on ahead and head out the hut first.]

[ 9S starts to follow, then gets stopped by the pony not budging. He pulls on the reins at first gently, then more insistently. ]

Come on, buddy. Don't be stubborn...

[ After a moment of hesitation, 9S sidles up next to the pony and hops into the saddle. He feels entirely too heavy for it, and the pony snorts in protest, but it doesn't buck or fight.

Well, the thing is stronger than 9S expected. He gives it a little squeeze and directs it by the reins, and he manages to steer the pony out of the stable. Veeery slooowly. But eventually, they plod up to the Disciple to follow. ]

[He glances back when 9S doesn't follow him immediately. He says nothing, but hums quietly when the pony gives him a bit of a challenge.]

Very frightening. [He says rather dryly when 9S trots up on his mighty spooky steed.]

[ He's very aware of how silly he must look, so he doesn't fight the comment. He replies lightly. ]

I wouldn't be so quick to mock, Ebegeeser. If this is what I have to work with, your forecast isn't looking much-- whoa!

[ 9S sways in his saddle as the pony suddenly veers away. It plods over to a bush, sticks its head in, and then comes away with a piece of chalk in its mouth that it begins to nibble on. ]

[He's trying very hard not to look amuse as the pony has a mind of it's own what it wants. When it pulls out a chalk from the bush, that gets his attention. He walks over to check the bush and the area a little more. He finds more chalk pieces on the ground and some child-like drawings along a building. It seem like a trail of sorts, so he proceeds to follow it....and not tell 9S what he's doing.]

[ Thanks for being a bro, Disciple. 9S doesn't notice him walking away, instead absorbing himself in making sure his steed doesn't poison itself. ]

Is that... chalk?! That isn't food, little guy!

[ 9S hops off the pony to try and snatch the chalk out of its mouth. It snorts and swings its head and keeps turning stubbornly, and I guess 9S will just be wrestling with his horse while the Disciple is off being productive. ]

[Sounds like a fun time, too bad the Disciple isn't there to join in. He's already disappeared behind the building, continuing to follow the trail. Eventually though, he will come back.] Are you coming? because I found something. [Does...does he not notice 9S plight with the pony?]

Rrrgh!

[ You win this time, Pony. Eat chalk and die. 9S hops back into the saddle and nudges the pony into a blistering stroll. ]

I'm coming!

[ eventually ]

[He waits patiently, trying not to look too amuse.] I think he likes you. [He'll move on ahead once he's caught up with him. At the end of the trail was an open space, big enough to be a small park.]

There's a box. [He points to a green box that seem out of place and just sitting under a tree.]

Oh. Talk about conspicuous.

[ 9S goes peak curious. He hops off the pony a safe distance away. ]

Could be a trap. Let me check it out first.

[ Without waiting for the Disciple's response, 9S jogs off toward the box to open it. He doesn't detect anything unusual about it, but just in case it is booby-trapped, he'd rather it be him than the Disciple who takes the hit. He's sturdier than the average human and all that. ]

Wait- [Too late. He really wished he had a weapon right now.] Maybe find something to knock it open. [And not risk loosing your hands?]

You think?

[ It's not an unreasonable suggestion, so after a second of thought, 9S finds a hearty rock on the floor. He gauges what an explosive of that box's size might be able to do, then scoots back to a relatively safe radius. He pitches the rock at the box, knocks it over, and--

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* poof *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

-- there's a massive, weirdly aggressive puff of smoke that blows 9S back head over tail. As he tumbles back toward the Disciple, a big silhouette looms from the smoke where the box used to be... ]

[He covers his eyes as the smoke heads in his direction. Once it's calm down enough, he rushes forward to check on 9S. All the while, he's eyeing warily at the large silhouette before them. He may not have his weapon, but if he has to....as the smoke starts to settle though, the silhouette becomes more obvious that it's not some giant monster.]

...I think we've found the schoolhouse.

[ 9S is none the worse for the wear, just a little stunned. But as the shape of the schoolhouse becomes evident, his jaw drops. ]

That's... wow.

[ The state of technology here and in the Index has been practically nonexistent -- so this new development lights 9S's logic circuits on fire, and he jumps up to his feet in an instant. The better to rush back over to the new building, touching the sides and running around the perimeter for a sign of how it got to be here. He starts talking to himself excitedly. ]

Was that some kind of matter compression device? I've never seen anything like it! The efficiency rate had to be well into the thousands. Maybe that box is still around...

[ His voice fades as he disappears around the back of the building. ]

. . . [Most of that went over his head, but good to see him jump back so quickly...??] It still might not be safe. [He calls out with a gentle reminder, since buildings don't just suddenly burst out of small boxes. He will choose to go examine the front of the building. There was a bit more color to this building compared to the rest of the town, but it still had that lifelessness to it. Which leads him to a curious question.]

It needs students. [He glances behind him, recalling those strange shadowy figures of people. Would they start looking more human with this school here?]

[ 9S reappears from around the other side of the building, audibly disappointed. ]

... don't see it anywhere. Maybe it disintegrated in the blast...

[ He stops when he sees the Disciple standing at the entrance to the building. ]

Why don't we try going inside first? Make sure it's fit for use and all that.

[He gives him a side glance, nodding.] Good idea. [He'll go ahead and take the first steps up the stairs and slowly open the door for them.] What did you do? [He suddenly asks.] Before you came here, I mean.

[ 9S follows! ]

I was... am a Scanner. It's what the S in my name stands for. There was a big war going on, so I would gather intel on the enemy. Map data, behavioral data, combat data, you name it. Hacking's my specialty, so if you ever need help with your electronic doodads, I'm your guy.

[ Everyone and everything here is decidedly low-tech, but he tosses that offer in there juuust in case. It's hard not being useful. ]

I see...I'll keep that in mind. [Wherever 9S is from, it's far too advance even for him.]

I was curious, since you showed such excitement over the appearance of the school.

Well... yeah! It showed up out of that tiny box! I've never seen anything like it. Aren't you excited? Even a little?

[ The Disciple is clearly not excited, but 9S feels the need to double check because how could he not be excited?? ]

[S-shrugs?] I don't know about excited, but it was surprising. [Annnd that was it for him. The whole thing was far too suspicious to him to be exciting anyway. As they wander the halls, it was devoid any life other then themselves. Though barren, the classrooms themselves actually had what one would expect to find, textbooks, a chalkboard, some childlike colorless drawings hanging on the walls, and an apple at each teacher's desk. How long have those apples actually been there...?]

Looks like we won't have to worry about materials. [He glances off to the side. For a moment he thought he heard something shuffling around down the hall.]

[ 9S's shoulders slump slightly. He knows his curiosity is a little stronger than the average person's, but that box was legitimately amazing. But what can he say -- some people are just natural party poopers.

9S sticks his head into a classroom, taking in the decor. He's seen some generic old snapshots of school settings, but it's another thing to see a real one. It looks real cozy...

He unsticks his head from the classroom when he also hears that shuffling. The sound intensifies, and 9S automatically lowers himself into a defensive stance. ]

It almost sounds like... a herd.

Of what? [He picks up one of those sticks teachers would use to point at things. It's the closest thing to a weapon that he can use. He peeks his head out into the hallway. There wasn't anything out there, not yet at least, but the strange shuffling continues.]

That classroom. [He gestures at the classroom across from them and further down. There were shadows of movement visible through the window of the door.]

[ The Disciple took the good weapon, so 9S grabs... a chalkboard eraser? Maybe the chalk dust will be a distraction.

The tension builds as they stare down the hallway. There's a sick sound of scraping and pounding as the classroom across the way grows even more raucous. Then--

B-R-R-R-I-I-I-I-I-N-G!

An aggressive, high-pitched bell pierces the school. Immediately, the door to the other classroom bursts open, and a massive crowd of bundled straw children floods out. They push and scream and shove at each other to run down the hallway -- and right into the classroom the Disciple and 9S are in. ]

[Damn, that's a really loud bell. It startled him into taking a more offensive posture, especially with the classroom doors opening and unleashing hell knows what. He's taken aback when they turn out to be strange straw children? Are...Are they really suppose to represent the kids?

He doesn't have long to stay baffle as they come rushing for their classroom. He moves, pressing his arm against 9S to get him to step back and lean against the wall to let them in.]

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