realmofstories | Chapter 05: Act II

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Chapter 05: Act II

A TWISTED WONDERLAND: ACT II—

§ 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.

Everyone is still starting from the forest of doors and will have to go through them to their area. Essences are back to normal and bound to their respective Aspect, however those who participate in scenes will have their Essence replaced with one based on the character they're playing (ex, Alice roles will now have Alice Essence at their disposal). This is only limited to the scenes—once they're back out they will have their Essence again. There are various items scattered throughout Wonderland that act as power ups and will grant additional Wonderland character Essence abilities. Example, wearing a top hat will grant bonus Mad Hatter abilities. These power ups are only available for the sub quests.

Finally, just to be clear, characters who are in Main Scenes are not immediately dropped in to their location and will have to pass through the 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. Courtroom Blitz. One of the doors leads to a giant courtroom that looks more like a combat ring complete with large crowds of spectators and a "judge" presiding over the matches. However, instead of it being cutthroat fighting, most of the locals participating are cards and everyone must fight using random silly props to try to score as many points as possible or knock the opponent off from the platform. Of course, nothing here is normal, and the battle platform will shift and move, large pillars sometimes rising up and random glitter bombs dropping down. The judge may even summon a giant (rubber) gavel to try and smash the fighters. Rather than this accomplishing anything important, it seems as if these bouts are to try and help train the cards to fight the good war in Wonderland as well as bolster confidence. Give them all a good show and help teach them a thing or two about (improv) fighting!

¶ II. The Horsey Moves in an L. Another door leads to a giant chess board and everyone takes the place of a chess piece, taking either the red or white side. Here is where most of the twisted clones are, so it is up to the Aspects to try and deal with them by defeating them on the board. The problem is everyone is limited to the moveset of the piece they replaced. Pawns can only move one space a turn, knights are three and over, bishops diagonal, rooks in a straight line. There are no Kings or Queens, but their roles are completely empty so no one has to worry about protecting them. When Aspects meet an opposing piece, they must defeat them to move on. This can either be through fighting or some other method to knock them off the space. At least they have their Essence abilities to use! If Aspects end up meeting each other, they do not have to fight. In fact they can team up to try and take out a nearby blot or clone, or swap roles to continue progressing through the board.

¶ III. Mirror Clones. Not only do the Aspects have to worry about Twisted Wonderland clones, but they also have to worry about their own clones. A mirror will sometimes rise up on the board and a clone of the Aspects will appear. It will try to take the original's place, sometimes even immediately disappearing to appear somewhere else on the board near another Aspect. The only way to destroy it is by destroying the mirror, but act fast before it fools the others. It is possible to become trapped within the mirror, and in that case the clone must be taken care of first.

¶ IV. Beware the Jabberwocky and the Bandersnatch. They occasionally pop out of nowhere. When one appears, all rules are gone and everyone can rush in to deal with them. Vorpal blades and… dog treats will appear on the battlefield which Aspects can use to hack at the monsters. The Bandersnatch will be surprisingly interested in the treats, but the Jabberwocky doesn't seem to be hungry for anything but Aspect flesh. As if things weren't dangerous enough, the clones might snatch blades to wield against the monsters, the Aspects, just about anyone within snickersnacking range.

¶ V. Wildcard. Make up your own prompt!

Threaded | Flat

After luring Alice, the White Rabbit tries to remember where the rabbit hole he entered from was. After some twists and turns (and getting later by the second), they finally reach the entrance—only to find a clone of the White Rabbit waiting there for them, berating them for being so tardy. Now they must be punished. (Options are to either fight a giant hulking white rabbit with the power of time (ie, giant pocket watch), or go with something sillier in trying to outsmart or subdue the clone).

Set within a large, comfortable mushroom, Alice has found herself in the company of the (supposedly) wise caterpillar. After questioning her about her identity, Alice will dump all her problems on the unsuspecting insect and it ends up turning into a therapy session of sorts. Whether seeking advice from a caterpillar is a good idea remains to be seen.

Alice and the Cheshire Cat are lost in a wood filled with sentient flowers that are currently moody and judgmental towards any who pass through. They block all their paths, even squirting water and pepper pollen at the pair. However, if they are able to "entertain" the flowers by making them laugh, then the flowers will allow them to pass safely through. To do this, Alice and the Cheshire Cat must perform various skits where they can only converse in the form of a question. Example: the flowers will toss a firefighter helmet at Alice and a pair of dog ears at the Cat and say they want a skit about a wrestling match; if Alice goofs, she gets spritzed and has to don a new hat and character. If the flowers are displeased, however, then they will hamper their progress with the water and pepper, and in the worst case a few roaming erasers might appear.

Thanks to everyone's grounding influences, the tea party in the forest is at least a little easier to sit in for this scene, but not quite peaceful. Not only will the Mad Hatter and Alice have to compose a rousing drinking song based on a random topic pulled out of the Hatter's… hat- trading back and forth each verse- their singing will attract the attention of more mirror clones. Lovely singing or funny jokes might soothe their audience, but falling flat might lead to a mirror mob on their hands.

Edited 2020-08-15 22:03 (UTC)

The Queen of Hearts has invited Alice to a lovely fun game of croquet, however it's a very unusual one. First of all, there's already a Mirror Queen and Mirror Alice on the field when they arrive, and the Aspects must team up with each other to defeat the cloned pair. But of course, it won't be easy. None of the equipment is standard, ranging from coconuts as balls to pool noodles as the mallets. It doesn't help that the hoops you have to send the balls through tend to inch around as inchworms are wont to do. To make matters worse, the clone Queen is determined to win and by any means necessary—including issuing random execution orders to send some cards towards the Aspects in the middle of their turn. Fend them off and win!

The Queen has sent her Army of cards and most of Wonderland after poor Alice. It was time to make her escape from this topsy turvy world, but it's not without its obstacles. Her path takes her to the Woods Where Things have No Names, a thick forest with different paths taking one to nowhere, and meets a fawn who tries to help her through. Unfortunately, the moment they step in a strange fog passes over them and their memories are jumbled, unable to remember anything but needing to escape. As they continue through the ominous fog, ghosts of themselves will form and make them question their identity. Some are helpful and will provide clues to who they are. Others are more nefarious and will try to trick them. The harmful "ghosts" are wanting to take over the original's body, so the more a person is fooled and remembers incorrectly, the more they act weird and become ghosts themselves.

Oh no, Humpty Dumpty had another great fall! Thankfully the Lion and the Unicorn are on the case… if their rivalry doesn't make it worse. Those in the Lion's role will be instructing the King's Men to pick up the scattered pieces across the field and glue them together, while the Unicorn will be supervising the King's Horses! Whoever can collect the most pieces and make it look most like an egg… or crown, depending on how well the Blot minions do- wins the match. Be careful, though, as there might be mirror clones on both sides trying to steal the shiny egg pieces for themselves!

Edited 2020-08-15 22:21 (UTC)

Everything below this comment are individual top levels players may want to create.

| - Courtroom Blitz

[ Magica is transforming over and over into all kinds of animals in order to fight off opponents, but is it her imagination, or... ]

This fight just does't end! How many more of these fools are there?!

||| - Mirror Clones

[ The Magica on the board is being... surprisingly helpful! She's not making any smart remarks or insults, and helping other characters take down the enemy!

... Which makes sense once you see the ACTUAL Magica is trapped in a mirror, banging on it from her side.]

LET ME OUT OF HERE! Oooh, I've never wanted to... to strangle myself before! Someone get rid of that impostor!

Wildcard
[ Make your own prompt! ]

Edited 2020-08-16 00:37 (UTC)

Forest of Doors
[A lot has been on Roxas’s mind during this whole campaign, but he tries to not let it get in the way of their work. After all, it’s important to keep his head in the game, work hard and repair the Story Drafts they’re a part of. It’s important to stopping the work of the Story Eater, after all.]

[But despite his efforts, Roxas is still a being with emotions. And right now, he’s feeling at a loss. It hasn’t been very long, and Roxas knows that those who leave can do so of their own free will, but he can’t help but feel the distinct lack of three individuals who meant quite a lot to him. Who still mean a lot to him. And even though he knows they are safely back home, he can’t help but feel a little lonely.]

[When he’s in the Forest of Doors, Roxas will often be off on his own with his own thoughts. He’s not ignoring anyone and will be friendly enough when someone approaches, but it’s not uncommon to see him staring out into the forest and lost in thought.]

Courtroom Blitz
[Ultimately, though, Roxas is going to get back into the fray of assisting with the story. One thing that always helped him to clear his head is some good old fashioned fighting for sport, and fortunately for Roxas it looks like there’s a sub quest just for that.]

[He might look a little silly fighting with an oversized mallet, but he’s having a good match with his current card opponent. He pauses his sparring to nod at them.]

Hey, you’re getting a lot better! You almost had me there. [He glances over at whoever happens to be ] Right? That was a pretty good attack.

[The card seems pleased as punch, but despite his smile there is a definite lack of enthusiasm in Roxas’s expression and actions.]

Mirror Clone
[Later on, some folks may see Roxas out on the giant chessboard. He looks like he’s holding his own, and if he catches sight of you, he’ll turn and wave with a big grin on his face.]

Hey! We’re doing great! Keep it up!

[He’s smiling and looking happy… a little too happy. And he seems to be pretty adamant in keeping people away from his side of the board, where a mirror has been turned face-down on the board. If anyone pushes to look at the mirror, or if they turn their back on him, they may notice how “Roxas” smiles a little sharply, right before taking a wide swing at them.]

[As for the real Roxas? Anyone who gets to the mirror on the ground will find him on the other side, knocking on the glass and yelling soundlessly.]

Wildcard
[Got an option you'd like to try with Roxas? Have at it!]

Mirror Clones
[The mirror clones have been causing all sorts of problems for those on the giant chessboard. It can really make it hard for those to differentiate who’s real and who’s a copy. Some people have taken to fighting their clones with weapons, but in this case…]

Come on, are you fucking serious here? A clone? Do you think I crawled out of a puddle of slime yesterday? I have no goddamn time for clones!

Oh, pretending to be the original, are you? A real bold attempt coming from a copy!

Do you even hear yourself right now?? If you really were me, you’d know that I’ve dealt with my past and future selves so many times that I’m practically a goddamn expert on figuring out which me I’m talking to! And unless you’re an ignorant shitsmear from the past or an egotistical fuckhead from the future, then don’t go around pretending you’re me!

Who’s to say I’m the copy? You’re probably one of my past of future selves, crawled out from some alternate timeline! You’re certainly stupid enough to be one!

Don’t even compare me to those assholes, oh my fucking lord! Now I’m insulted in more ways than one!!

[There are two Karkats standing on the chessboard, more interested in arguing with each other than with anything else on the board. Someone might need to interfere between these two to get them to actually fight, rather than rant at each other.]

Beware(?) the Bandersnatch
[The Bandersnatch is a very formidable foe, but those with sharp eyes can catch the way it’s drawn to the dog treats. And if Karkat is familiar with anything during his six sweeps of life, it’s how to take care of an ornery, belligerent beast. And while the Bandersnatch isn’t a Lusus Naturae, the instincts forged from dealing with his Custodian comes second-nature to him.]

[Those looking for the Bandersnatch will definitely find signs of the creature’s arrival; upturned rocks, damaged trees, trodden-on plants. But in the centre of that destruction is the Bandersnatch itself… only, it’s not causing a ruckus. It’s actually laying down, munching on a small pile of dog treats. And sitting down and leaning beside the beast is Karkat, who looks a little haggard but is otherwise unharmed.]

[He’s glancing through his journal, but will look up at whoever enters the new clearing, a frown on his face.]

What the hell do you want? I’m too tired to deal with anymore bullshit right now.

[The Bandersnatch behind him growls, and he silences it with a sharp elbow.]

Oh no, that goes for you, too. You shut your squawk blaster and keep shoving food down your protein chute

Wildcard
[Got an option you'd like to try with Karkat? Have at it!]

When men on the chessboard get up and tell you where to go... (Prompt II)
[ Thank goodness, he got to keep his usual essence this time around. And it's chess! Chess is a good game...

Sort of. He's pretty sure there's not enough pieces in play, or too many, and that sure is a lot of enemies on the opposing side... He's not that frightened, now. He's got a sword, and he knows how to use it! With that in mind, he faces the twisted red clone with a smirk and...

Abruptly takes a left turn. ]

Huh?! [ Before he realizes it, he's managed to run three spaces away from where he tried to charge. ] What on earth was... Oh.

[ Oh, he gets it. He replaced a knight. He sighs. ] Brilliant. Whoever decided the knight should move in an L shape ought to be sacked.

And the white knight is talking backwards... (Prompt III)
[ Luca's getting some good essence practice with this mess. Snicker-snack, not quite beheading but definitely stabbing and slicing. Not something to sneeze at, but decent work.

Then he finds himself locked in an intense sword fight. With himself.

The clone looks like an exact mirror image at first, right down to the bruised eye being on the wrong side of the face. As the fight wears on, the clone becomes more de-saturated to the point of turning monochrome, while dark energy begins to spark around the real thing. Fighting yourself is exhausting, but he can't take his eyes off the clone. Not with how easily he'd get distracted.

With the two of them deadlocked in a fierce battle, the mirror stands unprotected. ]

Remember what the Dormouse said? (Forest of Doors)
[ At some point, Luca managed to duck out of the chess room for a while and find refuge under a tree. This book was... A lot. And he hadn't even been assigned to play a role... Or was he supposed to sign up for one?

Oh well, the forest seems to be looking much livelier than before. If this is what fixing stories does, then it's probably worth helping out. Yet, he can't help but gaze into the distance and try to spot an inky beast, or something that isn't a horrible clone... Who brought them here, again? A girl's silhouette?

He turns to face the first aspect he sees. ] Have you heard from that Storyteller yet? Or that Alice girl?

Feed your head! Feed your head!
[ You have reached the Wildcard prompt! If you'd like to plot out something special, feel free to reach me at

nyanka. ]

II- Two Knights Defense

[Sylvain knew as soon as he heard about the chess board where he needed to be. A soldier, and a practiced strategist, he's confident in his ability to take out the threats.

It turns out to require less strategy than he suspected, considering they don't actually need to defend a king or take one out. It's a clear-the-board kind of challenge. He takes up the left white knight's position with a wry smile. His armor gleams and he tests the weight on his spear.]

White moves first, as I recall. If no-one objects, I have a clear shot at that clone.

IV- The Jabberwock, my dear

[Well, it isn't exactly a crest stone beast, but it isn't all that different. Sylvain wishes he had his horse, not for the first time. He's so much slower on foot, especially in heavy armor. Still, he finds himself seeing the battlefield in a new way. Anything he looks at becomes a weapon in his eyes and he can swiftly find the most efficient course of action for each.

His skill throwing a javelin comes in handy as he snatches up a vorpal blade and throws it at the rampaging beast as it turns toward someone who looks far less able to take a hit than he.]

Hey, pick on someone your own size!

V. Safety Zone

[In between battles, Sylvain is in the forest of doors, stripped of his armor. He tends to that and his spear, cleaning them of dirt, sweat, and whatever else. There's a cut on his forehead that's still trickling blood, and a few nasty looking bruises that show around his clothes, but he seems to be paying them no heed.

If he sees someone else fresh from the fight, he smiles and gestures to the seating options nearby.]

Come have a rest with me, you look like you've been working hard.

A. Courtroom Blitz

[ Seeing that the courtroom fight was actually more literal than with words, Lena decided it was a good chance to practice fighting and using her Essence. There wasn't much wood to try and manipulate, but she at least had the wooden sword.

Her sword-fighting skills were pretty basic, but using her Essence ability to throw the sword for longer ranged attacks seemed to work too. Still, with the number of card soldiers around, she could still probably use help. ]

Mirror Clones

[ Lena already hated the sight of the mirror rising up from the floor, which only grew in intensity when a clone of herself appeared. ]

Oh heck no. We are not doing this today.

[ Grabbing her sword, she charged for the mirror, but was blocked by her clone self. Lena's eyes narrowed, their swords at a standstill. ]

You wanna go? I already fight myself enough every day. You're nothing.

C. Wildcard

((Wanna do something else? Go for it!))

[Courtroom Blitz]

[Asriel is busy fighting off the cards using his vines to whip them out of the way, but there seems to be an endless stream of them. He's covered head to toe in glitter, from yet another glitter bomb being dropped on him.]

Oh come on!

[He sees a rubber gavel appear, dangling over the courtroom/arena.]

Look out!

[Asriel summons a vine to quickly yank away whoever was in the gavel's path before it drops down. He wishes he had his parents' fire magic right now, so he can burn all these stupid cards-

Asriel shakes that thought out of his head.]

Are you okay?

[Jabberwocky and Bandersnatch]

[Asriel finds the dog treats before he sees either of the monsters. He pops one into his mouth, munching on them as if he were eating potato chips. Gosh, when was the last time he ate?]

Hey, these are great! I've been so hungry-

[There's a loud growl from behind, and Asriel stops eating with a dog treat hanging out of his mouth. Seems like the Bandersnatch is interested in Asriel's snacks too.]

Act 6 - End Scene - Roll Credits

A - Locked to Minako Arisato

[Okay, so he may have mildly regretted chucking his shoes at the shadow constructs. But as with most things in his life, Minato just dealt with it. The striped stockings ended up a bit tore at the heel and toes, dirtied and maybe even a little soggy (gross!?) but he was no worse for wear except headache-y and ready to lay down somewhere.

Which he did once they passed through the door, ending their scene officially. He made it all of a few steps, near a campfire, and promptly laid down on the ground and faceplanted the nearest soft blanket. His fox tail had returned and swished a couple times before plopping down.]

'm tired an' hungry.

[Muffled, of course, because blanket and he heaved a great big sigh, finally turning his face to look at Minako.]

Are you okay?

B - Open

[Dressed in much more comfy clothes, his tail wagged happily as he chowed down on some stew he was able to cobble together. It was warm and filling and plenty to go around if anyone else wanted some! Assuming the human vacuum cleaner here didn't eat it all first.

He held out a bowl to whomever came close to check it out, even.]

Help yourself.

Wildcard

[I can't decide on a subquest, but if there's any you want to do specifically, hit me up and I'll make a starter!]

A. Chess Games
[This was... noooot something he was used to, really. But after freezing in the first act, there was NO WAY he was going to do the same this time.

He couldn't, wouldn't let Alice down.

Faced with the giant board in front of him, he stayed back long enough to get the hang of how the different pieces moved. While chess itself was unfamiliar, it reminded him of other games back at the Rock, with specific rules for specific roles. Once he felt he had the hang of enough of it, he stepped into the space of a knight, drawing his sword at the same time. He didn't feel confident with it, but he felt better with something in his hand.

What commenced was an intense round of chess, with Gobo surging ahead whenever he could, trying to best work the board from his placing. The first time one of the clones came for him, he panic-swung the sword- and looked up from that cringe to discover that the twisted clone had disappeared. It... it worked? -It worked on enemies! With new confidence he took the space and looked around, waiting for his next turn.

Join him in fighting? Or warn him about that bishop coming up from the other angle, about to take him out...]

B. Manxome Foe
[No need to pick up any of the vorpal swords that appeared on the field at the appearance of the Jabberwocky, with his powers' own in hand. The appearance of the monster itself doesn't even startle him much; Poison Cacklers from back at Fraggle Rock are intensely worse than that. The problem was, while Poison Cacklers can usually be dealt with by being quiet and running fast, this Jabberwocky would have to be directly fought.

Keeping his eye on the monster, he gasped sharply as he saw an Aspect in danger-] Watch out!! [-and started running in that direction. The sword he kept out and to one side away from him, but it had that Jabberwocky's name on it.]

C. Wildcard
[Feel free to go with something else, or hit me up at

zumidotexe to plot something specific!]

Beware the Jabberwock
[When the Jabberwock comes smashing through the area, it can be a frightening experience. But while most turn tail and flee from the vicious creature, there are those who stay behind to try to fend off or possibly slay it. And for those staying behind and fighting the Jabberwock, they aren't without some support.]

[Anyone fighting the Jabberwock may notice the older feline lady darting around the battlefield, tossing bottles of foul-smelling perfume at the beast, which cause it to snarl and shake its head, effectively distracting it. Your character may also get a few bottles of healing potion tossed their way if they're looking a little haggard.]

I've got your back. Get back in there!

Forest of Doors
[There is always a need for healing after fighting, especially with monsters like the Jabberwock and Bandersnatch prowling around. For anyone still needing a rest or needing some basic healing, Ana is there to provide some healing ointments, potions, and other treatments for those in need. She's not a trained doctor, but she can patch up wounds alright and make sure no infection will set in.]

[She may also be seen going around in feline form around the camp, climbing up trees and prowling around the forest to keep an eye for any encroaching Erasers or other dangers that may persist in the area.]

Wildcard
[Got an idea for a thread with Ana? Feel free to make something up on your own!]

the board is set

Chess. It's a game Kaiba knows very well, and theoretically one he should be able to clear with ease. He's on the red team, of course...so he watches with some apprehension as white approaches, a tall piece with a practiced smirk and familiar shape.

His fist clenches, and he turns to his partner. "It's harder to track the board when I can't see it from above. But I'll go first."

And he does, taking a confident step. White's response is immediate, and he turns to his partner. "Know the rules?"

here boy

Well, his life isn't getting any better. He picks up a dog treat with some puzzlement, only to see a large creature bounding in his direction, teeth bared. Well, fifty-fifty...he squares his shoulders and shouts.

"Sit!"

Threaded | Flat

SCENE 1: ALICE AND THE WHITE RABBIT - MORDRED AND RAGNA THE BLOODEDGE

SCENE 2: ALICE AND THE CATERPILLAR - JUNPEI IORI AND NAOMI KIMISHIMA

SCENE 3: ALICE AND THE CHESHIRE CAT - KEITH AND JEAN KIRSTEIN

SCENE 4: ALICE AND THE MAD HATTER - EIZEN AND STEELBEAK

SCENE 5: ALICE AND THE QUEEN OF HEARTS - YU NARUKAMI AND SETO KAIBA

SCENE 6: ALICE AND THE FAWN - MINATO ARISATO AND MINAKO ARISATO

OPTIONAL 1: THE LION AND THE UNICORN - RYOTARO DOJIMA AND KAZUMA ASOUGI

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