realmofstories | Character Introduction Log: October 2020

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Character Introduction Log: October 2020

Intro Log: October 2020—

§ instructions.

Greetings and welcome to the intro log for Forgotten Tales! There are no hard and fast rules here. Just include your Character, canon, and essence in the subject line and post away! Network prompts are allowed in the intro log, so feel free to put one in.

In terms of timeline, the intro log can span over several days, so don't feel as if everything has to happen all at once. You are also free to post your own logs at any time, and can even take these prompts for them! Reminder: certain threads from the Test Drive can be used and carried over into the intro log! So you are free to port over and continue threads from the TDM if you'd like.

For more information or to ask any questions, refer to the accompanying Game Notes.

§ prompts.

¶ I. Adjusting to a New Life. Even after being told by the Storyteller about everything, there's still a lot to learn. There's also the satchel and journal to investigate and figuring out where they live. The Index itself is a large, vast city inhabited by a large variety of characters from numerous stories. Because of this, there is no uniform style to the city. One street could look like a normal street plucked out of a Victorian, English fairy tale and then the very next is made of candy. It makes for an interesting mishmash of cultures that somehow manages to get along. Most of the time, at least.

A. Brushing Up on the Lore. Perhaps a trip to the Grand Library to read up on the essence's stories wouldn't be such a bad idea. It might help give the Aspect some ideas as to what they can do. But you know, it would be their luck to have a large tome dedicated to their stories way high up on a top shelf. And the ladder is rusty. Might need some help.
B. Magic Journals. For those of the modern era, needing to write is going to be an interesting exercise. But after reading the instructions, maybe they want to reach out, see who else is out there. Or troll people with dumb doodles.
C. Test Those Skills. Testing out a new spell or weapon? Great! Just be mindful of the surroundings—this is all new and no one has thought to create a special training area for everyone (yet). And while most of the locals are happy and hopeful about their potential heroes, broken windows or almost burning one of them won't go over too well. For those who feel ready to try and take on a few jobs and earn some cash, the Commission Board will have a few jobs waiting. They may want a partner, however.
D. House Hunting. Among the items found in the satchel is a set of keys. These keys will magically lead their new owner to the house they will be living in for as long as they are in the Realm of Stories. The home will be styled to fit the essence and the location will also be fitting of that essence. It could be within the main city of the Index, outside of town, underwater, in the air—anywhere! Now if only the keys didn't take their own through...interesting, winding routes. Like through a random bakery or down someone's chimney. Who knows, maybe they will want to come back and visit the stores for clothing and other housewares.

¶ II. Festival Fun. It's been two years since the Aspects first arrived and efforts to push back against the Story Eater have proven successful. To celebrate, all the worlds are throwing a giant party in Index, and since it's entering the spooky season of Halloween, many are using it as an excuse to set up decorations and celebrate early. It's all fun and games, but of course mishaps and trouble are also around. Still, when a world made of stories throws a party, they really go all out!

A. Parade Panic. After all the hard work in preparing the floats for the parade, everything goes off without a hitch...at first. Around midway through the route, something strange happens—a burst of electricity flashes through the area and immediately after the floats either suddenly break down, the props and decorations malfunction, or the float runs completely off course. The runaway floats are the most worrisome as the driver has no control over the vehicle. Some drivers are even ejected from the controls! Help stop the floats before someone is injured. (Reference for the individual floats can be found on the Test Drive.)
B. Festive Activities. Scattered throughout the Index are numerous games and activities that anyone is free to participate in. From standard carnival games like fairy ring toss and bobbing for golden apples, there are a few themed after the story worlds restored so far:
1. Match the Pumpkin Head. Out in the fields, there are numerous scarecrows dressed as key characters from the various restored stories. However, they're currently missing their heads! The goal of the game is to not only find a pre-made pumpkin head in the neighboring pumpkin patch, but to also match it with the proper character. Fortunately there are some labels and clues to help those not familiar, and both the pumpkin and the scarecrow are obvious in designs. What makes it even trickier is that the scarecrows have a tendency to move around—they're still on the clock to shoo away pesky crows, after all!
2. Present Delivery Dash. Using a special pumpkin carriage, teams of 1 to 2 people must race against each other to deliver the most presents down a specific route. Each team has access to an assortment of various "tricks" they can use to try and slow down their opponents, from gooey marshmallow sprays to expandable candy corn barricades.
3. Bamboo Carver. With a special carving knife, participants must carve and create something with bamboo. They can use more than one and use other materials to fasten pieces together, but it must otherwise be made primarily of bamboo. However, some pixies decide to play a bit mischief and enchant the creations to come to life. Depending on what was made, these can be harmless or annoying. Either way, they must be collected before they escape the area!
4. Underwater Treasure Hunt. Located in the nearby lake, the mermaids have dispersed various treasures along the floor. Hidden in clams, treasure chests, coral, and some even guarded by specially trained eel, participants will be granted the power to transform into a merfolk for 30 minutes and must collect as many treasures as they can. Once the time is up, they will lose their transformation and be encased in a protective bubble that will send them back up to the surface. Participants can work together or separately.
5. Rose Maze. A classic for any festival, a special rose maze has been erected in one of the city's parks. However, the twist to this particular maze is that instead of dead ends, there are magic doors that participants must pass through. These doors will teleport individuals to another section of the maze that will either allow them to continue towards the exit or get even more lost.
C. Food. Similar to the games, there is an assortment of food available throughout the city and some with a rather unique flair to them. The Flaming Pumpkin Spice in a Pumpkin Head glass will have anyone breathing ghostly fire for a few minutes. Some of the Christmas themed cookies will cause one to recall happy or sad memories, maybe perhaps a glimpse of the immediate future. Mystery Mooncakes have a random filling inside, some delicious others not so. Some other foods may cause random story themed effects, such as drifting to sleep, feeling generous, burst of bravery, have seaweed for hair.
1. Special Tea Party. Near the Rose Maze an outdoor tea party has been set up for anyone to come sit down, relax, and have some tea either with friends or strangers. However, the tea will cause the drinker to be a bit more open and honest with those around them. Of course no one will be forced to say anything they don't wish to, but telling lies will be difficult.
However, some people might feel a little strange after eating some food. Symptoms are minor, from sudden fatigue to suddenly wanting to nap to upset stomachs.

¶ III. Party Crashers. There's always a fear that something will go wrong, or worse—the Story Eater might appear again. However, a more local threat has decided to try and ruin the festival. In addition to the mayhem alluded to in the Test Drive (Section II prompts), more problems are rearing their ugly heads as things escalate.

A. Mechanical Golems. From seemingly out of nowhere, strange mechanical creatures appear and disrupt the festival. These giant golems charge at the festival booths and scare innocent festival goers. Although none have shown to be aggressive towards people yet, several have started to throw things and it's only a matter of time before someone is hurt. As they are mechanical and large, they are going to need a bit of force and magic to be taken down. Water will work well against them, as well as overcharging them with lightning and electricity. If they are active too long, smoke starts to appear, suggesting that overheating them is another method. Just be careful—some might self destruct if not taken down properly.
B. Lightning Storms. Weather can be an unpredictable thing in the Index, but the sudden lightning storms are highly unusual. Especially when the lightning bolts specifically target inanimate objects such as chairs, light posts, and even carriages and "shock" them to life, causing the object to go on a pranking spree. From throwing mud to tripping people to adding hot sauce to food to outright jumping out to scare hapless bystanders, they are becoming a menace! Unless someone is a master at weather manipulation, the only thing that can be done is to take cover, take down the moving objects, and help repair any damage.
C. Pumpkin Chunkin Sabotage. Ever wondered what it would be like to build a catapult and launch a giant pumpkin with it? Teams are formed to quickly try and construct a workable catapult using bamboo and then fire a pumpkin as far as they can. However, things are not going as planned. No matter how well built the catapult, they keep turning towards the nearby buildings right as the pumpkins are launched. Even worse, some of the pumpkins used have also been tampered to become flaming pumpkins, which only increases the danger. Help douse the flames and figure out why the catapults are moving. (Answer: giant magnets are pulling the ones using any types of metal and can be found set along the roofs of buildings.)

¶ IV. Wildcard. Make up your own prompt! Especially in regards to the festival, anything can really happen.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[For a man who was instrumental in the successful strategies that kept the Kingdom of Faerghus safe in the absence of it's king (and the game's protagonist), Sylvain isn't doing very well at this maze. He has memorized everywhere he's gone thus far and he still managed to get utterly lost.

He'd be more embarrassed if he cared more about looking smart. Still, he is starting to get frustrated. He wants out of here!

He isn't too frustrated to be startled into laughter by the sight of a butt sticking out of the rosebushes. Sorry, Edelgard.]

Oh dear, tried to cheat, did you?

[Oh dear. This is not good at all! Edelgard recognizes that voice, and its familiarity makes this position and circumstance all the more damning. Quickly she tries struggling her way out of the thorny hedges, but her braided hair gets caught on the canes and the sharp tips of the thorns latch to the embossed leather of her tabard. She's stuck at the moment.

There are two hopes and one fear here: either he recognizes her but is from her set of events as opposed to Dimitri's, he fails to recognize her at all and she can get away with it, or the fear — he recognizes her and is from Dimitri's set of events.]

My Shepherd's Crook is supposed to be able to part plant growth.

[Uh yeah... underbrush, not full fledged hedges Edelgard.

Either way she's stuck in her bent over position with her torso in the bushes. Honestly a part of her hopes he just leaves her to her fate and moves on. Perhaps her pride would take less of a blow that way.]

Maybe you haven't mastered the trick yet. These new essences can be harder than they sound.

[He suggests helpfully. The voice is awfully familiar, and Sylvain sort of leans this way and that to try to see anything through the vines.]

Anyway, do you want some help? Yanking you out might not be fun, but... maybe I can hold some thorns out of the way?

[—Jackpot. He hasn't recognized her yet. Perhaps she's out of luck and he is Dimitri's Sylvain, however if she can get out of this without him realizing it's her she might yet come out on top. Like this Edelgard assumes he must have only heard her adult voice giving speeches or yelling on the battlefield.]

No, no. I have gotten myself into this mess and I can get myself out. You may leave if you wish.

Forgive me for not being comfortable leaving a lady trapped in a thornbush.

[The frown in his voice is audible.]

I assure you I don't intend to damage your pride. Do you have anything I can cut some of these vines with that have you snagged?

[He intends to cut the canes!? Absolutely not. What if he misses and catches her hair?]

I do not. Perhaps you would be better off finding an exit and returning?

[Edelgard doubts he'll agree, but it's worth a shot.]

As embarrassing as it is, I don't think I'd be able to find my way back here once I leave. This maze doesn't make sense.

[He crosses his arms and leans his shoulder on the hedge.]

Come on, lovely lady, I promise not to bruise your pride. How about I blindfold myself while I help you and you won't know who I am?

This is not about pride, sir. I do not wish to have thorns accidentally dug in deeper, or a mishap of cutting my hair when trying to slice away the rose canes. I got myself into this predicament, and I intend to get myself out. You should either leave, or hold your tongue and wait.

[After all... he will probably feel as if he's been 'tricked' should he assist her delicately and find out who she is. No, Edelgard refuses to have him assume that she took advantage of his kindness by not telling her who she is. If he continues she will announce herself.

If he stops then he can learn when she frees from the hedge.]

[Though she can't see it, Sylvain lifts his hands, palm out, in a gesture of defeat.]

All right, point taken.

[He steps away to give her space, but he does not leave. Too bad none of his new special talents are of any use, here.]

[Shuffling around Edelgard undoes her silken locks from the elaborate hairstyle she had them in. This way there should be no tension for them to hook and loop around any more of the thorns or branches. Give her about five more minutes of fidgeting, hissing, and quietly cursing under her breath before she pulls herself out.

Though thorns, leaves, and rose petals now haphazardly stick to her he might still be able to recognize the woman before him. The shape of her face, and her unusual hair that lacks any pigmentation to it.

Despite wanting to look at Sylvain to gauge his reaction she focuses on pulling thorns from her leather outfit and picking leaves from her hair. The petals? Well they can stay or fall off as they please. Mostly she's trying to get him to react first before she does. That way if confrontation does arise she can claim self defense.]

[Sylvain starts to feel a bit of a ping when he sees a shock of snow-white hair through the vines. He doesn't realize fully what's happening when Edelgard fully frees herself, though. Once he sees her face, it's obvious what in her voice had been pinging his memory.

He feels his stomach drop out of his body, and the echoes of the battlefield ring in his ears. For a moment or two, that horror shows on his face, but he quickly wipes it away. Years of practice make him very good at shoving PTSD down. He crosses his arms.]

Edelgard. Funny meeting you here. I assume you recognized me instantly?

Perhaps not instantly, but you do have quite a recognizable tone when you're trying to talk to women.

[Is that a burn? Whatever it was she continues to tidy herself. If she recognized his brief horror she at least spares him by not mentioning it. Though she does flick a rose leaf his way.]

I did not want you to have helped an enemy and regretted it, so thank you for staying back.

Eheheh.

[He rubs the back of his head.]

I have no interest in bringing our conflicts from home to this place. It has enough problems as it is. Besides, we're both here for the same reason, right? To help the storyteller. That makes us allies for the time we're in here. If that's acceptable to you.

[Any ill will he held for Edelgard has passed in the time since the war properly ended. He understands what she was trying to do, at the least, even if he disagrees with her methods vehemently. Besides, Dimitri still has a soft spot for her and that counts for something.]

I suppose allies is a term that does not assume too much. Very well, I agree. However do not let me keep you. I might be here a while pulling thorns from my clothes.

[Any excuse to separate, it seems. Edelgard seems content with staying in place and fixing her image. After all anything less than poised perfection is unacceptable.]

Hmm, if you insist. [Now that his curiosity is sated and he's sure the damsel in distress is safe, he really has no reasons to stay. He doesn't want to risk getting her too cranky with him right away, after all.]

Dimitri is here too. I believe he similarly would not want to bring our conflict from home into all this. Just so you don't have an unpleasant surprise running into him.

We have already crossed paths seeing as how he is my neighbor. It is why I was immediately suspicious of your voice because in my understanding of events you had joined my side of the war.

[Edelgard smooths out her clothes one last time before collecting that crook and making sure it is not stuck with thorns.]

[Sylvain opens his mouth to say something like "I see" in the slight horror of realizing that they're neighbors when a whole new horror shakes him to the core.]

I beg your pardon?

[Abandoning the Kingdom and his prince... to... raze Fodlan to the ground with Edelgard? Sounds improbable.]

I said you need not worry. As we are neighbors we have already met.

[If he wants to know more about her version of events he will have to pry her for it. She wonders... does he have the nerve?]

I wouldn't say worried is the predominant emotion I'm feeling.

[It's certainly there, but it's trailing behind raw confusion.]

I assume your confidence means that you and his Majesty have already established that there are two separate versions of events, then?

It would be difficult not to, because in his eyes he took my life. Whereas I remember taking his head.

[She seems unbothered with casually bringing up royal decapitation.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Character Introduction Log: October 2020

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