realmofstories | Chapter 06: Act I

Entry tags:

Chapter 06: Act I

FRANKENHYDE: ACT I—

§ instructions.

Frankenhyde Act I 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.

A few reminders. The city's setting is steampunk themed, so while for the most part it follows ye old Victorian England style, you have a lot of Industrial accents and odd machines about, including small airships. There is a river, so ports and docks are available but although this place may seem large, it's actually a finite space. Sailing down the river will be an endless loop back to the start with fog being the only visible "boundary." Passing through this fog will them back to where they were. There are also numerous research labs and other buildings, but many of them are locked or sealed behind an invisible barrier so no one can enter. The "locals" are all blots, so they are more like living puppets that will have minimum response to anyone who tries to interact with them. Most are neutral, but will attack if provoked. There are also some that are immediately hostile, and are differentiated by the sparks of electricity they generate around their bodies. The "safe zone" for this campaign will be a designated apartment building. Everyone can either bunk together or choose their own room.

Finally, just to be clear, characters who are assigned roles will know beforehand and can either communicate with their partner beforehand or just wait until they're in the scene. To get to their scene, characters must enter a specially marked door in the apartment building to be transported into their scene. They will automatically return upon completion (or if something goes horribly horribly wrong). 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. Help the Scientists. A lot of work needs to be done to help the research experiments be a success, some of it a bit more unsavory than the rest.

Gather Ingredients.There are a lot of things that go into creating life, so cue the fetch quest. Items range from organs from wildlife to various plants and herbs to tools such as thread, needles, and large bolts. These items can be found throughout the town and outside of the forest and can be left at either of the buildings that is set for Frankenstein's and Jekyll's laboratories. Do note that no one except those who are cast for the scenes can go inside (there is an impenetrable barrier that will shock anyone who tries to enter).
Bzzzzt. The scientists also need to generate a lot of electricity. Outside each laboratory are various generators used to harness and conduct electricity: lightning rods that can be attached anywhere, strange boxes that need to be powered, and even an odd looking metal ball that can be opened to physically capture lightning. Just be careful to not get shocked!

¶ II. Help the Locals. Like most damaged stories, the local townspeople are not real but Blots taking the form of the original residents. Most are friendly and continue about their lives without paying much attention to the Aspect and providing basic assistance or keeping out of their way. They do not speak but seem to understand if communicated to.

Science Fair. There is a local science fair being held that anyone can participate in! Rewards...aren't that great, but it's the experience that matters. But as expected, things don't go smoothly as various experiments and projects go awry. With the technology as it is, this can be even more dangerous as more than one is dealing with explosive fuel or have way out-of-the-box inventions such as flying motorized bikes or small automaton of some kind.
Dangerous Blots. There are some blots who are badly damaged by Erasers and are more prone to attack. Those that have small electric sparks around them will have jerky movements and must be subdued or destroyed. There are also real Erasers lurking about, taking the form of unidentifiable homunculus and small chimera.

¶ III. Trick-or-Treat! It seems everyone came in time for Halloween. Although not quite as festive as current day, the children still participate in some lighthearted trick-or-treating. The Aspects are free to participate either in wearing costumes, doling out candy, or playing tricks, but they will want to keep an eye out. Some of these costumes appear too good, and some unfortunate accidents and incidents will reveal odd mutant experiments have escaped and mingled with the crowds. Most are not hostile and just cause accidents and disturbances, so they can be gathered and returned to the various research labs. Others may prove a bit more "bite-y" so more force may be necessary to subdue them.

¶ IV. Wildcard. Make up your own prompt!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

My bread and butter. Always has been and always will be.

[He could admit that without feeling anything for it. He had lived that life so long, especially these days, that it was just another way to cover his tracks. Blaming 76 was easier, especially in situations where they met.

He chuckled darkly and allowed his arms to drop to his sides as he pushed off of the door frame that he had been leaning against.]

Then go on and use it if it means so little. Commander Morrison. [He purred that name, growling it out with a touch of mockery. He knew it meant something. Their names always did.]

[When Reaper finally pushed away from the frame of the door 76 leaned in just enough to close some space between them. He tilted his head forwards enough that their masks nearly touched as the 'noses', no closer and so deadly still.

There was no threat in his posture, even though they both knew how quickly that could change for the both of them. Empty mask sockets and a pitch black visor eye-level enough.]

You first, Commander Reyes, since your name means just as little in this place as far as those not from our world are concerned.

[Reaper held his ground, neither moving in or leaning away when 76 decided to push right into his personal space. It was a common tactic they both used to unnerve the other, to push for a physical altercation. He stared out from behind his mask and knew 76 was doing the same.

They might both appear to be passive for the moment, but they had explosive tendencies when pushed. All it took was the right framing and posturing to do it.]

I don't use that name anymore. It died in the rubble.

[76 kept himself held there, not even a breath moving him as he stood dead still, invading just enough of each other's space. Masks nearly touching, and knowing he was staring right back in to unseen eyes just the same. Expressions hidden behind those masks both playing in and out of favor.

There was a sound in his throat that could sounded so very close to a purr-]

That right, Gabriel?

[He continued to hold his ground, and the only reason they remained the same height was because 76 was slouched and hunched over. His fingers twitched at his sides, aware of how this new ploy was going to barb each other.

It wasn't weakness when they were doing their best to verbally inflict damage on each other, as revealing to anyone listening in as it could be. Part of his attention was diverted to listening for anyone coming their way.]

That is right, John Francis.

[Could be so easy to loom, but 76 was allowing them to remain at the same height, the same level, because they had always been so in his eyes. Through it all, he'd always viewed the man as an equal in so many ways, even when they couldn't be side by side. Back to back.

It was subconscious to remain so despite his height difference now.

Even during this digging, his heightened sense of hearing was keen to any noises that would give sign to someone being close. He refused to let there be another incident like in the forest.]

Well, Gabe, then you know what I mean when I say the same about any of those names. No longer attached to me.

[Maybe it was an old sort of ember of respect that they had for each other that this so far remained peaceful. After all, the digs about their names seemed enough to at least keep them close and pushing for a weakness in one another's proverbial armor.

He wasn't one to back down and neither was 76. It was probably of the best that they were doing this at three in the morning otherwise they could have caused far more of a scene.]

And yet, you certainly came at that man who nearly slipped. Like you needed to protect that name.

[He snorted.]

You read to much in to it.

[76 could admit it was more being caught off guard than anything, and then needing to know just how the hell Dojima had learned that name in the first place. If it was associated with him or some strange slip-up because of the sudden stress from that Adachi person being around.]

Old habits, I suppose. It's unlike you to be caught on the back foot.

[Either way, it had been enough of a reaction in text that it had caught his attention. Of course, beyond that, there was nothing which lead him to assume that the conversation had turned private.]

I hope it was a good chastening you gave him. You always did know how to dress a civilian down. That or put their heads into a wall.

I didn't expect it coming from him, there'd been no trace of my name, and I didn't think Ana or you would tell someone.

[He really could admit it, the surprise which pulled that reaction from him. He also caught the fact Reaper still felt like it wasn't like him to be caught off guard easily.

Damn well wasn't going to say anything about it.]

I put punks' heads into walls, no dressing downs necessary.

[He'd had a talk.]

I don't disclose information, and Ana has mastered discretion. We experienced an eavedropper.

[They would have to be more careful with their skirmishes, since pertinent information couldn't just be flash about willy-nilly. It wasn't in their best interests, no matter how much they might claim otherwise. The mystery was important.

He remained standing toe-to-toe with 76 all the same.]

So you put that one's head into a wall? Or did you restrain yourself in such a situation?

I know.

[He at least trusted Reaper that much, for the moment. Didn't do him any good. He figured there were people within Talon that knew who he was, but he just... wasn't sure if it was because of Reaper or something else.

Didn't budge himself, and even while listening for anyone even breathing nearby, he was still watching Reaper closely.]

Not a punk. Had some words.

Then back up, unless you're looking for a fight.

[Information was highly valuable, and it always would be. He coveted it more than he coveted his own life - which wasn't saying much these days - so the reality of Jack's name spread was more of a disturbance in how aware they were when attacking each other.

They were both clearly on alert, despite the fact that standing nose-to-nose was probably unnecessary. Posturing was par for the course for them these days.]

He sounds like a punk throwing information around like a Public Service Announcement. Discretion is the better part of valor.

You're in the doorway.

[Held on to and kept information in his own ways, holding it close enough to go over and connect when he had it. Reason for some of his raids, outside of causing as much of a ruckus as possible to draw attention to where he was. Make it damn well known by those it was aimed towards.

Still, he had a feeling Reaper wouldn't go around spreading something like that; not Ana either. She knew how he felt about it, and was one of the few he allowed to still call him Jack at this point. Maybe the only one.

Fingers flexed on the strap held over his shoulder, but otherwise he wasn't budging.]

Police detective, small town. Japanese.

[As if that would explain the reasons behind it. Still, he knew why the slip happened on top of the fact the man had stumbled across them. Guess the both of them really did block out everything around them when they fought.]

Edited 2020-12-01 21:08 (UTC)

When has that ever stopped you before? After all... you're just as much the window sort.

[He currently made no effort to step out of the doorway either, expecting that if 76 wanted to leave, the window would be the option. Or shoving passed him.

After all, he had no reason to give ground, just as 76 had no reason to do so either. So who knew how long their standoff would continue for, but at least they weren't just snarling at each other for the moment either. That could change on a dime.]

So he's polite, but the Japanese aren't known for being... stupid. Country bumpkin or not.

[There was a grunt and, well, 76 wasn't stepping back but nor was he pushing past just yet. Still eye-to-eye and masks so close to touching, keeping them both on that level sort of playing field where either of them could snap. The tension could so easily spark-]

A polite police detective that knows he overheard something he shouldn't have, already a ball of nerves.

[Country bumpkin or not, that was a lot being piled on top of each other. Didn't stop him from grilling Dojima the moment he spotted that near slip, but he also understood the more they spoke.

Still didn't like it had happened at all.]

[Their masks obscured direct eye sight, but he knew that they were staring at each other. His fingers flexed at his sides, aware that any second they could resort to violence against each other.]

Now, now, why would he be so nervous of you? You're such a pussy cat....

[No doubt there had been words exchanged behind the scenes. He had already decided he was going to be checking on this detective, see what the man was made of.

Until then, he could needle 76 about it.]

[There was a low snort.

Sure, both Ana and Gabriel knew him as a pussy cat, a kitten- a soft and friendly man that was eager to joke and simply hang out with his friends. That wasn't who he was anymore, but he also knew better to argue against Ana when she'd said the same of him, and it just wasn't worth it with Reaper.

They were something else entirely, once.]

Knew he overheard something he shouldn't have, knew he just let himself be caught on it. [Something as small as nearly letting a name sip in writing-] More worked up over that man he was writing about being here.

Someone from his world.

[It was Ana's phrase when it came to Jack. He hadn't had much stomach for that kind of endearment; his was generally more jarring when he bothered with it. These days, he tried to attach as little as possible and not bother with any kind of endearment unless it was to mock something. He had a job to do, and he wasn't going to risk the mission for bonds.

He expected that 76 had hit the same point, hence why the man lived in the woods as much as possible and was generally bothered by people who forced their presence upon him. Reaper could appreciate that sentiment; he just happened to be better at it.]

Apparently. I suppose we all get emotional over the potential threats to our security.

No big, dramatic reveal for you.

[Mostly because Reaper was his problem, and his alone, as far as 76 was concerned. They were both here to accomplish a task, and he figured as long as no one managed to provoke the asshole things would go along- well, likely not smoothly if what he'd already experienced in this place was anything to go by.

Murderous as Reaper was, he didn't appear to be killing for no reason; was always some mission for whatever goal he was aiming for.]

You have a better sense of propriety. After all, we both know announcing dangerous people is a good way to bring them together.

[After all, he was already interested in this Adachi and he planned on making contact after observing. He liked to find allies on his own, vet them as necessary and make certain that they could both acquire something of value.

He currently had no reason to go out of his way to kill anyone. The mission currently required they either ignore each other or work together, both of which he could do. Of course, aside from that bratty kid, Roxas, no one had bothered to push him either. Well, except 76 who was always swinging when it came to him.]

[A low grunt, and a slow rolling of shoulders. Otherwise 76 wasn't moving closer or away, keeping that unseen sort of eye-contact they had going.]

Give a spoiled child a shiny new toy.

[What it sounded like to him, honestly. Enough trouble to deserve a good punch to the face if seen acting up, and not make it his problem otherwise.]

Or a corrupt cop a bit more power.

[Reaper was well aware that their stand off would continue for much longer. Neither he nor 76 were known to back down even when it came to standing in doorways. This was just another show of their refusal to give in to one another, though he wasn't invested enough to take personal affront if he did back off eventually. Needling Jack was worth every second of defiance.]

Corrupt cops? Please, that never happens. People with authority are always fine and upstanding citizens who never allow their biases to feed into how they react to the people they are sworn to protect.

[The sarcasm was so thick that it could be cut with a knife. Not that it mattered, as he figured this Adachi fellow would be interesting enough to at least meet.]

Not everyone is capable of duty first.

[They'd both know about corruption through more than just cop-level, much as 76 had once had to needle and ass kiss to seem like the naïve and bright eyed country boy to get them comfortable. Enough to slip at times for the sister organization to catch and do what was needed. Too many times some had managed to go higher and feel untouchable.

Act untouchable, to the point there was so much trouble that doing anything could end even them. Some other play needed, or cut short when one wasn't found soon enough.]

No, not everyone.

[Both of them had seen the ugliest sides of corruption in their time, which meant that they were in perfect position to understand how deep his sarcasm went. They had both played the necessary roles to work around it and adapt with it, but that didn't make it any less corrupt here and there.

He shrugged his shoulders and pretended to be examining his claws as he remained leaning on the door frame as their 'stand off' continued on as if nothing were wrong. If anything, this conversation was practically cordial for them these days.]

Good thing you carry that torch enough for everyone else.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Chapter 06: Act I

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject