realmofstories | Chapter 06: Act II

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Chapter 06: Act II

FRANKENHYDE: ACT II—

As everything winds to a close, the atmosphere within the town of Londeva seems a little more cheery with a bit of muted color now filling in here and there. But as night comes and all the lights dim down, a strange weariness and silence overcomes everyone until they fall asleep wherever they are. The sound of a quill tip scratching paper echoes in the distance the following words and brief depictions of the scenes flow through everyone's minds.

We open on a Londeva that is bustling with excitement over its Annual Faire for the Sciences, years before it all will go swiftly to hell.. Victor Frankenstein and Henry Jekyll are the two most promising contestants, competing for the top prize with some Electrical Nonsense and a very glittery volcano, respectively. Jekyll, ever a helpful soul, tries to help Victor with his project when it seems he's struggling, only to get told off as it reminds Victor of his former mentor, who he no longer cares for. The Faire ends in a tie, the judges too impressed with both entries to pick just one winner.

In the present day, Doctors Frankenstein and Jeykll have decided to collaborate on the most ambitious project ever seen: creating life itself. Of course, this is still academia and while they're happy to share notes, they're each doing their own thing; it seems that Victor has chosen to focus on plantlife first, while it is unknown what Jekyll is doing. This is when Victor is visited by his friend Henry Clerval. During the visit, Victor excitedly shows off his latest creation, Audrey Two, a plant capable of speech...and being very silent on the matter of what happened to Audrey One.

It's surely nothing.

As the two old friends chat, Audrey Two occasionally comments on the stench of some of Victor's latest test subjects, comments Victor is quick to brush aside and play off as the plant having a very odd sense of humor. Clerval leaves very, very disturbed.

Meanwhile, across town, Hastie Lanyon stops in to visit his colleague Doctor Jekyll. There's been a rash of robberies that seem to be targeting scientists such as Lanyon and Jekyll, and it's only right that Jekyll be warned. While visiting, Jekyll insists that he hasn't been robbed and has in fact been far too busy to even hear about the gossip, a claim that Lanyon doubts as the lab is remarkably quiet and oddly clean. Jekyll insists, and as there's no real reason to argue, Lanyon drops it.

Later that week, Jekyll runs into his lawyer and good friend Gabriel Utterson and they take the chance to catch up on the most recent goings on. Utterson also mentions the odd character that Lanyon does, and, as they walk, they hear of a young girl that Jekyll feels obligated to help. Despite Utterson nearly terrifying the girl, they're able to help and learn that she was trampled by someone outside Jekyll's place. Jekyll, oddly, doesn't seem too concerned by that and insists on pressing forward as if nothing happened.

Eventually Clerval, still concerned about Victor's odd behavior, gets a hold of Utterson to come help him investigate the lab, especially since Victor's plant was very concerning. No sooner do they reach the lab when Clerval's concerns are validated, as they hear a scream and turn the corner to see Audrey Two, somehow free of its pot, carrying off a human by the leg. Between the two they are able to free the man, and although Utterson was momentarily caught, after Clerval frees him they devise a plan using Utterson's background as a magician. With a fortuitous storm, they use Utterson's mirrors to reflect a lightning bolts to strike down the monstrous plant in a disgusting explosion. However, no one notices something burrowing underground to slither away…

Late one night, Jekyll is heard lecturing an "Edward Hyde" on his behavior. His recklessness is putting them both in danger...which is precisely what Jekyll does not want, as how can he get his data if Hyde gets captured? Jekyll's plan, it seems, has shifted from "create artificial life" to "see what a truly unhinged man will do if given the space to do it", and Edward Hyde is how he plans to do that. In hopes of getting everyone off their tail, Jekyll suggests that Hyde get a new look, to which Hyde agrees.

That same night, a storm rolls in and just so happens to strike Victor's lab with a powerful bolt of lightning, providing him with enough power to finally, finally bring his Creation to life. The Creation recognizes that Victor is their father, and Victor, delighted, tours the lab and house so he can teach the Creation about everything he possibly can. Although there are a couple of hiccups, Victor is able to form something like a familiar bond with his Creation and begins to treat them more like his child.

However, there's a knock on the door as Hyde has come to pay a call to Victor while pretending to be Jekyll. Victor, excited and not terribly observant for some reason, falls for this and lets his "friend" in to see his Creation. Hyde is both amazed and excited upon seeing it, already curious to see how it might behave in town while also warning Victor that it might not be well received. However it is clear he has keen interest in Victor's Creation.

On his second visit, Hyde, learns that Victor in all his infinite wisdom did not bother to name the Creation, and so decides to name them himself: Stixen. They soon decide to leave the lab to experience life, witnessing a robbery. Victor's Creation, or Stixen as they now call themselves, immediately rushes in to try and help but Hyde stops them. Stixen is confused by this and this difference between the two Creations will continue...

When everyone awakens, they will feel refreshed and a bit more invigorated than they had previously, and when they look out the window snow will be falling and everywhere is now covered with Christmas decorations. It might feel strange since just the night before Halloween was still around. It's as if they skipped an entire season.

Yet despite the appearance of festive cheer, newspapers headline the rise in crime and attacks upon the locals with no sign of catching the culprit in sight. Suspicion mounts amongst the populace, and although they are Blots they cast wary glances not only at each other but at the Aspects as well. The ones who were friendlier in the beginning are now more neutral or even hostile, sometimes ignoring or threatening the Aspects.

There are also strange creature sightings in the parts of town that are still dark and deteriorated, as if fear has clung to its corners to prevent it from being restored. Or perhaps it's just a reflection of the story itself? But these creatures appear mutant and could either be Erasers mixed in or creatures born from the story's development. Whatever the case, they are hostile and are prone to attacking. Although most keep to the darkest and unsavory parts of town, some do lurk to the more populated areas, so some "creature control" may be needed.

With all the tension, it's difficult for the city to feel any kind of Christmas cheer, but perhaps that cheer is exactly what is needed to help combat the gloominess. But with how things may end up towards the end of the Act...perhaps this is only the beginning of what's to come.

§ 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.

A reminder that all Hyde roles will have a forced influence to act out their inner dark personality. This is basically a "personality switch," so they will not be aware of it at the time. They will return to normal upon leaving the scene and will remember what transpired afterwards. By now everyone should be aware of this occurring, but it should also be noted that the influence is stronger with potential to get more violent than usual in the later scenes. Another quick reminder that Frankenstein's Monster is referred to as Stixen, so be sure to use the proper name while threading! And finally, if you have a scene that is reliant on the outcomes of previous scenes, be sure to check what they are. We have quick notes on the scene prompts, but the sign-ups may have more details for you to work with or you can contact the players if needed.

And this time around, we've got costumes for everyone! Please see the list below for reference:

-Hyde
-Jekyll (either of the plaid outfits)
-Utterson
-Danvers (either of the plaid outfits)
-Frankenstein's Monster
-Agatha (either dress)
-Victor

Finally, just to be clear, characters who are in Main Scenes are not immediately dropped in to their location and will have to go through specially marked doors and then return. Characters will also be aware of their roles and partner prior to entering the scene, so it's possible for them to meet and coordinate beforehand or meet within the scene for the first time. This may be more useful for those involved with the death/fighting scenes. 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. Town Clean Up.While there is definitely a lot going on right now, there's still a lot of things in the town that need to get done.

Salt Mines. The city is currently experiencing a shortage of salt and with the holidays coming up as well as all the scientists running around, that won't do. Volunteers are expected to make haste to the local salt mine and pick up a newly invented type of mechanical pickaxe. But instead of steam or electricity, it's said to be powered by anger. So the madder you are, the quicker it'll break through those deposits and the sooner everyone can punch out for the day.
Life of Crime. If toiling away in the mines isn't your sort of thing, Londeva is experiencing a bit of a crime wave at the moment, so expect to play detective. Or at least lend a hand with apprehending pickpockets, purse snatches, and a few of the townspeople swear someone recently ransacked their homes and terrorized everybody, so that's a major instance of disturbing the peace. Investigations will lead back to the damaged blots and creatures from Act I, so you may need to put up a fight to restore some semblance of peace to the city.
Put Out the Fires. Ever wanted to be a volunteer firefighter? Of course. Okay, even if you didn't, the city's in need of them either because of the crime wave or just because these things happen, there's been a rash of house fires lately. No fancy engines or anything though, grab a bucket or help man the pumps and save some of these homes before they go up in smoke. Maybe if you're really lucky, you could even steer the engine.

¶ II. Reindeer Games. After the science fair in Act I, a number of curious mechanical reindeer have been spotted around town. They seem friendly enough, you can go right up to them and pet them, but while they seem docile, if they sense someone who has been "naughty" their eyes will turn red and start attacking with reckless abandon. And maybe eye lasers.

Making Christmas. Around the time the reindeer start showing up, mysterious presents start appearing in people's homes. There's no "From" on the tag and the contents are always wrong. It could be something as harmless as an itchy ugly holiday sweater or more dangerous, like a mechanical snake that's come to life and snapping at people. Either help collect and neutralize some of these peculiar presents or perhaps you've found one in your room addressed to you?
Reindeer Round Up. With the reindeer being friendly, it was probably only a matter of time before some untoward individuals, be they blots or the homunculi from the last act, have decided to use them to cause trouble,riding and racing through the streets of Londeva, startling passerby, smashing windows and just generally wreaking havoc. It's time to saddle up (metaphorically or literally if you'd like, there's probably a robo reindeer around) and put a stop to these shenanigans by unhorsing the varmints and herding the automatons away from troublemakers like these.

¶ III. Party Hearty. As the holidays draw nearer, talk of work fades, things calm down as much as can be expected in Londeva, and the festivities begin.

Party All the Time. It seems like there's always a holiday party of some sort going on somewhere in the city. Have a drink, cut a rug, enjoy having a break from everything else going on. Okay, maybe not too much of a break as the local gossip will reflect what's been going on during the act.
Spiked Punch. Of course, things were never going to stay too calm at these parties. It seems someone (or something) has gotten a hold of a diluted form of Jekyll's formula and decided to liven up the party by introducing it to the punch bowl. It won't result in full on Hyde transformations, but things are still certainly going to get a bit rowdier now, as the guests seem to have abandoned the idea of a Victorian Christmas party and things are beginning to look a lot more like a bar brawl. Thankfully the effects are only temporary.
Treevenge. Eventually things settle back down enough to have the big annual tree lighting in the town square. However, unbeknownst to everyone below, Victor's plant creature has burrowed its way into the tree and over time has merged with its branches. So when the tree is lit, it comes to life, branches flailing and lobbing ornaments at the townspeople, while occasionally launching into its own versions of various carols, assaulting the townspeople's ears as well as well...the rest of them. Time to band together and participate in the beloved yuletide tradition of fighting a giant singing Christmas tree.

¶ IV. Wildcard. Make up your own prompt!

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[Compared to how he was before he played out his scene, Kazuma had gone and made himself scarce for the rest of this act. The scene has been haunting him since it ended. It continues to play through his mind, the letter about his father being accused as a serial killer floating just beneath the surface...

He's not a killer, and neither was his father. You still killed her. She'd come back. The laws from home don't apply here. Doesn't change the fact you still accepted the task of killing her. She wasn't even the first, was she?

They aren't real. Just constructs, part of the story.

You killed those innocent civilians like they were no different from monsters! Admit it, you just want to let it all out, don't you? I can feel it in here, you're just tired of playing nice.

He grits his teeth, getting up from the couch he had been sitting on, pacing in his apartment. Out of the corner of his eyes, he sees his journal lighting up from the table he had tossed it on. Another message from someone? Another message he's going to ignore.]

[It's actually a little bit of time before Shizuo realizes Kazuma hasn't responded. With a frown he stares at the blank entry before he writes again.]

Kazuma it's Shizuo.

Just wanted to check in...

If you don't answer I'll just go look for you.

[Would his Essence be able to help him track him down? He has no idea... They're not originally from the same story, but with the way this one is set up, would it be possible? Aaah too complicated for him to think about right now, so he'll just wait a few minutes to see if his friend responds. After reading the list of scenes he's...worried. A lot.]

[And an answer he does not receive. He's busy combating a voice.

It's all right...they aren't real. They all come back to life. You don't need to hide what your heart truly desires anymore.]

Stop. That's enough...! [Why stop?! There's no consequence when nothing dies! Let your frustration out here! He takes it out all right, by punching into a wall.] Tch.

[The journal continues to be ignored.]

[TIME TO PLAY HYDE AND GO SEEK APPARENTLY.

When Shizuo doesn't get a response, he just leaves one message:]

I'm coming.

[And then he's out on the streets looking for Kazuma. It's a big place, though, where could he be? Little does he realize that his feet are taking him towards Kazuma.]

[He probably won't have to wander too far, if he's near the complex they've all been staying in. He'll be coming out of it, holding a book in his hand and muttering something under his breath as he starts walking in a direction.

He appears as himself, not the large Hyde form he tends to roam about as these days. He also looked noticeably tired. Someone clearly had not gotten much sleep.]

[Fortunately yes he was indeed heading that way. So when he recognizes Kazuma... It actually takes him a moment since he had gotten used to his other form before he calls out to him.]

Oi! Kazuma!

Hm? [His grip tightens on his book, the only indication that Shizuo had startled him. Otherwise, he stops to look at him with a puzzling, and vacant expression.]

...Did you need something? [There was no killing scene. What are you talking about?]

[And jogging up to him.]

Was trying to contact you.

[Shizuo...isn't the most perceptive, but even he can tell something is off.]

Wondered how you were handling this story.

...hm. [His attention returns to his journal. The pages were filled with complex looking formulas.]

I'm managing, just been busy. [He starts to walk once more. Whether Shizuo follows or not, not his concern.]

[Don't you dare walk away from him before this conversation is over, Mister!!

Which is to say, Shizuo just follows along, taking no time at all to walk beside him.]

You working on something?

Yea. [He continues walking through town, making his way towards the residential district.]

[Bruh you're being less talkative than Shizuo right now.]

...What is it?

...A breakthrough. [He stops in front of a particular home, lowering his journal. Whether he knew how to get there or his essence led him here, they were now standing in front of Jekyll's home. The front door had not been repaired. It still laid broken just inside. He glances toward one of the windows on the second floor, where his scene had occurred.

We need to go to the lab He needs that lab down in the basement, but he is unable to press forward for some reason.]

A breakthrough in what?

[Shizuo eyes him a little warily as he looks at the building. It's giving him some creepy vibes, though he's not sure if it's a personal thing or his essence.]

[What indeed, cause Kazuma isn't telling him. He starts to walk up the pathway, not knowing whether he could actually get into his "home" or not outside of the scenes. No forces seem to be stopping him as he steps inside, over the door that had been knocked over.

It is a near replica of his home in the Index, so if he's right...the door to the basement is by the stairway in the back.]

...

[With Kazuma not responding, Shizuo can only continue following him. Unlike Kazuma, he does feel some resistance, but after pushing a bit he's able to cross the barrier. It's...a bit uncanny how similar it is to Kazuma's home. He never tried to go into Frankenstein's building so he wonders if it's similar to his...]

Why are you still following me? [Be it his own paranoia or the fact he did just take out the creator of Shizuo's essence, he's feeling a bit on edge with him still being present.]

Did you not want me to?

[Bit of a frown here because...rude???]

I answered your question, did I not? [He stops a few feet away from the door down to the lab. He's alive, and well, what else did he need?]

...No? I asked what the breakthrough was and you just kept quiet.

It's none of your business. Now I have work to do, and you're a distraction.

[He opens the door to the basement, shutting it behind him. Not that it'd stop someone like Shizuo.]

[...Ha?

Shizuo is actually a bit stunned and...maybe he should just leave. But for some reason the way he responds pisses him off so he immediately grabs the door to stop it with his grip alone.]

Hey, I'm here trying to check and see if you're all right because of this Hyde shit going on and you call me a distraction!?

[He tries to withhold a sigh of frustration as he halts the door from closing.]

I'm dealing with it. You're not helping. [He just seems really agitated.]

I'm trying to be your friend here.

[Sparks are flying, clearly pissed.]

But fine, if you want me out, I'm out. I ain't gonna deal with this shit.

[Honestly he wants to shake him. A lot. But he knows his temper is flaring and since he's trained himself to walk out when that happens, that's what he'll do.]

. . . [He waits to make sure Shizuo was actually storming out before letting out a sigh.]

Good. [He quietly closes the door, putting his back against it as he presses a hand to his face, laughing softly in an unsettling way.] Would have been a shame, to take you out now before I finished this formula...hehe.

[He grins, revealing sharpened teeth as he continues down to his lab in a drunken manner.]

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Chapter 06: Act II

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