Chapter 06: Act III

[storyevents]

Frankenhyde: ACT III—

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With such an unpleasant ending to the last act, the mood in Londeva has changed further. The weariness and silence felt in the evenings continues and the bright splashes of color from before have taken on a more garish contrast, no longer seeming quite as cheery as they had before. Still, life and the story must go on, so the quill is once again put to paper in order to deliver the events of the scenes to the Aspects once more.

Some time after we last saw Hyde and the illustrious Dr. Jekyll, Hyde approaches the doctor to demand some sort of recompense for being the doctor's experiment; after all, Hyde pointed out, they can't get good data on an "unhinged man" if Hyde's limited in what he can actually do. Though Hyde threatens him, Jekyll is able to keep calm and compromise with his test subject on the matter of pay. He once again warns Hyde to avoid drawing too much attention to himself. Hyde assures him that he knows what he's doing.

A few days later, Mister Utterson is called to Jekyll's house to discuss some personal matters. The old friends take a few moments to clear the air between them, to allow Utterson a moment to vent to his old friend, before the settle down to the business Jekyll called his solicitor for in the first place: adjusting his will to leave everything to one Mister Hyde. Utterson is appalled at the very idea, but Jekyll eventually confesses that he and Victor Frankenstein were working on creating life and that Hyde is a vital part of these experiments. It only makes sense to leave all of his money and property to a known criminal who would probably kill you as soon as look at you.

Perfect sense.

That night, as the young Danvers is out walking, Hyde decides it would be a wonderful idea to kill an innocent man in cold blood. A few hours later, Stixen finds Hyde in an alleyway covered in Danvers's blood. Tired of trying to play nice with the "normal" humans, Hyde points out that the two of them will never be accepted for what they are, so he and Stixen should just kill them all. Stixen admits it's a solution, but is not entirely convinced. The two part ways.

As Hyde returns home to Jekyll, Jekyll has had enough. He realizes what happened last night when he sees Hyde covered in blood, and that is a line too far. Jekyll demands Hyde stop. Hyde decides that he doesn't want to stop, but instead take over Jekyll's life. The two fight, and Jekyll is locked in his cellar, leaving Hyde free to do whatever it is he wants.

The next day, Stixen is wandering around and thinking about what Hyde suggested. He runs into the young Agatha de Lacy, who is trying to get her cat down from a tree and is very clearly annoyed. Stixen, still wanting to help people, climbs up the tree in an impressive display of acrobatics and rescues the girl's cat. Agatha is impressed and the two start to form a very tentative friendship before parting ways. Unfortunately for them both, Hyde was watching.

As Stixen was saving kittens from trees, Utterson rushes to Jekyll's house to report Danvers's murder and ask him to come look over the body. He's distraught to find the poor man having a panic attack in his cellar and hurriedly gets him out of there. Jekyll hates what science has become since his younger days, though Utterson does point out that it was always a little unsettling, and things are about to get a lot worse. Upon inspecting the body, Jekyll realizes that this was the man Hyde had killed.

That night, disgusted at what he had seen earlier that day, Hyde tracks down the de Lacy house and sets it on fire. Agatha flees the scene; Hyde gives chase. Eventually, the poor girl is torn limb from limb by the now monstrous Edward Hyde. When the girl's body is discovered, a mob forms outside of Victor's lab, demanding that Stixen face justice. Victor knows that the girl's death was not Stixen's fault, and so the two try to calm the people down to no avail. Eventually, they resort to looking around the lab for something to use to force them to calm down, allowing Victor to escape and get help.

Victor eventually finds Jekyll and begs him for help. Jekyll, of course, agrees, but he first insists that Victor join him at his home and all but forces Victor to follow. As they get closer to Jekyll's home, Victor realizes that it is not Jekyll at all but Hyde and tries to get away. He fails and, realizing that there is no hope for him, is gentle and almost calm about it all. Hyde, in one more act of brutal violence, stabs Victor through the heart.

Unlike before, when everyone awakens they will not feel refreshed and ready to tackle the day. Instead, there's a feeling of lethargy and unpleasantness, as if they experienced a restless night with unpleasant dreams. That feeling of past and possible potential dread will be hard to shake given that the city still seems as dreary as before. Still, life goes on as the citizens of Londeva continue to go about their daily routines. If anything, the city seems livelier than it was before, almost as if people are trying their best to make it a better brighter place in defiance of recent events.

But all is definitely not well in Londeva. With all the residents being busier and livelier, that means the blots and Erasers are more active as well. And as the Act goes on, the city itself seems to become more active with entire blocks disappearing and transforming seemingly at random. Additionally, cracks begin to appear in the city, ground, and sky as well as if the story itself is having trouble holding itself together. Hopefully everything will work out in the end, but it looks like getting there may be a bit of a challenge.

Still, the Storyteller has faith that the Aspects will be able to see things through, even if some of their behavior during this story gives room for pause.

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§ instructions.

The third 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.

As stated in the flavor text above, all sorts of craziness is happening this act. There’s some additional information in the game notes, but things to keep in mind and possibly play with are as follows:

• there’s a pervasive feeling that something bad is going to happen
  
• cracks will begin to appear in the city and sky as the act progresses
  
• the amount of Erasers and rogue blots in the city will increase as the act progresses
  
• the city’s layout will appear and disappear, and change throughout the act (see the book repair subquest for more information)
  
• Aspects could be susceptible to behavioral changes (see the pick a side subquest for more information)
  
• During scenes where Victor's body is involved, the body will appear as his plant creation from before. Will it be dead, alive, friendly or hostile is up the players.

Costumes are also provided for this Act, although there's something...odd about the choices this time around:

• Henry Jekyll
  
• Edward Hyde
  
• Frankenstein's Monster (Stixen)
  
• Gabriel Utterson
  
• Henry Clerval.

Finally, just to be clear, characters who are in Main Scenes are not immediately dropped into 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. 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.

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§ 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. Pick a side, any side. Early on, everyone will start feeling not quite themselves throughout most of the act. It can range from mild to severe and last for varying lengths of time, but the effects will always be temporary. Characters will either take on a "Hyde" personality or a "Stixen" (Frankenstein's Monster) personality.

• "Hyde" side. Will have erratic, immoral, and violent tendencies. Those who have non-human Essences can become more monstrous and transform at will, even capable of hiding their transformed self while still able to use some of those powers.
  
• "Stixen" side. Will be the opposite with a more curious, polite, and generous disposition. Those who have non-human Essences will more often be stuck in their transformation; alternatively they will only transform when enraged and become more violent in this time.

Should any of the two meet each other, they will be immediately hostile with "Hyde" personalities taunting and trying to coax the "Stixens" to be more like them. It is possible for a "Stixen" to switch to a "Hyde." It is also possible for anyone not affected to try and snap the other out of it, or at least convince those who are under "Hyde" influence to focus their violence on other problems instead of each other. A solid hit to the head will work wonders.

¶ II. Creepy Crawlers. There is an abundance of abominations roaming through the city—failed creations that will attack anyone on sight. The robotic reindeer are still around and will try to aid in clearing them out, but some will actually be consumed and mutate instead.

• There's another reason to destroy the abominations: any not killed will be captured by an Eraser and loaded into one of the many airships to fly towards a darkened space in the sky. For what reason is unclear, but it's best not to wait and find out. Stopping the Erasers and destroying the airships will be paramount.

¶ III. Emergency Book Repair. The very book itself is starting to tear apart and it worsens after the final battle scene. Buildings starting to crumble, Blots disintegrating, even the very ground ripping open. If this keeps up the story will be destroyed. Fortunately, the Aspects aren't left helpless. Ribbons made of white light and runic symbols appear here and there as if trying to help "stitch" things together. Using their Essences, Aspects can find these "ribbons" and gather them to spread over other places. Use of Essence abilities will also help with patching things up, as if the use of them is reaffirming the story’s existence itself. Buildings will start to be repaired, cracks in the earth sealed over, and possibly blots restored, though some of the construction work may be a little patchy. That building wasn’t always partially made of straw or gingerbread, but it might be now!


¶ IV. Wildcard. Make up your own prompt!

Comments

[cancercarcino]

[Karkat briefly pauses in surprise as the Eraser he was dealing with was effectively squished by Zidane's entrance. He nods to Zidane, turning to the other surrounding blots.]

Tell me your fighting's better than your acting!

[tantailizing]

Ha, I should be asking you that!

[Taking a spot to cover Karkat's back, his has both daggers ready for any blot that wants to step forward.]

[cancercarcino]

If these fuckers are anything like the things I fought during my session, then I'll be fine!

[Because really, those imps and ogres and monsters were tough.]

[He's not able to say more as an Eraser lunges forward, and he has to use his staff to parry it's strike and bash it away.]

[tantailizing]

[When the Eraser lunges, a few blots take the chance to come charging in, trying to swarm. Unlike the Eraser though, they're considerably weaker.

[Zidane is quickly able to slice and stab them down so Karkat can handle his target without distraction, keeping an eye out for the next that wants to try its luck.]

[cancercarcino]

[Between the two of them, they actually do a decent job of keeping the Erasers at bay! There are a couple that seem to jerk and move just a bit too fast for either of them to hit, causing Karkat to curse under his breath.]

Hold still, bulgelick!

[He points at the speedy Eraser and channels his monkey magic, casting a binding spell on the creature. It jerks in place and twitches, but is effectively bound. He tilts his head to Zidane.]

Hey, asshole! Deal with this guy while I hold it!

[tantailizing]

[Speedy jackasses alright, but at least they can fend them off. Still, being forced on the defensive in this situation isn't any good. For a second there, he thinks Karkat's yelling at him, but ends up blocking an Eraser a moment later and throwing it back.]

You got an opening? Alright!

[He's not even going to wait to go for... whatever this thing calls a throat and slice through it with both blades.]

[cancercarcino]

[Ink splatters on the both of them as Zidane's blades slice through inky flesh, and the bound beast gurgles before it dies. Karkat bares his teeth in a grin.]

Good! Now let's do it again!

[He points at another Eraser, and holds it as well. Go, monkey boy, go!]

[tantailizing]

[Karkat doesn't even need to say anything; it worked so he expects a repeat as he pivots sharply and lunges at the next Eraser.]

[It's the same splattering of ink which he'll at least take a second to flick off his blades, but he's ready to go again.]

[cancercarcino]

[for all his insulting and exasperation, Karkat can realize that the two of them actually make a pretty good team. With Karkat's monkey magic and Zidane's own skill, the two make quick work of the rest of the Erasers around them.]

[Soon, all that's left is one big one, which is all twitching and spurting ink everywhere. Karkat lets out a breath and wipes his face with the back of his hand.]

Only one big fucker left.

[tantailizing]

[Crouched and ready to go still, Zidane idly twirls one dagger, shooting a look Karkat's way.]

Think you can hold him down too, or is it time to mix things up?

[cancercarcino]

I would, but this fucker's too big for me to do my magic on!

[He looks at Zidane.]

If you got a plan other than "turn that fucker to paste", I'm all ears.

[tantailizing]

Hm, don't think I can pull off paste, but I might know another way.

[Letting his thumb rub the ring from below, he can summon Carbuncle unseen. The green rabbit creature blinks its eyes, waiting.]

Not asking for much, bud, but I wish that creature in front of both of us couldn't move at all.

[Looking from Karkat to the big, intimidating Eraser, Carbuncle's gem shines. The Eraser freezes in place... even the spurting ink stops.]

Hey, not bad~

[cancercarcino]

[Karkat watches the display, eyes widening as the little creature appears and the Eraser just... stops. He sends a look to Zidane.]

If you could do that all this time, why didn't you??

[He shakes his head and gets into a ready stance.]

Whatever, are we taking this thing down or what?

[tantailizing]

I actually didn't know if it'd work or not. [Carbuncle disappears.] There's a limit to their powers, but it's a single target so I figured maybe...!

[Maybe it wouldn't hold long either - no way to know unless they wanted to hold back. But Karkat's in a ready stance, so Zidane shifts back to his.]

Of course we are! We have places to be!

[cancercarcino]

Then shut your squawk blaster and let's fucking go!

[Spinning his staff, Karkat runs forward, taking a swing at the bound Eraser!]

[tantailizing]

You first!

[Honestly, he wants answers, but then tells him to shut up, how silly. Still, the Eraser ain't moving to avoid Karkat's staff, taking the brunt. Meanwhile, Zidane goes low, daggers slicing through its legs (or whatever made it mobile) just in case they were on a time limit.]

[cancercarcino]

[Karkat knows exactly what he's asking, geez!]

[The Eraser gurgles and tries (and fails) to fight back, but is unable to while bound with the magic spell. Taking the brunt of both their attacks, by the time the spell is worn off, the Eraser bursts into a splotch of ink and gore, collapsing into a black mess.]

[Karkat stands, panting heavy, yet despite being slouched over his muscles are still taut and his gaze flicks around, like he's expecting to be attacked at any opportunity.]

[tantailizing]

[If he says so, haha.]

[With that Eraser toppled, Zidane wipes his daggers on his pants. Now's not really the time to complain about being a mess; he's gotta keep them clean if this keeps going. Tail popping, he looks around, but he doesn't see anything immediately near them.]

[cancercarcino]

[After a few seconds, it definitely looks like there's no further enemies approaching. Karkat lets out a breath, and he leans on his staff as he slumps.]

Fuck, is it over? Please let it be over, I'm fucking tired of fighting right now.

[tantailizing]

We've got a breather at least.

[Slipping his daggers back into their sheaths, reaching into his satchel next.]

Want some water?

[cancercarcino]

[Karkat looks up at Zidane, eying his satchel and the water suspiciously. Then, he rolls his eyes and holds out his hand.]

Yeah, fuck it. Gimme some.

[tantailizing]

[Zidane passes over the first bottle he took out, but then takes out a second for himself. Uncorking it, he drinks up and sighs when he's done.]

Alllright... Time to figure out where to next...

[cancercarcino]

[Karkat takes a drink from the bottle, then turns to look at Zidane.]

Where to next? What do you mean where to next?? We go somewhere where these fuckers aren't gonna kill us!!

[tantailizing]

Well, that's gonna be hard. We're trapped in this story until it's done, right? Also, I still got some fight in me if people need help.

[His tail waves back and forth.]

[cancercarcino]

Yeah, but not all of us want to dive face first into almost certain death! Look, I like a strife as much as the next guy, but I'm getting a little tired of risking my ass all the time! Especially against shit like this!

[Is Karkat a little scared? He might be. Even SGRUB wasn't this tough.]