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realmofstories2018-12-10 07:21 pm
keeperoftales) wrote in realmofstories2018-12-10 07:21 pm
Chapter 01: Act III - The Horseman of Christmas Future
A Hollow Christmas Carol: Act III—
The party goes off with almost nary a hitch. Everyone plays their part, their actions developing the story in strange and interesting ways. Poor families are given gifts and tributes, bringing in some hope and life into the town. The party itself is filled with festive cheer—and a bit of mischief, but it remains under control. And thanks to a few brave souls, the mansion is also protected from attempted attacks from the Erasers, several fended off without anyone noticing inside. Compared to the muted, subdued beginning, everything and everyone is brighter and the entire town feels more alive.
Then, after the final scene comes to an explosive close, once more mist and fog from the forests roll over the entire town, casting a spell over everyone so that they fall asleep right where they are. Again they are left completely unaware as the the environment shifts and shuffles, letters and ink swirling as more constructs are formed. And just like before, the Aspects will have a dream depicting a little more of the story they've helped create.
When the dream fades, the fog disappears and everyone awakens scattered around a church and its cemetery. It's dark, the moon just a small sliver in the starless, night sky, and the fog covers the ground. There are some sounds—various insects and the occasional hoot of an owl. But a more sinister sound can sometimes be heard deep within the dark forests: hooves thundering over earth and gravel, the shrill neigh, and a hoarse, raucous laugh.
All Aspects have been assigned to their new roles, and their journals softly glow with their assignments. Everyone set to work with one another will find themselves near each other or in their set location. Aspects will also learn of a particular task regarding the collection of certain items that would help create the Segment road to connect this Story to the Index. There are also no enemies here except for one—the real Headless Horseman, which will look eerily like the one described in the story told during the party. Everyone should be wary for it it seeks not just Ebegeeser's head, but everyone's.
They are nearing the end—but what kind of end will it be?
§ instructions.
With fairly unanimous support, this will be the designated log for this Act. All Main Scenes and Sub Quests have their own top level created for those involved to respond under, but players are also free to post outside of the designated top levels to create your own for any additional prompts you'd like to take on. Each Main Scene top level has the scene prompts and casting, and assignments for the sub quests are listed below. If you haven't signed up for a sub quest yet, you can still do so!
As a reminder, characters will have the necessary information within their journals. Those who are selected to play a scene will find their journal flashing red, so hard to miss. The information they have is roughly the same as what is written OOCly.
If you have any questions, post them to the Game Notes.
§ sub quests.
[Mod note: Refer to the accompanying Game Notes for more information. If you wish to switch out of your current role, let us know!]
The party goes off with almost nary a hitch. Everyone plays their part, their actions developing the story in strange and interesting ways. Poor families are given gifts and tributes, bringing in some hope and life into the town. The party itself is filled with festive cheer—and a bit of mischief, but it remains under control. And thanks to a few brave souls, the mansion is also protected from attempted attacks from the Erasers, several fended off without anyone noticing inside. Compared to the muted, subdued beginning, everything and everyone is brighter and the entire town feels more alive.Then, after the final scene comes to an explosive close, once more mist and fog from the forests roll over the entire town, casting a spell over everyone so that they fall asleep right where they are. Again they are left completely unaware as the the environment shifts and shuffles, letters and ink swirling as more constructs are formed. And just like before, the Aspects will have a dream depicting a little more of the story they've helped create.
In a sleigh pulled by a strong, heavy horse, the Horseman of Christmas Present pulls Ebegeeser through the town of Lowry. The Horseman tries to instill into Ebegeeser the lesson of generosity, and as they pass through the streets and come across poor families, the man is slowly moved to pity. He offers money, but it's the clothes off his own back that bring true joy and comfort to the people. Seeing this, Ebegeeser's heart begins to change and he vows to try and find a way to help them further.
After arriving at the party, Ebegeeser lives through the possible "what if" of the day. He shares a dance with Beltrina, awkward though it is. One might think she could be charmed, but Bromfred's love for the woman may be genuine. Despite the harrowing and terrifying tale of the Headless Horseman he shares, he treats Beltrina with care and charm before sharing a dance with her.
Seeing this, Ebegeeser is once again driven to consider his plans, even debating if he should actually kill Bromfred. But the Horseman of Christmas Present intervenes and manages to talk him out of executing such a nefarious plot. Thus already resigned to his fate, Ebegeeser asks Beltrina to meet him in private, a room on the second floor.
Although he already knows the answer, he makes one last attempt and proposes to Beltrina. She rejects him, but Ebegeeser takes it in stride. She then asks if he could help loosen her bodice as it had grown too tight for her. However, given his apparent inexperience, Ebegeeser accidentally tightens the garment instead, constricting the poor young woman's chest even further to the point that she struggles against him. In his attempt to help her, they both stumble instead, tripping over the carpet and she staggers toward the window...
.......And that is where the vision ends, the Horseman of Christmas Future bearing down, dragging in darkness and the stench of death. This is where our story continues...
When the dream fades, the fog disappears and everyone awakens scattered around a church and its cemetery. It's dark, the moon just a small sliver in the starless, night sky, and the fog covers the ground. There are some sounds—various insects and the occasional hoot of an owl. But a more sinister sound can sometimes be heard deep within the dark forests: hooves thundering over earth and gravel, the shrill neigh, and a hoarse, raucous laugh. 
All Aspects have been assigned to their new roles, and their journals softly glow with their assignments. Everyone set to work with one another will find themselves near each other or in their set location. Aspects will also learn of a particular task regarding the collection of certain items that would help create the Segment road to connect this Story to the Index. There are also no enemies here except for one—the real Headless Horseman, which will look eerily like the one described in the story told during the party. Everyone should be wary for it it seeks not just Ebegeeser's head, but everyone's.
They are nearing the end—but what kind of end will it be?
§ instructions.
With fairly unanimous support, this will be the designated log for this Act. All Main Scenes and Sub Quests have their own top level created for those involved to respond under, but players are also free to post outside of the designated top levels to create your own for any additional prompts you'd like to take on. Each Main Scene top level has the scene prompts and casting, and assignments for the sub quests are listed below. If you haven't signed up for a sub quest yet, you can still do so!
As a reminder, characters will have the necessary information within their journals. Those who are selected to play a scene will find their journal flashing red, so hard to miss. The information they have is roughly the same as what is written OOCly.
If you have any questions, post them to the Game Notes.
§ sub quests.
Everyone is free to participate in the sub quests, including those of the main cast. You can also participate in both. Characters can help each other with their assignments, even if they do not have one or already finished theirs. If you have any questions, post them here.
Segment Scavenger Hunt. Characters are tasked in finding particular relics that will help forge the Segment path between the soon to be finished Story and the Index. These relics are scattered around the setting area and will be objects symbolic to the story. The list itself can be found in the journals with clues as to where to find the items and anyone is technically allowed to find any of them, but for our purpose we're using assignments to make it more organized. Upon finding and collecting the relics, the relic will glow a soft white before disappearing into a sparkle of white light and ink. Here are the assigned relics and their locations:
Players can still sign-up to find a Segment relic! Just comment here.
Hunting the Headless Horseman. Characters will need to fight the Headless Horseman and will have multiple chances to do so, like a repeating mini boss battle. Each time the Headless Horseman suffers a deep wound, it will disappear, only to reappear again later somewhere else. Although the characters own powers and weapons will be sufficient, there are additional items to help. Pumpkin bombs for explosive splash damage; pitchfork spears for the extra jabs; ornamental stars for piercing projectile attacks; and the handheld choir bells which when rung will have a charm and stun effect on the Horseman (good for distractions) and provide some healing and support buffs for the fighters.
Although the horse itself will be dangerous, the Horseman will also be armed with a fiery whip chain sword, capable of slashing and slinging it out to try and grab others. The order in which each particular part is hit is based off sign-up/assignment orderbecause lazy, and when struck the part will alight in flames and turn black before the Horseman disappears. When it reappears it will be unable to use that part. Although characters are assigned certain parts, they can still fight it multiple times to help others. Simultaneous hits are also allowed.
Here are the assignments:
As a reminder, the Horseman will disappear soon after receiving critical damage. Although a lot of progress is being done in the fight, there's still plenty of damage that can be dealt and there is no "final" piece to allow any late sign-ups or if anyone wants to do more. Just sign up here.
Segment Scavenger Hunt. Characters are tasked in finding particular relics that will help forge the Segment path between the soon to be finished Story and the Index. These relics are scattered around the setting area and will be objects symbolic to the story. The list itself can be found in the journals with clues as to where to find the items and anyone is technically allowed to find any of them, but for our purpose we're using assignments to make it more organized. Upon finding and collecting the relics, the relic will glow a soft white before disappearing into a sparkle of white light and ink. Here are the assigned relics and their locations:- 9S: The first is a large red apple. Located in a nearby apple orchard, most of the apples there are either green or rotten. But there is one large apple hanging near the top of one of the trees. Beware the hungry crow "guarding" it. His second is a small pumpkin. Somewhere within the graveyard is an open grave. Inside is a pumpkin along with a knife. Carve a face onto it.
- Shizuo: Must reach the large church bell and ring it three times. It's found at the top of the church bell tower, but caution: the way up is rotten and rickety, and there is no rope to pull the bell. He'll have to find another way to ring the massive bell.
- Alfyn: Must retrieve an old teacher's handbook. It's buried in the old headmaster's grave located in the center of the cemetery beneath a large oak tree. The skeletal remains are harmless, but its holding onto that book pretty tightly.
Players can still sign-up to find a Segment relic! Just comment here.
Hunting the Headless Horseman. Characters will need to fight the Headless Horseman and will have multiple chances to do so, like a repeating mini boss battle. Each time the Headless Horseman suffers a deep wound, it will disappear, only to reappear again later somewhere else. Although the characters own powers and weapons will be sufficient, there are additional items to help. Pumpkin bombs for explosive splash damage; pitchfork spears for the extra jabs; ornamental stars for piercing projectile attacks; and the handheld choir bells which when rung will have a charm and stun effect on the Horseman (good for distractions) and provide some healing and support buffs for the fighters.Although the horse itself will be dangerous, the Horseman will also be armed with a fiery whip chain sword, capable of slashing and slinging it out to try and grab others. The order in which each particular part is hit is based off sign-up/assignment order
Here are the assignments:
- Rokurou: Left Flank. A large enough slash will result in the left rear leg of the horse to become broken and limp, hindering and slowing its movements.
- 9S: Horse's eyes. The entire head is also viable, but damaging the eyes in particular will at least result in the horse losing more of its balance and erratic movements due to blindness.
- Finn: Horseman's arm. Either arm, although its right arm is dominant. Damaging the arm will force the Horseman to only fight with one arm and potentially lose balance.
- Asougi: Horseman's leg (either one). Damaging the leg will cause the Horseman to fall and unable to ride the horse.
As a reminder, the Horseman will disappear soon after receiving critical damage. Although a lot of progress is being done in the fight, there's still plenty of damage that can be dealt and there is no "final" piece to allow any late sign-ups or if anyone wants to do more. Just sign up here.
[Mod note: Refer to the accompanying Game Notes for more information. If you wish to switch out of your current role, let us know!]
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Stop.
He drops her head, fingers curling around her neck.
Stop!
His laughter echoes through the quiet forest, getting louder and louder...then gradually subsides. Her neck was still intact through all that, the Disciple had his hands pressed over his face, breathing heavily.] Stop it... [He props himself up with a hand, to keep him from completely falling into the dirt. The laughter still echoed in his mind as he tries to shake it off. With a sharp intake of breath, he lifts his head in a panic upon seeing Ophilia's limp body.] No....no, no, no- [He carefully grabs her by the wrist to find her pulse. She was still breathing, she had to still be alive. His hands were shaking, trembling himself of what had transpired, what he had nearly done. The Disciple distrust towards others is something he makes very clear to others the moment they meet him, but he would never go so far as to murder or attack anyone unprovoked.
You've always had the desire. Society is just holding you back. Learn to let go.
He shudders, disturbed by this to his very core.] Hey, are you still with me?! [There's uneasiness in his voice as he shouts for her. Anything to hear someone else that isn't a voice in his head right.]
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But then there's a breath, an agonal, sharp breath from her, where it looks like all of her energy-- what's left of it-- is simply being used to breathe. She's still alive, but definitely not "with" him in the sense that she will be able to respond. ]
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Calm down. He needs to examine her injuries first, avoid being too hasty and worsen her condition. She was having a difficult time breathing, so somewhere by her chest...?] I'm sorry for doing this. [He starts to undress her top, ripping into it if he has to until he finds a nasty bruise on her side. He wince at the sight, shutting his eyes for a moment to get his focus back. There's probably some internal bleeding, pressure being placed on the lungs. Too much movement will probably make it worse. He looks around, looking for something long and flat, anything he can tie to her to keep her from moving too much during transport.
Eventually, he'll be able to make his trek back to town, carrying Ophilia in his arms. A piece of wood had been tied to her with some of the torn clothes from her outfit. Once he's in town, he going to find the nearest building and get her laying on a proper flat surface. Being so focused on his objective, he doesn't pay attention to the locals whispering around them, their gasp of horror. They're no help to him, so it didn't matter what they thought was going on.]
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He isn't exactly right there when the Disciple comes back with Ophilia in his arms but he's nearby, and he's good at following the sound of trouble to see if he can do anything about it. Now, he'd help anyway, but when he comes upon them and realizes that man's carrying someone he knows really well? His fast jog turns into an all-out run and he just barely manages not to yell her name.
The man goes into a building and Alfyn follows him, not even stopping to catch his breath.]
Ophilia! [No, she can't answer him, but hopefully this fellow realizes they know each other because of it. Alfyn looks at the Disciple with worry openly written on his face.] Can you tell me what happened? I'm an apothecary, I'm here to help. [He lifts the strap of his bag as if that will help his case. Every bit of him is straining to turn and see to Ophilia but that'll be useless and might use up time if he doesn't know where to start.]
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...She was hit by a blunt object, the lower chest area. [Finally, he manages to say something, his voice quiet and still shaken by what had happened, what he had done.]
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Sorry I startled you there. It's just, Ophilia's a good friend of mine, and I'm worried about her. Ain't often I see her looking like this.
[Already he's thinking about what might be wrong just based on what the man here said happened. None of it's good.]
I just wanna help. You can stay right here with her if you're not sure about me. Heh, she'd probably like having more people by her side. [He wears a friendly but very worried not quite smile and is using his most soothing voice.] But it looks and sounds pretty serious, and I don't want her to keep hurting any longer than she already has.
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Tell me if there's anything I can do to assist. [He rather not be here when she wakes up, but it's his fault she got like this. He's not going to just leave without doing something to help.]
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Were you there when it happened? [It's a standard question, as far as Alfyn is concerned; he has no idea the weight it might carry. But this man could describe the injury Alfyn is now carefully looking over, around the makeshift splint, so chances are he knows what went down.] Or can you tell me how long she's been unconscious?
[He's listening even while he listens to her breathing and feels around the visible bruise very carefully. If it's what he thinks it is, he doesn't want to make it any worse.]
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The injury is making it difficult for her to breath. There may be some internal bleeding. [His voice is more steady now at least, now that Ophilia is getting help.]
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Then I'm really glad she had you there to help her out. [Alfyn pulls his satchel off over his shoulder and sets it elsewhere on the table so he can look through it. They didn't have a lot of time in Index for him to figure out what would make medicines equivalent to the ones he knew best, but he tried to read about and then barter or forage for at least the basics.]
She's got a couple broken ribs, and they're moving when I press on them. I don't think they've hit her lung, though. [He thinks she'd have a lot more trouble breathing in that case. Gods, but he wishes for grape essence right about now.] There's not much we can do for her here besides keep her still and comfortable enough to breathe better.
[Ah, damn, if his essence knows that stuff already, Alfyn figures he must sound pretty silly. But he can worry about that later on. He knows that if Ophilia comes to, she'll be able to help herself heal. They just have to see her there.]
So I want to take that splint off, 'cause I've got a balm in here that'll soak in and numb most of the pain. I'd really appreciate your help with that, especially if she starts moving around.
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So you want me to keep her still. [He'll come around at the foot of the table by her head. He then carefully unties the clothes he used to keep the splinter attached to her.]
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[Alfyn just barely doesn't touch the spot - the same one that splint is currently supporting. Most of all he doesn't want anything to move more than it already may have.
He works quickly after that, spreading an ointment of sorts that smells an awful lot like apples over the whole of her bruise. Much as he can tell she's having a harder time breathing than she should, it doesn't sound deadly, and he hopes it never ever gets that far.
Once he's done and the balm has a chance to set in, he smiles at the man standing there nearby.]
Thanks. We should wrap it back up so you don't have to keep standing there like that.
[Probably that isn't enough to get Ophilia to wake, but it'll be a more comfortable rest, and Alfyn is extra alert now in case she does stir.]
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Maybe there's something better we can use in here than a tree branch. [He glances around.] What is that balm made of? [If he was suspecting it to be some of kind poison, it's a little too late now.]
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[He pushes the jar over; the man is welcome to smell or test it himself. Meanwhile Alfyn casts around for something more...sturdy, or flat. Binding up ribs is never all that ideal...]
I spent a while reading up on the herbs and seeds native to this place, when I first got here. House even came with already tilled earth I could use to grow some. ...It was sort of a little intuition that told me maybe the stuff from apple trees would help. My essence is...uh, an...apple tree grower?
[Some of his talking happens just to keep the people around him calm; most folks lower their guard around friendly chatter, and it's always good to see the apothecary isn't looking worried.]
Might just have to wrap it tight with thicker cloth and bandages.
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If it's not too much trouble, I'd like to learn what you've uncovered sometime. I've only had a chance to study what medicines to apply where, but not much behind their creation.
[He puts down the jar, looking down at Ophilia for a moment. Some thicker cloth. He takes the cloak off he had been made to wear for his role.] Will this do?
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[And he nods to the cloak, taking it gently and folding it up into something with more structure and stability.]
That'll do 'er. I've got bandages in my bag, too. We've still got to make sure she doesn't move, not until she heals some.
[Which should happen a lot faster than the weeks it'd take without her spells!]
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It's the balm that eases her pain, and it's that same soothing of her pain that has her eyes flutter half-open, blinking, squinting, her lips parting as if to-- breathe, oh but breathing still hurts.
A startled gasp escapes her, and her hands will instinctively reach for her side like a wounded animal in pain, not knowing what is good or bad for her, clutching at the splint there. It will be with this single breath that gives away to the diagnosis of the flail portion of her chest: shattered and caved and paradoxical in its movement to the rest of her rib cage. When she inhales the segment is sucked inward, infringing on the rights of air to move freely throughout the lung; when she exhales it puckers against the splint like a bow drawn too tight.
But the splint holds, helping. It just... hurts, badly, badly enough that her body quivers and her hand scratches uselessly at the splint at her side, her knuckles white. Yet between the pain and her wheezing she hears their voices. The Disciple-- he's there, she recognizes him, and most importantly he's back to who he truly. ] Y--you've... [ She croaks, voice hoarse and hurting from the hideous bruises along her neck. ] You've returned-- ah--
[ Wheezing, she struggles to keep her focus. The Disciple is not the only man she hears over her, and when she recognizes the second voice, her body nearly gives out, tears staining the corner of her eyes. Either from pain or relief, she is not sure; but she knows that she's been brought to the right person. ]
A--....Alfyn? [ Alfyn would know, that when she's injured she usually apologizes for being injured. This time, however, is different. This time it is an actual plead for help. ]
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[He just blurts out. Stop talking too. She realize she's in really bad shape to be doing anything, right? Although he's really just saying anything to keep himself from panicking. He puts down the bandage roll, looking up to Alfyn before back to Ophilia with a expression that was hard to read. Troubled, perhaps.] You're in good hands now. [He's going to try to leave, because Alfyn can handle this on his own, right?]
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Yeah, we've got you. I know it hurts. Try to breathe slowly. [Panicking is only going to make her pain worse while she catches her breath.] You're gonna be just fine.
[His free hand gently pats Ophilia's shoulder, but he's looking at the man who brought her here. There's a bit of confusion on his end.]
You doing all right? [It's hard to see a friend injured, and Alfyn's used to it, trained in it. Must be even harder for someone who wasn't, until his essence came along.]
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--Fine. Fine... she's going to be fine.
Her eyes flutter shut as she feels faint once more. Somehow she manages to stop herself from falling unconscious, breathing in as he has just instructed. Still shallow, still quick, but not as erratic as before. It gives her something to concentrate on, at least, as the two talk. ]
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I'm...sorry. Can you handle things from here? [If Alfyn needs the assistance, then he'll stay, otherwise, he rather not be present and let her recover in peace.]
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[He carried her all the way here from some story outskirts or other and dealt with her injuries alone. Alfyn nods to him.]
How can I get in touch with you when Ophilia's doing better? She wouldn't want you to worry.
[She is presently digging permanent furrows into his hand with her fingernails but he doesn't flinch, just squeezing back once or twice. When he sees her with her eyes shut again his attention turns her way once more.]
Hey, keep looking at me, okay?
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I--.... I'm scared. [ Her voice cracks, either from the pain or the tears at her eyes. But hey, she's talking, she's awake; and as any practitioner knows, when they can do that much, they're not in too bad of a state.
Relatively speaking. ]
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. . .You don't have to worry about that for my sake. [He makes his exit without another word.]
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'Course you're scared. I would be too, if I hurt this bad. It's gonna be okay, though, hear?
[From this angle he can see the bruises around her neck as well; for now, he looks without touching, frowning just a little.]
I've got something you can drink for the pain, but I don't want to try sitting you up just yet. Do you think, if you try real hard, you can use one of your healing spells? It'll be the best thing for gettin' you more stable, and you can rest after.
[He wants to believe Ophilia has it in her but she's been out of breath and in pain for some time.]
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