realmofstories | Opening Log: Welcome to the Index + Halloween Festival

Entry tags:

Opening Log: Welcome to the Index + Halloween Festival

Opening Intro Log: October 2018—

§ instructions.
Greetings and welcome to the first 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!

For more information, refer to the accompanying Game Notes.

§ greetings from the storyteller.

It's no surprise that everyone who first enters the Realm of Stories will feel disoriented, especially when their soul is basically fused with that of another. Fortunately, there is someone who is more than willing to explain things—just not physically. Once the initial dizziness and confusion passes, be it through the pages of the journal glowing in their hands or through telepathy, the same "voice" who sought them out and pleaded for their aid will speak.

Greetings, Aspect, for that is what you are now. We thank you for your agreement in helping fight against the Story Eater. For those whom we had to bring in for your own safety—forgive us. Once we have enough power we will return you to your worlds should you so choose.

All of you have been gifted with the essence of a powerful character from one of the many stories now lost to the Story Eater. We did not choose it—it chose you. If you touch the medallion hanging on your journal, its name will be revealed to you and you are welcome to browse through the Grand Library to read their stories.

But time is of the essence. Even now we feel the loss of yet another Book and many more will follow. We will contemplate and decide on a Draft to send you to, so in the meantime, please explore the city and learn what you can. You should have been given everything you will need for your temporary stay here in the Index, and the city residents have been informed of your coming.

Keep your journal close—we will reach out to you again.

The message will remain within the first few pages of the journal, and past it are other informative passages that the newly arrived may find useful. Information such as how to use the journal, local maps of the Index, notable businesses, where they may find their own unique residence, even names of other Aspects who have arrived. And despite the seemingly endless blank pages when rifling through, the journal itself remains thin and light when closed.

So for now, all they can do is wait and learn more about themselves and each other.

§ prompts.

¶ I. Getting to Know Your "New Character." 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. In any case, firsthand experience and experimentation is the best way to figure things out.

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. Watch What You're Doing! 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.

¶ II. A Halloween Festival. Despite the threat of the Story Eater always looming somewhere outside in the Void, the residents are preparing for the Halloween season. With so many stories either fostering or born from the traditions, it's no surprise that survivors of said ghastly, sometimes fun tales are throwing their all to keep the spirit of their stories alive, especially with help now arriving. What better way to meet the residents than participating and helping out? Might learn a few things about their new abilities, too, and can even put on a different costume.

A. Batty Books. A few well meaning young wizards and witches in training had hoped to spice up the Grand Library with a few flying books. Unfortunately, they were a bit overzealous with their wandwork and now there are hoards of flying books overrunning and ransacking the place. Even worse, books of violent content are attacking, spitting out pages or clamping down on hapless victims. Hard covers are the worst, and watch out for all those paper cuts! Help capture these rogue books so the reverse spell can be cast, but be careful! They are still precious books and can't be damaged! If they are, well... There will be more than a few librarians wailing in mourning and will need to be taken care of.
B. Wild Jack o'Lanterns. Can't have Halloween without those scary pumpkins! Or silly ones if that's your preference. However, a few residents have gotten a little overzealous in their creations. From pumpkins bursting with fire like volcanoes to giant golems bumbling through the streets to some sprouting bat wings and flying all over the place dumping their pumpkin innards or candy corn on unsuspecting victims. Things are definitely getting out of hand, so either find some way to turn the pumpkins back to normal or just outright destroy them. Bonus points if the leftover pieces are collected to make pumpkin pie so nothing is wasted!
C. Beyond the Grave...? What's spookier than haunted graveyards? Graves that actually are haunted. Storybook characters of the skeletal and ghoulish nature have opened their neighborhood for a Fright Night Challenge, happy to use their homes to spook those who dare to tread near. And there are a few openings for volunteers for that night's haunting. Perhaps an Aspect could fit in? Or perhaps they'd like to go through the challenge instead. Just remember everyone is supposed to be friendly so try not to hurt them. Of course, some of the nastier residents might take this an opportunity, in which case anyone is free to bury them.
E. A Haunted Feast. During the evening hours, everyone is invited out to one of the larger plazas of the city for a chance to eat delicious meals prepared by a number of different businesses and volunteers. This is the perfect chance to unwind, mingle with everyone...until some sneaky young ghosts pilfer all the good food and desserts. They even have the gall to steal right off the plate! Try to stop them—or maybe one of the Aspects is among the thieves. If not, there may be a food fight on the horizon.

¶ III. Recreate Some Stories. The main reason the Aspects are in the Realm of Stories is to help restore and recreate the lost books. But it would be good if they got a little practice in how they can do that. While there isn't much to restore here in the Index, there are still plenty of opportunities to get the feel of "acting out" certain roles and scenes in the city. And who knows—maybe these little stories and plays will be written down and filed away in the Grand Library.

A. Make Your Own Horror Story. What's more fitting for Halloween then recreating or even creating frightfully scary stories? From nightmareish to silly, there are a number of storybook characters doing their best to relive their lost stories and could use a few volunteers.

» Roles: 1) ghoulish monsters, 2) unfortunate victims, 3) bloody murderers, 4) the last hero.
» Scenes: a) chasing, b) fighting, c) saving, d) the final blow.

It doesn't matter how the combinations work. Monsters could be fighting murderers to save the hero; heroes could be monsters; monsters could be victims; murderers could be the anti-hero; etc. The scenes can also be either be based on actual stories (perhaps the Aspect's) or just something random. Have fun with it!
B. The Adventures of the Little Scarecrow. In one of the many parks, a few older residents are recounting the favorite children's tale, "The Adventures of the Little Scarecrow," a tale of a little boy scarecrow who leaves his cornfield to explore the world beyond. Small puppets are being used, but it looks like they could have some help. These are elderly folk and their hands aren't what they used to be. Just follow their narration, shouldn't be a problem. Or for those feeling a bit more daring, they can act out the roles instead, even mixing with the puppets for stand-ins.

» Roles: 1) the little boy scarecrow, 2) the scary wolf, 3) the friendly crow, 4) the lost pig.
» Scenes: a) a battle of wit with the crow; b) running from the wolf; c) helping the pig (crow aid optional); d) getting lost with pig and crow; e) return of the wolf; f) back home to the fields (did the others survive??)

There are a lot of variations of how the story can go, just keep in mind it's supposed to be kid friendly.

¶ IV. Exploring the Index. The Index 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. 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. Have fun!
B. Decoration Wars. There is one particular section of the city that houses many of the more "ghoulish" storybook characters, and for this Halloween festival they've taken to their storybook roots to pull out the creepiest, ghastliest, and sometimes silliest decorations and themes possible. The thing is, they've become so overzealous that some of those decorations aren't just for show. With everyone on the block already high in competitive spirit, it's a bit of a war zone straight from a horror story as hanging skeletons and floating ghosts fight against one another via throwing pumpkins, rotten eggs, toilet paper, and stale candy to prove they have the scariest house. They may even pull one of the Aspects to try and win points.
C. Pumpkin Carriage Rides. All the taxi and transportation carriages have been changed to fit the season, so there are giant pumpkin carriages drawn through the streets. The horses vary from skeletal, ghostly, and even headless, and while some are genuine, others are just painted to look the part. They still enjoy apples, carrots, and a good scratch on the neck as thanks! Now the insides of the pumpkins are usually clean and look almost like a real carriage, but a few may still have raw pumpkin or giant seeds stuck to the inside. And if someone says the phrase, "Bippity Boppity Boo" they run the risk of the carriage shrinking, expanding, or even changing into something else entirely. Of course, how would they even know of such a phra—oh look at that, someone carved the words in small print on the walls...
D. Shopping Around. Everyone is arriving in a new set of clothes, and some may want to buy something more fitting of their own sense of style. Unfortunately they're going to have to wear something still in line with their essence's style, so compromises will need to be made. But hey, better to have multiple sets of clothes instead of wearing the same one all the time, right? It's not like this is a video game or something.
E. To the Edge. Those who wish to venture out of the city to travel to the edge of the world are free to do so. They may even see remnants of the last Segment pathways that once connected the Index to a lost Book, letters of the destination scratched through. And within the Void they will see scattered, torn pages floating in the far distance, some actually disintegrating into the darkness right before their eyes.

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

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Ophilia will be on the ground with him, fully intending to pick up book after scroll after tome after anthology and be on her way with another set of apologies. But once she hears his voice, she too stops to look at him, her eyes widening with surprise at once.

As she just as quickly breaks into a smile. ] ...Professor! Oh-- [ The books are almost forgotten as she beams, and as a result she practically drops them again. Fortunately there is no spill or stumble a second time as she clumsily regains her wits about her. She's so happy and surprised to see him, she'd probably hug him if it weren't for the collection in her arms! ]

By the Flame, I would not have thought to see you here! [ A pause, and she clarifies with a bit of a laugh: ] As in here- here, not... here in the library. [ Because the library definitely is his habitat. ]

[Indeed. If there are books to be found anywhere, there should never be any doubt that Cyrus will soon follow. He smiles openly, clearly pleased to be reunited with one of his traveling companions. Though he hasn't quite forgotten the books, his attention is now on her as he continues to collect the fallen tomes.]

Nor I— though I can think of no one better to help serve the cause we've been called to.

[Ophilia is, after all, incredibly dedicated when she sets her mind to something.]

I'm glad to see you seem none the worse for wear.

My thoughts are the same of you, Professor. [ One last book... and done!

Although, his words of not being "worse for wear" make her thoughtful for a moment. Not too long ago, she had been... pretty badly injured by her adoptive sister and best friend, no less. A hand goes to her side where she recalls the knife lodging itself into her. With being constructed a body by the Storyteller, there is no pain or ache, but the betrayal still hurts.

Realizing that she had been quiet for a few moments, she quickly stands up and smooths her kimono, returning to the conversation. ]

...I would say the magic that brought us here is just as interesting than these stories themselves. We've ought to thank the Storyteller for our good health.

[He may be oblivious at times when it comes to other people and their thoughts or feelings, but if nothing else, Cyrus is ever observant, and his gaze quickly darts to follow her hand as it goes to her side. She seems whole, and yet—]

Are you injured after all, Miss Ophilia?

[Given the nature of their bodies here, he has to wonder if something happened following her arrival, although if memory serves him—

Well, if they remember the same things, then he supposes it wasn't all that long ago that she had a difficult run-in of her own.

He smiles faintly, and it doesn't quite reach his eyes, a somber air settling over him.]

I imagine in some ways, our sojourn here has offered us something of a reprieve.

[ Ophilia's eyes cast downward for a moment before she pushes past another brewing, unsettling feeling within her stomach when he asks after her health. The truth is no, she's not exactly fine... but she is also aware that perhaps all she needs is a bit of time. When she meets his gaze once more, her expression is softer, as is her smile. Although she doesn't exactly want to talk about it, she can appreciate him asking. ] You worry too much, good professor. The Storyteller has crafted us new bodies, has he not?

[ Then she gives him a slight nod, moving the conversation along-- and away-- from her, opting for a bit of a joke: ] ....Although, a reprieve does sound nice. But I imagine something like that would involve someplace warmer and more peaceful. We will certainly have our hands full repairing these stories!

Of course— that he has, and so any injuries we might have borne will not trouble us here.

[Still, his concern for her extends beyond her physical state, dense as he has the capacity to be. Should she wish to talk about it, he'll of course let her choose to do so in her own time. For now, he will take her at his word.]

You're quite right, we do have our work cut out for us. Truth be told, I find myself excited about whatever lies ahead— this opportunity was simply too tempting to pass up.

[And, of course, there's the fact that they'll be doing good works that need doing, but even here, Cyrus remains Cyrus.]

I think I've developed a taste for adventure.

As if you haven't the palate for that already? [ She brings her hands to her lips, covering them as she giggles. ]

Well, then, let me be the first to tell youthat all of these books will be quite the scrumptious.... appetizer. [ Noooo, Ophilia, just... no. ]

I've had the chance to read a few myself, and I daresay that many of these tales are enchanting! Once you pick one of them up, you can hardly set it down until you finish!

[Ophilia, yes.]

You've made good use of your time here already, I see!

[Of course, he approves of her voracious appetite for reading.]

It's almost a shame we've other responsibilities in this place— I could easily spend weeks in this library alone!

[ There's a cautionary look from Ophilia, but she laughs anyway. ]

Oh, yes, I-- and others-- know you can. [ Because when he says something like that, it doesn't sound exactly like a joke. Or even a hyperbole. ] You'd gather as much dust upon your collar as these tomes sitting here!

.......Please do not actually do that, Professor.

[He's incredibly tempted— but he'll heed her concerns, of course, and he offers her a warm and winsome smile in reply.]

But of course not. I could hardly abandon my newly-assigned duties, even if I'm not quite sure what to make of them just yet.

[He'll figure this Essence business out!]

Did you come here to research your own Essence, then?

Indeed, just as many of us Aspects are doing.

[ She nods pleasantly, selecting one of the books at the top of her pile. ]

Abe no Seimei.... [ She tells him quietly, pausing before she continues on to explain. ] That is the name of my own Essence. He was a kind of mage and exorcist in the courts from a nation not of our world... and far wiser and more clever than I will ever be.

Also, apparently, part fox spirit. [ She chuckles. ] I'm only just beginning to learn about him, however.

Interesting...

[He's curious to know just what parallels might have been drawn there, though he supposes 'exorcist' is a good start, given that Miss Ophilia is a Sister of the Sacred Flame.]

I should very much like to learn more about him, once you've done your own research.

And yourself, professor? [ She asks of him, titling her head.

Ophilia has made it a point to learn of others's Essences. Not only is it a good way to begin a conversation, but it also gives her something later to read up on! A win-win. ]

A Mr. Sherlock Holmes— a detective.

[He looks incredibly pleased with that, as a matter of fact.]

I rather like it.

[ It is so fitting that she laughs. ]

One can say that that is... essencetially what you already are! [ Get it, get it? Essence + essentially? DO U GET IT ]

[He laughs in response— ah, Ophilia was often the party member he thought understood him best.]

You're quite right!

[HE GETS IT]

As you can imagine, I was rather tickled when I found out. I'm interested to see how this Essence will serve me in this world— I've already a keen sense of observation, after all. The clothes, I'll admit, are rather sharp.

[He got a fun hat out of it.]

[ At the mention of his clothes, now she will have to take a better look at them. Bringing a hand to her chin, her brow raises as she looks him over. She's never seen an outfit quite like it, but then again, here she is in a strange sort of dress herself. Hers makes her feel restricted and a bit uncomfortable enough that she plans on changing it later.

But he looks entirely at ease, as if it was made for him. Sharp is one way to describe it. Dapper is another. And-- ] Indeed, you look very striking in it! Although I don't think you need me to tell you that. [ Because everyone can agree that he is ridiculously handsome.

She may feel so plain in comparison, but she's just so happy that both of her friends here look so good in what they wear! (And even if Therion is not happy in a dress, she is happy for him.) ] Like you are just on the precipice of solving a mystery!

[Everyone, of course, but Cyrus himself. He never quite seems to notice, or once people remind him of just how handsome he is, he promptly forgets how much of an effect that can have on people.

Honestly, his good looks are wasted on him.]

You flatter me, Miss Ophilia— you look like you're ready to take on a new role, yourself!

[This place certainly did like making sure they looked the part, so it seemed.]

Though we both have our fair share of research to conduct, could I perhaps interest you in a cup of tea? Given all the recent changes, we may both do well to take few moments to ourselves.

[Also, tea. It seems a better way to get caught up than standing in the middle of the library, beat as his heart does for the books within.]

[ She's grateful for his reassurance and compliment in return, even if it's simply out of his standard politeness. She's the type of person that likes to hear something like that! ]

Tea sounds lovely. [ She replies with a smile. ] We can't exactly read through all of these fables without fuel, can we?

[ OOC: handwave the rest ? where they get tea and stuff, unless you have something more to add? ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Opening Log: Welcome to the Index + Halloween Festival

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