Forgotten Tales Mods (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
keeperoftales) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
realmofstories2018-10-21 12:00 pm
keeperoftales) wrote in realmofstories2018-10-21 12:00 pm
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.
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.
¶ 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.
¶ 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.
¶ 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.
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.
Edna | Tales of Zestiria | Rapunzel
A. Brushing Up on the Lore
[To step inside the Grand Library, she's immediately reminded of two idiots who'd have enjoyed this trip far more than her. Picking up a book isn't something she'd typically do on her own, but she doesn't have much of a choice here. This isn't a situation where she already knows what she needs to. While she already has a few ideas about the person who's role she's filling, thanks to the addition of what feels like seven tons of hair, what she knows doesn't tell her much.
Too bad extra height wasn't a part of the deal. Even someone small like her doesn't trust that ladder.
Luckily she's not the only one who's come here recently. So she's going to take a deep breath and then turn around, looking for the nearest person that's come here looking for a book, like her.]
...excuse me. Could you get that book for me, pretty please?
[She's doing her best.]
II. Halloween Festival
B. Wild Jack o'Lanterns
[The town is in chaos in several different aspects. It doesn't take long to learn that the decorations should be viewed with caution. But that's when they're just being annoying. When they start spewing fire, seeds and pumpkin guts among other things, even Edna can't just sit back and ignore it.Least of all the giant pumpkin golems.]
My umbrella would be really useful right about now.
[Ah, yes. A salty hero. Oh well. Nothing that can be done about that right now. With an over-exaggerated sigh, she raises her voice.]
Hey. You. With the rotting head.
[Well, at least she still has her witty battle commentary.]
Watch where you step.
[Ah... it's foot is on her hair, which just barely trails on the floor. With a fiesty yank, she pulls it back and-- sets the golem off balance rather easily. Everyone nearby should probably hurry out of the way if you want to avoid being potentially splattered with flying pumpkin, when it hits the ground-- or worse, having it fall on you.]
IV.Exploring the Index
A. House Hunting
[Where was this thing taking her? The tracking feature was nice enough, but it wasn't very well done. She realized that quickly enough when it brought her straight to the edge of a large lake, which it pointed right through. Her face instantly soured.]
You know I can't swim, right.
[It's not a question, really.
Although... she's not quite herself anymore. Maybe she can swim-- but is that really something she should try? She certainly doesn't feel any less uneasy about the water standing here. But it's a really long way around and there's no telling what else she may have to go through if she diverts her path.]
If I die, this is all your fault.
[Wait, she's going in?!?
...well touching the water doesn't make her want to die. But--
She did learn a few things. The key being-- She still can't swim. This has to be a record for quickest and stupidest Aspect death. Unless maybe you want to help a sputtering, long-haired "princess" out?]
D. Shopping Around
...they're all like this, aren't they?
[Edna is girly. She happens to like her dress from home very much. But the dresses of a princess are very different from the cute and easily managed dress she's accustomed to. It doesn't stop her from trying one or two on. Neither are terrible but--]
If it was fifteen inches shorter I could deal with this.
[Is she going to have to learn to sew?]
4.a
Hang on, we're coming!
[ Wait, we? Yes, what better to rescue a princess than a fellow princess and her pet... bear?
Who overtakes Aya and splashes into the water without a second thought, making his way toward whoever is there. ]
no subject
But she's probably(?) doing her best to make her way to the sounds of what seems to be other people.
There's no chance she wants to let herself die in such a pathetic way just because she got a little over confident.]
no subject
Over here!
no subject
But she'll have to get out of here before she can see her furry friend.
It's not trying to kill her and the water is.
Easy choice.
As she gets closer to the pier, she throws her hand up into the air blindly, hoping she can reach whoever's voice that is.]
no subject
Are you okay?
[ with Edna up on the dock, Gustav climbs up beside her, shaking to get some of the water out of his fur. ]
no subject
Never been better.
[Only the complete opposite.]
...I hate water.
(no subject)
I.A
[ He'll say, but not without a double take at how long her hair is. But that's a question for a different time, and so Shad moves towards the ladder and...hm. Doesn't look to be in the best of shape, so he'll test it out first with a good shake.
Miraculously, nothing on it breaks. So with a nod, he'll begin to ascend. ] Now, which book is it again? This one?
[ The ladder is creaking, yes, but. Thanks to his ~lightness~ as a fairy (although his wings have not come in yet), it's not breaking under his weight. ]
no subject
That's supposed to be the one. Rapunzel...
[Well that's one trouble averted. She really didn't expect him to be able to do it so easily. Curious.]
So. What book did you come looking for?
[She doesn't want to seem too interested... but she is.]
no subject
Oops, almost slipped at the end there. But he makes it! Safe and sound back on the ground, Shad nods towards her. ] Here you are. [ He'll say, handing it to her. ] One "Rapunzel". As for myself, my essence is from something not so much as a story, but some sort of play. A Midsummer Night's Dream, to be exact. [ He'll indicate towards one of the reading desks not too far away, which is piled high with all sorts of books. ]
But just as well, this "Oberon" essence is also a part of different folklores and legends... as it seems to be the case for many essences here. There are multiple versions of the same fables.
no subject
...so there are probably more where this came from. I should have known it wouldn't be that simple.
[With all the books in here, she can't say how many more there are. But it could be important. So she'll just have to take this challenge one version at a time.]
I've never heard of any of these people...
[Granted, not being human-- well, it's possible she wouldn't know. The nerds probably would though, if these characters are really so important.]
no subject
Just browsing most of these books informs me that that we're in for quite the learning curve in terms of knowing these fables. [ And he'll be opening up another book that he's selected for himself, titled "Grimm's Fairy Tales". ] However, there is some comfort in knowing that we have somewhere to start. [ He pauses, pushing his glasses up on the bridge of his nose. ]
Notably, our own essence's tale. [ He says, trying to reassure her. ]
(no subject)
(no subject)
IV-D
Wouldn't that be a little... You know. Too short? [Look, he doesn't really pay attention to fashion, but he's pretty sure he's right on this one. Give the kid a break, he's from around the 1700s.]
no subject
Take it from me, kid. Fancy clothing will just get in your way when something's attacking you. No enemy is going to give you a pass for good fashion.
[P...robably.]
I already have one disadvantage, I don't need another.
[She shifts her hair and sighs.]
no subject
Well, that makes sense. I never thought about the disadvantages of dresses like that.
[Although, he realizes, said disadvantages are probably why Cassandra wears pants.]
But, uh, I wouldn't count out your hair so quickly! Is it new? Like, since you got here? [He chuckles awkwardly and pats his new tail as it curls around his own waist.] ...I know what that's like.
Anyway, I think you could do a lot with that hair!
D.
I'm sure you will grow into it eventually. [he offers a small smile] But until then, maybe there's a tailor nearby?
[If she doesn't know of one, he'd be happy to help her look.]
no subject
But there's one thing she didn't miss. And that was the misunderstandings that came with her stature.]
...in what way were you thinking just now?
[Something in her voice says that you may have just stepped on a landmine.]
no subject
When you get taller, of course. You did say the dress was fifteen inches too long, right?
no subject
My size is just fine. If I wanted to, I could grow much taller.
[...oh goodness.]
The real issue is that a delicate beauty like me isn't suited to be running around in such a bulky gown.
[Basically, she's trying to turn it into a frilly skirt and still get away with it. Some princess she'll be.]
no subject
And you've checked the other shops? There isn't anything that's less bulky?
[Well, he's got his manuscript paper. He could lend another pair of eyes to her search.]
IV - A
[He circled her once before he moved in, hooking his arms around her waist and kicking up with his tail, pushing her up to the surface.]
Here, I've got you. Are you alright?
no subject
She shoves her hair out of her face and-- ah. Had... she just walked into someone else's home? The idea that it was possible actually left her a little embarrassed.]
...can't swim...
no subject
[He's taking an educated guess here. How else would one explain why someone who couldn't swim ended up in a lake?]
Hold onto my shoulders, and I'll help you swim. I won't let you sink.
[He shifted his hold as he spoke, moving so that only one arm was around her middle, but so that he could swim forward easier.]
Where do you need to go?
no subject
...that's right. It told me to go through here...
[She lifts her hand and points to the direction on the other side of the lake that the key had pointed to.]
It should be somewhere over there.
[Edna's trying to be helpful, but her kicking legs are just awkwardly flopping through the water.]
no subject
[Really, some of the magical routes they took made no sense to him. At least where he was from, Keyblades made some sense.]
Okay. Hang on.
[Even if she was mostly flopping, they were at least afloat. Roxas kicked off with his tail, swimming forward through the lake.]
My house isn't too far from here. Do you need a place to dry off?