keeperoftales: (Default)
Forgotten Tales Mods ([personal profile] keeperoftales) wrote in [community profile] forgottentales_ooc2019-08-12 05:55 am
Entry tags:

Game Notes #18: August 12, 2019

GAME NOTES #18: AUGUST 12, 2019—

Here we go, the details for the first Act of our upcoming Campaign!


§ schedule

Here is our current schedule:

MAIN SCHEDULE
8/18: Act II Start
9/08: Act II ends
9/15: Act III Start
10/06: Act III ends
October: BREAK
Next Campaign ???
MOD NOTES SCHEDULE
8/12 - #18: Act II sign-ups
9/09 - #19: Act III sign-ups
STORY CHECK SCHEDULE
end of each Act

Just a repeat of what we had last time and no changes. Also of note! The break between the acts will still take place in the ocean, and everyone will be swept back up to the surface once Act II starts in proper.



§ quick heads up

Laena here. Most people already know this, but I have stepped in to help mod my other game, [community profile] empatheias. Fortunately [community profile] forgottentales is really easy to mod due to its small size and structure, so I don't foresee too many problems. LWP is also an A+ co-mod that allows me to feel even more comfortable to do this. I don't foresee many hiccups or conflicts over here, but I wanted to be open about it in case something like that bothers people. If it seems like we need another person (usually to help with prompts or come up with ideas), then we'll ask. Otherwise, like always we're always open to suggestions and the like!



§ story check

The story checks are not only to help gauge player activity, but it's also to help the mods gather information and progress for the current campaign. For this half point story check, all players must submit proofs with the following requirements:

  1. IF YOU ARE PART OF A MAIN SCENE: a link to your thread(s) with a short blurb about what's happening will be enough for the check. You don't have to provide anything additional. If you signed up for multiple, please link all scenes you were cast a major role in. Comment length doesn't matter, but continue plugging away.

  2. ONE PROOF OR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST: a link to one thread or entry dated between July 14 and August 11 (comment length does not matter), and a small blurb describing your character's progress. If you don't have a link, then a quick "I'm still here" will do. However, you can only do this once per campaign!

    Those who were on Hiatus during the Act are of course exempt, as are characters who joined during the act!

    And that's it! Just give us a thread of activity, a short blurb of what your character has been doing, and you're good to go. Feel free to throw in anything you think is noteworthy to the campaign. If you have any questions, ask them here.




§ act i summary

Congratulations everyone, we've reached the end of Act I and are entering our first mini-break before we head into Act II. As always, you can continue your threads no problem. So don't worry about rushing to finish them (unless you really want to). And now, the story thus far...

While the Little Mermaid (Kotori) was nervous about her trials, and dear Granny (Eizen) seemed to favor a tough love approach, she slowly made her way through the caverns, grabbed the crystal (with the eels being easily persuaded to let her pass thanks to Granny and her Stick of Doom), and serenade the oysters onto her tail.

Once on the surface, the little mermaid (Eustace) watched a party aboard a ship...only for it to be crashed by a violent storm. The prince aboard the ship (Dojima) dove into the water for safety, barely staying conscious as the little mermaid pulled him to safety. After creating a makeshift lifesaver and towline from the wreckage, the two of them made their way towards a lighthouse on the horizon. Unfortunately, other watching mermaids tried to pull the prince under, intent on making a meal of him. However, the mermaid was apparently skilled with a blade and was able to fend them off. Although they faced more dangers, they somehow make it to shore.

The prince (Nanaki) found himself washed up onto the shore, and was quickly found by a lovely priestess (Elma). Together, the two of them began the treacherous climb from the beach up to the castle.

Meanwhile, the little mermaid (Velvet) couldn’t stop thinking about her prince, and wished for a way to be with him despite the barriers between them. She traveled to the sea witch (Naomi) to ask for a spell that would allow her to join the prince on land. However, after being told of the high costs of going onto land—including never seeing her family again, or never remembering them even if she did—the little mermaid decided to stay underwater...and bring the prince to HER, at the cost of half her lifespan. The deal set, the two of them brewed a potion that would bring the prince to the sea...

Somehow this story is turning out a lot different from the original, isn't it? How dare you people make us have to toss out our original outline for Act II! Kidding, this is the kind of thing we live for and the Storyteller is clearly enjoying this with a giant bowl of neverending popcorn. In the mean time, the Aspects have a little more time to rest and explore while the story shifts gears and prepares for Act II!



§ act ii details

In the original story, the prince was to discover the priestess was actually a princess and would travel to her lands. From there all the romance and dating sim routes were supposed to happen that would lead up to the finale (Act III). Yeah that's all chucked into the ocean. The story now will start at the prince's castle with the ball held there.

Setting. There will be two general locations for the scenes: the prince's castle and the beach.

  • The Prince's Castle. The castle may appear a bit more spooky than grand. Although there is more color around in general, it is still worn down with hanging cobwebs serving as tapestry and drapes, the lights constantly flickering and chandeliers looking as if they may crash at any moment. Many of the rooms are just as run down, with only the ballroom the only "room" within the castle structurally sound. The castle will be filled with non-hostile blots who will look and serve as filler servants and nobles. Although they will move and speak minimal words, they're not exactly great to hold conversations; and while they will react to things around them, they more or less move in a scripted manner. Outside of the castle there are the royal gardens that includes the traditional hedge maze—although it's more like a labyrinth and could use a lot of pruning.

    Characters within the castle grounds will have their attire automatically changed to one of the following styles: noble, servant, musician. Which one is up to players, and it can change at any time.

  • The Beach. The waters of the oceans will look improved, with it being less black and a bit more dark blue with better visibility. There are still hazards lurking within its waters as well as along the beach, such as monster sea creatures and pirates. There's also a lot of trash. When on the beach, characters will stylized more to their essences, but in a way to match the setting. The ability to turn into their merforms when in water will also be kept.


Special Bonuses. The same bonuses will remain, but now everyone else will have a bit of a "bonus." These will be based on their Essences, and basically every character will have stats boosted in certain areas that best fit their Essence. For example, Dojima will fit right at home amongst the nobles, and while on the castle grounds will have more of a commanding presence and be stronger against enemies. Eizen's abilities will be stronger around the beach, especially within the ocean. Kotori will be best in the kitchen or anywhere that involves cooking, etc. Some may have to stretch a little, but we'll give you guys as much leeway as needed. Some may even "unlock" or learn new abilities or techniques in these areas.

Main Scenes. We have four main scenes, and two optional scenes this time.

  • Scene 1: Priestess and the Prince. The priestess has revealed herself to be a princess and is already showing signs of infatuation over the prince. Thus a grand ball is to be held! Set within the castle in a magnificent ballroom, the priestess will do her all to woo the prince as they must dance at least once. Afterwards, they take a walk along the gardens. Depending on the flow of the conversation and the prince’s heart, the path will become more watery (sand, salt water, small fishes swimming around them) or drier (pebbles or cobblestones, grass and small flowers).

  • Scene 2: The Mermaid and the Prince. Regardless of how the prince may feel, after his time with the priestess he is walking on the beach for some fresh air. Here he will meet the mermaid once more. Since the mermaid cannot walk out on the sands, and the shores are very shallow, she must find a way to get his attention to first try and win his heart.

    This may be tricky to do as the mermaid will be stuck far offshore with several ice walls in the way. The two must work together, and the better they listen to each other and gain trust, the faster the walls will melt to clear and form a path for the prince to reach the mermaid. No decisions are to be made at this time.

  • Scene 3: The Priestess and the Mermaid. The priestess happens to catch the mermaid speaking with her prince, and she is outraged! How dare that monster try to steal her beloved! The next evening, the princess must seek out the mermaid and engage her in a singing contest, the two of them expressing their love for the prince and why the other should make like Atlantis and get lost.

    As they sing, the environment around them will be affected by heartfelt and emotional they are. The priestess will have influence on the land and the mermaid the water. Regardless of how the characters decide to "end" the battle, their efforts will remain permanent to the setting and will help reform the story.

  • Scene 4: The Mermaid and the Prince. After having some time to think it over, the Prince will meet with the mermaid once more. Will he choose to be with her? Or to be with the priestess? This will be the last chance the mermaid may try to convince the Prince.

    On a shell-decorated pedastel will be the potion. If the prince chooses to go with the mermaid, he just needs to reach out and take it (but does not need to drink). If he decides to be with the priestess, then he just has to clearly state his refusal and the potion will disappear.

  • Optional A: Family Meeting (Father/Sisters/Grandmother and the Mermaid). The mermaid's family has heard of visits to the surface and are not just going to let her do this without any say! Will her father try to stop her? Will her sisters? Or will one of them actually support and encourage her? Set in the cleaned up underwater garden, everyone must help continue to replant the coral while earnestly discussing these matters.

  • Optional B: Priestess and the Sea Witch: Regardless of how the showdown between the priestess and the mermaid goes, the priestess may wish to see the sea witch for herself. Using a rowboat, the priestess will row out to a dark cove where a stone can be used to call upon the sea witch. There she must determine whether she can make a deal to help her thwart the mermaid and win the prince's favor.


Subquests. There are three main subquests, but one of them is more "for fun" than actual subquests. We will also be incorporated the pearls from last Act into these.

  • Attending the Ball. Pretty much exactly on the tin, and this is mainly for the first scene. Players can decide whether their character is just some random noble forced to dance on the floor or one of the servants, like catering or musician. It's possible for characters to switch it up if they want, and really they can do whatever. In addition to general attendance, there are some Erasers lurking around. Not many, but some "pest control" may be required.

  • Trimming the Maze. The garden maze is a mess of rotting and withered hedges with danger lurking around every corner. Beware the "living" plant sculptures and the erasers. Characters can walk through it just for fun, but they will also be requested in both eliminating threats as well as trying to restore the maze. To help it flourish, singing or humming songs from the depths of one's heart will help the flowers and bushes grow. Playing musical instruments found scattered around will also help aid in the repair. There are also more traditional means with standard gardening equipment, fertilizer, fresh seeds, and some potted plants if anyone prefers that.

  • Beach Cleanup. There is a lot of broken glass and trash scattered all over the beach and within the waters. Apparently the nobles who attended the party are just slobs. Help clear up the beach and deal with any rogue blots or Erasers. Beware of random pirates that may try to attack.

And final reminder that time is ambiguous so we don't need something to finish before we move onto the next act. That's part of the pre-planning!



§ cast sign-up

We have a decent amount of roles, but we'd like folks to sign up for one first and then double up if slots are still open by the end of the sign-up. We also ask for back-up volunteers in case something happens and someone needs to be replaced. Please only sign up if you will be able to tag consistently and often enough to progress the threads in a reasonable and substantive manner. Sign-ups will last until Saturday, August 17 and we'll give final calls on Friday if necessary.

Now, here are the roles:
Little Mermaid: Scenes #2, #3, #4, Optional A
Prince: Scenes #1, #2, #4
Priestess: #1, #3, Optional B

OPTIONAL ONLY
Mermaid King: A
Mermaid Sisters: A
Mermaid Grandmother: A
Sea Witch: B

Yeah the sign-up threads will make this a little clearer. To keep things simple, sign-ups are a first come first serve, but we do ask everyone to include a second preference just in case people need to be switched around.



§ end notes

And that's all for now! If you have any questions, feel free to comment to the post.

tempredmental: (Pursed Lips)

Re: QUESTIONS/SUGGESTIONS/ETC

[personal profile] tempredmental 2019-08-27 02:50 pm (UTC)(link)
So, um... just how explosive are those seashells on the beach? Are we talking tiny firecrackers or full-on M-80's or somewhere in between?
tempredmental: (Back in the Action)

[personal profile] tempredmental 2019-08-29 02:04 am (UTC)(link)
Yaaaassss good.