Game Notes #32: October 25, 2020

[keeperoftales]

GAME NOTES #32: October 25, 2020—

Did everyone enjoy the Break? All our new folk settled in? We hope so because we're in for a very long campaign! A 3-parter that will take us all the way through the end of the year and into the next! It's also going to be a 2-in-1 story combo, so buckle up we're in for a wild ride.

§ schedule

Here is our current tentative schedule for the upcoming campaign. All dates are subject to change, and we may extend Acts up to a week if needed, especially since we're hitting the holiday season, but this serves as a general roadmap of what to expect:

MAIN SCHEDULE

11/01: Campaign #6 Act #1 starts

11/22: Mini Break

11/29: Act #2 starts

12/23: Mini Break

01/03: Act #3 starts

01/24: End of Campaign; Break Starts

MOD NOTES SCHEDULE

11/22: Game Notes #33

12/23: Game Notes #34

01/24: Game Notes #35

STORY CHECK SCHEDULE

10/25: Check In

11/22: Full Check

12/23: Full Check

01/24: Full Check

As mentioned above, these dates are tentative and can shift around as needed. Each Act is roughly 3 weeks, and we've scheduled the mini breaks to include the holidays as best as possible. Speaking of holidays, since this Campaign is going through the Christmas holiday, we have some ideas on how to handle interest in playing out the usual holiday fun further in the notes. Be sure to read through as we are asking for further opinions and information!

If you participated on the Commission Board, don't forget to redeem points by replying to the official information post! There's no deadline, but it's easy to forget, so consider this a friendly reminder!

§ story check in

Be sure to comment so you're not swept! The time frame is from October 1st to October 31th. The Check ends on October 31st, 11:59PM CT. No proofs required, just a general comment of "I'M HERE" will do. Newly accepted players don't have to worry about this, but you can participate if you want.

1. EXPRESSION OF INTEREST: Fill out the same form with "I'M STILL HERE" or something to that effect so you don't get swept! This option is available for those who took the Break as its given opportunity to completely check out and focus on other things! So we just want to know if you're coming back.

Everyone use this form to comment here!

<b>Player:</b> <b>Character:</b> Character | <user name="journal"> <b>Are you still here?</b> YES I AM!

§ frankenhyde campaign + act 1 details

As some of you may have guessed, our next campaign is a monster mashup between Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus and Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde—"FrankenHyde" for short. As indicated on the schedule, this will be split into three Acts and we have a lot of...fun, interesting ideas on how the third Act will go, fufu. But the Campaign will follow the normal structure with scenes that need to be played out and optional sub quests for everyone else to partake in.

Setting. The entire Campaign will be mostly centered in the industrial city of Londeva with some scenes potentially branching off to other locales, but Londeva will be where the characters will be stationed out for their stay. Set in the 1800s, the Industrial Revolution is in full swing, but of course we're adding some additional steampunk fantasy flair to it. Flying airships and dirigibles in the sky, unusual vehicles and inventions on the streets—and of course, all the unnecessary belts and buckles that is the latest fashion craze. There are also lightning rods and numerous electricity generators all over, and due to the constant rain and overcast skies, they are charged rather frequently. It's also very dark and monochromatic in color, so those from more modern times may feel like they stepped into a black and white noir film. Science and progress is what most everyone is interested in and there are some odd looking fellows walking about.

However, although the city is populated, they are only Blots, not real people. They are capable of basic understanding and will comply to any particular needs required such as providing food or directions, but they do not really communicate other than vague gesturing and then going about their day like puppets. Thus for the most part they are "neutral," but if provoked they will attack back. There are also a few that behave oddly with jerky movements and seem to generate electricity. These will be more prone to attack and must be dispatched.

Like in previous campaigns, all characters will have their attire to fit the setting (with players able to choose what they look like). There are no other special abilities or changes occurring this time around. Since they'll be in the city for a while, their "safe zone" will be a designated apartment building with characters able to choose their rooms to lodge in. Although the sun will rise and set several times during their stay, how much time is actually spent in there is vague at best.

Main Scenes. We have a whopping total of NINE main scenes to go around this time!

• And as a quick note before we get to the blurbs for those nine scenes: Just in case you need ideas of how the main characters would act in scenes regarding their creations, Jekyll is indicated in the prompts to being uncertain about his creation while Victor is still optimistic and positive about the possibilities with his. The rest, as always, is malleable and open to any interpretation.
  
  
• Scene 1: Victor Frankenstein and Henry Jekyll. Our story begins with a glimpse of the past when two aspiring scientists, Victor Frankenstein and Henry Jekyll, attended a renowned college and participated in a science competition. Both known for their genius intellect, they compete against each other for the top prize. [Note: The characters will have to create their own "science project" but we can provide some tools and guidelines that players can use to make it easier to thread out. The projects do not need to be successful and can even explode go haywire. Other projects from other attendants may also add to the chaos.]
  
  
• Scene 2: Victor Frankenstein and Henry Clerval. Back in the present day, Dr. Frankenstein and Dr. Jekyll are working together on a new major experiment: to create human life. However, while they are sharing research, they are still competing and working separately. In his own lab, Dr. Frankenstein is meeting with his dear friend Henry Clerval who's decided to check up on the good doctor. Knowing company was coming, Victor has put away any incriminating evidence, but the giant mutant plant is just too big and inconvenient to hide away. Clerval will no doubt have questions about it and Victor may be glad to talk about it instead of about what else he's been working on. But the plant is also apparently glad to talk and will constantly butt into the conversation with various comments. Asking to be fed isn't so much of a problem, but asking if Victor's done with those shovels or bringing up that some of his test subjects really reek might need to be explained away before Clerval starts asking what else is going on.
  
  
• Scene 3: Henry Jekyll and Hastie Lanyon. In Dr. Jekyll's lab, Dr. Hastie Lanyon pays a visit to his colleague, checking up on him as there’s been rumors of a strange unsightly brute lurking around the city. They’ve reportedly been making a mess of things within the town and have absconded with various scientific instruments and tools. Having been burgled himself, Lanyon wants to make sure his friend is thoroughly aware of the danger, but Jekyll seems oddly distracted and uncomfortable with the subject, seemingly wanting to discuss anything but this odd person and their peculiar crimes.
  
  
• Scene 4: Henry Jekyll and Gabriel Utterson. Later in the week, Dr. Jekyll runs into Gabriel Utterson in town. The two began to catch up on recent going ons only to have their conversation cut short after hearing of a girl who’s been injured recently. Jekyll and Utterson both come to the conclusion that she may have been injured by the same person Lanyon mentioned and decide to pay her a visit, with Jekyll providing treatment and Utterson looking to learn more about what happened.
  
  
• Scene 5: Henry Clerval and Gabriel Utterson. Not entirely relieved of his misgivings, Clerval seeks out Utterson to speak with him regarding Victor's odd behavior and his concerns regarding what Victor might be up to, particularly that strange plant he had seen. However, no sooner does he bring it up that there is a sudden scream nearby. Upon arriving to the scene, they see a strange plant wrapping itself around a person's leg and slowly dragging it towards its much too big mouth. Recognizing it as the plant from Victor's lab, Clerval and Utterson rush in to help.
  
  
• Scene 6: Henry Jekyll and Edward Hyde. One evening Jekyll confronts Hyde and questions where he has been going these past couple of nights. It's clear that Jekyll suspects Hyde of something, whether it be the recent burglaries or something else. Will Jekyll try to stop him and mend his ways? Or will there be a twist and he actually supports this life of crime? What about Hyde? Will he try to deny the allegations or roll with it? (NOTE: whoever is playing Hyde will have a forced influence to act out their inner dark personality. This basically a "personality switch," so they will not be aware of it at the time. They will return to normal upon leaving the scene and will remember what transpired afterwards.)
  
  
• Scene 7: Victor Frankenstein and Frankenstein's Monster. Finally the moment has arrived. During a particularly stormy night, enough lightning is generated to bring Victor Frankenstein's creation to life. Victor is overjoyed by his success, but what will the first moments between creature and creator be like? How will Frankenstein's creature react to its creator? And was the lab able to survive that giant lightning surge or is there now a giant power outage they have to deal with?
  
  
• Scene 8: Victor Frankenstein and Edward Hyde. After hearing that Victor has successfully created his creature at last, Hyde poses as his own creator, Henry Jekyll, and goes to Victor to observe and inquire a little about it. Unaware that he is speaking to Hyde and believing it to be Jekyll, Victor is excited about the success and holds a celebration with him. But is Hyde able to keep up the facade? What kind of dialogue could Hyde have with such an optimistic scientist, one who is clearly different from his own? (NOTE: whoever is playing Hyde will have a forced influence to act out their inner dark personality. This basically a "personality switch," so they will not be aware of it at the time. They will return to normal upon leaving the scene and will remember what transpired afterwards.)
  
  
• Scene 9: Edward Hyde and Frankenstein's Monster. Curious about his "cousin," Hyde encounters Frankenstein's monster and introduces himself. He may even give the monster a name since Victor neglected to do so. Hyde then convinces the monster to sneak out at night and observe how the people really live, to let the creature decide for itself if it's a monster or not. As well as have some "fun" (whatever that may mean). Will Frankenstein's monster be influenced by Hyde? What will it think after having a taste of "life"? (NOTE: whoever is playing Hyde will have a forced influence to act out their inner dark personality. This basically a "personality switch," so they will not be aware of it at the time. They will return to normal upon leaving the scene and will remember what transpired afterwards.)
  

Sub quests. While exploring the city, there are some tasks that can be done to help restore the world while the others are busy recreating the scenes.

• Help the Scientists. A lot of work needs to be done to help the research experiments be a success, some of it a bit more unsavory than the rest.
  
  
  1. Gather Ingredients.There are a lot of things that go into creating life, so cue the fetch quest. Items range from organs from wildlife to various plants and herbs to tools such as thread, needles, and large bolts. These items can be found throughout the town and outside of the forest and can be left at either of the buildings that is set for Frankenstein's and Jekyll's laboratories. Do note that no one except those who are cast for the scenes can go inside (there is an impenetrable barrier that will shock anyone who tries to enter).
     
     
  2. Bzzzzt. The scientists also need to generate a lot of electricity. Outside each laboratory are various generators used to harness and conduct electricity: lightning rods that can be attached anywhere, strange boxes that need to be powered, and even an odd looking metal ball that can be opened to physically capture lightning. Just be careful to not get shocked!
  
  
  
• Helping the Locals. Like most damaged stories, the local townspeople are not real but Blots taking the form of the original residents. Most are friendly and continue about their lives without paying much attention to the Aspect and providing basic assistance or keeping out of their way. They do not speak but seem to understand if communicated to.
  
  
  1. Science Fair. There is a local science fair being held that anyone can participate in! Rewards...aren't that great, but it's the experience that matters. But as expected, things don't go smoothly as various experiments and projects go awry. With the technology as it is, this can be even more dangerous as more than one is dealing with explosive fuel or have way out-of-the-box inventions such as flying motorized bikes or small automaton of some kind.
     
     
  2. Dangerous Blots. There are some blots who are badly damaged by Erasers and are more prone to attack. Those that have small electric sparks around them will have jerky movements and must be subdued or destroyed. There are also real Erasers lurking about, taking the form of unidentifiable homunculus and small chimera.
  
  
  
• Trick-or-Treat! It seems everyone came in time for Halloween. Although not quite as festive as current day, the children still participate in some lighthearted trick-or-treating. The Aspects are free to participate either in wearing costumes, doling out candy, or playing tricks, but they will want to keep an eye out. Some of these costumes appear too good, and some unfortunate accidents and incidents will reveal odd mutant experiments have escaped and mingled with the crowds. Most are not hostile and just cause accidents and disturbances, so they can be gathered and returned to the various research labs. Others may prove a bit more "bite-y" so more force may be necessary to subdue them.

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

§ cast sign-up

Here are the list of roles for this Act:

Victor Frankenstein: Scenes # 1, 2, 7, 8
Frankenstein's Monster: Scenes # 7, 9
Henry Jekyll: Scenes # 1, 3, 4, 6
Edward Hyde: Scenes # 6, 8, 9
Henry Clerval: Scenes # 2, 5
Hastie Lanyon: Scenes # 3
Gabriel Utterson: Scenes # 4, 5

Each character role has its own sign-up thread and will be frozen once filled. 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. To keep things fair, we'd like everyone to follow these instructions:

• If you signed up in the previous Campaign, please wait until TUESDAY before signing up to allow players who have yet to participate a chance. For those who need a refresher, the cast list from the Alice campaign can be found here.
  
• In addition to above, please sign up for one role first and then double up if slots are still open by THURSDAY. This applies to players with multiple characters as well. Pick one first and then wait until THURSDAY before signing up with your other characters to allow other players a chance.
  
• We 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.

To reiterate, we have more players and characters than we do roles, so we want to have as many players participate as possible during the campaign as a whole. Hence some of the stricter requirements to ensure a larger spread. Of course, after the designated days, it's a free-for-all and players can double up and fill in as they'd like or as necessary.

Sign-ups will last until Saturday, October 31st and we'll give final calls on Friday if necessary.

§ what to do about christmas

Now before everyone leaves, there's something we'd like to bring up now (and we'll touch again later in the next set of notes). Since the campaign is running through Christmas, that means it's a little more difficult to have any IC celebrations that players might have been thinking about. To help with that, we are considering incorporating the Christmas holiday season into the second Act, meaning the setting will have Christmas decorations and such, and the narrative will officially be set around the season. This way, between characters fulfilling their role duties, there will also be opportunities for the characters to throw little parties or do other things during downtimes if they so choose.

So what we'd like to know is if anyone does have any plans they'd like to do for the Christmas holidays in-game. If so, let us know and we can try to help incorporate it when the time comes.

§ end notes

And that's all for now! If you have any questions, just ask here.

Comments

QUESTIONS/SUGGESTIONS/ETC

[keeperoftales]

Have any questions or suggestions you'd like to make regarding the campaign? Hit us up!

Suggestion

[schrodingers_joker]

Since it's a steampunk world, you could have mechanical reindeers run around and cause trouble for Christmas. Or maybe even leave little gifts.

[allegedprisoner]

Luca is from the late 1800's, so is it okay to let him wear an outfit from canon? Or do we have to slap some gears on it first?

For reference, the outfits I have in mind are this nice suit and a slightly modified version of this thing.

STORY CHECK-IN

[keeperoftales]

All story check submissions go here!

<b>Player:</b> <b>Character:</b> Character | <user name="journal"> <b>Are you still here?</b> YES I AM!

[schrodingers_joker]

Player: Nikil
Character: Ren Amamiya | schrondingers_joker
Are you still here? YES I AM!

Re: STORY CHECK-IN

[allegedprisoner]

Player: Nyanka
Character: Luca Balsa | allegedprisoner
Are you still here? YES I AM!

[arrogator]

Player: Steve
Character: Mordred | arrogator
Are you still here? I would hope so, otherwise I spent a lot of time formatting things for no reason. I mean yes, still here.

Re: STORY CHECK-IN

[forachange]

Player: Mary
Character: Wembley Fraggle | forachange
Character: Rapunzel | afterhappilyeverafter
Are you still here? Ayupyupyup-yup!

[blue_ice]

Player: Zoki
Character: Seto Kaiba | blue_ice
Are you still here? Apparently!

Re: STORY CHECK-IN

[deadmentellnotails]

Player: Fae
Character: Eizen | deadmentellnotails
Are you still here? NO I LEFT THE MOD APPLICATION WAS A HALLUCINATION

[spearlance]

Player: Mio
Character: Mabel Pines | meowbel
Character: Ken Amada | spearlance
Are you still here? I sure hope I’m still here!

[mooglebow]

Player: Raini
Character:
Serah | mooglebow
Maron | windofgod
Are you still here? i mean "here" is subjective but YES I AM!

[tantailizing]

Player: VG
Character: Naomi Kimishima | chatwithdeath
Character: Rosalia Rossellini | bloodinbloom
Character: Zidane Tribal | tantailizing
Are you still here? Totes still here!

[kawkaw]

Player: Usami
Character: Master Crane | kawkaw
Character: Lena Sabrewing | outofyourshadow
Are you still here? YES I AM!

[afoolshope]

Player: Amanda
Character: Minato Arisato | afoolshope
Character: Atem | ancientgamer
Character: Yosuke Hanamura | dj_jiraiya
Are you still here? YES I AM!

[chippedsoul]

Player: Taisa
Character: Kazuma Asougi | chippedsoul
Are you still here? Sleep

[izanyagi]

Player: Pixle
Character:
Yu Narukami | izanyagi
Goro Akechi | policedefective
Are you still here? YES I AM!

CASTING SIGN-UP: VICTOR

[keeperoftales]

There are FOUR main slots for Victor Frankenstein. Indicate which scene you prefer along with any secondary preferences. Although we're aiming for separate volunteers, if you think you can double up in case we need it, feel free to mention it.

<b>Player:</b> <b>Character:</b> <b>Scene:</b> Scene # <b>Secondary preference:</b> Can be either the same or different role <b>Questions/Notes:</b>

Re: CASTING SIGN-UP: VICTOR

[allegedprisoner]

Player: Nyanka
Character: Luca Balsa
Scene: Scene 1
Secondary preference: Jekyll, same scene
Questions/Notes: Luca will definitely take this chance to try completing the invention he's so obsessed over! He's finally got the tools and funding to continue that experiment, but in trying to recreate the experiment from his poor memory, he will remember his old mentor, Alva Lorenz, and start muttering about where their partnership failed... Inadvertently writing the late inventor into the story.

(frozen comment) CASTING SIGN-UP: FRANKENSTEIN'S MONSTER

[keeperoftales]

There are TWO main slots for Frankenstein's Monster. Indicate which scene you prefer along with any secondary preferences. Although we're aiming for separate volunteers, if you think you can double up in case we need it, feel free to mention it.

<b>Player:</b> <b>Character:</b> <b>Scene:</b> Scene # <b>Secondary preference:</b> Can be either the same or different role <b>Questions/Notes:</b>

(frozen comment)

[outofyourshadow]

Player: Usami
Character: Lena Sabrewing
Scene: Scene 7
Secondary preference: Can be another character if no one signs up
Questions/Notes: n/a

CASTING SIGN-UP: JEKYLL

[keeperoftales]

There are FOUR main slots for Henry Jekyll. Indicate which scene you prefer along with any secondary preferences. Although we're aiming for separate volunteers, if you think you can double up in case we need it, feel free to mention it.

<b>Player:</b> <b>Character:</b> <b>Scene:</b> Scene # <b>Secondary preference:</b> Can be either the same or different role <b>Questions/Notes:</b>

[policedefective]

Player: Pixle
Character: Akechi
Scene: Scene 6
Secondary preference: Hyde, Scene 9
Questions/Notes: N/A

(frozen comment) CASTING SIGN-UP: HYDE

[keeperoftales]

There are THREE main slots for Edward Hyde. Indicate which scene you prefer along with any secondary preferences. Although we're aiming for separate volunteers, if you think you can double up in case we need it, feel free to mention it.

<b>Player:</b> <b>Character:</b> <b>Scene:</b> Scene # <b>Secondary preference:</b> Can be either the same or different role <b>Questions/Notes:</b>

(frozen comment)

[schrodingers_joker]

Player: Nikil
Character: Ren Amamiya
Scene: Scene #6
Secondary preference: Jekyll, same scene (Yes I can double up if needed.)
Questions/Notes: If he's Hyde, he'll have glowing yellow eyes and voice will be odd because his shadow would be taking over.

CASTING SIGN-UP: CLERVAL

[keeperoftales]

There are TWO main slots for Henry Clerval. Indicate which scene you prefer along with any secondary preferences. Although we're aiming for separate volunteers, if you think you can double up in case we need it, feel free to mention it.

<b>Player:</b> <b>Character:</b> <b>Scene:</b> Scene # <b>Secondary preference:</b> Can be either the same or different role <b>Questions/Notes:</b>

[kawkaw]

Player: Usami
Character: Master Crane
Scene: Scene 2
Secondary preference: Can fill other roles if needed

(frozen comment) CASTING SIGN-UP: LANYON

[keeperoftales]

There is ONE main slot for Hastie Lanyon. Indicate which scene you prefer along with any secondary preferences. Although we're aiming for separate volunteers, if you think you can double up in case we need it, feel free to mention it.

<b>Player:</b> <b>Character:</b> <b>Scene:</b> Scene # <b>Secondary preference:</b> Can be either the same or different role <b>Questions/Notes:</b>

(frozen comment) Re: CASTING SIGN-UP: LANYON

[deadmentellnotails]

Player: Fae
Character: Lanyon
Scene: Scene 3
Secondary preference: Wherever I'm needed
Questions/Notes:

CASTING SIGN-UP: UTTERSON

[keeperoftales]

There are TWO main slots for Gabriel Utterson. Indicate which scene you prefer along with any secondary preferences. Although we're aiming for separate volunteers, if you think you can double up in case we need it, feel free to mention it.

<b>Player:</b> <b>Character:</b> <b>Scene:</b> Scene # <b>Secondary preference:</b> Can be either the same or different role <b>Questions/Notes:</b>

[smolders]

Player: Laena
Character: Eugene
Scene: Scene #5
Secondary preference: Can double up on Utterson if needed
Questions/Notes: am I terrible

CASTING SIGN-UP: BACK-UPS

[keeperoftales]

If you'd like to sign-up as a back-up or fill-in for particular roles in case they don't fill before the deadline, fill out the form and comment under here.

<b>Player:</b> <b>Character:</b> <b>Role:</b> List all role preferences <b>Questions/Notes:</b>

[izanyagi]

Player: Pixle
Character: Yu Narukami
Role: Backup, any role (no preferences)
Questions/Notes: Nope