Decadent Dreams

• Discrimination on the basis of gender or sex.
  • This may occur in the form of gender roles.

There are two merkingdoms that have been at war for centuries: the trade-heavy Coral Reef and the transport-based hub of Atlantia. To resolve this conflict, the Elders of each kingdom have decided to unite their lands by marriage – of the Stingray Princess Manta to the first son of Coral Reef’s Elder; Prince Flowerhorn. The two have been best friends since they were little fishlets, however, they are not in love. In fact, Princess Manta has been crushing on her chambermaid, Grey. On the other hand, with dreams of becoming the best undersea chef there ever was, Prince Flowerhorn isn’t ready to be married so soon and give up his fantasies of owning a land vs. sea-fusion restaurant. He's already planning to run away with the staff of chefs from his royal kitchen, who have promised to help him realise this dream. However, Elder Octo, his father, is not having any of this, constantly cautioning his son about the responsibilities to his kingdom.

Coral Reef looks like - well - a coral reef, with sprawling beds of multicolored coral, seaweed and low-lying buildings fashioned into anemone and sea caves within rock. Atlantia on the other hand lies in the big blue sea far from shore, and is comprised of tall bronze buildings swirling up to an central spire of the palace in the centre of the city. The Merfolk in Atlantia are based on deep sea or solitary marine life, while people in Coral Reef tend to resemble reef-like tropical fish.

• Princess Manta: Playable. Manny for short, she’s a plucky girl with a Manta Ray tail. A fast swimmer and great fencer, she is the pride of her Kingdom. Responsible and impressionable as she is, she’s fallen for her chambermaid and finds herself shy and unable to speak around her.

• Prince Flowerhorn: Playable. A tall young man with long silver hair and a single horn protruding from his forehead, he is the Coral Reef’s elder’s first son and betrothed to his best friend Manny. Though he doesn’t want to be tied down as he has secret dreams of opening a fusion restaurant on the bustling main streets of Coral Reef. He is currently unable to do this due to his royal duties of being a prince.

• Chambermaid Grey: Playable. A young lady with watery, kind eyes and a Grey whale tail protruding from the hem of her dress. She is soft and kindly with a demeanour that makes people feel at ease. She’s an excellent baker and has grown fond of her Princess, but differences in rank make her force herself to forget how far she has fallen for Manny.

• Fencing Coach Swordfish: Playable. An elderly fencing coach who has been training Manta since she was young, he also knows Flowerhorn and has watched countless matches between them both. Would do anything for the princess of his kingdom.

• Head Chef Dory: Playable. Head Chef of Coral Reef's kitchen for over 20 years, his expertise is as sharp as his wit, and he loves to joke and laugh. He is Flowerhorn's main inspiration for being a chef, and has taught him many recipes over the years.

• Elder Octo: Not Playable. Flowerhorn’s father and a jovial man, he wants his son to get married to increase trade between the two kingdoms. He tends to come off as casual and down for anything, but actually has stubborn and unshakable beliefs. He is unlikely to change his mind unless it would benefit his kingdom.

• 1: Flashback: At an annual ball Flowerhorn and Manny are children and meet for the first time with a push from Elder Octo. They wander to the ball's kitchen and meet Head Chef Dory, and the Prince is inspired to become a chef at first sight.

• 2: It is present day, Elder Octo and Fencing Coach Swordfish are watching their a fencing match, while Flowerhorn uses a rapier. Manta intentionally throws the fight to please Octo, while a Swordfish talks to her about radical new ideas.

• 3: It is the day before the wedding and Grey is helping fit Manny into her gown, Manny is talking to her about how she doesn’t want to marry her best friend, and they fall hopelessly in love with one another.

• 4: Flowerhorn is in the kitchen, following his dream of becoming a chef. Grey intervenes, but the Prince manages to sneak away in the dead of night.

• 5: The wedding. Manny and Grey get happily married, while Swordfish stokes war in the people. Revolution!