{ stroke of midnight }

[dreamposts]

STROKE OF MIDNIGHT

Although the Masquerade is being held on the night of the Fourteenth, some new problems arise in the days after. This log is split into two sections, the Masquerade and Around Town. Everyone is free to participate in either or both, whichever catches your interest.

More details on everything can be found here and here. As a reminder, events double as our TDMs and information can be found here with arrival details here. Any outside characters participating in the log are canonly logged as appearing in Songerein in February and will remain in Songerein from the IC date of February 14 through 28. TDM only characters can only thread within this log. Anyone who apps in and is accepted will have their character count February as their first time in the game without any disruption, so all content will carry over. Those who do not apply will disappear which should not seem too unusual, however players in game can choose to retcon and pretend a character was never there to begin with if it would be easier; or even think their presence was just a dream.

IMPORTANT! All outside characters MUST have "TDM" in their subject line, even if you might not app. This will help people differentiate those who are already in the game and those who are not.

TDM threads are required for samples. Refer to the Game Info for general information and feel free to toss any questions here. Reserves will open Wednesday, February 22nd and Applications will open on March 1. Our next cycle after won't be until JULY.

TDM Toplevel Link Directory (click to view, updated 02/22)

Avatar: The Legend of Korra - Korra
Avatar: The Last Airbender - Iroh
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night - Miriam
Chainsaw Man - Power
Dr. STONE - Dr. Senku Ishigami
Elsworld - Noah Ebalon (Nyx Pieta)
Final Fantasy VII - Cloud Strife
Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core - Zack Fair
Final Fantasy XIV - Erichthonios
Final Fantasy XV - Noctis Lucis Caelum
Final Fantasy XV - Prompto Argentum
Genshin Impact - Shikanoin Heizou
I Was a Teenage Exocolonist - Solanaceae
Katekyou Hitman Reborn - Hayato Gokudera
Kingdom Hearts - Ienzo
Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time - Link
Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time - Sheik
Marvel Cinematic Universe - Kate Bishop
NieR: Automata - 9S
Percy Jackson & the Olympians - Jason Grace
Percy Jackson & the Olympians - Nico di Angelo
Persona 3: FES - Shinjiro Aragaki
SinoAlice - Sleeping Beauty
Tales of Arise - Shionne Vymer Imeris Daymore
Tales of Symphonia - Kratos Aurion
Tales of Symphonia - Martel Yggdrasil
Tales of Zestiria - Mikleo
Xenoblade Chronicles 3 - Sena
Your Wings and Mine - Shealtiel

We will request any thread submissions for certain prompts during AC and TDM threads will count. For more information, refer to the Game Notes.

I. MASQUERADE

It's time for the masquerade and the carriages will start arriving before sunset. Upon arrival, everyone who leaves the carriage (or mercilessly spat out if they try to resist) will be greeted by fairy godmothers with an eye for the most dramatic and extravagant fashion. It's a masquerade, after all! For those who already arrive with their outfits, the fairy godmothers may add a little embellishment here and or just change it completely if they think it could look better. For those who did not, they will create a whole new outfit that would fit the wearer perfectly—with magic of course. They will also create the masks and half of the glass slipper brooch that everyone will wear. The masks are enchanted so that regardless of obvious personality or physical traits, they are somehow unrecognizable at first. While it is possible to figure it out through interaction, or if it's someone they already know well, it's more likely they need to reveal their identity first. These outfits can be kept even after the masquerade is over.

A. Get in the Carriage. As the pegasus drawn carriages begin to arrive to transport those who have decided to attend the masquerade, there is some commotion from others. The pair of coach mice—who are only about four feet tall—can be found smiling and cheerily squeaking about the masquerade as they grab and literally throw protesting individuals into the carriage, whereupon the door will immediately shut behind them. Ho ho ho, it'll be such a grand time! Will anyone try to help the poor soul? Or perhaps help the mice? Maybe you're a struggling victim instead. Should anyone want to try and drive the carriage, they might have a chance…but good luck having the pegasi listen to them. Eventually the carriage will land and take them to the front of the castle where the masquerade is hosted.

B. Half of a Pair. Near the entrance, everyone is encouraged to pull out one or more of the shoe brooches contained in a large bowl. The rules are simple: 1) use the brooch to lead them to the person wearing the other half; 2) spend whatever time or activity with them, be it general socializing, a dance, a walk in the gardens; 3) keep the brooch or return it to a designated "Used" bowl. The brooches will absorb whatever kind of dreamotion energy is formed between the two, and the stronger it is, the brighter (if positive) or darker (if negative) it will glow. The interaction can be romantic, platonic, or hostile. For those who do happen to "click" and wish for some privacy, there are numerous terraces and balconies available. Some are public, but there are quite a few with curtains, so be sure to close them to signal the balcony is occupied!

C. Dancing in the Air. The main draw will be the dance floor, and the ballroom is wide and spacious to accommodate numerous pairs to dance to their hearts' content—the music is played by enchanted instruments so they'll keep going without much of a break! Of course, what makes this dance floor truly special is how it uses dreamotion energy to lift everyone up—literally. Pairs who are having a fun time may find themselves floating up and dancing in the air instead of on the ground. Somehow they can maintain some balance…but it's just as easy to lose it.

D. Royal Banquet. There are numerous tables one can use and be served an assortment of foods. In fact, one could make special requests and somehow the dragons serving will be able to make it, or at least as close as possible. One just has to imprint the idea of the dish onto a special card that the chefs will use to recreate it. There are also two bowls filled with special tear drop chocolates, one with only white, pink, and red, and the other filled with the other colors. The "game" is to randomly choose one from each bowl and share a kiss depending on what is picked.

E. Out in the Gardens. Every castle has extravagant gardens, and this one is no different. Filled with numerous pink, red, and white flowers, the gardens have their typical fare…with not so typical effects.

1. Extravagant mazes that one could easily get lost in are common, but what's special about these gardens is that the flowers will emit a soft, sweet scent that will feel as if they are walking through a dream. In fact, the section they are going through will begin to change to look like a place from their world and must now find their way out. When this change happens, only those who are in the area will be affected and no one else can enter the area until the main person affected gets out. Those inside can help, and there are no threats—it's all in simple fun…unless the place evokes certain memories and emotions for the person. Might not be as fun for them, then.
   
   
2. A crystal greenhouse where the temperature is perfectly warm (or cold!) and houses various different flowers. Here some may recognize flowers from their world, the scents also creating nostalgia. There are instructions left that indicate anyone can try to help grow the flowers. The key ingredient will be dreamotion energy, and should they succeed in creating a blossom, a small marble containing a symbol of their home. There are also special daisies that can be used to play the "they love me they love me not" game. If the last petal is "they love me," then become extra flirty and clingy. If it's "love me not," they become angry, jealous, and possessive. The effects only last for a short time…unless they keep plucking flowers.
   
   
3. The white fountain in the center of the gardens will have a bit of a musical playful side. It will splash colorful water at any who pass by, chime-like notes playing out as it does. But if one were to drop a flower that has absorbed positive dreamotion into its water, it will calm and let people sit to look and relax. There is also a strange frog wearing a crown that claims to be a prince. For those who believe its words that a kiss will free him from the curse, they will be sorely disappointed as nothing happens and the frog just laughs and hops away.

II. AROUND TOWN

A. Mask Up. Attracted by the masquerade, some enchanted masks have found their way to town and are now finding their way onto people, be it by tricking their victims to be put on or just forcibly latching themselves on. Depending on the type of mask, the wearer will behave based on a festive, dramatic emotion. While wearing the mask, the dreamotion that is projected is stronger. Examples are angry emotions will cause tremors and cracks on the ground, happiness could blind people or will cause confetti to fly everywhere, while sad ones will cause clouds and drizzling rain to appear overhead. The only way to remove it is to somehow make the other person feel the opposite of whatever emotion the mask is using. Once the mask’s emotion is countered and stabilized, it could be removed or even fall off if the countering emotion is strong enough. Masks can also be captured and collected before they attach to someone.

B. Special Messages. Throughout the month, valentine's are being delivered to people all over town. Some are even receiving some from the fae and dragons who live outside… Perhaps some caution should be had from those. Regardless, while the messages are brimming with both platonic and romantic (and questionable) love, the messengers are a bit… Well they need help.

1. Insightful Mockingbirds. Special mockingbirds are flying around and perch on random shoulders. They have the ability to "read" a person's thoughts and repeat them out loud. Without warning. Hope there aren't any secrets because that bird is going to make it public, especially if it's an observation or thought—good or bad—about another person. Good luck shooing it away, too—it'll stick around for a while because it might enjoy sowing this bit of chaos.
   
   
2. Arrow Delivery. The group from last year have decided to use their prank arrows for good and start a business in delivering special Valentine's messages via arrow. A "shot to the heart" in the less literal sense this time! While some of their archers are skilled, others are…less so. Some are hitting a bit too close to comfort or way off the mark. Some messages are going to the wrong person entirely. Help avoid, retrieve, or even deliver these messages around town.

C. Candy Kisses. A special assortment of flat bottomed, tear shaped chocolates are currently selling like hotcakes and can be found practically everywhere. Their main selling point is they come in different colors and each color has a special effect that will make the eater want to kiss the person near them in a certain way (see chart). Some people are deliberately swapping the wrappers around, so be careful!

D. Bleeding Hearts Return. It's Valentine's, yet Cupid is nowhere to be seen. That is because he's still corrupted from last year and now he's thirsting for love, any love. Using the Bleeding Hearts from last year, Cupid is using them to gather all that jealous, possessive love, but of course that's going to make it worse. We're not tackling Cupid here, but the main goal will be helping those who are afflicted by the Bleeding Hearts and purifying them via dreamotion instead of just destroying them. Purifying the Bleeding Hearts with pure love—romantic, platonic, familial, reminders of how they are loved and cared for by others—will help Cupid. Of course this could backfire and make the person feel worse, so be careful!

Comments

[lestray]

[She mostly believes it, okay? She still feels some bits of skepticism, but... she really doesn't know enough to contest her claim.

Gina raises an eyebrow at her confession.]

Wot... wot kinda poses are those? D'ya make like you're about to pull a rabbit outta your 'at?

[itsgunnabe_mei]

[ ... She has to do it, doesn't she? For Beat. You better appreciate this somehow, Beat!

As she swallows, she sees all her chances for any romantic first meetings during this masquerade wither into dust. If any hot guys see this, they're gunna turn in the opposite direction and run.

She robotically raises her hands... and begins to move. ]

I... I... I am the Pretty Guardian who fights for love and Justice! I am Sailor Moon! And now in the name of Moon I'll punish you!

[ KILL HER NOW. ]

[lestray]

[A bunch of people from the nearest crowd crane their necks to behold the little display, and Gina just stares blankly.]

Oh, so it's... it's like that. [It reminds her of that Featherman stuff in that one person's dream some months back. Sure, it was kinda fun to turn into a Featherman, but it still is mostly weird to her like this.]

Well, ah, if that's wot ya enjoy, all the more power to ya. ...So, pens? We was talkin' about pen collections, yeah?

[itsgunnabe_mei]

[ She can feel all those eyes boring into her... Flashbacks of the Daisy Mart incident... okay Daisy-Mart was 100x worse, but she still didn't need those memories coming back!

AND SHE DOESN'T NEED TO GET BACK INTO THE PEN CONVERSATION. That's dangerous territory! It could lead right back to Beat! ]

Oh, who cares about that! Hahahaha... th-this is a party! We should be doing... party things! Like eating fancy food and dancing with cute guys!

[lestray]

[She does have a point. Why waste time at a party talking about Beat's weird hobbies? Might as well do some kind of party things!]

You got a point there. I dunno about dancin' wiv people, but why don't we go get some food in us? That sure sounds like a party to me!

[Speaking of, where's that duck she feasted alongside that one time, she should totally introduce them-]

[itsgunnabe_mei]

[ Gina, no, that might break the time space continuum!

Mei sighs in relief, glad that she has finally passed all the landmines. ]

Y-Yes, exactly! And keep an eye out for matching broaches... say, do you have one of those?

[lestray]

Yeah?

[She shrugs and plucks her brooch out from where she had it.]

It's a silly little game, ain't it? Am I s'posed to try it out wiv every last cove on the dance floor?

[itsgunnabe_mei]

But wouldn't that be fun? You could meet all sorts of new people that way! And with these masks, you have, like totally no idea who they are! It's the ultimate in romance and mystery!

[ And isn't that fun for all girls? ]

[lestray]

[She makes a face at that suggestion.]

...I dunno about romance, but mystery can be real interestin'. I s'pose if I look at it like it's a case to crack, it does sound a bit fun. Wanna work wiv me? I'll 'elp the both of us to find our matches.

[itsgunnabe_mei]

Sure thing! It'll be lots of fun!

[ She adjusts her Tuxedo Mask-like Mask, as if one would adjust glasses ala a movie detective! ]

A new mystery to be solved... the Baffling Broaches of Beauties!

[ Trademarked! ]

Our first clues ae our own broaches! Study them carefully, memorize every detail!

[lestray]

[That whole display gets a laugh out of her. But it does succeed in pumping her up too!]

Not bad wiv the name there. Ya might 'ave a detective's spirit of yer own. You got the right idea, at least. Study 'em, an' figure out the details wot we'll be lookin' for.

[She holds her brooch up to Mei's, trying to study even the subtlest of differences in size and design.]

Mmm... Think I'm gettin' a good idea of the shape of it all. That's step one down.

[itsgunnabe_mei]

[ Maybe this night won't be so bad after all. Whoever This Is has forgotten all about the Beat slip up, and Mei is having some fun with this. Maybe they can meet cute boys along the way, but it no longer has to be the end-game goal. ]

Now, we investigate by... mingling! We blend into the crowd! ... Cause if we just went up and stared at people, that would look really, really weird.

[lestray]

Ya got a point. Don't wanna ward people off by bein' strange. Anyone could be part o' the puzzle!

[She tap s her chin thoughtfully as she nods.]

Alright then, into the crowd we go!

[Gina takes the initiative and heads right into the crowd!]

[itsgunnabe_mei]

W-Wait for me!

[ Mei does her best to catch up! ]

This dress doesn't really allow for jogging... I was going for "alluring, beautiful moon princess" vibes.

[lestray]

[Gina is just forcing herself forward despite her own dress.]

That's why I don't like dressin' up like this. I guess it is pretty an' all, but ya can't move around properly! You gotta be able to get around.

[itsgunnabe_mei]

But you look so beautiful like this! Have you looked in a mirror? You're totally gorgeous!

[lestray]

Y-you sure you're lookin' at the right person there? [She responds, with a self-conscious blush.]

I ain't the type wot's used to dressin' up and prettyin' meself up like this. I doubt I look that great, or like I'm s'posed to be all dressed up.

[itsgunnabe_mei]

I wouldn't say it if I didn't mean it! And the fact that you didn't even notice how pretty you were... that kind of adds, like, a whole mystique thing to it! Like a hidden power!

[lestray]

I- I ain't got no kinda 'idden power or nuffin'...

[She responds sheepishly. Right now, she really wishes she had her hat to tug down over her face.]

W-well, wot about you!! You... you're lookin' like a regular... princess o' the moons, you are! ...Or wotever it was ya said!

[itsgunnabe_mei]

Heh heh heh! You don't need to be a detective to... see... that...

[ Wait a minute. Mei may not be a sleuth herself, but she can add two and two together, or rather...

Female + cockney accent + detective talk + familiar with Beat =... ]

OH CRAP, YOU'RE GINA LESTRAY!

[ Whoops. ]

[lestray]

[She gives an unamused stare back at her.]

It's Lestrade, actually. 'Course I'm me, who else would I be?!

[She hasn't really realized that the masks are hiding their identities. But now she's confused as she looks back at the girl. She... knows her, doesn't she?]

Wait, who the blazes are you?? [Someone who knows who she is!]

[itsgunnabe_mei]

[ ... Sweat. She supposes it's only fair to even things out... and maybe as an extra punishment for POSSIBLY SPILLING THE BEANS TO BEAT'S OTHER GIRLFRIEND(?).

So she shakily takes off her mask and gives a nervous laugh and a hand wave. ]

M-M-Meilin Lee, at your service... Ha ha ha.... what a funny coincidence...

[lestray]

[And the recognition dawns almost immediately.]

Yeah, I know you! You're that crab girl wot likes school so much! [A light smile.] I never woulda guessed. Um, good to see ya!

[itsgunnabe_mei]

... Well, there are worse things I've been remembered for...

[ She pops the mask back on. Is Crab Girl worse or better than Panda girl? But the bigger issue is...]

... I think we're gunna have trouble blending into the crowds since I... screamed your name so loud...

[lestray]

[She shakes her head.]

It's fine, there's plenty o' loud noises around to drown it out. We can get through just fine, just follow my lead! [She tries leading her towards a crowd a little further off, past a few young partygoers who appear to be trying to imitate Mei's Sailor Moon pose.]