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dreamposts ([personal profile] dreamposts) wrote in [community profile] songerein2023-02-14 12:58 pm

{ stroke of midnight }




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!
oathkeeper: <user name=vhazzrhossze site=tumblr.com> (☄10)

[personal profile] oathkeeper 2023-03-16 06:30 pm (UTC)(link)
[Despite her prissy attitude she is a very cute winged-kitten.]

Haha, it sounds like you're pretty excited to have an adventure of your own this time, huh? Well, you'll be happy to know there's no shortage of that here.

[There is that underlaying note that they really are going to be dreaming for a while... Sora doesn't know when he'll go home. Or if he even will.]
lightresearch: https://stephicness.tumblr.com/post/182574069834/ienzo-icons (analyzing)

[personal profile] lightresearch 2023-04-06 09:25 pm (UTC)(link)
[ His fingers stilled for a moment while he pet the kitten's fur. Sora's comment provoked a different sort of question from Ienzo. ]

I haven't encountered anything particularly dangerous here so far ... is there anything I should be wary of, going forward?

[ Ienzo didn't think he should get himself into a situation where ... well, he didn't have a keyblade, and he didn't want to be forced to use ... he's most useful in a lab. ]
oathkeeper: <user name=vhazzrhossze site=tumblr.com> (☀ 11)

[personal profile] oathkeeper 2023-04-09 04:24 pm (UTC)(link)
[Sora looks up and tilts his head at the question. That's a pretty fair question too. This is a big new world for Ienzo!]

Uh, for the most part, Reverein is super safe. You don't have to worry when you're in town.

[He nods quickly. But he does rub the back of his head as he continues that train of thought,]

But outside of town, the wilds can get pretty dicey if you're not expecting it. There can be some crazy dream monsters out there. Or things made out of nightmares too.

[But he then gives Ienzo a very confident thumbs up.]

So if you ever need to go out there or if you're in some trouble make sure to take me with you, okay?
lightresearch: https://stephicness.tumblr.com/post/182574069834/ienzo-icons (smile)

[personal profile] lightresearch 2023-04-09 05:43 pm (UTC)(link)
Sure, I'll remember to try and stay in town if I can.

[ Sora's offer of protection, though, made him smile - warm and grateful - for his friend. ]

Thank you, Sora. I know I can ask Demyx or Riku for their help, too, if I run into trouble - but I'm glad to know you're here, if I ever need your help.

[ Small laugh; ] Especially since I'm not suited for a fight, it's really reassuring knowing any of the three of you would help me if I needed it.
oathkeeper: <user name=vhazzrhossze site=tumblr.com> (☀ 47)

[personal profile] oathkeeper 2023-04-18 01:55 am (UTC)(link)
[Sora is totally unsure if Demyx would be able to protect Ienzo or not so he might make a small scrunched-up face at that one. It's still entirely weird that Demyx is here at all!]

You and Demyx get along, huh? [As like- old coworkers???] Well, another option could be for you to learn how to fight some more, too, Ienzo! How about it? Wanna learn how to swing a sword?

[He's only half joking! Because what if-]
lightresearch: https://stephicness.tumblr.com/post/182574069834/ienzo-icons (results)

[personal profile] lightresearch 2023-04-20 04:05 am (UTC)(link)
[ Blinked. ] Well, of course we do. He's the entire reason we were able to get Roxas back, he stole a replica right from under the Organization's nose - and was able to do more for us beside that.

[ He said that like it was obvious, like it wasn't news - but then paused. ] You didn't know?

[ But at the suggestion, he looked sheepish. ] Ah - I don't think that's really where my strengths lie, Sora. But thank you.
oathkeeper: <user name=vhazzrhossze site=tumblr.com> (☄9)

1/2

[personal profile] oathkeeper 2023-04-24 04:11 am (UTC)(link)
[Hold up.]
oathkeeper: <user name=vhazzrhossze site=tumblr.com> (☄24)

2/2

[personal profile] oathkeeper 2023-04-24 04:12 am (UTC)(link)
Demyx did what?!

[He didn't know?!]

He's the whole reason we were able to save Roxas?!
Edited 2023-04-24 04:13 (UTC)
lightresearch: https://stephicness.tumblr.com/post/182574069834/ienzo-icons (amused)

[personal profile] lightresearch 2023-04-24 05:31 pm (UTC)(link)
Well. There's all the work you had done to help us get more of his data - and, of course, Demyx was able to bring Master Ansem with him, so I was able to rely on his help as well.

But. Without Demyx - working right under the Organization's nose - it wouldn't have been possible. We definitely wouldn't have been able to bring back Namine, either.

[ Ienzo was honest and forthright - which is why he glanced from his bangs and said pointedly; ] I keep telling the others they shouldn't hold the past against you, Sora. And I know you've had to forgive me for what I've done when I had lost my heart as well. Doesn't Demyx deserve the same, considering how he's acted to help us?
oathkeeper: <user name=sheme> (12964151)

[personal profile] oathkeeper 2023-04-24 11:51 pm (UTC)(link)
[Sora listens carefully and he ends up looking down at his shoes like he feels a little bad for being so hard on Demyx for the last little while. He had no idea that Demyx was the one that helped out with so much.]

So, if it weren't for Demyx we might have lost people altogether.

[And while Sora has been trying to see the better sides of Demyx lately (and demyx is so dodgy in general so it's hard to do that sometimes) he's always had a bit of his guard up.]

I guess I owe him an apology and a thank you.
lightresearch: https://stephicness.tumblr.com/post/182574069834/ienzo-icons (analyzing)

[personal profile] lightresearch 2023-04-25 04:01 am (UTC)(link)
It’s highly probable. Maybe Even - then, Vexen - could’ve gotten supplies to us some other way. But considering how closely he was being watched, I don’t see how. I don’t like playing games of what-if. I’m simply thankful we had the help.

[ Ienzo gave Sora a small smile. ]

That might help. I know this place is very strange to us … it’s better if we work together, I think. Especially with Xehanort gone for good, I can’t imagine a reason we can’t move on from our paths and work together to face whatever might happen next.
oathkeeper: <user name=vhazzrhossze site=tumblr.com> (☀ 13)

[personal profile] oathkeeper 2023-05-02 02:57 am (UTC)(link)
Yeah, me too. I'm really glad.

[Sora reaffirms that with a genuine smile. There's a lot that happened to all of them and in the end, he figures that what happened was for the best. Now to see a future where they can all be safe? That's the important part. It doesn't really matter if anyone was bad or good now.]

But you're right about that too, Ienzo! [Sora perks up with a bounce on his heels.] We're in a place where we can be safe together so long as we work together and watch out for each other! It's not that bad here, either! There's no bad guys in sight! So we should enjoy the peace for a while, you know?
lightresearch: https://stephicness.tumblr.com/post/182574069834/ienzo-icons (smile)

[personal profile] lightresearch 2023-05-02 03:57 pm (UTC)(link)
[ His small smile spread, bright and open, mirroring Sora's. If nothing else, the keyblade user's good cheer could be infectious. ]

I can't help but agree. And if there should be something which worries us - it will be easy to deal with, together.
oathkeeper: <user name=vhazzrhossze site=tumblr.com> (☀ 11)

[personal profile] oathkeeper 2023-05-03 02:29 am (UTC)(link)
Yeah, you bet.

[He smiles warmly.]

I'm really happy to see you again, Ienzo. And before I forget? Thanks for everything you did for us back then too. I think without you we wouldn't have been able to make it. You were a real lifesaver.

[He wants to give thanks where it's due as well. If he has to catch up to Demyx he wants to make sure that Ienzo knows that Sora's really thankful.]
lightresearch: https://stephicness.tumblr.com/post/182574069834/ienzo-icons (amused)

[personal profile] lightresearch 2023-05-03 02:42 pm (UTC)(link)
I'm happy to find you safe and well, too, Sora.

[ Ienzo looked a little embarrassed, but; ]

It's the least I could do. I'm simply happy that I was useful to you guys while you were out there fighting.
oathkeeper: <user name=skymiracle> (13643919)

🎀

[personal profile] oathkeeper 2023-05-07 09:40 pm (UTC)(link)
Heh, you were the best.

[Ienzo was a real mvp out there and Sora just wants to make sure that Ienzo knows that he's really grateful for that. Now that Ienzo is in this world they'll have so much more time to talk and get to know each other better as friends too. He's happy about that.]

I better get going for now. But remember, if you ever need me just ask! Okay!
lightresearch: https://stephicness.tumblr.com/post/182574069834/ienzo-icons (smile)

🎀 !!!

[personal profile] lightresearch 2023-05-07 10:09 pm (UTC)(link)
Likewise, Sora. I’ll be seeing you around.