songerein | { final countdown }

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{ final countdown }

FINAL COUNTDOWN

It's almost time to take down that Story Eater once and for all. The call to arms and preparations for the upcoming battle are made throughout town and to the fae in the Wildlands. Even the dragons are assisting.

More details on everything can be found here. PART II WILL GO UP ON THE 15TH. This log is just to provide a less tense and more relaxed opportunity for activity, particularly for those who may not be interested in the other log. We will request any thread submissions for certain prompts during AC and TDM threads will count. For more information, refer to the Game Notes.

Dream board prompts can also be used in this log.

I. FIELD WORK

In the fields just outside of the Observatory, several have been cleared and sectioned off for training. Training dummies, walled off areas, magical barriers—everything in place to help those who wish to use it to hone in their skill.

A. Dreamotion Training. With the upcoming battle heavily dependent on dreamotion, there are many who are skilled with various dreamotion techniques to help teach those still learning. Anyone is welcome to volunteer or learn from others.

B. Power of Nightmares. While it may seem dubious, there is no doubt that nightmare energy is part of dreamotion energy as a whole. There is also evidence even among the populace that it's possible to wield nightmare energy safely if with the right state of mind and practice. Only those who are strong of mind and have experienced nightmare energy, even becoming a noctaere, will be allowed to train but others are free to watch and observe. There are targets and training exercises for individuals to focus on using nightmare energy similar to how one uses dreamotion. The only clear difference is the effect and harnessing more negative emotions to produce tangible results, such as attacks, weapons, objects, barriers.

🤺 Mini Noctaere. Of course, there are occasional slip ups and small noctaere may spawn. Fortunately they are easily destroyed, and those observing can join in to help. Or maybe someone might want to try to control their little noctaere creations. Born of their own nightmare energy, it's not impossible as long as the creator can keep a strong mind and not fall into the nightmare insead.

👺 More Noctaere Problems. While it's true that nightmare energy can be more potent and destructive, it comes at a great risk to the user. Some are more strong willed while others succumb to the source of their nightmares, and this means on occasion someone will lose their mind and run the risk of the turning. Fortunately, there are a lot of experienced people around to help, and some even say it's "great practice" for those who will likely see others start to turn. Use this as a chance to bring the afflicted individual back before they turn—and if they do turn, purify them. (Note: this situation will also be available in Part II; this is just an option for those who want to do something like this but in a more controlled setting or may not be participating in Part II.)

C. Target Practice. Those who volunteer will be given a device that looks similar to a handheld RC controller with a control stick and several buttons for inputs. Several…creative painted wooden interpretations of the Story Eater are scattered about the large fields and there are several large mirror lenses that can be operated. WIth the controller, figure out how to turn the mirror and launch the laser beam that will obliterate the target. Caution, these are very difficult and harder to move than they look. They can be either very sensitive and swing easily or require a lot of effort to move. Even the aim can suddenly go off wildly. But with each iteration, it will improve to keep at it! And try not to hit someone else!

D. Crystal Moles. Crystals are needed from the underground caves beneath the town to help bolster the larger one, and while the caves are safe from predators, there are moles that will try to hinder their efforts: dirt suddenly falling from the ceiling into unsuspecting eyes, stealing collected crystals, the ground suddenly disappearing as holes appear at their feet, sending them falling to another level and needing to climb their way up. The moles will snicker and heckle, but perhaps with some coaxing and offering dreamotion to help them see, the moles could be pulled to be allies instead of pranksters.

E. Charging the Crystal. With the crystals in hand, now they need to be charged with various emotions, both positive and negative. One just needs to hold it in their hands and focus on an emotion for it to be absorbed. The crystaltei, crystalline creatures that had appeared with the crystal a while back, will take the crystals back to have it absorbed… But they might need a little help and they can be a little finicky about it.

✨ The green sprite needs to be complimented constantly for it to get to the crystal, or else it will feel jealous over the others and sit down without moving, or worse, try to steal the other crystals.
🐬 The pink liopleurodon gets distracted by either being too happy or too sad, and thus needs a gentle reminder or some cheering up to get it moving.
🐦 The orange phoenix will cling to those who are express their love and will follow them, but around those who are hateful it will suddenly peck at them.
🦄 When the silver kirin is more white, it will prance along without much issue, wanting to get the crystals in! But if starts turning black, it's feeling despair over the upcoming battle and starts turning into goop, requiring some hopeful words to get it back up and going.
🦀 The blue crab will constantly hide in its shell whenever someone new approaches (basically, everyone) and will guard the crystal like its life depends on it. Acts of trust will allow the crab to let others help it along, especially since scuttling on the ground can take a while…
🐳 The purple whale will float through the air calmly…but occasionally it will throw huge fits and splash freezing cold water at everyone. Calm it down to get it moving again.
🐲 The yellow dragon will charge right to the crystal…until it suffers an extreme case of fear and insecurity, curling up into a ball and refusing to budge. Telling it stories of grand adventures and heroes will get it back up.

II. FORTIFY THE TOWN

Reverein is also undergoing its own fortifications as it's very likely the Story Eater and its minions will try to attack the town despite attempts to keep it on the moon. Better to be safe than sorry! Efforts are being made to create special barriers, enchantments, bunkers, and gathering foods and supplies for use.

A. Morale Boost. While some holiday cultures from different worlds are similar or even the same, some are vastly different. But they all want to help boost morale so no matter what season or holiday they represent, they offer everyone a chance to decorate the town with special decor that will make even the grumpiest of people smile and work hard.

🍬 Sugar Rush. With all the candy and baked goods going around, there is actual sugar in the air, and one quick inhale will make anyone overly energetic and childlike. May or may not be useful to stay up long hours.
🍭 Spicy Spirit. Candy canes are hanging everywhere, but instead of making one feel sweet, they are made of special spices and being around them will instead charge up one's fighting spirit, making them grab the nearest, largest cane to challenge anyone to a duel. And if a cane is not around, they'll use whatever they can find!
👻 Spooked. There are a lot of ghostly charms, pumpkins, and talismans that are meant to keep away frightening thoughts and invoke bravery, but instead there's too much of them and the inverse is happening. Crippled with fear over the silliest things, these need to be taken down before one is able to do anything!

B. Bolster Defenses…with Sand? Sandman has dumped a giant pile of sand to use to build walls and barriers. This sand is magically bolstered to help resist nightmare energy and once enough water and dreamotion is poured into it, will be as strong as concrete. Of course the tools given are…less than ideal as they are all shaped like sand castle toys, but while it starts small, they'll expand and grow. Some folks may even get distracted and start making sandcastles and other sculptures, all of which could also (maybe) be useful. Just watch out for the cheese wheel! It's strong enough to plow through unfinished works or at least cause structural damage! (reference to dream board quest)

C. Sled Runs. To help quickly gather supplies, different styles of sleds have been constructed with just as varying steeds, from reindeer to dogs to bison to bears to reptiles. Flying carpets are also employed. To prepare for the eventual fallout, certain items are requested to be gathered:

🌹 Poppy Field. By either using special breathing masks or dreamotion, the poppies from this field must be carefully gathered and collected in special sacks. They still produce the sleep effect, so care must be taken to not succumb to slumber!
🍐 Emergency harvest. While it's still too early, farmers are afraid of their fields getting destroyed. To not waste what is available, all crops must be harvested and stored. The emoji fruit dream board task can be used here.
🌳 Cursed wood. A lot of wood is needed and fortunately the Wildlands has plenty. With the Ents helping, chopping down trees and taking what's needed is made easier, however some have accidentally ventured into some cursed woods. Now there are haunted trees that are casting curses and rotting the nearby wood supply. Destroy them by chopping or burning them so the curse doesn't spread! They will curse people, making them feel ill and weak with the potential to petrify if not taken away and cured (available in town).
🏁 Racing. Of course, races occur fairly frequently as sleds are being tested out to ensure their speed and sturdiness. Either join in or watch out as anything can turn into a track, even in the skies!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

i: field work

[Considering Leo's only just recently mastered making his sword shift into the battle hammer of his dreams, he definitely needs practice. Those hanging around the training area will see him trying his best. He's got the shifting part down, but the scrawny demigod is not fighting inclined. All the same, he's practicing making his sword shift, as well as working on his swordwork, and even attempting (and failing badly) at trying to summon elements other than his fire as he swings his sword or hammer.

When he gives up on that (or his arms do, more accurately), Leo can be found playing with the RC car and working on this "target practice" training. It's a breeze for Leo, who quickly adapts to the controller and use of the RC car. He's at it for a while, and of course, when he finally successfully takes out the target, he's going to drop the controller and punch the air.]

Boo-yah! Yet again, nothing is a challenge for the RC Wizard himself! [someone shut him up please.]

ii: bolstering defenses

[Leo is no artist, but when it comes to building, he's your man! Or normally, anyway. Building with sand? Now that's a different story.

Still, it's challenge accepted! Only....he totally gets distracted and forget what he's supposed to be building (especially since he absolutely saw Percy's attempt at building sharktopus). So here he is, making....Shrimpzilla. Out of sand. It's actually a skolopendra, the half-shrimp, half-crawfish creature. And Leo makes sure to add all the nasty details, and most definitely makes sure it's bigger than Percy's sculpture.]

iii: dream board

[As it gets into the second week of preparations, the storms move in and the red lightning starts. It might be frightening to some, but it's an opportunity for him. It's different, it's weird, and --- there are already jars laying around to use to capture it, and all he can think about are the different uses for the lightning.

Anyone around town during any of the storms may find the dumb demigod out and about, without an umbrella or a rain jacket of any kind, wearing goggles and carrying around some empty jars, some already filled. Other times, you may catch him with chattering teeth where he hecked up and got shocked.

Help the dumbass kid?]

iv: closed to lyria

[Leo had already been plotting making Lyria something special after talking to her at the cafe launch, but when he found out it was her birthday last month, and then things in town started to escalate, he knew he had to get to work.

He waffled around different ideas, sketching and making prototypes, before he finally settled on an idea. He got an extra boobie at the beginning of the month, so he had just enough supplies to make his vision happen.

He sends her a message to meet at the fountain at an agreed upon time, and he anxiously gets there early, mostly because he was so eager to give her this gift. He's going to be twiddling his thumbs, playing with gears, and doing all his nervous ADHD quirks until she arrived. He worked so hard on it, he really hoped she liked it!!!]

[ To say that Lyria was a little too excited to get a message from Leo was a bit of an understatement. She had always found it so enjoyable to spend time with him, and getting the opportunity to do so again was something she couldn't possibly pass up!

He did always find so many ways to make her smile, after all...

So, after hurriedly getting ready and planning to meet the boy at the appointed time, she was surprised to find him there already twiddling away when she approached. ]

Ah, Leo! Hello there...! [ She called out, still a bit of a ways away from the fountain when she noticed him sitting. ] Helloooo!

[The second Leo heard his name called, he looked up, grinning and waving as he spotted Lyria approaching. It was then that he even noticed what his hands had been up to, and looked down at the small metal pinwheel in his hand. He spun it absently, then patted his toolbelt, like he had to make sure it hadn't disappeared and he had his gift nearby.]

Heyyyoooo!!! [of course he's going to call back, because why not. He likes matching her energy. Lyria was always a lot of fun to hang around with. She definitely didn't mind his nonsense, usually encouraged it, really. She was awesome, for sure.]

[ Ah, he noticed her, too!

Cue her enthusiastically waving in his direction until she finally stops a few feet away from him. ]

Oh, have you been here long? I'm sorry— I hope I didn't keep you waiting!

Huh? [oh was it obvious? Normally Leo's crazy late to things, so he really tried hard to be on time today!! Maybe he was a little too on time, but she didn't need to know that.

But then he looks at the mini pinwheel, and shrugs.]

Oh, nah! You're good! My hands just like to stay busy. [He holds the pinwheel up now, letting catch the breeze and watching it spin. It was always wild how sometimes his hands worked like they had their own brain. He definitely didn't plan on making that.

All the same, he offers it to her (because why not? He didn't have any use for it.), then rubs his hands together.]

Okay! So the reason I asked you here was, I got thinking about it, and since I missed your birthday, I wanted to do something super cool and awesome, because you're super cool and awesome, but then I was like-- what should I do? I racked my brain for ages, and then I was like, "duh, Leo, you already know!" Especially now that Story Eater guy is being a problem, soooo-- [He reaches into his toolbelt now, pulling out a wrapped package and offering it to her. When she takes it, inside is a sheathed knife-- not bigger than something you could find in the kitchen. The intricate designs on the sheath and handle of the knife match her necklace, including a blue gem on the handle. The most notable part, though, is a matching blue butterfly on the sheath. As she looks at it, the butterfly will come alive-- which is impressive, considering it's entirely metal. It flutters in the air, before landing on Lyria's shoulder to check her out.]

[ His enthusiasm was certainly contagious, and it was difficult not to mimic the engery with a small bounce on the balls of her heels. She listens to his explanation with a raise of curiosity, but the moment he produced the gift... ]

O-oh! But Leo, you didn't have to do this... [ To be honest with all the preparations that were going into the cafe, she had hardly remembered her birthday herself. So it certainly came as a surprise when simply saying it off handedly had made the boy remember and even give her a gift!?

The thought made her stomach swell up with butterflies.

But she nods happily despite the overwhelming feeling and begins to open the present.

When the packaging is cleared and the knife is shown in its full glory, Lyria has to take a moment to take in the entire thing. It was so beautifully made, easily noting the small details that correlated to her outfit, and the butterfly...! ]

Ah, this is—! [ The surprise catches in her throat, and as it lands on her shoulder she begins to beam wildly with happiness. ]

—this is beautiful! Oh thank you... thank you so much! You really made all of this!?

Yeah, I did. You're--- well, you're like me. I know what it's like, having no one for so long. Not really having a home, or a family, or anyone that really cared. [Leo pauses, rubbing the back of his head nervously. He's not good at all these emotional words!! Usually he bottles everything up, but Lyria....she's always been really easy for him to talk to. She gets a lot of what he's been through, after all.]

I just wanted to remind you you're not alone anymore. You've got the One and Only Leo Valdez on your side!

[Whoops, he fell back into his joking habits there. He shrugs sheepishly, before he holds out a finger for the butterfly, which crawls onto his hand now.] This butterfly is an automaton like Festus. I had to put a lot of dreamotion into him, since my dad isn't around to bless my inventions, so if it glitches, let me know. But he should respond to your voice, and I set him up to link to Festus, so if you ever want to talk, think of him like a walkie-talkie! And he also has an alarm feature, so if you're ever in danger or need help, he'll alert Festus and send me coordinates to you, so I can be there in seconds!

Leo Valdez | Riordanverse

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