{ summer beach episode 2023 }

[dreamposts]

SUMMER BEACH EPISODE

Thanks to the Dreamsortium's aggressive advertising in town and around the Wildlands, the Forever Dreams resort's grand opening is a bustling and lively one with both dreamers and local fae alike coming by. Even the dragons from Dragefjell are coming down to enjoy luxurious sunbathing.

Just remember, only the first night is free! After that, one must either pay or help fulfill some "odd jobs" around the resort for the Dreamsortium.

More details on everything can be found here.

I. FOREVER DREAMS RESORT

A. Resort Amenities. Everyone will have a room to stay in, though there are also camping options for those who might want to stay outdoors.

🧑‍🍳Outdoor Dining. There are outdoor kitchen patios that are available for guests who would like to prepare their own food, however while the resort will provide with some ingredients, guests will have to bring their own. Perfect for those who try their hand at fishing and want to enjoy their catch. Just beware of the sea gulls that will try to pilfer anything left unattended.
♨️Spa and Massage. Need a break? Relax those sore muscles? The resort boasts only the best and have a special spa for those who can gather and relax with a drink and snack. They have also hired friendly dragons and orcs who specialize in providing the best massage possible.
🦀 Crab Shuffleboard. There are some shuffleboard courts setup that are said to be more unusual than normal, which is quickly revealed by the usual round "discs" used for play. The discs work well enough regardless…until at some point legs appear to reveal they are strange little crabs! They are sturdy little ones so some consider their traveling as part of the game, but others might want to catch them. (Note, they are not normal crabs and are Karka hatchlings.)

B. Animal Control. Unfortunately the construction agitated and displaced a few of the local creatures in the area, and while most have just moved on, others are less willing to leave their original habitats. Some are making it work, while others are hostile. Perhaps creating a newer, better habitat will make them more willing? Or figure out ways to coexist.

🐍Sea Snakes. Completely harmless, these aquatic snakes would nest in the tall seaweed that grows near the beach by the resort. Most of them were able to be relocated in other places, but there are some patches that haven't been moved because of their nests. By now the eggs have hatched, but the babies are still hiding out. Help move them to a safer location!
🦦Seaweed Otters. The otters prefer the clams that can be found in the shallows which is why they can be found lounging about. They're cute and friendly, but also mischievous, stealing other food and toys from beach goers. Although relatively harmless, it's dangerous for them. Good news, the same types of clams can be found further down. Catch the otters and guide them towards the new location. Alternatively, have them try different foods from other areas of the beach to encourage them to move elsewhere.
🦉Pineapple Owls. Pineapples are popular to serve, but harvesting them has been difficult. There are some owls that are dive bombing those who try. It doesn't help their eggs look like small pineapples! Help locate the affected trees to mark them and find empty trees to safely harvest from.
🦀Karka. KARKA ROOOOOLLL. Appearing by the coves on the edge of the Wasteland, these giant, monstrous creatures have a tough outer shell that is difficult to penetrate and requires using a special acidic solvent that somehow the Dreamsortium are able to prepare quickly. They appear to be very agitated and while they mostly stay where they are, some will come close to the resort to attack. Maybe returning some of those "little crabs" from the shuffleboard courts would help…

C. Beach Fun. There are some casual fun beachside activities that everyone can partake in! For those who didn't bring their own, towels and beach chairs are available to rent.

🤿Snorkeling. Grab your gear and do some snorkeling in the clear shallows around the resort! Might make a new finny friend or two.
🐚 Shell Collecting. There are a number of beautiful shells, and they say the large conch shells will whisper a dreamy tune that could help one sleep. There are also contests and requests to collect certain shells.
🏐 Games. Various games are set up, such as beach volleyball, watermelon smashing, water balloons and water guns, and the return of the fruit slicer, where one must slice a barrage of fruit with only dreamotion.
🍈Melon Dodgeball. A new game that's becoming an explosive hit is a dodgeball game using special melons. These melons are sensitive to the temperament and dreamotion of the players, so the more tense and energetic they are, the more likely they will explode and splatter their target instead. Still counts as out!
🐢 Boating. The turtle shell boats are back! Toting large clams shells big enough for two people, these giant sea turtles will happily pull people for either a relaxing cruise, or a fast paced ride through the water. Small sailboats are also available to rent.

D. Special Businesses. Some of the local businesses are putting up stalls on the beach!

🍷 At Day's End.Two days a week during the month of July, At Day's End will have a booth available at the beach resort! The bar and winery's offerings include a number of fine drinks and cocktails designed with summer in mind, such as: the Champagne-like Dew of the Ether; the luck-changing, naturally cold Azure Omen; the floral and sweet Divine Retribution, available with or without alcohol; and the minty and light fruit punch, Dawn in the Wildlands. Other drinks will also be available at the beach stall, though in limited quantities compared to the town's location.

Much like the services provided to patrons of the establishment proper, van Zieks will be available to provide cooling through his personal dreamotion abilities, though in exchange for passing out pamphlets or helping him serve drinks. He can't do anything about sunburns, though, you're on your own there.

🌸Wild Harvest. There is nothing unusual about the Wild Harvest's stall, and at a glance, it is exactly as you'd expect. There are flowers for the taking, set decoratively inside a vase beside a stack of fliers for any new dreamers who don't know about the establishment yet. A list of names that seems to be a sign-up for something called You Be the Chef also sits in front of whichever staff member may be running the booth, and if asked, they'll happily speak about the contest.

There is a grill set up with sticks of freshly grilled kebabs, also for the taking to sample, and nearby, a wooden-looking slide of sorts has been set up. Those who have visited the Harvest in recent weeks will know this is for the nagashi somen, or flowing noodles, for anyone who'd like to "catch" them. Chopsticks are provided, as well as the complementary dipping sauce.

In addition, as a dessert, there is also a station set up with cups of shaved ice for passersby to create their own Summer Dreams. Various toppings, condensed milk, slices of fruit and fruity syrups are provided. Even emoji-fruit with positive emotions are used! And if patrons are unable to infuse their sample with their own positive dreamotion, the staff is more than happy to assist.

II. ATLANTIS

At some point during the grand opening, some merfolk will surface and wave at the beachgoers. With reassurance from the Dreamsortium, anyone who wishes to visit the underwater city Atlantis may do so and will be given a special potion that will allow them to transform into some kind of merfolk or aquatic creature. They can last for several hours and will automatically bring them back to the surface before it wears out. Enjoy~ And beware the sirens.

A. Around Atlantis. The city is vast at the bottom of the ocean with so many things to see and do, with numerous shops opening their doors and the locals curious to meet their land based neighbors. So much so, perhaps another visit will be in order. For now, here are some highlights, and for those less inclined to try the potion, they could try and figure out a different way down there. Surely someone with enough dreamotion talents can come up with an idea?

🎣 Jellyfish Hunting. A favorite game of the Atlantians, there are special schools of jellyfish that swim around the city that come in a total of five different colors: blue, pink, yellow, green, and orange. If one catches at least one of each jellyfish, a small chest of jewels will be given as a prize. The jellyfish are friendly and harmless, though they might still try to sting out of defense.
🍴 Look at this Stuff. A young mermaid has been watching the "landdwellers" for a while now and has started to create her own collection of items only found on land. She asks any visitor she encounters whether they have or could find some trinket to add to her collection.
✨ Glowing Coral. The city is filled with beautiful, large coral patches and large reef gardens, especially just outside the city. Of particular note are special coral that sing, and one particular group of merfolk request some help in harvesting these to be used for everyday purposes in the city. Visitors are welcome to gather some for themselves—with careful moderation of course. As long as they are cut properly and kept in sea water, the coral will continue to thrive and potentially grow.

B. Temple of Saudade and Hiraeth. An ancient temple that is partially submerged just outside of Atlantis, and there is an indiscernible melody or song that can be heard faintly throughout the temple. The merfolk are still excavating it to find what all is within it, but it's a difficult endeavor due to the effects of the temple. It has a large amount of dreamotion energy and there are certain areas where people can become trapped in an illusory vision of a memory or unrealized dream with a very strong emotional tie to the individual. This will make the individual more emotionally reactive and must be calmed and talked out of their illusion. If the emotion is strong enough, whatever the character is seeing or wishing to be real will form.

C. Sirens. While not targeting the visitors swimming through Atlantis, there are sirens and other hostile fae that dwell in the ocean depths that don't take too kindly to the visitors. Stray too far from the safety of Atlantis or drift too deep into the shadows and they may appear to either harass or downright attack. Their songs are not as effective while someone is in merfolk/aquatic creature form, but they do have some effect to at least try and lure them for attention. Those who are afflicted with nightmares or have more nightmare energy will also be more susceptible.

❄️ Christmas Carols!? One siren in particular may be familiar to those from around Christmas. Called "Sirenia Caviary," she is one of the more "friendlier" sirens, but her voice wails through the waters as she is suffering from writer's block. Help her come up with new Christmas songs and the sirens may look more favorably on everyone.
🍌 Treasured Bananas. One reason why the sirens are hostile towards outsiders is due to a recent "plunder" of their precious chest of bananas. Seasalted Bananas are a delicacy and hard to come by since bananas are not found underwater. Bring some bananas to the sirens and their mood may improve.
♻️ Underwater Cleanup. Another reason for the sirens' hostility is the amount of trash and litter that has accrued both during the construction of the resort and the large influx of visitors thanks to it. While it wouldn't be enough to make them as friendly as their Atlantian cousins, clearing out some of that trash would at least make them less inclined to attack and chase upon sight. The collector in Atlantis might also find some use out of the items.

D. Thieves. There are some suspicious individuals (pirates) that appear around Atlantis trying to steal various treasures and items from the city and from the temple. Try to stop and catch them–but even if they are caught, they somehow escape. There is always an odd "click" and "buzz" sound before they disappear in black smoke that has a hint of nightmare energy in them…

Comments

[noblegarnet]

Me neither... not really. There were ideas about planets way on the other side of the universe or something, but alternate dimensions wasn't exactly on my list of possibilities...

[His discovery that magic and conceptual spirits existed would have eventually brought him to think about higher planes and the like, he was a little too occupied by unfortunate thoughts of revenge and other miserable goals to let himself ponder. He's doing his best not to think too much about home or his thought process back there, honestly.]

After meeting so many people from different places and learning about where they're from, it's starting to get to the point where nothing seems impossible, though. I bet you've come across some really odd-sounding home worlds by now too, right?

[flamberge]

[this many worlds and even this dreamworld they're in presently fell outside of what kratos expected himself. it's been interesting, to say the least, to learn of how much else is out there.]

A handful, though admittedly not that many which I've had the chance to inquire in-depth about.

[conversations haven't steered in that direction, is all.]

Though what I've learned has certainly emphasized your point that nothing is outside the realm of possibility at this point.

[noblegarnet]

This world's already a lot to deal with by itself, right? We can even come up with our own magic, which is still crazy to me...

[He can't blame Kratos for focusing on the now. That's kind of what Ferran has been doing for the most part. With the idea of Atlantis now in his head, he'll have something new to work towards.]

It's given me a lot of opportunities I never would have had. Maybe it's just because we all kind of built it from the ground up ourselves, but it really feels welcoming.

[He might even go so far as to occasionally think of it as home, at this point. Oh, but he's forgotten his manners again, thanks to some unfortunate habits he picked up in another world; he holds out his hand to rectify that as he introduces himself.]

I'm Ferran, by the way. I've been here since we started showing up, apparently. I guess it's almost been a couple years?

[flamberge]

[all of what ferran says is fairly on point with how kratos himself feels. this world is overall a very welcoming one and it allows for experiences otherwise virtually impossible in the waking world. overall, not a terrible experience.

kratos shakes that outstretched hand. as much of a jerk as he can be, he does have manners when it counts.]

Kratos. I've only been here a few months myself.

[which is interesting to realize that he's been in a dream for so long. granted, not as long as ferran here. a few years, huh? that's quite a bit of time.]

You don't seem to particularly mind being in a dream for so long a time.

[noblegarnet]

[Ferran's grip is average and probably doesn't leave an impression by itself, but it gets the job done.]

Well, have a late welcome from me, Kratos. It's good to meet you.

[At another time, he might have been the sort to go around making sure everyone was as sorted as they could be after showing up in a dream world. Even now he's still genuinely glad to meet someone so agreeable, though.

Ferran nods to acknowledge the remark; it's true that he doesn't mind, and it's also fair to think of it as... maybe unusual. He's pretty sure his personal circumstances are pretty unique, even though he's familiar with people whose worlds aren't pleasant places to be.]

I like to think of it as kind of a vacation from what's going on back home. I miss my friends and everything, but... when I have the chance to experience dragon hospitality and make a literal dream house, it seems like a shame not to enjoy it if I can, you know? Even though it's not always sunshine and rainbows.

[And boy has it been rough several times in the span of those two years.]

[flamberge]

[kratos' grip is significantly firmer, but he also pays ferran's grip little mind. the belated welcome holds more weigh to it than a handshake.]

You as well.

[the response ferran gives receives a nod in turn. that's a very good point. for better or for worse, what occurs in this world is unlikely to occur anywhere else. if a person is stuck here for the time being and will awaken one day anyway, it makes sense to enjoy the experience.]

That's a good outlook to have. Even I have to agree that being here is a good reprieve from a few things occurring back home.

[which, kratos has to admit, has been nice.]

[noblegarnet]

[Ferran lets out a lighthearted laugh, though there's a little self-deprecation in the way he tilts his head and rubs the back of his neck.]

Thanks. It's nice to hear someone say I'm doing things right every once in a while.

[He's curious, of course, what Kratos might be thinking of from his own world, but he doesn't need telepathy to understand that everyone has their own issues—and that here especially, people who are living through dangerous circumstances aren't uncommon. Hopefully the other man isn't in the kind of bleak place a friend or two of his have suffered through.]

Is anyone you know from home here?

[flamberge]

[the implication of neck rub coupled with that comment isn't lost on kratos. some simply aren't used to receiving compliments and ferran must fall into that category. although kratos makes note of that, he has little intention of holding back praise if praise is due in the future.

he nods at the question.]

A companion of mine named Martel arrived at around the same time as I did.

[he's not sure if ferran is familiar with her or not. though, kratos has to admit it was a definite surprise to see her, of all people, here with him.]

[noblegarnet]

[So there's yet another person with a familiar face from home around. He wonders if he's the odd man out on that aspect, given how much he's heard of the same, while...

Well, in any case. The flicker in his expression passes in less than a second. The name doesn't get any recognition from him, though he might be able to recall seeing her around if Kratos were to point her out. He does a lot of people-watching.]

If you're going to get tossed into a confusing dream world, I can think of worse ways to do it than with a friend. [Kratos did not say the word friend. But he seems like he might be the type to skirt around the idea—so Ferran does it in his stead.] Are they still here, too?

[flamberge]

[that flicker does get noted, but any meaning behind it is lost on kratos. he nods. not only is she here, but she's also his roommate.]

She is.

[which he's honestly happy about. martel's fate back in their world is not something he wishes on anyone. the fact she's capable of dreaming is already a welcome bit of knowledge, but her being pulled into this dream realm is even better. she deserves to experience what this world has to offer.]

Has anyone from your world arrived here?

back from hiatus, no worries if you want to let this go!

[noblegarnet]

[He nods with a mild but sincere smile, his response reflecting Kratos's inner feelings.] That's good. It's nice to have someone who already gets where you're coming from.

[Kratos will soon get a hint as to the cause of that change in his expression, thanks to the question directed back to Ferran; he pauses only momentarily before answering, smile a little less sincere.]

Ah, no. Probably for the best, though. I made kind of a mess back there.

[He's trying very hard to make it a lighthearted remark. There's only the slightest hint of static in the air to imply otherwise, as far as dreamotion reacting to his feelings goes—but he's not amazing at hiding the dejection in his voice.]

i backtag into forever so no worries!

[flamberge]

[between the subtle change in expression and the less subtle change in tone, it's fairly obvious this isn't a particularly pleasant topic for ferran. he pauses for a moment while debating whether or not to press the issue. once having decided, he raises another question.]

I take it this mess wasn't a small one?

[what happened that it'd make it for the best? that said, if ferran opts not to answer, then kratos won't push the topic.]

excellent!

[noblegarnet]

[A sigh leaves him, but it's only fair, after he asked Kratos so many questions of his own.]

No, it wasn't. It's a long story involving dangerous magic, betrayal, and a lot of bad decisions. I'd have a lot to make up for.

[Honestly, it's easier to admit to a near-stranger, but he doesn't do much to hide the things he's done back home if they come up. What's the point when it usually comes out in dreams and nightmares, anyway? He shrugs, still trying to play it off as something that doesn't upset him, but he's had years to come to terms with the reality of it now, so it's not as raw a topic as it used to be.]

And that would be if they let me try.

[flamberge]

[an expression less so of sympathy but more of understanding crosses his face. having done a less than pleasant betrayal relatively recently (and denying it being that), kratos can understand to a degree how ferran feels.]

Whether or not they let you doesn't mean you can't try regardless.

[kratos doesn't know the situation, nor does he plan on prying more for the moment unless ferran willing shares. what he does know, however, is that actions speak more than words.]

After experiencing a betrayal, especially a significant one, may would be understandably hesitant to associate with you. However, if they see you trying without prompting and continue to see you put in the effort by how you act, then they may become more willing to let you try in effort to regain their trust.

[noblegarnet]

[Ah, he's being mentored. Not that he minds—for the most part, he tries to be open to whatever positive interaction he can get from people.]

I'd love to get the chance, believe me... and I appreciate the advice.

[It just seems like such an unlikely, far-off goal at this point, for a few reasons.]

If I ever happened to meet them here, I'd be sure to give it a shot, at least. But I haven't had the chance to see them properly in a long time...

[flamberge]

[mentoring is what he does, for better or worse.

the thanks receives a small nod in response. he knows that advice from a stranger only goes so far, but he can't help not give some advice when hearing details like this.]

You never know what the future may bring.

[which sounds cliché to say, but it's very much the truth. no one knows what can happen going forward. maybe ferran will end up getting that chance one day.]

Has it been a while since you'd seen them back home? [he pauses and adds.] The time you've been here, aside.

[noblegarnet]

[Ferran makes a noise somewhere between an avoidant mutter and a sigh. He doesn't usually like to talk about the details, not so much because it's unpleasant—though it is—but more that he doesn't want to seem like he's making excuses.]

Aside from here, and the other world I've been to—it's kind of a long story. There's a little mind-altering magic involved? I saw them, but I wasn't exactly... the normal me.

[But boy is it nice being the normal him. Another reason he likes it here.]

The day I came here was the last time I saw them, technically. Maybe... a month before that was when I really got to talk to them last. It doesn't seem like long in the grand scheme of things, but...

[Well, being a teenager, combined with his unpleasant situation, certainly made all of that drag out. Now that he's essentially 20 with a much easier life seems to make time pass so much faster.]