{ halloween }

[dreamposts]

HALLOWEEN

Another Halloween has arrived in Reverein, and the Nightmare Troupe returns from their mysterious origins to help transform the carnival grounds to fit the season. They've added a new feature attraction: The Labyrinth, where everyone just runs around to fight spooky baddies for candy, prizes, and flex one's combat abilities in dreamotion. It's all in good fun, of course!

More details on everything can be found here. As a reminder, events double as our TDMs and information can be found here. Any outside characters participating in the log are canonly logged as appearing in Songerein in October and will remain in Songerein from the IC date of October 25th, just before the event ICly begins. TDM only characters can only thread within this log. Anyone who apps in and is accepted will have their character count October 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 October 25th and Applications will open on November 1st. Our application cycles are bi-monthly so the next cycle after won't be until January.

TDM Toplevel Link Directory (click to view)

Bokurano - Jun Ushiro
Cookie Run Kingdom - Black Raisin Cookie
Dead by Daylight - Zarina Kassir
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves - Edgin Darvis
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves - Xenk Yendar
Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core - Genesis Rhapsodos
Final Fantasy XIV - Emet-Selch
Final Fantasy XIV - Hermes
Final Fantasy XV - Somnus Lucis Caelum
Full Metal Alchemist - Alphonse Elric
Genshin Impact - Ei
Genshin Impact - Nahida
Great Ace Attorney, The - Iris Wilson
Hey Arnold! - Helga G. Pataki
Hi-Fi Rush - Chai
Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword - Zelda
Noragami - Yato
Original - Astralin Turnont
Touhou - Maribel Hearn

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. CARNIVAL

II. LABYRINTH

COMMENTS

I. CARNIVAL

While the carnival grounds still have the standard fare of attractions themed up for Halloween, there are a few new ones popping up thanks to the Nightmare Troupe. Some are similar to what appeared last year, but with a different look to them. Some, perhaps, more terrifying than before.

A. Personalized Costumes. All throughout Reverein boutiques and tailors are in full swing to create costumes for those who wish to wear, either by renting or buying. However, for those who are a bit adverse, the fairy godmothers are out and about ready to employ their fashion magic to grant anyone and everyone a special Halloween costume, just for them! There might be the slight side effect that the wearer may behave like the costume itself, but it's just a temporary phase.

B. Vampring Frights. The vamprings are still out and about, nibbling on nightmares. But now they are also appearing outside of dreams, deciding that a bit of fear could make as good of a snack or meal as any other. Only the ones that are truly hungry will appear, so a little purple blob will bounce and latch onto any part of their target's body they can reach (though they particularly like the top of the head). Those who are bitten in this manner won't try to bite others, fortunately. Instead, they will become something like a "Vampring minion" and try to invoke fear and scare others. (For more information and use the original version of the Vampring, read here.)

C. Monster Swaps. Small monsters will roam the carnival grounds and will swap bodies with random people to go around pulling pranks and tricks in the person's body. The person is now trapped in the monster's body, but has access to the monster's trickster, spooky abilities as well (ie, players can make this up). To return to normal, they must find their original body and bite it. Otherwise, they will have to wait for the monster to get bored and return to switch them back.

D. Carnival Fare. Here are a few of the general games and attractions available for carnival goers to enjoy.

🔫 Zombie Shooter. Ride through a rickety car through a building and shoot the "zombies" that pop up with bright green paintball guns. While most are cardboard, there are a few volunteers that dress for the occasion. Don't mind their pain as they get hit, they're fine.
👻 Spooky Stories. Instead of a fire, there is a boiling cauldron set up where people can gather around and try to conjure up their spookiest story. The steam over the cauldron will change and twist to try and illustrate the story as it goes, and should it proof particularly scary, a manifestation of the terror will crawl out of it to terrorize everyone for a little bit before disappearing.
🍏 Poisoned Apples. Special caramel covered green apples are handed out throughout the carnival. One bite will inflict one or more of the following effects: floating, dizzy, sugar rush, creepy, frightful. (Players are free to be creative and come up with additional effects!)
🧹 Broom Carousel. The horses have been replaced with different styles of witch brooms, letting everyone have a safe experience of flying on a broom. Until the brooms suddenly fly out of the carousel and into the carnival. Hang on or stop that broom!
🎃 Pumpkin Carving Challenge. Pumpkins can be found all over the grounds, and there is a challenge to carve them with dreamotion and light a special candle in them. Doing so will bring the pumpkin to life and behave like whatever expression or drawing carved on them. Whether they behave nicely is a different matter. Blowing out the candle will stop the pumpkin.

E. House of Mirrors. The House of Mirrors will have new mirrors installed that have new special effects…many making everyone inside feel not quite themselves.

🎭 Jekyll and Hyde. A black framed mirror where the opposite version of the viewer appears to taunt them.
💅 Narcissism. A gold framed mirror where one will see the best version of themselves and will stand stuck in front of it admiring themselves. They will need to be forcibly dragged away…else they may get stuck on the mirror.
🛌 Dream or Nightmare? A silver framed mirror that will reflect either a good dream or a nightmare that's on the viewer's mind. It will be a strong image, so strong that the viewer may be tempted to dreamwalk into the mirror, either to be a part of it or to destroy it. Some help may be required to help them either accomplish their goal or pull them out.
🪞 Mirror Version. Sometimes, a "mirror version" of the viewer may reach out to switch places, trapping the original inside the mirror while the mirror version goes out to cause some chaos. The trapped person can only traverse through mirrors, and can only be freed if the mirrored version is shoved back into any mirror. One way to tell a mirror version apart is that they will randomly reflect things off their body.

F. Haunted Ryokan. A haunted Japanese styled inn is the theme for this year's "haunted house." On the outside, it looks invitingly eerie, with life-sized traditional Japanese dolls as their hosts and guides. They hope their new patrons will enjoy their stay…forever.

🏮 Peony Lantern. At first a beautiful woman will appear holding a lantern and take a person's hand to lead them through the narrow halls lit by floating lanterns. But whenever they pass under a lantern, the woman's form changes into a skeleton. Once they are noticed, they will screech and chase them through the hallways and rooms to the next location, but if left alone it will quietly lead them without issue.
🛁 Bathhouse. Somehow they get to the bathing area where the steam rises thick around them. Without warning a ghostly figure of a long-haired drowned woman will crawl out and chase with a bloody knife. Fish spirits will also fly out to impede them, but they could be used to smack the woman instead. Should someone slip in the water, they'll feel hands grab at them, trying to pull them under…
🪦 Graveyard. Past the courtyard is a graveyard where all manner of Japanese inspired ghosts and demons roam. A special paper talisman is available, and once powered with positive dreamotion it will create a shikigami that will help ward off and defend against the ghosts. But it must have constant dreamotion poured into it, so should it ever go out, the ghosts and demons will suddenly rush into chase.
🐕 Shiba Statues. Should anyone be having a truly terrible time, special little shiba inu statues will trot in to dispel the "evils" and give the visitor some much needed comfort and respite. They will even guide them to the exit if needed. Those who manage to pass through on their own will also meet the shiba inu statues and have a chance to play with them as if in congratulations.

II. LABYRINTH

A big structure now occupies the area just beyond the Fairgrounds. Towering stone walls hide complex pathways inside, and it turns out its express purpose is not to get people lost, but for a little bit of exploration. There is no entrance/exit, just a special circular teleportation pad that will take them inside and there is no end goal. It's not difficult to get out once inside, but the winding paths encourage visitors to check behind corners for treats because there's a lot of treats AND tricks!

A. Halloween Creatures. The labyrinth is populated with silly creatures held together by craft glue and duct tape both dreamotion and nightmare. These creatures will attack on sight, but subdue them and reap the rewards: candy and silly toys! It's all for fun, after all.

🦴 Skeletons. Their bones are made of rubber and most physical attacks will bounce off them. Have to get in close to blast with dreamotion!
🕷 Glow-In-The-Dark Plastic Spiders. Will shoot sticky licorice webbing that will trip up and trap any caught in it. Have to eat through it to get out, and the flavor could either be red or black.
🔺 Candy Corn Golems. Chuck giant pieces of candy corn that are delicious, but hurt! Golems will melt under intense heat.

B. Mysterious Doors. Sometimes, you may find a door at one of the dead ends. Knock, and most of the time a kindly old lady (where did she come from? Don't worry about it–) will present you with special trick-or-treat bags. The other times, a swarm of genuinely sinister nightmare creatures will come pouring out. Oops! Try again next time! Here are some of the items the old lady will give and their effects (they can be taken home after the event):

🧙 Witch's Hat. The hat will automatically fly on top of the person's head and will allow them to cast silly hexes of misfortune on their targets.
🧹 Witch's Broom. Can fly at fast speeds for a few minutes at a time. Only goes up to three feet in the air.
🤓 Plastic Fangs. These fangs will fit themselves in the person's mouth and will allow them to bite any candy corn golem or sticky spider licorice webbing with ease. And normal foods, too.
🕸 Spray Can of Licorice Webbing. Releases a spray of licorice webbing similar to the ones used by the plastic spiders.
🧻 Roll of Toilet Paper. Exactly as it says.
🍫 Nougat Center. A delicious treat that will temporarily boost one's stats dreamotion abilities.

C. Beware of Steve. If you're very unlucky, you may hear an ominous clatter in the distance... The low rumble of a revving chainsaw... Those who spend lots of time in the labyrinth will know soon enough–those are noises that mean you need to run. Because STEVE, THE 20-FOOT-TALL CHAINSAW-WIELDING SKELETON, takes no hostages, and he's out for blood!!! He will continue chasing people until fought, and anything goes with this foe. While dreamotion attacks will work, using the items given by the old lady in the doors will inflict greater damage. Anyone who is "killed" by Steve will be knocked out of the Labyrinth unharmed.


D. Grand High Viscount of Candy Corn. On the other end of giant "horrors" is a giant golem made of candy corn with a large top hat that may appear out of one of the doors. Its main attack, besides trying to punch and pummel, is spewing sticky candy goop that will trap anyone caught in it. It'll wear off, but until then, any caught in it will at first feel very energetic and attack more quickly before becoming sluggish and unable to do much, as if they suffered an extreme sugar crash.

I. CARNIVAL

II. LABYRINTH

COMMENTS

Comments

aerith gainsborough | final fantasy vii | closed

[inheritedearth]

🌷 tifa lockhart

[inheritedearth]

[While there were certainly others who would have been happy to attend this carnival with either of them, Aerith had made a point of insisting that she and Tifa visit it together— there had been a carnival of an entirely different sort going on when Aerith had first arrived, and while she'd encountered some new-old friends there as well, she and Tifa hadn't found one another until days later. They'd also never had the opportunity to go on their planned shopping spree back in Midgar, so this was the perfect opportunity to make up for lost time.

Aerith is smiling broadly as they walk through the front gates, arm-in-arm, and she's dressed for the occasion in a red corseted dress and a wide-brimmed purple witch's hat, eager to get into the spirit of things.]

We never see anything like this back home!

[She leans in close as she looks to her friend, pointing ahead towards the midway.]

Look at all of these games! Where do we start? There's a House of Mirrors, and a carousel...!

[Whatever they pick, she intends to enjoy it.]

Zarina Kassir | Dead by Daylight | TDM

[pluckydocumentarian]

Carnival

[It seems Zarina has shown up in another world around Halloween time... At least this one doesn't involve trials and trying to escape from people bent on sacrificing her to the Entity. This just seemed like a normal carnival, and man, she was enjoying that. A person claiming they were a 'fairy godmother' had arrived to give her an appropriate costume before she was allowed to run about the carnival to see the sites and play the games.

After that, she can be found exploring the Carnival Fare enjoying her time. It's been a while since she's had a 'normal' Halloween season.]

Labyrinth: Halloween Creatures

[After Zarina's had her fun with the Carnival, she'll make her way to the Labyrinth, stepping on the teleportation pad to find herself magic'd inside. She's going to follow the paths trying to find her way back out before she runs into some of the creatures she wasn't expecting, making a loud shriek and grabbing the arm of the nearest other person.

After the 'threat' is taken care of, she'll realize she's fine and let go.]

Oh my goodness, I'm sorry.

Labyrinth: Beware of Steve

[She doesn't have a full grasp on Dreamotion, but she did have a gift from the old lady.

A roll of toilet paper.

Which will quickly find itself thrown at Steve the Skeleton before she starts to sprint the other direction. Anyone nearby can hear her shouting as she goes.]

What the hell is that thing?!

Wildcard

[Hi everyone! I'm also down for any wildcards you want to throw at me. Zarina is a plucky girl who's a bit too stubborn for her own good. Feel free to DM me if you want to plot something!]

Steve!

[hopesong]

No clue, but I ain't about to stick around and find out!

[You know who is also not a fan of being chased by someone with a chainsaw? Kate. In fact, it's one of the least pleasant experiences she can imagine, and imagine is putting it mildly when you've played tag with two chainsaw wielding maniacs in the not-so-distant past.

And lose that game of tag just as often as not.

She'll grab Zarina's hand and pull her off in another direction. She's got a sixth sense for escape routes, after all, and it wouldn't do for either of them to get a chainsaw to the gut.]

Helga G. Pataki | Hey Arnold! | TDM

[heartatsunder]

Carnarrival

[Present Helga with party fare and she will not say no. She especially won't say no to riding a car and shooting down zombies. So cardboard stands are subjected to some highly-concentrated paintballs before the 11-year-old aims her gun at a volunteer zombie.]

Hey, Halloween's next month, genius!

[The guy gives a magnificent groan as the ball hits him square in the collarbone.]

Next time wear padding! Don't they dish those out in your job?

Dream...?

Seriously, what's with the spooky get-up? I thought school just started.

[This ponderous train of thought is spoken out loud as Helga wanders through the House of Mirrors. She mostly just laughs or scoffs at what she sees until one mirror changes her demeanour completely.]

Arnold? You, you were looking for me? No, I wasn't going to leave, why would I leave?

[Her body leans dangerously close to the glass ss she talks to whatever she's seeing.]

Labyrinth (now with less David Bowie!)

[Okay, the mirror thing was dumb and she's just very confused right now. Helga didn't mean to wander into the labyrinth unarmed.

Which means nothing could protect her from the candy goop shot at her by... is that a giant candy corn? She has so many questions right now.

With a high-pitched scream, she scrambles out of the goop and runs through the maze at an alarming speed. Yes, this means she runs into the first person coming through and blames them for it... at double-speed.]

Hey! Whydon'tyouwatchwhereyou'regoing?

Labyrinth (minus David Bowie)

[senorita_perfecta]

(Isabela was just walking into the labyrinth, having just cleared through tons of glow in the dark plastic spiders and eating through the red licorice. She already is now tired from the spider run and eating through licorice and is hoping to find the next part of the labyrinth and seek out more surprises when she sees a younger lady, near around Mirabel and Camilo’s age, running towards her.

Uh oh, too late: Isabela barely has time to get out of the way when the two of them collided hard. And now she is getting yelled out for going too fast. How bizarre: she has no time or energy to shout at anybody in public today, Isa is just too tired to be super shouty today.)

Look, I’m so sorry, Miss. I just went through a crazy time dealing with glowing plastic spiders and eating through the licorice. My mind must’ve been very distracted from that earlier. I could have sworn that my teeth should have been hurting from all that chewing by now.

Dream...!

[lestray]

[There's an older girl, currently dressed as Robin Hood, who is carefully trying to make her way through the hall of mirrors. She regrets her decision to enter here with every passing moment! It definitely has a creepy vibe to it-

-and then she notices someone talking to a mirror. Gina frets as she .looks towards her and raises an eyebrow.]

Oi. Wot'ra ya doin', natterin' on to a mirror like that? [The Cockney woman asks uncertainly. She's not sure what's going on, but it gives her a bad feeling.]

Carnarrival

[cawpatrol]

[ When the next cardboard creature pops up, there's suddenly a dash of red and black - and the 'head' is sliced off perfectly. The figure then stands on the 'neck', a person the size of... a cookie? ]

Are you all right? You seemed to be surrounded on all fronts...

[ Whatever this is, she doesn't seem to realize this is just a game. ]

dream

[judoflipped]

[he remembers the mirrors from when he'd been here last year. only it was a little bit different... either way, he's not really going to pay a whole lot of attention to them. he doesn't want to get creeped out by an ichor-covered Jackson again, if that's what they were going for.

but as he sees Helga leaning into the mirrors, he reaches out to grab her.]

Whoa, whoa, whoa! Hold on there, you don't wanna do that.

[at least he's 99% sure she doesn't want to do that.]

Labyrinth. Also BOO

[shortman]

[It probably wasn't a person she crashed into when she turned a corner... but it was definitely a giant wad of licorice rope vaguely shaped like a person with an uncovered arm sticking out, waving in vain as a muffled voice from inside was trying to get some sort of message out.

With their sense of direction muddled by their current predicament, they could only struggle on the floor and reach out to grab something, anything.

Why wasn't he waking up...?? He didn't have bad dreams often, but only rarely had he had dreams involving danger to his life and limb in a really goofy and embarrassing way, rather than a kind of cool adventure story kind of way.

In short: Yeah, he's not sharing this dream with Gerald. This part of it, anyway.]

ei | genshin impact | tdm

[overprotection]

i. Dress up!

[well. she was given something like this on arrival in this world, and she considers it as she finds a mirror and studies herself in it. the dress is purple instead of blue, and instead of the snowflakes on the cape, there’s thunderbolts.

for fourth walling reasons, it might be vaguely recognizable to some, but nobody would be able to actually place it. it’s mostly for ooc irony.]

This is… not at all functional.

[she looks pretty perplexed about it. it seems as if she’d left the costumer early, because an NPC comes running up and plunks a silver crown on her head.

which makes her frown even more.]

I’m not royalty, so why give me one of these?

[she turns to the person in question, but they’d already left, leaving her to fidget with her crown by herself.]

Curious…

ii. Broom Carousel

[by the time she gets to the carousel, she’d convinced someone along the way to tailor the dress so there’s a bit more flow and a little bit shorter for movement. the cape was still on, despite her objections… as well as the crown. she’s given up at this point, and watching the brooms as she tilts her head.]

Flying cleaning supplies?

[but then it’s her turn to get onto it, and an attendant teaches her how to sit on it before she’s off. it’s a strange feeling, to fly, but she finds it oddly relaxing.

that is, until the broom flies off course and through the carnival. there’s a moment where she looks alarmed, but then she finds herself laughing a little bit as she swerves around the other attendees with a “sorry, excuse me!” as she passes by.]

iii. Shiba Statues

[Ei had found herself through the haunted house quite all right, but she smiles as the shibas approach her. one comes up with a stone ball, and she tosses, a couple of them running away to chase.]

It’s nice to see something so familiar to home here, isn’t it?

[it’s a peaceful scene for a moment until the sound of a scream of someone (maybe you!) sounds from within the haunted house. the stone dogs’ ears prick up and start to run in, leaving Ei to consider for a minute… but she decides to run and follow them in.]

iv. Steve

[the chainsaws don’t seem to bother Ei, even if she hadn’t really seen anything like it before. while Steve is coming towards her, she produces a polearm from seemingly out of nowhere and blocks his strike with effortless grace.]

I won’t allow you to harm myself or anyone in this place!

[lightning crackles in her presence, and he gets blasted back with a flick of her weapon as she advances on him, her eyes glowing.]

No matter what fell beast you may be... I will send you back to your grave.

[ooc: as always, if you have anything else you wanna do… wildcard me!]

i

[myriadleaves]

[Perhaps Ei may recognize this one, as one who stood against the Shogun in defiance over her Sakoku Decree, or as the one who later successfully deflected the Shogun's Musou no Hitotachi. Or perhaps even as a scion of the now defunct Kaedehara clan.

Or she may not even recognize him at all, how can an Archon keep track of everyone in their country?

But Kazuha knows her. Any self-respecting Inazuman would. He stands in her presence, a calm aura emanating from him.

...Dressed like a raggedy scarecrow, complete with a large hat.]

In other lands, rather than a Shogun such as yourself, they are ruled by a King or Queen, or perhaps even an Emperor. The people of those lands look to them for leadership and guidance. Not unlike as the people of Inazuma do in their reverence for you, Almighty Shogun.

[His tone is calm and airy as he addresses, polite in speech but open in demeanor, even though he is speaking to an actual god.]

You are a god first and foremost, but... In the eyes of the people, I would say it would not be such a stretch to think you could also be considered akin to royalty, no?

steeeeeve

[concierto]

[Well, Venti is also caught up in the fray but... that thing is getting blasted back by the one and only Raiden Shogun!]

Ehe... It looks like you've got this all handled.

[He'll just laugh weakly because he doesn't really want to do any work fighting off some ugly giant chainsaw-wielding monster? That sounds like way too much work.

But at least Ei and her boobs are here. That helps.]

iii

[chocobosnap]

[ He doesn't want to admit he's a chicken but...really Prompto is not built for haunted houses.

He screams rather liberally when a plastic skeleton flies at him and he pins himself into a corner.

He's breathing a little heavily. He's stuck. He's stuck...

Well, actually he's not but it looks like the skeleton might be as it hasn't reset yet. ]

Barok van Zieks | ota

[discourtesies]

⚔️ About

[If asked, van Zieks will tell anyone that his werewolf costume, complete with face paint and fluffy ear headband and paws, was forced upon him by some fairy creature. It's not unheard of. It's even a common occurrence here, as he knows well. So that's that.

Ahem.

In general, he'll wander around the carnival, investigating the treats and games with mild interest but no apparent desire to actually take part, though uh, that ornate glass of wine he's carrying seems potentially... out of place? Very werewolf of you, van Zieks...]

⚔️ Ryokan

[Without the costume, van Zieks's perpetually grim exterior might have made one think he was part of the haunted decor. As it is, he definitely stands out as something of a goofier counterpart to the inn's sinister forces as he investigates, though he seems to be taking it as "seriously" as anything. He can easily be found being led by the woman with the lantern, his sharp gaze moving towards every creak of the floorboard or unsettling movement of the dolls.

Alternatively, as he is known as something of a Reaper, he'll take his proper place in the graveyard, viewing the ghosts and demons from afar. But it's only a matter of time before one of them turns to look and begins to rush towards him—and whoever is unfortunate enough to be in his company.]

⚔️ Labyrinth

[In the course of wandering the labyrinth simply for the sake of seeing what's supposed to be so appealing about it, van Zieks has found that his icy dreamotion is particularly easy to harness this time of year, at times leaving trails of frosty monsters in his wake, along with whatever rewards they happened to drop upon defeat. Feel free to pick up any toys or treats behind him, as he has no real interest in them; or, journey with him and make him your meat shield as you seek out doors and the goodies that may come from any old ladies within. Just... listen for the sounds of chainsaws, maybe. Hopefully when you glance back at him, he won't have just disappeared into the fog...]

Labyrinth

[lestray]

[Gina's gone into the labyrinth with him, garbed in a Robin Hood outfit. Van Zeiks's costume was a surprising sight to be sure, that she's still getting used to. She's trying not to poke the bear too much with comments about it (though one or two might have slipped out initially!) and just to focus on getting through this maze. Gina looks around somewhat anxiously, although there's no sign of any danger at the moment. She cracks a light smile while looking towards Van Zeiks.]

This'll make good practice for investigations, yeah?

Revali | Zelda BOTW

[updrafting]

Costumes

[For a short while, Revali, looking the part of something someone else might dress up as a Halloween costume, manages to escape the notice of the fairies and tailors out foisting costumes on the other festival goers. It's not until a particularly astute fairy notices that the large bird person is not, in fact, someone in a very detailed costume that Revali finds himself dressed more appropriately for the occasion.

Much to Revali's annoyance, one minute he's dressed normally, the next? He finds himself in a unicorn hat and covered in a cloud of glitter of any color you could imagine. He hasn't noticed it himself yet, with the hat and the glitter being much more obvious, but there's also a matching tail tied on the back of his clothing. Can't be a horse without a pretty tail, can you?

Revali can be found throughout the carnival, either brushing glitter out of his feathers (will he ever be free? doubtful), or at any of the other carnival events, such as spooky storytelling or a pumpkin carving contest.]

Zombie Shooter

[New weapon for target shooting? Consider Revali interested. He's all on board for trying to get a new high score in whatever this shooting challenge is, he just... needs to figure out how this paintball gun works. (Or rather, the best way to fit his bird feather fingers on it to make it work.)

Maybe you see him twisting the paintball gun around to get a better look at it, maybe he's decided you're the (un)lucky person who's going to end up competing with him on the ride. Both are equally as likely.]

House of Mirrors

[Revali doesn't need a house of mirrors to be full of himself and too proud of his accomplishments, really. But that doesn't stop him from wanting to stop and preen at his reflection in the golden mirror. Images of himself flying, shooting down multiple targets or monsters with ease, any number of accomplishments he's proud of are displayed in the mirror, and Revali is entranced.

The rest of the house? Whatever, that can wait, this is much better.]

Wildcard

[Want something else? DM me or hit me with whatever! The labyrinth prompts or the haunted ryokan sound especially fun, so if you want one of those, I'll roll with it!]

Pumpkin carving

[timesensitive]

[Poor Revali will never be free of glitter.

Much like Link feels like he'll never be free of straw--he's starting to have buyer's remorse from picking a scarecrow costume--that he keeps having to brush off of the pumpkin he's been trying to carve a skull into. It looks...decent, if noticeably lopsided.

It's good that he's reached something of a stopping point in his carving, because the Rito's hat is very distracting. And amazing. But mostly distracting.]

Nice hat.

[Fortunately, he has yet to notice the tail.]

G'raha Tia | Final Fantasy XIV

[crystalized_hope]

If It Wasn't Attached;

[It wasn't that G'raha wasn't interested in dressing up for the holidays. It was more like he had no idea what to dress up as, nor had he given it much thought. Thankfully (?) for him, he didn't have to worry about it. A fairy godmother took the reigns and decided that she would fix the problem for him. How could he not be festive in a time like this, after all? Blasphemy she called.

A little confused by the sudden change, but not at all surprised, G'raha mostly shrugged it off and let the matter be, aside from having a pumpkin head to carry around. Getting around with it on was a bit distracting. There were no real problems with it until other side effects kicked in. It figured that there would be a catch.

At night time, when it's quiet and peaceful enough outside, you may hear the sound of horse huffs growing closer with a dark-clad rider racing along the way.]

Give me back my head!

[Who's going to tell him that he's not missing it at all? Take care if you happen to be in the way not to get run over.]

Double Trouble;

[Thankfully, searching for his head was a temporary problem. Those who remember how silly it was, in retrospect, will probably last longer than he would like. G'raha opted to distract himself with the games around the carnival instead.

As silly as it seemed to be riding on a carousel like this, the brooms seemed interesting enough. It was a rather calm ride until the Garlean Empire attacked the brooms took a life of their own.]

Woah! Sorry about that!

[He at least managed to dodge you, but the broom is not so easily tamed. Or if you catch him later, you might notice that he's actually managed to control the broom with his own magicks. Who would have known that practicing levitation could progress to this scale? In fact, he's having a great time flying around in the sky.]

So this is sort of what it feels like to fly. This is exhilarating. Would you like a ride?

[He can't guarentee that it'll work as smoothly as he thinks it will, but there's no knowing until he tries it.]

A Pale Reflection;

[The House of Mirrors sounded like an interesting attraction... Up until he found himself trading places with his mirror self against his will. His reach was minimal, but he could already see the mirror version of him out to cause trouble for everyone else. He had to find a way out of this mess. No matter what he did, the only thing he could do was travel from mirror to mirror.]

Hey! You there!

[Banging on the glass from his side to try to get the closest person's attention.]

I advise you not to get too close to the mirrors, but I have need of a favor. There's a doppelganger that looks just like me, though more reflective. I need you to find him and bring him back here.

I would help but I... [Lightly tapping on the glass from his end] I'm afraid I'm stuck in here. Can you help me?

Wild Card;

[Feel free to make your own prompts. You can reach me at Byefelicia for any questions or plotting needs. As always, feel free to use my opt-out post if you don't want to be spoiled. There are no prompts that contain any spoilers currently, but I will be marking my threads accordingly as anything does come up. This will help me know where you are in the story so that I can avoid spoiling anything.]

Double Trouble

[crouching_sin]

[Naoya does dodge out of the way of the broom but looks up, somewhat amused by the flying broom. He summons a demon and gestures above. The demon lifts its head (with some great effort) and grasps the broom bristles between its teeth, lowering the bucking cleaning implement to the ground so G'raha can get off.]

Are you unharmed?

Emet-Selch | FFXIV | TDM

[snapoutofit]

Carnival

Spooky Stories

[This was, Emet-Selch was fairly certain, the most ridiculous thing he had been part of.

It wasn’t just being here in the dreamworld, but this carnival. These events. These fairy godmothers that looked drastically different and older than the fairies from his world. These shooting games with rickety guns that could never feel quite as solid as the one he as used to. And brooms to fly around in? Ha. Ridiculous to need such a thing. Why not just fly?

But spooky stories, Emet-Selch could do. The others bored him with tales that were predictable with their attempted scares (did anyone understand the proper way to build tension?) and he leveled an exasperated, flat look at all the people and the little cauldron monsters. Was this all there was?

When it was his turn, he cleared his throat and looked around, still maintaining that tedious expression that felt so at home on his visage.] Fine, fine, I suppose I can be a spark of inspiration for those of you who are less horror inclined.

Once upon a time there was a perfect world with little strife and a want for nothing. The people were wise and powerful and had created an utter paradise with the magics they had.

[Gold eyes shifted to the cauldron, waiting to see what may emerge, if anything at all. Nothing did yet, but then he hadn’t gotten to the scary part.]

House of Mirrors

Narcissism

[The House of Mirrors was intriguing if nothing else; a pathway filled with images of himself meant that at least he would be surrounded by the most interesting person in this blasted place. It was refreshing to be away from the music and the din outside, finding solace in poor lighting and reflectivity. His boots scraped across metal floor as he turned a corner.

More of himself. An infinite series of Emet-Selches that stretched back to oblivion. There was something so wretchedly poignant about that, and the sentiment brought a curve to his lips. It – He – just went on forever, and these golden eyes had seen it all.

One gloved hand rested against the glass as his smirk widened a little. He had grown accustomed to this look over the years, one depicted in paintings, in tomes, one that was known by scholars and the like. And why shouldn’t it be when he had controlled so much of his star, pulled the necessary threads to lead them towards the necessary conclusions and chaos? It was a shame that it wasn’t his true name in any of the lines, but it was fine; he didn’t need the acknowledgement of fractions when he was whole.]

It matters not where you go, you will forever be the most powerful person in the room.


Dream

[A few winding hallways of more mirrors later, and he found another …wing? corridor? in this maze. These mirrors were noticeably different, the golden frames traded for cold silver, and while Emet-Selch would have been happy to keep walking by them, it was a flash of color that caught his attention.

Purple. Lavendar, really, the color of lilacs in the fields, plaited perfect and slung over a dark clad shoulder. He recognized the smirk under the white curves and lines of the mask, and he knew the sound of the voice that would emerge if anything was spoken. He often waited to hear it again.

Behind the familiar figure were the tall sharp angles reaching to the sky, buildings Emet-Selch knew. Buildings he had re-created under the water and filled with—filled with many of the people he knew, including the one smirking at him now.

He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath.] Well, this is a cruel little joke, hm? And here I have been told that I have a poor taste in humor.

Dream

[songbird_slayer]

[Well, she knew that sour mug anywhere... enough that, to see him tread into a mirror had her roll her eyes good-naturedly and decide that she ought to help him out of things. Reverein was full of tricks, and this circus was no different.

...But this place was new, a place she'd never been... a place she'd had glimpsed in the memories and dreams of another, for she was no exalted Warrior of Light. Madhuri was reminded, again, that she was just some person.

Well, she shouldn't let that get to her. As Emet-Selch remarked, she neatly stopped at his side and smiled impishly at him.]

Now that's a first. The first step is admitting your faults. I adore that for you, dear!

Rufus Shinra | Final Fantasy VII

[ambitiousblond]

House of Mirrored Dreams and Nightmares


[It feels as if he's in a type of trance as he turns, watching his reflection shift between the different mirrors. Each one seems to move on its own and for a moment it seems that space itself shifts around him.

When he looks at the mirror in front of him is black. Not pitch black, but something that moves as if it's alive. There is a whisper of Rufus's name, softly, sounding as if it's an echo from a deep dark place, pulling him closer.

He's unable to stop himself from reaching towards the mirror and when his hand passes through the glass pale skin darkens with bruises and sores that ooze a dark black substance. The nightmare pulls him in, he knows this all too well as the black sores spread up his neck, pulling him closer into the mirror.[

~~


[But if you're fortunate to catch the dream instead it's simplistic in its peace and tranquility. The room is dark except for the green glow of a city far below the wide windows, everything silent but silent except for the sound of snoring from the large black hound sprawled out.

It's just the two of them in this quiet sanctuary away from the rest of the world, there are no plots, no scheming, and when Dark Nation looks up with a sleepy yawn it's all but impossible not to want to venture into this dream and lose himself, even if it's just for a little. He had missed her so much.

It would be so easy to lay by her as he did when he was younger and watch the world below. It was one of the few bits of happiness he had during those days, something his father couldn't take away from him.

Rufus can't resist touching the mirror, reaching for Dark Nation. He knows that this has to be some kind of trap, he should be leaving but he has to see her one last time even if it's all an illusion.]


Labyrinth


What's the worst that could happen? He can't resist adventuring into the labyrinth against his better judgment but he came to enjoy himself and make the most of the freedom he has here to just be able to do things.

Especially if those things were reckless and/or bad ideas.

It doesn't take him long to acquire a black pointed witch hat with gold moons, something that makes him laugh but doesn't put on.

And of course, what visit to the labyrinth isn't complete without encountering Steve. Granted, Rufus pretty much is unarmed and this could turn out terribly but come on, where is your sense of adventure?

Dream

[refantasma]

[Through the shadows, Nico enters a stranger's dream. He looked around, a frown on his face, until he spots the dog. Then his eyes light up.]

Cool dog. What's their name? Can I pet them?

Chai | Hi-Fi Rush | TDM

[futurerockstar]

I-D

Chai likes spooky stories. He's seen a few horror movies just like everyone else, but he may not be the best at telling stories.

"So like, this one girl was coming up out of the well and -" He waves his fingers around and makes what he thinks is a scary face (it's more a goofy one). "Five dayyyys!"

If you ask him what happened next, you might get... varying answers, depending on his mood.

Alternatively you might find him as your audience. "And then what happened? Come on, don't keep me in suspense!"


I-E

A stage with a screaming crowd behind him. A red and white guitar in his hands, and all of the lights... yeah. Yeah, that's the dream. He stands there and stares for a while, reaching out towards the mirror. "A rockstar..." All of those people there for him. All of that attention, for him. He needs that life.

But even if he's dragged away he's found another mirror with him smirking. He's in a suit and tie, his robot arm even sleeker than his current one. He's got a Vandelay Technologies pin on his lapel. It's enough to make Chai furious, and he rears his hand back, summoning a... trash guitar? Either way he's about to start smashing things, and someone might want to stop him before he goes too far.


II-A

Spiders are a common fear, right? Nothing to be ashamed of, right? Well Chai's practically trying to climb the stone walls of the labyrinth to get away from the glow in the dark plastic spiders. He's getting dragged back by ropes of licorice webbing, but he's panicking. He's going to need someone to calm him down and maybe eat him free.

"Hey! Stop that!" Ugh, why did it have to be spiders of all things?


II-C

Steve? Hah! Chai's taken down bigger foes than this one! ... Granted it was with help, but he's still got this! There's sparks and the sound of a clash from down the hall, and if you look in on it you'll find a young man jumping around and clashing with Steve. He's wielding a... guitar? Made of trash? Whatever it is seems to be effective enough, because he's holding the skeleton off decently well. Now might be a good time to either escape or to help him out.

[refantasma]

Nico raised an eyebrow at the man with mechanical arm. "Did it take her five days to crawl out?" he asked, slightly deadpan.

"You're not very good at telling stories, are you?"

Astralin Turnont | Original Character | TDM

[scythedance]

Carnival
a. costumes
[This Halloween tradition was unfamiliar to him, and in an already unfamiliar place. He's just wandering around, honestly, until he's stopped by a few tailors who are rather intrigued by his appearance, and his height in general. It made him nervous to have eyes on him, but before he can even stop and think, he's in a new outfit to match his long hair, and overall appearance. The crowd of tailors soon disappearing out of sight, and leaving him in an outfit that well.]

... Why in the world do I look like a vampire? Is it the scythe on my back?

[When the hell did they shove vampire teeth on him? WHEN? When did they braid his hair like this, and why is his chest slightly showing? It makes him blush just enough, and he's quickly pulling on the strings to tighten the gap between cloth and chest. Either way, he's fiddling with the outfit while he walks through the crowd, and he's just. Slightly embarrassed at this outfit change.]

b. spooky stories

[He doesn't get particularly scared of spooky stories, but he supposes that he understands the appeal. Which is why you'll find him leaned up against one of the trees, with his arms crossed as he listens in one particularly scary story. This story alluding to a young woman who died, and in her death killed people with her long hair.

It was an amusing story, not a particularly scary one to him, but everyone in the crowd was spooked for sure. Not expecting much else, he nearly turns his back away, but stops when the woman from the story begins to crawl out of the cauldron and to the crowd. Astralin already reaching for his scythe on instinct, but he doesn't do much else. Since. It doesn't look like the lady is out to kill anyone; merely terrorizing the crowd with her appearance.]

Impressive illusion magic...

c. bathhouse

[Listen, he's just trying to make it through his hell day, and now there's a woman trying to terrorize him AGAIN. He's not particularly scared, but he was told to leave his scythe at the door, and so he did. And now he's being chased by this lady, and going through a slippery hallway where fish are trying to impede on him as well?

Today is just not his day, but he doesn't get frustrated. Nay. He uses his reflexes to grab one of the fish out of thin air -- his natural reflexes swinging the fish at the woman, who is quickly thrown back by his use of strength. For now, anyway.]

Do not get upset. I merely did this out of self defense.

[Story of his life.]

[ooc; Helloooo!! Feel free to contact me through DMs or plurk (hepaticas) if you want a different prompt of sorts!! His info is on his journal :>]

a SLAMS IN HERE

[judoflipped]

[Percy's gotten shoved into something that looks like a Poseidon costume, and he's currently mumbling to himself.]

This isn't even what Dad looks like at all...

[but then he sees someone who's also sort of grumbling at the appearance, and he tilts his head.]

Maybe it's the longer hair? I dunno, my costume isn't that accurate either.

Hermes | FFXIV | TDM

[not_42]

(OOC: Because timing is very relevant to Hermes's character, it should be noted that he's being taken from a day or so before his appearance in game began and everything quickly went downhill for him. With that noted, on with the TDM!)

Carnival

Poisoned Apples

[Being in the Dreamworld is... unusual to say the least. Exciting and intimidating in equal measure. Here, he could actually meet beings from other stars face to face, potentially get the answers he so longed for without the need for it to come though Meteion and her sisters. Not to mention there being so many new creatures that the scientist in him is just itching to observe in detail.

But how to begin? He'd never been the most gregarious or outgoing individual, even among his own people. And here he is dealing with peoples and cultures entirely foreign to him; what he would consider normal and polite, another here might find off-putting, or even offensive. Which made approaching anyone... somewhat daunting.

One thing that is not, however, is the caramel covered apples that were being handed out. The person doing so couldn't possibly have known that they were his favorite treat, of course, but it's a reassuring bit of familiarity in an otherwise unfamiliar world nonetheless. And he's not disappointed when he takes a bite either; the sweetness of the candy coating is nicely offset by the slight tartness of the apple that was used.

Though perhaps his assessment was a bit premature, as a moment after swallowing that first bite he was struck by a wave of dizziness that caused him to stagger, reaching out instinctively for the nearest object to steady himself. Of course, in a carnival crowd the nearest object may well be a person, and even if it isn't, his apparent distress might attract the attention of a concerned bystander or two.]

Labyrinth

Halloween Creatures

[Other people might be concerned with practicing their combat skills. Hermes? He was observing the ambulatory skeletons, fascinated by how they were put together. Was it some clever use of aether that allowed otherwise lifeless rubber bones to move about like a living man, or was there some other force acting in its stead in this place? Dynamis, perhaps? Or something else?

Unfortunately, he was so focused on his observations that he didn't notice the large glowing spider approaching from behind him until he was abruptly entwined in a mass of its red licorice webbing. And wouldn't you know, it was just about then that someone else came around the corner to find him in his rather embarrassing predicament.]

Ah... forgive me, but I seem to be a bit tied up at the moment.

[He offered a rather sheepish smile to go with the rather weak attempt at humor.]

Though the creation that did it is quite interesting, I must say. I wonder who came up with the idea to have it shoot edible webbing?

Poisoned Apples; Endwalker spoilers likely

[crystalized_hope]

[G'raha had been wandering around the carnival as Madhuri went to check a few things out for herself. Hermes's appearance should have stuck out to him like a sour thumb right away, but he had otherwise been preoccupied with some of the things the carnival had to offer. So, feeling him reach out for him surprised him momentarily before finally taking notice of that detail.

The black robe and mask were not unfamiliar to him by now. Having met Hythlodaeus, Themis, and Erichthonis, it didn't take him long to put the two together. As for who he was though? That he could not say. He had heard the stories of his dear friend's visit to Elpis, but he was none the wiser to how Hermes looked explicitly. But all of his questions could be answered after tending to the man. It was obvious that he was not feeling well, after all.]

Is aught amiss? Here.

[He quickly adjusted the man to support him better, wrapping Hermes's arm around his neck as he tried to ease him to the nearest place to sit down. Sorry, Hermes. G'raha is short, so you may have to deal with the height difference for a moment.]

Have a seat.

Genesis Rhapsodos | Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII | TDM

[rhapsodyinred]

Spooky Stories

[Genesis stands over the cauldron, gesturing like a busker about to launch into a routine.]

My friends; gather and I will tell you a tale...

[He leans forward, bracing the heel of his boot against the rim.]

When the war of the beasts brings about the world's end
The goddess descends from the sky
Wings of light and dark spread afar
She guides us to bliss, her gift everlasting...

[The story he proceeds to tell is the story of three friends who travel to find the fabled "Gift of the Goddess". One friend is taken prisoner, one wanders and one becomes a hero.

Genesis tells the story with great passion and enthusiasm but without much care about his audience. It quickly becomes clear that he enjoys reciting the story more than being entertaining. Still, some might find he has a commanding presence anyway, even if he is wearing red cat ears.

If an audience sticks around then the smoke curling around the images of the three friends will form into writhing black tentacles of smog. Genesis doesn't notice, being too caught up in his story, but it's probably nothing to worry about.]

Narcissism

[Curiosity draws Genesis into the House of Mirrors. He drifts around the snug turns watching his reflection bounce off each surface in a mesmerizing swirl of red leather. It is a gold-rimmed mirror that draws his attention and as he stares into it he sees himself whole, healthy, and free of the degradation that plagues him in the waking world. He sees this image of himself at the head of an army, cutting down enemies by the thousands. He sees this version of himself standing shoulder to shoulder with a silver-haired man. He sees statues in his honor.

And he can't stop staring, which may be a problem as he's standing in a tight corner.]

Dream or Nightmare?
 

[Sometimes while exploring the House of Mirrors, Genesis encounters people gazing into dream-like images swirling upon the glass.

He walks up to stand beside them.]

You seem to have a lot on your mind.

spooky stories

[sefirot]

[Sephiroth recognizes that voice and somehow the story, though now he wouldn't be able to recite anything back. But the tone, the dramatics, everything about this is familiar. Even if the memories of the time before are gone, the feelings linger on.

Which is unfortunate.

While Genesis tells the tale of Loveless, Sephiroth stays back in the shadows, watching. Waiting. Wondering if this irritating sense of familiarity will fade. Oh, he does remember him at the reactor. This is the one who directed him on the path to the truth.

At the end he finally approaches, coming up from behind like some sort of silver haired shadow.]

I suppose I should thank you. Your words lead me to her.

Maribel Hearn | Touhou | TDM

[doctorlatency]

1. Costume

[Maribel found herself dressed in the garb of a princess of old. Usually reserved, she now seems just a little arrogant, with her nose turned up and an air of superiority to her walk.]

Excuse me? You're in my way.

[She said with a roll of her eyes.]

2. Brooms

[In her long dress and mobcap Maribel looked the part of a spellcaster as she seated herself on a broom. She first looks around her for any other people who might be ready to take off at the same time as her. As she speaks her voice is a bit shakey, like a child about to go on a rollercoaster for the first time.]

This is my first time doing something like this, but I'm sure it'll be safe, right?

3. Downtime

[Maribel, tired from her day at the carnival, could be found sitting by herself in an attempt to catch her breath.]

Najaran | Culdcept | OTA

[najaran]

I.A. Costumes

Najaran had no clue what these costumes were for, and kept turning them over in her hands. Especially the fake elf ears she had been handed. "Are these.. for some sort of mission?"

I.D. Apples

Najaran had, of course, been trying to pack up a bunch of apples into her lunchboxes. For her friends and for later. But she had started eating them as she went and now...

Now she was floating above a mess of spilled slices of caramel apples and over turned lunchboxes, trying desperately to find something to grab onto, to pull herself back down.

She would have summoned her Card to help, but was afraid that they were too big and someone might get hurt.

I.D. Brooms

"WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!"

Well, at least someone was having fun when the brooms escaped the Carousel. A large rideable flying dinosaur/dragon hybrid was doing barrel rolls around her.

I.E. Dreams Or Nightmares (Warning, old man image has some minor body horror/eye squick)

Najaran had been examining the mirrors, trailing her finger across them as she got lost over and over again. Then she found one mirror that she was sure she hadn't seen before. Because it didn't seem to be a mirror. More like a doorway. But what it was a doorway too seemed... impossible.

Inside a Young elfin woman was offering her hand to Najaran. "Come, Mistral... we're all waiting for you."

Behind her were a number of other people, waiting and beckoning. one group was surrounded by Woodfolk and smiling brightly. And then there was an old man with sealed eyes. He was holding out a man headed cane to her. "You left Goligan behind, Najaran? Really? Perhaps you need more training.

And with them were friends she had met in her time on the Train. Duo Maxell, both of him. Esteban. Leia Organa, the closest thing she ever had to a mom. Mina the Hedgehog. So many many people.

All alive. All okay.

"Hey, guess what," the blond human woman with the ponytail from the first group called. "We were able to figure out how to double back, saved those people from the world eaters."

"Yes," the elf said. "And they are waiting as well." Her eyes filled. "You truly are the Mistral of legend.. and my friend."

Overjoyed, Najaran rushed in as the crowd behind the elf seemed to grow and grow. She threw herself at these people and was passed around for hugs, clinging to the man headed cane from hug to hug as soon as she got to him, her own eyes running with tears of joy.


II. Creatures

Najaran will, because she is Najaran, try to befriend each of the monsters she encounters. But when attacked, she fights back. And it is almost scary how easily she handles most of them. Any candy corn thrown at her, she eats. And her own Creatures make short work of most of the creatures that attack her.

But after a while, she's out of Cards that she can use in such close quarters that weren't exhausted. All except one. And she was cornered by a large quantity of Skeletons. The spiders had learned to avoid her at least.

But that one Card... She held it as she backed up further... "I'm not supposed to use my spells... so maybe you can come back after everyone's rested...?"

II.D.Candy Corn Golom

After trying to befriend the creature, and discovering she couldn't....

Najaran had a special way to fight this foe; and one might come across her as she was finished off eating the last little bit of it, candy corn all over her face, along with a contented smile...