{ 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

[starshower]

[Once more, there's something odd about everything he says, and even stranger that he wouldn't try to shove her away and refuse her help as people like him tend to do, and her brow pinches in that confusion before she hears the whirring and scraping of the chainsaw in short spurts, as if Steve is taunting them.]

Dreamotion. [That's all the answer he'll get.] You're just gonna have to trust me.

[Words she never thought she'd say to Rufus Shinra.

Nor did she expect to grab him by his wrist and lift his hand so that the nougat is closer to his mouth, and she is ready to stuff it right in there if he doesn't do it himself!]

[bloomingwisdom]

[ It made sense that they wouldn't cause physical harm, as normally in a dream, there was no physical body to harm. This world was slightly different, but it seemed some things remained the same. ]

Then the nature of the wounds that are treated would merely change to suit the needs of this world.

[ Nahida turns back to the vampring, which seems to have tired itself out and has momentarily stopped struggling. ]

As far as I've observed, this creature isn't capable of launching long-distance attacks of any sort. It may require physical contact to inflict a wound.

[bloomingwisdom]

[ An acknowledgement of recognition. Nahida smiles at Ei. It's a hesitant one, somber, heavy with the weight of hundreds of years should be between them, and yet aren't. It's still a weight, regardless. ]

Your prowess with the blade hasn't diminished in the least.

[ Not that she truly remembers, but she's heard enough. Seen enough, through Irminsul, to know that Ei hasn't lost her touch.

She takes a step forward—an invitation to the Electro Archon, to connect once more and refamiliarize themselves with each other. ]

[bloomingwisdom]

[ This definitely normal child is listening attentively, absorbing all the information he gives out contemplatively. Dreamotion... so this was the name of the energy that was replicating the appearance and behaviour of her abilities. She had, as the Archon most familiar with dreams, instantly recognized the difference immediately, but she hadn't known the name until now. And based on the description Kratos was providing, to call it something similar to Jnana energy had been apt.

What comes next is something Nahida is less familiar with. Reverein, the Wildlands and the Wastelands. Now she finally has the beginnings of the layout of this dream world. ]

How are the creatures of the Wastelands dangerous?

[ The curious, wide-eyed look she gives him definitely looks like an expression a very normal child would make. ]

[holdshisown]

"That sounds like a good idea..." he says, because talking helps a bit as well. It helps to keep him in the here and now, grounding him in the present instead of letting his thoughts float away into the past. "I hope most people don't have as extreme a reaction as I've had."

[holdshisown]

"Anything, really..." anything to keep him from floating away into memories of the past. "How have you been since last we met, my friend? What have you been up to?"

[herewardbound]

"I... see. I'm impressed that cybernetics are so advanced, where you're from. It's very much in its infancy, in my experience."

He lowered the gun. "Well, at least it seems like it's only an image. I suppose I can see why a musician would have a distaste for the corporate aesthetic."

[holdshisown]

[Really, as long as the thing is ignored he doesn't really care about the why of it. He hates it, hates it's stupid arrogant expression and hates how it knows just which insecurities he'd least want it to bring up.

I mean, it's not like you haven't done it before. Violence always come so easy for you, you only ever just pretend it doesn't. It smiles slyly as if it knows a secret he doesn't. I think you rather like it, honestly.

It's not true, not true at all... but it was something he feared could be true.]

Unfortunately that seems to be the truth... a rather cruel thing to set up, honestly. It doesn't seem like a thing that will garner a good reaction from most people.

[You've always been good at turning a blind eye to what you don't want to acknowledge.

He clenches his fist hard enough to draw blood but his face turns into a blank mask at the reflections words before he nods at Azula's suggestion to leave.]

I think that would be for the best.

[songbird_slayer]

Oho...? I wasn't aware you wished to be bullied and bonked. Duly noted for another time.

[She saluted and... sheesh, where does she even start? She set off and tried to think kittycat thoughts. Cat nerd. Cat nerd. Wavelengths. Where would he wander to first...? Perhaps something involving stories. She remembered folk sharing ghost stories!]

[ambitiousblond]

[There is only a moment of consideration as he looks at her but it's because Rufus does have some trust in her that he finally eats the candy though she didn't seem to be giving him much of a choice.

If she wanted him dead she wouldn't have to poison, anyway.]

Let's do this then.

[Not that Steve was going to give them much of a choice as the skeleton rounds the corner, revving the chainsaw as it spots them.]

[not_42]

[So it was no coincidence then, given the man's reaction. Interesting... He smiled slightly.]

I could ask the same of you. But for me, it was Elpis. I was in my quarters going over some research notes; it was all fairly routine, so my mind began to wander a bit. That's when I found myself in this place.

[10billionpercent]

Of course I am! What kind of a question is that?

[ He definitely, definitely is not. Come on, just let him leave the house of mirrors and cause mischief. ]

[whatsamada]

Because we are in a place filled with mirrors. Mirrors reflect an image of yourself back to you and can take your form sometimes.

[He said with a pause as he remembered going through a similar ordeal.]

How do I know if you really are who you are?

[wwtd]

[ what could POSSIBLY be getting him hot and bothered!!

has she been having fun? in the bouts of downtime between each unfortunate event, she has been smiling. and laughing. being swung around was fun. riding the broom was amazing!! before she fell off. the paintball game was fun, too. eating the funnel cakes. sharing food was... also kinda fun. ]

Yeah. I've been having fun too, Yato. [ upon realizing that, she smiles again.

HE ALREADY TRIED ON A HIGH SCHOOL UNIFORM WHEN HE POSSESSED HER BODY. HE JUST WANTS TO WEAR HER CLOTHES FOR SOME UNFATHOMABLE REASON SHE DOESN'T GET.

he brought them here because he thought she was cold. well, certainly not in hER FACE. that's red and hot. or their hands. or in her chest where a warm fuzziness wedges itself in. ]

O, oh.

[ that was... really thoughtful... ] Okay. Um. Just the, um, pumpkin spice latte.

[ JUST NEED YOGA PANTS AND UGGS. ]

[crouching_sin]

Would that I could!

[He laughed a little bit, leaning back slightly. As much as he wanted to get in this person's space he had a sense that it wouldn't go over well. He also wasn't eager to figure out what happened if he died in this dream.]

But instead I'm cursed to reincarnate with all of my memories. And yes, I've tried everything I could. The last option is to kill the one who cast the curse, but... heh. That's a tall order considering the power difference.

[crouching_sin]

It's a matter of acquiring parts. Though maybe I should talk to mister Radio Demon himself and dsee if he's got any lying around. I'm sure he's got some failed prototypes that he wouldn't mind someone taking...

[Unless he got it right the first time? But he's pretty sure that even a demon can't make things work perfectly all the time.]

[10billionpercent]

[ He doesn't pay Nico much attention, he's too busy seeking out victims for his prankster ways. Admittedly it's very low level annoyances, but all the same.

It upsets people and it's making their emotions affect the setting. He's not that quick though, easily distracted. Every so often Nico might catch a reflection in Senku's back, for a moment. ]

[10billionpercent]

[ This place remains very silly. At first it looks like Sandalphon's intervention is enough but sure enough he starts floating again. Slowly, but the effect is still there.

There is someone around giving out weird apples like it's a normal thing. And often it is, there are usually stalls or vendors.

This one just happens to be full of mischief. ]

[10billionpercent]

That's easy. You take me outside and I'll prove it to you.

[ This is definitely not a trick at all. ]

[intertwinedfates]

[Certainly not them holding hands!!

Hearing that she has been enjoying herself despite all the mishaps and such leaves Yato smiling in relief. He wouldn't have blamed Hiyori for leaning towards not enjoying herself due to everything that's happened. Like almost falling to her doom.]

Ah, that's great...!

[IT LETS HIM BE CLOSER TO HER AND IT SMELLS NICE LIKE HER AND THEY'RE SOFT AND--

And he can't tell the difference between her flushed face being caused by a chill or emotions running high. So better safe than sorry, he figures. Besides, drinks are yummy too!

To the booth attendant he places their order, still smiling smiling smiling away in contentment. Once served, he hands Hiyori her latte, taking his own cider for himself and sipping on it. Mmm~ Delicious tart spiciness!]

Here you go! Let me know how it tastes, okay?

[Hiyori would rock yoga pants and Uggs, no lie.]

[intertwinedfates]

[...ah.]

Y-Yeah... I don't doubt that. Gods can perish, after all.

[sagesurvivor]

[Kratos is kinder in this than Sheik thinks he would be, were their roles reversed, though perhaps Kratos himself would disagree with that particular adjective. He can't help imagining how defensive, how desperate would he be in the other man's shoes— even now, his brow furrows as the doppelganger speaks up once more, his jaw clenching as he resists the urge to whirl around and acknowledge it directly.

... Perhaps because the things the mirror says don't sound all that far off from things he's heard in his own voice, in the dark, quiet moments of the past seven years, when he's had naught but his own thoughts for company. He doesn't say as much, of course, but the silent silhouette at his back does react, turning its head at the word coward to look over its shoulder, a blue, stylized and unblinking eye the only feature standing out against the white void of its being.]

And yet it does not speak the only truth, now, does it? There are reasons you have chosen a path contrary to the one it wishes for you–– reasons you have weighed against the surrender it speaks of and found worthy enough to continue struggling for. Am I wrong?

[Failure is a thing he understands well, and the weight of that knowledge burdens him like an iron cloak. ... But giving up? Unconscionable. Such a thing only serves to guarantee one will fail. Sheik cocks his head, a silent challenge to deny him in his eyes as he observes the taller man.]

Until such nuance has been shown to me, I'm afraid I must reserve the right to distribute my kindness and my breath as I see fit, regardless of outside opinions on how they should be used. [so shut up mirror that's not your choice to make—]

The House of Mirrors

[holdshisown]

Maedhros has been wandering about the carnival observing the goings-on with slightly bemused confusion. They are so very different than the celebrations his own people were wont to hold. He is a bit surprised to come across a familiar face during his wanderings, surprised but pleased.

"Well met again, my young friend," he calls out to the boy with a slight smile on his face.

[chocobosnap]

[ Once they rescue all the poor souls who have been thrown around off the ride, Prompto groans. ]

I never want to go on a carnival ride again.

[ He means that...for now. ]

[senorita_perfecta]

“I hope so as well. The apples shouldn’t be giving everyone a weird time by unleashing random effects onto us. I have no idea as to why they thought it was a good idea to include whatever strange and unknown ingredient into the apples or the caramel.”

She is hoping that the apples she has gotten from the booth earlier wouldn’t try to give her a hard time either.