{ 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

[wwtd]

[ not the Yato Wink™: the sign that everything is going to be okay

hiyori seems to come to that realization, too. it's better that yato takes care of this guy now so that nobody else can get hurt from it. with that in mind, she's able to give him a small but nervous smile back.

something just... isn't quite sitting right. why? what is it? ]

Sounds good. [ with a small nod, she steps back to give him space and then clenches a fist at him. any worries are moved aside. ] But you've got this. Take him out, God of Fortune, Yatogami!

[intertwinedfates]

You got it, Hiyori!

[Leaping back out into the fray, he gets right back at it, slashing with more force than last time and now able to take out chunks of his candy opponent. First he starts with the arms, dodging as the blows fall to either side of him, allowing him to shorten their reach piece by (delicious) piece.

From there he moves on to the legs, whirling about in a dance that keeps him from being stepped on while bringing him in close enough to remove an entire leg as the creature goes to belch more candy goop on him, missing him entirely this time.

He's almost to the finish line when suddenly his sword flickers and he stumbles, flailing backwards several feet, overcome by a sudden weakness.]

Whoa--! What gives?!

[wwtd]

[ watching yato fight is like witnessing a completely different person -- er, god. she's not an expert in swordplay, but it's impressive even to her untrained eye. every movement is fluid. it's a relief to see how easily he dodges, and that he's actually doing some damage on the golem now! look at those delicious chunks!!

he's got this. easy. whatever that feeling was in her gut? there was no reason for it in the end. ]

H-hey... Yato...?

[ spoke too soon. hiyori watches with something like horror on her face as he staggers back and becomes distracted with something. pay attention. pay attention! one of those fists is raising up. it'll smash him. ]

SUSHI ROOOOLLLLL KICK!!

[ hiyori's already leaping in.

maybe it won't cause that much damage, but it'll change the trajectory so yato has time to get out of the way. her foot connects loudly, a resounding thud, and knocks the beast off balance. just enough for that fist to go flailing instead of barreling down. ]

[intertwinedfates]

[Stumbling back several more feet, Yato can only stare in disbelief as the giant candy corn fist comes hurtling towards him, ready to at least knock him unconscious if not off him entirely. Can he be killed here? Now's a little late to be pondering that question.

But just as it's about to connect a pink blur flies in from the side with some kind of edible war cry - oh, it's Hiyori - saving his skin again. In that moment he forces his legs to cooperate, rolling himself out of the way of the oncoming attack only seconds before it lands.

Sprawled out on the ground, he peers up at the two combatants in a daze before pulling himself upright with an immense amount of effort. Then, beckoning towards Hiyori, he reaches out a hand, signaling her.]

Lil' help might not go amiss, here...

[wwtd]

[ hiyori lands on her nimble half-phantom feet and stares at the chunk her foot took out of its fist, in awe of herself. what she's able to do when she's in her spirit form never fails to amaze her at times. at least until she remembers they're in danger. both of them.

his voice cuts through the adrenaline in her veins and she turns towards him, darting over.

instead of telling him oh, now you want my help like she hAS EVERY RIGHT TO DO (but she is by no means petty enough for), she grasps yato's outreaching hand tightly and goes running, pulling him along with her. like running for real. not just around the corner but AWAY until they can regroup.

they are fucking OUT OF HERE. this is so beyond her. ]

We have to go, we have to go, we have to go.

[ he can practice on the LITTLE GUYS and go up from there. when you're playing a video game, you don't go to fight the boss with starter gear, okay!?

YOU FIGHT SLIMES, YATO. ]

[intertwinedfates]

Going, going, going...!

[For once grateful to Hiyori for sticking her nose into things, Yato willingly allows himself to be dragged along, her energetic strength propelling him forward as he continues to feel like his own is flagging. By the time they're well out of range - like damn near close to the exit of the labyrinth - his legs are jelly and force him to stagger to a halt, one hand bracing against a wall as he leans over, breathing heavily.

Turning, he plants his back against the wall, allowing himself to slide down it into a crouching position as he just focuses on breathing.]

O-Okay... Maybe that... wasn't one of my... better ideas.

[He admits in between gasps, head hanging down between his legs as though he's been scolded. After a minute, he glances up at Hiyori with a wry smile on his face.]

Guess I owe you again, huh?

[In his defense, he did start with the smaller creatures; that's how he managed to work up to manifesting a proper sword. It just... didn't go to plan. How was he to know it had some weird attack like that??]

[wwtd]

[ yato's hand slipping out of hers (SWEATY) instantly has hiyori slowing and doubling back. she's panting too as yato slides down the wall and his head hangs down, over his knees.

you think?! she wants to snap but bites her lip because he already seems plenty repentant for his bad decisions. when he looks up, the concern is writ plainly across her face.

not often does she see yato in a state like this. most of the time, he's an unstoppable force. for being a god nobody knows about, he's incredibly powerful. it has to be frustrating for him... to suddenly not be.

and reminding him of that fact won't help. once she catches her breath, hiyori moves to crouch in front of him. ]

Who's keeping score? [ she tries to joke, lips twitching up in a small and brief smile. at least he's okay. ]

... What happened? [ her eyes are drawn to his leg and the mess clinging to his boot and pants. ]

[intertwinedfates]

[With Hiyori's concern for him so clear, he can't help feeling a bit touched by it, bringing the hint of a smile to his face. He really screwed up this time, huh? Not only did he almost get his own ass kicked, he came damn close to endangering her as well. And that he can't forgive himself for. Ducking his head to avoid her gaze, he glances off to the side.]

I am. I'll make it up to you.

[Preferably by not getting them into so much trouble next time. ...next time. Heh. Already he's preparing for his next fight when he only made it out of this one thanks to Hiyori. Shaking his head at himself, he raises his eyes to meet hers again, wiping the sweat from his brow.]

I dunno. One moment I was surging with energy and next it was like... nothing. It was all gone. Drained out of me somehow. Unless--

[He reaches down, picking at the dried candy gunk on his leg and scowling. That has to be it. It's the only answer.]

[wwtd]

[ there's probably no way of convincing him that he doesn't have to make it up to her, huh?

a way he can make it up to her is not to put himself in unnecessary danger. meanwhile, hiyori: CONSTANTLY PUTS HERSELF IN DANGER WITHOUT REALIZING IT.

following his line of thought, her attention is drawn back to his leg. ]

This came from the monster, right? Maybe it's like blight? It drains you. [ the affliction seems like it's affecting him the same way. he's all doubled over and tired after running while she feels completely fit and fine. ]

... Uummm, f-funnily enough! Water gets rid of candy that's stuck to clothes. It dissolves the sugars...

[intertwinedfates]

[None whatsoever once he's decided on something. But man, what a pair they make. Couple of haphazard idiots, that's them. THOUGH HE HAS MORE LEEWAY WHEN IT COMES TO DANGER, BEING A GOD AND ALL.

He tries flexing his encrusted leg, finding the candy coating is restricting his movements somewhat.]

Huh... You know, you might be on to something with both your assessments. Wonder if we can find a spring or such nearby to test your theory.

[Having had enough rest for now, he hauls himself to his feet, wobbling slightly before regaining his footing proper. Yeah, that damn attack definitely did a number to his energy, that's for sure. There's no way he'd be this tired from simply fighting.]

The next question becomes how to counteract its effects if that doesn't solve the issue. But first thing's first. Water!

[wwtd]

[ NOT BY MUCH, APPARENTLY.

if only her sharp half-ayakashi nose was good for searching for things OTHER than the pleasant scent of those of the far shore. one day, she won't be able to keep it a secret anymore. for as long as yato and anybody lets her though, the reason she can track him down is going to remain a secret.

hiyori hovers around like a mother hen, hands shooting out and prepared to steady him as he wobbles. she sighs once it's clear he's... fine. relatively. ]

Where did I see water... [ think think think. c'mon memory. ]

The bathhouse!! At the carnival, I heard someone talking about a bathhouse!

[intertwinedfates]

[OUCH. RIGHT WHERE IT SMARTS.

It says a lot about Yato's state that he's almost ready to grab her by the hand for assistance until he's sure he's stable. Then he lets it drop back down to his side like it was nothing, standing tall if slightly wobbly as he gives a reassuring smile. He's fine, Hiyori.

His eyes light up at the mention of the bathhouse, though. Of course...!]

Alright then! Shall we head off in search of this place? Now that you mention it, I don't think it's too far from here.

[wwtd]

[ KEEPIN' IT REAL.

wobbliness says otherwise, but she won't fight him on it. besides, she'll make sure he's fine herself. they'll head over to the bathhouse to get rid of that candy and he'll be as good as ever.

with a goal in mind (and none-the-wiser to what awaits them) she feels better about... all of this. ]

Really? That's perfect, then!! We just have to get out of here, first.

[ how do they do that. she looking around but, I mean, it's a labyrinth. this place is a maze. and hiyori has a bit of a one-track (pun intended) mind when she looks for yato. ]

Um. So. Where's... the exit?

1/2

[intertwinedfates]

[REALLY PAINFUL.

As Yato starts off in one direction, Hiyori's question hits him. He had been paying attention to how he got in when he was accosted by the Grand High Viscount, but during their escape he was too out of it to focus on anything but getting his legs to cooperate.

Meaning...]

......

2/2

[intertwinedfates]

I haven't got a clue.

[JUST END HIM]

[wwtd]

[ why is he like this

she can't end him she just did a lot to find him and KEEP HIM ALIVE, ok!! ]

SO WE'RE STUCK IN HERE?!

[ hiyori please you will attract the monsters ]

[intertwinedfates]

[Well, they could always go back to where the candy corn monster was and start from there??

Though even he's not keen on that idea.]

There's no need to panic yet! We haven't even tried to get out! Here--

[He whirls around, opening a nearby door -- revealing a skeleton that starts lumbering towards them.]

GYAAAAAAAA!!

[wwtd]

GYAAAAAAAA!!

[ while screaming with yato, she kicks the skeleton in the chest and slams the door shut before leaning against it.

thuds come from the other side. like it is using its bony body to try and break the door down. but it's not working. it's a skeleton. zero force. ]

D-don't just open doors randomly!? At least knock!

[ hiyori......... ]

[intertwinedfates]

And wait for an answer?!

[Plastering himself to the door to help keep it closed, he sniffs. This is so not going according to plan...

--THUD THUD--

Sounds like their skeleton friend wants to come out and play...]

What do we do?! Hiyori~!

[wwtd]

But if someone answered, we would know it was occupied!!

[ does anything go to plan with them? ever??

nobody is home, skeleton-san, go AWAY.

-- THUD! THUD! --

the door is starting to shake a bit more. there's only one thing they can do. hiyori adopts a very serious expression as they both lean to keep the monster out nods at him. trying to convey the message without speaking as she reaches for one of his hands.

run. ]

[intertwinedfates]

R-Right--!

[Not at the moment, it seems...

As the door continues to shake and thump against them, Yato nods back, hopefully getting the message correct. Grasping her hand, he pushes off of the door and hauls ass in the opposite direction as the pounding grows louder behind them.

There's a crashing sound as the skeleton finally breaks down the door and not long after a rubber bone goes hurtling past their heads, followed by another that nails Yato squarely in the back of his head and makes him stumble.]

Yeouch!

[wwtd]

[ ]

Please stoooop throwing thiiiiings!!

[ a couple of femurs go flying over her head, too. narrowly missing beaming her in the back of the head. she dodges another one by swerving into yato, nearly running into him as they sprint down one of the longer maze hallways. because of course, it is. ]

At least I can't drop my body this time?!

[ SHE ALREADY DROPPED IT. ]

[intertwinedfates]

I don't think asking it is going to work...!

[As Hiyori almost crashes into him, he stumbles, but quickly regains his footing. Glancing back at the skeleton that's still following them, he swipes at another bone that comes close to hitting her, knocking it clear so that it bounces along the ground.

...wait, bounces?

No-- double wait, what's that about her body?]

Where is your body, anyway?!

[If it's in this damn labyrinth, then how the hell are they ever going to be able to find it?!]

[wwtd]

I still wanted to try!!

[ there's no chance to stumble. if yato goes down, so does she. their hands are still locked together. which, HONESTLY, has made running a bit of an ordeal, too.

WHY IS SHE EVEN HOLDING HIS HAND WHY ]

I--!! [ oh crap. oh no, don't kill her. ]

I-I-I-I-I don't remember!?

[intertwinedfates]

[OH FOR THE LOVE OF--

At that Yato comes to a screeching halt, dragging Hiyori to a stop along with him by hanging onto her hand. Once they're completely stopped he lets go, whirling around to face their stalker.]

You don't know?! Then we can't just keep running around! We have to find you! And as for you--

[He glares at the skeleton, forming another sword in his hand.]

--I've had enough of you!

[Dashing forward, he slashes at the skeleton, sending its bones scattering about the corridor in a bouncy fashion. Seems that the thing was made not of actual bone, but of rubber.]