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dreamposts ([personal profile] dreamposts) wrote in [community profile] songerein2023-12-15 12:59 pm

{ frozen nightmare }




FROZEN NIGHTMARE


On the morning after Christmas, December 26th, everyone will awaken to dark clouds that have come in overnight, or how the snow keeps falling and falling and falling throughout the entire day…and the next until it's less snow and now a blizzard of sleet and hail, threatening to freeze over not only Reverein, but to the lands beyond, including Dragefjell, dragon island. Everyone is forced to take shelter inside, and while some dare to go out, it's dangerous.

On the fourth day, before people really start going mad, strange messages written in frost will appear on their windows:

hElp
mAd
qUeEn

Not ominous at all. Nor is how everyone will suddenly fall asleep and awaken in a strange dreamscape, with a young man floating in front of them. Well, what looks like a young man. He's a bit… Fragmented, his entire body made of shards of ice. He will be the one to help explain the situation: his name is Jack Frost, and the Ice Queen has succumbed to some nightmare he can't wake her from. He needs their help to figure out the cause of her nightmares and free her. They must traverse through a strange candy land to reach the ice mountain the Ice Queen is currently in. Unfortunately, he doesn't have enough power left to do more than appear like this, so it's up to the Dreamwalkers to save the day. Again.


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 December and will remain in Songerein from anytime in December. TDM only characters can only thread within this log. Anyone who apps in and is accepted will have their character count December 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 December 25th and Applications will open on January 1st. Our application cycles are bi-monthly so the next cycle after won't be until March.

TDM Toplevel Link Directory (click to view)
Ace Attorney - Simon Keyes
Amazing Digital Circus - Pomni
Final Fantasy XIV - Hermes
Genshin Impact - Furina de Fontaine
Genshin Impact - Nahida
Genshin Impact - Paimon
In Stars and Time - Siffrin
Legend of Zelda: Link Between Worlds - Ravio
Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time - Malon
Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword - Fi
Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom - Mineru
Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom - Purah
Limbus Company - Dante
Miraculous Ladybug - Gabriel Agreste
Undertale - Frisk


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. REVEREIN


A. Stuck Indoors. Upon waking, anyone who looks out the window will see that everything outside is frozen solid. There was a terrible blizzard the night before, and it left Reverein an icy wonderland. It's beautiful, but freezing cold and potentially deadly. But the real challenge will be trying to prevent cabin fever as the days go on. Perhaps some games over the journals could help stave off boredom. There will also be shelters quickly made for those who need better living arrangements, and various games and food will be provided for those in need as well.

B. Outdoor Help. Due to the sudden nature of the blizzard, not everyone was able to find shelter, especially those who were out in the Wildlands which have also been hit by the blizzard. Those able may need to try and help rescue those caught outside.
⛑️ Rescue efforts. Not everyone made it out of the blizzard safely, either entirely by coincidence or due to sheer stubbornness. These people are stuck outside frozen and need help being taken to safety. Thaw them out and bring them inside!
🐿️ Animal help. There are little critters, too–ones that didn't get back to their own homes in time. Don't overlook the littlest residents of Reverein, because they need help, too.
Snowman aid. The snowmen that popped up during the previous weeks will help assist those who may need it. For a brief time they can create a little barrier around the individual, stopping some of the cold, and will even hop over to give anyone stuck their own scarves, mittens, and hats should they have any.


C. Delivering Heat. While dreamotion can help keep the hearths warm, there are more efficient ways to keep the heat through fire cores. Orkili has also sent word that they will send heating devices, and the dragons will also make the flight down to help replenish stocks so everyone can stay warm for as long as this mysterious blizzard lasts. Now the question is, how to deliver everything.
🎿 Braving the cold. The most direct way to try and get anywhere is to venture outside, but that can be a risk in itself. Those who try should bundle up! Those who can use either ice dreamotion to control the cold, or fire to help generate heat, will be best suited for this.
🚧 Tunnel system. The gnomes will try to clear some entrances to allow anyone stuck outside or trying to travel around a way to do so safely through the crystal tunnels that sprawl beneath Reverein. However, other creatures have also fled to the warmer caverns so beware. Some are just as frightened and will be harmless, but others will be aggressive for the same reasons.
⛏️ Stuck sandworm. The Orkilins were already working to create a connection between Orkili and Reverein via underground tunnel system. The blizzard has hastened this endeavor, which unfortunately means a rushed job that leads to the sandworm crashing through one of the crystal walls and becoming stuck, with the gnomes not happy. Help dig it out! In the meantime, others can work to deliver the heating devices it carries to those who need it.
🐉 Thawing dragons. Unfortunately, even the mighty dragons will succumb to the might of the blizzard, their wings freezing over as they try to fly down. Since they can't really burn themselves, they'll need someone else to use their dreamotion or some other means to help them out. However, they may be grateful enough to just stay around and help keep things warm with their dragon flame along with the fire cores they carry.


D. Ice Elementals. As the sun sets, a rumble disturbs the quiet of the snow that blankets Reverein. Two enormous ice elementals have appeared on opposite sides of the city, and they are determined to smash their way through the town. They stand five stories tall, icy blocks of fists can send anyone and anything flying, and their frigid breath can leave people encased in ice in seconds. They're tough, but not impossible to take down, especially with a group. Party up and beat these things back!
🔥 Flamethrowers. The Orkilins that arrived to help already had some flamethrowers packed to help get rid of the snow, and they are now allowing those facing the elementals to use it against them. The power will increase by those who are capable of using fire dreamotion.
🧊 Ice against ice. Those who can use ice dreamotion can try to manipulate or control either the ice elementals themselves or their attacks. It will only be a brief time, less than a minute, but even that much might be enough to provide openings!
🦵 Aim for the knees! Due to their towering size, aiming low may serve better than trying to go high. Destroy their legs, and they will topple over. However, they can slowly regenerate, so act fast!

II. CANDYLAND


Welcome to Candyland! Everything here is wintry and sweet, and so is everyone else. Upon awakening in this dreamscape, everyone will find themselves transformed to match. Perhaps drastically changed into a unicorn in any combination of colors and sparkles, or part of the winter landscape as an ice sprite, with forms varying from cute pixies to elegant fairies to blocky ice creatures. Some may find themselves mostly the same, but made out of candy. All abilities can be called upon and new ones based on their form can be developed. But those who usually use weapons may find them changed to match their form and setting. Those who turned into unicorns, well—horns and hooves count as weapons, right?

The Ugly Get-Along sweaters from town will also appear inside, which may make crossing through Candyland and the mountain ahead a bit more…interesting. But everyone must hurry through to reach the Ice Queen.

(Note: Players do not have to strictly follow die rolls and can select specific prompts or locations if they wish, but it is otherwise encouraged for more silliness and fun!)

A. Playing the Game. Traversal through Candyland is akin to a board game with some changes. Dreamwalkers must roll a large gummy die to determine what color square they must move to. (Number corresponds to position on the list, ie 1 = red, 2 = orange, etc). Simple enough, but there's a catch–each color space has an effect, and they are unfortunately at the whims of the board. Only after the effect is enacted can they roll again and keep moving forward. The effects will be strongest on the square and can last for a little while even after moving from the square. (Note: rolls are going to mostly be for the individual character for ease of meeting others on the board, however the die may randomly decide to be used for the group for a few turns.)
🟥 Combat alert! Here come the cherry bats–fight them off!
🟧 People can suddenly hear all unfiltered thoughts and they can't lie about them.
🟨 Oops! The first thing they touch is now stuck to them and can't be removed until either the next yellow square or until the end of the game.
🟩 Time for a little nap. No one's in a hurry, right? Go on, just lie down on that marshmallow bed and close those weary eyes for five minutes. (Or longer.)
🟦 They must eat five random flavors of jelly beans from a jar of every flavor possible. Pick a winner and see how well they do.
🟪 Everyone is suddenly slimed, causing their movements and speech to be sluggish as if in slow motion. This effect will last for a few squares.


B. Special Locations. Sometimes the die will suddenly shake and turn completely pink and change to an eight sided die. Players must now roll again and see which location they will be ported to. Each location will provide some kind of item or bonus that can be helpful for dealing with the frigid threats and dangers of the ice mountain. (IMPORTANT: A character can potentially go through all locations, but they are limited to two items or buffs gained. They can swap what they have as they progress, but they will still only end with two rewards gained from the locations.)
🌳 Gingerbread Plum Trees. Where Plumpy sits eating plums from his gingerbread trees. Help him collect some plums and in return he will let them take a small basket. Give these plums to anyone who is starting to freeze and they will immediately start to thaw.
🍬 Peppermint Forest. A snowy thicket of peppermint candy canes. Mr. Mint will ask those who arrive to help chop down the canes and will let them have one or two to turn into durable weapons to fight against the monsters of the mountain. Mr. Mint will also give them a handful of special peppermints that will help re-energize those who may be sluggish from the cold.
🏰 Licorice Castle. A black and red licorice castle with licorice bats. Help Lord Licorice clear the bats and he will reward with both red and black pieces of licorice. Red will burn for a long time, making it useful as a torch. Black is a risky one to eat due to its taste, but it will help warm one's belly—or give fire breath.
⛰️ Gumdrop Mountains. A shortcut to bring players closer to the mountains. Jolly will help guide them through and tell those who make it to mine all the gum drops they can, as they can be used as destructive explosives that can break through ice and walls.
🥜 Peanut Brittle House. A cottage made of peanut brittle with peanut plants growing outside. Gramma Nutt needs part of her house repaired by using a bucket of peanut butter and smearing chopped nuts over the broken patches. In return, she will give peanut brittle bombs that will explode and make everything sticky.
🍭 Lollipop Woods. A forest of rainbow lollipops resembling trees and easy to get lost in. Guide Princess Lolly out of this confusing forest by finding and following the swirling lollipops. Upon reaching the exit, Lolly will give them a special lollipop wand that will conjure a set of swirling portals that will allow those who go through to cross over short distances.
🍨 Ice Cream Sea. A bubbly ice cream sea where Queen Frostine resides. To pass through, they must build ice cream float boats or else swim through the sticky sea. At least it's tasty, and traversing through either by boat or swim will grant everyone an ice resistance buff that will last for half an hour upon entering the mountain. It has a long cooldown before it activates again.
🍯 Molasses Swamp. A swamp of molasses with brown popsicle plants guarded by Gloppy. Those who end up here will end up having to trudge through the sticky swamp, but collecting some could be useful to help slow or even trap hostile foes in the mountain.

Bonus: Liopleurodon. At random times, a strange creature will appear in the space Dreamwalkers are trying to get onto. It will only move if they can create a candy made of dreamotion and feed it. They have three attempts, and if they fail or the taste is not to its liking, the liopleurodon will knock them with its tail back several spaces or to a random location. If they are successful, however, then it will send them ahead several spaces. (Players will roll again to determine what space or location to use next.)


III. FROZEN MOUNTAIN


Should they manage to reach the end of the board, they will find themselves staring up a giant mountain. From the distance it looked like any other mountain, but closer inspection reveals that it, too, was once made of candy. However, it's all frozen over and instead of sweet, delicious delights, monstrous creatures lurk within its halls…including music that just continuously plays.

Transformations will remain, so this trek may prove challenging to some. Utilize the bonus buffs and items gained from the game to get through!

A. Don't Freeze. Forget about Jack Frost nipping at their noses, the chill from the mountain will constantly threaten to freeze everyone inside. They must work hard to keep warm, using dreamotion, positive thoughts, and other means to do so. Otherwise they risk freezing into a frozen statue and must be dethawed or they'll be kicked out of the dreamscape. Jack Frost will help by trying to drop random items that can be used for warmth: coats, gloves, scarves, blankets, torches, pocket heaters, hot water bottles. Hey, he's an ice spirit he can only do so much.

B. Monsters. There are numerous monsters and aggressive creatures that lurk through the halls of this frigid mountain. Fire is definitely the way to go, but any candy buffs and items received from the Candyland game will also drive them away. They apparently don't like sweets.
❄️ Ice elementals. Coming in all shapes and sizes, they will cast freezing magic and those caught in it will slowly start to freeze up. Gum drop bombs will destroy these quick, with the licorice, plums, and peppermints aiding those frozen. Those who are Ice sprites may be able to sneak past without being noticed.
🐻 Yetis. These large creatures will hurl giant snowballs. Counter with the peanut brittle bombs to hinder their movements. Those who are made of candy will deter yetis as they are not a fan of candy and will run away in fright.
🐐 Five-horned mountain goats. These goats will charge at anything they see and those horns are not something you want to get maimed with. Molasses will be great to slow them down. Those who are unicorns may find themselves with an admirer instead as the goats will find them quite lovely and enchanting.
🐍 Ice snake. One look from these white snakes will instantly freeze any caught in their gaze. The eyes on the ice surface will also cast the curse. Any of the Candyland items will be good against these, especially if they can cover the eyes, or use the lollipop portals to try and skip over them. Plums will be needed to rescue anyone caught. There is no transformation advantage.

C. Ice Mirrors. Made from frozen ice, the mirrors will reflect twisted visions of loss and abandonment. Loved ones suddenly leaving; homes in ruin or desolation; their own reflection in an empty void. Yet rather than despair, there will be a strange feeling of acceptance as the cold begins to wrap around them, as if it's better to be alone than to have things around them. Not only must the affected be pulled back, but the mirrors must be destroyed. Doing so will release a golden colored light that will fill a crystal chalice that will just mysteriously appear and disappear. The more lights captured, the fuller it will get.
🪞 Mirror effects. Those who stare into the ice for too long will be drawn towards it, and should they touch the surface they will begin to freeze over. They must be pulled back and warmed up both physically and convincing them of good things from their lives.
💥 Destroy the mirrors. Break the mirrors in any way possible. Dreamotion and Candyland items, especially gum drop bombs will work.

D. Ice Queen. Those who make it through the mountain halls and the mirrors will find the throne room where the Ice Queen sits. Right in the middle of her chest is a giant shard of glass stained black, the nightmare energy palpable even from the entrance. That's clearly the problem, and the solution? The crystal chalice will appear and Jack's voice will be heard urging them to somehow pour it over that shard. Getting there will, of course, be a challenge as the Queen herself will stir upon hearing Jack's voice and start shrieking like a banshee, creating an ice storm within the room and summoning beasts that must be fought. Physical attacks will be effective, but dreamotion and anything based on positive, warm emotions and ideas will also help, especially to stave off the intense nightmare energy that will be around. The lollipop portals will also be useful in traversing through the room, even if cast in mid-air.

wwtd: happy, blush (happy)

helga pls

[personal profile] wwtd 2023-12-17 10:52 am (UTC)(link)
[ hiyori blinks at her fist and where the inari disappeared to.

w-well, it was hers to do with what she wants? so if she wants to squish the small clay capyper, that's her prerogative. no problem, she has a ton.

this girl looks about yukine's age, though... maybe younger.

there's an attempt at a smile. ]


Y, yeah. Sometimes I want to, um, wake up, too. So to speak. But it's not all bad?
heartatsunder: (Hatred is blind; rage carries you away)

Helga YES (I am SO sorry)

[personal profile] heartatsunder 2023-12-18 05:26 am (UTC)(link)
["Sometimes"? Just "sometimes"? She squeezes her fist harder and replies through gritted teeth.]

Yeah, right. Maybe for you and your Happy God Yodagamer-whatever, it's all rainbows and eggnog parties, but some of us had lives, and some of us had friends, and some of us were just earning our deepest, innermost heart's desire, before it was ripped away like some screwy cultist sacrifice!

But sure, lady, keep telling me it's not. All. Bad.

[She's squeezing so hard now that the clay head is popping out from her mitten.]
wwtd: calm, serious (wet cat)

HELGA!!?? (yodagamer i'm)

[personal profile] wwtd 2023-12-18 07:04 am (UTC)(link)
[ just sometimes. but enough times.

hiyori lets her unleash all her loneliness and frustration. she's silent, brow furrowed as she watches this young girl and is again reminded of yukine.

before the ablution, he was just like this. angry and hurt because he thought he had nothing. no friends. no family. no life. everything was taken away from him.

this time, she won't make the same mistake. she inhales deep through her nose and straightens her shoulders. ]


I do have a life to get back to. I have friends that I want to see again. I want to go home to my family. I have dreams, goals that I want to make happen. I'm going to be a doctor.

[ stepping forward, hiyori gently tries to pry helga's fingers away from the inari. it's a crumpled-up mess. perhaps a representation of how this girl feels on the inside. ]

I miss them every day and I'm upset that this year I won't get to spend time with everyone, but I know I'll only end up hurting myself if I'm upset for too long. Christmas is an awful time to be away from those you care about, but... I don't think anyone would want me to be sad on a day like this.

There has to be someone you know that feels that way, too.
heartatsunder: (Boldness be my friend)

1/4 I think

[personal profile] heartatsunder 2023-12-18 09:28 am (UTC)(link)
[Her instinct is to take a step back when Hiyori comes closer. She's going to be a doctor, she says? Oh great, now she's a test-patient - not what she asked for today.

But she doesn't move when the mitten is opened up. The poor inari is all but flat in the middle with the blank stare of the capyper head seemingly alarmed as it's the only intact piece remaining. There's little but a pout from her as she sees the clay drop into the snow...]
heartatsunder: (The lady doth protest too much)

2/4

[personal profile] heartatsunder 2023-12-18 09:30 am (UTC)(link)
[...That is, until the future doctor continues.

I'll only end up hurting myself if I'm upset for too long.

Dr. Bliss said something similar to her: That even when she keeps her feelings secret, she can't bottle them up forever. She'll have to tell someone eventually...

But it's not fair, she shouldn't have to get friendly with the locals here. She should just be able to wake up and go back home to talk to-]
heartatsunder: (Nothing easier than flattery)

3/4

[personal profile] heartatsunder 2023-12-18 09:31 am (UTC)(link)
[There has to be someone you know that feels that way, too.

And just like that, there is Arnold, the majestic golden-haired angel. Would he want her to be sad, on Christmas Day, no less? Of course not, silly question.

"We'll have other Christmases, Helga. I promise."

He's just saying it in her head, but in this stupid dream world, it's real enough.]
heartatsunder: (Pain and suffering are always inevitable)

4/4 again I am sorry

[personal profile] heartatsunder 2023-12-18 09:32 am (UTC)(link)
I... [Her head is down, but the once-fist finally relaxes and she allows Hiyori to take her hand properly.] I guess not. It's just... how do you take it, when you don't know how long you'll be gone... I mean, what if they just move on without you...?
wwtd: happy, calm (prayge)

no don't be

[personal profile] wwtd 2023-12-18 12:37 pm (UTC)(link)
[ one hand in helga's, the other sets her bag down so she can crouch down and pick up the crushed clay christmas capyper from the snow.

ultimately, she smiles again but... there's a sadness to it. it's layered with blind hope and faith because hiyori's fear isn't that they'll move on without her. it's that she'll move on without even realizing she's doing so. she won't comprehend what she's losing while she does so until it's too late. it happened before.

she can't mean family. family doesn't just move on without you, do they? she must mean her friends.

or-- ]
They won't. When you're important to someone, they won't move on so easily. Right? [ there's a reassuring squeeze to the hand helga allows her to hold. ]

And I think... it's because I've met some genuinely kind people here who make it not so bad. I've made friends with others, so I have to make the most of the time I spend here with them, too.

Um, if you don't like the Capyper, it's okay. But I can fix it, if you give me some time, o-or give you another one?
heartatsunder: (A case where everything goes against you)

And then I disappear for two weeks haha whoops

[personal profile] heartatsunder 2023-12-30 09:25 am (UTC)(link)
[But what if he does move on? What if, now that he has his parents...?

No, she woke up his parents, he doesn't just forget stuff like that. She's technically only gone for a few minutes anyway, right? Not that it doesn't feel so much agonizingly longer for her...

Helga's suddenly aware of the fact that this girl is holding her hand like she's four, so she swiftly pulls it back, looking a little embarrassed as she mumbles just loud enough for Hiyori to hear:]
What's the point if you just forget everything when you wake up anyway?

[She then stares awkwardly at her squished Capyper in the snow before snatching it up like it's a precious heirloom.] H-hey, I'm not too good for your Capybara Playdoh token! It's just clay, so what? Besides, I can fix it, it's my mess, right?

[She attempts to prove it's doable by squishing the clay piece lengthwise, making it look less flattened and more like it got hit by a bus, before shoving it into her coat pocket. See, like brand new, it's fine!]
wwtd: calm, worry ((unsure))

IT'S OK!!! holidays are craycray lol

[personal profile] wwtd 2024-01-02 06:40 am (UTC)(link)
[ oh! there's some quick, rapid blinks that the hand in hers is suddenly gone but she doesn't comment. besides, that statement she makes about forgetting everything when she wakes up is...

is that true? sure, it's a "dream" but every dream isn't completely forgotten!

that's not fair. silently, she watches her try to fix it. she's glad she's not too good for it, at least. that she takes responsibility. it looks super sad, though. another one is pulled out of her bag and she offers it anyway. trade? ]


So, you said-- [ trying not to seem worried. TRYING to act like it's just some casual conversation. ] You said something like you'll forget everything when you wake up? How do you know?
heartatsunder: (No limits but the sky)

[personal profile] heartatsunder 2024-01-10 07:45 am (UTC)(link)
It-

[She hesitates. Technically, she doesn't know, she's really making an assumption, but she doesn't want to admit that.]

W-well, we're just "sleeping" here, right? No one remembers everything while they're asleep, they just remember whatever their brain decides to remember, and we're still sleeping even while we're here, so that adds another layer of... sleeping, dreaming-ness... and it can't all leak through when we're unconscious...

[Criminy, Phoebe would be so much better at explaining this than her, she's actually read about sleep patterns and junk.]

A-and for what we do remember, would we even believe it's real? It'll just look like a dream! And we'll just return to our normal lives like nothing ever happened.
wwtd: calm, sad (in THE EEEENDDDDd)

[personal profile] wwtd 2024-01-12 09:02 pm (UTC)(link)
[ helga doesn't know she's treaded upon a very touchy subject with hiyori. her memory. her fallible memory.

dreams are also beyond her scope of understanding but what she's saying is that she could forget everything in reverein. this moment, too. ]


I don't want to forget. [ it slips out before she can stop it, her voice small. for all hiyori's resolve before, she suddenly looks worried and tense. unsure.

if it were up to her, she would make her brain decide to remember everything. every moment from this long "dream". ]


... Even if that's the case, I don't want to pass the time here thinking I'll forget it all when it's over. [ she doesn't do it on earth. she can't do it here. ] That's no way to live.

[ that's almost like going through the days knowing, one day, she'll die. you're not living at all, believing that. suddenly, she looks up. back to looking VERY DETERMINED. ]

What do you like doing here?