songerein | { frozen nightmare }

Entry tags:

{ 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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[He waits for her, clearly struggling, and he can only shake his head because he cannot talk. Perhaps the sight of the ground melting beneath him could be a clue. So once she's there, he doesn't care about caution. Glue would be better than this.

So he just dunks his whole head in, guzzling down the cool, sweet "waters" of what turns out to be a vanilla milkshake.

So he'll be enjoying that lifting his head out just enough so he can breathe again, but otherwise will just let the milkshake flow through his open mouth.]

[She feels so bad... So, so bad for him... And while she does yelp when his head disappears into the milkshake river, she wraps her arms around his neck for a moment, nuzzling him in apology before she, too, is going in for a drink. It must be something good because he hasn't come back up sputtering yet, so she scoops some up into her hand and practically shoves her palm into her mouth to drink.

And then again... and again... until the taste is finally drowned out enough by the vanilla that she can actually talk properly.]

I'm sorry... [Cough cough, sputter, wheeze.] What flavours did I end up giving you...?

[Though, judging by the way the candy floor under him melts, she can wager a guess...]

[It's only after a while and drinking what feels like gallon of this milkshake does he finally feel his throat and mouth cooling enough that he can properly talk.]

...Spice... Hot sauce... Pepper...

[Those were all he could really make out other than fire.]

[She's still scooping out small handfuls of milkshake, and she would feel a lot more shame for doing this any other day, but...

But at his answer, she spits it all out in surprise, the milkshake trickling down her icy chin where it freezes over.]

Wait, all of those were different flavours? At the same time?

Yes...

[There's steam now coming out of his mouth, ears drooping as he takes another guzzle of milkshake.

Only after is he finally able to look at her better.]

What about...you?

[His voice still sounds hoarse (hah).]

I...

[A look of horror flashes across Tifa's milkshake-covered face, and she looks like she's just seen a ghost as she watches the steam rising from his mouth.]

I don't actually... know. First I tasted soap, and then... something worse. Bad eggs? Or... I have no idea. Pretty sure there was watermelon or something in there, but the one good one didn't do anything to help with the other four.

[He cringes at that, tail swishing before he stretches his head out to her.]

I'm sorry... Hopefully we don't have to do this... Again...

[But as he looks out the rest of the way to the mountains and the numerous blue squares that dot the path.... Ugh.]

[She shuffles over when he extends his neck to her, close enough that she can press her head against the side of his, a sigh brushing over his mane.]

Do you think it counted if we spat them out? Or will we have to try again?

[At least they know they have this milkshake river now???]

[.......

Please no.]

We'll run for it.

[Well. She's a bit surprised by that suggestion... she was ready to have to do it again, and one by one this time next to this river, but...

Tifa looks over one shoulder, and then the other before she lowers her voice...]

You really think that'll work?

No idea... But do you really want to try eating those damn things again?

No, I don't.

[That much she knows for sure.

And so, with a light pat to his head, she gets to her feet, giving one more light cough to try and get the taste out from the back of her throat. Her eyes dart around to make sure that no one is watching them.]

Should I get on your back again...?

[She definitely wouldn't be able to move as fast as he could, and if something were to happen, at least they would be together still?]

Yeah... Safer that way. And if something happens, you can run.

[Somehow this act of escaping has taken a strange serious turn.]

[And they are going to take it seriously... like the Power Couple that they are.]

Well, I'm not going to leave you behind...

[Tifa doesn't wait for him to lower himself this time, and she'll float up onto his back and settle herself in, holding onto his neck again just like she had before.]

But... ready when you are.

All right...

[He actually paws the ground with his right forehoof, shaking his head to clear the long forelock hanging over his right eye.]

Here we go!

[And he's going to CHAAARRGGEEEE towards the wall, head lowered as if he would pierce whatever may come at them with his horn first.]

[She holds on tight, already prepared for him to make a run for it as fast as these unicorn legs will carry him. And it is fast. So fast that she almost loses her grip when she looks elsewhere on the board, just a few blocks down, to someone attempting to do the same, and—

Shit. Oh, shit. Oh, no. Oh Shiva's frozen tits—]

Eustace, wait—!

[Just as he is coming up to the line that separates the blue square from the next one, she grabs a fistful of his mane in her hand in a panic, silently apologizing to him because this is the only way she can think of to get him to stop as soon as he feels her give that tug because she just witnessed someone being flung back onto the square by some invisible wall!!]

[It's only because it's Tifa that he actually stops. Well. Barely.

Although he digs down into his haunches, he still ends up swerving right into that invisible wall, causing them to fall and bounce back into the square.]

[And there they go. Tifa goes tumbling from his back from the swerve and not the bounce, and so she hits the wall herself face-first before she bounces right off and it sends her flying backwards...

... To go crashing right into Eustace on the ground.]

[Ugh that was definitely a very bad fall, but after Eustace comes to and shakes his head, wincing, he quickly looks around.]

Tifa—!

[HE DIDN'T CRUSH HER DID HE!? Through it all he couldn't really keep a good track of where she had been, so he panics as he tries to scramble up.

Which can be quite difficult as a large unicorn.]

[Yup. It's right as he sits up that she goes careening into him, hitting him like a bowling ball, her back crashing against his large unicorn body before she slumps on the ground.]

Ow...

[With a low whine, she brings her hand up to the center of her forehead to rub where she'd hit the wall. Not even the most advanced martial artists could break a landing or a blow like that in time...

But realizing that it was Eustace she has flown into, she whips around to check on him first despite her aching tailbone.]

Are you okay!? You didn't hit your head or anything did you? That horn...?

[WHY IS WORKING WITH FOUR STRONG BUT DELICATE LEGS HARD no wonder horses prefer standing to lying down—

He's managed to at least get his hind legs untwisted and under him to push up, but he hears and feels Tifa in time to stop.]

No, it's fine. [A grimace as he feels the soreness coming.]

Mostly my side... But what about you?

[It's a hell of a good thing he sort of knows how to use them—

But when Tifa looks at him, there's a not-so-subtle red spot on her forehead, made only worse by the contrast with her light blue skin.]

My back... Took a bit of a fall there, but I'll be okay.

[She gives it a little bit of a pat.]

Sorry. I had no idea that the square was gonna knock us back like that. Not until I saw it happen to someone else.

[Pointing several squares down is the man who attempted and failed to get past it, and he's still on the ground groaning and moaning. Why does she feel so guilty right now about it???]

Would've stopped you sooner if I had.

[Not that red spot!!

He clearly looks pensive as he reaches out to try and gently nuzzle her.]

No... I was the one who suggested it without considering such a barrier.

[She scoots a little to be closer to him, her arms coming up to wrap around his neck.]

Well... I thought it would work, too. Guess we both really didn't wanna eat those jellybeans...

[That logic just sort of abandoned them in the moment...]

At least now we know?

[Yeah yeah, she doesn't need to try to find the silver lining in everything, but damn it, she's going to try.]

[Just a sigh as he continues to nuzzle her as best he can.]

I suppose we have no choice but to try again...

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