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

[ Not quite Santa... but that's neither here or there.

She hesitates, but then nods. ]

Then we will be even. My skills with a knife are as skilled with carving as they are in battle.

[ I FUCKING KNEW IT. EGGNOG COOKIE!!! ]

I believe that. [ she grins, standing up and dusting snow off her knees before hesitating and offering her hand to haul her up to put her on her shoulder. ]

Will your crows help us, too?

[ Hop, hop, hop! She easily lands in Hiyori's hand, and the crows follow, hovering around obediently. ]

They've never carved anything before, but they can help us with supplies and carrying things. Or they can go on patrol and keep an eye out for dangers.

[ Because if BRC has learned anything here so far, this place is hella dangerous and you can't convince her otherwise. ]

[ once she's in her palm, hiyori lifts to put her on her shoulder where she can tuck into her warm scarf if she wants to! as well as her crows. nest away, crow-chans. ]

Dangers... [ it IS about that time, isn't it? she half-expected christmas to have some abdominal snowman or something chasing them around. she's glad to have been wrong.

so far. ]

I-it's Christmas. Maybe they're taking a break! [ PLEASE. ] How has your Dreamotion been going, by the way? Have you been practicing since?

[ hiyori starts the trek to her tried and true pottery shop. ]

[ Now now, being in someone's clothes would be rude - BRC has raised her crows better than that! Instead, they fly up ahead to keep an eye out of any potential dangers. BRC stays on Hiyori's shoulder, keeping her cape wrapped around her. ]

Mmm. I've been practicing every day. It's still quite difficult, but I've rarely been one to give up. I still find it amazing that I can perform magic... even if it is a dream, a Cookie suddenly gaining an ability like this is unheard of.

[ aw, she wouldn't mind. not if they tucked up into her scarf!

what a hard worker. there's a reason hiyori likes brc and this is one of them. while hiyori doesn't practice every day like a regimen, she does try to incorporate some sort of dreamotion into her everyday life. but... maybe she should start to practice more seriously. it's come in handy more than once. ]

You'll get the hang of it. I have to admit it is pretty amazing. Humans don't have magic abilities like this either. Not until they become shinki, anyway.

[ There's less crumbs this way! ]

Shinki? Can you elaborate? Does this have to do with... your unusual god companion?

[ He's still SUPER SUS, even with Hiyori's aide. ]

[ snack for later! (jkjk)

you know, that's... totally fair. it would mean more if he put in the work himself. she's told him so.

hiyori bites her lip to keep a smile or a laugh down at "unusual". ]

Ah, yeah. It's not just Yato, though. Most gods have shinki. [ is it really her place to explain? but she brought it up, it's only right. ]

They're, mmm, companions. Sort of like your crows. They're there at their god's side to make them stronger and protect them. A shinki and a god are like... two hearts beating as one, I think.

[ Oh... she likes that comparison. It may be difficult to tell, but one of those rare smiles is starting to come up. ]

You are very astute, Hiyori. That does sound exactly like the relationship between the Raisin Crows and I. I've even slept in the trees with them at times.

[ this is the best day. 2 whole smiles from brc.

though bashful from the praise, she focuses more on that latter statement. that doesn't sound... safe. then again, maybe it WAS safer than the alternative. like how yato and yukine used to sleep outside at shrines to avoid ayakashi. when they were homeless....... ]

You have somewhere you're staying at now though, right?

I'm making due with what I have.

[ Which means no. She's sleeping in trees again. Which... given the blizzard and snow and ice, means she's been freezing every single day. But hey, who doesn't love cold cookie dough? ]

I assume you are staying with your... god. So long as he treats you well.

[ b-brc.....

she would've said something about it, offered the couch at her treehouse, but she calls yato "her god" and sdlkdjglksadjg ]

He's--! [ okay, KIND OF YES. her god. of fortune. but she gets the feeling brc is saying something else! it SOUNDS LIKE SOMETHING ELSE. brc, don't get the wrong idea?! ]

Y, yeah. We're... living together. [ it's not what it sounds like. ] But we have separate rooms!! And! W-we have bathroom schedules! [ HUFF, HUFF. her breathing makes puffs of white. ] We're just friends, BRC!

[ Funny enough, it's Hiyori who has the wrong idea. The "..." between "your" and "god" was merely her reluctance to accept that weirdo as a god. In fact, when it comes to romance and things like that, BRC is clueless.

So she just blinks slowly at all the huffing and puffing Hiyori is going through. What's with the fuss? Is Yato giving her trouble? Maybe she needs to really look into this guy... ]

... Are you all right? If you're that cold, we should make haste and get inside swiftly.

[ oh, hiyori too. what is romance??? haha...ha.

is she all right? who knows anymore, really? ]

Y, yeah. I'm okay. I didn't mean to worry you, sorry. [ lucky for her, brc isn't going to tease her about a situation that is very Teasable.

you know, thank god for brc. with that, hiyori relaxes again and remembers what she said about 'making due'. ]

I'll take you back to the treehouse! That's where all my supplies are and we can get something warm to drink. What do you like? There's tea and hot cocoa.

[ AND MAYBE she can convince brc that she's always welcome there. if she needs a place to stay. it sounds like she needs a place to stay. ]

[ ~~There is, of course, Earl Grey Cookie and Cocoa Cookie-~~ ]

Mmm, that would be very kind of you. With this chilly weather, it'd be nice to have something warm in my dough. I'm not picky, I'll take whatever you have.

[ ~~OF COURSE~~

warm in her dough. hehe. ]

We have both, but I could go for some hot cocoa. With marshmallows. And whipped cream!

Edited 2024-01-06 01:59 (UTC)

Then I'll have what you're having.

[ BRC isn't much for conversation, so she doesn't add more than that. The crows come back every so often to deliver a "Caw", possibly meaning the road ahead is safe and clear, captain! And when they approach the treehouse, they flitter through the branches to make sure it's safe as well. ]

[ hiyori talks about this or that. pointing out the pottery shop she frequents and where she gets her supplies from. she points out a plot of land yato is trying to use to build his shrine. every time the crows come in, hiyori smiles at them and gets the feeling they're protecting brc.

she opens the door to the treehouse and calls, ]

I'm hooome. [ nobody seems to answer. ]

Hmm, I guess he's still out. [ OH WELL. to the kitchen they go! where hiyori sets brc on the counter before she pulls out her pink cat mug and searches for something her friend could use. all the mugs are human-sized. maybe she could make a tiny mug for brc with her arts and crafts skills. ]

Oh! Hold on! [ IDEA. she is running off somewhere but coming back with something SMALL clutched in her hands. a little thimble she sets down. ]

I'll clean it, but do you want to use this for your hot cocoa?

[ BRC merely nods along, perhaps giving a noise of agreement every so often to show she's listening. But when she sees Hiyori with her mug, only then did she realize feeding/treating BRC might have its... difficulties. Though the thimble helps? ]

Ah... yes, of course. Apologies for the inconvenience... This is why I didn't bother trying to obtain any actual housing here. Everything here would be far too large.

I, it's not an inconvenience!

[ didn't bother... trying to obtain...? she was afraid of this. ]

BRC, do you-- [ how does she ] have any place you're staying at? With someone?

... As I said before, I'm making due with what I have.

[ She's choosing not to make eye-contact with Hiyori as she says this. ]

But that's...!

[ meanwhile, refusing to look away from brc as she realizes what she's saying but NOT saying anything. ]

Yeah... you did say that. [ and she didn't want to assume the worst but

she pulls out a kettle and starts getting to work on making the hot cocoa. thinking very hard about what she should do. she wants to tell brc just to live here!! she doesn't mind. she could make her a little table and a little chair and whatever else she needs.

but she doesn't want to step on her pride. the last time she tried to do this it ended up poorly. ]

If you ever want some hot cocoa, BRC, you know... you're always welcome to visit. I would be happy to see you. And you... could stay the night.

... The offer is appreciated.

[ She is a little relieved that Hiyori didn't beg her to stay or invite her to live with them. It's a matter of pride and survival - she needs to be able to endure anything and everything. Her size already creates a disadvantage to everyone around her, no need to add to Hiyori's burden.

A long, awkward stretch of silence follows. But then, a flitter of cawing noises - with their investigation finished, they flock inside and settle around BRC. Four sit around her, one on her shoulder, forming their own little nest around her. ]

[ the reply seems to make hiyori slump, body sagging. she expected as much, but she had hoped otherwise. maybe one day she'll be surprised. brc will come knocking for hot cocoa and a cozy spot on the couch cushion. warm and comfortable. she can feed her breakfast in the morning, too.

those caws startle her into looking up from her furrowed brow directed at the counter. she can't help but feel a small smile tug at her lips at the sight.

at least she knows brc is well-protected by her crows. her movements are a bit more lively again. ]

They follow you everywhere, don't they? Well, wherever you're staying... I know you're safe with your crows, right?

[ just like yato and yukine. ]

[ Phew! Yes, let's move on, slowly but surely. She nods once, lightly patting one of the crows on the head. ]

We've been always been together. They are my family... and there are even more crows waiting for me back home. These are only a few of them.

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