dreamposts: (Default)
dreamposts ([personal profile] dreamposts) wrote in [community profile] songerein2024-02-15 01:54 am

{ once upon a fairytale }




ONCE UPON A FAIRYTALE

One night, a sweet melody fills the air around Reverein, causing everyone to fall into a deep, peaceful sleep, as if trying to soothe all from the stress of the past few months. However, there are those who are completely lulled by the beautiful music, silently slipping out of bed or off the floor or wherever they were sleeping and sleepwalk out of town to disappear into the woods. It will only be in the morning when everyone left will notice them gone.

Fortunately it's not too difficult to follow the trail. The music continues to play and there are music notes floating in the air to guide searchers deep into the Wildlands. When they approach a golden bridge crossing over a large, rainbow river, they are stopped by some local fae who had witnessed the strange changes. They will tell of how the forest has shifted and changed, with new structures and creatures suddenly inside. There is a strong magic over it, and they are wary of entering as those who have gone to investigate have yet to return. There are witnesses who have seen people inside, but they are acting…strange. And dressed strangely, too, with some looking as if they are in costumes. It's not Halloween, so what's going on?

Those brave enough to cross the bridge will find themselves suddenly changed into different clothes or costumes to match a fairytale character. Those who have had previous experiences in various story based dreamscapes may be somewhat familiar to this. It's completely random (ie, player choice) and a piece of sheet music will appear in front with the following words:

Deep within the forest your friends are stuck in play
Dreaming of a different life to live from day to day
Fear not, brave hero, for their lives are in no threat
But until the music ends will this spell continue yet

Find them in their role and play along
Be it through facing evil villains or singing a song
Perhaps you can remind of who they really are
Find pieces of their memories locked in a jar

Good luck to you, dear hero!
You've reached the final verse
Break this spell before the next new moon
Or this spell will be a cUrSe 😈


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 February and will remain in Songerein from the IC date of February 14th (however, the event itself ICly takes place February 25th through March 2nd). TDM only characters can only thread within this log. Anyone who apps in and is accepted will have their character count February 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 February 23rd and Applications will open on March 1st. Our application cycles are bi-monthly so the next cycle after won't be until May.

TDM Toplevel Link Directory (click to view)
Animorphs - Tobias
Final Fantasy VII - Tseng
Final Fantasy XIV - G'raha Tia
Final Fantasy XVI - Clive Rosfield
Granblue Fantasy Re:Link: Rackam
Hazbin Hotel - Husk
Hazbin Hotel - Lucifer Morningstar


We will request any thread submissions for certain prompts during AC and TDM threads will count. For more information, refer to the Game Notes.


"ENCHANTED" FOREST


All characters in the Enchanted Forest will be dressed in some kind of storybook, fairytale role, and they can be as generic or as specific as players want them to be. Heroes, villains, or an odd mix between are allowed.

The following prompts are more like "setting pieces" that players can utilize either for their sleepwalking character or for a general prompt for those helping out to get through. This is a non-exhaustive list and players are encouraged to be creative and add whatever they need. Sleepwalkers can create their own toplevels featuring their own story setup and/or tag into others. Players are also free to use NPCs who are also caught in the curse to help instead.

Finally, all original abilities are gone while in the Forest, including dreamotion. Instead, they will be replaced with abilities and skills based on the role the character is playing. This does mean you can cheat and choose a role that has abilities similar to the character's original set, but if you're willing to try and be completely creative, you can do so. You can be as open or as restrictive as you want, whatever works best for you.

(Note: The Love is in the Air bubbles are also in effect throughout this event. Because of the IC dates, the Dream Board can also be used as prompts as long as they are set before the event occurs.)

A. SLEEPWALKERS

Those affected by the spell will be called "sleepwalkers" and will be found at various parts of the Enchanted Forest that fits their fairytale character's role. They will be dressed as the character, be a protagonist or a villain, and a lot of creative liberties and freedom are allowed. Their role may also be a little strange and mixed up. Perhaps Red Riding Hood is part wolf, or Thumbelina is a fierce warrior princess ready to take down all the "giants."

The "script" and story may also be twisted up, so it will be up to those trying to help them to try and play along to get a hint on how to save them by finding their memories locked in jars, which are hidden somewhere within their vicinity. Once found, it can only be opened by the sleepwalker, and it will help "wake" them up back to their original self. However, this is a temporary measure until the whole spell is broken.

(Note: To help players find your scenario, please comment to this Sleepwalker Scenario Directory thread here.)



B. FIND THE FLUTE

While some are trying to help those affected, others are focused more on the curse and breaking it. There are bubble-like music notes that appear here and there, and popping them will reveal a piece of sheet music that will have a bar or two of lyrics that will give a hint to where the flute may be hiding. It's different for everyone, and sometimes it can be straightforward and sometimes it's not. However, should anyone sing the piece, music notes will appear and form a trail to lead them right to the flute (the notes will visibly reflect how good or poorly it's sung).

There are multiple instances of the flute and it can be found anywhere within the Forest. Sometimes it's easy to see, others will be hidden or guarded by a creature. It could even be in the hands of a sleepwalker. (Note: as mentioned in the Dream Notes, at least 10 different flute instances must be destroyed for the spell to be broken. If we do not receive enough submissions, the curse will continue with a Part Two in March.)



C. DARK WOODS

There are portions of the forest that are visibly darker. Not only is it denser with more trees, but gray clouds hang over it, further blocking sunlight from it. It's so dark in some places it almost feels like night and lanterns or other sources of light will be needed. Beware of the creatures that lurk. Some are friendly, others like to appear with random rhymes and riddles, and then there are the dangerous ones that are feeling a bit hungry. Be careful of the fruit that hang from some trees, as they can either be poisonous or just have a strange effect on those who eat it.

Deep, deep in the dark woods there is a mysterious fog that will quickly disorient anyone who are caught in it. This is known as the haunted section of the woods, so beware of spirits and ghosts that might wander through.



D. BRIDGES

There is a strange amount of bridges scattered around the Forest, and some of them aren't even crossing over any rivers—just empty ditches or even large chasms. The types will also vary, from fancy bricks to wooden bridges suspended by something that isn't very discernable (the ropes disappear into the sky…??). However, they all have one thing in common: trolls. Some are friendly and will let people pass after answering a few questions. Others will require a bribe. And some will force fights and other annoying challenges. Even then, the bridges themselves may be a bit wobbly, especially those wooden ones, or things like goblins may still pop out to try and steal from them. But perhaps some goats will help?



E. COTTAGES

And all other manner of houses, some of which may be made out of food, straw, sticks, or brick instead of wood. Some of these may be empty, others may already have an occupant. There could be people, could be animals; friendly or hostile. Just be careful of the beds—they can be quite comfortable and some may even be drawn to sleep in them…and need a little smooch to awaken. Those tempted by the food may find it delicious, but they may turn into a grumpy bear always complaining about the temperatures of the food and never satisfied. Baking a few goodies may also help those affected nearby.

Watch out for wolves and young, blond girls. They seem to like breaking into these places.



F. SWAMPS

Deeper within the Forest are pockets of swampland that house all manner of dangerous creatures, such as the will-o-wisps that like to lead wanderers astray, and those looking for a trusty steed? Avoid the horses here—they are kelpies that will waste no time in taking them into the murky waters. As it is a favorite spot for witch ingredients, it is more likely for someone to encounter one and suffer some kind of strange curse here, especially those involving animal transformations with frogs as a favorite. Don't forget the ogres—they don't like to be disturbed.



G. CASTLES

There are at least one or two castles deep within the Forest, though they are a lot smaller than their real counterparts. Some are just a single tower that needs to be climbed up to help whoever is trapped up there. While there could be fair damsels that need rescuing, there are also treasures that could be found and taken instead. Or perhaps one wants to conquer the castle instead and be its king or queen. However, like everything else here, there are curses and enchantments everywhere. The cutlery may not be so keen on intruders, and one may feel the need to sing and dance a musical number more often than not.

But of course these have their own guardians, with the dragons being a favored choice. Wizards and other sorcerers are also common tenants, and they will gladly use their magic to expel anyone who tries to get in.



empyreancatastrophe: (CAW CAW REAL SMOOTH)

[personal profile] empyreancatastrophe 2024-02-23 06:06 am (UTC)(link)
I will pass along your compliments to him.

[The Phoenix keeps steady on Naoya's shoulder, quiet as he knocks.]

[From inside comes a new voice, ostensibly belonging to a child.]


"You cannot enter! I won't let you harm His Grace!"
noblegarnet: (f: slightly less mad.)

[personal profile] noblegarnet 2024-02-23 06:15 am (UTC)(link)
Then you're even more dangerous.

[He's already nocking another arrow and taking aim; his warning shot has already been given. Next he'll be shooting to harm.]

I don't want or need your help!
songbird_slayer: (pic#16170271)

[personal profile] songbird_slayer 2024-02-23 06:22 am (UTC)(link)
Of course! 'Tis the rule of the fae folk here as well as back in our neck of the woods- keep a keen wit, and you won't lose any body bits to a prank.

I don't think I've seen any disembodied limbs today, but were there any distinguishing features? Warts? Scraggly nails? Was the skin green, perhaps...?

[Ignoring the fact that it moved independently! These are important details.]
flamekthunder: (ϟ 051)

[personal profile] flamekthunder 2024-02-23 06:24 am (UTC)(link)
[One would hope that something deep down would stir something... And perhaps, maybe something does, and it's only in great part of the few times the enchantment was broken, particularly after Tifa's first attempt.

So while he stares at the trembling little duck in his hand, and while there still is no recognition in his eyes, he doesn't do anything more than that. But there is something of...annoyance? Bored? It makes him pull her closer up to his face.]


You must have the wrong wolf, little duckling.
flamekthunder: (ϟ 153)

[personal profile] flamekthunder 2024-02-23 06:25 am (UTC)(link)
Oh? That would actually be an interesting sigh to see.

[Just takes one step towards him.]

Should we change you to the headless horseman instead?
discourtesies: (apologise)

[personal profile] discourtesies 2024-02-23 06:27 am (UTC)(link)
How... disappointing.

[Van Zieks shakes his head almost mournfully as he takes another few strides to force Naruhodo to completely turn if he's to look at either him or Iris. The wolf's eyes are closed as if the threat of being burnt to a crisp or sliced to shreds is no longer a concern.]

To think he would be reduced to a lesser opponent by virtue of such an impressive transformation. [He raises his eyes once more.] You should be rather cross with this curse for robbing you of your primary talent. Your arguments have only served to undermine your cause.
necessarycruelties: please don't steal (85)

[personal profile] necessarycruelties 2024-02-23 06:31 am (UTC)(link)
Late?

[ For what, Tseng doesn't know, but he fully believes Rufus has been in this place far longer than he has despite never having been to the forest they've found themselves in. And he's not sure if it's the cottage itself or if it's a result of his time spent here that Rufus is... slowly coating their surroundings in a layer of ice. It's not cold enough to bother Tseng, though, not after experiencing bone chilling cold trudging through the snow en route to Modeoheim. ]

I never arrive a moment too soon, you know that.

[ What catches him off guard is the mention of Edge and Healen, places he's not familiar with... And it's unsettling to not be familiar with a place on the planet, as he was sure he knew Midgar and the surrounding area like the back of his hand.

He's quiet for a moment, staring at Rufus trying to get a better read on the situation he's found himself in with the young President. ]


...but our home is in Midgar.
Edited 2024-02-23 06:31 (UTC)
flamekthunder: (ϟ 073)

[personal profile] flamekthunder 2024-02-23 06:31 am (UTC)(link)
[Indeed it should be, but unfortunately the wolf thinks otherwise. So just a quiet smirk.]

Not interested.

[And now he's lunging forward with unnatural speed, no doubt gained by this role as the wolf, along with the strength to wield and swing the axe forward for a sudden horizontal slash towards Clive.]
starshower: (temp 168)

[personal profile] starshower 2024-02-23 06:34 am (UTC)(link)
[Her lip trembles, and she bites down to stifle it, and there's an ache in her own eyes as she stares up at him. A wish that she doesn't dare say aloud lest she scare away... whatever version of him this is. Or worse, trigger something that there would be no coming back from.

But maybe she's stupid and naive to hope that he is still in there somewhere, and if she just moves a little closer, she can reach him. Risky, yes, but he was always worth that risk. Still is, no matter how much fear that coldness in his eyes strikes within her.

If anyone could get through to him, it would be her, wouldn't it?]


... Come closer.

[She twists her wrist in his grip and stretches up to him as far as he will let her be.]
discourtesies: (apologise)

[personal profile] discourtesies 2024-02-23 06:52 am (UTC)(link)
[Oh, yes. Business. Err...

He's not really much of an actor, for all his theatricality in his work. He clears his throat, arms folded.]


I am... searching for something. Have you spotted anything out of place in your travels?

[It's probably best to keep it to somewhere close to the truth; that's simpler, at least.]
grandduchess_anya: (Default)

[personal profile] grandduchess_anya 2024-02-23 06:53 am (UTC)(link)
Quite unfortunate indeed. So the two of us had to find a new place to live in now that there was nothing remaining of our country and we had to eat raw nettle plants to keep the hunger away during the travel. Eventually we wound in this castle and got work as scullery maids here.

(As she continues to explain her tale, Alastor could spy a jar that clearly doesn’t any spices at all at the other table. In fact, the contents of it seem to be more mysterious in origins that he might want to check it out.)
necessarycruelties: please don't steal (11)

[personal profile] necessarycruelties 2024-02-23 06:59 am (UTC)(link)
[ Tseng lets nothing slip past his collected exterior, looking every bit as professional and put together now as he did on every mission he completed alongside Zack, the only difference now being the length of his hair. His first objective is to figure out where here is, second is figuring out how he arrived... And, at some point, he'll figure out why Zack is standing before him.

His tone is not the same tone Tseng generally heard from the SOLDIER, and the look in his eyes is not one he's used to seeing. It's unsettling, to say the least, but nothing Tseng isn't used to seeing from others. After all, the Turks aren't always looked fondly upon, and he's seen the same look, heard the same tone from plenty of others throughout his career. ]


I am human, after all, and humans make mistakes from time to time. [ A pause ] I can't always be in the loop regarding matters outside of Shinra's reaches.

[ He takes a moment to collect his thoughts before speaking again. ]

I haven't been here long. Enough time to become familiar with this area of the forest, nothing more.
senorita_perfecta: (Miracle at Work)

[personal profile] senorita_perfecta 2024-02-23 07:09 am (UTC)(link)
(The singing is causing more note bubbles to appear, making for a trail of notes to follow and maybe gather more music sheets. But she needs to track down the flute’s whereabouts right now so she will just keep on singing until they can have a trail of notes to follow after.)

As selfish as this wish might be
All what I yearn for is to be free
And have fun with my own gift
Together with mending a lingering rift
My sisters deserve so much better
And seek joy even greater
grandduchess_anya: (Talking)

[personal profile] grandduchess_anya 2024-02-23 07:20 am (UTC)(link)
I thought about the same thing about my mother for the longest time. She may not think that she would be very remarkable enough to be truly beautiful for most of her life but she did have a special quality in her and her heart that makes many of her outfits look more grand than they are.

(Alexandra didn’t have the smoothest childhood following her mother and youngest sister’s untimely passing and having a formidable maternal grandmother may have put tons of emotional weigh on her but she never lost her own inner beauty through the years.

That could be one of the many reasons why Nicholas fell for her: she did have a lovely warm smile and a more lovelier heart even if she doesn’t feel confident to share her shining glowing heart with the people around her.)


I suppose that the same does apply to me too.
discourtesies: (nightmare)

[personal profile] discourtesies 2024-02-23 07:31 am (UTC)(link)
[This infernal forest is going to be the end of him. Forget the dragons and the curses and the hunters out for wolf blood. He's going to perish from pure mortification.]

There is no need. [...] It's fine.

[Van Zieks thought he'd prepared himself, but now he needs to take another second to actually grapple with the noises that are going to be leaving his furry snout.

Okay. With a veritable scowl at the bars of music in his hand to perhaps distract from the fact that he's being observed, van Zieks takes in another breath and begins to—well, he can make no bones about it, he's howling. Thankfully, his voice remains steady and true enough to the music that the trail of visible notes appears in the air once more, leading... somewhere.]
not_42: (Thoughtful)

[personal profile] not_42 2024-02-23 07:35 am (UTC)(link)
[Hermes listened to the tale, considering.]

Hmm... All the potential directions are possibilities if we're to take the meaning the story assigns them as a clue. The voices mentioned that it was winter, indicating North. Meanwhile our aim is to rouse our fellows from the grip of the flute's spell, which would indicate the West and its association with awakening. The voices also stated that the boy was in poor health, which would indicate a need for the energies of vitality and growth, thus pointing to the South. And the entire path seems to be a sort of puzzle, which would point to the East and its association with contemplation.

Of the four, West and South seem the strongest possibilities. Or perhaps the theme of cooperation is the key, and each of the doors meant to be entered in sequence.

[He pondered a moment before addressing the Phoenix again.]

Aside from wasted time, do you know what, if any consequences await an incorrect choice?
crouching_sin: (a gentleman and a scholar)

[personal profile] crouching_sin 2024-02-23 07:40 am (UTC)(link)
[He just sighs - really? While he's - should he even mention that he's with the Phoenix? Possibly not, so...]

Won't you let me enter? I'm wounded and I would like to look for some kind of fabric to staunch my wound.

[He might as well use this injury while he's got it.]
noblegarnet: (f: spidey senses tingling)

[personal profile] noblegarnet 2024-02-23 07:41 am (UTC)(link)
What, a dullahan? That depends; are you going to be my faithful steed?

[Ferran slides his own foot back an equal distance, placing him at least at the door frame. God, at least Ferran was acting like himself when he was stuck in his "role." This is going to suck for Eustace later.]

I thought you were more about efficiency. But now you're looking for fun?
notachickenhawk: (bird: what?)

[personal profile] notachickenhawk 2024-02-23 07:52 am (UTC)(link)
<Oh for the love of - no!>

[He can't really gain any real height to make a dive here, so instead he flutters up to the nightstand and then dives towards the figure, aiming for the (presumable) eyes.]
Edited 2024-02-23 16:59 (UTC)
flamekthunder: (ϟ 199)

[personal profile] flamekthunder 2024-02-23 08:07 am (UTC)(link)
[He only maintains his hold before the claws squeeze against her wrists, sharp nails digging into her skin as he lowers one hand to roughly grab her chin and tilt her face more up to him.

All that "smile" is now gone, replaced by the chilling aura of death as he stares at her as if she was no more than insignificant prey, whatever "desire" there more akin to that of whatever bloody scene is playing out in his mind.]


Brave words for someone trembling like a little rabbit.
not_42: (Close up)

Up for a bit of magical gacha? X3

[personal profile] not_42 2024-02-23 08:11 am (UTC)(link)
[Before long the forest opens up into a clearing, most of the space of which is taken up by a large pond, over which the blue jay flutters, chirping insistently. Not having wings, Hermes and Isabella are forced to stop at the water's edge. Beneath pond's surface are numerous bubbles, each containing a formless, softly glowing light. The sound of the flute is definitely coming from the pond, but it's impossible to tell exactly where.

At the edge of the pond nearby is a wooden sign and two simple fishing rods. Written on the sign is another sing-song verse.

Cast your line and make a wish
Though your reward will not be fish
What you seek doth lie within
So try your luck and let's begin


Hermes reads the sign and looks at the rods.]


It seems we're meant to use these to retrieve the flute, which I can only presume is in one of those bubbles. Though there's no ready means to distinguish which one.
herlockian: (21)

[personal profile] herlockian 2024-02-23 08:19 am (UTC)(link)
"Perfect! I'm glad you're so prepared, Annie!"

Iris carefully looks around the area. "Let's find a good spot to lay our trap. We'll need to have a hiding spot we can watch from. Once we see it, I can catch it with this!" She smiles and tilts her head toward the contraption she's holding. She doesn't seem to realize that she hasn't said anything about what it is.
burnttoashes: (Reckless Fire)

you activate your trap card--

[personal profile] burnttoashes 2024-02-23 08:19 am (UTC)(link)
[... ah. Of course it would be a wizard when Nuadha's mirristry and dreamotion have been rendered useless. Still, weaponry he can deal with, as unconventional as this particular choice of arms may be, and he doesn't need to be told twice to draw his sword as the barrage of cutlery flies at them.

When fully drawn, the blade's light is blinding for a brief moment, a brilliant flash before it settles down into a more steady radiant glow. Nuadha doubts that will be enough to throw off the wizard's aim, but it's enough to give him the chance to make a quick dodge to one side, bringing the blade up in a wide arc in an attempt to parry as much of the flying silverware as he can. The sword is far heavier than his usual jian, and that might be a quiet curse he's uttering there when he realizes that it's slower to move than his regular weapon would be. Still, with any luck he'll be able to defend against at least most of the attack and knock some of the knives and forks out of the air.

If they can just keep this wizard distracted...]
ribbonbon: (Default)

[personal profile] ribbonbon 2024-02-23 08:19 am (UTC)(link)
[Pauline kind of stares at him for a moment. Mother had always warned her about straying from the path, but...she never said anything about witches. Plus, she has kind of made it her mission to guide others through the forest...

She nods, offering him a smile.]


Of course! These woods are terribly difficult to travel through. I'm happy to help.
grandduchess_anya: (Smug)

[personal profile] grandduchess_anya 2024-02-23 08:55 am (UTC)(link)
“Oh yes! There is got to be a good place that we can set up the trap properly and let the cat spirit fall for the marbles,” she agrees with the idea before she can think of a good place to have the trap set up in, “Perhaps a wide open area could work so we can have some space to chase after them if they try to escape. Like maybe the town square or perhaps an open green area.”