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.



cawpatrol: (Ways To Further Our Dream)

[personal profile] cawpatrol 2024-02-29 12:06 pm (UTC)(link)
Of course! There's nothing they can't do!

[ Except, apparently, get some milk, as one of the crows returns... and it's with a scrap of paper in its beak. ]

... Huh?
empyreancatastrophe: (looking off and doing his best)

[personal profile] empyreancatastrophe 2024-02-29 01:20 pm (UTC)(link)
You underestimate how much I think.

[Joshua grins at his little joke. It doesn't matter if nobody else laughs. He enjoyed it, and that's all that matters.]

However, I also understand if you do not feel you can lower your guard in my presence. Even the most weary warrior rarely finds rest.
starshower: (temp 115)

[personal profile] starshower 2024-02-29 03:05 pm (UTC)(link)
I will.

[She closes her eyes and smiles, leaning up to him as much as she can.]

Hold that other thought you had, too.

[There's a slight suggestive glint to her eyes before she's turning it down to the pot, and she idly pokes at the bones with a spoon, her mind drifting off elsewhere to the things that have happened leading up to all of this.

It's something of a massive relief to see that the dogs have all gathered around Eustace when he comes to see them, and she can see that Melody has moved a little, though from the way her ears and paws are twitching, she seems to still be dreaming. What does a cursed dog in a nightgown dream about?

She watches Eustace with the four of them, her eyes lingering on that tail of his, and on his softer features. There's a pang of guilt in her chest, even a slight rise of anger that he has once again been caught up in everything. He, of all people, didn't deserve any of this...

But as those few minutes go by, her nose will start to twitch when Tifa pulls the bones out of the warm beefy broth to pat them dry for everyone.]


Think it's done... Is she still asleep?
lestray: (puzzling tail)

[personal profile] lestray 2024-02-29 03:55 pm (UTC)(link)
[She leans forward curiously.]

Wot's it say?
empyreancatastrophe: (caw caw motherfucker)

[personal profile] empyreancatastrophe 2024-02-29 04:25 pm (UTC)(link)
Ifrit, the Warden of the Inferno. One of the Prince's most loyal guardians.

[It's technically an answer to Tifa's question, one devoid of detail, but it's hard to tell from the firebird's tone if it's purposefully hiding those details, or if that's really all it has to say.]

[As Tifa heads past the gates, the castle grounds come into view. Tall hedges sprawl ahead in the shape of a maze. A stone plaque stands at the entrance.]

[If she chooses to read it, she'll see another poem:
Forked roads of decisions, regrets they bear,
The past intertwines, a complex affair.
Choose wisely, at each crossroad's end,
For growth lies where remorse does mend.
]
locumstudentesquire: (very ambitious carp)

[personal profile] locumstudentesquire 2024-02-29 05:36 pm (UTC)(link)
[The dragon is still all watery eyed from that big ol' sneeze, but through the haze of tears he can see the blur of movement that is Iris making for the garden. Panicking, he lunges in that direction.]

NO--!

[Presumably, Barok will move to intercept him, but he won't have too hard of a time stopping him. Because as soon as Iris sets foot over the threshold, Ryunosuke ROARS and seizes up as if struck through the heart, baring his teeth and flaring his wings out dramatically. Then the wings rapidly dissipate away into nothing, and he starts to quickly shrink and change too, reverting automatically back into his (mostly) normal self.

Soon as he's back on two feet as opposed to four, he is also going to wobble and fall over. It's all very dramatic.]
empyreancatastrophe: (some good regular ol' pondering)

[personal profile] empyreancatastrophe 2024-02-29 05:54 pm (UTC)(link)
Fret not about your magical prowess. Your traditional skills are most welcome and appreciated.

[As Ira starts working on the fire, Joshua starts to gather wood, making sure they're as dry as possible in a swamp environment.]

That song. I've heard it before.
empyreancatastrophe: screencap also mine ([KID] fancy prince dress)

[personal profile] empyreancatastrophe 2024-02-29 05:59 pm (UTC)(link)
['As I told her' earns a quick furrow of Joshua's brow, although he doesn't follow up on it.]

What is your most treasured memory?
xenamorph: Source: Bre Blair in The Babysitter's Club (Stare)

[personal profile] xenamorph 2024-02-29 06:39 pm (UTC)(link)
I never said anything about being a hero.

[Guh, she hates this lame ren faire junk and these weird old riddles, just give her something to fight already.

She takes a breath, smothers the impatience, continues calmly-]


Just tell me what I'm supposed to be doing here and why.
lemoncandy: (159)

[personal profile] lemoncandy 2024-02-29 07:05 pm (UTC)(link)
( In response to that line, he growls, his pointed fangs showing themselves. He steps forward along with it, dragging his claws along the wooden walls and leaving scratches as he goes. From a closer look, it seems this isn't the first time he's done that. )

You have some nerve, taunting a beast.

( He moves then, running at her and jumping to try and pin her down with his claws. )
lemoncandy: (63)

[personal profile] lemoncandy 2024-02-29 07:12 pm (UTC)(link)
( Rage has him clumsy, not that that's any different from usual— the claws meet his arm and he winces. But Shealtiel tumbles into the fall, aiming to just... get into a full on wrestle match with the other wolf-man.

It is kind of pup-like. )
rediscovering: (ghibli)

[personal profile] rediscovering 2024-02-29 08:39 pm (UTC)(link)
[ With a determined glare, he corrects her when she says 'windmill.' He corrects her. ]

A giant, Your Highness. One whose time is nigh!

[ And indeed, he's not listening. He marches forward, scooping up his swords off the ground as he makes his way back to battle. When she commands him to wait, he merely calls back to her as he charges the windmill once more. ]

Fear not, my Princess, for this battle has been won! Ha! Have at you, evil fiend!

[ She's right to think fast; he's just as incorrigible as ever. He's slowed down compared to his usual speed, but he's still nimble and fast, despite his ill-fitting armor. Her grappling hook is already soaring through the air as he runs along beneath it. Still, he resumes his onslaught, slicing skillfully at the blades as they spin. As Azula makes her way up her rope, Zuko below is very much mistaken in her intentions. The princess has joined the fight with him — ordinarily, that would not be seemly, but even through his delusions, he knows this is no ordinary princess! This giant stands no chance now that Azula has joined the fight. ]

Ho! Surrender thine evil life, giant! No servant of sin shall e'er outmatch this brave princess nor this noble lord! Thou art vanqui—iii—shed! Vanquished! Vanquished—!

[ Just as she pulls the axe from her basket, launching herself into the air, the sail with Zuko's lance in it comes round again. And knocks his knees out from under him... He falls backwards and clings to the blade to keep his balance, swords still in hand. But up, up he goes. Still, even in midair, precariously tangled with the wooden structure, he starts to slicing and taunting again. ]

Do not flee, cowardly beast! The power of virtue shall rob thee of thy very life!

[ ...Then the axel falls off. It all happens so fast, so much unnecessary chaos compounding on itself in merely a moment or two. But then it's as if it all stops for a silent second, the heavy axel producing a loud but dull thud as it lands below. The blades start to slow, and begin to rock as they slow, with the added weight and momentum of Zuko clambering on the one he's clinging to.

Without the axel attached now, though... This won't end well.

Up Zuko went! And down Zuko goes. ]
Edited 2024-02-29 20:54 (UTC)
itstillhurt: (pic#15818592)

[personal profile] itstillhurt 2024-02-29 09:58 pm (UTC)(link)
And you took something from me.

[Good. Reckless, foolish. She could easily take advantage of this. For a moment, the spear seems perfect, the ideal weapon to counter his charge. He'd end the fight as soon as he started it, impaling himself-

... There's a moment of hesitation, a moment of frustration, and at the last moment, she swiftly throws herself sideways, instead grasping a handful of loose sand from within the basket and hurling it into his eyes as she does so.

That won't hold him long, and she knows it. She immediately grasps in the basket again and grasps again, this time pulling out a long, sturdy coil of chain as she braces herself for his next attack.]
cawpatrol: (That Doesn't Exist Anymore)

[personal profile] cawpatrol 2024-02-29 10:21 pm (UTC)(link)
[ The crows keep heading over, five in total - with the last one carrying a strange, glowing jar? ]

Well... there's also a quaint little farm near my home. Sometimes mother would let me come meet the cows and chickens, they were so lovely!
cawpatrol: (On The Narrow Path That Winds)

[personal profile] cawpatrol 2024-02-29 10:28 pm (UTC)(link)
This is strange... What have you got there?

[ The Crow puts the note in BRC's hand(?). ]

Why, it's from the Dreamboard itself! It says... "Capturing it is one thing but the only way to dispel the little spirit is to tell it a sweet or tragic love story."

... Wait. What?
itstillhurt: (pic#15818543)

[personal profile] itstillhurt 2024-02-29 10:33 pm (UTC)(link)
[Azula has already severed the central axle when she sees-

...what is he doing?

What is he-

She only catches his near fall from the corner of his eye, but the fact that he continues clinging to the windmill blade even as the entire frame rips free of the splintered axle and tumbles to the ground.]


You idiot-

[But of course he doesn't even hear her, and for a moment, she wants to kill the useless fool himself. Especially as she sees the frame spin, revolve slowly, and then... tip over and tumble on top of him with a crash of splintering wood.

Something uncomfortable clenched in her stomach, and she leapt to the ground- a long jump to take without firebending, and the landing definitely hurts her legs, but she ignores it, scrambling hastily to the collapsed framework to start hauling it off of Zuko.]
youknowwhothisis: (pic#16966237)

[personal profile] youknowwhothisis 2024-02-29 11:42 pm (UTC)(link)
"That... explains why I was stuck in my snake shape for a while. I fully believed I was someone else. The 'Frog Prince'." He furrowed his eyebrows, planted hands upon his hips.

"So storybooks really are the gimmick... but to what end? What does this Pied Piper want?"
youknowwhothisis: (pic#16966187)

[personal profile] youknowwhothisis 2024-02-29 11:45 pm (UTC)(link)
Well, your old man seems the resourceful sort. They could keep this big guy busy while some way of driving it off entirely gets cooked up.

[He enjoyed ducks. That was a common thread. But why could he only make them? Where was the rest of his, y'know, whap bam boom?]

Okay... become sword!

[He shook his cane. Waited.]

Come on! Don't be shy! Aha- this- this doesn't usually happen-

[He smacked the accessory a bit, like a faulty television.]
crouching_sin: ([Cain] reap what you sow)

[personal profile] crouching_sin 2024-03-01 12:18 am (UTC)(link)
[Probably for the best.]

[But oof. That's a hard question... but there's still no real question as to what it is.]


The day my baby brother was born. It was... a very long time ago, but I remember looking at him for the first time and... I suppose you could say I fell in love, in a way.
notachickenhawk: (bird: what?)

[personal profile] notachickenhawk 2024-03-01 12:31 am (UTC)(link)
<I - okay, that was a good one. But you're right, we don't. Multi-day missions aren't... uncommon, and it's rare that we go more than a few weeks without one. And as for me, I end up scouting places for missions in my 'free' time.>

[So uh. What's a break?]
rediscovering: (ouch)

[personal profile] rediscovering 2024-03-01 01:04 am (UTC)(link)
[ Zuko falls backwards, but doesn't relinquish his swords, nor his hold of the blade of the windmill as it plummets down, taking him down with it. Though on the one hand it's surely just his mad stubbornness, on the other hand, it's probably safer that he did not let go; dropping his swords or losing his balance could have made the fall much worse. He has the good sense to keep hold of the sail, so that the heavy wooden frame won't crush him entirely. Of course, there's no way to gracefully get crushed by a falling windmill.

The wooden framework is heavy and it's hard to avoid it under the force of gravity; upon impact, the blade of the fan still lands on the blade of his sword. It twists his wrist terribly, but barely misses landing on it; still, this pins him beneath the wooden beam, just as his thighs are hit by the other shattered beam he'd so stupidly clung to a moment ago. He didn't let go, and it maybe saved his life, just like every time Zuko almost dies... This hallucination he's apparently having is no exception to this pattern. He lays beneath the wrecked sail, stifling a groan of pain as Azula shoves the broken beams off his legs and uncovers him from beneath the heavy cloth of the sail. This could have been so much worse. He always survives these stupid things he does...! Even visibly in pain, he stays committed to the bit, applauding their win weakly as she hauls the sail off him. ]


V-Virtue— triumphs again. The beast is slain, Your Highness... Victory is ours. W-Woe— to the wicked...!
Edited 2024-03-01 01:12 (UTC)
itstillhurt: (pic#15818566)

[personal profile] itstillhurt 2024-03-01 01:32 am (UTC)(link)
He hadn't even-

How? He was one of the most skilled firebenders in the world, and he hadn't even tried to determine if it would work after-

Rrgh. No. No. Focus.

"Well, it won't. Not unless dressing like some sort of child's party favor happens to be associated with fire in some obscure folk tale. What are you doing here, then?"
Edited 2024-03-01 01:32 (UTC)
rediscovering: (never happy)

[personal profile] rediscovering 2024-03-01 01:37 am (UTC)(link)
[ Zuko spins round to face her, his expression outraged beneath his helmet. ]

A giant, Your Highness. Dost thou not see its four great arms whirling at its back? Look closely, for there before us stands a wicked giant, one of infamous repute — [ He slides the visor of his helmet to cover his face, but the hinge is worn, and right away, it slips down again slightly. He seems either not to notice or care, ready to battle. ] One that I intend to encounter.

[ He marches forward boldly, speaking loudly to reassure her even as he sets off to face an obviously mad delusion. ]

Fear not, fair princess, for the world has not yet seen, nor shall ever see, a battle against evil in which I've not prevailed!
itstillhurt: (pic#15817833)

[personal profile] itstillhurt 2024-03-01 01:39 am (UTC)(link)
"He-"

Oh, this was maddening. And she had some personal experience with that subject.

"...These woods are playing tricks on your mind, Najaran."

Why was she bothering? She should just leave. Leave, and let Najaran go about her foolish fate. It certainly didn't seem dangerous...

Until she encounters a sleepwalker who means her harm.

Normally, she wouldn't think that was her problem, but there was a nagging sense of obligation- and even a hint of concern, infuriatingly.
itstillhurt: (pic#15817865)

[personal profile] itstillhurt 2024-03-01 01:42 am (UTC)(link)
[She is- with no small degree of difficulty- the central stem of the fan blade up on her shoulders when he says that, and for a moment, she's almost tempted to just drop the stupid thing back on his stupid face.

She resists the impulse and manages, with no small difficulty, to heft the thing off to the side, freeing him.]


Enough. Get up. Now.