songerein | { once upon a fairytale }

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{ 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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[He nods at the bird and steps along the path, watching carefully for any clues that he could use. He's not sure what sort of test this is, but he walks towards the woman and the house. He heads towards her and lifts a hand in greeting.]

Hello there. I seem to have gotten a bit lost. Would you mind telling me where I am?

[Ah, pleasantries. He does hate those quite a lot.]

[Small talk is Actually The Worst, even in a fairytale dream.]

[The woman glances up at Naoya, nervous. Up close, it's easier to see a brand marking her cheek, its sharp angles adorned with intricate patterns that would be beautiful, if not so ominous.]

I... I'm not supposed to speak with outsiders.

Pray forgive me. I can tell you that you stand on the Duchess' property. Nothing more.

[Meanwhile, the firebird keeps a careful watch around the area. Its presence still either ignored or undetected by the servant.]

It's all right. I won't tell anyone.

[That brand. ... Ownership, maybe. He's not certain, though there are few he's spoken to about something like this. He has a suspicion, but he'll hold onto it for now.]

The Duchess, of course. And do you need help with your tasks? You seem like you could use a hand.

[What's the point in this stupid wizard costume if he can't use its abilities?]

[Her eyes dart back and forth, more afraid than suspicious of the kind offer. When she's certain that there is nobody else around to tattle, she gives a quick nod.]

She is due to return forthwith, and the leaves need to be cleared to her liking.

[Implication: pristine.]

I could use my magicks to blow them away, but...

[She grabs at her wrist, where the skin has taken to splotching.]

...it hurts.

[From the roof, the Phoenix calls down to Naoya.]

I will scout for the Duchess while you help the young lady.

[With that, it flutters up into the air and eases into a familiar circle.]

I'll have that done in no time.

[He doesn't respond to the Phoenix other than a slight incline of the head. And the fact that she's reluctant to use her magic because of it hurting... that's more than concerning.]

[But he pulls a wand out from under his robes and flicks it towards the broom. The broom stands at attention and with another flick of his wand starts sweeping away the leaves. He thinks for a moment - can he even do this? - and shrugs before flicking again to make a large paper bag appear. The leaves start to get swept into the bag and he turns back to her.]

Now, why don't you rest for a moment? It looks like you've been working all day.

[Her eyes immediately widen. She makes no indication that she's heard Naoya's words.]

You... you're a Bearer, as well? But you've no mark!

[Any rest she may have entertained is immediately forgotten in favor of hurriedly glancing around the area. When she speaks, it's in a hushed whisper.]

You must be careful! The Duchess will have clad you in chains if she sees!

[From above, the Phoenix calls down:]

She's right, and I can see the Royal Guard up ahead. You've little time if you don't wish to be discovered.

[He's heard that term before... Joshua? Hm.]

It's fine, it's a different type of magic.

[The Duchess? He doesn't fear any duchess. But this woman clearly does - so the brooms hurry along to get the leaves in the bag.]

... What's your name?

[He's not sure if this person is or ever was real, but... keeping someone in memory is important.]

And as for the duchess... she's important to you, yes?

[He directs the question up towards the Phoenix before looking back at the woman.]

... She hurts you, doesn't she?

[She falters, not out of fear, but of confusion. Her expression says it all: "A stranger cares to know my name? A stranger cares if I am in pain?"]

'Tis Perdita. I... thank you for asking.

And Her Grace does not harm me, not directly. 'Tis the use of my magicks of late.

[The Phoenix calls down again, both in response to Naoya and to provide further context.]

The Bearers suffer from the Crystals' curse. The more magic they use, the more damage is caused to their bodies.

Duchess Anabella cares not of any side effects of aether depletion, nor of their treatment. Archduke Elwin, conversely, has been working to end such needless suffering.

I feel they are both important to me, but how or why, I do not know.

... You should go. If she forces you to hurt yourself for her own benefit, then I will speak with her.

I may not be able to change her mind, but I can give her a piece of mine.

[The smile he gives her is sharp, less like a hungry cat and more like a politician's smirk before he goes into a debate he knows he's going to win.]

As for you, Phoenix - are they friend or foe? Or is it more complicated than that?

[He doesn't really know any of this context, but he's slowly trying to piece it together. As for the Duchess... he might not have his normal magic or demons, but he can be creative, should it come to that.]

[Perdita is clearly uneasy at the thought, but she calms quickly. Naoya's confidence is reassuring enough.]

Thank the Founder for your arrival. I won't forget this, kind stranger.

[With that, she hurries into the small home.]

[Once she's safe inside, the Phoenix responds. It takes a moment to contemplate the answer.]

It is far more complicated than that.

The Guard draws near. It seems they mean to make a stop.

[True to the Phoenix's observations, a small platoon of maybe ten guards surrounding a regal woman riding in a coach pulled by two chocobos pulls up to the property. The woman steps out with the help of a soldier, a worried look on her face as she consults a paper.]

"He said this poem is the key to waking Joshua. We need to bring him with us and decipher it immediately."

[She storms towards the cottage, flanked by soldiers on either side. When she comes up to Naoya, she regards him with a sneer.]

"Out of the way! We've important business to attend to."

[Great. Naoya just folds his arms and waits - he's not going to hide. Hiding wouldn't get him anywhere. The coach gets a raised eyebrow from him, especially because of those bird things, and... ah. She looks regal, which in his experience means she's got a stick up her ass.]

[Wonderful.]

[The woman addresses him and he just laughs humorlessly.]

Ahaha... no. You're worried about Joshua, are you? Tell me of the situation. We're... friends.

[Sort of?]

And how are you going to decipher a poem with those... well. No offense meant to your men, but none of them look like scholars.

[She's got a massive stick up her ass, Naoya, but all that matters to her is that it's made out of gold.]

[The sneer drops into a glare sharp enough to pierce through the hearts of any human in all of Valisthea. The guards, simultaneously offended and loyal to the cues from their monarch, ready their swords, but she stays them with a raise of her hand. The corner of her mouth curls.]

"And how, pray tell, is a man of your station friends with a little boy, let alone one born with such noble blood?"

[The glare is noticed... but he doesn't care. The corners of his mouth twitch upwards and he holds back his laughter. So he's a child right now, eh? Interesting. This should be fun...]

Magic. We've spoken about it at length. And as for my station... do you really think that I'm a mere wizard? Do you really think that I'm just here by coincidence? I'm not sure who you are, but I can already tell that you are a woman of... quite high station.

You'll find that such things don't matter, in the end. Find your little boy, but remember that everything you know and love will crumble.

[He shakes his head and huffs.]

You bring men for protection but you don't bring anyone skilled in riddles? You're a fool. Do you really care for your son, or do you care for your station?

[Naoya's words strike true and from multiple angles. Anabella's visage cracks just enough to reveal a quaking anger underneath an otherwise pristine exterior.]

[The wind picks up around them. It's enough of a change that the Phoenix has to flap its wings to regain its balance on the roof.]

"My son is the Dominant of the Phoenix, the Keeper of Fire, and the next to be seated on Rosaria's throne. He is pristine and my world.

Let everything else crumble away, so long as I've done my duty to maintain my family's standing."

[She turns her nose up at Naoya, and the wind continues to blow.]

"The only riddle we cannot solve is why some lowly, unbranded Bearer dares to open his mouth to his superiors. Unless you are threatening House Rosfield?"

Oh, did I strike a nerve? My apologies oh great Duchess. I'm sure you're just wonderful for him - except the fact that your standing will crumble to dust in time as well. No one lives forever.

[The sarcasm is thick enough to cut with a knife, though the latter half... it's true. Even he doesn't live forever. His soul, yes. But his body does not. And 'Dominant'... he'll have to ask Joshua more about that.]

Lowly I may be, but even gods can fall to a well-planned strike. I am not threatening your house - nor have I told you a lie about it. And you think you to be my superior? Then prove it - not with your men or your standing, but with your words and your deeds.

I'll wait.

[Naoya's words linger in the air, a subtle challenge that stirs the tension between them. Anabella's eyes now blaze with a quiet fury. She raises her hand again, and the guards suddenly disappear.]

[Instead, the wind around them swirls, apparently responding to the Duchess. The opulence of her title and the weight of her responsibilities are overshadowed by the raw, unbridled rage clawing at the edges of her restraint. Her jaw tightens, and the wind whips around the once quaint clearing, carrying the echo of her simmering anger.]

[The Phoenix launches itself from the roof to ride the wind currents--a better option than allowing itself to be buffeted.]

"Your words are nothing more than the desperate flailings of a man who overestimates his influence. This--"

[She gestures around her, encompassing the castle off in the horizon, barely visible against the whorl of debris, and the small home nearby that she considers part of her domain.]

"--is mine. And I will not let you tarnish it!"

[The Phoenix trills from above, uneasy with where this is headed.]

"I don't need to prove anything to the likes of you. But mark my words, your games end here. You will not take a step anywhere near my son."

[And there she is. The monster at the heart of this - the fairy tale evil that must be defeated to overcome this.]

[He has no intention of physically fighting her. He likely can't, even if that were an option. The whole display is interesting - but it just gets Naoya to laugh. It's a little unhinged but... well. So is he.]

I have seen nations rise and fall. I have seen countries burn and flatten each other. I have seen the wind rip homes off of their foundations, and I have seen the earth crack open and swallow people. Do you think, in your feeble little mind, that this scares me? I, who have died a thousand deaths?

No. You're just an awful woman who will one day get what is coming to her if there is any sort of justice in Joshua's world.

[There is none in his own, only the justice he can make.]

I have no intention of harming him - you suspect the worst of someone you don't even know. And while I can relate, you're still wrong. I'm dangerous, yes - but I'm far more on his side than yours.

[The only side he's truly on is his own. But allies are allies.]

So bluster all you like. Whip the wind if you please. Attempt to tear the flesh from my body if you will. I'll still rise above it, and he will rise above you.

“You think you know him better than his own mother?!”

[All pretense of control is gone from Anabella’s once perfect image. Her voice warps and the flash of a ghastly countenance crosses her features as she howls in her furor, the sound carried by heavy gusts.]

"You are nothing! And he is nothing without me!"

[Despite the bluster (literal, figurative, etc.), Anabella makes no motion to attack Naoya directly. Instead, she relies on the wind to hurl larger pieces of detritus at him.]

[Just as it looks as though a sizable piece of the carriage is about to hit the source of her ire (and he did a very good job inciting it), the Phoenix swoops in front of Naoya and summons a barrier large enough to shield him.]

"What... how?!"

[The Phoenix slips back into the violent stream of air.]

She still cannot see me. Do with that what you will.

[Anabella, in the meantime, isn't doing well with how ineffective her power seems to be against Naoya.]

I am more than what you know. And he is more than you.

[The barrier is a bit of a surprise, but his face betrays no shock. Instead he smirks, producing his wand again and whipping it towards her. A line of flame emerges from the wand, rocketing towards her in an attempt to snake around her throat. He'll take an arm if he can't get the throat, though.]

Do you really think all mothers know best? Please. You'd be surprised at how many mothers turn their sons out for power or for some other whim.

Or maybe you wouldn't be.

[Anabella shrieks as the magic takes its hold on her. Too afraid to reach up and grasp at the fire, she stands still, paralyzed with fear.]

[A cry from above resounds from the Phoenix at the same time, and as Naoya continues to speak, it dives low. The moment he finishes, it lands on his outstretched arm, gripping it tight but not enough to tear through to his skin with sharp talons.]

Stop!

[It cranes its neck so its sapphire eyes can catch Naoya's.]

Please. It is enough. She is of no danger to us anymore.

She sure seems dangerous, but fine.

[There’s pain, but that’s fine. He’d love to watch her die, but this isn’t his place to play with. He dismisses the fire and turns to the bird.]

So what now?

Thank you.

[The winds die down as Anabella is freed, and her sobs fill in the muted void where they once roared.]

[The Phoenix, after turning its head once to look back at the ruined Duchess, carefully makes its way up Naoya's arm so it can perch on his shoulder.]

It is likely the prince we seek is in the cottage. Pray return me to him so that he may wake.

[He pats the bird with his unbloodied arm and heads towards the cabin door. Is that all? This could have been done so much more easily if you'd told him that, Phoenix.]

Two halves of a whole, is it? Interesting.

[Look, it wasn't sure about that, itself, okay?]

Yes. The child and I are one.

He is the Crown Prince of Rosaria, Joshua Rosfield, the Dominant of the Phoenix, the Eikon of Fire.

I chose him to command my power.

[On the other side of the door, Naoya will be able to catch some noise from inside. As if someone is scrambling.]

[He's honestly more comfortable talking to weirdly solid concepts of reality than people. Demons are straightforward and (usually) predictable. He's aware this isn't the same, but...]

[He laughs quietly and tilts his head.]

You chose well. For someone with a volatile element, he's surprisingly... steady. So come, let us return you to him.

[He knocks on the door before trying the handle.]

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