songerein | { 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

[When Heizou tugs on the tip of one of his cat ears Venti... Sneezes. But strangely enough not in an "allergic to cats" sort of way but with red and white rose petals instead. Flowers shower on them for a moment and Venti frowns.

All the while he still holds onto Heizou possessively, cat tail whapping back and forth.]

I was feeling alright until just a moment ago! Oh, why does my nose tickle? Is it because I'm right-side up?

[The sneeze surprises Heizou, and he actually notices that those red and white rose petals seemed to have... come out of Venti's nose. Somehow he hadn't noticed it when he himself had sneezed, but he couldn't miss it with Venti from this close. He shifts to cup his cheeks carefully, leaning in a bit to peer at his nose.]

Well, this is an odd dream effect... Does it feel stuffed up, like something's in there?

[And then he blinks as that last comment fully registers.]

...Have you been hanging upside-down from somewhere all this time?

[He'll let Heizou inspect him but when he does Venti might let out a very strange noise...Is that a purr...?? Venti is purring, eyes watching Heizou and blinking very slowly.]

I don't feel stuffed up. If anything I feel stuffed down. Upside-down is where I was but now I'm downside-up!

[He grabs Heizou's hands. He's not making a whole lot of sense, is he...]

[That... definitely catches Heizou off-guard for a moment, though he quickly masks it with an amused smile. It seems to him like the cat traits are extending further than they really need to if it's allowing Venti to purr like that.]

Stuffed down, huh? Sounds like whatever's affecting you is making you speak more flowery than usual~

[It's kind of cute, though. For someone so tragically allergic to cats, he sure does make a cute one. It makes Heizou want to cuddle and pet him more just to see how he'll react--

And that thought gets derailed by a sneeze of his own. Complete with the fluttering of pink and red rose petals around them.

Heizou blinks.] ...Oh.

[Truth be told if he was in a normal state any sort of added cat appendages would be making him sneeze and sniffle up a storm. He's so deathly allergic to cats. But for some strange reason, his current cat ears and tail aren't making him all that sniffly at all. Perhaps it's the circumstances? Or maybe whatever dream effect he's having is helping with the fact.]

Oh?

[When Heizou sneezes he can't help reaching out to take hold of a rose petal that floats down. He plays with it in his fingers before he turns to Heizou again and slides his arms around Heizou once more.]

It's not you who's allergic to cats today, is it? Or are you allergic to me? I wonder what these petals could mean...

[That question makes Heizou chuckle a little, reaching out to pluck that petal out of his fingers before letting his own arms slip around the other's waist. He really should be more concerned about the cat ears and tail and what in the world Venti was even doing in the darkest parts of the forest until now... But he's very sure now that it's just another dream effect, and Venti will be okay once whatever is going on in the woods gets resolved.]

No no, I'm quite sure that I haven't developed an allergy to you, my dearest Venti~

[For now, Heizou is just glad that he's found the archon at all. Even if these bubbles and petals are being a little... intrusive.]

I think they're a new way for this world to tell you when I'm thinking about you! It is a time for romance, after all~

[That's... probably not entirely true, but it also isn't a lie! He's just not ready to reveal everything he's feeling right now!]

[When Heizou returns his arms around Venti's waist he brings himself nice and close to the other boy, pressing against him and nuzzling his nose into Heizou's cheek. He starts purring again, the sound a happy and content sound. Like he's around one of his most precious people.]

That's wonderful! It would be such a shame if you were to be allergic to little old me.

[He hums softly.]

Do you really think that's what these flowers mean? Are you thinking of me, Heizou?

[His smile grows just a little more fond, and as Venti nuzzles him he lets his eyes slide shut just so he can enjoy their closeness. That purring feels so nice, too--

And it makes Heizou sneeze again, blinking rapidly as more deep red petals go flying. Yeah, there's not a lot of room for doubt in his mind at the moment.]

I am thinking of you. Of you and how you're making my nose tickle~

[Among other things. But Venti doesn't need to know all that!]

More importantly, we should make our way out of here. It's never a good idea to stay lost in a magic forest~

[Venti giggles happily at that response. And his cat tail wiggles and whaps back and forth and then brushes up gently against Heizou's leg.]

Before we go... [He purrs softly, his breath near Heizou's ear.] I have to tell you that you're often on my mind as well.

[Because Venti's own rose petals are happily swishing about. How sweet.]

Can I ask you a favour before we leave? There's something important I have to find.

[It's really quite picturesque, actually. Rose petals swirling around them as though caught up in some unseen breeze, while they keep their arms wrapped around one another... Except those rose petals got sneezed out of them. That part is pretty weird.

Still, Heizou is smiling. And he goes ahead and presses a light little kiss to Venti's cheek.]

Good. I'm glad~

[He then tilts his head at that request, amusement in his eyes.]

You've come to the right detective, my dear Venti! What is it that we're looking for?

[Luckily there's no snot on those pretty rose petals. They're just pretty rose petals! That reflects how they really feel! That's the magic of dreams.

He giggles at the kiss to his cheek and then lifts a finger to press to his bottom lip.]

I thought you'd say something like that. We have to find...

[He tilts his head.]

A lost memory of mine. A very important one, I think.

[Thank goodness for pretty, clean rose petals.

That request makes him blink, surprised. He really shouldn't be, though. This is a world of dreams, so of course Venti's important lost item would be something like that. And it must also have some connection to his current state. It makes him wonder what form a lost memory would take under these circumstances.]

All right. Let's go look for your lost memory~

[Heizou reluctantly steps out of Venti's space, but not without capturing one hand in his and letting their fingers twine together.]

Do you have any clues as to where we might find it?

{ once upon a fairytale }

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