{ once upon a fairytale }

[dreamposts]

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.

Comments

Eustace | Granblue Fantasy

[flamekthunder]

[Who's afraid of the Big Bad Wolf? Unfortunately, Eustace has been caught under the spell and is sleepwalking as such. The twist is he's also taken on something of the Huntsman role as well, and instead of his usual rifle be has a large axe. In terms of his appearance, at first glance one might mistake him as his usual self, as his attire looks more like a huntsman which is not too different from what he normally wears. However, he has a black tail that matches his already black ears, and he can both partially transform his hands to claws and completely transform into a wolf.

Worst of all, he's playing as a villain so... Good luck!]

⊗ i: hunting grounds (dark woods)

[The jars in this area will be hidden in trees but they will have pawprints and wolf motifs on them, making it a good clue that it's his. The only way to get him to open the jar is to subdue him.

a) A "helpful" guide. Lost in the woods? On the way to deliver some goodies? Those in red will need to be especially careful as he will especially target them. And those who know actually know Eustace, well...]

The woods aren't safe... I'll help guide you out.

[Don't be fooled by that light smile or calm demeanor. Especially when one has to ask—where did he even come from? He just seemed to appear out of nowhere and without a sound. And instead of leading them out, he'll be leading them further in, perhaps even towards the fog...

b) The hunt is on. Whether he managed to lure someone in deeper into the woods or just appeared from somewhere in the shadows, Eustace will either dart out swinging that large axe, eyes dark and gleaming with clear intent to kill, or people will see the large shadow of a black wolf lurking around before it lunges out into the open. It's probably a good thing he doesn't have his usual abilities on hand, but he makes up for it with what he's gained from his "role," with increased strength and agility.

Either fight back or try to run, but he'll chase them down even if they manage to escape the woods or find a cottage somewhere.]

⊗ ii. knock knock (cottages)

[The jars in this area will be mixed in with the jars found within the cottage, but will have the telltale pawprints and wolf motifs. The best way to get him to not try and kill anyone and stay still long enough to open that jar is to cook something, anything. There are two different types of scenarios here:

a) Why huff when you have an axe? Perhaps someone is already looking through a cottage or perhaps Eustace chased them there. Regardless of whose cottage it is, there will be a spell of some kind that won't let Eustace just simply open it.

So he stands there glaring at the door before smiling.]

Hey, let me in.

[...Not. Quite the line, but not everyone is going to be a pig, and even if they were he'd just say "Hey, pig." Will someone actually open the door? Or will they refuse, not even by the hair of their chinny chin chin? And if they don't open that door...well. He has an axe. And he knows how to use it. Hope that cottage isn't made of straw or sticks!

b) That's not grandma. Eustace had somehow entered a cottage on his own (ignore how the door is already hacked to pieces—) and is just sitting on a bed, the dark lighting casting an overdramatic shadow effect over him to obscure his figure. He's not wearing anything different, but he does smile at whoever enters. A smile that should send chills even to those who don't know him.]

Hoh. Is that meal for me?

[Hopefully whoever he's talking to has a basket of goodies...or that meal may be something else. And those who come close will be compelled to ask the traditional questions about his appearance, though it doesn't have to stay with the original phrases.]

⊗ iii. find the flute

[Once he's out of the spell long enough, Eustace is going to be quite pissed about it, so he will be quick to partner up with anyone who is after the flute. And with his acute sense of hearing, he can hear those notes more easily than most.

Once they are popped to reveal the bit of music...]

...Do you really want to try and sing this?

[He's leaving that fate up to his partner. A poor decision, he knows.

And whether they do and have a nice little trail to follow, or if they have to work a bit harder for it, once the location is found it can either be 1) guarded by some ferocious beast or 2) require a bit of athleticism to reach it, such as being way up high somewhere or hidden deep within some castle's dungeon.]

⊗ wildcard catchall

[Open to other prompts! For those who know Eustace, they will definitely be able to tell from the get go that something is extremely off about him. Feel free to contact me via PM or laenavesse to plot or discuss more if needed!]

🪓🐺 this isn't the red riding hood story we know...

[starshower]

( my, what big teeth you have... )

[There is a reason Tifa has slept so soundly tonight before the melody plays across Reverein, and a reason why she hardly stirs when the bed shifts. Hardly moves when he leaves besides a light mumbling and a roll over onto his side of the bed. He tends to put her under after a long evening together, her relaxed state allowing her to sleep in absolute peace... and that is never a problem. Or it wasn't... until tonight.

Tifa awakens to the sounds of the dogs barking closer to sunrise, some at the door, others hopping up onto the bed to shove her awake with their paws and licks and sniffs. It doesn't take much then, but she's groggy when she awakens, her sleepiness not quite allowing her to register what's going on until she feels how cold the other side of the bed is, and more importantly, how empty it is.

Tifa snaps fully awake with a gasp, as if all of the air in her lungs had just been beaten out of her in the absence of her husband lying next to her, and it wouldn't be such a panic if it weren't for the fact that all of the dogs were in a disarray, and she can hear those at the door pawing at it.]

Eustace—!?

["He left." Eria is there, at the foot of the bed, her voice filling Tifa's head immediately as her blue eyes fix on her. "I don't know what happened, but he and Melody left the house together, and none of us could stop him. It was almost as if he was sleepwalking."]

...Sleepwalking?

[Tifa stares across at the wolf, confused, but Eria growls, her tail swishing, agitated.

"Go!"

Well, whatever is going on, there's an unsettling feeling in Tifa's stomach as she gets dressed as quickly as she can, throwing on whatever manner of clothes without any thought as to how they look. She barely gets her boots zipped up before she's clambering out the door with Bri, Idris, and Valo in tow—the three that she could not convince to stay behind no matter how hard she tried. Eria, meanwhile, promised to stay behind and keep watch over the rest lest anything happen to them, too.

Fortunately, Eustace and Melody's scents are easy for them to pick up, even without the music. It takes them all the way to the Wildlands and across a bridge that she's almost sure was not there before, or that rainbow river that it crosses over. The warnings from the fae nearby do nothing to deter Tifa, her mind already made up before she even got there that she would go out to find him and pull him out of whatever enchantment they say have befallen those who were led out to the forest.

She would return, but it would not be until Eustace was with her.

What she wasn't warned about was that upon crossing the bridge and passing through the line of trees into the eerie darkness, she and the dogs are transformed. Tifa into a long, hooded red cloak draped over armour, while Idris is given a green outfit, Valo a huntsman, and Bri a princess in a sparkling blue dress with three little shoes on her paws, one of them missing. Not that she's going to waste any time getting up in arms about the change of clothes, so she hoists that basket at her elbow and keeps walking... swallowing past the lump in her throat as they proceed over the darkened path of the forest...

And only when they are further in does she start calling for him, trying to mask the fear that edges her voice beneath the dog's whimpers.]

... Eustace? Can you hear me?

[flamekthunder]

[There's nothing at first, just the dogs huddling closer to Tifa as if to protect her from whatever may lurk in the darkness. But then their ears will suddenly perk up, Idris sniffing before trotting forward with an excited bark.]

[starshower]

Idris?

[If it wasn't for the excitement or the pep in his step or the wag of his tail, she might have been a little concerned, but Tifa can't help feeling just a bit hopeful that he's picked up on something, so she chases after him, with Valo and Bri bringing up the rear.]

Did you find something?

[flamekthunder]

[And there, sitting in the middle of a strangely lit part of the forest, will be a small bundle in white cloth lying on the grass. But that little bundle will soon stir and will reveal little Melody in what looks like a little...dress? Gown? She yawns sleepily as the dogs bark excitedly and rush forward.]

find the flute

[burnttoashes]

[Ever the practical sort, Nuadha has decided to focus his efforts on tracking down the flute in order to put a stop to all of this nonsense. And here he'd thought that simply destroying the notes themselves would be enough to have an effect... but no, all that does is cause pieces of sheet music to materialize, and the moment he sees that the music has lyrics, it's not hard to put two and two together.

Eustace has come to the same conclusion, apparently.]

No. But I'm getting the sense we may not have a choice in the matter.

[He's not being as forceful about his objections as he normally would, however. Something feels strange about this, or more specifically, about Eustace, and he's more than a bit wary even though he can't put his finger on exactly what it is.]

[flamekthunder]

[What, don't you like that hidden murderous aura that is only currently suppressed because he's not fully on the spell right now, Nuadha—

Though he'd feel that way even without the spell, clicking his tongue.]

What are the verses?

[burnttoashes]

[YEAH HE'S... not exactly loving the vibes right now!! But he also knows better than to bring it up at the moment when there is a flute to find.

He will at least concede to reading the lyrics out loud, however.]

Through woods of green and shaded glade
By winding brook a path is made
Take heed of how its course may run
And head towards the setting sun


[... hmm. Doesn't look like anything happens just by speaking them. Guess that was too much to hope for after all.]

It seems to want us to find a stream and follow it to the west.

[flamekthunder]

[....Ugh.]

And woods of green and shaded glade... Could be part of the woods and the swamp, especially if there's a stream. But there are a number of them.

[Just a low growl of frustration before he takes a steadying breath.]

...Let's try singing. The melody doesn't seem too complicated and I'd rather not waste anymore time.

i - a

[stilljustyou]

( Frisk themselves is dressed as Alice. They've grown used to the sudden change of settings here by now -- it was one of the reasons why they were calm, even if they were lost in the woods.

They stop when Eustace speaks, tilting their head a little in response. That was rather nice of them. And, well...

Even if Frisk were to see his claws, they wouldn't exactly show hesitation in following him. They've encountered monsters that are on the more intimidating side, after all. Instead, they're lifting up their eyebrows to look at their ears before nodding their head. )

Do you live in the woods?

[flamekthunder]

[There's a low hum at the question.]

You could say that. I know it quite well to help you pass through, at least.

[stilljustyou]

( There's a pause on Frisk's end then, and they look to the woods in front of them -- and then back to Eustace.

They're been lost for some time now, and usually they're more of a person who would go with the flow. However... Their curiosity is getting the better of them this time. If he can help guide them forward, then perhaps they can see more of the woods...?

Frisk nods their head then. )

Thank you.

[flamekthunder]

[Frisk...no...don't trust the stranger...!! STRANGER DANGER...!!!!

There's just a slight smile as he nods and leads the way. Whether he will actually help or not, however, has yet to be determined.]

Where are you headed?

ii-b

[noblegarnet]

[Huh???

Standing in the doorway of the room, Ferran blinks at the strange... hell, everything. Eustace being ominous, the weird smile, the half-laugh, the question itself. He came in here to look for flutes and/or jars, and did not expect to see a person inside the ruined cottage.

He glances down at the bag he's carrying around his waist—the only thing on his person other than, like, his clothes—into which his long braid disappears.]

Look—all that's in here is my hair, and that would not be a good time for either of us.

[Ever hear of Rapunzel syndrome? Hair is not digestible, really.]

Uh, you... seem different than usual. [Understatement.]

[flamekthunder]

[Ferran should be very concerned as Eustace just continues to eye him... And at the mention of the hair, his gaze moves from the top of his head to linger at his neck and then down the length of the hair into the bag.

...Hm.

But just continues that eerily soft smile as he cants his head slightly, no registration of familiarity whatsoever.]

Do I? In what way?

[noblegarnet]

[Unfortunately, Ferran is notoriously awful at recognizing danger when it's wearing a familiar face; either that, or he just ends up not caring and dealing with the consequences. Right now, he's more perturbed than anything.]

Well, for one, you don't usually sound like—

[What he is, though, is genre savvy. And he's felt enough magical compulsions and been shoved in enough roles to start to recognize a thing or two. His shoulders slump.]

Eustace, I already know you're a wolf-person, or whatever. [If this stupid spell makes him go through the eyes and teeth spiel despite that he's going to be particularly aggravated, as if he weren't already.]

[flamekthunder]

[Fortunately for Ferran, he will be spared as he just grins.]

Then that makes it easier.

[And he'll shift to stand, hand going to his axe.]

ia-ish!

[azuresong]

[ Having her form changed into a duckling wasn't the worst thing in the world... until you factor how difficult it was and avoid obstacles being less than a foot tall.

Lyria is dashing through the bottom of the forest floor, hurried wedded feet padding against the ground as hard and as fast as she could. The object of her current grief? Snakes, two of them, both bright eyed and eager for a meal. She managed to escape a few close calls when they've lunged at her, thanking the roots of the trees for sticking out just enough that she could duck (aha) underneath and out. But she was running out of steam... and options.

It was after a few more minutes of running when finally up head Lyria caught the glimpse of a familiar and oh so grateful sight of a "friendly" face. ]

Eustace....! Eustace, please— please help me! [ The girl quacked, flapping her wings as hard as she could in an attempt to get the man to notice her.

And those snakes? Almost snapping at her tailfeathers! ]

[flamekthunder]

[Eustace was just doing his usual "wandering" listening for any signs of someone passing through the forest, when he hears the hurried sounds of little feet and slithering in the distance. Just as he's thinking how some unfortunate little thing will be a meal for those snakes, he hears someone...shouting at him?

It's a name he's heard several people refer to him by, so he's slow to really register it until he finally turns to look to find—]

...A duck?

[Just a slight tilt of his head as he continues to watch with strange indifference of the snakes closing on the duckling. He could just leave it, let the poor little thing to her fate. But there's something about that desperation that makes him raise his axe, step forward, and swing it down upon the snakes right before the snap at her, their heads flying cleanly into the air and blood splatters some on his boots and arm.]

[azuresong]

[ Lyria had braced for an impact, a sharp pain, anything. So as she closed her eyes and threw her wings over the top of her head to protect herself... she was surprised when nothing came.

Only a sound. A horrible, slicing sound of steel cutting straight through flesh... and then nothing more.

The girl paused, blinking, before eventually removing her "hands" to gaze up and at Eustace as he towers over her with both axe and blood attached.

Although normally one would be shocked by the sight, a look of relief briefly washed over her duck-like features before she chirps up, wings spread gratefully to either side. ]

Ah... thank goodness I found you! I thought for sure they were going to eat me!

[flamekthunder]

...Well.

[Swinging the blade to let the blood fly off before sheathing it behind his back, he looks down at the little duckling before reaching over to pluck her right off from the ground, holding her close to his face as he stares at her with none of that warmth and familiarity she should be seeing.]

You're small... But you'd do for a snack.

iib? ;u;

[lemoncandy]

( Shealtiel had heard that there were two big bad wolves in town. It was instinct that brought him here, if it could be called that. The comment feels taunting, more than anything, and he growls in response, stepping forward through the door so that the light can catch him more.

There are black, void-like ears protruding from his head, and a tail to match. It's equally void-like, the tip of it tattered and torn like it's been abused beyond repair. It can hardly sway behind him as he walks, more often hanging limply.

His many eyes are spread across the left side of his face and down his neck, and his fangs are out and prominent. He's got claws instead of fingernails, too, he lifts one of his hands to show them off now, curling his fingers and snarling extra large to show his teeth. )

Your eyes may be big, but they're not as plentiful as mine.

( That's not how the story goes? )

!! LORE ACCURATE ANGEL WOLF!!!

[flamekthunder]

[...Oh? Another wolf? This makes Eustace look up with some more interest than before, especially after his eyes cast over Shealtiel's form—including all those eyes.

Yet rather than be disturbed or deterred by the display, he just smirks.]

All the better to see me with?

[A small laugh.]

You should also get those fangs looked at—seem overgrown.

[Definitely isn't how the story goes.]

he's the big bad biblically accurate wolf

[lemoncandy]

( Villain vs villain... wolf vs wolf... Hunter vs... ?

Shealtiel can't recall who this is, or why it might matter. All he can feel is a rage, a hatred for practically everyone and everything around him. He's hungry, he needs something he can't put his finger on, and he's angry about it.

...Of course, he is still Shealtiel, so the best comeback he can come up with is a little weak. )

Oh yeah? Well your ears are stupider than mine!

( His void ears are definitely super cool, right? They leave like, little particles behind as he moves...

Anyway. )

This is my hunting ground. Who said you could stay here?

[flamekthunder]

[Wow his ears are the fluffiest and softest, definitely cooler than ones that couldn't even be pet properly.

Just a derisive snort as he cants his head slightly.]

Yours? All I'm hearing is a pup yapping.