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.

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Well, what do you propose to keep the wedding at bay while I try to figure out an escape route? Does any one of you have any good ideas? Although I could sure need someone to take a bridesmaid role after one lady had to step aside due to breaking her ankle just now.

(Maleen gives this bride swap idea a second thought and decides that maybe they can have a clever act that would allow the insecure bride a way out of the wedding and Alastor to get Maleen to op en Pandora’s jar of memories soon.)

Your Highness. I do think that perhaps that I can pretend to be you while you can try to be me as the bridesmaid at the ceremony. But in order to keep up the illusion while you slip away, we would need to have ours faces hidden in veils so no one else can see our ruse. The peasant man can take his place as a guest at the back row.

As the priest holds the sermon, you’ll slip away quietly from the back and flee from the hidden doors. The peasant man may even hold the doors for you as well. If you can help not making any noise, you should be fine. No one would not pay attention to a runaway bridesmaid. By the time he will declare the marriage to be finalized, everyone will not realize that you, the bride of this marriage, has found her way to freedom and out of the marriage while they are too engrossed with the sermon.

Maid Maleen. Do you think that this plan you suggested will work? What if the prince or anyone else catches onto the switch?

Trust me, Your Highness. It shall work out in the end for all of us.

If I might make an additional suggestion, it would be best to veil all of your bridesmaids. The bride and a single bridesmaid hiding their faces looks suspect. However, if all of them are veiled, it will look intentional if a bit eccentric.

[Alastor knows a thing or two about misdirection.]

And if your groom suspects a trick and thinks to unveil a bridesmaid to expose you, better to hide amongst many so he's more likely to pick the wrong one. Speaking as a member of that wretched half of humanity, being publicly incorrect will sting his pride so much that he won't think to unveil more.

Hmmm… You know, Sir. That actually sounds like a brilliant idea! We will need to gather the other bridesmaids as we go into my rooms and tell them to hide their faces in veils while we get dressed for the whole event. Maybe we can ask every available female staff and castle resident to disguise as veiled bridesmaids too.

While I think that they may be confused by this last minute change, it is going to help us out in making the ruse to be less suspicious in the eyes of the rest of the people in the chapel while Maleen will cover for me.

Correct, your Highness. Having just a bridesmaid and the bride wearing veils would make things very suspicious indeed. But by having every bridesmaid veiled as well and having them in big numbers that can allow you to blend in while you flee, it will make it less likely for the escape to get detected under people’s noses.

You wouldn't even need to run during your flight. As the crowd disperses, you merely need to walk with purpose as if you've somewhere you need to be just like all of the other veiled women. People rarely stop someone who looks like they belong somewhere and are going about their regular business.

If you run, you'll attract more attention. No one would pay any mind to just another bridesmaid leaving the chapel when the ceremony ends. And with all of the bridesmaids veiled, no one would be able to tell which bridesmaid was going where. There'd be no telling which direction you fled in even after the ruse was discovered.

Edited 2024-02-24 15:35 (UTC)

Okay then. No running while trying to get out and just walk as if I have something in the ceremony to attend to: understood, sir. You seem to be a lot wiser than what your appearance would say otherwise.

(The scullery maid princes nods in agreement as well: with a bunch of veiled bridesmaids working around the clock, there will be no telling who could be hiding beneath the veil while the insecure bride carefully walks away from the chapel.)

So what do you say, Your Highness: shall we get the whole wedding party ready to start the plan of action?

Yes of course, Maid Maleen. Let’s get all the bridesmaids into the rooms and get ready for the ceremony ahead of us.

[Alastor bows graciously to what was clearly intended to be a compliment.]

I'm pleased my contributions can assist Your Highness.

[And hopefully give the "bride" a way out as well. With the veils, a quick change in dress with a snap of his fingers -- he is playing the role of the shapeshifting magician testing the heroine, after all -- and Anya can make the same escape.]

I shall take my place as one of the guests then.

Why thank you so much, good sir. We should get this sorted out in a timely manner.

Your Highness, are you ready to escape this marriage?

Of course, Maid Maleen. I’m as ready as you are, let’s go and begin the ceremony.

(Eventually the rest of the wedding party comes in to fetch the bride and bridesmaids, not noticing that two of them aren’t what seemed to be nor do they have any explanation as why they are all wearing veils. Needless to say, no one said a single word about it as they begin to make their way to the chapel where the prince awaits for the ‘insecure bride’.

The real insecure bride is hidden among the rest of the bridesmaids, looking at Maleen and hoping that she will not get into trouble when they pass by some nettle along the way, causing her to have an existential crisis that she begins to mumble about nettles and having to eat in a tone so soft that no one else can hear.

Not wanting to jeopardize everyone involved, Maleen tries to stay quiet besides the occasional nettle rant and that one part where they cross a foot bridge when she begs it to not break on her feet. Luckily the insecure bride does have to step to tell her not to mumble too much on the walk before they enter the chapel interior.

At last they have arrived at the chapel to begin the walk down the aisle. The prince awaits at the altar, hoping to meet his bride and be wedded to her as the insecure bride and the bridesmaids walk down first. Maleen tries to keep her composure upon seeing his face as she begins her part, walking towards him slowly but surely before eventually reaching his hand.

The ceremony and the escape plan for the insecure bride are about to begin.)

[And if things go awry, Alastor has a backup plan: fire.]

[No, seriously, the insecure bride and Anya would be able to run without drawing attention if something caught fire which would cause everyone to run. And with everything lit by candles, it wouldn't even be unbelievable. A little shield spell at ankle height to trip some poor rube into one of the standing candelabras, and no one would be the wiser.]

[Without telling the two ladies the backup plan, they'd react naturally when it occurred.]

(When the priest begins the sermon portion of the ceremony, the insecure bride quietly begins to shift positions a bit with the other bridesmaids, making it look like she intended to be there and being no need to rush just yet. Maleen is holding back the sad painful memories of the tower imprisonment and possibly even being forgotten as she and the prince continue to listen to the priest’s words. So far no one hasn’t caught onto the bridal switch and called out on each woman just yet.

The insecure bride slowly moves a bit, inches away towards the first secret hidden exit she could find but never letting on her hopes to escape and leave without being caught. She is praying that by the time they get to the vows and the prince presenting Maleen the necklace, they wouldn’t notice her and the bridesmaids moving places like they are trying to get their assigned duties in order to get her out of there and out of the marriage.)

[So far, so good. Alastor is grinning away in his place. He's already picked out a few good targets for his backup plan.]

[Nobody seems to notice the one bridesmaid shifting towards what must be an exit. After all, the others keep shifting about, some of them moving to get ready for their own duties.]

[He forgot how long some of these ceremonies could be. He supposes it could be worse. Mass sometimes used to feel like it took an eternity.]

(The insecure bride is bidding her time as she cautiously makes steps towards the exit while still pretending to be a bridesmaid on duty and not losing her cool as much as possible. She is nearly halfway towards the exit and hopefully her freedom. Unlike the hopelessly smitten prince, she didn’t really reciprocated the love back and she was just merely going along with the arranged marriage and would have been more miserable if the strange man and Maleen didn’t came into her life and proposed a plan that allows her to get out of it. And for that, she is quite grateful to them.

The prince meanwhile doesn’t seem to notice that the veiled woman in front of him is not the bride he was engaged to and said woman happens to be one of the veiled bridesmaids.

In fact the whole congregation is completely oblivious to the whole masquerade in progress as the priest officiant then starts the next part, the vows, asking the two parties if they enter it in their own choice (which the insecure bride would have said to no if she was in Maleen’s spot).)

[The more of this dull ceremony he watches, the more he can see why the bride was so desperate to avoid her groom. Utterly smitten and utterly boring. If he were the bride, he would've thrown himself off the highest tower just to make his end quicker.]

[Blessed Creator and His loa, how long is this ceremony supposed to take! Sinners were eternally stuck at the age they died at, but he was going to meet his second death as the first Sinner to die of old age at this rate!]

(When the vows commence, the prince is the first to say some words to Maleen/‘the bride’, saying that he shall remain faithful and loyal to her through the good and bad, all the usual marriage obstacles one expects to find. The insecure bride is slowly reaching the 75% of the way to the exit, still doing her best to not look suspicious on her way out and hopes that Maleen could try to delay the ceremony as much as possible.

But when it was Maleen’s turn though, she did struggle with her words, unable to process between what has happened to her in the last seven years and it is happening right now, about the insecure bride, her desperate wish to escape a marriage she didn’t ask for and the fear that was crippling her greatly. So much that she starts to break down in tears.)

Vows, do not break on me for I’m unworthy to be a bride.

Is everything alright, my dear?

Oh it is nothing, I was just thinking about a young scullery maid toiling away in the kitchens, that’s all.

(The insecure bride is worried that Maleen might falter at this point, fearing that all of them could get in trouble for this ruse they’re trying to pull off if she lets her guard down. Goodness, who knew weddings can make anyone cry out in desperation?

Still, the maid princess managed to recover from her anxious break and proceeds to say some sweet words to him as her promise, allowing the actual bride to slip away further although she may have whispered to Alastor about the jar he found in the kitchen just out of curiosity.)

[Alastor gives a slight shake of his head. Now isn't the time to discuss such things. If she wants to slip away cleanly, she needs to do it before anyone thinks to pay any attention to her.]

[This in particular is the critical part. Once the veil was lifted to kiss the bride, it'd be obvious that wasn't the princess at the altar.]

(Sorry lady but curiosity will have to be put on hold as the insecure bride realizes that asking now and escaping later is going to be blow their cover big time so instead she just keeps on going on her quiet exit of the chapel, praying that no one wouldn’t catch her or Maleen at this time.

Eventually after some slow walking and pretending to do something for the ceremony, the insecure bride finally manages to get out of the chapel as she has hoped and moves away from it as fast and far as she could though she keeps the veil on just as a safety precaution.

During this time the prince soon bestows Maleen a dainty gold chain necklace around her neck to signify the confirmation of their ‘marriage’ or so what they think. With the real bride now out of the picture, people are about to discover that the prince might have married the wrong woman hiding behind the veil.)

[Alastor readies himself for the chaos.]

[This is going to be fun.]

(The prince, eager to see his bride’s face beneath the veil and still unaware of what is going, begins to lift it up, only to find that instead of the insecure bride who managed to sneak away to freedom and is already running as fast as she could, it is Maleen all along and she has the gold chain around her instead.

This caused a sea of outrage and shock to spread across the guests who are all surprised by this switch too. They have been hoodwinked, outsmarted, fooled even.)

What is this? That is NOT the bride you were engaged to! I honestly can’t believe any of this. Who is that woman wearing the bride’s clothes this entire time?!?

Everyone, please settle down! I, um, I, I, I… I can try to explain everything!

[Alastor snickers as he makes his way towards the altar. Ready to be swept away in the confusion, darling~?]

(The storm of confusion and anger has even shaken Maleen as she witnesses the guests arguing and fighting about the whole situation, not expecting them to be this outraged by the plan. People are punching, slapping and yelling at each other and screaming foul at the prince as if he is the one who made the deceit.

She is able to get the bride leave the wedding and she is relieved to know that she won’t be seeing the prince anymore but ho boy is she in a world of trouble now. She is looking more frazzled by this mess, unable to step away or run. Um, is this marriage now null and void?)

[Alastor appears behind Anya, leaning over her shoulder.]

Shall we away, darling?

[And if there's no objections, he's going to cover her face with the veil and lead them into the confused throng of bridesmaids. He casts an illusion over her dress as he shuffles her around the group so that she matches them while he himself becomes one of the male servants who are trying to lead the bridesmaids to safety.]

[Just blend in with the crowd leaving!]

(Maleen is too paralyzed in fear to say anything right now so she just lets Alastor to get the two of them out of there while the chaos among the guests ensue. Well at least the insecure bride won’t have to fear for her own life and renewed freedom as she is now likely several miles away from the ongoing chapel brawl.

Hidden among the throng of confused bridesmaid and male servants while she remains veiled and now dressed as one of the bridesmaids, she has a hard time trying to process the whole scene unfolding. She does her best to keep on running on her feet despite the combined weight of the clothes and veil being a possible trip hazard.)

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{ once upon a fairytale }

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