{ 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

[donfire]

Thank you very much!

[Now, Ace doesn't know this person, so he isn't sure if she's under the weird spell or not, but hey, getting out of the forest is a good thing!]

What's your name? I'm Ace!

[ribbonbon]

It's good to meet you. I'm-

[Huh. That's strange. She can't seem to remember...the forest has seemed a bit unusual today. Maybe that has something to do with it.]

...Uh, you may call me Red Riding Hood. Most people do. How did you come to be so lost in the woods here?

[donfire]

[AHA! she probably needs help finding her memories! So Ace will make sure to look for them. Hopefully, as they walk, he might find them.]

I was looking for something you see, and wasn't looking at anything but the ground, so when I stopped, I didn't know where I was!

[ribbonbon]

You should keep your eyes looking forward in a place like this. It's much too easy to get lost. You can't be too careful.

[Though, she supposes he's figured that out already. She makes a quick sweep with her lantern as she takes a look around their surroundings.]

But what sort of thing were you looking for that you ended up all the way out here?

[donfire]

Yeah, I thought I could have found my way back easily!

[He thinks for a moment, because he hadn't thought of something he needed to find.]

A flute! A small flute!

[ribbonbon]

A flute...Something so small would be hard to find here.

[Perhaps this witch is also a musician? Or is it a magic flute...?]

It's safer to stay on the path but if we're to find your flute, I suppose there's no choice. Just keep your wits about you. There are dangerous beasts in this forest.

[donfire]

Right? Which is why I need help!

[He nods, not wanting to fight the lady.]

But first, I have a question. Have you seen anything unusual lately? Like a small jar of fog!

[ribbonbon]

A jar of...fog?

[How does one even get fog into a jar...?]

I haven't seen anything like that...but I have seen several unusual people in the woods today. Maybe if we go closer to where they were, we might find one of these strange jars you're looking for...

[donfire]

Yeah! it's really cool actually, because the fog is magical!

[Unusual people... Ace looks at himself and laughs nervously.]

That might work! Would you take me to where you saw them?

[ribbonbon]

[She sort of gives him a look. Magical fog? After a moment, she nods. She supposes that something like that is befitting of a witch.]

Yes, I can do that for you. [She holds her lantern up and begins to walk.] They've been all over the forest, but they seem to mostly come from this direction. Do be careful. These woods are more dangerous than they seem.

[donfire]

Thank you so much!

[Ace smiles brightly, glad to know he'll get help.]

Yes ma'am! But if there should be a fight, let me help!

[ribbonbon]

Well, I won't turn down your assistance. Between the two of us we should have no problem, then, if something is to happen.

[She does a quick sweep with her lantern.]

This way. Luckily, the area we're looking for isn't terribly far.

[donfire]

That's good! We can get there fast and hopefully with no problems!

[He'll follow her anywhere at this point.]

[ribbonbon]

[After a short while they come to a clearing; one path leads to a small cottage and another to a small clearing full of flowers.]

Here we are. Most of those unusual people seem to turn up around here.

[donfire]

[Ace nods, and looks around. There's no one else but them, but if this lady is under a spell like others were, there should be a container with her memories inside.]

I'm glad there's no one else, but I think my jar should be here somewhere....

[ribbonbon]

[Pauline takes a moment to look between the two paths. She can't imagine his jar could have made it's way into a strange cottage, so she starts heading towards the small flower patch.]

Maybe it's hidden among the flowers? Though, it's still an odd place for such a thing...

[donfire]

It could be!

[Ace does the same thing, and starts looking around. He knows it has to be here somewhere, unless someone took it to the cottage. That would suck.]

By the way, do you know who lives here?

[ribbonbon]

[At his question, she looks towards the cottage. Something is strange about it now that she really looks at it, but there's no mistaking it...]

Well, the person who lives in that cottage is my grandmother!

...I think.

[donfire]

["i think"? that gives him a clue about what's happening. There's really some memories somewhere.]

Do you think she could have taken it? the jar, I mean.

[ribbonbon]

I...suppose she could have.

[She frowns. Grandmother, as far as she could remember, wasn't prone to picking up random things, but...if she thought one of these jars seemed particularly special, she might pick it up just in case. She begins walking toward the cottage.]

I suppose it wouldn't hurt to ask her.

[donfire]

Yeah! she probably saw it and picked it up to safe keep it.

[Ace nods and walks up to the cottage, knocks on the door and waits.]

Do you think she'll be happy to see you?

[ribbonbon]

I'm sure she will! Grandmother is always glad to see me.

[After a few minutes of waiting, Pauline knocks as well.]

Grandmother! It's me! I've brought a...a friend today, Grandmother!

[After a few moments, she frowns.]

It's not normal for her to not answer like this...

[donfire]

Huh...

[He watches as the girl knocks, and then wonders if something happened to her granny.]

Check if the door is open and go in?

[ribbonbon]

[Unbeknownst to Pauline, her dear granny doesn't actually live here; rather, this is another part of the role she's been made to fill. She thinks about it for a moment. If grandmother isn't answering, something may be wrong. She looks to Ace and nods sharply before turning the doorknob and, finding that it is unlocked, opens the door.]

Grandmother!! We're coming in!

[As she steps inside, she finds...nothing terribly interesting. Everything is nice and neat, as if it hasn't been used recently. She looks around, curiously.]

Is she not here?

[donfire]

Seems like no one is home. [That doesn't stop him though.] Excuse me.

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Seems like no one is home. <small>[That doesn't stop him though.]</small> Excuse me.

<small.[He enters, and looks around, trying to see if he spots the jar with this ladies' memories.]</small>

Do you see anything out of order?