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

[Ace hums, looking around, but the food looks too appetizing to ignore.]

Oh that'd be great! Thank you miss.

[He grabs a pastry and eats it in two bites, putting his hand down on the table, resting against it. If only he would look at the jar his fingers are pointing to.]

Say, who's the prince?

You’re very much welcome.

(Ah, just the mere mention of the prince alone did got her some soft tears. It has been a long time since they last saw each other in seven years and he is about to marry another woman this time around. She has no idea that the prince’s new bride didn’t want this marriage at all.)

He is one of the many residents of this castle, the heir of this very kingdom: he is about to be married to a lovely princess from another kingdom later in the day. They are in the middle of getting ready for the ceremony in the afternoon.

[Oh... Maybe he made a mistake? it seems like Anya has feelings there. He wonders for a second where her memories might be hidden, so he looks around in front of him, trying to find any weird thing that doesn't fit the setting.]

So that's why you're so busy?

(The jar of memories does indeed stick out for being so unusually in its contents with the real memories swirling around inside it instead of something a normal kitchen would have in stock like sugar, species, or flour. Meanwhile Maleen is trying her best not to let those memories ruin her job right now.)

Yes indeed. It has been a busy few hours to have the wedding feast ready on time for the groom and bride after they will be wedded later on.

[Ace still hasn't noticed as Anya talks, but he does start looking around where the memory jar is.]

That sounds like a lot, would you like some hel...p?

[He drifts off as he spots the jar by his hand. He grabs it without thinking too hard about it, and looks it over.]

Yes please. I would appreciate all the help this kitchen needs, sir.

(While she is speaking to him, a young woman comes running in, looking rather frazzled and being very panicky. This is the bride of the prince who is about to be married soon but it is very clear that she didn’t want in on this wedding at all judging from the terrified look on her face.)

Help! I need to get out of this marriage quickly please. Maid Maleen, I need your help out. I don’t want to marry the prince at all. Can you suggest to me a way out of it?

Okay, calm down, Your Highness. We can find a way for you to leave it without anyone else noticing your disappearance.

And what about the man dressed as a witch? Does he know any spells that could help me, I mean, us out?

[Ace is considering opening up the jar when the princess comes in. He watches the two women converse and then points at himself when talked to.]

Me? I mean... I can give you my clothes if that would be good? Pretend you're a witch and run away!

[Wait, why is he trying to help?! He tries to open the jar, but no go. An idea occurs to him though, and he smiles.]

I know! This here is a potent spell, but only a woman can open it! But the thing is, the one that opens it becomes a princess. [He offers the jar to Anya.] You're the only one here who could do it. If you turn into a princess, it will edit the memories of everyone who knows you, and you could always say you're the one the prince wants to marry!

[By all that is holy, please believe him.]

(The insecure bride is initially left confused by Ace’s begging Maleen to open the jar since she too doesn’t recall seeing a jar like that before (what kind of strange spell is?), but even she is thinking of suggesting that idea to her as well. This has left the scullery maid princess in a very precarious situation.)

Um, that is one interesting spell that you come up with.

Sir, do you think that the jar spell could?

(She is feeling rather reluctant to do anything right now. Motivate her more, Ace!)

Well, the witch man did say that it could alter the memories of the people who has known you by now. Maybe it could work out well as he suggested.

Absolutely!

[He has no clue how he'll convince the women, specially Anya. The bride is being extra helpful though, so he smiles and nods.]

It's a complicated spell, which is why I put it in a jar! And like I said, only a woman can open it, and you're the only one able to.

[He doesn't know any princesses that are good, but-]

Besides, wouldn't you like to be a princess? Enjoy the pleasures life has to offer, instead of being in this kitchen?

Just do what the witch man is telling you, Maleen. He does have a solution for us to use.

(Well this is going to be an interesting answer to their current problem. So the maid princess takes the jar from Ace and, with the approving nod from the bride, opens the jar lid. Before anyone can do or say anything, she was soon felt like she has been sent flying towards a brick wall.

A rush of memories floods her, she winces as she gets to relive and see what has happened in a distant past. The bride then turns to Ace with an anxious face for some hope if she can survive this.)

Is she going to be okay after this, sir?

[Ace nods, watching Anya for any signs of the contrary.]

she'll be alright, don't you worry.

I guess that now is a good time that me and Maleen can switch places before anyone else notices?

(The insecure bride asks Ace, thinking that they can add into the plan for her to escape the marriage. Meanwhile Maleen/Anya is stirring from her wild memory trip and tries to wake up from it, but not without any struggle to snap out of it. She mumbles beneath her breath, asking if the room has gotten very disoriented.)

Oof! What just happened in here?

Wow. I think that the spell is in effect, sir!

Yes! You can go and be free! Go, before anyone notices you, because now you're a stranger to people here!

[Ace says to the bride, and then turns to Anya, looking at her, slightly worried.]

Hi. Do you know who I am?

(The bride, not wanting to waste anytime to get out of the marriage, quickly makes her escape from the castle while being dressed in scullery maid’s clothes and evading any suspicious glances coming at her way. She is so done having to put up with whatever martial nonsense she didn’t asked for.

On the other hand, it takes the maid princess awhile to register anything as she hasn’t fully recovered from the big rush of jarred up memories she had experienced. But she seems to be able to notice Ace’s presence and face though, so that could count as a small win for him.)

Um… Ace? What are you doing here dressed as a witch today?

It worked!

[He smiles brightly and puts his hands behind his head.]

Dunno, but I saw you acting weird so I came to help you!

Acting weird, while working in a kitchen?

(The sudden realization of what had happened to her is starting to dawn on her and she is not too happy that she fell for the Piper’s curse (which she has no idea of at the moment).)

Oh dear, I can’t believe that someone or something must have placed some curse on me and I wasn’t even being myself for a good amount of time.

[Ace nods, and sighs.]

I didn't know it was a curse until I tried speaking to you, but yeah, it happened. You're free now though! Isn't that great?

Oh yes very much. Although I would be even happier if we can try to get out of this castle real soon before anyone else in here tries to find out that we’re escaping under their noses.

Oh! good idea!

[Ace offers Anya his hand and smiles.]

Let's run?

Yes, let’s run and get out of here!

(She will take any opportunity to book it and run from this stuffy castle, taking Ace’s hand without having any second thoughts curse induced or otherwise.

Besides she is pretty worried that Pooka and Mashka would be all alone on their own without her. Imagine being a pet with an owner going MIA, what a miserable time to be alone in the treehouse while the Piper still on the loose.)

[Ace guides her as best as he can to the exit, it was close enough to the kitchen that he remembers the way.]

Almost there!

(She can only hope that they can avoid any suspecting castle staff as they make their escape from the castle. Nor will she fall for the curse again. They are so close to the exit and to the outside world too.)

Well that is good to hear. We need to speed it up so anyone else wouldn’t notice that we’re gone.

I hope you can run away as fast as I can then!

[Ace's hat falls off as they run, and he laughs.]

We're so close!

I’m trying to run fast as I can. Let’s just hope that there are no obstacles on our way out of here. And I do hope that the bride has also managed to get out of here as well. Wonder how she is faring in her escape so far.

(She is boosting up her speed as much as her legs can handle it as they slowly approach the door. There shouldn’t be any obstacle blocking their way to the outside world.)

I didn't see any on my way here, so unless it changed somehow, it should be easy!

[THE DOOR! they're almost there!]

Maybe we'll see her outside!

[They reach the door pretty fast, and Ace looks around, making sure no one is following them, before turning to Anya.]

Are you ready?

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