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

Hm... Both.

[As he holds Bri, he closes his eyes briefly, trying to feel whatever magic is still over him. And when he finally feels a strange "instinct," something like a tug—]

This way.

[He'll start walking quickly in a direction.]

[Tifa clutches at the jar ~~that I totally did not forget~~ close to her chest, the mention of any magic at all a terrifying prospect. Her fingers may have been at the ready while she waits for him to feel it out, just in case it does crawl its way back into his head and turn him back into that terrifying wolf that he had been...

...

...Only to be washed over with utter relief when he leads them away, that iron, white-knuckled grip on the jar easing up as she follows.

The tug will take them deeper into the trees where the darkness creeps in, the light feeling like it's being sucked right out of the place as they journey through. Even when they come to a clearing, it's still as dark as ever, except for the flicker of lanterns within the cottage that they come across.

The dogs all start barking in unison.]

[It's ominous for sure...but he's certain Melody is inside even before the dogs start barking. And as the Wolf, at least in this case he's able to enter without having to do anything weird.]

Melody?

[Idris and Valo rush ahead first, with Bri whining in Eustace's arms before she starts to squirm. Tifa runs after them, trying to get them to stop barking and to be quiet, hushing them.]

Melody might be in there, but...

[She glances back at Eustace.]

... Maybe we should go in first?

It should be fine...

[He's too worried, but surely if she's just a "grandmother" things should be okay? At the very least he wasn't trying to harm her. He'll set down Bri, though, unable to really hold her much longer as the dogs end up rushing in anyway.

And when they do enter, they'll find Melody just sleeping away in a bed.]

Eustace—!

[But it's too late. He's already opening the door and walking right into the cottage without a care in the world, and her gut twists with worry at what they might find inside. She was warning against just busting right in because what if someone else was in there, too? Someone just as threatening as Eustace, or just as afraid as her? Tifa likes to think herself brave, but in the face of someone like him, in a place like this, even she would be scared if he had just come walking through the door.

She pokes her head in behind him, as do the other dogs, before she's stepping inside, carefully as ever when she sees Melody asleep in one of the beds.]

... Is she still... under the spell, you think?

[And that pup just rolls onto her back without a care in the world, paws moving as if chasing something. There's just a sigh of relief as he sits down next to her, hand gently stroking her belly as if to try to wake her.]

Most likely with how she was behaving. And if so, she may need those jars, too.

[She sets the jar in her hand on the table and looks the pup over from a distance. Yeah, she's definitely not waking up from that. Even on a good day, Tifa swears that one could sleep through anything.

Which just makes her more bothered that any of them had befallen the curse at all. Her and Eustace both...

Can this family ever catch a break?

With a new feeling of urgency, she glances around the cottage, this one significantly smaller than the last with just the one room.]

It's about the same, so stands to reason we'll find something here. We should start looking.

[A small nod as he looks at the dogs.]

Stay here and keep watch over her. Valo...

[It's a long shot, but he takes the jar and holds it up to him, letting him sniff it curiously.]

It won't be the exact same, but think you can try and sniff out a jar similar to this? It'll look different than other jars.

[Valo will have a very serious face as he gives the jar a good sniff and then barks. He's on it!

With that they can at least get low areas they can't easily reach, and after setting the jar back and glancing at Tifa with a nod, he stands to help look around.]

[Tifa takes the space around the beds as quietly as she can, but she does pause before searching to give Melody a little scratch behind her ears, a sad smile coming to her. It was already bad enough that Eustace had been affected by the magic, but it was all too unfair that any of the dogs were, too. Small blessing, she guesses, that it was only one and not all of them or else she would have had to go at this alone.

Idris and Bri both whine at her from where their heads poke up on the other side of the bed, and with another smile for them, she presses her finger to her lips to hush them before she begins her search.

She checks under the beds, through the bookshelves, in the bedside tables, and once again, she comes up short.]

I wish there was some rhyme or reason to finding these... You're sure you still don't sense anything?

[A rueful shake of his head as he searches in the higher spots, even on top of the cabinets and shelves and rafters for a sign.]

No.

[But then Valo barks from outside where he had ventured off to.]

But Valo might have found something.

[With another signal for the dogs to stay, he leads Tifa outside where Valo is... Staring up a tree? Is it up there?]

[Tifa is a bit slower to follow them outside, limping along as fast as she can go on her good leg to get to the tree. She stares up into the shadows of the canopy, and steps up...]

Let me—

[...only to forget that she can't, and she shrinks back helplessly.

Valo, however, whines and paws at the tree as he looks at Eustace through big, pleading eyes.]

[He glances at Tifa with an apologetic look and just rubs her back before he goes to the tree. And with an easy jump up to grab a branch and then hauling himself up into the tree, he looks around for a bit before spotting the jar in a small hole higher up in the tree. It takes him a bit, the branches rustling as he moves, before he finally jumps down to land neatly on the ground and holding the jar.]

Got it. But how will we get her to open it?

[She walks up to him the moment he's back on the ground, her hand coming to rest over his as she checks him over quickly for any cuts or scrapes from the tree, her eyes drifting to his neck before they go to the jar.]

We're sure that she has to be the one to open it? ... Guess we could see if she could break it on her own.

[Definitely thinking of Clover knocking things off the counters and tables when she was a small kitten.]

[Hm...]

We could try first. The last time you tried to hit me with it but it didn't break, but maybe we can manage.

[Well, if that doesn't make her feel guilty—

She offers him an apologetic look and an equally sheepish laugh.]

If she's the one who knocks it over... it might work. Let's try waking her up?

[It was honestly a good move though—

He nods at her suggestion.]

Do you have any food? That might help wake her.

[She always did have a big appetite...]

No... There was some bread in the basket that I had, but...

[That thing is as good as broken and bread is as good as gone, too.]

We could find something in the house, though? There's gotta be some food in there? Doesn't matter what it is, I think.

Worth taking a look.

[And into the house they go, where they will find a few things they could make some dog friendly soup with. There are even some dog safe bones, as if this place had adjusted to the inhabitant.]

[Back into the house they go, Tifa groaning quietly as she drags herself back inside, Valo trotting beside her and watching her with worry the whole way.]

Could try putting those bones in some beef broth if there is any, just to give them a little bit of flavour and smell... That is, if the broth doesn't wake her first.

[It's something that Tifa does quite often with leftover bones from their meats, and it's one of Melody's favourites.]

And maybe we could use it to get her to knock the jar over.

[Although Eustace is eying her leg, he knows if he says anything there won't be any change... So he'll just let it be.]

That should be enough. Need any help?

I wouldn't say no to a bit of help.

[She motions to the cupboards.]

Since you've been through them already, grab me a pot and bring it over here?

[They said that they would have to work together on this, and that involves Tifa not putting the burden on herself, so she can at least do this much, right? And she turns to the dogs.]

And how about you guys pick out the bone you think Melody might like?

[Eustace will nod as the dogs bark eagerly and sniff out the bones. But...can they have one...? No wait, have to pick Melody first...!

As the dogs have their dilemma, Eustace will be quick to remember where he saw the pot and bring it over, but before he hands it over he looks over at her carefully.]

...Feeling okay?

Hm?

[She takes the pot, sets it on the stove, and turns back to him, glancing only for a moment at the dogs as they all groan and boof at each other over the basket of bones behind Eustace.]

Yeah. I think so. Still a bit sore...

[She gives her leg a little stretch and a wiggle before she's searching for some matches or flints to light this little makeshift stovetop.]

But just more overwhelmed than anything, I think. [She flashes him a grateful smile.] You?

Hm... Same.

[He eyes her for a moment before he slowly reaches out to gently touch her face.]

Just don't push yourself too hard.

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