{ 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

[not_42]

Hmm? What sort of blessing does this candle provide?

[Meanwhile he's flicked his line back into the water, resigned to this take awhile. His next two bubbles produce more toys, a model space ship and an odd mechanical doll. They seem to have components meant to move or light up, but are lacking power. They get added to the pile.]

Mayhap we should each aim for a different area of the pond, to see if it produces aught other than toys.

[senorita_perfecta]

It gives our family and, by extension, the town we live in protection from harm along with the gifts or magical abilities many in my family including myself use on a daily basis. The miracle also provided us a magical home for us to stay.

The reason behind the miracle’s existence though is rather tragic: it was born from the sacrifice my Abuelo made to protect my family from a group of nasty people on the night of my Mamá and my uncle and aunt’s birth. Not exactly a great start to receive a miracle’s blessing.

(Oh gee, that one can be tough to explain. Pedro’s sacrifice is a tricky topic for the Madrigals, especially her grandmother, to talk about unless they feel the urge to admit it. Although thankfully Isabela has gotten better in opening up about it even if it can be difficult for her to talk about without the fear that they may not understand it well.)

Yeah. That is a good idea. I think that we’ve been fishing in the same spot for minutes right now, so let’s go to another part of the lake and see if we can get better results in finding the flute bubble.

[not_42]

[Well that hadn't been what he expected. Magic so great that it could only be cast at the expense of a man's life... Their situation must have been dire indeed to consider such a thing.]

A warding spell of a sort then, albeit not quite like any I'm familiar with. That your grandfather would sacrifice all for the sake of his family and his people speaks much for his character; I know not how he is viewed among your people outside of your family, but among mine, such an act would see him held in the highest esteem.

[He pauses in his fishing long enough to give a slight but respectful bow in her direction. Moving on to lighter topics however...]

I shall cast my line to the right then, and you to the left. Hopefully it will make some difference.

[senorita_perfecta]

Oh gee thanks. It was quite brave and noble of him to stand up for the people he cared for even if the action cost him his own life. Perhaps if he was still alive now, maybe he would have been quite honored to hear that.

Sure thing. I should go left and see what I can find from the fishing rod.

(So Isabela heads left and proceeds to fish over there. She does keep an eye out for any bubbles as she sends the fishing rod to the water and tries to fish out the first bubbles she can locate.)

[not_42]

[Unsure how exactly to respond at that point, he simply nods and casts his line in his chosen direction. A short time later, he fishes up another bubble, this one being shown to contain more a cowbell.]

Hmm... a bell of a sort. Not a flute, but perhaps it could be considered musical?

[If only vaguely.]

[senorita_perfecta]

Good question. I think that it could be possible to call a bell as an instrument. It does make a lot of sound, so it could be counted as a musical instrument for some people.

(As soon as she said it, she gets a tug on her line and proceeds to reel it back to her. She was worried that the flute might be out of reach for all of them as she nervously gets the fishing line to come back to her.)

Well. I think that I got something but I have no idea what it could be.

[not_42]

[He set the bell down turning to look at what she fished up.]

Let us see together then.

[senorita_perfecta]

Oh, I’m not sure if this is the flute I might have caught in the fishing rod but it is very possible. Just not quite sure if this is actually it. Let me just reel it in so we can see for ourselves.

(A few tugs on the fishing rod and pulls later, Isabela is nervous about what she is about to pull from the water. On her fourth try she is able to fish out what appears to be a slender wooden stick with holes although she is so nervous that she couldn’t see what it actually looks like at first.)


Um… Did I actually manage to catch the flute or something else?

[not_42]

[Hermes lays down his rod and moves to take a closer look.]

It certainly looks like a type of flute. Perhaps we should see if breaking it has any effect?

[After all, if it wasn't the flute they were looking for, it would only be a broken stick; no real harm done.]

[senorita_perfecta]

Oh yes. We could give it a try and see what happens.

(As soon as she is able to pull it out of the water, Isabela proceeds to pop the bubbles and the flute lands on her hands. Does it play the same song that has caused so many town folks to fall under its spell? Whatever it could have been, it is time to test out flute destroying plans. She looks around to find something that they can use to break the flute.

Then she finds some rocks on the ground so she grabs a couple of them and she attempts to break it with them as hard as she could.)

[not_42]

[The flute seems abnormally resistant to breaking at first, but a few good whacks with the rock, and it splinters into several pieces. A string of glowing, multicolored musical notes twine upward from the broken flute before themselves breaking apart and dissipating in mid air with a brief fanfare.

Hermes smiles.]

I believe we can safely say that that was indeed the flute we were searching for. Well done.

[senorita_perfecta]

(The flute proves to be a very sturdy one but the rocks Isabela is using are way stronger than that cursed musical instrument. She just keeps on smashing it until it reduces into nothing more than broken wood pieces. Soon enough by the time Isabela is done with smashing the flute up, the music notes flew out of it, playing the fanfare before dissipating into the air.

Thank goodness that ordeal is officially over with that rock smash up.)

Phew! That’s great to hear. The rocks did the trick on the flute. At least that is one less flute for us to worry about. I wonder if anyone else has found similar flutes in the forest so far.