songerein | { once upon a fairytale }

Entry tags:

{ 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

[The dragon snorts again, this time producing a few sparks.]

What would you know of my nature!? I've never seen either of you in my life!

[The problem here is, Ryunosuke doesn't have any memory of being a lawyer, or any idea what they're talking about. What he does have is a sense that he's meant to be a protector, and the contents of the garden are currently the sole focus of that desire.

If they want to make him stand down, they're going to have to play along against his role. The story he's inhabiting may not be one they've heard of, but there are plenty of stories where the heroes have gotten past some kind of guardian beast by using their wits or their words instead of violence.]

If you can prove your worth, I may let you pass. Otherwise, I... I...

[He hesitates a moment. He'd wanted to say something threatening and violent, but. Maybe some part of him does still recognize them as friends? Or maybe that level of violent hostility is just too far outside of Ryunosuke's nature, such that it's making him push back against the curse a bit. Whatever the case, he can't bring himself to say it. He snarls and shakes his head, trying to shrug off the sudden uncertainty he feels.]

Never mind! You'd just... You'd better not try to get in here! Or else!

[Compromised as she is, that hesitation does stand out to Iris. Were it not for the hand on her shoulder, she'd consider taking a step or two forward. So that's probably still for the best.]

You– You don't want to hurt us, right? You don't want to do this!

[The cogs are already turning in her mind, but still being comparatively new around here, she's not sure what sorts of surprises she may be able to expect. She looks up at Barok.]

What do you think will help him, Mr Reaper?

[And if his hand wasn't on Iris's shoulder, van Zieks would probably be folding his arms imperiously. Or else. How ludicrous.

To Iris, with his voice low:]

If prior experience in similar situations has anything to offer... it may be necessary to play along for a short time.

[He resists the urge to demand what this else the dragon is threatening them with is. Instead, he shakes his head incredulously, even though his words agree to the terms offered.]

Very well. And do you have some manner of trial we're to pass to offer this proof? A riddle, perhaps?

[Ah, he's dipped a bit into sarcasm with that last remark.]

[Ryunosuke blinks at Barok specifically, somehow managing to look sort of pressed in the way that he often does whenever the prosecutor says something sassy and rude to him in court. The armband even kind of slides down his foreleg a little.]

What?? No, I... [He shakes his head, then puffs himself up, trying to regain some ground in appearing imposing again.] I'm the obstacle! I'm not supposed to give you hints, you're the ones who're supposed to come up with a clever solution!

[Well if that wasn't a complete relief to Iris, nothing would be. Her grip on the axe noticeably loosens. So this came down to being clever? This shouldn't be any trouble for her at all!

But she's basically starting from zero, so it may still take a bit.]

Oh? Wouldn't telling us that you are the obstacle be a sort of hint, though? Now we know where to focus all of our attention.

[They'll whittle down their options soon enough, van Zieks is sure. Either that, or they'll pester him into defeat. He much prefers these sorts of battles.]

If you'll not play the part of the sphinx, then perhaps there's a thorn we're meant to extract.

[He'll actually get to a more serious suggestion in a second, maybe. He can't help himself when he's on the opposite side of this particular man-turned-dragon.]

Can you spot anything particularly amiss with our scaled friend, Miss Iris? Aside from the obvious.

[Iris lets the bottom of the axe handle drop to the ground as she puts one finger to her forehead.]

No, but if it's mean to be a test, he's probably trying to keep any sort of injury or weak spot hidden. Perhaps it's under that band he's wearing? It shouldn't be too hard to check once he wears himself out.

[And so...]

An ironic thought, given how ill-suited the symbol is for one attempting to withold information.

[Fairly confident that there will be no immediate need to shove Iris behind him, he removes his hand and casts his gaze towards the familiar band.]

The process should prove little trouble if we've drawn out a bit of stuttering with nothing more than simple questions. Those darting, apprehensive eyes are a familiar sight, regardless of the circumstances.

[Well—it is for the prosecutor, anyway.]

[Hey, she was his assistant in court before, she's seen it too!]

Yes, and not to mention his clear inability to control the situation. If he had any handle on what was happening, he wouldn't need to explain things, would he? It seems more like a desperate attempt to turnabout the situation.

[Snap.]

Do you think his argument holds up at all, Mr Reaper?

[If possible, his icy eyes in this form are even sharper than usual, and they examine the fangs and claws in turn. At this point, Ryunosuke isn't the only one sending sparks flying—now that he's labeled himself their opponent, the strange atmospheric effects that have been afflicting others throughout the month are reacting accordingly.

If those sparks happen to shine particularly brightly on certain parts of the dragon, it's just a happy coincidence.]

Although he evidently has the form of a capable guardian beast, the inability to properly explain the consequences of an attempted burglary bring me to conclude he's even less prepared for the circumstance than his first case within the British courts.

[And boy, he was sure thrown to the wolves with that one, wasn't he? Ho ho.]

He may be quietly wishing for our assistance to properly fulfill this role, I feel.

Ah, I have some experience with that!

[She seems to rotate on the spot as she shifts the direction she's facing, confidently dropping the finger from her forehead to leave it pointing off to the side.

Those sparks are still doing some oddly well-timed highlighting, too.]

First of all, he should be aware of everything he can use to support his threats. Does he just have claws and sharp teeth? Or can he breathe fire? Are his wings capable of creating a powerful gale, with so much force we're left flying into the treetops? Perhaps he should look at himself carefully before trying anything else.

[Van Zieks takes two slow strides around Naruhodo, though he's careful not to move towards the gates to the garden... for now. With the same deliberate theatricality of his court performances, he gestures towards the defense lawyer's badge of sorts.]

Just as he should be aware of his strengths, so too should he be careful of his weaknesses. Lack of intellectual preparation aside, fairy tales always present some manner of deficiency for the hero to exploit, is that not so?

[This is the part where they'll have to pay attention to the dragon's reactions. Will he display a tell, or will they have to make their guesses until they hit the mark?]

Should one such weakness lie beneath the band, he should take more care to secure it. However... it may simply be a red herring whose significance our scaled friend is unable to recall as of this moment.

[...Okay this all feels WAY too familiar in some way when he's convinced... It... Shouldn't...??

He doesn't know these people! He CAN'T know them! He's the guardian of this garden, that's been his sole duty for his entire immortal life! It always has been! So... Why does listening to this tiny woodslady and this looming wolf-man both tag-team RELENTLESSLY ROAST HIM fill him with a feeling which... He can really only describe as nostalgia?

He's also just. Vexed. Vexed by this approach, straight up and down. He tries to stammer to interrupt a few times, but falls short and becomes tongue-tied when he realizes he has no actual rebuttal to provide. When he can't get a word in edge-wise he falls back on drawing himself up higher, and tries to look imperious and indignant and outraged about whatever this ridiculous ritual they're performing is. But it's undercut by the way his eyes dart back and forth between both speakers, each and every time one of them chimes in with a new observation.

Finally, he starts to turn to keep eyes on Barok as he strides, bristling and staring at him particularly hard... But he looks less like a dragon at the moment, and more like a cornered rat. He arches his back and involuntarily curls his tail up under his own belly, unconsciously shielding his fairy tale mandated Weak Point where all the cool knights and heroes are supposed to stab him in an epic duel.]

Wh... Weakness!? What are you talking about!? I don't... What even is this!? Why are you walking around and snapping your fingers like that!? Stop it!

[What's that? Snap again? Okay, Iris will! And she'll turn and point right at Ryunosuke.]

Yes, we need only follow the dragon's gaze to determine his insecurities! Considering he directed his comments to you, Mr Reaper, it must mean you came the closest to the truth he is trying to hide!

[She brings her pointed finger back up to her forehead.]

We must also ask ourselves: if he cannot remember the significance of the band, what other things has he forgotten? His name? His purpose? Or even...his weakness?

[Van Zieks clicks his tongue. Tsk, tsk...]

I should think he is familiar enough with the latter... even if in an unconscious manner. Allow me to bring your attention to the way he has obscured his stomach just now, as if to protect himself.

[He clenches his clawed hand into a fist, as if grasping at the truth they've now been handed.]

However... you raise a point I'd like to clarify. [He turns to pointedly meet Ryunosuke's gaze, however much height the latter might be forcing into the process.] Does the guardian of our sacred garden indeed remember his name?

Edited 2024-02-22 08:46 (UTC)

What?! I...

[He's looking back and forth between the two of them again, wings drawn in defensively. Something about that question has him particularly agitated.]

I don't have a name! I'm just the dragon, the dragon doesn't get a name!

[You guys are like, completely undermining his whole narrative schtick by treating him like a joke?? Paradoxically, this still counts as using their wits/doing something clever to clear the big scary obstacle. Therefore, it still counts as playing along on the story's terms.]

[Iris points her finger in front of her now, much like a certain great detective is wont to do during his own deductions.]

And with that, our dragon has revealed a most telling fact. In what story with a nameless dragon is he not handily defeated by our heroes?

[She turns toward Barok and shrugs.]

Whatever his weakness is, it must quite easy to exploit. What other reason could there be for one's name being so negligible besides them being of little consequence?

How... disappointing.

[Van Zieks shakes his head almost mournfully as he takes another few strides to force Naruhodo to completely turn if he's to look at either him or Iris. The wolf's eyes are closed as if the threat of being burnt to a crisp or sliced to shreds is no longer a concern.]

To think he would be reduced to a lesser opponent by virtue of such an impressive transformation. [He raises his eyes once more.] You should be rather cross with this curse for robbing you of your primary talent. Your arguments have only served to undermine your cause.

[For a second, it seems like Barok should maybe still be at least a little bit concerned about those particular threats? Main reason being, Ryunosuke's demeanor seems to shift significantly when he turns, and realizes that there is now exactly nothing standing between the wolf-man and the open entrance to the garden.

Furious, he rears his head back in a manner that suggests he's building up fire in his throat to launch at the prosecutor. It certainly LOOKS like that's what the case is going to be, the way his teeth are bared, and his snout is crinkling. But then...

The dragon spasms, his whole body shuddering violently from snout to tail as, rather than breathing out fire, he suddenly sneezes out a huge cloud of flower petals.

HM.]

[Iris's eyes go wide as he seems to be preparing an attack. When she postulated that he might be fire-breathing, she didn't want him to answer with an example. And he had Barok in his sights. Had they gone too far? She grips her axe as though she's getting ready to use it, not that a wedge-like tool from a distance would help anything.

Then the sneeze happens. Iris is left a bit confused, to say the least. None of the stories which involved dragons that she knew of ever had the creature do something like that. For some reason, though, she finds herself running toward Ryunosuke. Maybe he's distracted enough that she can sneak in and...well, she doesn't know what, but someone's gonna have to do this eventually, right?]

[Barok's vision is suddenly clouded by a number of fluttering objects.

With that wind up, he had certainly expected fire! This is not that, and his preparation to dart away from the attack is entirely aborted out of his utter bemusement. He blinks.

When Iris approaches, he gestures for her to hurry towards the gate with a sweep of his arm through the falling petals. Iris is a smart girl. She'll understand that the objective here is to make it into that garden, perhaps to find whatever's hidden within—either way, it should hopefully bring them one step closer to solving this conundrum. He can fend off the dragon for a few moments in the meanwhile.

... he'll consider the flowery carpet in a moment or two.]

[Iris spots his signal and gives a quick nod as she keeps going. Maybe if he can hold Ryunosuke long enough, she can search the garden for something that will help him? The glowing jars definitely seemed to have potential.

Before she nears the opening, Iris gets herself right up against the gate. Slipping in from the side sounded like a better idea than a full frontal assault. As she gets to the final few yards, she puts her all into charging forward. She's squinting a bit due to this so she may not notice anything not in her direct line of sight. But she's going to try to go through the opening now–!]

[The dragon is still all watery eyed from that big ol' sneeze, but through the haze of tears he can see the blur of movement that is Iris making for the garden. Panicking, he lunges in that direction.]

NO--!

[Presumably, Barok will move to intercept him, but he won't have too hard of a time stopping him. Because as soon as Iris sets foot over the threshold, Ryunosuke ROARS and seizes up as if struck through the heart, baring his teeth and flaring his wings out dramatically. Then the wings rapidly dissipate away into nothing, and he starts to quickly shrink and change too, reverting automatically back into his (mostly) normal self.

Soon as he's back on two feet as opposed to four, he is also going to wobble and fall over. It's all very dramatic.]

[Not on van Zieks's watch, he won't.

After acknowledging all the pomp and circumstance with his customary widening of eyes and raised defensive arm, of course. Though momentarily concerned that Iris's arrival inside the garden has done something painful to the man-turned-dragon, and then surprised by the sudden reversion into a human—or humanoid—form, he quickly regains his bearings and rushes forward to catch Ryunosuke before he hits the ground.]

It appears we've succeeded to some degree...

[One would hope that would be the end of it, but Barok has no such optimism.

After a brief glance at Iris to make sure she hasn't also been cursed or something, he turns his attention back to the man they've come to retrieve. Strangely, he feels a sudden and undeniable itching in his canine nose, and...]

Agk-choo—

[It looks like flower-fever is going around?]

[It's a very intense few seconds for Iris. Once she's crossed the threshold, she freezes in fear from the pending attack. Barok's interceding doesn't go unnoticed, but Ryunosuke's sudden pained reaction gets most of her attention.

As glad as she is to see him look comparatively normal again, she goes into panic mode when Ryunosuke promptly collapses. She tosses her axe aside, and it strikes a jar, knocking it down but leaving it without a mark. Iris races next to them.]

RUNO!!!

[She immediately grabs his arm and checks his pulse. She's noticeably more relieved when she can tell he's alive, but her concern is still evident. And, while it's not currently important, she does notice the flower petal thing. Does this mean she's next?]

What do we do now?

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