songerein | { 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

[ its perfect,

Trahearne sees the light, and he nods again. He pulls his torch from his back and wills his dreamotion to light it—instead of a regular flame, a white, blinding heat takes the form of a sword. They're both the same. Trahearne usually prefers to stay out of sight, but...he's different, and he can't fight the urge to battle head-on, now. ]

Very well. I will be right behind you.

[ The flame of the torch is then quickly snuffed out, and he tucks it away.

It seems that whoever is upstairs did not hear them talk or see the lights shining through the cellar door. But when the door is opened, the two are first greeted by the delicious smell of a meal coming together, and then the warm light of the afternoon sun. It would be a cozy place to be, if it were not occupied by their foe.

The wizard that had been minding the kitchen immediately notices their intrusion. A scowl crosses his face and his gold eyes flash, fully alert. He lowers himself into a battle-ready stance, the cutlery around the room abandoning their jobs and quickly swirling around him to form a defensive bubble. Knives, forks, spoons of all sizes point menacingly at the duo.

"Get the hell outta my kitchen!" he yells, his last warning before he launches the offensive. ]

[... ah. Of course it would be a wizard when Nuadha's mirristry and dreamotion have been rendered useless. Still, weaponry he can deal with, as unconventional as this particular choice of arms may be, and he doesn't need to be told twice to draw his sword as the barrage of cutlery flies at them.

When fully drawn, the blade's light is blinding for a brief moment, a brilliant flash before it settles down into a more steady radiant glow. Nuadha doubts that will be enough to throw off the wizard's aim, but it's enough to give him the chance to make a quick dodge to one side, bringing the blade up in a wide arc in an attempt to parry as much of the flying silverware as he can. The sword is far heavier than his usual jian, and that might be a quiet curse he's uttering there when he realizes that it's slower to move than his regular weapon would be. Still, with any luck he'll be able to defend against at least most of the attack and knock some of the knives and forks out of the air.

If they can just keep this wizard distracted...]

[ Knives and forks (and spoons, sometimes) are still dangerous, even if unconventional. Trahearne's blade of flame manifests as soon as they reach the top as well, fully ready for the fight that comes.

Silverware flies through the air, most bouncing safely off Nuadha's blade. They clatter to the floor, still, for now. But considering where they are, the wizard remains armed, ready to attack again. He shouts something unintelligible—at least, to Trahearne's ears—and there comes another volley of cutlery.

Trahearne swings his own sword, the tangible heat stopping the unconventional weapons in their tracks. And he's alert enough to see the cutlery that Nuadha had just cut down with his own sword begin to shudder on the floor, and lift again. He grimaces. ]

I don't think it will be easy to disarm him in a place like this.

[ the home of forks and spoons... ]

If you have any ideas, I'm all ears!

If we could melt them--

[But no, that isn't really an option, certainly not without dreamotion or any of his artes. If Trahearne's blade of flame wasn't able to do so, it's highly unlikely that anything Nuadha might try would be any more effective.

Looks like they're going to have to find another way.]

We should try to find cover first!

[Otherwise they're just going to be playing a never-ending game of "try to swat the flying silverware out of the air before it hits its mark"... unless...

Hmm. Assuming this wizard's magic works the same way as mirristry does, in theory it should be draining his energy the more he uses it. Perhaps if they can just outlast and exhaust him, they might have a chance.

No sooner does that sentence about finding cover leave Nuadha's mouth than he's abruptly pivoting on his heel and darting to the side, wanting to see if the wizard is going to keep trying to target him with the cutlery as he runs.]

[ Nuadha moves, and Trahearne moves in concert. A particularly sharp-looking knife flies past him, and Trahearne quickly darts behind the kitchen island. The fire in his sword fizzles out, just to give himself time to recoup.

This isn't much for cover, and there's no telling if the wizard will decide to walk over if they don't come out. The sylvari's eyes roam the kitchen, trying to take in what he sees. He doesn't know much of kitchens, but it is very well-stocked. A chef's dream. But all that seems to be moving under the wizard's will are the cutlery—the pots and pans and everything else remain perfectly still...

He looks to the side, at Nuahda. ]

I can try and get in close.

[ For what reason? Distraction, maybe. Or to put them at an advantage. Either way, it's an offer. ]

[Nuadha nods, seemingly in agreement. After all, magic of any sort relies heavily on concentration. Trying to break the wizard's concentration by attacking from multiple fronts seems as good a plan as any right now, hindered as they are by the confined space.

The fact that the kitchen is as well-stocked as it is could also potentially be used to their advantage... his own eyes fall upon a pile of potatoes in one corner. Hardly a conventional choice of weapon, but then again, it doesn't need to actually cause any damage in order to be effective on the distraction front.]

Do so. I'll strike from a distance.

[In a certain sense of the word.]

[ Trahearne nods, and waits patiently as another volley of cutlery fly past and land on the floor. Once he deems the coast is clear, and before the cutlery begins to shudder again, he darts out from behind the island and grabs a large pan hanging from the wall nearby. He holds it in front of himself like a shield and starts pressing forward.

Nuadha might not see the way the wizard's eyes widen in shock, but he'll definitely hear him yell, "Hey! Not the cast iron! Pick a different shield!"

Trahearne, of course, is not going to listen to him. ]

{ once upon a fairytale }

i dont know how to tell u this but uve walked into my trap

you activate your trap card--

yeah welcome to hell

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