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.

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[Alastor pops a few of the new note bubbles that appear. Hmm...each bubble shows new lines of the song.]

[He doesn't interrupt, simply motioning for her to keep singing as the floating bubble notes start forming a trail.]

(The singing is causing more note bubbles to appear, making for a trail of notes to follow and maybe gather more music sheets. But she needs to track down the flute’s whereabouts right now so she will just keep on singing until they can have a trail of notes to follow after.)

As selfish as this wish might be
All what I yearn for is to be free
And have fun with my own gift
Together with mending a lingering rift
My sisters deserve so much better
And seek joy even greater

[On a whim, he starts dancing in time with her song, following the bubbles as he did so. Really, as irritating as this could be, at least there was some fun to be had!]

(This is starting to look very promising with more music notes revealing mor music sheets for her to sing with, even while the flute music is being heard from who knows where. She is hoping there is a clue among these sheets as she continues to sing.)

Grief cannot hold my and my family back
For love is not what we lack
Let it leave us forever more
So we can move on and restore the core
Of the magic that live in us
And saved us from a horrible crush

(Then things soon changes up when Isabela comes across two sheets that contains a clue’s location and perhaps what they can use to get it.)

Beneath the tree stump in the darkest woods
The treasure lies under the soil
Dig it out and you shall find the goods
You will use to retrieve the spoil

[Alastor holds his hand out for the clues, intending to see what they have to work with and what they might need to do next.]

[This is starting to get interesting!]

The tools you find in the stump will be the means
To find the final treasure that intervenes
Find them at the Dark Woods with bravery and courage
For the victors shall end this scourage
The last treasure awaits for you at the Great Oak Tree
Now go out there, dig it out and break it with glee

(The flue music is clearly coming from the Dark Woods which seems to be the location of this Great Oak Tree these sheets are talking about. Isa is wondering if the words are being truthful or trying to throw this quest off but she’s going to take their world for it as they need to find the tools and the flute in the Dark Wood.)

It sounds like we need to find the tools we need at a tree stump once we get to the Dark Woods first before we can dig out the flute at some great oak tree. Maybe there are shovels for us to use to retrieve the flute from the tree.

No need! Once I know what it is I'm summoning, I can summon the tools to us without having to damage the stump!

[He still wasn't sure he'd risk such a thing with teleporting someone unless it was an absolute emergency and there was nothing else that could be done though. He liked the people of Reverein too much to experiment with them like that.]

[His shadow detaches from him to ooze through a crack in the wood. Now where oh where are those tools?]

Phew, that is a relief. For a moment I thought that we have to uproot that poor tree stump in order to free the tools out. I’m not even sure if the stump is still alive enough to grow back into a tree in its own terms.

(As much as she would love to pry out the tools from the tree stump, Isabela doesn’t feel too comfortable having to resort to violence against plants to get the job done unless it is very necessary. Who knows if the stump still has the chance to grow into a magnificent tree? She cares a lot about plants too much to be horrifically cruel towards them in quests.

The plant nerd in her really hates to imagine unintentionally hurting the tree stump’s feelings if trees can feel emotions that is.)

Believe it or not, I understand completely. No need to cut down a tree if there's enough unrotted deadwood to light a fire. A lot of my rootwork would be unusable if I didn't allow the plants to regrow and simply removed the entire plant each time.

Yes. That is entirely true. It does look like there is still some life in it: if it is not undead enough just yet, there is no need to put any part of it in harm’s way. We can hope that the shadow is able to retrieve the tools from the tree stump as safely as possible.

[Alastor's shadow reports that something very certainly Not Tree is in the stump and has located it, its description filling Alastor's mind.]

Aha! Found them! Now let's see what we've been left!

[He snaps his fingers as his shadow oozes back out of the stump, returning to its usual place. Whatever tools were forced into the tree will appear in front of them.]

Amazing! That is one quick tool retrieval.

(Isabela couldn’t wait to get rid of that pesky flute once and for all as she proceeds to picks up the tools so she and Alastor can get into digging out the flute and smash it into smithereens.

Seriously the two of them could sure use some much needed break stuff to feel better after being stuck in this fairy tale mess for who knows how long and trying to help the sleepwalkers too.)

Okay now let’s get started on Operation: Get that Flute and, of course, breaking it too.

[There's a pickaxe and a shovel. And Alastor is already grabbing the pickaxe.]

[He has a lot of misplaced aggression to get out after his trip home.]

Looking forward to it!

[He removes his coat, tossing it onto a nearby tree branch so it doesn't get dirty. Gonna roll up his sleeves and get right on this with a lot more force than necessary.]

(Oh this is looking to be very promising. Isabela is happy to get the shovel and she is ready to vent out her aggression on this cursed forest by digging out the flute from its hiding place. Oh boy the Piper isn’t going to be happy to see what they’re about to do with it.

She wastes no time tearing some parts of her gown’s skirts and rolling up the sleeves, allowing her to move more efficiently and dig better. Digging out the soil one shoveling at the time, she hopes to find a part of a flute somewhere, being mindful not to hit any tree roots if she can help it.)

[Alastor's ears flatten and his static increases as he imagines each swing of his pickaxe landing on Adam's stupid LCD-masked face. It's actually increasing his speed, and Isabela might want to take a step back as he looks like he's about to dig his way straight to China. Or this world's version of Hell.]

(Okay, talk about being a speed demon (no pun intended). At the current speed he is in, it looks like Isabela doesn’t need to put too much effort as she carefully backs away to give him space to pick his way to the flute. She has never seen him being just as unhinged as she is right now and it did took her by surprise indeed.

But hey, if he is able to work this fast, they might be close enough to the flute and have it destroyed (somewhat). To say that she is in a loss of words over this would be a big understatement.)

[The first bit of flute finally reveals itself. (Perhaps the tree gave it up out of sheer terror.) He tosses aside the pickaxe and steps back to allow Isabela to dig it the rest of the way up.]

[He pauses as he sees her face, realizing how he must have looked.]

Ah. Apologies, my dear. It's been quite stressful recently.

It is alright. I already knew what it is like getting all stressed out without any relief.

(Now it is her turn to dislodge the flute from the soil. It is a good thing that the tree manages to give it up when it senses Alastor’s furious picking a while ago. For a moment Isabela thought that they might be here for hours if they had done the normal way. But then again, normal seems to be a very alien concept to the realm of dreams and Isabela is very much tired of being perfect and ‘normal’ enough for a very long time.

She shovels away lumps of soil, taking cautious care in freeing the flute from its dirt prison and not hitting the roots of the oak tree by accident. Slowly more of the flute begins to show itself with each digging as Isabela takes out more soil that she is able to dig out enough soil to pluck the flute out of the ground like she is taking out some weeds from her shop gardens.)

Alright! I got the flute out of there, now let’s start breaking this pesky instrument down.

Wonderful! Would you like to start us off? Seems only right to let the lady deliver the first blow.

Oh yes, I would love to do the honors first. This should be a lot of fun to deal some damages onto the flute.

(Immediately she switches on her celestial brooch, and while she doesn’t seem to get her sun dress on right now, she does however summon her flaming sword to deliver a hefty blow onto the flute. She raises it above her head, making sure to aim for the cursed flute right at the mark.

Once the timing is right, she swings the sword down onto the flute, causing it to burn and be split into half. But she doesn’t just stop with just one swing, she proceeds to bash it up with her sword multiple times like she was breaking glasses with a hammer. She, um, seems to be enjoying breaking the flute very much.)

[Alastor folds his hands behind his back, humming merrily as she unleashes such violence on the flute. Really it doesn't bother him. He's seen far worse walking down the streets of Hell on a Tuesday afternoon.]

(Even with the flute still playing the song, Isabela wasn’t going to let it have the last laugh. She just keeps on going in her path of destruction: slicing, dicing and setting the whole thing on fire. There is clearly a smirk of glee as she continues breaking it in any way imaginable.

The flute pieces haven’t burnt out into ashes just yet so she has the sword’s flames burn them harder. The flames are now big enough for anyone to host a bonfire party and toast marshmallows at and she still keeps a close eye on the thing as the pieces soon begin to finally reduce into ashes. Of course nine more pairs will need to bring in more damages to it but she did a really great job of being unhinged at destroying the flute.)

Brava, my dear!

[Alastor applauds the violence.]

One down, nine more to go!

Why thank you. I think that I have finally let this flute that it picked the wrong persons to have a run in with.

(She is finally rather pleased that she can finally let out those vented feelings towards the flute. Maybe they could try to see if anyone else has found more flutes in the forest and maybe extend some help.)

This has me thinking about how in the world did that Piper managed to clone so many flutes and hide them in various places. It is either he likes making terrible pranks or he has the density of a giant rock.

Never understimate the power of spite, darling!

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senorita_perfecta - 2024-02-27 20:37 (UTC) - Expand

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