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

[That is...a good question. It could be both but would the DNA reflect his demon form or his original human one?]

You'd get odd looks, but you're not the oddest member of the menagerie. No, that honor falls to my friend Black Raisin Cookie who, yes, is a living cookie. She looks like a gingerbread woman and has a flock of raisin crows with her constantly. And they're all the size of the actual treats.

[... He just stares for a moment. A living cookie? ... Huh?]

<Crows are jerks. Always getting into everyone else's business. Not as bad as seagulls, though.>

[Yes, he has Opinions on other birds.]

<But yeah, I think I'm probably more normal than a cookie.>

[Considering you can turn into a bird(?), it doesn't really shock him.]

These crows are literally the size of raisins. They might think to take a few of your shed feathers for their nests, but you'll find them mostly harmless.

[And he heartily laughs at that last part.]

I should think so!

Edited 2024-02-24 13:36 (UTC)

<I guess if they're that small, it limits the amount of damage they can do.>

[Anyway.]

<There's not like... some sort of goal we have to do here, right? Some kind of mission?>

Other than rebuilding this world and dealing with periodic large dangers, really there's no set goal or mission. Personally, I find it to be a bit refreshing. Eternal damnation gets terribly boring after the first decade or two.

<Huh. It'd be kind of nice to have some kind of break. ... I'm not sure what to do with myself.>

[Other than hunting to survive, missions are mostly everything he does.]

Honestly, I found myself in a similar position when I first got here, but there's so much to see! And even without major threats this place can be so delightfully nonsensical! Why, two summers ago, it was raining starfish!

[Alastor is totally enthusiastic, bouncing on his toes and everything.]

That and dreamwalking is a fascinating pasttime! I don't need much sleep myself, and the night life here in Reverein is practically nonexistent, but there are so many worlds to see via others' slumber!

[He starts twirling his microphone cane with excitement.]

Endless possibilities to break up one's boredom. New people coming and going all the time without the same old dull routine of some new sinner being outraged that they ended up in Hell and wailing the same sob stories to the uncaring heavens! Absolutely marvelous!

Edited 2024-02-24 14:34 (UTC)

<Isn't it kind of rude to wander into someone else's dreams?>

[... He can see where that would get boring in Hell, but isn't Hell supposed to be boring? He's not and has never been religious, but he thought that was part of the point.]

<Also - and I guess this doesn't matter, but whatever - why do you sound like an old-timey radio announcer?>

Perhaps. [Alastor gives a careless shrug.] But some people find themselves wandering in their sleep rather than doing it deliberately. And it is possible to learn how to kick someone out of your dream if you're a lucid enough dreamer.

[Alastor has gotten the boot quite a few times.]

Besides, sometimes the dreamer will appreciate your interruption. Particularly if it's a bad nightmare they're trapped in.

[He brightens at Tobias's question.]

That's because I am one! I was a radio host in the 1920s up until my death in 1933! Lived through most of the fallout of the very amusing Stock Market Crash of 1929!

[There's canned laughter along with his bright laugh.]

One's demon form tends to be ironic in addition to reflecting their life on Earth! When I manifested in Hell, I obtained the ability to broadcast wherever and whenever I liked among other things! And why quit a job you love?!

In fact, it's why we now have the radio here in Reverein: Some of the more technically-inclined people here managed to reverse engineer the technology through trial and error!

Edited 2024-02-24 15:45 (UTC)

[... Okay. You know what? Yeah. He's time traveled before. Why the hell not?]

<I guess? I've never had a job. And uh... I'm probably not going to end up with a radio. Kind of hard to put one in a tree.>

[Tobias, this man has been dead for decades. If anything, he "time traveled" via the slow path.]

Fair enough!

Still, that's why I sound like an "old timey radio host" as you put it.

<Makes sense. ... Are there libraries here?>

[He can read, yes. He's not going to explain it.]

There are! There's a particularly large one in a tree.

If you'd like, I can show you the way. I need to get these fellows into my larder before they start to rot.

[He points with his mic at the pile of dead redcaps.]

[... Into his - you know what? He doesn't want to know! And it's not like he can judge anyone for eating whatever considering some of the garbage he's eaten both literal and figurative.]

<Uh. Thanks. It'd be - it's been a bit since I've been able to read a book that wasn't over someone's shoulder in the park.>

You're in luck then! The library here has books from all sorts of different places.

Just be careful of some of them. I had hoped to read a fascinating book on some of the heroes from a friend I made here's world. [Alastor's eye twitches as his shadow gathers up the kills, transforming into a shadow stag with the bodies draped across its back.] It turned out to be erotica based on those heroes.

Edited 2024-02-25 03:58 (UTC)

<Uh. Yeah, I'll avoid the porn. Not sure I'm old enough for that even if I wanted it.>

[No thank you! Also his age is iffy, but he doesn't really want to read porn either way.]

[He follows along if Alastor leads.]

<I usually have to sneak books if I have any. One of my - friends -> [Even though Ax is family he's still a friend...] <likes to learn about people so he's got a good few books. But I've read all of those like three times.>

Well, that's certainly rather dull!

[Alastor starts playing a soft bit of jazz in the background as they walk/fly. Though if Tobias asks, Alastor wouldn't be opposed to letting him simply ride on a shoulder or even the head of his mic.]

There's having a collection of old favorites to re-read at your leisure and then there's just reading the same things over and over again to waste time! Sounds like you've been stuck in the latter situation! Though I suppose it does make a certain amount of sense: I doubt they make library cards for birds!

Though reading over others' shoulders in the park. That must get endlessly frustrating. You never get to read the whole book that way!

[It's fine. He flutters along from branch to branch, used to following people in the forest.]

<They don't, no. Won't even let me in the building. How's a bird supposed to keep up?>

[There's a bit of a 'laugh' - someone understands!]

<There's a few office workers who use their lunch breaks to read the same book. It's usually mystery novels that I'm not interested in. But I read it anyway because I'm bored.>

Better than nothing at all! Really, it's fortunate that you managed to keep your mind stimulated all things considered.

[His treehouse is right on the edge of the town limits, right next to the forest.]

[Given he's taking a stack of dead corpses down to his basement/larder, probably for the best. Minimizes trauma to his neighbors.]

[After a few minutes of disappearing below ground, he comes back up with a wide grin.]

Now then! The library it is!

[He waits on the branch, a little... concerned? Should he be concerned about the corpses? They have a rule of not killing humans, but he's pretty sure those aren't humans... they're close though, and that worries him.]

[But he doesn't say anything nor leave until Alastor gets back, tilting his head a little bit. He can't really help it.]

<Is it going to be weird to see a hawk in town, or...>

[Look, you can ask if you want. He won't get offended.]

[You might regret asking, but he won't get offended.]

[In response to that question, Alastor raises an eyebrow.]

Living cookie.

<Okay, point taken.>

[He just 'sighs' and follows along, flitting from place to place.]

<... Can you hear better than a human? Or are the ears just for 'show'?>

Edited 2024-02-27 19:18 (UTC)

Oh, I certainly do hear better than my old human ears! Almost annoyingly so, really!

[He tips an imaginary hat to some of the passerby who give him funny looks as he talks to seemingly no one. A few glance towards his head to see if Black Raisin Cookie or her raisin crows are with him.]

I see better in the dark, too! Though admittedly I don't see as well as I should even with my demonic vision. This monocle's not just for show, after all!

<I can relate to the 'hearing and seeing more than you should'. Thankfully I don't need glasses. Being a nearsighted hawk would get me killed.>

[Either by predators or hunters or starvation. No thanks.]

<... Does everyone turn into an animal person after they die?>

[At least where Alastor's from. Tobias is pretty convinced there's not much after life where he's from.]

Nope! And, honestly, I'm one of the rarer breed of sinners who kept much of their human appearance when they died.

One's demon form is about irony. One's profession, a favored hobby, or how they died might be represented in their demon form. Something to get under one's skin that they can never quite get used to no matter how the decades pass.

I saw a fellow who looked mostly human save his hair had become seaweed, his hands had webbing between his fingers, and his middle was basically a small aquarium. He drowned to death.

{ once upon a fairytale }

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