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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[The locked door is noted, but it doesn't bother her much. She suspects that if she really needs an exit, a window will do.

The meals, on the other hand, are... not what she expected. Meals for whom, exactly? No signs of life that she can see, at least none that will show themselves. If it was Shealtiel that lured her here, she can't see the value in it.

She turns back toward the deep shadows cast by the fire that obscure the rest of the room]

Well? You went to all this effort to lure me into a trap, you may as well come out and face me.

( After a moment's pause longer, Shealtiel steps out into the dancing light of the fire. He's still half in shadow, and the parts of him that are more void than anything else leave strange particles behind as he moves. His claws glint in the light. )

Why enter, if you're so sure it's a trap?

You've been searching for me.

( She's not the clueless little red he'd been expecting. And yet, everything is telling him that she's the one he's been waiting for. So why? )

Hasn't anyone ever told you not to go into a beast's den?

[She wasn't sure how, but somehow she'd suspected it was him. Among all the other false starts, this time felt different.

But seeing him- reasonably safe, no less- is still a surprising relief.]

A beast's den?

[She gives a skeptical gaze at the cottage around them- pleasantly stable and livable, a well-appointed table... it was picturesque aside from the menacing shadows wreathing the room- and Shealtiel. She fixes him with a defiant smirk.]

My my, wolf, what a rustic and cozy den you have.

[...She wasn't sure what compelled her to say that. It made sense in her head, but-

Well. It didn't matter. Under the red cloak, her hand quietly slips into the basket she's carrying, already grasping for a suitable tool. Her posture remains relaxed- he doesn't seem poised to attack just yet, so she won't brace for violence yet either.]

( In response to that line, he growls, his pointed fangs showing themselves. He steps forward along with it, dragging his claws along the wooden walls and leaving scratches as he goes. From a closer look, it seems this isn't the first time he's done that. )

You have some nerve, taunting a beast.

( He moves then, running at her and jumping to try and pin her down with his claws. )

And you took something from me.

[Good. Reckless, foolish. She could easily take advantage of this. For a moment, the spear seems perfect, the ideal weapon to counter his charge. He'd end the fight as soon as he started it, impaling himself-

... There's a moment of hesitation, a moment of frustration, and at the last moment, she swiftly throws herself sideways, instead grasping a handful of loose sand from within the basket and hurling it into his eyes as she does so.

That won't hold him long, and she knows it. She immediately grasps in the basket again and grasps again, this time pulling out a long, sturdy coil of chain as she braces herself for his next attack.]

( The sand hits him and he snarls and growls even louder, thrashing his arms this way and that. Like if he could hit anything, he'd be happy in the meantime— his left arm is scarred just like it normally is, and it's visible this close.

But the sand clears quickly, and now he's even angrier for it. This time, when he roars, it comes with a strangely powerful gust of wind— like he's huffing and puffing and might just blow the house down. Or at least Azula. )

[Now, this she's more used to. After all, her greatest enemy at home- well, one of the three- was a master airbender. She knows that she can't just stand up to wind that powerful. So instead, she adjusts.

No firebending jets to help her, but she's still pretty nimble. She dives aside as the furniture around them begins to get caught up in the gust of wind, and before he can turn to blow toward her again, she whips the chain around and hurls it toward him, wrapping it around his arm to tether him to her.]

You'll have to do better than that.

( A chain. Something about the restricting metal wrapping around his arm causes a visceral reaction in Shealtiel. He moves instantly, yanking his arm back and curling his clawed fingers around part of the chain. In a surprising show of strength, he pulls further, swinging, trying to take Azula along with it or otherwise free himself.

But it's not pure rage in his eyes. There's fear. Panic. )

D-don't touch me!

( It's not a touch, it's a chain, but the words came out automatically, his voice cracking in the stress of it. His focus is breaking, though, and there's something disjointed in small parts of his movement.

His memories may be stolen, but there's something in there that recognizes this doesn't feel right. )

[And that's exactly what she was waiting for. As he hauls the chain and pulls her from her feet, she uses the momentum to launch herself toward him.

But his reaction-

It doesn't feel like some storybook wolf. Some big, bad monster from a fairy tale. It feels like Shealtiel. Even as she moves to the second part of her plan- foregoing an attack and instead simply throwing another loop of the chain around him to try and further restrain him.]

Wake up!

( Something about the chain and her commanding voice is making him feel like it's hard to move. But in his panic, in his heightened and altered state of self from sleepwalking, he can't just stay put!

He thrashes, practically, trying to move so that he can get further away. Another room, a grip on the chain again, maybe, but his many eyes are darting every direction. )

I am awake!

You're not a wolf, you idiot!

[Rrgh. Of course he wouldn't think he was asleep, trapped in this stupid delusion- she's not sure how to snap him out of it without hurting him.

As she struggles against him with the chain, she quickly runs into a problem. She has the leverage, but he's clearly strong- unnaturally strong. Too strong for her to match directly. Courtesy of this idiotic transformation, no doubt. The best she can do is is grip each end of the chain in her hands, moving to brace herself against his back as he flails and try not to let him shake her loose as he thrashes.]

( Unfortunately, he entirely believes he's a wolf right now. A big bad one! And so, as she braces himself against his back, he tenses, his breathing grows quicker, and he reacts quickly. The motion he makes is one fluid thrash aimed to flinging Azula away from him and towards the nearest wall.

And should he manage to do that, he'll run straight at her, no matter how the chain has tangled him up. )

[Her knees are braced against the small of his back, firmly holding her in place against the tension of the chain. At first, the sudden movement doesn't dislodge her.

But the arc of his 'throw' brings bad side and shoulder roughly against the wall, and the impact drives the wind from her, weakening her hold, spiking pain through wounds that haven't troubled her in months. The chain slips from her grasp only a moment later, sending her tumbling to the floor.]

[She doesn't even have time to suck wind into her lungs before he's nearly on her again, charging her down. She has only a second to find an exit. There's none. But her basket is still lying where it fell after she retrieved the chain. Desperately, she scrambles toward it, shoving her hand inside it. Shealtiel's already caught up, and she tries to catch him with a kick to hold him at bay. Even if it connects, even as powerful as her kicks are, she doubts it will hold him off long.

This ends now. She can't afford to be gentle any longer. A blade, perhaps. Or an axe. Yes, an axe feels correct. She can't think why, she never cared for them as weapons- too brutish and clumsy for her tastes, lacking in finesse- but it's the first thing that comes to her mind now, and she closes her fingers around the handle inside the basket-]

["I don't understand-"

She freezes. He's already caught up to her, she doesn't have time- she can only struggle so much against an enemy so strong, especially when she's down to one arm. She doesn't have time for this, she needs to stop him, she needs to-

"I told you we're friends. I'm not going to just leave you alone... stupid."

Her gut clenches. Her vision blurs. Desperately, she reaches up with her other hand- sore and aching from the impact to her shoulder, but she ignores it- and tries, almost instinctively, to hold him at bay with one hand, the other still gripping the axe handle in the basket, but she still can't bring herself to use it.]

Shealtiel, please!

( The words hit him just as her fingers touch the hair at the top of his head, and his void-like ears sink bank at the recognition of it. His shoulders lower, his body stops and he places his hand against the wall behind her to stop himself further, even if he does kind of half fall into her.

Ah... There's an emptiness in his head. It's confusing, it's painful, but her words mixed with this touch make him realize something.

He knows her, and he doesn't want to hurt her. )

...Azula.

[Oh, thank the spirits.

For a moment- a few moments, long moments- she simply lies there, catching her breath and eyeing him warily- as if the moment of lucidity might not last.

Once she's satisfied, she releases the axe handle and pulls her arm from the basket. And then she realizes that her other hand is still resting against his temple, and they are in very awkward proximity. She hastily withdraws her arm, hissing in discomfort- holding it there was apparently bothering her shoulder more than she realized.

She attempts to muster her usual smug demeanor.]

Were you still planning on killing me, or are you going to get up?

I'm sorry. I—

( This is complicated. He watches her wince, and he pulls back just as she does, standing and stumbling, unwinding himself from the chain. His hands are shaking, and his void ears and tail are hanging low. )

I don't... know what's going on. Where— no, who am I, exactly? I thought...

( Without the proper jar, he's just going on a very powerful emotion that came from Azula yelling like that. He knows her name. He knows her name, for sure, now. But... why?

What's happening?? )

I don't think I meant to hurt you.

Oh, calm down.

[It doesn't have quite the bite it normally does- it's almost her usual friendly ribbing. Comfortable. Relaxed.

Once he's off of her, she climbs to her feet, rolling her shoulder and massaging it with her other hand.]

You're under the influence of dream magic. There should be a jar or something like that, it should help end the effects. Start looking.

[At least that was what happened when she got delayed on the way here. She retrieves the basket and withdraws a torch- already lit, thankfully- and begins hunting around the cabin with it.]

( It's easy for her to say. It feels like his mind is a black void right now, and she's the only thing in it. How scary is that?? It's incredibly scary for someone who is as closed off as he is.

Not that he knows that's why it's scary, but.

Still, she tells him to start looking, and he feels compelled to do just that, even past the fear and confusion. He scans the shelves, frowning as he thinks. )

This place is filled with weird jars. I thought it was just part of a collection.

( Sure enough, they're on every book shelf, every counter, every table... )

[What-

Had they been here all along? Did they just appear once she'd snapped him out of his trance? Not that he was... entirely back, but-

Well, it didn't matter. Either way, they didn't have many options.]

If I had my firebending, this would be so much faster.

[She hands him a jar, picks one up herself, and starts opening it.

... and then tries again. And then again. Hrm.]

I can't seem to open it. Try yours.

Huh? Okay...

( He opens the jar, and by the luck of the first draw, he does seem to be hit by something. A small little memory that has him staring down at the jar. )

...That worked. I mean, a little bit, anyway. I remember eating some fried chicken. How many of these do I have to open?

( As the unluckiest man in any world, he has his memories split among so many jars. They're going to be opening jars for a while. )

[Hm. He opened his effortlessly, yet she can't even pry it open at all. Either these jars are extremely well-sealed, or-

She hands her jar to him, a faint twist of amusement coming to her lips.]

Try this one, I have a theory.

( He questions this, but with little else to go on, and a feeling of familiarity (and obedience, thanks taming powers), he opens the jar. This memory is a lot more intense, with flames of a burning building, and a rescue...

But it was memories. )

Huh... It worked again. Do I have to be the one to open them?

Apparently.

[She gives another harsh laugh.]

I suppose you'd better get to work.

[She supposes she could probably just leave him to it, but-]

While you do that, I'll go through the house and retrieve the rest.

[...It's odd, how much relief she feels at finding an reason not to go.]

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lemoncandy - 2024-04-21 17:57 (UTC) - Expand

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{ once upon a fairytale }

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