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

I think it might depend on who you are dealing with. Those like us who have arrived here don't seem entirely opposed to bartering.

<Good, because there's not a ton of work I can do.>

[If he morphs, maybe. But he doesn't want to get into that whole thing. Better to keep it close to his chest for now.]

It is true you are limited in your options, but few options are not none. There are things a bird might do that a man might find difficult.

<True. Patrolling, or scouting ahead. But missions aren't an every day thing - or at least I hope they aren't. I'd like to sleep at some point.>

[There's 'laughter', but it's pretty dry.]

True. You could always start up a messenger service as well. I don't think you'll be lacking in free time, however, I have found myself with more of it than I know what to do with here.

[There's a definite tinge of dry amusement to his own thoughts.]

<Messenger service could be good. Packages couldn't be too heavy, but it'd work.>

[Though then he'd have to out himself as a talking bird to the general populace, something he's not eager to do.]

<And there's always reading, I guess.>

It is something to ponder, at least, and if you'd ever need help with heavier cargo I'd be willing to lend a hand in exchange for your help in hunting smaller prey from time to time. Having only one hand makes setting up traps and snares something of a chore, you see?

[Which was why he mostly kept to hunting larger animals.]

There's always that. Or writing if there's nothing available to read.

[Honestly he was focused on the ears, he didn't even notice the hand.]

<I'll keep that in mind. And I can try writing but... hard to hold a pencil when I've got talons. At least with reading I could perch on a chair and turn the pages with my beak. Though I might make holes in the paper.>

[Let's be honest here. The missing hand was probably the least eye-catching thing about him.]

That is true... it is a bit unfortunate that I don't share my father's genious when it comes to innovation. For I am sure something could be done to make such tasks easier for you.

[There's some 'laughter'.]

<My own father was known as a great warrior, so I understand trying to live up to your father.>

Edited 2024-02-28 16:11 (UTC)

[Maedhros hesitates a bit before he awnsers. He is very conflicted about how he feels about his father.]

It is probably for the best that I am not more like him, honestly. He was a great man in many ways... but he was an equally terrible one in many others. Though as a creator he was without peer, and that I can say I do feel a bit sad that I do not share with him.

<Yeah my whole family gets... complicated. I don't actually know much about him other than that he was a great warrior. At least I've met my uncle, but he also didn't spend much time with his brother. ... But I'd like to think that I'm a decent fighter, at least. I don't know if he'd be proud or concerned that we haven't managed to take out his killer yet.>

[Visser Three... one day they'll get him. Right now... he's too dangerous to try to capture.]

Complicated... yes, that would be a fit description of my own family as well. Considering our last argument I doubt my father was overly fond of me by the time he died. I was never his favorite son to begin with, just the oldest. If your father was a decent man he would simply be happy that you are still alive and relatively well.

[Something he's not so sure his own father would be. It wouldn't surprise him if the first words his father would have graced him with after his death would be lambasting him about failing to regain all three of the silmarils, instead of only two of them. It did make him somewhat grateful that he'd ended up here instead.]

<I hope so. ... I barely knew him, but I miss him.>

[All the stories he knows of Elfangor... they're not much to fill the void he has where a parent should be.]

<Anyway. Uh. Heck, what were we talking about...>

Understandable. I wasn't on terribly good terms with mine by the end and I still find myself missing him at times...

[A fact that often leaves him feeling both sad and angry when he finds himself missing his father.]

What to do with our time here, I think.

<Right. ... I'm sure I'll find something. Maybe I'll learn how to make a map. It could be useful to have an aerial view of the place.>

It would. I'd have paid my own weight in gold for such a thing in my own world. Especially if it included marking out the enemies movement on it.

I don't think it's as needed here as it were back home. Some trouble do crop up from time to time, but all things considered it is often relatively minor things. It is... a pleasant change of pace for me, I must say.

<Good. ... And from the treehouses, it looks like there's plenty of people here who can handle it.>

[So he doesn't have to.]

The people here have certainly proved competent and resourcefull when trouble has cropped up before.

[So he thinks if it does so again the child can have his well deserved rest and leave it for his elders to solve.]

{ once upon a fairytale }

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