{ once upon a fairytale }

[dreamposts]

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.

Comments

Iroh | ATLA | OTA - Wandering Minstrel

[uncle_iroh]

Flute Loops

Zuko not being there when Iroh woke up didn't mean anything for sure. The boy often was off on his own these days. It worried Iroh quite a bit, but he was doing his best to give the boy his space. At least this place seemed safer for it than home was.

Still, Iroh was not about to spend the day at home. He packed up his basket and went to head out for another day of trying to figure out how to open his tea shop. But he might as well meander through the woods first. It was a lovely day for it...

Suddenly he was riding an ostrich horse and wearing harlequin costume in red and gold with orange accents, and a floppy hat. His face was clear of any mask and his red and gold gloves left his fingers bare, oddly. The whole thing was odd. Though not as odd as what was across his back. He pulled it forward and looked at it, confused. A... Liuqin? What new oddness was this?

At leas this tea basket was dangling from his saddle. Along with a few other musical instruments and an inordinate number of small tiny cymbals around everything his mount wore, making a pleasant musical sound whenever the ostrich horse moved.

"Well, I don't know where I am going," he mused to himself, stroking his beard, "but they will certainly hear me coming."

Bemused. Or perhaps, bemusical, he headed further into the woods to see what was going on, unsure what to expect. But it was interesting, to say the least.

But his wasn't the only music he encountered. Seeing small music note shaped bubbles made him smile, and he lifted a finger to catch one gently, like offering the finger for a sparrowkeet to land on. Except that it popped. He didn't have a chance to be sad, as popping it revealed... sheet music?

It wasn't much, a small fragment of what had to be a larger song, he was sure. Well, he could make up his own tune and lyrics to fit before and after it. But first he should find a good place to settle and dismount, so he was only playing the music he intended...

[grandduchess_anya]

While her journey out of the castle post memory regaining is a very long and chaotic tale (what with angry guards and wedding guests following on her tracks), Anya did managed to escape and evade her would be captors although it was not easy running in a long dress while fleeing.

Still in bridal clothes and jewelry (plus a gold chain necklace), she is running as fast as she could while carrying an ax she stole from a guard earlier. Now she is terribly lost and unsure of where to go and panicking over Pooka and Mashka’s welfare while she is stuck in the curse. It is around this time when she comes across Iroh and his noble ostrich horse steed and she could hear the music he is playing.

Wondering if there is something she could or if he can try to help her out, Anya wails her arms frantically in a desperate effort to get his attention before the curse could try to get her again.

[uncle_iroh]

"Oh!" he said, startled as he pulled his mount up short. "Are you alright?" he asked, concerned. Then again, given the axe... perhaps he was the one he should be concerned for. Beautiful did not mean harmless, after all. Still, he would treat her in good faith and help if she truly needed it.

[grandduchess_anya]

“I had to escape a bunch of angry people from the castle after regaining my memories. At some point I nabbed this very ax from a guard in order to defend myself,” Anya explains herself while trying not to panic and on the lookout for angry wedding guests, “I was able to help a bride to escape her wedding whle not being myself and pretending to be her at the same time.”

[uncle_iroh]

"I am not certain that I followed all of that, but if you need help escaping, this lovely fellow here should be able to take us both away swiftly."

[grandduchess_anya]

“Oh thank goodness. That would be wonderful: I would appreciate it a lot,” she lets out a big sigh when she looks at the sheet music that he has, “Say, what is with a sheet of music doing here in the forest? Got any ideas of what is trying to say?”

[uncle_iroh]

"I'm not sure yet, but we can save that for once you are save," he said, offering his free hand to help her up.

[grandduchess_anya]

“Alright then, suppose that we can get going before those guests can finally catch up to me,” she lends him a hand so she can get on board to flee the wedding guests she had managed to mess with and out to send her to the dungeons.

*safe.

[uncle_iroh]

He pulled her up, then flicked the musical reins. The mount nodded and took off, back the way he had come from. Since that had been the way she was heading, that should work well enough for now.

[itstillhurt]

This isn't her idea of a good time, but Azula is- if nothing else- figuring it out. She's got a handle on these bizarre abilities, even if she'd still prefer her firebending. She's figured out how to tame beasts, she's got a versatile arsenal in her basket at all times, she even made the ridiculous cloak look good. And she had an occupation. One that was absurd, but she at least understood it. Saving people had never come naturally to her, but she was... acclimating.

In short, she thought she had a pretty good handle on things. Until she heard jingling behind her.

There's a surreal moment where initial recognition clicks in- she hasn't seen an ostrich-horse in almost a year and a half at this point, and seeing Uncle riding one almost didn't register. At least, not until-

Oh.

Oh.

Oh, no.

Oh,

Spirits

of

the

Islands,

no.

She simply stares at him as he approaches, slack-jawed and utterly in disbelief, at that horrific visual assault currently posing as a costume.

Iroh, enjoy the unique experience- Azula has been rendered genuinely speechless.

[uncle_iroh]

If he had followed her thoughts, he might have had to fight not to laugh. As it were... he was doing his best to not to react openly to her outfit.

So he would simply wait for her to chose to speak or act.

Sadly for her, he did not wait quietly as his ostrich horse fussed lightly, making the cymbals jangle with quiet music.

[itstillhurt]

It takes her quite some time, but finally she manages-

"Uncle..."

And then, with her more characteristic harsh judgment, she spits-

"What is that supposed to be?"

[uncle_iroh]

In a complete deadpan, he replied "You have never seen an ostrich horse before?"

In case anyone was ever wondering if he could in fact act. The answer is yes. He didn't crack so much as a smile.

[itstillhurt]

Oh. Oh, wasn't he clever.

Still, at least that meant he was himself. Not that it was a dramatic improvement, since Uncle was baffling and infuriating even without dream-inflicted delusions, but she'd take what she could get.

"The outfit, uncle. You look like a pai sho board threw up."

[uncle_iroh]

"Why, I think that might be the nicest thing you have ever said to me," he said. His tone implied Are you feeling alright? without actually saying it.

[itstillhurt]

Oh, for-

No. No, she was here to do a job, not to get into sniping matches with Uncle.

"I assume you're here to help end this nonsense."

After a moment, she adds-

"Though spirits now how. I'm not sure which is louder, what the ostrich-horse is wearing or what you're wearing."

...that was sniping at Uncle again. Not useful. Ugh.

The temptation to break into SECRET TUNNNNNEEEEELLLL is real

[uncle_iroh]

Now he actually didn't know what was going on yet. And what he had seen so far - the mount and the costumes and such - didn't bother him at all. But he could see how it would bother her.

Which did make the whole situation more amusing, really. Not that he was going to show that just yet.

"If you want," he brought his liuqin forward. "I could be louder, if you wanted to know what actual volume is," he offered.

[not_42]

It wouldn't be long until Iroh encountered a young man in an odd costume, though perhaps not as odd as his own. Said young man would likely strike him as somewhat familiar, though this would almost certainly be his first time seeing Hermes' entire face. At present, that face looked somewhat lost as he walked through the forest trailed by several adorable woodland creatures.

He looked up as he heard Iroh approaching, though he appeared just as interested in the creature Iroh was riding as he did the man himself. "Greetings," he said. "This is a rather odd place to meet again, but I can't say the meeting is an unwelcome one."

[uncle_iroh]

It wasn't until he heard the voice that he realized to whom he was speaking. Though perhaps the animals should have been a clue.

"Hello again. Thankfully whatever has happened here has not taken my basket from me, if you wished to have some tea."

[not_42]

"I fear we once again have more pressing matters to attend to," he said. "Though perhaps afterward. A number of Reverin's citizens have fallen under a spell that has caused them to believe they're characters in various stories. A number of others, including myself, have come here to attempt to rescue them and in doing so have become transformed in body, though not in mind."

"I was attempting to search for the objects needed to free them from this enchantment, but I'm afraid I've lost the path. And bereft of my usual magics, I've been unable to regain my bearings."

[uncle_iroh]

"Is that what is going on?" he asked, with a chuckle. "I did wonder. Then please allow me to help you to help them once more. What exactly are we looking for that we need?"

[not_42]

"Magicked jars that hold their true memories," Hermes said. "And the flutes that were used to cast the enchantment to begin with. Both are scattered about the forest, and must be found before the next new moon, lest the spell become a curse."

[uncle_iroh]

"Then we should start searching for both. If there is any logic to these costumes, then perhaps I am meant to help find the flutes, at the least."

[not_42]

"Perhaps," he said, though he sounded doubtful. "I can't say for certain; this magic is unlike any I've dealt with before. Though the memories in jars do somewhat bring to mind concept crystals..."

"In any case, yes, let us resume our search. You companion seems as eager to proceed as you are." He approached the ostrich-horse and patted it gently on the beak.

[uncle_iroh]

"If we can help the people here, I suspect we are all eager." He offered him a hand to help him mount behind him, if he wished.