songerein | { once upon a fairytale }

Entry tags:

{ 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

[Just a light grin.]

Did you forget? I'm the "Big Bad Wolf."

[And there will be a swirl of shadow around him before a giant black wolf appears in his place, blue eyes glowing almost eerily compared to the pitch black fur.]

[There are those shadows again, and along with them, another spike of panic within her, but when he transforms, she ends up falling, draping herself over his neck with her arms around it to support herself, bringing her almost eye to eye with the giant black wolf... and those bright blue eyes.

Only then, as she stares into them, does it finally click.]

Wait, you're not serious, are you? You want me to get on your back?

It wouldn't be the first time.

[Just an idle swish of his tail before he thumps it against her and crouches down.]

Get on.

[But it would be the first time in a cursed forest...

Tifa clutches the jar tightly, tucking it against herself, and at first, she does look a little unsure about it...

...

Before she just sighs and clambers onto his back, one hand reaching into his fur gently to hold onto him, her face lowering and nuzzling into the long fur on his neck.]

This good?

Mm.

[She'll feel the low rumble from his throat as he glances back at her...before he feels the eyes of a certain princess looking up at him with biiig eyes followed by another set with equally biiiiig eyes...

...]

You can hop on, too.

[This form is much bigger than the other times he's transformed, so he actually could carry the dogs.]

[Tifa just chuckles softly under her breath, closing her eyes a moment as she breathes in slow, hearing Bri hop onto his back behind her where she plops right up against Tifa.

Even in this form, he still smells very much like himself, and it's... oddly comforting, especially given everything that's happened since this whole mess started. To know that he still retained some parts of him even through the enchantment...]

Does everyone else want a ride, too?

[Valo and Idris just give a low groan, and Melody trots right up beside Valo, her tail wagging happily while he glances down at her.

With a laugh, Tifa shakes her head and waits for them to carry on again before continuing with her line of thinking.]

... You know. Makes me wonder how many other people got caught up in this curse, too.

I remember seeing others pass through the woods... But you were the first I really encountered.

[He muses as he straightens and starts trotting up the lake, the other dogs following close.

For better or worse. Perhaps for the better or he would have felt a lot worse about what he could have done.]

Did you come by with anyone else in town?

No... not yet. Was mostly here to find you and Lyria.

[All the corgis whine, signaling that no, they had not been able to find her when she sent them off running.]

I'm wondering though... if there might be a way to break the magic for good? There's always a catch.

[—Wait.]

Lyria's missing?

[He actually cranes his neck around upon hearing that.]

That's the thing. I don't know.

[Her fingers curl further into the fur.]

I figured that either she would be out here cursed, or out looking, if Eria told her anything. I just wanted the dogs to find her, and make sure she was safe.

[He grows more pensive at that, his eyes going towards the deep woods.]

...Hopefully she's not in there, regardless of which... But all the more reason to hurry.

[And with renewed determination, Eustace springs forward into more of a fast lope.]

Oh—!

[The change in speed is a bit surprising, but Tifa holds on tight anyway, as best as she can with one hand. The dogs keep up well enough, though Melody does trip once or twice on some loose branches before Valo helps pick her back up and put her on her feet again.

It's Idris, however, that runs a little further ahead, at least a few paces. Far enough that when he starts barking at something up ahead as they've run further down the river, she can't quite see what it is, and it makes her grip Eustace's fur a little too tight.]

[Eustace continues the run, but upon hearing and seeing Idris bark at something, he picks up the pace with Valo and Melody sprinting right alongside him to find...

...?]

Music notes?

[He slows to a walk as they reach where Idris is, and he is barking and jumping at the music notes that are clustered right above him.]

What...?

[Tifa is just as confused as everyone else is, and now that Eustace has come to a stop, she lifts herself up to properly sit on his back. Idris, meanwhile, tries to leap up to them, but can't quite reach on his hind legs.]

They look almost like... bubbles, too?

[Melody is also barking, and Eustace confused lowers his head.]

What—!!!

[Only to have the young corgi jump on his head with more barking. Up, grandpa, up!!!]

Melody, you—

[Of course, he raises his head without thinking and from there Melody jumps up to snap at a low note, popping it. And before he can scold her more, a small piece of paper flutters down, Valo reaching up to catch it this time to give to Tifa.]

[It all happens way too fast for Tifa to put a stop to any of it. Up Melody goes without a care in the world for
Wolf Eustace's neck, leaping through the air from the top of his head like he's a jumping pad. Next thing she knows, Valo is shoving a piece of paper into her hand.]

What just...?

[Happened???

She glances down at the little slip.]

It's a music sheet? What does this have to do with anything?

[He has no idea what happened either, and it was his head that was used as a springboard!

But he'll look back at Tifa and try to see the paper.]

Music sheet? And it came from the note...

[He looks up at them all thoughtfully, Melody already barking to do it again.

No.]

Try popping a few more, see if more pieces come out.

Yeah. I don't think I know the song, though.

[She'll hum a few notes quietly to herself before shaking her head, Melody's barks only distracting her.]

Here. I'll help.

[She's sliding off Eustace's back carefully so that she can open her arms to the corgi, whose high pitched barks are screaming THROW ME!!!

Not that Tifa understands, so now she has a confused and impatient corgi in her arms to match her own mood as Melody waits to be thrown.]

[Melody... Please.]

We are not throwing you.

[Just a flat voice as he looks at Tifa wearily.]

Just hold her up so she can pop the notes for now.

Throw—?

[Is that why she wasn't jumping from her arms? She was waiting for her to throw her? Tifa looks down at the corgi in disbelief, and her ears droop when Eustace refuses.]

I'm not.

[And even more when Tifa does.

So, she'll lift her instead, standing so that they are right under the bubbles, and Melody pops them with her nose and paws and looking a little dejected as she does, grumbling about how she wanted to jump up at them and play with them. Over her, more little notes play as they burst, and more small sheets fall to the ground that Valo and Bri try to catch.]

What are we supposed to do with all these? Sing them?

[Bri snaps up. Did mom say sing???]

[At this point, Eustace will have transformed out from being a wolf and returned to his usual self, taking the pieces that Valo and Bri have collected while looking them over.]

...Hmm...

[He tries to piece them together, but it's only after the last note is popped and the final piece falls that there is a flash of light and the papers all join together to form one whole sheet with the lyrics and notes more clear.

At this point Melody perks up and barks excitedly with Bri.

Yay singing!! We can sing together!!]

...Wait, look at the lyrics. Don't they seem like directions?

[Indeed the lyrics are:

Follow the stream up a ways
And turn a left not right
Ignore the troll that guards the bridge
It's not worth the fight

Instead keep on where butterflies flitter
To a field of yellow lillies
In there you'll find the flute you seek
But only if you show the sillies

And at the bottom there is a small note with an asterisk stating that if they sing this whole song a trail will appear to help guide them.

...

...]

They do.

[ ...

.... ]

Do we all have to sing it?

[In spite of all the excitement around them, Tifa glances at Eustace... with some stifled amusement in her eyes before she's looking over the song again, humming more of the notes quietly under her breath to get the rhythm and the tune.]

[HE WANTS TO SAY NO, but the girls are barking and growling at him—and the other reluctant boys.]

I don't think we have much of a choice.

[...

She really shouldn't be so giddy about this on the inside, especially given their circumstances, but here she is. Holding up the music sheet, she takes a deep breath.]

Alright, everyone ready to repeat after me?

[And glances at Eustace with an encouraging smile.]

[MORE GROANING FROM THE BOYS...

But they gather around and wait, including Eustace who still doesn't look all that enthused. Of course Melody and Bri are having a grand ol time about this.]

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject