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

[Huh. That's a skill he's always wondered about. Not one he's ever needed, but that's probably just a 'yet' situation - and so he follows, eyes on a swivel for anything suspicious.]

[Because he's pretty sure you'll get no second chances with dragons.]

(They continue on going deep into the underground areas, the maid princess being very mindful of her surroundings as the insecure bride tries to follow after her and Aang and not get lost as the result. She is hoping that the dragons can go easy on them and assist them in getting the bride away from the castle but with how temperamental they can be, there is no telling on how they are going to react to their request.)

[Should he be writing some of this down? Maybe. These...stories are unique, but would they recur? Or is there some pattern he can discern that will help? And why is the jar important? He knows it is, he knows it, can feel it with his every instinct...but why?]

[Now if only these were the WISE sort of dragons you could ask, rather than storybook ones...]

(As the unlikely trio approach them closer by the inches, one of the dragons, a green one who is taking a nap, soon has their ears perk up upon hearing footsteps becoming more audible. Wondering who could be disturbing them and their slumber, the dragon in question soon yawns to find Maleen, Aang, and the insecure bride coming closer to her and her kin.

Are these intruders? Most people wouldn’t even dare to come to the underground and seek out dragons for help, let alone an escape plan. But judging by how they’re not showing signs of aggression, the lady dragon finally gets up to get a closer look at them.

She is not going to give them an easy time in trying to convince her too easily, but she is not too cold hearted to ignore whatever pleads they want to ask from her. Craning her head down as she walks down from her napping spot, the green dragon soon encounters them and begins the inquiry to the bride’s desperate escape.)

Well, well, well. What has caused you humans to come all the way down here to ask me and my kin at this hour? Young maid, can you explain yourself?

Yes. We’re here because the bride to be wants to get out of an upcoming marriage that she is stuck in and we are hoping that you can help us out.

[Oh, they are very different dragons than the ones he has seen - this may not be his best idea after all.]

In your infinite mercy and wisdom.

[He adds, because he's pretty sure flattery isn't a bad option.]

Please, o dear mighty and wise dragon. If there is a way for me to escape this dreadful fate that is about to befall onto me, we can take whatever means you can provide to us. I just want to be away from marrying the prince and becoming his queen.

Yes, almighty noble dragon. Surely there is a way for us to help this poor bride to be out.

(The insecure bride is starting to worry for her future as she takes looks between Aang, Maleen, and the dragon. The latter also notices that the young bride is breaking down into tears, clearly this young lady didn’t want to be married off like that.

Say no more, the green dragon does have a good idea for them to execute.)

I see. You have entered into a marriage you didn’t wish to participate and long for your freedom. In this case, I shall grant you your wish. The path to getting there may not be easy but I and some of my kin will provide a distraction to keep the guests and other people busy while another dragon shall let you ride on their back.

Oh my! Are you going to risk your life and guardianship for her?

Yes, young maid. We shall try our best and provide a way. For now, try to wake my fellow dragons and ask them if they are ready to provide a headache for the guests to remember.

Well. That's vastly more than he'd expected, and it's a thrilling prospect. He offers the dragons a deep bow.

"Oh noble dragons, thank you for your generosity and kindness. There is a favour owed we will be happy to repay."

You’re very welcomed, young noble humans. Now go further and wake my brethren up. Let us lend you our help.

Alright thank you so much, noble dragon. Now let’s get the dragons up and ready for the big surprise.

(In no time at all, the three of them proceed to get the remaining dragons up from their slumber. The green dragon watches over them, overseeing the whole plan unfolding. The insecure bride is understandably in shock but still grateful as they begin waking the other dragons.

Some of them didn’t find waking up from their naps much earlier than usual as a great idea, but upon being informed of the bride’s plight and the plan to surprise the guests big time, they realize that they can help the poor maiden up. Soon enough they begin to raise up and their wings stretched out as they stand up on their feet.)

[Which is a magnificent sight to see. Dragons in their full majesty usually are. He leans in, speaking to Anya.]

So, uh, this is...all normal to you? Nothing seems...weird?

Not that strange for the most part. But these dragons are rather friendly enough to lend a hand or talon if you ask them in the first place. Most people just don’t approach them all the time mainly due to fear or the assumption that they’re just that mean with no kindness in their hearts.

I suppose that today is the day that they’re about to prove everyone’s superstitions wrong. Isn’t that right, Maid Maleen?

Why I think it could be the case, your Highness.

[Well, life certainly never ceases to surprise him. Though he's always held that dragons were wise - he wonders how many universes this is true through.]

Truth is always better.

[He smiles, then remembers the jar, frowning a bit. Why is that important? Why does he have it? Experimentally, he lifts a corner of the lid.]

Oh my. What does that jar contain, Aang?

(The maid princess stares at the jar in utter confusion. So does the insecure bride before she gets nudged on the arm by one of the dragons who is urging her to climb on top of them and to hold onto their back for her safety.)

Do you suppose its contents could help the bride escape from the castle too?

It's important...I just...don't know why.

[And so he opens it entirely, looking inside before offering it over to Anya. Maid Princess. Whichever is the more appropriate.]

(Now before she or anyone else can say anything, the maiden soon falls back as if she was hit by an invisible brick wall. Her head dizzy from the flashes of memories and unable to think clearly for a good while.

The insecure bride and the dragons meanwhile are staring at the whole thing, just as confused as the next individual in the room too. After some time had passed, she is able to get herself stabilized again although she is not out of the woods just yet.)

Oof. What just happened… in here?

[He looks from her, to the dragons, then back again.]

Well, it's...a bit of a story.

Um, excuse me? Maybe now is the right time to proceed with the escape plan. We don’t know how long people will take to realize that I might have gone missing.

Fear not, young princess. You shouldn’t fear for your life for long. Us dragons will take do what we can to provide you a safe route to your freedom

Oh right. We need to get the bride out of here before everyone else in the castle will notice her disappearance soon.

[Well, ok, things are still happening. Time to deal with that. He nods, facing the dragons.]

Ok. I'll lead the way. I can clear a path, make it safe for you. Hide you, if needs be.

[Airbending being GREAT at stirring up dust, for instance.]

Alright then. We got to need to find a good hiding place so no one wouldn’t notice while the dragons take the bride away from here.

A wise plan of action, young human. We shall cloak ourselves in the shadows as we begin to take flight while you make the path for us to take. Don’t worry, young maiden. Your friend here knows what he is doing. The bride will be safe with us and we shall do everything in our power to protect her from harm.

[Good sign, and praise from dragons has him beaming. He runs forward, using gusts of airbending to get to an appropriate height, and then begins to move his arms in a waterbending pattern - but one mixed with airbending. Pulling in the moisture in the atmosphere towards them and creating...fog.]

(As soon as the fog begins to form from Aang’s efforts, the dragons prepare themselves to fly off with the bride with some going in to provide a distraction that the other people in the castle will have their eyes glued onto while they fly off. The maiden, Maleen, Anya, whatever she is called at the moment, wisely gets out of the path of the dragons and hides herself from plain sight, watching in awe as they begin their flight path.)

[Dragons in flight will always, it seems, provoke a sort of majesty. He watches, keeping up his movements, growing the fog into a large cloud - hopefully large enough to do the trick.]

[And just watches the magnificence unfold. It's nice to be a bit player instead of in the thick of things, he finds. You get better views that way.]

(The green dragon looks at her kin and the insecure bride as they start their ascent into the air and delivers a plan of action that they are about to take part of.)

Brethren, brothers and sisters: it is time that we shall give the people of the castle a bit of a fright so this young maiden wouldn’t have to marry off to someone she doesn’t love.

Some of you will begin by scaring off any guards and wizards that are patrolling the area, others will cover for the rest by making mini fires for them to deal with, making it look like a human had unknowingly left their bonfire with its fire still lit, while the rest will help me in hiding the bride: forming a barricade to shield her from detection. Try to make sure that no one else but her two human friends will take notice of her disappearance. Is everything I said clear to you?

(The dragon roar in a positive note as they begin to split up to start a commotion in the castle. The first batch soon rills the guards and wizards by causing all sorts of noise, disorienting them completely. Second batch soon start creating mini fires around the area so it will keep the castle staff busy while the third batch gather around the green dragon to protect the bride.)

[At this stage he can sort of sit back and watch, hands on his shoulder and a smile on his face. He stands ready to intervene, but watching this - well. It's something else, isn't it.]

[He looks over at Anya with a grin, gesturing at...well all that.]

(It is a very chaotic scene to behold. Guards and wizards are so scared of what they can hear, many of the castle staff and wedding guests fret over the fire as they try to extinguish them but couldn’t seem to catch up at the rate the dragons are in. This is all happening while the green dragon and some of her kin are taking the bride away from the castle and from an unwanted marriage.

She stares at the whole scene as it unfolds, amazing that the dragons are able to pull it off. Maybe the castle residents should give the dragons more respect than what they used to give them after all of this is done.)

So is it safe for us to get out of here while the people are on damage control?

[He nods at her with a grin.]

Best time to do it, before the questions get started.

{ once upon a fairytale }

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