{ 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

[not_42]

That they were discussing such things while clad in strange costumes and trailing music in their wake... There was something ironic enough about it to be amusing if one cared to look for it. Alas, Hermes did not.

"Some few deemed too dangerous to release yet still of great value as subjects of research are confined with in the halls of Pandemonium, under the watchful eyes of its Warders," he said. "But most are not so fortunate, if such confinement can be considered so. Most creations that are deemed failures are destroyed, reverted to aether."

"As chief overseer of Elpis, I do all within my power to see that the creations in my charge may one day find a place in the wider world. My fellow researchers likewise do their due diligence. And yet... if it comes to it, in the end, I must perform my duty, however loath I am to do so. And even if it seems that I am alone in feeling thus."

[uncle_iroh]

He shook his head. "Maybe I am an old man and addled in my wits, but since coming here, I have seen someone I would have considered almost irredeemable almost acting like a properly civilized person. Unless she is still working some deep plot, which I would not past her, she stands as proof that given the right environment, or lack of the wrong one even... that which seems most dangerous and unstable might become a helpful member of a world." He still had his doubts, but he'd seen enough to at least consider that removed from her father Azula might yet have a chance to one day become less... well... the Azula he'd come to know these last several years. But she was crafty, he would continue to observe.

[not_42]

"I do not think your wits addled at all," he assured Iroh. Quite the contrary; while there was a distinct difference between a person who was capable of reason, and the creations he worked with which generally had only their instincts, what he was saying sounded similar to things Hermes himself had often thought, though he had always been reluctant to voice such things. Even now, he found them difficult to speak of, especially while riding musically along.

After a moment of consideration, he asked, "Might we stop somewhere and talk for a moment?"

[uncle_iroh]

"Alright. I could use a break for tea as well." He pulled his mount gently to a rest and dismounted. He offered the other a hand, to be polite.

[not_42]

Hermes accepted the hand in getting down, the various small creatures who had found perches on him hopping or fluttering off to settled nearby. He then stepped slightly to one side, giving Iroh room to begin setting things up for tea, but and ready to offer his assistance with it if need be. "Tell me," he said after a moment's hesitation, "on your star, your world, how is death generally thought of? In both a broad sense and on an individual basis?"

[uncle_iroh]

"Death?" he asked, pausing to stroke his beard before returning to seeing to their tea and snacks. "It is no simple thing you ask after. How detailed an answer would you be wanting? I have been known to ramble, or so my family tells me," he added with a chuckle.

[not_42]

"I apologize if the topic is a difficult one," he said. "But it is relevant to what I wish to discus. And you may include as much or as little detail as you see fit; I have little and less information on how those for other star view the subject, so any information you could offer would be helpful in deciding how to proceed."

[uncle_iroh]

"Well for many of us... death is an end. When we die, our bodies go to the flame and air or the earth or the sea and our story continues only in the memories of those whose lives we have touched."

"For some, however," he added, pouring tea for them both, "they or perhaps even we, will find themselves in the spirit realm. That is where I thought I must be when I awoke here. I am hardly young, after all," he said with a chuckle. "I do not know if there is anyway to tell who will continue as a spirit and who will not until it happens or fails to. And even if it happened to many of us, we'd have no way to be certain, for among the living the only one who can easily move between the realm of humans and the realm of Spirits is the Avatar, and he has too much to do to forever be answering questions about those we lost."

He handed over the tea before sipping his own.

"As for the Avatar himself, when he dies his spirit will go to the next Avatar and he will be reborn in some infant of the next tribe of the Cycle. Avatar Aang, our current Avatar was born an Air Bender, the Avatar before, his past life, was Avatar Roku, who was of the Fire Nation. The next shall be born to the Water Tribes. For the Avatar, death is a step on a long path that spreads far before and behind."

He took another sip of tea. "There is always the possibility that those of us not in the Spirit Realm after we die are not there because we too were reborn. Perhaps some day we will learn that. But other than the Avatar no one has ever been proved to have been able to communicate with their past lives. So we may well never know for certain."

[not_42]

Hermes looked saddened and a bit pained at Iroh's description of death. "To lack the comfort of knowing that one's soul will live on...", he said, half to himself. "I cannot imagine it." Nor did he wish to. But Iroh seemed remarkably at peace with it. That if nothing else helped him not to lose his nerve.

"My people regard death very differently," he said. "For us, death, or as it is more often phrased 'returning to the star', is seen as the privilege of those who have fulfilled their purpose, a choice they embrace of their own free will. After death, a soul returns to the underworld, becoming part of the great flow of aether within our world, where it sleeps until it is one day reborn to begin the cycle anew. To hear my dear friend Hythlodaeus speak of it, when a soul departs thus, it is is always beautiful. And perhaps it is. But only for man."

"Creations that he deems useless are discarded with nary a second thought. Some scarcely born into the world, afforded a handful of breaths before life and potential are abruptly extinguished. We make an effort to spare them the pain... but they sense what awaits. Rage in anguish and cower in fear... and it is not beautiful."

"...Yet no one cares. No one. I do not think it wrong that we live for the star and strive to make it a better place, but so fixated are we upon the duty that we do not pause to question the method. Pain and suffering... confusion and despair... writ plain in the eyes of those poor creatures. Yet no one sees. We turn a blind eye and carry on in blissful ignorance. Naught amiss. And always- always the Elpis blossoms shine pure and white."

"A contradiction so blatant I could scream, want to scream. How can you all accept this.... aberration?! Then I wonder... am I the aberration for thinking thus? And I am filled with dread."

"But having heard you speak as you have... I feel as though perhaps I am not alone. And while I apologize if I've unduly burdened you, I also thank you. Perhaps I am simply an aberration and a fool, but I cannot deny the truth of my heart, and in your presence, I find myself able to speak it." Though he's notably looking down at the ground rather than at Iroh, unable to look him in the eye as in spite of his friend's gentle nature, part of him dreads to see how he might react.

[uncle_iroh]

"I do not think you are an aberration, unless in your home it is an aberration to see clearly and care deeply, as it is to see the value of those outside our own was where I grew up. Sometimes there is nothing wrong with being the dissenting voice. Even if you are the only one. Someone always has to be first. And changes are not brought forth without someone or something moving the world towards those changes. Never appologize for kindness or compassion."

He shook his head. "Caring for other life forms may be a rare gift where you are from, but sometimes that makes it all the more important to protect that gift. Sometimes change can be like a small flame at the end of a twig. Alone, it seems like little. On a dark night, the light stands out, and can even hurt your eyes. And fire, when one doesn't know how to handle it, can be dangerous. Even to the one who created it. But one small flame is vulnerable too. Many might not see its worth and fear it. And even if they don't, it could consume the stick, it could be destroyed with a single strong gust of wind. Rain can put it out."

"But if that flame is protected, and treated with respect - understood for what it is, the good and the bad - it can light your way on a dark night, and provide some warmth on a cold one. And when others learn the value of that flame and bring their own sticks... many can do things one alone could not even imagine. With many people coming to nurture and care for the flame, new ways to be safe while handling it can be discovered, learned, and shared. As well as new uses. Like cooking food so one is no longer ill from what they eat. Or warming a whole house, pr providing light so that one can work well after the sun has set."

"That first flame was an aberration, perhaps. But with everyone learning and sharing together, finding ways that flame fits into and aids the lives they already lead... then everyone will find themselves better because on person had the courage to care for and nurture that small first flame."

There was another side to this argument, a more dangerous one. But that could be left for later.

[not_42]

Something in him relaxed as if releasing a long held breath. His friend's reaction was unexpected, though in hindsight, perhaps it shouldn't have been. Still, he frowned slightly as he looked up at Iroh. "Thank you, my friend," he said. "Though... tis strange that you should mention moving the world..."

He paused a moment, as if considering whether or not he should elaborate, before continuing. "It is likely that I will soon be asked to join the Convocation of Fourteen- the council who rules Etheirys and whose decisions guide the star and its people- by taking up the seat of Fandaniel. The current holder of that seat is my mentor, so I am a natural choice for the position, given his immanent retirement. Yet being so full of doubt, I do not know if I am fit for such an honor; if I cannot even be certain of my own path, how am I to help guide the entire star down the correct one?"

"Moreover, when one joins the Convocation, the position becomes their life. Thus, for most, to retire is to return to the star. There are some few exceptions, but I know my mentor too well to think that he will be among them. Thus, should I chose to accept the position, it would be tantamount to approving my mentor's death. A representative from the Convocation will no doubt be coming to Elpis soon back home, and I have no idea what I should say to them."

[uncle_iroh]

"First... It has been my experience that those who are most certain of their own path are often the leaders who do the most damage to those who rely upon them. Being uncertain means being open. We learn more when we are open to the world, and people, around us. Being certain is like choosing to walk only the road. Being uncertain means that sometimes you spend time lost in the wood. Where you might find plants or animals or even people you would have missed. Where instead of jut seeing the goal you are walking towards, you also must stop and take in the beauty and wonder around you. And sometimes by being off the set path you also see things that are wrong that you might have also missed. And those are just as important for a leader to see as the beauty is. You need to be open to learning from everything and everyone, and find a way to blend all that you learn and observe into who you will be."

"As to the other, why is it, do you think? Has he spoken to a seer who has told him his end is coming? Is he planning to take his own life if you agree? Or perhaps that would be giving him permission to do something he knows to be reckless? Or perhaps do you fear that if you accept they will kill him to make space for you?"

[not_42]

He considered Iroh's words regarding his doubts. "I doubt that the Convocation views uncertainty in such a positive light, my friend," he said. "Thoughtful debate, giving a subject due consideration, certainly. But the Convocation represents the star's greatest and wisest. Would not a man of firm convictions, one unashamed to speak his mind and heart before his compeers, be a better choice to stand among them?"

"As for my mentor, he will return to the star upon his retirement regardless of whether I take up his seat. Doubtless he has already arranged it with a member of the Words of Emet Selch, or perhaps Emet Selch himself, as he governs all matters related to the Underworld. Recall what I told you of how death is generally viewed among my people; it is a choice embraced of their own free will. Not a thing to be feared, but a reward for a life well lived. When one feels that their life's purpose has been fulfilled, they choose to die. To return to the star."

"The issue is that if I were to take up his position, it would seem that I approved of his choice when I do not. Yet at the same time, my disapproval feels selfish. If he, who has served faithfully and well for many years as Fandaniel, and before that in my own position as chief overseer of Elpis, deems his purpose fulfilled, who am I to tell him otherwise? None would deny that his rest is well earned, myself included. And yet... the thought of what most would see as a celebration of his life and his deeds brings me little but grief."

[uncle_iroh]

"I cannot control how they see such things, though you may be in a position to do so in your future. What you can do is consider why you see things the way that you do, and understanding that make choices how you wish to proceed. But in my opinion, which you have requested, firm convictions can be the indication that stubbornness lay near to the surface. I have seen too much damage done by those who value their stubbornness over their people. Unashamed to speak one's mind is useful," he said, inclining his head, "but one must also be unashamed to listen and consider."

He offered a small smile.

"To the other point, if his choice is made and your choice will not change it, then what does it serve to show him that you are upset enough at his choice that you are willing to harm yourself and deny your people your wisdom? Would it not be better to see him off well, and do your best to embody that which you most respected in him in your own leadership?"

[not_42]

"If I am to take my mentor's seat and with it the title of Fandaniel, I must be certain that I am fit to serve in such a capacity," he said. "To do aught less would be a disservice to the Convocation, the star, and myself. I must have an answer to the doubts and questions that have long plagued me. If naught else, I must be certain where my own heart lies. I cannot guide others if I myself am lost."

He smiled sadly. "Perhaps it would be. But therein lies my selfishness. I disapprove of of his decision not for reason of logic, nor out of a belief that he is undeserving of his rest. I merely... do not wish him to go. I do not wish to see him walk where I cannot yet follow. And if he must, I do not wish for him to see my own sorrow. If his departure is to be a beautiful thing, as Hythlodaeus described, it should not be marred by my own troubled thoughts. He need not carry the burdens of my own heart with him to the Underworld."

"It is unbecoming... even childish... to allow him to believe a kind lie at such a time merely to spare myself a bit of pain. I know this. And yet..." He closed his eyes with a sigh.

[uncle_iroh]

"I am not you, my friend," he said seriously, "but I disagree. I would want him to know how much he will be missed. How much we miss someone when they are gone is a measure of the impact they had on our lives when they were there. It is a measure of love. Why would it be selfish to allow him to know that he will be missed because he is loved? As to guiding others, it is the same. You can guide others while finding your own way. Living is constantly moving and learning. When one stops learning and exploring, is one even still alive?"