{ mirror mirror }

[dreamposts]

MIRROR MIRROR

With the sleepwalking curse over, everyone will have some time to rest and recuperate—until Jack Frost comes barging in with news of a clue on how to help his beloved Ice Queen who still remains asleep. The clue was the mirror shard that was in her chest, and there are theories that it may have been a fragment of a much stronger, powerful mirror she had been given some time ago. Problem is, he can't find it nor can he remember who gave it to her. He does, however, have a magic incantation that will allow people to enter mirrors and hopefully find a trace. Unfortunately, this horrendously backfires and we have mirror chaos instead. Dammit, Jack.

More details on everything can be found here. We will request any thread submissions for certain prompts during AC .

I. REVEREIN

II. MIRROR WORLD

COMMENTS

I. REVEREIN

It all begins in Reverein, where there's a strange shift in the air upon Jack's attempt to cast the spell. But instead of affecting just one mirror, it reflects off the surface and spreads out to the entire town, hitting every reflective surface instead. Ripples can be seen before the surfaces still, but it's too late. Every reflective surface—glass, mirror, window—is under a different effect because of the botched spell.

And some are being unwittingly pulled into them.

Fortunately It is possible to communicate and even watch people from the other side of the mirror, but it's only through certain mirrors and at certain times. It also will be temporary, so while one mirror might work one time, it may not work again.

A. Strange Reflections. While some mirrors may still reflect proper images, many will have…unusual changes.

🪞 You are what you see. Whether it's an odd hairstyle, change in skin color, or style of clothing in the reflection, suddenly the viewer will look exactly like what's reflected. The most extreme is a different form entirely.
🏡 Glimpses of home. Everyone will have a rare glimpse of their home world, and these can be instances from the past, present, or even a limited future. They are just reflections and cannot be interacted with, and future reflections may be blurry to prevent the person from seeing too much. For those who have memory issues, such visions will also be blurry, but perhaps they can help stir some things…
🔮 Most desired. Mirrors that have a bit of a pink hue to them will reflect the viewer's most desired "thing." It could be an object, person, place, or even a general idea. However, if not careful the viewer may become trapped in a trance and will need to be removed or smash the mirror.

B. Clone Wars. Mirrors that do not show any kind of reflection are to be quickly taken away and covered as it will begin to create duplicates in Reverein of what is reflected within it. Yes, even people, and they will be very obviously fake: wrong colors, different voices, odd behavior, etc. and will usually be harmless. These "clones" will continue to appear and multiply until the mirror has been covered, and will need to either be destroyed or captured and shoved into the mirror, where it will lose its "no reflection" status and become a proper mirror again…only for them to appear on the other side in Mirror World.

C. Mirrorsnatched. A mirror with a black rim has the chance of absorbing a significant personality trait or memory of the one looking into it, and when this happens, the person will walk away feeling very muddle-headed and off. The mirror will "keep" this part of the person and someone from the Mirror World side must find their essence and "shove" it back out onto any mirror surface so that the original owner can break the mirror and retrieve it. The downside of this method is that breaking a mirror means one less mirror those on the Mirror side can use, so they need to choose carefully.

D. The Unknown. Appearing in both the Mirror World and Reverein will be a strange mirror masked, black cloaked figure called "The Unknown." It traverses through the mirrors and through the walls, seeking those with happy reflections and will try to corrupt them with nightmares. People on both sides of the mirrors will be able to confront and try to stop the Unknown, though beware its chocolate attacks.

II. MIRROR WORLD

Everything in this "Mirror World" is, in a word, chaotic. Imagine an AI-generated monstrosity based off of Picasso, Escher, and Dr. Seuss, where everything seems to be upside down, backwards, colors everywhere and nowhere, and everything feels so fragmented that one step feels like walking towards the edge of a cliff. In a way it's nightmarish in an unusual sense, and those inside can feel that touch of "madness" that seeps through the cold air.

Beware the strange creatures in the Mirror World. They are grotesque monstrosities, many of them looking as if they were stitched together from different parts. Fortunately they are susceptible to weapons and dreamotion and those inside the Mirror World will find they are able to use different abilities, especially those with reflective properties.

A. Fragment of their old self. In order to get out of the Mirror World, those inside will need to catch a small fragment of themselves that has escaped and is running around. This fragment is actually a piece of their old self prior to arriving in Songerein. For some, this self may not be so different, but for long-time residents, they may seem a lot more different. To make things more interesting, this self can be from any point of the character's past. It just has to be a version of the character from before entering Songerein. This version will also appear "homesick" and "want" to return to their original home, regardless if the character actually feels that way. Thus the fragment will seek out mirrors that will reflect anything of their home world. Shattering these mirrors will weaken the fragment until it can be caught. But that's only half the challenge. If the fragment is injured, the original will also feel the damage but to a lesser degree. If the fragment is destroyed, then the original will be "knocked out" for a few seconds before a new fragment appears. However, this fragment will be much more distorted and worse than the one before.

B. Distorted Memories. At random points while traversing, characters may come across strange pockets of the world that they will feel drawn to. Following said instinct will lead them to a shifted landscape that will reflect images of home from different points in time (past, present, maybe even future) as if they've just walked right into it, but just like everything else, they are distorted. The changes can be as subtle as the wrong color of clothes, having too many limbs, to something major like the sky now being the ground. The only way out will either be destroying the anomalies or correcting them, and they will be rewarded with a mirror shard that will aid in their escape.


C. Warped Sense of Self. The longer a person stays within the Mirror World, the less "coherent" they will feel, and sometimes sound. Their memories will slowly become more disjointed, their personality feeling a bit "off", and they may even forget who they are or where they are from. Even their physical selves will start to twist and change, starting with something subtle (e.g. eye color) and then growing more drastic as time goes on (where did those extra fingers come from? Or why are they suddenly much shorter?) Finding those reflections of home will help with these anomalies, but those weak of heart be warned: the distortions may only exacerbate the issue and make them believe that they are the truth instead. Help anyone who might be caught in fixing these so that they can recover.


D. Finding an exit. To leave the world, those inside must find a mirror that will connect back to Reverein, and those on the other side can also try to help by posing as "anchors" for those inside to recognize. Otherwise, there are many mirrors in the Mirror World that will lead to different places within Songerein—presumably. However, perhaps due to the magic or needing something else, they will be unable to pass through any mirrors that are not connected to Reverein. This is where players have the fun opportunity to make up whatever kind of location or place the characters may see reflected on the mirrors. They could be existing locations in the game, or new ones that could be explored in the future. One unique place we can mention will be reflections of a city covered in night.

Only upon finding a mirror that leads back to Reverein, but they will also need help from the outside. Someone from within Reverein must also be there to physically reach in and pull them out—while hopefully not accidentally be pulled in themselves.

I. REVEREIN

II. MIRROR WORLD

COMMENTS

Comments

Black Raisin Cookie | Cookie Run Kingdom

[cawpatrol]

Only Human After All

[Good news, BRC is tall for the moment! Bad news, at least from her perspective, is that the C of BRC is gone. Wandering Reverin is Black Raisin Human, who isn’t really adjusting to her new form all that well. The new height is dizzying, and she keeps bumping into things, wobbling here and there. When she tries to do her quick little jumps, she often winds up flat on her face.

Even her Raisin Crows – rather, Crow Crows? – are bummed, as they can no longer lift her around and carry her everywhere. Not for lack of trying, mind you. ]

Ugh… is this some sort of “be careful what you wish for” punishment? How do these creatures manage to survive with such weight on them all the time… I’m already so exhausted.

Me’s A Crowd

[ This time, there’s a second BRC running around, but she’s not like the tough cookie that’s typically seen here. Instead of keeping to herself and living off the land, this cookie is a thief! She can be spotted stealing anything she can get her hands on, from bits of food to utensils to whatever small thing you were just handling!

Also she doesn’t have Raisin Crows… she has Date Crows! The horror! ]

This is mine now! All mine! Get your own!


Cheesed to Meet You

[In Mirrorland, there’s a chance you can come across terrain that belongs to BRC’s homeland of Earthbread. But Candyland, this is not. For those who venture with BRC, be it on purpose or accidentally, are now entering the Golden Cheese Kingdom!

It’s an odd mix of ancient Egyptian culture and futuristic technology. Cookies drive around in fast cars decorated with hieroglyphs, glitching pyramids can be seen in the distance, and Cheezbirds are making light conversation with straight-faced cat-like cookies. Everything is shining and golden, everyone is happy and blissful, and it seems like a paradise…

Except for the 404 breaks. Literally – if you try to enter a building alone, or go into an alleyway to cut time, or perhaps try to glance at the wrong face, it’s replaced with a gigantic white screen that keeps repeating 404 ERROR.

BRC, for her part, isn’t happy to be here to begin with. It’s only been a brief time, and she already seems exhausted. ]

… I know this is where I’m supposed to be, but this feels more like a mockery of my mission. I know Golden Cheese Cookie isn’t even here. Ugh… must it be so bright?

Wildcard
[ Make your own prompt! Feel free to plot with me at melcat33 for both plurk and discord! ]

Me’s A Crowd

[grumpface]

[Husk had been idly shuffling his cards, looking over the plans for this part of the future casino he plans on opening. Someone calls him over to tale a small look at something, mostly to help make a decision. Husk sets his cards down and goes over. He swiftly makes a decision and walks back over to...

...see his cards are gone. His head whips to the person who said that the cards were his and Husk begins bolting after.]

Motherfucker, those are mine!

[cawpatrol]

Not anymore! They're mine now, forever and ever!

[ Despite being a copy, she is still a Cookie, and what do they do best? Run! She's a speedy, jump thing! ]

[grumpface]

The fuck they are!

[Damnit. Damnit, damnit. Husk isn't going to be able to catch up at this rate without using his wings... And he doubts that trying to lead this thief off and ambush them at a later date will work.

...Damnit. Husk will take flight. When he manages to get close enough, he makes a grab for the cookie.]

[cawpatrol]

[ The good news is, he makes a successful grab! ]

Hey! Let me go!

[ The bad news? Her Crows now begin pecking at Husk!

... okay mostly they're just annoying him, but, um, boooo? ]

[grumpface]

[Husk lands on the ground, huffing a little.]

Fuckin' makin' me use my wings...

[He then bolds an open palm out.]

Tell ya what. You give me my cards back and I won't crush ya into smithereens.

[cawpatrol]

Why should I? I got it fair and square! They're mine forever and ever!

[ The Not!Crows continue pecking at him.

Meanwhile, the actual BRC is slowly walking up to this whole situation... although given how tiny she is, Husk might not even see or notice her just yet. ]

[grumpface]

[With a frustrated grunt, Husk swats at some of the not!Crows.]

Those are mine. I just set them down for one second to go look at somethin', so I'll-

[The thing about having cat ears is that they also come with a heightened sense of hearing. Husk whips his head around to see... another cookie person. Husk sighs.]

Great, another one... How many of you fuckers are there?

[cawpatrol]

[ However, the uncaptured BRC holds up her arm. ]

I apologize, sir. I assure you, this... strange reflection is not who I am as a Cookie. However, I am aware she is my responsibility. I've been trying to chase her down so I can try to send her back where she came from.

[ Captured!BRC tries biting down on Husk's fingers. ]

Only Human

[senorita_perfecta]

(Isabela has been not feeling great after she unwittingly stared at the glass windows of her flower shop in the middle of cleaning them. Oh dear, her current look is way too prim and polished than she would have liked, the hair is too blonde, and she really hates it a lot.

But as the whole mirror situation continues to unfold, she soon sees a lady in dark clothing and a murder of crows cawing in dismay of their current forms. She assumes that they may not be like this originally when the lady tells her about how difficult it is to adjust being in a human’s body, making her makeover angst to look rather tame in comparison.)

Oh gee. It seems like many of the mirrors and reflective surfaces are acting out very strangely right now. I mean, I ended up getting a makeover that I didn’t ask for like this.

As to how humans like me are able to get through the day with a lot of weight, I’m afraid that human anatomy isn’t among the topics I’m well versed in.

[cawpatrol]

Ah...!

[ BRC is so startled, she actually fumbles backwards. Her crows gently try to keep her upright, though it's not easy with her weight. ]

I... see... Is there any cure for this? As much as I wanted to be taller, this is taking a toll on my... everything.

[senorita_perfecta]

So I take that you are not actually a human in the first place, is that correct?

(Isa asks BRC very politely. She can’t help but sympathize to her and her Crows’ unlucky predicament. Being stuck in a body different from what you’re used to can be very disorienting no matter if one is born a cookie or a human. Yeah it is pretty tough.)

Oh I wish that there is a good solution to solve our current dilemma but I don’t think that anyone has found one that will change everyone back to normal just yet.

[cawpatrol]

Indeed. My name is Black Raisin Cookie... and being a Cookie is my true form. Normally, compared to you creatures, I fit in the palm of your hand. For ages, I'd been trying to use dreamotion in order to become taller... but this happened without my say-so, after I checked my reflection from one failed experiment.

[senorita_perfecta]

Oh, a living cookie? Okay, I understand now. Trying to use dreamotion as a way to change one’s size at will does seem to be a great idea. So I can see how useful it can be for various applications.

(This is starting to remind her a lot of Camilo’s shapeshifting ability only with the focus on one aspect instead of every physical feature. She does wonder what does BRC’s original cookie form look like before the mirrors got cursed and messed up.)

If I may ask you, Ma’am, how long have been you working on the dreamotion size changing test? It sounds like you have working hard to get it work properly.

[cawpatrol]

... It's been at least a month now. But just when I think I get close to an answer... this world throws some utter nonsense at me, and all my work gets side-tracked trying to fix it! It's so frustrating! I don't know how anyone can live here peacefully.

[senorita_perfecta]

I am also thinking about that for over a year now. This place sure loves to throw curveballs at everyone when we all least expect it. And you’re definitely right about this world throwing constant nonsense in everyone’s faces all the time. There is barely any time to rest and enjoy life peacefully without any hiccups or catches involved.

You can never know what could happen in a month’s time with this world being very unpredictable in nature as it is. And I thought that my cousin’s pranks were that hard to ignore.

[cawpatrol]

... A year... being stuck here for a year...

[ Simply, BRC decides she has enough, and just decides to sit down. All her crows sit on her, echoing her sighing. ]

... I don't know how all of you can stand it. I understand you're not given a choice about it, but even then...

Only Human

[discourtesies]

[It's just before BRC ends up falling flat on her face that she'll feel a strong grip on her upper arm, keeping her from toppling over. That gloved hand will stay where it is, as well, at least until he's absolutely certain she's upright and steady on her feet.]

Are you alright, Madam?

[Though the crossed scar over his brow still marks van Zieks as his present-day self, the color he's regained in his time in Reverein, combined with a mirror stealing away the bitterness that has left his brow eternally furrowed until now, means he's practically reverted to the sort of man he was a decade ago: unassuming, gentlemanly, and an all-around nice fellow.

Also, he can actually emote like a normal person, and the mild concern in his voice comes easily through his expression, too.]

Have you been affected by those dreadful mirrors?

[He heard a bit of her muttering, so it's an educated guess. He might have thought the birds were causing her some trouble, but a few moments of observation proved their hovering not to be aggressive.]

[cawpatrol]

Wh-whoa!

[ She hadn't been expecting that sort of help! She blinks rapidly, realizing she doesn't need to crane her neck to an insane degree to look at him. It's somewhat of a relief. ]

Ah... th-thank you. I just need a moment to steady myself...

[ The crows hover, some of them giving grateful "Caw!"s towards Mister Helpful Human. BRC takes a breath, trying to find her balance. ]

... Yes, I believe it was a mirror. I was practicing Dreamotion in front of my reflection... the next thing I know, I became... one of you.

[discourtesies]

[The man has an affinity for dark winged creatures, himself, so he can get the sense of that gratitude even without communicating directly with them. As his gaze moves from them to the woman, his hand remains to support her, though his grip is loose enough for BRC to slip out of it once she's more sure of herself.]

One of "us"... [His brow furrows mildly, but only briefly; the implications are easy enough to grasp. His personality may be different, but his memories of Reverein remain clear.] You mean to say your form has changed entirely? I have found myself the victim of such transformations no small number of times.

[Judging by his tone and the word victim, they're not experiences he's enjoyed, exactly.]

[cawpatrol]

[ Once she's out of her grasp, she wraps part of her cloak around herself. He may or may not catch a glimpse - she only has one arm. The crows try to take seats - one on her shoulder, and the other on top of her head. The others must be content on the ground. ]

... I'm hesitant to tell you my real form, and my real name. Even before this, people had difficulty believing what I claimed to be, due to how absurd it was to them.

[discourtesies]

[As he rests his hand over the one already one his cane, Barok does indeed catch a glimpse; he tends to be fairly aware of his surroundings, and detail-oriented to boot. He wonders if that's part of her struggles, or if the loss of the limb is an old issue already managed as her typical self... regardless, he keeps that thought to himself for now. It would be beyond impolite to speak of it unprovoked. Rather than that, he addresses her trepidation with an uncharacteristically gentle tone.]

I've taken on the form of animals, imaginary creatures, and toy dolls while retaining my full faculties otherwise... and become acquainted with demons, elves who've lived for millennia, feline-like beings, and speaking plants, besides. You may consider me duly prepared for the truth, should you like to share it.

[Still, if she's that apprehensive... he has no intention of causing her discomfort.]

But if not... perhaps you could share the specifics of your difficulties, that I might provide suggestions?

[cawpatrol]

[ Tr-transformed into all that? Ugh... every time she thinks she's understood this place, something else explodes in her face. She feels like her dough gets soggier with everything she learns about Reverin... does she even have dough anymore, with this form?

She mulls this over, before releasing a heavy sigh - one that all five crows imitate. Not out of mockery, but as if they can feel the very same things she does. ]

... In the end, they're one and the same. So I may as well get right to it.

My original form would fit in the palm in your hand. My name is... Black Raisin Cookie.

[ She closes her eyes and waits. Waits for the inevitable questions, the repeated disbelief, and of course, the always present DID YOU KNOW YOU'RE A SOURCE OF FOOD TO US, which everyone insists on telling her without ever realizing the horror of such a statement... ]

[discourtesies]

[She did say that it sounds absurd to so many others, so van Zieks was indeed prepared to mitigate his reaction to some extent, at least. His eyes widen, and his posture straightens, but he keeps his hands on his cane and, after a moment of blinking, simply offers a:]

Hmm.

[This "hmm" is the particular sort of rising hmm that one can easily translate to "interesting." And that "interesting" is the kind of polite remark one makes when one means to say "are you out of your mind?" or "you're being embarrassingly silly" or, yes, "that's absurd."

It's not like he can deny the possibility at this stage, though, especially after he just made such a deal over being able to accept her words. So rather than belabor the point...]

... I can see how your change would be—disorienting.

[He has. So many questions! And so many of them too impolite to ask at once, or ever.]

[cawpatrol]

[ ... Is that it?

She waited a good moment after the "hmmm", expecting the usual flurry of inane questions, and it... just doesn't come? She opens one eye, and then both, startled to see his expression so... calm! Or at the very least, it's not wide-eyed incredulity! She blinks rapidly, not used to being treated so decently right off the bat.

Depressing to think about, so let's... try not to? She clears her throat, trying to move things along. ]

Ah, well, yes. Before today's events transpired, I was attempting to use dreamotion to make myself taller. But instead, I wound up with all of... this. I don't feel like myself... I feel so much... heavier, filled with... strange things. But at the same time... finally, I don't feel so threatened by everyone who walks by... I can enter buildings normally, instead of by window or rooftop... I feel... elated, and devastated, at the same time.

... My apologies. Rambling like this won't help me.