songerein | { mirror mirror }

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{ mirror mirror }

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

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Good job, Mr. Cheerfully Morbid! At this rate the food around them is going to freeze, or at least dip into the refrigerated section. Shivering slightly from the sudden chill, the newly arrived Yato slows them to a stop in order to face Pauline. He - his double - did cause this, so it falls to him to fix it as best he can.

That doesn't stop him from slapping a palm to his face. Is that what his double was spewing? Existential crisis bs?? Ugh. This was such a bad idea...]

O-Of course he doesn't. Don't let what he says shake you up, okay? He just... [Sparring a glance at his still smiling double, who shrugs innocently, Yato rolls his eyes.] ...wants people to be more self-aware. Despite being dense as a rock, himself.

[No way is he going to let on that it's a concern he's harbored himself, hence the reason his clone has latched onto the idea. There's no need to scare the poor girl further.

Releasing his hold on his gold-eyed version, he takes Pauline by the hands, hoping to calm her down enough to listen. Once he has her attention, he offers a wink.]

Besides, you can trust me - I'm god.

[The temperature around them starts to rise little by little. Though she's still sort of freaking out a little, the words of assurance do kind of help. She supposes if she can trust anyone, she can trust god.]

[After a moment, the gears in her brain grind to a halt as the entirety of what he's just said clicks. The temperature almost immediately levels out as her eyes grow just a bit wider.]

You're...

[She looks between him and the clone briefly.]

...You're god?

[Ah, that's a good sign, things getting warmer! It means she's hearing what he has to say and is finding it reassuring. Last thing he needs is his damn doubles turning the entire store into a frozen section by making people uncomfortable.

As for her question, well... His smile is somewhere between serene and devious as he regards her, one hand still on his partying self.]

Of course. The one and only.

[Doubles aside.]

[Then he lets out a laugh, waving a hand.]

Just kidding! I'm only one of like a million gods out there. But that's still pretty impressive, right??

[So flippant!]

[In any other circumstance, Pauline wouldn't believe this.

However, these are not normal circumstances. She's met telepaths, super geniuses, literal royalty...a god is probably the next logical progression. Pauline briefly looks back at the clone. Now that she's calmed down, she realizes how similar they look.]

Then, um, is he a god, too?

[The air around her becomes slightly humid. Is it okay to speak to a god so casually? Should she be trying to be more reverent? Is there established god etiquette?]

[Strangely enough, he hadn't given much thought to whether or not his doubles still qualify as gods themselves. It just seemed like a given that they would, since they're all a part of him. Maybe he should've considered that before taking them all out.

Humming thoughtfully, he regards his serenely smiling copy who's bobbing his head 'yes.']

Hmm. I guess so. I mean, he is me even if he is a bit of a weirdo.

[Pot and kettle, Yato. Pot and kettle.]

Since I-- we're here, is there any wishes you need granted? I can't promise we can fulfill them all, but we can give it a go! All it costs is five yen-- [No wait, there's no monetary system here.] Er, how about building materials? Or paint?

Wishes...?

[She thinks for a moment; wanting to be liked, wanting to be able to stand on her own...She smiles, a bit apologetically.]

Sorry. I don't think the wishes I have are things I can ask you for. ...What are you building, though?

[She's genuinely curious. She sort of thought gods could just make things happen.]

[He's not surprised that she doesn't seem to have any work for him, though he is a touch disappointed, and it shows through in the way his shoulders sag on both versions of himself. Despite the odd, slightly disconcerting pep talk, his other self is just looking to lend a hand as well.]

Oh... Drat. [His disappointment is almost palpable until she inquires about his building goal. Then he perks up a bit.] A shrine! Not some huge temple or anything, but a sorta smallish one by the side of the road near the riverside. It's been my dream to have a proper one that people can come to and use for communicating with me in order to have their wishes heard.

[They both look so sad that Pauline can't help but feel a pang of guilt. Maybe she should have made up a wish for him...]

I might not have any wishes for you to grant, but um, if you need help building your shrine...I mean, I've never built anything like that before, but at home, I help out with painting sets and stuff for my school's drama club. Or um, if you just need an extra pair of hands...

[It's probably pretty weird to have two nearly identical people reacting in almost the exact same way, but there it is. Both Yatos eagerly crane forward at her offer, brimming with barely contained excitement. Help is the next best thing to getting a job fulfilling wishes!]

That would be so awesome! I could always use more help, however talented you are! The shrine's coming along nicely, but there's still a ways to go with details like the paint and arranging of plants surrounding it. Thank you--!

[While she initially finds their reaction just a little overwhelming, she's pretty pleased that they seem so glad about it. Having felt a little lost without the steady stream of busy work she had back home, she's glad to find anything she can help with.]

Totally, like no problem! Whatever you need me to do, I'll do my best! Just tell me what you need and when you need it and I'll get on it!

[And if she doesn't know how to do something...well, she'll figure it out.]

It's probably the least I can do for a god, right?

[Even as the pair settle down into simple, happy smiles, little rainbow bubbles float up from them before popping with a musical sound. Sometimes it doesn't take much to please a god, and Yato is no different. Being the lazy bum he is, anything that makes his work easier is appreciated.]

Sounds good! We're coming down to the home stretch with regards to the actual building, so it'll be time for the slightly easier task of painting and such soon. Aside from basic neatness, I'm not too picky about the level of polish. It'll just be cool to finally have a shrine of my own after all these years.

[A childhood dream, realized! This place truly is magical wonderland despite the kooky happenings.]

Heh, damn right! Besides, your piety will be rewarded, for sure!

Well, even if you're not finicky about it, I'll still do my best to help make it look nice. I mean, if we're going to do it, we may as well do the very best that we can, right?

[Piety, huh? Does all this make her his believer now? Well, she supposes she does believe in him. After all, he's right there, how can she not? What does believing in a god like this entail anyway? Is she gonna have to do rituals? Wait, since he's a god, does he know she's thinking all this? She has to force herself to stop thinking about it all...just in case.]

W-well, I don't know about needing a reward...It's kind of nice just being helpful, you know?

Oh, for sure! I appreciate that as well. No point in half-assing it, either, huh?

[Thankfully this is one god that is neither omnipotent or omniscient, so no worries there. In fact, he probably seems a bit... dweeby for that, given his childish delight at having converted another follower, and such a nice one at that. He beams at her benevolently, nodding along like an overly eager bobblehead.]

You got that right. That's basically my job, after all, being helpful and making people happy. That's why I could use a shrine for people to visit seeking assistance. So I can reach even more folks in trouble! But still, just know you're also welcome to call on me whenever you need anything.

Oh! So you're like a god of happiness? Or like a god of helping people?

[She wonders if a shrine is kind of like his spiritual mailbox. She's not particularly religious, so her understanding of it is bit simple. When he offers to let her call upon him, she smiles.]

I'll keep that in mind, thank you. But in that case, I should probably know what to call you. ...I'm Pauline.

Right on the money to both! Formally the Delivery God of Fortune, Yato!

[She's not far off in her assumptions about his shrine; it serves exactly that kind of purpose and more, allowing him to have a place where he can purify blight using holy water as well. Grinning, he gives her a peace sign, as does his overly eager double.]

Pauline, huh? Got it! That's a pretty name, though. Sounds foreign to me.

I guess I am foreign in a place like this...! Then again, so are a lot of other people. ...Which I guess makes building your shrine all the more important.

[So many people in a strange new world...She supposes she could have used a little extra help when she first arrived.]

Once the shrine is done, I'll make sure lots of people know about it! In a place like this, people could use all the help they can get, huh?

Ah, yeah, that's true. I probably sound foreign as well, actually. We're all strangers in a strange land!

[He nods eagerly, in full agreement with her about the importance of his shrine. His powers have always been limited, but he tries to make up for it with enthusiasm and hard work.]

Thank you...! Yeah, it can be disorienting to end up here, even with the brief explanation they give you upon waking up. So I figure a friendly face who you can ask for favors would be a welcome thing to find.

Right! I mean, I bet a lot of people would feel a lot better knowing there's like, an actual god around that can help them!

[She frowns just a little as she starts to think.]

...Not that we can leave it all on you two. It makes me wonder if I need to start doing more around here.

[She would love to be more helpful, but until now she's found little utility for her skills.]

So you'd think, huh? But business has been pretty slow thus far. Maybe it'll pick up once my shrine's finished.

[He lets out a wistful sigh, nodding.]

There's plenty I'm incapable of, so everybody pitching in would accomplish a lot more than just us gods working alone. Even if you start with something small, that's an improvement.

Is there anything in particular you enjoy doing?

I guess I like baking. But it's not like I'm like, you know, super good at it or anything.

[As far she's concerned, anyway.]

Mostly these days I just do cookies, maybe like a cake here and there. Even back home, I mostly just made stuff for myself.

Nobody says you need to be spectacular at something to make a go of it. After all, how else will you get really good at anything unless you practice?

Besides, I'm sure there's plenty of people here who'd like a taste of home with baked goods.

I guess that's true. It just kind of feels like...I mean, when people can get that kind of stuff anywhere...

[Why would they want to come to her for them? Still...]

But if you really think it might make people happy...Maybe I can do something at one of the upcoming festivals or something?

Yeah, there may be other places where they can get similar goods, but everything people create is unique. There may be something about yours that they prefer over others.

[He bobs his head eagerly to show his enthusiasm.]

I do! Homemade food is one of humanity's greatest accomplishments. That's why it's such a treasured offering to us gods. I'm sure other people would enjoy it at a festival, too! I know I would.

{ mirror mirror }

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