songerein | { nightmare bleed: world fragments }

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{ nightmare bleed: world fragments }

NIGHTMARE BLEED: WORLD FRAGMENTS

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 June and will remain in Songerein from the IC date of June 14th. TDM only characters can only thread within this log. Anyone who apps in and is accepted will have their character count June 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 June 24th and Applications will open on July 1st. Our application cycles are bi-monthly so the next cycle after won't be until September.

TDM Toplevel Link Directory (click to view)

Satan | Obey Me!

We will request any thread submissions for certain prompts during AC and TDM threads will count. For more information, refer to the Game Notes.

I. CORRUPTION

COMMENTS

I. CORRUPTION

It all begins when there is a call for help by the local tapirs. Ever since the final battle against the Story Eater last summer, some tapirs that over indulged themselves on the nostilium never recovered and in fact disappeared somewhere. It turns out they drifted to other worlds, and while they were able to do so already, the amount of nostilium has affected the tethers connecting worlds to Songerein and the dream realm as a whole, causing something of a "nightmare feedback." More dangerously, these tapirs are insatiable, seeking nightmares to feed on and are deliberately corrupting dreams to turn into nightmares.

This nightmare feedback through the tethers means while the original worlds are not seeing much of an effect—yet—Songerein and the rest of the dream realm is. Bits and pieces of these worlds are appearing in Songerein and need to be sealed before it's too late.

A. Safe Place. While most of Songerein is covered with patches of different worlds bleeding in, there is one place that's managed to escape: Dragefjell, the floating island home to the dragons. The massive dreamcatcher found within the strange castle that had been discovered last year immediately released a bright, white light and created a powerful barrier protecting it from the nostilium spreading throughout the world. Along with support from the dragons' own magic, they are quick to offer aid to those suffering below, flying down to grab anyone they could to bring them back to the island.

🩹 Medical aid. Those who suffer any physical injuries will be treated both through traditional and magical means. There are many dragons who specialize in healing magic that will be able to provide greater healing, but they are reserving these abilities for those grievously injured.
♨️ Purifying Springs. The hot springs are available to help purify those who have been affected by nostilium. Although not as strong as the pods, it still helps those who are on the "low" to "medium" scale. Some are even bottling the water so that it can be converted into some kind of spray to try and help purify areas affected.
🐉 Dragon Transport. After the initial flurry of rescues, more efficient means to transport larger groups are constructed. Gondolas carried by the dragons are made and volunteers can assist in finding and bringing people on board. Assistance is also request to help protect the dragons as the days pass so that they do not succumb to the growing effects of nostilium.

B. Corrupted Tapirs: These tapirs have changed entirely, the excess nostilium turning them into unrecognizable shadowy figures that will take on the form of one's worst nightmare to try and instigate more fear and terror. They continue to seek out nostilium out of anyone, sleeping or awake, and will appear outside of dreams to do just that.

🕊️ Purification. Many will try to purify the tapirs, but they must be subdued first. Once the corrupted tapir is down, pure dreamotion can be channeled into them to try and purify the effects of the nostilium. Other methods that have been discovered can also be used to try and reduce the corruption.
🛏️ Orkili Pods. The Orkilins will have brought their purification pods from the city to try and help purify not only anyone who has succumbed to the rampant nostilium, but also for the tapirs. If they can be subdued enough, they can be tossed into the pod to try and help purify them. However, if they still have too much the pod will overload and break.
💀 Eradication. Some tapirs are so far gone there is no saving them. They must be completely destroyed by using any offensive attack type dreamotion possible. Special "bombs" constructed from pure dreamotion can be made and used against them. Although extreme, it may be kinder to put them out of their misery, and those that are destroyed will whisper words of gratitude before disappearing…

C. Nightmare Battles. With both worlds bleeding into Songerein and the spike of nostilium spreading everywhere, noctaere and other nightmarish creatures from these bleeds are running rampant. They are aggressive with two different types. One type will just feed on pure destruction and will try to attack and destroy anything in its way. The other will try to invoke more fear and nightmares so they can feed off the nostilium and grow stronger that way. They need to be handled regardless and dreamotion is key.

🌚 Noctaere. Rather than be killed, those who overwhelmed by these creatures will be corrupted and turn into noctaere themselves. How weak or powerful the corruption is will be up to players. Note: It is possible to save the effects for next month for our second part, or even have the effects last into the next month. Anyone who turns into a noctaere and continues into July willy (hopefully) be saved in July.
👤 Slenderman. He's baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack. And he is angrier than ever. Like before, the Slenderman will prove to be a formidable foe, utilizing its ~~noodle~~ tendril like appendages to trap and capture anyone who has the misfortune to cross its path. Those who are caught will remain trapped inside it in a dark abyss-like cage but can be rescued by those who are able to simply make any cuts to reveal the person inside. Those within can try to escape using dreamotion, but the longer they are captive, the weaker they become as their energy is drained.
👥 The Unknown. The Unknown from the Mirror World has returned, but for some strange reason it is trying to capture noctaere and nightmares in a grotesque, black mirror. However, those who are captured will find themselves in a strange place where all the nostilium is extracted to create a "nightmare version" of themselves. They are then pulled back out of the mirror and returned to normal free of most of the nostilium that once afflicted them, and after the Unknown stares at them it will disappear for its next target. While some may think it is helping, those who actually go through the experience are left feeling strange and wary. After all…what will happen to that nightmare copy that was created? Should people help the Unknown? Or stop it?

D. World Fragments. Technically any canon could be found somewhere in Songerein, especially since the NPCs that live in Reverein are also from different worlds, but in Reverein and surrounding areas specifically, it will be mainly current canons represented in game and any guest character canons participating in the event. While players can create specific toplevels, we also request small blurbs to be added to our Canon World Fragments directory thread so that other players can reference and include them in their own threads. There is the option to include a link to your toplevel as well. For those who need a refresher on how this portion works:

🌎 World Fragment. A fragment of their world will appear somewhere around Reverein. It's most likely in the town, but it could be out in the Wildlands. The fragments will be no bigger than a 2-block square. These fragments can be a specific place or a mashed up amalgamation of places to represent that world, and it can include nightmare versions of people and creatures. While they mostly stay within the fragment area, some may escape to add to the havoc and chaos.
🧎 Conductor. To seal world fragment and contain its spread, natives from that world can serve as "conductors" and absorb the nostilium in the area into themselves. This does mean they run the risk of turning noctaere, but they can be assisted by others to help keep them purified. They also have the risk of falling into a coma-like sleep while still absorbing the nostilium.
🫙 Nostilium Absorbers. The Orkilins will deploy numerous containment devices to help try and absorb nostilium so that it's not just the individual. These devices can work directly on the fragment area or on the conductor to try and help keep them stable. However, these are not strong enough to work on their own and will need to be constantly changed out, especially if they are damaged.
📚 Fairytale Fragments. Because Songerein had such deep ties to the fairy tale realm, it is not surprising that there are nightmare fragments of fairy tales scattered among the different worlds. These bleeds will be as if someone took inspiration from the Grimm brothers and then made it more goth horror. Any fairytale, myth, legend, folklore, and story can be stumbled upon and will need to be purified like any other place. Some may even encounter the original heroes or villains of the story trying to serve as conductors to seal the fragment.

I. CORRUPTION

COMMENTS

Threaded | Top-Level Comments Only

[For what it's worth, the wind helps. It brings color to Joshua's sheet-white face and it gets rid of the aches and pains that once came from everywhere and nowhere at once.]

[Opening his eyes takes far too much effort. When he finally manages, his vision is blurred, but he's able to make enough sense of it to see Ryu laying at his feet. He moves to stand to his feet, but the sudden coughs that wrack his body and leave the taste of copper in his mouth and on his lips force him back down.]

[But he has a job to do. He has to be the big brother. He has to make sure Ryu is okay. He has to make sure he knows there is nothing to apologize for.]

[If he had more presence of mind, he'd realize the incredible level of projection he's showcasing. As matters stand, he's barely able to process maneuvering himself off his throne. He manages eventually. Somehow. He lands on his hands and knees and crawls over to Ryu's prone form. His body refuses to listen to more than the very basic of commands, but he makes it through enough where he can place a hand on Ryu's chilly forehead.]

Don't you... dare apologize...

[Joshua coughs again, staining his chin and the nook of his sleeve scarlet. The nostilium's damage is done, and there's no amount of healing that will change that. Only purification.]

[It's hard to be angry when petting a dog, and Pooka is doing a great job at making sure Joshua's frustration stays in check.]

[Still, he shakes his head. He gets what Anya is trying to say, and it's good advice, but...]

I would rather run myself ragged than allow others to get hurt because of my absence.

Healing can wait. Those affected by nostilium cannot.

[The hypocrisy isn't lost on him. He just chooses not to say anything about it.]

Ah okay I see. That is really understandable that we’re dealing with a major crisis at this time, but let’s not forget, we’re not the only ones trying to mitigate the damages the nostilium infected folks and tapirs are causing.

(Anya is being as gentle in her words as much as possible. The need of others can’t be ignored in a time like this. But at the same time, she does acknowledge that pushing oneself beyond one’s limits can be a terrifying image.)

Arf! Arf, arf.

I have seen other folks trying to help out on various ways like purifying, taking people to the island, fighting the nocteare and bringing people to the springs.

[If not for their last conversation, Helga would be stubbornly clinging to the branch and insisting that no, she doesn't need his help, she can totally handle it...

But Maedhros just recently confessed to her that he has valiantly fought in a war and uses at least one medieval weapon - so between him and the terrifying rodents threatening her life, she's going to take the old elf knight.

With all the grace of an amateur stunt double, she tumbles out of the tree house just as the swarm starts teeming out of a window in pursuit. She sees them on the way down and lets out a pitiful cry of terror, flailing as if that will somehow aim her fall better.]

[ Satan very nearly takes a breath to correct her when it seems like she's not taking ownership of her fair share of success. He doubts very much that Hyrule could have been saved with only one of them, and so he's glad that Zelda uses "we." Perhaps Zelda wasn't the one wielding the sword, but her role was still significant -- he doesn't need to have been there to know that.

He listens to her share her story, the way she calls her very understandable fear "silly," how she takes complete responsibility for the Calamity even happening at all. He listens to her speak with warmth and love for her people, of how how she travelled across the land, fully prepared to help in whatever way she could, as has always been her way.

It isn't that she's changed, Satan decides. Rather, Zelda has grown, found her confidence. He considers adding becoming more mature to that list, too, but he's always found her fairly mature. ]

Zelda....

[ He reaches for her, to gently rest his hand on her shoulder if she'll allow it. ]

You've always been so duty-bound. It's...

[ The way Zelda speaks of her people is almost motherly, as if they've all "grown up" and no longer need her. He wonders if that's how she really feels. But her words also strike him as if she's somehow given up, and that -- that can't be right. It's more likely that she's reached an unhappy understanding, instead. ]

It's admirable. The love you have for your people, the way you've always spoken about them with such concern... it's not very common. Though I disagree that they're stronger than you, and I don't mean whether they could maintain a seal for a century. The people of Hyrule... could they have truly recovered without you? Do you really think they don't need you by their side?

[ Given everything she's said, he is absolutely positive that without her, the Malice would have simply overtaken everything and there would be no Hyrule, no people left to "live and flourish." Maybe he's overthinking things, overcomplicating what she meant -- but he noticed how her expression faltered. ]

“Sir, I’m willing to take that chance and do what I can to help these tapirs out. Even my pets here can vouch for it and are also more than willing to lend a hand in any way they can too,” Anya is definitely taking that chance after thinking long and hard whether to accept Betterfly’s offer or not.

Pooka and Mashka also nod in return, they will be happy to assist their master in this new venture all the way.

He nodded, and the head of his cane flipped open, revealing a compartment containing a single white butterfly. Tucking the cane under one arm, he allowed the butterfly to land in his palm before gently surrounding it with his cupped hands which briefly glowed with purple energy. When he released the butterfly its color had changed, now being dark purple with lines of brighter, glowing purple. "Then fly, my kamiko," he said, "and amplify the courage and determination in this young woman's heart."

The butterfly fluttered over to Anya, landing on the arrow-shaped brooch she was wearing and merging into it. Anya would feel a connection to something powerful and magical waiting just on the edge of her consciousness. "Flechette, I am Betterfly," he said formally. "I grant you the power to better defend the people and creatures of Reverin and help to restore those who've been corrupted. By doing so, I am exposing you to many perils and placing a great burden upon your shoulders. Do you accept this gift for the greater good?"

Edited 2024-06-24 06:58 (UTC)

[ She tosses the little orb of water up, and the crows eagerly eat it up! With her arm free, she pulls something out from under her cloak - a small knife.

Not a butter knife, but boy that's tiny. ]

I focus my dreamotion on my weapon. What I choose to do with it depends on the enemy I face... having been here before, you know that we get all sorts here. No two battles are ever the same.

[Joshua scratches Pooka under the chin, mulling over Anya's words.]

[He knows she's right. Logically, he understands that he isn't the only one fighting or protecting or healing--but if he isn't doing any of those, then he has to contend with his own situation, and that is far too terrifying on its own.]

Perhaps.

[That's the only concession he'll give. Otherwise, he falls into a sullen silence for the rest of the trip to the springs.]

[He leans into the touch and reaches up to place a hand on Joshua's cheek. It's okay. They're here for each other. It'll be okay.]

If I had... maybe you wouldn't... hurt so much...

[It's his job to take care of those he cares for - especially the ones who he's singled out to protect. But he can't deny the warmth is nice - he snuggles in closer and wraps his arms around Joshua.]

[If they're both cold, then they can warm up by being together.]

You need help. I... let's get you out of here. Someone - someone will know what to do. How to fix this.

[He tries to struggle to his feet but he can barely lift his body. He's not used to dealing with nostilium, and the excess amount in his system is already doing its damage. His hair is a shade lighter than usual, but he hasn't noticed.]

Maybe... maybe after we rest...

[Ryu stands in the room, shaking his head. At first he thinks the voice is another ghost - but no, that's Joshua. Joshua is here and real, despite the roaming spirits.]

... I - sorry. I got caught up in - mm.

[He takes a deep breath and turns to look at Joshua.]

... Do you remember when I - I told you Nina's sister was intended to be an everliving sacrifice, right? This... this is where they would have used her.

(For a good amount of time while the dragon is flying across the skies, Anya didn’t speak up as well, feeling like that there is so much just taking things out can go during very stressful times. Only Pooka’s barks and panting and Mashka’s sniffing are the only known sounds being made during this time.

After some time has passed, the dragon could see Dragefjell appearing from the clouds and telling everyone that they’re going to go a little closer to their destination pretty soon. Anya simply nods as they all inch closer to the island and springs.

Eventually they found themselves landing on Dragefjell, the dragon makes a safe landing and lets all of them out so they can get to the springs and the dragon themself can go back to ferrying more folks out of Reverein.)

Okay. The springs should be nearby, so let’s get to there before more people begin to arrive on the island.

Edited 2024-06-24 22:17 (UTC)

[Ugh, no one asked you, you're not even his real dad—]

Will you be satisfied if I say I have?

[Sheik "answers" (without actually answering anything) after a long sigh that suggests this is probably not the first time he's fielded that question recently. In his opinion, he's rested as much as he needs to; he's conscious, he's not keeling over from hunger, he's not presently turning into a horrible nightmare creature in need of putting down. If he should need to sleep for a week after this, well... that is hardly a steep price to pay for Hyrule's safety. There's precious little that he wouldn't give to that end.

... Of course, this is all assuming the current crisis is one that can be resolved in a few days time with enough determination and persistence, as others in the past have been. If it somehow drags on longer than that...]

[Nobody here woke up on the right side of the bed today.]

I have it handled!

[Sheik yells back from his place on the windmill's cliff-side overlooking the town, and while he doesn't, really, he's hoping with every fiber of his being that if he just believes it hard enough, it'll become the truth. Goddesses, now Link is getting dragged into his mess again too...

His thoughts are interrupted by a deep earth-shaking rumble that rattles the foundations of the burning buildings, sending already fragile roofs buckling under their own weight. Panic sets in as Sheik stumbles, just barely managing to catch himself before he topples over the edge of the cliff-face to the road below.]

Link, move!

[There's something bigger than Bongo Bongo coming out of that well this time. In a world so easily influenced by nightmares, there is so much energy to draw in from those who have dreamed of their land's destruction since they were children...]

[He's not fast enough to prevent Joshua from falling, but he does notice him brush his arm across his mouth as he gets close enough. It could be anything from an injury to motion sickness, so he's just noting it for now and not saying anything, unless Joshua decides to volunteer information.]

I am. Your name escapes me at the moment, unfortunately. Are you hurt?

[It's a lame way to say 'you clearly know me but I don't really know you', but whatever.]

[Tell him something he doesn't know—]

And I'm working on it...!

[Granted, it's hard to concentrate on acting as a conductor for the nostilium here while constantly on guard for poes and the like, but Sheik knows better than most on how to avoid such creatures. Case in point, his voice comes from somewhere high up, towards the windmill overlooking the burning village, where the stalfos and redeads can't easily reach. Ace down on the ground, on the other hand...

... Well, the armored stalfos closing in on him with heavy, plodding steps doesn't look like it'll be as susceptible to the odd projectile shot. Sheik calls out again:]

Watch out!

[Goddesses above, please don't wake up whatever is down in that well—]

[Then he's glad he had that conversation with her, even though he still feels she was a bit too young to hear such things, for things will go quicker if he does not have to make his way up to her. He does not trust the rats not to do her some kind of harm before he'd reach her in that case.

He sees the rats follow her down, it was not a completely unexpected turn of events, but he'll worry first about catching her and he'll just have to deal with the rats after that.

The flailing, while not helpful is not unexpected either. Fortunately this is not the first time he's had to catch a falling child and he knows how to adjust his stance to keep himself from being knocked to the ground by her once he catches her in his arms. She likely still get's the air knocked out of her, but that really can't be helped.]

You alright?

[He asks as he adjusts his grip on her, it might just be in both their best interest if he simply keeps her there until he can get her someplace safe.]

Joshua...

[His voice is sad but resolute. He looks at the young man with sympathy. This isn't something he expects a lot of people to understand. Most people want to keep hoping until the bitter end, but Maedhros knows that's not always a kindness. That's why he used to be the one to grant this kind of mercy when it was needed. For he knew it for the kindness it was.]

It is an unkind thing you ask of me. The corruption is too far gone to heal in this one... it is in pain. [He turns his gaze again towards the pitiful creature.] A pain far deeper than simply a physical ache. It would be cruel of me to leave it as it is.

[Name? Too many names, he has far too many names and he can no longer quite remember which one is the right one anymore. He simply grits his teeth and shakes his head. It's not completely the truth of it, but it's hard to find the right words to awnser him when ha can't even untangle the knot of memories blending together in his head.]

[There's a slight tremble in his hand, though it will only be visible to someone looking closely at him, giving away the fact that underneath all the rage and paranoia there is fear as well. He is frightened, not of Aang not even at the display of power the boy performs but of the tumultuos mess inside his head.

Memories of past battles and the present are lotting together like a bunch of puzzle pieces being jammed together without any regard as to wether they actually fit or not. He can't tell where he is. Songerein? Beleriand? Does it even matter anymore? He is in an endless war again. That's really all there is. Nothing exists outside of it.]

No! Not enough! Never enough!

[It's a pit. A deep dark chasm dragging him down and nothing will ever be enough to fill it. He was a fool to have ever believed he'd gotten out of it to begin with.]

[Helga did not expect to wander into London today - this is London, right? She's never been there, but she's seen and read about it enough...

Come to think of it, this is very reminiscent of a book she read once. Some sort of crime mystery, involved some kind of dog-

And that's right when she hears Iris' scream and a very similar dog with its keeper. She's inclined to run herself, but she has enough incentive to grab Iris by the wrist to drag them both into a narrow alley where they can maybe find a hiding spot. They surely can at least find a puddle to hide their scent, this place seems so dewy.

Once they're far enough in between two buildings, Helga finally speaks.] You okay, Poindextress? What is this, Hound of the Baskervilles?

The moment she gets to see the white butterfly flying towards her, she is bracing for whatever this thing could grant her. Much to her amazement and Pooka and Mashka’s shock, the butterfly lands on her arrow brooch and proceeds to merge with it, triggering a transformation unlike she has ever seen before.

She could feel a strong surge of power and magic flowing in her as she gets hears Betterfly’s question if she is willing to accept this power, however temporary it may be at times.

“Yes of course, Mr. Betterfly. I shall accept this gift for the greater good, to protect the people of Reverein.”

Orkili sent equipment. We can use it for treatment.

[Joshua does his best to remain upright. He drags Ryu along, careful not to jostle his adoptive brother too much, so that the demigod's grasp isn't broken. Eventually, he's able to sit up against the front of the throne, where he can lean his head back so it can rest against its seat. Like he'd done sometimes as a child, glancing up at his father.]

[How he wishes for his father's guidance now. To hear his voice. To absorb any and all advice left unsaid. He had painfully little time with the great Elwin Rosfield, brutally slain because Joshua couldn't follow a simple command to flee.]

[Joshua's shoulders begin to quake as he fights back tears. The cough that erupts instead, although not welcome, proves as good a cover as any. The last thing he wants to do is worry Ryu further. He wipes at his mouth with his free arm so he doesn't accidentally smear his ailing friend with blood.]

You should be seen first. I'm used to the exposure. You aren't.

I do, yes.

[Just as quickly as it disappeared, the heaviness returns. Fascinations aside, this isn't a happy place, and Joshua intends on treating it with that due reverence. He places a hand on Ryu's shoulder.]

What is it that you would have us do here? I will help you in earnest.

I'm sure you're right about that.

[ And at the present moment, Naminé certainly wouldn't mind if a few of those "responsible adult"-shaped people were closer at hand as their enemies creep closer. The blonde's metaphorical hackles are already all the way up after the first large beast she spots, much less the additional ones. She's only got enough air in her suddenly tight lungs for a hum of understanding at Naoya's agreement.

It doesn't take much encouragement for her to follow his lead, though her expression does look apprehensive as she raises her face briefly toward the would-be shelter. Still, that doesn't slow her steps. ]

If you think that's best. You - probably know this place better than I do.

[ She'd only just happened upon it when she found him in trouble, after all. ]

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Page 14 of 33

{ nightmare bleed: world fragments }

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SORRY FOR THE DELAY

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bongo bongo 2: bong harder

Re: World Fragments

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No worries :)

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World Fragments

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