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

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

(As soon as she does notice that Joshua is taking on a little bit too much nostilium for his own good while purifying the tapirs, she is getting to be nervous for him and how much he can handle the nostilium. She has seen a lot of folks feeling dizzy and uneasy from taking in plenty of nostilium from her earlier purifying journeys.

Yes, Anya is taking it upon herself to ensure that he does to get to the springs as soon as possible. She is very much worried for his wellbeing right about now. Now she knows how much of a big worrywart her mother was towards Alexei’s condition.

So she decides to take (aka drag) him to the hot springs at Dragefjell with her best gentle attempts in convincing him to go to the springs. Pooka and Mashka are also there to help her in convincing him to go to Dragefjell too. Who wouldn’t say no to cute adorable pets?)

Hey Joshua. It looks like you have been working very hard at this time. You might need to take a break before you can go back to the tapir purification.

Bark, bark, bark!

[Cute animals really are incredible difficult to say no to, and as stubborn as Joshua can be, between Anya, Pooka, and Mashka, his resolve eventually wears down. It doesn't help that his body is protesting to the point where it feels like it's about to collapse.]

[So, he agrees. Begrudgingly.]

All right.

[When they eventually begin to travel to Dragerfjell, it keeps him on edge, thinking about how much he could be doing. He's quiet along the way. Sullen, even.]

Okay, now that is settled. We should get to there quickly before more people begin to show. I think that I see a dragon flying by right now.

(Clearly Pooka and Mashka did very well with their job in convincing Joshua to put his tapir purifying duty on hold before things would take to a more tense turn. Anya could see a dragon flying by, ready to take anyone to the hot springs at Dragefjell, and she waves at them as fast as she could to get their attention.

The dragon sees her motion for help so they swiftly arrive at her, Joshua, Pooka, and Mashka’s feet and let all of them to get on board on their back before reminding them to hang on to them as they ferry them to the island.)

Thank you, dragon friend. Please take us to the hot springs as soon as we can.

[Joshua murmurs his thanks as well, careful to show the dragon due respect despite his fatigue. When he settles in, he doesn't meet Anya's eye for a while, although he reaches out to pet Pooka. It's calming. Just enough to help with his mood.]

[About halfway to their destination, Joshua finally speaks up.]

I should be back there. Helping.

Yes, I understand the need to go back and help. I too would like to go back and continue in helping out with saving the tapirs. But at the same time trying to do so many things all by yourself can get very taxing at times.

(The little dog dutifully lets his head down for the much needed head pats. Mashka meanwhile is staring at the clouds as the dragon takes them all to the dragon island and the hot springs.)

Sometimes it might be wise to slow down and try not to overload yourself with so much things on one’s proverbial plate. It can get very stressful at times if one gets very tired from pushing themselves beyond their limits or doesn’t seek out additional help.

[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.

[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.]

(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)

[Joshua follows obediently until they get to the hot springs. Walking fatigues him more than he'd care to admit, but he pushes through so as not to cause a scene or any further worry.]

From what I understand, this shouldn't be too long of a process.

At least, that is my hope.

That is also what I’m getting to understand as well. And I do hope that it is going to be a quick one as well. It would be very difficult to leave the springs if one has to stay for longer in order to heal properly.

Arf, arf, arf.

That would make sense, yes.

[Although he keeps quiet about the amount of time that may be needed for his full recovery. If Anya is right, then he's due to stay for a while. Too long for his liking.]

Mayhap just a dip will be enough. Then I can return to helping to care of the outbreak.

Yeah, a small dip in the springs shouldn’t take too long for one to get revitalized or relxaed. At least after that, getting back to town to help out is going to be a quick dragon ride away.

(She is praying that the hot springs stay wouldn’t take too long on a regular basis. Anya has seen some folks having to take at least a hour or two to recover from nasty nostilium effects and she is hoping that Joshua doesn’t have to stay for too long.

Meanwhile Pooka tries to help by sniffing out an empty spring for them to go to, following the smell of steam.)

[He probably should stay for that long. Longer, even. But Joshua is far too stubborn to allow himself that amount of time. He may have to be forced.]

[That said, he follows Pooka to a nearby spring and glances at it. It will do, and there's a hut nearby where he can change out of his clothes, but...]

...It would be uncouth to undress in the presence of a lady.

Oh right. Don’t want to be peeking someone undressing at a time like this. I suppose that I should leave you in peace for the time being.

(She then turns to Pooka and Mashka to inform that they should give Joshua some space and privacy. It is very rude to see someone without any clothes on, public or private. Anya would have felt awkward as well to have someone stare at her changing out.)

Come on, you two. Let’s give Joshua some privacy. It is very rude to stare someone with no clothes on.

Bark?

Pooka: you and Mashka are animals and have fur on your bodies, you don’t have to worry about covering up unlike most folks.

(Anya scoops her pets up in her arms and proceeds to walk away a bit to give the man some space to change out and enter the springs.

[For what it's worth, listening to Anya remind her animal friends about their fur does draw a smile to Joshua's face. Listen carefully, and she may even hear a chuckle. The first one in a while.]

I shouldn't be long. Hopefully they have bathing clothes to protect against indecency.

[Joshua nods to Anya, Pooka, and Mashka before he heads off to the small changing area. He's quick as promised, and sure enough, he emerges with a set of rental shorts and a top, although he keeps the shirt buttoned completely.]

Bark, bark!

Well, that was a pretty quick change. A lot faster than the average time people spend in trying out clothes at Madame Blackbird’s.

(She is going to direct the group into the springs before assisting Joshua out with hopping into one of the empty springs. Pooka continues to use his nose to lead the way as they head back to the hot springs area.

Anya hasn’t spend a lot of time in the springs often due to her work load and the constant chaos the world often attracts but she is very familiar with the place enough that she has gotten to know the layout very well.)

I picked whatever was readily available that would also fit. Thankfully, they were well-stocked.

[They must have readied themselves for a large influx of Dreamers, he reasons. As they find one of the few empty springs, Joshua sees that the dragons were right to do so.]

[He glances at Anya while he slips into the water.]

...It's helping already.

That is good to hear. The springs do miraculous things to help one in healing from whatever is affecting them.

(Anya nods while Pooka and Mashka try to avoid getting their furs wet. She did got to experience them firsthand when Dragefjell was first open to the public and it has been a great experience to enjoy a nice experience in the springs.)

The dragons are not kidding that these springs are quite relaxing and full of rejuvenation magic.

And we should be glad to them for that.

[Because if they over-sold just how well these springs worked, Joshua would be in a much different mood right now. Not because he's a particularly irritable man, but because the nostilium that's currently leaving his body wouldn't have lost its potency. It would've changed him.]

[Which leads to something left unsaid that he has to change.]

Thank you, Anya, for bringing me here.

["Forcing", really.]

You’re very welcome, Joshua. I’m pretty glad that I was able to get all of us to come here and help you out during this stressful time.

Bark, bark!

(Pooka cheerfully barks and pants his tongue in agreement with his master. The little dog is just too happy to be a good little helper and the same applies to Mashka who happily bounces up and down on the ground in joy.)

[Uplifted by the animals' display and by Anya's generosity with her time, Joshua sinks a bit deeper into the water, relaxed.]

'Stressful' is a good word for... mayhap the entire month thus far.

[He isn't one to complain usually, but life hasn't been easy.]

Yeah, it is probably a good word to describe how hectic life has been for everyone right now. I’m genuinely surprised by the behavior of the corrupted tapirs more than I was anticipating.

Bark, bark, bark! Bark!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

{ nightmare bleed: world fragments }

Springing into Action

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