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

[...What.]

Mad?

[No, this isn't the time as he just clicks his tongue.]

But we'll start there.

[He then eyes the tapir before easing back.]

Are there others of you out there warning everyone?

Eustace...

[Tifa gently prods him, trying to get him to calm down a little. She can feel the tapir shaking in her arms, and it doesn't stop no matter how tight she holds it.

It is strange, though. It isn't like Violet to get mad enough to disappear for a couple of weeks, but she is trying to still not assume the worst...

"Yes, we've been flying all over Reverein... something bad is here...Ooooh, something very, very baaaad..."]

[Perhaps it's the energy that's getting to him, but at Tifa's prodding... He'll take a breath before stepping away to grab his things instead.]

Stay here for now, you'll be safer.

[With the amount of flowers they've created over time, the Sanctuary practically is a sanctuary right now.]

If we need to evacuate everyone we'll come back.

[Tifa gets to her feet to follow after him, clutching the tapir who continues to snort at Eustace in protest.]

He's right.

[She addresses the little one first, her voice comforting as she puts on a smile.]

Mirabelle will look after you, so it will be safe in here from... whatever is out there. We'll find your friends and see if we can help them, okay?

["E-even Violet...?"]

Edited 2024-06-19 04:08 (UTC)

We'll find her.

[There's firm resolve in his voice as he buckles his gun holster and looks back at them.]

[Tifa gives the tapir one last hug before she moves to the fireplace and sets it down. Some of the dogs rush over to them while the cats sniff at it curiously, but a few of the corgis and Valo have wandered up to Eustace.]

They should stay here, too... At least for now, until we know it's safe.

[And going to the counter to slip her gloves on.]

I agree.

[To which they of course protest, but he just pets their heads.]

We need you to help protect everyone here...and in case Violet appears.

[More whining, and Tifa can only smile apologetically at them.]

Everyone here is counting on you guys to keep them safe and protect the café until we get back, okay?

[She turns to Eustace and heads for the door.]

We can probably split up across the plaza... cover more ground that way.

[Though she doesn't like the idea and is far too hesitant about it... it's the only option they have right now.]

[Joining her, he can only nod.]

Agreed, and it'll be faster for us to see how big this problem is.

[And then after a moment—]

I'll be fine.

[It's like he read her mind, and once they are outside and she's locked the door, she pauses to look at him.]

... You can feel it too, can't you?

[Out here especially.]

[He takes a breath as he stares out, the skies already shifting.]

...I can.

[She nods.

It's like the tapir said. Something is coming—what, she doesn't know, but they had better get moving if they want to beat it.]

Let's... head to the main plaza first together.

[He said he'll be fine, and she believes him, but she just wants to stay with him a little longer, made clear by the way that she suddenly slips her hand into his.]

See if we can't find out anything over there. Or tapirs.

[He won't protest. After that nightmare not long ago, he's more aware and self-conscious about his condition. He feels fine now, but he knows things could change.

So he nods and squeezes her hand before leading her to the Plaza, other people already coming out upon hearing other warnings. More tapirs have gathered and are urgently flying about while some desperately try to explain the situation, including the corruption to the tethers and have some parts of the world have already started to see the effects.]

...This is worse than we thought.

[So, so much worse.]

It's not just the tapirs...

[And of course, people are already in a panic, running about, shouting, shops closing up... And something about the worlds bleeding in, corruption... It hasn't reached them yet, but she doesn't doubt that it will if they don't do something about it fast.

No wonder that one was in such tears this morning.

With a deep breath, she gives his hand a hesitant squeeze.]

I'll take west and you take east? And if you find any tapirs or animals that need somewhere safe, let's take them back to the café... Mirabelle should be able to hold down the fort on her own.

We'll have to think about evacuating them...but we'll have to wait until something is established.

[He's definitely more pensive now with the situation worsening by the second.]

I'll let you know if I find anything.

[He then leans over and kisses her.]

...Stay safe.

[That kiss was much needed after everything that they learned, and she even leans up to kiss him one more time, lingering a second longer than she probably should and hoping that it will be enough to stem this riptide of worry that keeps trying to pull and pull. On her part, it doesn't, but without much more that she can do, she just swallows it down and smiles at him.]

... You, too.

[And with eyes to say the words that she doesn't need to tell him—the words that he knows she's always thinking—she turns around and runs off to the western part of the plaza to begin her search. She's lucky enough that she doesn't run into any of the strange goings-ons with the worlds bleeding into this one, and most of it is quiet save for the people who are trying to find a safe place to hide. She guides them to the café, reassuring them that they will be fine if they stay inside. There are some tapirs that are trying to flee that she brings back as well, with Mirabelle there to shield the building with her fae magic, which should be strong enough to hold.

But she doesn't stick around long before heading out again, and it's with a smaller tapir cradled in her arms that Tifa makes back for the central plaza, hoping that she'll find Eustace there. This one isn't far gone yet, but... it will need some protection as she feeds it her own dreamotion to help.]

[Eustace heads eastward, and while he does notice a few people who probably could use his assistance... He has to grit his teeth and ignore them this time. Hearing about what happened to the tapirs and all this nostilium... The thought of Violet becoming corrupted just leaves a heavy shadow of foreboding hanging over him.

Especially when he has a chilling thought, one that he sincerely wishes isn't true.

So he runs through, looking for any clue, grabbing any tapir he finds to ask about the young tapir he and Tifa raised. Some have no idea, others remember but say the same thing as the first one. It only frays his nerves even more, something that rarely if ever happens, until at some point there's a loud ringing in his head that makes him stumble. Wincing he grabs his head to try and regain his focus before he hears it.

...Daddy...]

Violet?

[Startled he quickly looks around, his heart racing as he hears the sad voice whisper through his mind like a ghost.]

Violet! Where are you!?

[It's rare for him to actually shout for someone, but desperation is starting to fill him, especially when he can hear soft, sporadic crying, her words only worsening.

Daddy... I'm scared... It hurts... Waaah... I wanna go home... I miss Mommy...

Swearing under his breath he frantically runs off in a direction where he feels a strange pull—a cold prick that sends all his nerves alight, not realizing he's racing right towards Tifa.]

[The little tapir in her arms snuffs and sobs quietly, the nostilium thick in the air here. There’s an odd and unfamiliar chill, a dread that settles in all around, and she holds the tapir tight, reminding it and reassuring it quietly that it will be okay, and hoping that it doesn't try to absorb what's here. But what is familiar is the gait that she hears rushing in her direction, and she looks around to see Eustace running her way, looking frantic and... almost terrified—a look that she so rarely sees.]

Eustace!?

[She runs to meet him, worry already written all over her face as she looks him over.]

Eustace, what is it?

[She is trying not to panic, but it's already begun to mount the closer she gets... Something is wrong. Very, very wrong... She doesn't know what, and while she can't hear it yet, she can feel it.

Mommy...help...]

[He stares at her for a moment as if not seeing her at first before she seems to register, his eyes moving to the tapir in her arms—

But seeing it's not Violet, his heart sinks and that ominous feeling only grows.]

It's Violent, I can hear her. Somewhere... Somewhere out of town, in the forests.

[There are so many concerning things about this, but as soon as he mentions their tapir...

"I can hear her."

Her heart plummets, and she doesn't know why. It's not as if anything is wrong, right? She shouldn't just assume the worst like this, but with everything going on, it's hard not to. Maybe it's the nostilium getting to her head, or maybe it's the frantic way Eustace looks around. She tunes in to the sounds around them, but she can't hear anything, but the tapir...

It snuffs with its snout, pointing at the trees, and Tifa sets it out into the air.]

Go to the café... The others are there. We'll be back soon.

[It looks at the two of them with worry. "She's that way. I can feel it..." It tells them with another motion, and then flies off.]

Lead the way.

[He can barely wait for her to deal with the tapir in her hands, and hearing the confirmation does little to ease his nerves. The moment she speaks, Eustace is already running, faster and faster to the forests beyond the town.

And as they run, more and more of the town and the world starts to change, the sudden influx of nostilium making his head start to pound, but he pushes it aside so he can focus on that feeble voice still crying out to them. So focused that he doesn't even pay much attention to how the trees are starting to wither, or the ominous fog that slowly seeps out from them.]

[Tifa has no trouble catching up, and though her mind remains clear, her heart does not, and the way that things start to change the deeper into the trees they go, the worse it becomes. The trees, the fog, the way that things have started to shift into something different and not of this world... It's unnerving, to say the least. But nothing is quite as unnerving as the sound that pricks at her ears finally... that tiny, scared call from somewhere in the trees.

"Mommy! Daddy...! Please, it hurts..."]

Eustace! I hear her...

[She picks up her pace, coming up at his side.

"Make it stop..."]

[He doesn't answer, all senses focused on one spot. At first it's in the trees but then it suddenly flies off further. Deeper and deeper into the forests until they finally break through the trees and reach a small clearing...

...

Where all they'll see as a tall, deformed shadow. No face. No limbs. Just a shadow with no concrete form.

Mooommmmy....

The voice is loud and all around them now as the shadow starts to turn...

Daaaaaddddy.......

And turn....]

[Tifa nearly trips over herself in stopping when she sees the shadow in the clearing, because where she had expected to see Violet is... that. She should really be used to this sort of thing by now, but when she can hear Violet's voice calling out to them, it makes it that much worse, and she clambers to grab hold of Eustace in her panic, trying to catch her breath.]

...Is that...?

[Her?

Timidly, trying to mask the trembling in her voice, Tifa calls out.]

... Violet?

[His frozen stiff, only moving slightly when Tifa grabs onto him, and it's not because of what he sees in front of them. It's what he feels.]

...She was there...

[Just a faint whisper as his hand trembles, the eyes that start to slowly peek out from the black, gooey, shadowy mass blink one then the other. Eyes that they will be familiar with because—]

...It as her in the nightmare.

[As if to confirm his suspicions, the mass rises up, the faint hint of a tapir's snout starting to form as it giggles.

"Daaaaddy....! DaaaAAAaAddDDDyyYYyYYyy!!!"]

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