{ nightmare bleed: world fragments }

[dreamposts]

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

Comments

[holdshisown]

I know. That's why I'm not going to stop you from trying.

[Because he understands, even though he doesn't entirely agree he does understand.]

Good. You... you don't have to be here for it if it comes to that, though. It might be better if you did not have to see it done.

[He had not expected it to work, and while he is relived for the tapir and somewhat for himself for he takes no pleasure in having to dispense that kind of mercy he's worried about Joshua.

That did not seem like an entirely good thing he did. It seemed painful and not entirely healthy, and no wonder. Taking in that much nightmare energy can't be good.

He reaches out to steady the young man, worry clear in his face.]

Joshua...

[There's quite a few things he feels like saying after that, but admonishing the boy won't really serve much purpose right now he feels so he keeps his thoughts to himself.]

I think it's well. It might be a good idea to get it to one of the pods, however, just to make sure there's no lingering traces of nostilium clinging to it.

[empyreancatastrophe]

[That isn't the first time he's heard his name said in such a tone. It certainly won't be the last. As such, the lack of further scolding is greatly and genuinely appreciated, and Joshua nods in agreement amidst his gasps.]

Aye.

There should... be some nearby.

[He rises to his feet, unsteady, but determined.]

Will you be able to carry it?

[holdshisown]

[Not much use lecturing him right now. There might still be some scolding and lecturing once this whole crisis has calmed down.]

Aye, I've carried heavier burdens than this before.

[He says as he gently lifts up the tapir.

He gives Joshua a concerned look.]

You might do well with some rest as well, Joshua.

Pushing yourself too far won't help anyone.

[empyreancatastrophe]

[Given how Maedhros was willing to end the tapir's life so readily, Joshua wonders if those burdens include the more abstract as well as the physical. Both the offer, and the additional meanings potentially associated with it, is returned with a grateful nod.]

Thank you.

[And then comes Maedhros' concern. He means well. Joshua knows that. Everyone who offers such advice does. Still, it makes him bristle––the result of the very same nostilium and fatigue he's being warned about. His tone is uncharacteristically curt, a complete turnaround from his warm gratitude just a moment before.]

I am capable of deciding how far is too far.

[He isn't.]

[holdshisown]

[He was mostly alluding to physical burdens, but he's well-aquainted with the more abstract sorts of burdens as well. The poor tapir is so exhausted it barely even twitches in his grip.]

It's no hardship. I'm... honestly relived you could help it. Granting the mercy of a sharp blade is necessary at times... but it's not a duty I enjoy, for all that I won't shirk from it. So you have my thanks for sparing me from that.

[The snappish reply get's a raised eyebrow. He could snap back, he supposes, but if dealing with his brothers have taught him anything it is that snapping back will only end with two angry and offended people.

So he simply makes a noncommittal hum before he awnsers.]

You'd be one of very few then. Most people are not too good at accurately ascertain their own limits.

[empyreancatastrophe]

[Maedhros doesn't meet him with chastisement, yet for some reason, Joshua feels the need to avert his gaze. As if it were his own brother dealing with his occasional sullen bout as a child.]

[The thought cuts deeper into the still open wound Clive's disappearance has left behind.]

[He's silent outside of the sound of his breaths, deep as he dampens his emotions, and ragged as his lungs rebel. Both are the fault of the nostilium plaguing him, not the elf who has and continues to help him. He has to remember that.]

...I'm sorry.

[holdshisown]

[If he snapped and chastised every short tempered youth he met he'd likely not have time to do much else. Youth's were impatient and eager to push beyond their limits by nature and chastising them for it more often than not just made them sneakier about it, he prefered to try to gently nudge them in the right direction instead.

He'd reach out and clasp the young mans shoulder if his arms were not already full, so he just gives him an understanding look and a small smile instead.]

The appology is appreciated though not entirely needed, my friend. Believe me when I say I've had far worse from my brothers when they were in a temper.

[empyreancatastrophe]

[Joshua wants to refute, but it would be bluster in the face of charity. So, he dips his head in gratitude towards that understanding look, and considers Maedhros' words.]

[He's quiet, then--]

Your brothers. Pray tell me more of them?

[His own is no longer here. Hearing about his friend's, however, may help that ache. Selfish as it is.]

[holdshisown]

I have... had six of them to begin with. [He says with a pained smile.] And what a rambunctious lot they were, and as different as night and day from one another.

[He likes speaking of his brothers, even though it does come with a not unconsiderable amount of pain for him to do so. For he loved them dearly and losing them one after another had hurt him tremendously.]

I was the oldest, the one always keeping them out of trouble... or getting them out of it when they got into it despite my best efforts.

[empyreancatastrophe]

["To begin with."]

[The smile.]

[Joshua's brow furrows. Maybe this wasn't the right topic to bring up.]

[But Maedhros continues, and Joshua can sense the elf's fondness hidden beneath the pain. So, he nods and does the best thing he possibly can: he listens.]

I don't envy the position of an older brother. Your responsibility must have been great.

But... also rewarding, I presume.

[holdshisown]

I won't deny that it was hard at times. To always have to be the responsible one. [And it had been.] But it was also the time in my life when I was the most happy. For I always liked caring for them.

[Being a brother was what he'd most enjoyed being in his life.]

They didn't always make it easy for me, of course, but I knew they loved me as much as I loved them.

[empyreancatastrophe]

[That draws a smile to Joshua's face. Genuine, if a little bit somber.]

They wouldn't be brothers if they made aught easy for you.

For what better way to show their love than to make matters more exciting?

[holdshisown]

That is so. It is a younger brother's privilege to be something of a menace towards their elders.

[He says with a smile of his own.]

It likely was their way of trying to keep me from losing myself to all my other responsibilities and duties. They wanted, I think, for me to have some fun as well every now and then. They might not have always thought their actions through, but I know they meant well.

[empyreancatastrophe]

[A privilege to be a menace?]

[Joshua's own smile widens. Grows a bit cheeky, even. While he never had the chance to menace his own older brother, not purposefully, at least, there's a fanciful thought there. A fantasy that he can play with to soothe his broken heart.]

Did they succeed in their endeavors? Were you able to find times of reprieve from your burdens?

[holdshisown]

[That is how he sees these things. He can be incredibly lenient to those younger than him when it comes to these sorts of things.

A small smile tugs on his own lips as he thinks of all the trouble his brothers had caused when they were younger. Especially the kind of trouble they got into in an attempt to distract him from the weight of his many duties.]

Their attempts had very... mixed results, let's say? But they always did manage to make me laugh and that helped a great deal. [He let's out an amuused snort.] And I can't deny looking for Tyelko when he'd decided he was going to move out to live in the woods didn't give me an excellent excuse to take a break from court.