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songerein2024-06-15 02:52 am
dreamposts) wrote in songerein2024-06-15 02:52 am
Entry tags:
- !event,
- -tdm,
- anastasia romanova,
- barok van zieks,
- black raisin cookie,
- cid highwind,
- eustace,
- ferran gallagher,
- flowey,
- frisk,
- gabriel agreste,
- gina lestrade,
- helga pataki,
- hermes,
- iris wilson,
- isabela madrigal,
- joshua rosfield,
- kratos aurion,
- link (oot),
- maedhros,
- mammon,
- martel yggdrasill,
- naoya,
- portgas d. ace,
- rachel berenson,
- rufus shinra,
- ryu,
- satan,
- sheik (zelda),
- tifa lockhart,
- tobias,
- zelda (botw)
{ 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.
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
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 itsnoodletendril 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.
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But... hm. She won't take her eyes off of him, particularly to look into his eyes to make sure he was telling the truth. Lyria did have a way with reading people's emotions, and Joshua was as earnest as they came.
So with a small fall to her shoulders, she'll relent, but only slightly! ]
Oh, yes! I spend most of my time here to help where I can. I... want to be in the middle of it all, but I know I can be useful here, too. [ And if she got hurt she might not hear the end of Eustace and Tifa's worries. ]
It may not be much, but if you are thinking of going back outside, maybe I can leave you a little more prepared.
[ He seems like the stubborn type, so no amount of protesting might be able to stop him. ]
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But to her...
She had been chasing after him since he'd flown off, and on the way, she'd found someone who needed help after nearly being struck by the black lightning that had been flung about in his wake. The heat alone was enough to leave darkened burns on their arms, and so she pauses her pursuit to bring them to the clinic, slung over her shoulders as she walks in, eyes red and puffy, cheeks stained with dried up tears, almost entirely out of breath and looking as desperate as ever.]
Someone...!
[Several medics are quick to rush over to take the man from her, and that's when her gaze lands on—]
Lyria! Joshua!?
[Relieved of the extra weight, she staggers over, reaching to Lyria to take her into her arms in a wash of relief.]
We need to get you both somewhere safe. Now. Eustace, he...
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[Joshua doesn't finish his thought, head whipping up at the sound of a familiar voice in what's sadly become an all too familiar sight. The wounded carried in. Physickers swarming to help. The parting of a paralyzed crowd.]
[Very recently, he had the distinct pleasure (it was terrible) of witnessing the almost ritualistic display from the point of view of the patient. He wouldn't recommend it.]
[His focus pulls away from that fresh memory, impossible to hold onto when met with Tifa's distress--physical and emotional, it would seem. Joshua's brow furrows as his adrenaline spikes. From what he knows of her, Tifa isn't one to panic needlessly. If she says danger is afoot, he believes her implicitly.]
What happened? Are you hurt?
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Ah, Tifa...! [ She was so glad she was alright, considering the mayhem that was being displayed on the outside. And yet...
Her expression shifts to concern as she'll wrap her arms around the woman, voice pleading. ]
D- did something happen to Eustace!? Is he alright!? [ Her eyes wildly scan over her as she clings a bit tighter. ] Are you alright!?
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[She's not fine, and lying about it would do none of them any good.]
I'm not hurt, but... Eustace, he...
[She pauses a moment to catch her breath—something that normally doesn't happen, but her chest feels as though it's constricting, her body finally starting to catch up with everything that's happened as her mind processes it. Anxiety grips her, and for a moment, she can't find her words, so all she can force out is one that encompasses everything that she means to tell them.]
—Noctaere.
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['Noctaere.']
[Images of the cave flash through his mind. The fiend they'd hunted. The explosion of nostilium. How it'd washed over the three of them. That encounter alone couldn't have been enough to turn him, but given the current situation, it could've been more than enough to either advance the process in the making, or jumpstart it.]
[He swallows, but resets his expression to a neutral determination.]
You've rescued him once before. You can do it again.
[Then he glances between Lyria and Tifa. He can't and won't speak for the the youngest of their lot, but he can ask a question and open an opportunity.]
Do you know where he is, and how we may reach him?
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Yet here, now, she could finally do what she could to help.
The girl squeezed Tifa close, both a comforting and determined gesture as her expression matched that of Joshua's. ]
Yes, please! We have to help him!
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Are you sure...? I don't...
[Want to trouble you—
But she remembers the things that Eustace has always told her. To stop shouldering things all on her own, and to let others in and to help. It's hard, but seeing them, hearing that they want to help when she doesn't know where else to turn...]
He flew up... I think I know where, but... there's no way to be sure...
[That moon that he'd been staring at earlier.]
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[Joshua fights the urge to immediately console Tifa (he'll leave that up to Lyria, who seems far more adept at the art) and listens, instead.]
[He flew up...]
[...no way to be sure.]
[He's quiet, eyes cast to the side as he thinks. He hasn't primed in this realm, and even in the best of circumstances, the act is taxing on the body. With his current state, it's hard to tell if he'd so much as call forth a fledgling, let alone the Phoenix as a whole.]
[...But there are hearts, lives, and friends at stake, and Joshua had no small part in bringing them to the point of catastrophe. There's no time for 'if' or 'maybe'. The moment he speaks, his word will be his bond, no matter what he has to do to keep it.]
[He places a hand on Tifa's shoulder, comforting and resolute as his eyes shift between her and Lyria.]
There is a way.
[On his way towards the exit (when he totally was not sneaking out), he'd kept careful tabs on other ways to escape, if necessary. A stairwell leading to the roof proved particularly promising.]
Follow me, both of you. We must make haste.
[With that, Joshua hurries the short distance to the stairs and starts climbing against the burning in his chest. He trusts them to follow.]
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Loathed as she was to completely agree with his departure from the clinic, Lyria knew with confidence that he could at least help. (That won't stop her from scolding him after this is over!) So reluctantly, yet patiently, the girl will turn towards Tifa and give her a nod. Her hand still won't leave the woman's— still trying to muster whatever comfort she could provide before speaking up again. ]
If there is a way... we have to take it! Let's go save Eustace!
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Please...
[Tifa's grip on Lyria's hand only tightens as they follow Joshua to the stairs, and she doesn't once let go of her. Once they're up there, she glances to the town, and they can see the destruction he's already razed on some of the buildings and roads. Pieces of stone burned away, ice spiking out from the rubble. And that isn't the most terrifying part.
High above them, the same storm that led Tifa to him rages, lightning dancing across the dark clouds and thunder shaking the floor they stand on.]
We need to get up there.
[She points to the twin moons in the sky, as well as the tear that streaks across it, a large god-sized hand reaching through as if it means to rip right through it. Her stomach sinks, but an idea occurs to her once she realizes what his way might be. She could be wrong, but... what other way is there?]
Joshua. I need to make a pit stop at home. Is that okay?
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Founder preserve us...
[He says under his breath, quiet enough that he can hear the start of Tifa's explanation, as well as her request, which he considers.]
[It'll be difficult to navigate the town and outskirts thereof alike once he's fully primed, but he's sure he can manage hovering close enough to a roof or two.]
[Hopefully with minimal damage to any infrastructure.]
[...]
[They can worry about that (and pay any repair bills) later.]
[With that in mind, Joshua nods.]
That should be fine, yes.
[Then, he steps towards the center of the roof. Satisfied with the distance between his placement, the edge, and the building's height, he calls over his shoulder to both Tifa and Lyria.]
It may be a poor time to say as much, but this will be my first attempt at priming here. Pray do not worry overmuch! I'm sure it will be fine!
[He's not.]
[But he's going for it anyway.]
[And so, Joshua turns back around, sets his shoulders, runs forward...]
[...and launches himself right off the edge of the roof, barely managing to clear the safety bars.]
[After a moment, his little stunt is thankfully followed by a sudden burst of flames as a massive Phoenix soars upward from where he'd jumped. With a resounding cry, it banks sharply, hovers in place, and then lands near the two young ladies.]
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Realization clings to her as her eyes drift outward… the destruction, the chaos… could he truly have been the cause of it? She could feel her muscles tense and her heart begin to beat more wildly in her chest, the confusion and fear almost causing her to become paralyzed.
But that’s why she was here, right? That’s why she and Tifa and Joshua all stood here to help him! It was a little scary, for certain, but with their strength she could be brave, too!
Yet… why were they all the way up here? ]
—Eh?
[ Was there something the two of them knew that she didn’t? Pit stop at home? Priming? Lyria had meant to question as she opened her mouth but her words were instead replaced with a gasp as Joshua fell off the roof ]
E-eeeehhh!!? Joshua, no…! T-Tifa, what is he—
[ She attempted to move forward in a sore attempt to “catch” him, yet as the flames burst forward and the image of a large bird replaced the once (and much smaller) form of Joshua, the pieces finally came together. ]
A phoenix!? Is that really Joshua!?
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Squeezing Lyria's hand again, she brings her closer, but there's a roar of thunder that shakes everything around them that reminds her of the urgency of the situation. She takes Lyria by her waist and lifts her with ease to help her up onto the Phoenix's back.]
Our house is west of here. Big tree with all the flowers.
[Or, she hopes that those flowers are still there and that the nostilium that's thick in the air hasn't sucked them all dry of their colour and the glow.]
no subject
Understood. To the west, it is.
[Another boom. One loud and close enough that it Joshua's attention snaps to the sky and stirs him into rising to his feet.]
Lady Lyria, Lady Tifa, it will be a pleasure to be of service to you today. Regrettably, flight conditions are largely unfavorable, although I'll do what I can to mitigate any discomfort.
Please hold on tight.
[With his pre-flight announcements out of the way, Joshua spreads his wings wide and, with a few powerful beats and another (self-indulgent) cry, launches into the air. Once they're clear of the roof, and high above any other adjacent buildings, he tilts to head west, careful not to adopt too steep an angle.]
[The atmosphere is thin, yet somehow suffocating with the smell of ozone and the charge of energy--both electric and nightmare. It makes for a shaky ride, but, true to his word, Joshua does his best to keep himself steady amidst it all.]
It shouldn't be long now. How do both of you fare?
no subject
The initial lift off had left her gripping hold of Tifa, but the moment she felt their presence leave the ground and into the skies above did the feeling of the wind's draw her attention out. Flying. The skies. It was a feeling she was familiar with, and that feeling brought her peace.
To be soaring in the skies like this once again... oh how she wished for Eustace to be feeling the same thing.
The thought caused her small hands to tremble slightly, but just as the air flew past her hair so did her worries.
So in an attempt to mask her renewed excitement and determination, she called out loudly to Joshua: ]
This... this is amazing! [ Like this, they should be able to get to him in no time! But just would be awaiting them, she wondered... ] I'm holding on tight! Tifa, are you alright, too?
no subject
[Everything about her is tense, though it is not because of their flight. She manages a small smile, an attempt at reassuring them both, but even that is stiff as her fingers curl gently into Joshua's feathers, holding on not for dear life, but because that hold the fear has over her is starting to tighten. From up here, she can see all of the destruction clear as day as they soar over the city. Over the markets and the plaza where it is at its worst—a place that she and Eustace used to love to visit on their days off for a bit of shopping.
The street that the café is on has managed to survive, fortunately, though it is likely in part thanks to the fae's magic. She wishes that they had time to check in on her, to see if Mirabelle has managed to find and help people, but another roll of thunder reminds her that there is no time.]
There. That tree.
[She only speaks again when she sees their tree in the distance. It's tall, with wide branches that stretch up, and she is surprised to see that the flowers still hold strong. Some have petals that are tipped in black, but for the most part, they remain their same familiar blue. A testament, perhaps? A bit of hope that there is still a chance?]
no subject
I'm glad you're enjoying the ride, Lady Lyria.
[There's a warmth to his voice. It's a stark contrast to the destruction below, but almost necessary--something to hold onto. Conversely, the fretfulness in Tifa's tone keeps everything in perspective.]
[Joshua begins his descent, wings beating with measured strength to avoid damaging the branches. It's not the most graceful of landings (he's out of practice, and there's only so much space), but it's safe, and that's what matters.]
I'll stand guard while you fetch what you need. Once you're ready, we shall depart to save Eustace.
[He dips his head so his eye can catch Tifa's.]
And we will save him.
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What did you need to grab, Tifa? Did you need help finding something? [ She could certainly assist if necessary, but was curious all the same as to exactly why they had made a stop here first. ]
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Her fingers tighten in his feathers as they land, but she gives a nod, dispelling those fears.]
Yeah. We will.
[And a quick glance to Lyria, her hand going to her shoulder.]
I know exactly what I need. Wait right here.
[She won't leave them waiting for long. Hopping off, she rushes inside, but not without explaining the situation to Eria, whose wolfish head pops out of the window to size up Joshua while Tifa gathers what she needs. And when she comes running out, it's with several chains wrapped around her hand, with glass pendants dangling from each—some in the shape of a crescent moon, others a star. Each one glows a myriad of colours, some blue, some red, some pink, yellow, but one thing that is similar about them all is that even Joshua and Lyria will feel the spike of dreamotion as Tifa climbs back onto the Phoenix's back, situating herself safely between his wings.]
I don't know if these will work, but... it's worth a shot. [And, in case they were wondering:] Our dreamotion charms.
[There must be at least ten of them here, but desperate times call for desperate measures.]
Now. Let's go save Eustace.
no subject
She is nothing if not resourceful.
[Beaks make it hard to smile, but there's an unmistakeable warmth in his tone to make up for it.]
[Then Tifa reappears, and Joshua snaps to attention. He eyes the charms (it's impossible not to feel the magic emanating from them), but only for a brief moment. Every second that passes is of the essence.]
So we shall.
[Once he's sure both Lyria and Tifa are secure, Joshua launches himself back into the air with powerful beats of his wings, navigating as best he can until they can reach open air.]
[Not that it's much better. Turbulence rocks his body as he tries to find some sort of steady lift.]
no subject
She is... [ The girl comments, smoothing her hands over the small area she covers sitting on his him, as if to help distract herself. ] If anyone knows how to get Eustace back... it's her.
[ Their love... their connection was the stronger she had ever felt before, and as Tifa returns with the items in her hand only further solidify the fact.
Inside her, she could feel something else stir. Emotions, Dreamotion, or perhaps something even stronger. Something telling her to be strong for all of them. So as she smiles over to Tifa she'll brace herself to once again take off into the air, finally heading to their true destination. ]
no subject
She keeps one hand firmly gripped in the Phoenix's feathers, the other around Lyria, holding her in place as close as she can manage to her. There's a moment where she buries her face into the girl's hair, seeking what comfort she can give her. What Joshua can offer in the warmth of the Phoenix... before she knows that everything will go cold and dark.]
It's going to be okay...
[She whispers it, but loud enough for them both to hear, and clutches onto those chains that much tighter, their warmth rippling outward as if to protect them all from whatever they might find as they ascend...]
heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeere's nocstace
no subject
[The Eustace he knows––they all know––is buried somewhere within that monstrous form. The swirling static in the air crackles with dark energy, and Joshua feels it prickle uncomfortably against his feathers.]
[But he cannot fall prey to fear. Not when Tifa and Lyria are relying on him.]
[He draws on the warmth born of his fiery essence, the flames that define his very existence, and channels that energy outward. The barrier he creates is a shimmering field of heat, designed to counteract the biting static and deflect any stray bolts of lightning that might come too close. The air around them warms, the temperature rising as the protective aura takes shape, flickering like a mirage against the backdrop of the storm.]
Just a precautionary measure.
[He hopes it's more a reassuring thought than one to incite unease.]
[Joshua presses onward, his powerful wings slicing through the turbulent air as he closes the distance between them and Eustace. The roar of the storm is nearly deafening now, but Joshua’s focus is unwavering.]
He may be able to hear us this close.
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