{ 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

[azuresong]

[ As their destination came closer into view the more reality began to sink back into Lyria's features. The air was overwhelmed with sadness, but the resolve from each of their voices gave Lyria the courage she needed to look up at Tifa as they neared their home... their home. ]

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. ]

[starshower]

[Her heart grows heavy at Joshua's reassurance. She knows that they will, there is no doubt about that—it's just the fact that they have to at all. That she has to do this again. It was horrible and terrifying enough the first time, and he is much bigger this time. Much further away. And she does not have his need to protect her to use in her favour. For all she knows, his mind will be too far for her to reach by the time they get there.

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.

[empyreancatastrophe]

[After Tifa hops down from his back, Joshua settles in place. He then takes the time to turn his neck so he can see Lyria better as the two of them wait. He feels that it's important, if for no other reason than to be a steady source of comfort amid the chaos should she need it.]

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.]

[azuresong]

[ As Tifa exits, there's a tightness in her chest which is almost instantly dispelled by Joshua's words. Her own hands will lance between his fingers, allowing the feel of them to ground her to this reality. ]

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. ]

[starshower]

[Tifa rarely ever flies, and she's not sure if this is worse than Cid's bronco or not. Not that she is going to complain about it—she is grateful for what Joshua is doing, and she fears that the guilt is going to consume her once this is all over, but for now, she forces herself to swallow it down and keep on.

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

[flamekthunder]

[As the trio flies upward, it won't be difficult to track Eustace down. Violent, turbulent storm clouds have long gathered over the town, streaks of black lightning cutting through the air and striking the ground with deafening roars, some violent enough to cause the ground to tremble and break through walls of buildings. And in the far distance, a louder roar can be heard, a giant black shadow slithering through the skies. The movements are chaotic, haphazard, as if driven by the madness that has overwhelmed it.]

[empyreancatastrophe]

[The sheer size and intensity of Eustace’s noctaere form stuns him, and for a brief moment, Joshua’s flight falters. The soft trill that escapes him is involuntary, a sound of pure, unfiltered shock that resonates through the air, almost lost amidst the roar of the storm. Then, of course, is the weight of what he’s seeing as it presses heavily on his heart.]

[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.

[azuresong]

[ The warmth from both Tifa's closeness and the swirling of Joshua's wings help to keep Lyria remaining as calm as possible. She could feel her heartbeat against the older woman's stiff deposition as they flew towards the center of the commotion, but her resolve was steeled.

Quietly and under her breath she would whisper small words of encouragement. "Eustace will be alright." She would mutter. Whether telling herself that or simply voicing her beliefs to the aether. Her small, voiceless pleas would manifest into a look of determination that was shown when she cast her gaze upon the storm in front of them. The storm where they knew Eustace was.

"Eustace will be alright. We're going to be a big family again." Words of hope. ]

Eustace...!! [ Lyria decided to call out, her voice drenched with desperation.

If what Joshua said was true and there was a possibility that he could hear them... she was going to at least give it a try!

Eyes wide and scouring through the winds for any sign of him, she quickly sparred a quick glance over to Tifa for her to do the same. Maybe her method might be better in drawing him out. ]

[starshower]

[He seems... so much bigger now that they are up here. Everything happened in such a blur that Tifa doesn't even know if his form has grown since the moment he flew away from her on the ground. Her fingers curl into the Phoenix's feathers in silent gratitude, when words fail her. She can feel her hands trembling, both as she clutches onto him and to the dozen chains that hold the charms that sway from her grip, and for a moment, she is thrown back through her memories. Back to the day when she'd nearly died, and he'd turned noctaere to protect her. How she woke up encased in ice, and had to watch her friends fall one by one by his hand.

It's a jolt of lightning that crashes against Joshua's shield that pulls her back yet again, and Tifa can see his long body slithering through the air, the loud rumbling of thunder shaking every bone in her body.

And though fear continues to nearly paralyze her, it isn't enough for her to stand by and let it happen again.

So, she gets to her feet, standing on Joshua's back—balance be damned, though she is keeping a steady foot. A flame flickers at her fingertips...]

Eustace! Get down here now!

[...and she hurls it at him as hard as she can, hoping that a hit will draw his attention to them. Or rather, her.]