songerein | sixth shot ⊗ open march log

Entry tags:

sixth shot ⊗ open march log

Who: Eustace and You!?
Which: Open March Log
Where: Various
What: Requesting information from those who have turned noctaere; dog park shenanigans; vine traps; four leaf clovers; elemental cores;
Warnings: None unless stuff happens in the fighting prompts

⊗ a: network - turning noctaere intel

Sender: Eustace
To: Everyone EXCEPT TIFA
Subject: Gathering information from those who have turned into noctaere

Given how much time has passed and the increased number of incidents, I would like to gather information from those who have experienced turning into noctaere first hand, witnessed, or had to handle someone who changed. This is more for personal reference but something more public could be compiled for others to use.

The main questions I have are:

When did you first start noticing the effects from overabundance in nightmare energy?
Can you recall the events that led up to the change? Frequent nightmares? A negative trigger?
Did the change happen quickly or did it take some time?
At any point do you think you could have stopped and reversed the effects? If you did try, were you successful in any way?
Did the incident occur while dreamwalking or while awake?
How long did you remain as a noctaere?
What changes did you undergo?
Were you able to retain any sense of control or was it completely lost?
What did it take for you to return to normal?
What, if any, kind of effects did you experience afterwards?
After the first experience, do you believe you can better prepare or safeguard yourself from another? This assumes a natural progression and not a forced change.

I realize some of these questions may be personal so those who respond can keep more private details vague. Anonymous accounts or privately filtered threads are also acceptable.

Accounts from those who dealt with someone who has turned noctaere will also be appreciated, particularly the methods used to help subdue and help them return to normal.

Thank you for your insight and cooperation.
— Eustace

⊗ b: it's a dog's life

[AKA, the "if you want to play with dogs this is for you" prompt.

Last month Eustace had started working on creating a suitable dog park for not only "his" dogs, but for any other dogs that may arrive or wander into town. So far it's completely fenced in with two different entrances, including "dog gates" where dogs can freely enter and exit. There are several designated "watering holes" for water, with giant tanks set up that dogs can easily nudge for water to pour out into the bowls, though he's looking to create something of an automatic system (maybe those water cores...see prompt e2). A pathway circling the park has been marked, but not yet finished, and while there are already a few ramps and tunnels, he's still working on creating a few more obstacles and "training exercises" for the dogs.

Most of it is primarily for the two groups of dogs he's taking care of, but he is considering a more general use for potential future doggy guests.

Of course...he belatedly realized he focused so much on the dogs he forgot to create amenities for the people who may be with them, so setting up seating and table areas is on his to do list.

For now, throughout most of the month, Eustace can be found in the park with the corgis and the Flowers, either throwing balls or other toys for the dogs, working on finishing constructing the last few amenities, or even just sitting under one of the many trees and just relaxing with the dogs. Of course that's kind of boring.

The dogs will happily bark and run up to the fence should anyone pass by. Some of the smarter ones will actually boop a toy ball over the fence, bouncing it off each other's heads and noses to have it sail over towards the person in question. They then to proceed to bark once and then wag their tail (or butt) and look at the person with eyes that say, "You're not going to leave that there are you?"]

⊗ c: quest 301: vine traps

[1. Thawing ice and burning vines. Given his interest in noctaere at the moment, it's no surprise he's quick to take up the quest in dealing with the trapped corrupted animals. Although seeing it being frozen patches given how his...own effects regarding ice can be similar is a little disconcerting, he just only studies it.]

...Fire, huh. Suppose I should try a different element...

[And fortunately, his current mindset allows him to channel that warmth, a soft whitish blue flame forming at his hand before it spreads out onto the frozen ice, thawing it along with the vines that burn safely away. That part is easy, but when it comes to the vines with the trapped corrupted animals...

2. Eliminating the threat. Pulling out his gun, Flamek, he flips the trigger, an electric humming sound following as electricity starts to spark around the barrel.

It's a pity, really, about the animal. Could it be purified? He knows there is research into it and maybe he should inquire... But for now, these creatures are in populated areas and need to be dealt with immediately.

When Eustace is certain he is clear and that no one is around, he will first create a small dome of ice that is effectively serving as a barrier to help as a safeguard. It's something new he's trying, so this is a fairly good opportunity for it. As he raises his gun in the air, he makes another check. If someone happens to approach now, he'll just glance at them.]

Stand back. I have it contained, but I'm not sure how strong the barrier will be if it explodes.

[And with that he'll fire the shot, several bolts of lightning releasing from his weapon to arc down into the small top opening of the dome. It's not just any lightning—it's filled with his deep rooted desire to protect everyone, especially the one who cares most deeply for. The last thing he wants is for them to get affected by the nightmare energy that could generate here, so he wants it gone.

The sound of destruction is muffled, and if by chance the vines do explode, most of the shards will be contained by the barrier. However, some of it will also cause the ice to crack and break. Fortunately it still contains the bulk of the blast so no one should get hurt unless they were foolish enough to ignore his warning and run in for some reason.]

Still needs improvement...but it'll work for now.

⊗ d: quest 304: four leaf clovers

[1. Clover Hunting. Anyone who knows Eustace might not expect him to be out gathering four leaf clovers... But here he is, out in one of the many clover fields with one of the corgis, Briallen, looking for that elusive four leaf clover. Does he believe in it?

No. ...Not normally, anyway. But his luck has been shit and he has a date coming up with Tifa and he does not want it ruined. Given how this world is, good luck may actually manifest and be potent here. So with Bri sniffing out the four leaf ones, Eustace will also be slowly pacing through the fields, his keen eyesight looking careful over the plants.]

T'sk... I've heard these were difficult to find, but how would anyone find them...

[Just a quiet grumble. Yes, yes, four leaves are supposed to be difficult to find, that's what makes them so lucky! Doesn't make it any less annoying—especially when he decided to find two instead of just one for himself. However, it's not just clovers. He may have been gathering a few wildflowers... Maybe. It's only because Briallen keeps giving him some that's all!!!! ~~it's not it's not at all~~

2. Jackalopes. Of course, despite wanting peace and quiet he never gets it easy. While still looking for that elusive four leaf clover, Bri starts growling and Eustace immediately locks on the tall antlers of the jackalope. Now, he actually doesn't want to engage in a fight if he doesn't have to... But the jackalope isn't going to let that happen.

And so the once peaceful clover field will be disrupted by the sound of fighting. Eustace will have at least drawn the jackalope away to the edges, where he can freely fire lightning from his weapon while the small corgi assists in trying to keep the jackalope from running off. Assistance will be welcomed.

Alternatively, if someone else is dealing with a jackalope, Eustace will assist them instead.]

⊗ e: quest 306: elemental cores

[Hunting monsters is his expertise, so it doesn't take him too long to track down spots where the cores he's after can be found, namely fire and water. Eventually he might look for the others, but he has vested interest in these particular elements for personal use.

1. Sniping golems. Whether on his own or working with someone else, rather than face the golems head on he'll take on a sniping position, either using a cliff ledge or trees. So if anyone is in the area, don't be surprised or mistake his lightning for another elemental golem—it's just him bringing the thunder and sniping golem limbs to shatter the arms or legs off from the distance so he can pick up the cores later...

...Or rather, so two corgis can weave in and grab the cores when it's clear. The dogs will also help in dealing with the golems, with Ivor body slamming those already staggered from Eustace's lightning or from other attacks to knock the golem down.

2. Water core "thief." After delivering a few water cores and having something like an automatic water fountain bowl prototype created in return for his efforts, Eustace is at the dog park to try it out. However, there is a small flaw. Before he could finish installing the fountain, one of the dogs has snatched the core and is running around, shaking its head and causing it to create water and spray it everywhere.]

Hey—Idris!!

[And that rambunctious young corgi is going to be running around trying to douse and spray anyone and anything in his path. He's a fast one, too, good luck catching him.]

⊗ f: wildcard

[Oh God I had more but this was already too long. Not included but can be done: Preparing for Spring planting, orange feather removal, get rid of the frogs, and feel free to push him through the rainbows. One could appear in any of these prompts or could be set anywhere in town. He also has a dating advice request anon post if anyone wants to hit that still. Feel free to hit me up on discord, PM, or

laenavesse for questions or further discussion!]

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[....Hm.]

Aside from a noctaere, I haven't heard of anything that could cause it to someone else. But there are plenty of unknown fae in this world so it's not outside the realm of possibility.

However, the fact that you can control it to a degree makes me think it's coming from you. I also cannot definitively say if it's nightmare energy or a different kind of dreamotion manifestation related to your emotions.

Did anything like this exist in your world? Or have you ever felt off or negative in some way?

[ So it is as he feared... Phantom closes his eyes with a sigh. He doesn't want to reveal too much about himself, so he'll just give the important details. ]

The darkness has long been with me, become my sword and shield... but it is a power not without price. Mine fear is if its different nature in this world will beseech it to take the reins from my hands.

[ To lose control, basically. Now that his emotions manifest outside of his mind, the danger they pose is magnified tenfold. ]

[...There is a slight pause as he listens to how Phantom's speaks, reminded of that Shakespearean dreamscape. But he mentally shakes it off, at least able to parse what he's saying.]

That I can't answer with any certainty. It does seem that our powers are altered to fit this world in some way, such as magic requiring mana now based on dreamotion energy instead as the source. But as to the specifics or how I don't think anyone really knows. Thus if you have some kind of "darkness" or "dark power"...the chances of it becoming more attuned or changed to nightmare energy is not improbable.

[A pause as he studies him.]

What exactly is this power? And how have you managed to control it until now, both in your world and this one?

[ Good that Eustace can understand him; Phantom is compelled, almost, to speak like how he does, to play his scripted role lest his identity slips from his grasp. ]

Mine is the Arts to command the shadows; in my world, this requires the expenditure of Originium, but here it appears to draw strength from the self. It was granted to me against my will, a curse now engraved upon my soul until I cease to draw breath.

[ Again, this is both true and not. While he did learn his Arts without objection, their true price was only revealed to him much later. If he had a choice, he would never have embarked upon this path at all. ]

As long as I can retain my clarity, the darkness will serve my will. Should its influence grow stronger, I would need to expend more strength to keep it at bay.

Edited 2022-03-15 05:19 (UTC)

[...A lot of terms he's unfamiliar with, but after hearing about other worlds he's learned to gloss over what they mean and use context to try and figure out the basic idea.

"Arts" must refer to some kind of skill. "Originium"...an item or resource required to use said skills that's no longer needed here. Dreamotion energy, perhaps? And this "Art" is either an actual curse or metaphorically like one.

And to keep control, he needs to keep his reasoning.

...Mm, yes so far Eustace is able to keep up and get the basic understanding, remaining in thoughtful silence as he parses it out.]

Have you ever lost control before?

I have.

[ A quiet admission; there is no use for deception here. He would look his sins in the eye and accept them. ]

It has been some time since, but it has happened before. It could happen again. The chances are slim, but if the darkness gains untoward strength, then it would tip the scales to the other side.

[ At least, he's sane enough to be cognizant of this fact. His way of coping is to simply distance himself from everyone else, but it's not so possible here. The Doctor is also back home, meaning that he can only rely on himself now. Himself, and Miss Christine. ]

[Although there's a slight narrowing of his eyes, the fact that Phantom admit it is better than if he hid it.]

Tell me everything. What happens if you lose control and what needs to be done to stop it.

[ What does it want? Phantom knows very clearly what 'it' wants. After all, it wants the same thing as he does. It wants to sing. ]

The shadow and I are one. We share the same body. If you knock me unconscious, it too will be disabled, and I will be able to reclaim control. Kill me if it is unavoidable.

[ That was what worked the last time. The alternative is to wait it out, but by then the darkness would no doubt have claimed many lives. ]

But I must caution you. Should it attain dominance, it will try to remove this. [ He points to his collar. ] If you see me without it, you must not approach me... block your ears if you need to. You must not hear its voice.

[Kill... If someone has to suggest that, then it must be serious.

His gaze then lowers to the collar.]

What would happen?

[ After all, if he dies here, he wouldn't die in real life... right? Phantom believes that wholeheartedly. ]

You would be driven to madness.

[ Not a natural product of his curse, but a result of his Oripathy - this mattered little to 'it', though. It only wants to sing. ]

This device allows me to converse with you normally... It should never be removed.

[...Phantom is definitely a dangerous individual, however given all the people he's worked with and encountered ~~and the number of crazies Gran picks ups on the Grancypher~~ Eustace can at least tell that Phantom isn't malicious. Not of his own will, anyway.

With arms crossed over his chest, he studies Phantom carefully, his eyes focused on that collar.]

Should something ever happen to it, is it replaceable? Alternatively could something else be used if it can't be repaired?

[ Phantom is definitely not malicious. Not by his own choosing. The 'shadow', though... ]

It can only be repaired using technology from my world. However, it is very durable... far more likely for the darkness to simply discard it than destroy it outright.

[ A pause, as he realizes that wasn't the only question Eustace asked: ]

I know not if there is an alternative. You could, if needed, simply strike me in the neck, but it would be far easier to accomplish the same feat by eliminating me.

Edited 2022-03-16 02:22 (UTC)

That still wouldn't resolve the issue if the collar is broken. Even if killing you would be efficient...

[He looks disgruntled at the thought.]

We still don't know what happens if a person dies—if we can even die at all. Consider the possibility that death is not permanent and you live again, but the collar is broken. You want us to keep killing you?

[Said with a look and voice that practically says, "Don't be absurd."]

Given the amount of magic here, there should be something that could be used as some kind of temporary sealant. Likewise for something to deal with your "darkness" or whatever you call it.

[Look man, Eustace has only known him for like five minutes, but he'd still rather keep everyone alive if possible. And better to consider all potential cases.

Of course, he's also thinking of certain people he wishes to protect against a worse case scenario, and this sounds like a very bad worse case scenario.]

Edited 2022-03-16 05:31 (UTC)

This is a dream. We are in a dream, and can enter dreams within this dream. We are awake and yet asleep. What then are our selves here? Is this a real place, to you? What matters most is the world in which my flesh resides, and I know it to not be this one.

[ He sounds like he's being intentionally difficult, but for someone who has long grappled with delusion, it's something that he's thought about a lot. ]

If you believe there is another way... how would we then locate it? I know naught of magic save for mine own.

Pain and suffering are still felt here. Even if it may not affect our original bodies, our current selves are and shouldn't be considered as disposable. Don't forget that while you may not care about yourself, if you turn into a noctaere it could endanger others. Without enough information, I'm not leaving any risks to chance.

[Not that he can fault anyone in thinking that way, but having been around as long as he's had and having to experience that dying, even if it was in a dream... No, it's not pleasant. Sure, if Phantom dies and that's the end of his existence in his world, then...good? Best case??? But if he dies and keeps coming back without any safeguards, then they could have an even larger problem on their hands.]

But the only way would be to look into any kind of sealing or power suppression magic. If your darkness has altered to be more aligned with nightmare energy, then we could look into those avenues as well. This world is filled with different magic and knowledge, both from its own and from other worlds. It might not be easy, but it shouldn't be impossible to think of some alternative, even if temporary.

[ Phantom is silent for a good while after Eustace makes his point. He's thinking - that much is evident in his furrowed brow and focused eyes - and Eustace's words are not something he can easily refute. He must bear the weight of his sins alone, and to pull others into his misery would be unforgivable. ]

... I concede. [ That's how you convince Phantom - while he doesn't care much for himself, he cares a lot for those around him. ] Then I would beseech your aid in seeking out potential leads... you are more experienced with this place. I know I am asking a hefty favour from you, and I wish to repay it in kind.

[ He's ill suited to most things that involve other people, unfortunately. ]

[And it's at this moment that Eustace realizes he's taken on another responsibility. How does he find himself in these situations...]

...I'll do what I can, but you'll need to put in the effort as well.

[An idle tap of his finger against his arm in thought.]

I don't know if it would be wise to publicly disclose your condition to everyone. While it would be good for others to be informed, it might also cause unnecessary stigma and stress among the people. Do you have any thoughts on it?

If you can find a contact, I will liaise with them. If I can assist with anything for you, please do not hesitate to call upon me.

[ He's not irresponsible enough to leave Eustace to do everything. The question, though: ]

I would prefer to keep it a secret unless absolutely necessary.

[ It's very personal, so he hopes Eustace can understand. ]

[A nod—he definitely can understand.]

In that case... Let's break this down.

[He flicks his wrist and his journal appears in his hand, the quill following soon after into the other after he's flipped to an empty page.]

First, there's your condition and how it could be related to nightmare energy. This includes potential effects on yourself, individuals, and whether it can be exacerbated by nightmare energy or attract noctaere.

Then there's the matter of your voice and the collar that effectively seals that power. We need to look into alternatives in case something happens to it.

[He glances up from his writing.]

Did I cover the basics?

[ Phantom listens intently while Eustace speaks. The other man was able to summarize everything in a concise manner - definitely much more effective than anything Phantom would be able to communicate. His own thoughts tended to go in circles and muddle themselves, and his mental wavering only made it worse. ]

Yes. Thank you. [ For neatening out his thoughts for him. ]

[Idly twirling the quill in his hand, Eustace quickly sorts through the two items and devises a few plans they could go through.]

There are a few ways we can do this, but let's start with this. For now, you should look into nightmare energy and noctaere so you can get a better understanding of both of them. Since I'm also currently looking into things, I'll share what I find with you, but I suggest you personally speak with others who have encountered and experienced it as well. You can always have it under the guise as a newcomer wanting to better inform yourself about the main threat of this world instead of revealing the truth unless you feel comfortable in doing so.

At the same time, you should keep a written record of your power and how it's interacting with this world. Whether it's similar or different, note it down. If you have any nightmares, you should note that as well, especially if you notice it affecting your power.

As for the collar, I'll start researching into sealing magic. I can use my current research as a cover. As farfetched as it is, trying to seal nightmare energy or the noctaere in some way isn't an impossible theory to pursue.

[ Not for the first time, he feels like he's being schooled; but it's not a bad thing in itself. While he had shied away from human contact for the past nine years, certain events have impressed on him the need to communicate, even if the very thought discomforts him. ]

I will. [ When Eustace mentions keeping track of nightmares, he feels his heart sink a little. If he has to be honest with the other man, Eustace would end up receiving quite a few reports... ]

Is there any way I could compensate you for the work? [ He can't stand the thought of being an unnecessary burden. ]

[He expects it, but more information the better.]

Not necessary.

[Just a small, dismissive wave of his hand.]

I'll also be gaining research from you so that will be enough.

[ There's a pause after Eustace mentions research. Phantom clearly didn't think of it that way, but now that it's been pointed out to him, he supposes this is a positive way of looking at the matter. ]

If that is your wish...

[ He concedes with a slight nod. Phantom is by no means a good host, so this might be the end of their meeting if Eustace doesn't have anything else to add. ]

[It works out as Eustace isn't one to dally around once he's finished business. He also has another person to meet so it's probably about time he left, anyway. So after jotting a few more thoughts, he snaps the book shut and both it and the quill disappear.]

Then unless there's anything else, I'll take my leave.

(no subject)

removal - 2022-03-31 22:30 (UTC) - Expand

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