dreamposts: (Default)
dreamposts ([personal profile] dreamposts) wrote in [community profile] songerein2022-06-11 01:53 pm

{ Moon's Haunted }




MOON'S HAUNTED


Elimei, the female winged kirin twin from the Tree of Stories, was suddenly taken by a large, gruesome figure wielding a butcher's knife with a bear at its side. They appeared from a black portal and everyone in the room at the time was unable to move due to a sudden increase in gravity and heavy weight of nightmare energy. The figures disappeared into the black portal leaving behind no trace—except Elimei's feathers tinged with nightmare energy. Using Elimei's feather, researchers in the Observatory were able to pinpoint her location within a foreign moon. By this time, the moon mirror created by the fae has collected into its glass the stories of various moons gathered by Madhuri. Powered by this enchanted mirror and with dreamotion energy, they are able to create a dreamscape-like gateway to this foreign moon.

Unfortunately the power was so great it acted like a dreamshift and sent in everyone. Now everyone finds themselves on the surface of this strange moon, but fortunately they have allies in the form of lunar wolves to help guide them. To help combat against the noctasers, which are an evolved form of Erasers that have consumed great amount of nightmare energy, the special potions that were created back from Halloween and are effective against Erasers will be available. They will work in conjunction with dreamotion energy and other items useful against nightmare energy; perhaps a new solution can be made.

For more details on the event and to ask any questions, please refer to the Game Notes. Reminder that this is forward dated to the end of the month.



I. MOON PHASES



At random intervals, the moon will change between full and new phases. When the moon is full, the moonscape becomes ghostly white; when it is new, it becomes pitch back. There are both advantages and disadvantages for each phase, and everyone needs to be mindful as it will change without warning. Although we have some generic prompts for each phase, the phases and effects carry over through all the prompts, they can be used at will.

A. Darkest of Nights: New Moon. Whenever the moon phase changes to the new moon, it becomes so dark it's almost difficult to see. Light sources will need to be found to help traverse through the moonscape unless one uses dreamotion to help guide them. The new moon phase is also when nightmare energy is at its peak, the ground seemingly seeping with it and noctasers lurking. Some characters might find themselves transforming into some nightmarish creature in response to it. Perhaps into something that reflects their greatest fears or anger; some may even start to relive or have nightmares. Those who are easily influenced by nightmare energy should take caution, but must also remember that nightmare energy can also be harnessed here. For those who want to try and control it, the new moon phase is the best time.

B. Light of the Full Moon. Whenever the moon phase changes to the full moon, it is almost blindingly bright in some places. During this time, dreamotion is at its peak and it'll be easier to fight off the noctasers should they be encountered; of course during this time the noctasers will go into hiding. The black goopy puddles scattered around will be most suspicious, and this is the perfect time to clear them up with dreamotion. Just be careful not to get trapped in them or it'll be like quicksand. Anyone who was transformed during the new moon phase will slowly begin to transform back but will still need assistance; otherwise they'll just remain and continue transformation when it changes back to the new moon phase.


II. LUNAR WOLVES



For those who wish to help the lunar wolves that inhabit this moonscape, they live in a brightly lit temple that is impossible to miss. With a unique "wolf blessing," characters can transform into a wolf to help blend in with the environment as well as gain temporary powers: ability to conjure moonlight to use against noctasers; powerful howl attacks capable of knocking back small objects and creatures; ability to see clearly in the darkness during new moon shifts; increases speed and other heightened senses; ability to see the leftover "moon dust trail" from the moon fragments to track them down. Appearance of the wolf form can be whatever the player or character wishes and while partial transformations are allowed, whole transformations will be stronger. The blessing will last for up to an hour, and characters can willingly change back at any time. However, they'll need another blessing to turn back into a wolf unless they can do so on their own through their own dreamotion ability. The wolves will also be around to help give aid when they can.

A. Defend the Temple. Noctasers are becoming more aggressive as they attack the temple the lunar wolves are based in, aiming for the collection of corrupted moon fragments the lunar wolves have been guarding in hopes of later purifying. Some may even notice the moon fragments depict certain images or have unique characters that may look like the moon from their own world. Maybe that fragment is from their home world. Characters need to use everything they have to help protect these fragments and fight alongside the wolves.

» BONUS: DEFENSE BARRIERS. Shoring up defenses and creating dreamotion barriers to help keep the noctasers at bay will also help. The wolves will inform of special flower that needs wishful based dreamotion energy to make it grow large enough as a shield that can help repel the noctasers.


B. Retrieve Moon Fragments. Some of the noctasers still manage to break in and steal several moon fragments, scattering them all over the forests surrounding the small temple the wolves dwell in. While some have been dropped and can be found a little more easily, others are still in the clutches of the noctasers that must be destroyed, especially if a noctaser consumes it. While safe to handle, the moon fragments must be collected into small glowing jars to ensure their protection.

C. Save the Wolf Cubs. In the chaos, a few wolf cubs got separated from their families and ran into the forest, with some having the bright idea to try and find the moon fragments on their own. This is a disaster waiting to happen, so they need to be brought back quickly! Wolf transformation will be mandatory as the cubs will be wary of anyone else who approaches. They are also clever cubs and will hide in deep thickets and tree hollows. Luring them out with mooncakes will help win them over.



III. ITEM COLLECTION: ELIMEI



Certain items are needed to help defeat the Mutton Man and its Bear steed, as well as to find and heal Elimei. Thankfully they won't be going in blind and Baba Yaga will make an appearance to inform them of what they'll need. Although primarily to be collected and given to those who will go out to find Elimei, all items can also be collected for personal use to be against noctasers and other effects. There's plenty to go around! All items will be found in the swamp area.

A. Follow the Moonflies. In the outskirts of the swamps, there are special fireflies called "moonflies" where they produce pure moonlight from their bulbs. They are attracted to darkness as they will absorb it to produce their light. Gathering these moonflies in special jars will allow those seeking Elimei to help track her down as the moonflies will fly towards the darkest area of the swamp where she is being held. They will also be useful in blinding the enemies as they will fly up to them, attracted by the darkness the nightmare energy brings. They are also great to use as lanterns during the new moon phase.

B. Lunar Honey. The petals of this flower can be crushed up to create a delicious sweet honey that can help soothe any tormented soul. While not a cure all for nightmare energy, they work similar to the Glowing Dawn flowers back in Songerein and will be valuable for those affected by nightmare energy and monster transformations. Although ineffective against the Mutton Man, the Bear may find the sweetness irresistible.

» BONUS: KEEPSAKES. Collect the flowers to eventually bring back to Songerein so they can be used for additional treatment.


C. Moon Crystals. Special crystals which illuminate in the darkness and turn black during the full moon phases. They will absorb nightmare energy and convert them to potent dreamotion energy to a poisonous degree. Thus those afflicted with nightmary energy will be good sources for these crystals but must be handled with care. Anyone who is punctured or cut by a crystal risks becoming crystalized and will need to be taken back to the wolves to be cured. The crystals will serve as the main "weapon" against the Mutton Man and the Bear, and can be deadly against noctasers as well.

D. Swamp Threats. Beware: the swamps are filled with not only noctasers but also hostile moon creatures, mostly of the reptilian side, such as snakes and alligators. At least the latter can be soothed with dreamotion unless they have started to corrupt from nightmare energy. Be careful not to follow the red wisps as they will lead unsuspecting rescuers deep into the swap to black pools where kelpies in them, ready to pose as Elimei and drag them under.



IV. ITEM COLLECTION: KAGUYA



To help get Songerein's moon fragment back, certain items will be needed to help evolve the moon mirror and purify the corrupted Rabbit Kaguya. All items can be used for other purposes and will be found around the bamboo forest.

A. "Holy Hand Grenade." This has a few steps as the "grenade" needs to be made. First, a golden bamboo stalk must be found and cut down. The crystals that pour out of it must be quickly collected in a crystal globe provided by the wolves. Dreamotion must then be channeled into it to melt the crystals and then the globe must be capped off. To use, one must count to three and then throw it at the target. This only has a purification effect, but it's very potent. It should only be used on anyone who is fully corrupted and is either close to or has become a noctaere. Even then care must be given as it will knock them out completely. Using it on someone with only a small amount will cause them to have too much dreamotion energy and make it more of a poison, requiring the excess dreamotion energy to be drawn out or counter balanced with nightmare energy. Handle with caution.

B. Bamboo Slicer. To get through the corrupted bamboo thicket to chase after Kaguya, special tools will need to be made. Cutting silver bamboo stalks well produce various metals to pour out, and with these metals blades can be forged via dreamotion. The blades can be of any shape and form, they just must carry enough fortitude, strength, and tenacity to cut through the stalks. Blades lacking that kind of dreamotion will remain dull and brittle.

C. Mooncakes. One of the easier items to collect, the mooncakes can be found growing off the leaves of the bamboo stalks. The trick is being able to climb high enough to get them; alternative cut or shake down the stalk to reach them. Just beware the lunar bees—they find the mooncakes delicious and will angrily attack anyone who gets in their way.

D. Don't Get Lost. Everyone will be warned to avoid entering the bamboo forest until everything has been gathered and designated groups are set, but should any accidentally further than necessary or get lured in somehow, they will need to find stone lanterns and light them up with dreamotion to help guide their way out. It will be relatively safe during the full moon phase, but during new moon there is higher risk of those trapped to hallucinate their worst nightmares and be lost in them until someone helps them.

abyssbound: (HI THERE)

[personal profile] abyssbound 2022-06-26 12:46 am (UTC)(link)
[His hand grabs the blade and it bites into the flesh of his palm, the pure momentum behind his swing enough to send flecks of blood spattering over her nice white fuku. It stops his arm, but he doesn't appear to feel the pain at all even when it strikes bone. With a snarl, his fingers close around the blade and he wrenches his arm back with a sickening crack as something inside breaks under the strain of his own movements.]
mermaidcursed: (198)

[personal profile] mermaidcursed 2022-06-26 01:46 am (UTC)(link)
( she'll try to take as many as she can with ease- the weight is barely anything to her, and she definitely wants to help more. )

Yeah, I think so too- but I think this area's cleared out. ... Hopefully that's okay?

( the environment... )
starshower: (temp 200)

[personal profile] starshower 2022-06-26 01:51 am (UTC)(link)
[He leaves her kneeling on the ground when he wrenches back, and she wants to go to him—she's pushing herself up to follow after him, but the lightning that strikes only inches from her feet sends her falling back again, putting a distance between them that feels wider than it actually is with the barrier that it creates, but she's learned not to fear it. It's a part of him, and she's accepted it all, but when Tifa reaches out, her fingers graze the static wall and she jerks back, a pain tingling from her fingertips all the way up to her chest where it leaves a white-hot ache that spreads.

One foot comes forward, planting firmly on the ground.]


Eustace, what is it?

[She takes a step towards him, biting down on the inside of her lip, jaw tightening, as she forces herself through the current and extends her hand out to him again in an offering, even if she doubts he'll take it.]

What is it you're seeing?

[It isn't just the clawed hand, is it? There was more, and she dreads hearing the answer... but if she can get him to tell her, or even acknowledge that she's there, then it will be a step in the right direction. A step towards pulling him out of whatever this place is forcing him to suffer through.]

You can tell me.
Edited 2022-06-26 01:53 (UTC)
iracorn: (Default)

[personal profile] iracorn 2022-06-26 02:18 am (UTC)(link)
[With that reassurance, Ira can breathe a little easier, and takes a moment to focus in. The first one is kicked back, and Ira moves forward between the second and Tifa. He rears up, stomping down on the attacker.]
steadypulse: (Forgotten irritation)

[personal profile] steadypulse 2022-06-26 02:24 am (UTC)(link)
[It was a lot, but given the circumstances could only hope that it was enough. Eyes closed tightly even as he kept flooding what power he could, endure the heat with how close he had to be before he was finally leaping back- not quite as agile as before, just a little sluggish, shaking off as he still at least managed to land on some vines from earlier.

Did a full body shake, stumbling once before regaining his balance. Head lifting as an ear perked- canine teeth were more obvious, longer, and some fur looked darker against what was already black, but otherwise?

76 was keeping himself together, despite the frost still existing where paws touched down. Letting out a huff-]


You good?

[Of course he'd ask.]
seemagicshit: (about that)

[personal profile] seemagicshit 2022-06-26 02:47 am (UTC)(link)
[Oh so he's gotta do it? Well, he offered so...

He's not dumb enough to try and offer the honey with his hand, so he finds a stick and pours it on and offers it up that way. The bear seems to not mind the delivery service and starts licking the stick like a lollipop, seemingly not intent on murder any longer.
]

Well hot damn. Think we can find our missing Elimei while this thing is occupied?

[He's starting to step away carefully.]
lonelysmiles: (Just Me And My Shadow)

[personal profile] lonelysmiles 2022-06-26 02:55 am (UTC)(link)
[Look, you were the one holding out the honey. Like hell Alastor was going to take it off your hands. He's dead, not stupid.]

[Alastor's shadow slinks some distance behind the bear in the direction the moonflies had gone. It mutely stomps its feet on the ground, testing for weak spots, before waving its arms at Alastor.]

[And that quick, Alastor appears in the shadow's place. Teleportation. Such a useful little trick.]
flamekthunder: (ϟ 177)

[personal profile] flamekthunder 2022-06-26 03:08 am (UTC)(link)
[Her voice is like a lifeline he desperately wants to latch onto, but he just shrinks back instead. Even if he sees her, one moment she looks safe and unharmed but in the next she's covered in blood, her neck torn.]

I said stay back!

[He feels the pain spiraling up his arm, both cold and hot as his thoughts and vision continue to fray. He clutches his arm with his other hand, but it's trembling, as if fearing it will start to change as well. Will his body change again? Is he going to become a lindworm again filled with rage and hatred and despair?]

If you get too close... If I can't control—

[He's desperately trying to keep the nightmare energy from spreading further, but its claws have already sunk in deep and he can feel his thoughts and emotions twist and turn towards a darker place.]

I don't want to kill you again!

[He almost sounds unhinged as the black shadows start to converge upon him, the nightmare energy growing ever faster. He already lost his arm to it, at this rate it will only be a matter of minutes, possibly seconds before he completely loses himself.]
grappleking: (051)

[personal profile] grappleking 2022-06-26 03:16 am (UTC)(link)
[He, too, lowers his nose to the ground in order to pick up the scent— easy, now that they know exactly where these pups have been thanks to the clear prints left behind. ]

Here— this way, follow me!

[Not that she needs to, since it seems like she and Toby have both caught the scent well enough themselves, but he takes off again at full speed, picking up the sound of running water after he's made some headway into the trees.]

Water up ahead, we're not far!
burnttoashes: (I believe)

[personal profile] burnttoashes 2022-06-26 03:18 am (UTC)(link)
[It's right about then that Nuadha notices something... a faint image in one of the pools near that flickering white light that's been hovering nearby the entire time.]

... look.

[He gestures to the water with his left hand, at the reflection of what is unmistakably a young kirin. If that's not a clue, Nuadha doesn't know what is.]

Elimei. She must be somewhere nearby, if that image is any indication.

[The name earns a grunt from the bear, although whether that's because it recognizes what they're talking about or is just enjoying its snack is anyone's guess...]
iracorn: (4)

[personal profile] iracorn 2022-06-26 03:22 am (UTC)(link)
[The bear's attention shifts to Roxas and it swipes widely with a huge paw. But it's enough for Ira, charging in with a heavy slash and pushing the creature back with a wind spell amplified with dreamotion energy.]

Now! While it's off balance!
starshower: (temp 209)

[personal profile] starshower 2022-06-26 03:34 am (UTC)(link)
[She doesn't listen to him. Even as he warns her not to approach, Tifa pushes forward slowly, her hand stretching out further for him. Her eyes remain fixed on his face, but she doesn't miss the way that the shadows are drifting over him, enveloping Eustace as if to take him away from her. They move quickly like snakes, and she doesn't know what it means or what will happen, but she doesn't want to find out. All she knows is that she's running out of time...

Tifa's about to offer him some words of comfort, to reassure him that she isn't going leave him, but then...

"I don't want to kill you again!"

And she finally understands. The claws, the cries, the tears falling freely over his face, and the ice and the panic... Her heart shatters into a thousand pieces for him, because she finally knows what it is he's seeing—the end of the script. The end of the dreamscape...

Tifa looks around them, still seeing nothing but the spreading ice and now the black, shadowy wisps of nightmare energy that creep towards him. She knows her time is limited, and... she doesn't know what else to do...]


You won't, I promise. Because you're better than this. Stronger than this.

[With that, she lunges at him, and the moment her body crashes against his, her arms wrap around him, tight, and no matter how much he struggles or tries to push her away, she holds on...]
iracorn: (4)

[personal profile] iracorn 2022-06-26 03:52 am (UTC)(link)
[Ira had raised his keyblade, ready to block the attack, but Kor's intervention is welcome. It's hard to say how effective it would have been.

But that can be set aside.

Ira darts out from behind Kor, summoning a ball of fire from his keyblade that he sends towards the bear. Using dreamotion, he quickly splits the Firaga spell into two fireballs, which hit the bear with a heavy impact.]
flamekthunder: (ϟ 247)

[personal profile] flamekthunder 2022-06-26 04:01 am (UTC)(link)
[He gasps when she crashes into him, his eyes wide in fear as he immediately tries to push her away.]

Don't—!

[But then he feels his claws digging into her arms and he has to pull back his arm as if it touched fire, face contorted in anguish.

He knows it's the real one, that the warmth he feels is hers. But now that just makes him all the more desperate to try and pull away from her.]


Tifa, please—

[His voice is strained before he buckles over in intense burning pain, gasping for air.]
iracorn: (5)

[personal profile] iracorn 2022-06-26 04:03 am (UTC)(link)
[There's a pause, and then Ira at least has the decency to look a little embarrassed. He's never been the best at hiding things, despite his stoicism.]

I can't I've been enjoying this particular dreamscape. It's been alright during the full moon, but during the new...

It's why I'd like to be back before dark.
starshower: (temp 191)

[personal profile] starshower 2022-06-26 04:17 am (UTC)(link)
[When his claws dig into her arms, she cries out with a strangled sob as they pierce through her skin, but she doesn't let go. She won't. She refuses. No matter how much it hurts, no matter how much he makes her bleed, she knows that this isn't his fault. It never was. This world is too cruel to him, and she isn't going to leave him behind to fight it all alone.

And when Tifa feels him buckle, she catches him with her arms tightening and buries her face in his chest. Her own tears streak hot from her eyes when she screws them shut.]


No.

[They promised each other that they would never. Through thick and thin... sickness and in health... They promised. He's told her that there are times when she would need to leave him, to get to safety, but she also reminded him that there would be times she wouldn't listen.

She readjusts, pulling him closer to her, and with a small, trembling voice, she begins to sing.]


How do we rewrite the stars...? Say you were made to be mine...
flamekthunder: (ϟ 167)

[personal profile] flamekthunder 2022-06-26 04:39 am (UTC)(link)
[His breath catches in his throat, a sharp gasp as he hears her words.

Their song.

It brings up so many bittersweet and painful memories, especially at the end when he could only hold her cold body as his own life in that dream began to fade. It's soul crushing, how deep those words truly meant for them. A perfect reflection of their relationship and how it came to be. The difficulties they continue to face.

With what little strength he has left, his good hand grasps at her back, clinging to her. He still wants to shove her away so that she doesn't get caught in this, but at the same time he doesn't want to let her go.]


...Nothing can keep us apart... You are the one I was meant to find...

[His voice is a hoarse whisper, but Eustace feels so desperate, clutching her tighter.]
Edited 2022-06-26 04:39 (UTC)
starshower: (temp 271)

[personal profile] starshower 2022-06-26 04:56 am (UTC)(link)
[His arm around her releases another sob from her chest, this one breathing some of that worry out of her. She's fought past the illusions. He knows that she's real, she's here, and she's unharmed, and that's a start in chasing away these nightmares of his. Ones she's sure have always been there, laying dormant in the back of his consciousness and waiting for the perfect time to strike...

As he sings back the song—their song—she doesn't, and can't, stifle a sad smile against his chest.]


It's up to you...

[A steady hand reaches for his clawed one, and she wraps her fingers over the scales, the warmth in hers igniting a warm glow around them as she continues the song, her voice carrying the weight of the words that she's sure were written for them.]

And it's up to me...

[Tifa rises on her tiptoes, and her hand searches until it finds his face, and she pulls him down to meet her halfway for a firm, desperate kiss, in a dire attempt to chase away the last of his nightmares.

She's had enough. She's seen him suffer too much. No more...]
lestray: (thinking)

[personal profile] lestray 2022-06-26 05:00 am (UTC)(link)
R-right.

[With Sholmes's prodding, she focuses more on moving along, while still keeping her eyes peeled for any more of the enemies. Her gun is clutched protectively as they move towards that protective cloud.]

'E ended up 'ere on the moon too, but he ain't wiv me right now. The chief inspector should be safe wiv 'em wolves right now. [That is one relief, at least. Or it should be. She still worries about him regardless!]
lestray: (thinking coin)

[personal profile] lestray 2022-06-26 05:03 am (UTC)(link)
[She feels along the door with a bit until she finally notices a hole, easy to miss when it's the same color as the door itself.]

There's a lock for a key alright. It don't like any I've ever seen or know 'ow to pick, neither...

[She frowns as she looks back at the area.]

So I guess we're lookin' for a key now, eh?
lestray: (messing with)

[personal profile] lestray 2022-06-26 05:06 am (UTC)(link)
'Ear that, Toby? Stay still for a bit, why don't ya. [She grunts towards the dog while she accepts the offered petal - and tries to keep it out of Toby's range.

Eating a flower petal isn't something she's considered exactly, but now she's curious for herself! She slowly places it into her mouth and nibbles on it. And smiles!]


Hmm... It ain't bad! [And some of the dark energy pooling out from her fades.] Should I be takin' bites outta flowers more often now?
refire: (117)

[personal profile] refire 2022-06-26 05:38 am (UTC)(link)
Toby? Is that your friends???

[ This might be the first time he's heard of Toby. ]

I'll be relying on your detective skills then. We have a lot of work to do so I'll try to keep up with you.
flamekthunder: (ϟ 230)

[personal profile] flamekthunder 2022-06-26 09:12 am (UTC)(link)
[His clawed hand flinches at her touch, immediately withdrawing to try and pull away, but the warmth igniting from her touch sends a strange tingle up his arm, different from the hot and cold pain he had been experiencing before. It's like a soothing like piercing through the darkness that had taken over it, giving him another rope to try and grasp desperately to keep his fraying sanity.

As such when she pulls him down to kiss her, he doesn't fight back this time. Instead he returns it in full, desperate for that reassurance that the body in his arms is alive and unharmed—safe. To feel her heartbeat against his. To know...to know he hasn't hurt her. That he hasn't fully lost control yet.

He doesn't want to lose her, ever, but he definitely doesn't want to lose her like this. By his hands. By failing. She's become too precious for him, and while some things are inevitable, not the nightmares.

With all his love and desperation for even a little bit of hope starting to push back against the fears and anguish that had once consumed him, the progression of the nightmare energy is at least slowed if not stopped completely. At the very least although the storm clouds linger, the lightning has stopped as well as the spread of ice.

He's suffered more than what Tifa herself or even Eustace can reverse, but now there is an opening. And an incoming full moon shift will help, too.]
lestray: (pout)

[personal profile] lestray 2022-06-26 01:07 pm (UTC)(link)
[This team really nose what they're doing!

The three canines race off towards the source! It almost feels like child's play now. Soon enough, they reach the trail's end at the river. And sure enough, there's a bunch of wolves drinking and playing around.

Toby immediately races over to join them for some roughhousing, but Gina immediately tries to scold them with a howl.]


Oi!! There ya little pups are! Ya shouldn't give us a 'ard time when we're tryin' to find ya! What if none of us managed to sniff ya out, eh?!
seemagicshit: (good point)

[personal profile] seemagicshit 2022-06-26 01:08 pm (UTC)(link)
I'll take that clue. And you enjoy your treat, bear friend!

[The bear's demeanor has changed toward being completely uninterested in murder and would rather eat honey. When the bear seems to be expectant of another treat, Zhao carefully takes their Moon Crystal provided for such a purpose. He wedges it on the stick (being careful not to cut himself) and then cracks it back on the bear.

The bear yells out in protest but the crystal manages to do its work, sucking up the noctare energy and removing all the fight from it.

At least the nightmare bear energy. Now it's just a regular garden variety pissed off bear and bellows at Zhao.
]

There's still honey on that stick, go to town! So uh, guys? Let's just get to searching for Elimei, shall we?
Edited 2022-06-28 00:44 (UTC)