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.

twilightskey: (Something's not right...)

[personal profile] twilightskey 2022-07-07 06:25 pm (UTC)(link)
[Oblivion returns to his hand, and he lowers it to his side before nodding to Ira.]

No problem. Are you okay?
likescaves: (Yeah.)

[personal profile] likescaves 2022-07-07 06:38 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Finally, Merisia manages to crack a tiny smile. It's not much, more like a twitch at the corner of her lip, but it's a break from the tension and worry. ]

Hmm. I guess we've finally come full circle, then.

I lost count of the number of times you helped me feel better. It's high time we did the same for you.

[ "We". Because at this point, she's not sure those new familiars count as being the same as her. Perhaps in the past that's what she thought, but lately she's been starting to wonder. Especially in this case, which has her thinking back to that one day in her apartment when the Light that Sora helped her call forward seemed to act of its own accord. ]

This is the first time I've given it a form like this, but I'm sure she still remembers you.
recreator: (♇ | Come follow me)

Very impressive. He's in the presence of greatness.

[personal profile] recreator 2022-07-07 07:01 pm (UTC)(link)
Should that be the case, I imagine this venture will set you back by several days at least even with magicks at your disposal to expedite the process. A pity. Good drink is (as ever) difficult to come by.

[And since there's no benefit to vagueness (least of all when he's already made his curiosity publicly known), van Zieks will receive an honest answer:]

Yes. Though not so much an interest in the moon itself as the circumstances behind its disappearance. Although some few individuals have come forward to recount their tales of The Story Eater, I suppose investigating the situation directly was long overdue.

Not that there's any guarantee that this moon will yield the answers I seek, mind you.
pureyang: (Time to train)

[personal profile] pureyang 2022-07-07 07:29 pm (UTC)(link)
You do have a point there...

[More flowers did mean more cures could be made. Still, it does take a little while to divvy up the flowers. But soon enough they're equally distributed!]

Right. Do you mind leading the way?
sleightofhans: (i'm listening)

[personal profile] sleightofhans 2022-07-07 08:30 pm (UTC)(link)
[Hm, does Lady Susato have her own issues with trust? Her reaction is a little more biting than he anticipated, enough that he actually looks surprised for a moment. He pulls an apologetic look, his eyes focusing on her wound once more, if only to pretend that he cares.]

Perhaps another time. I don't believe this is the best place to discuss such matters anyway.

[But he takes some of the flowers because it does seem like a pretty good idea to have them on his person.]

You should really get that bandaged up.
songbird_slayer: (pic#15264681)

[personal profile] songbird_slayer 2022-07-07 09:06 pm (UTC)(link)
[She nodded. She, too, only heard tales from others. But she would see to it that only one last tale would be told of the Eater... that of how it was properly snuffed out.]

Ah! There! 'Tis no wonder the wolves couldn't reach it...

[All but wreathed in the foul energy, there it lie, moving about without a care in the world. Her free hand drew an ornate pistol, flecks of energy radiating about the barrel.]

We've the element of surprise. It will go no further.

[It was fast, too- she fired ahead of it to stop it in its tracks, leaving streaks of white energy, threads of a steely determination.]
thegamesafoot: (2D - Blue sus)

[personal profile] thegamesafoot 2022-07-07 11:10 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Does she intend to skulk alone in the dark as long as they're stranded on this moonscape? Sholmes shakes his head. ]

Surely that power cannot last forever. [ Or so he hopes. As much as Gina is embracing the change, the dark energy emanating from the young detective makes his skin crawl—particularly around his noctaser-inflicted wounds. ] What if it vanishes in the midst of this darkness?

No, I won't abandon a colleague! [ Another one, that is. He resumes aiming his gun at the noctaser, now bounding with preternatural speed to close the final yards. ] On your guard!

[ Sholmes is careful to stay within the perimeter, acting as tantalizing bait. Luckily, this fresh monster knows nothing about the blue smoke, and it plunges through without hesitation. Sholmes evades the lunge with an awkward, sideways dive. ] Give him the what-for, Lestrade!
Edited (html gdi) 2022-07-07 23:10 (UTC)
sermom: (23)

[personal profile] sermom 2022-07-08 12:06 am (UTC)(link)
Mooncakes on trees... that's a new one. I guess the bees are big fans.

[She takes another swing at them, trying to disperse their angry attacks, but the swarm is awfully persistent and keep coming back for more.]

Are there any other trees around that might have them? If we can find more to distract them with, we might be able to escape with what you've got.
judicialassistant: (single tear)

[personal profile] judicialassistant 2022-07-08 03:05 am (UTC)(link)
[ Toby whines, but that only makes Susato laugh, especially when Gina stops him. Tears start to form at her eyes. Even though she resolves to catch her breath, she still knows they shouldn't get too comfortable. ]

Yes.

[ A smile. Deep breaths. ]

Now, let us go inside and see what we can do.
servantofeternity: (☽『 Claws that strike thrice 』)

[personal profile] servantofeternity 2022-07-08 07:58 am (UTC)(link)
[ A flicker of surprise fell across her features as she noted how the injury had already stopped bleeding so quickly. He just continued to get more and more interesting the longer she spoke with him, clearly glad to some degree that she had decided to join him here during this little adventure. ]

My, aren't you just full of unexpected surprises today.

[ She chuckled softly, though soon her expression softened a touch. ]

A thanks isn't necessary, but... you are quite welcome. I really had no intentions of leaving you be after that change of yours, since there's no need for some innocent bystander to get caught up in that and wind up hurt.

[ It sounds surprisingly noble, but really. She had her own reasons, but it wasn't like what she'd said was a lie either. ]
tantailizing: Dissidia (Oh come on!)

[personal profile] tantailizing 2022-07-08 09:35 am (UTC)(link)
That's probably our moment then if you want the darkest dark.

[Which he does not like, but they have to work with it.]

I've had practice. It shouldn't get me this time.
removal: (01)

[personal profile] removal 2022-07-08 03:00 pm (UTC)(link)
[ He's had practice. For some reason, this surprises Phantom a little, but he doesn't show it. ]

Very well. Follow me - I shall seek out the nightmare.

[ He continues their journey in the dark forest, heading in the direction that seems the most dangerous. Given that Zidane can't see him, he's careful to leave an audible trail so that the youth can follow. ]
lestray: (angry)

[personal profile] lestray 2022-07-08 04:41 pm (UTC)(link)
[She's not thinking that far ahead. Or any far ahead, at all. She's just in the moment, thinking only of being able to protect everyone. But his words are a reality check, one that brings some fear to her. This power can't last forever. Her protection can't last forever. She feels unnerved and worried and anguished.]

I... I dunno wot I'd do...

[But she can't dwell on that for long, because it's time for action! She does worry at seeing the noctaster heading straight for Sholmes, but luckily he's able to dodge. And now it's Gina's turn.]

Course!! [She cries out as a scythe of nightmare energy materializes again, slashing right through the beast.] I ain't gonna let nuffin' else 'urt ya, Sholmes! I promise!!

[But their time is indeed limited. The moon's phase may shift at any moment...]
lestray: (pup)

[personal profile] lestray 2022-07-08 04:47 pm (UTC)(link)
[The whining gets a warm chuckle out of Gina, and she proceeds to ruffle his fur while she pulls back from the hug.]

...Right. Right, there's still work to be done.

[A sniffle. She wipes at her eyes, stands up and looks towards the temple's entrance, feeling so much more herself now. And perhaps most importantly, confident in herself.

She briefly turns back towards Susato, addressing her with a soft smile.]


...Oh, an'... Thanks, Sooze.

[She doesn't dwell on the moment, and she just steps forth to the temple!]
flamekthunder: all official art/sprites (ϟ 001)

[personal profile] flamekthunder 2022-07-08 07:05 pm (UTC)(link)
When? From Romeo and Juliet?
flamekthunder: (ϟ 014)

[personal profile] flamekthunder 2022-07-08 07:09 pm (UTC)(link)
...Mm.

[After giving the remains one last look, he glances at Sanji and gestures for him to keep moving.]

Been at this for a while, so I've dealt with a few. They're both similar and different from the noctaere seen back in Songerein, so I've taken note to better prepare for future encounters.
grappleking: (048)

[personal profile] grappleking 2022-07-08 08:36 pm (UTC)(link)
Y-yeah, I want you, too, but—

[There's no time to expand on that. At first, he doesn't realize exactly what it is that's making her react so suddenly; the feeling of ichor against his skin as she hides her face away is enough to send a shudder through him, her shrill demand sending his gaze searching before it moves upwards.

Of course. That makes sense. Would the moonlight force her back to normal...? He's fought Noctaere before, but it was never someone he knew— and it's definitely never been his girlfriend before now.]


Hey, it's just moonlight! It's not gonna hurt you!

[... well, he can't be certain of that, and all evidence points to the contrary, he guesses. He grimaces, grabbing her shoulder without any thought for her ichorous form, turning them both so that he's blocking the bulk of the moonlight— but not all. Meanwhile, their position remains... compromising.]

Hilda... listen to me. You're in there, aren't you? The real you?
grappleking: (024)

[personal profile] grappleking 2022-07-08 08:36 pm (UTC)(link)
[It's better this way, really. Balthus would be a terrible Scolding PArent.]

Everyone round up!

[Balthus moves to herd the wolf pups towards Gina, intent on keeping them grouped up so they don't lose track of any in the process of leading them back.]

Let's see, head count— I've got six, how about you?

[He lifts his muzzle, tipping his head towards Gina with a flick of his ear.]

Well, seven, counting your little buddy there!

[Can't forget Toby!]
grappleking: (045)

[personal profile] grappleking 2022-07-08 08:37 pm (UTC)(link)
[Wow, Eustace, is this not a joint effort? He can't do everything. Fortunately, sigh or otherwise, it looks like the stalks are no match for Eustace, and Balthus gives a nod of approval as he watches with his arms folded in front of him. Nicely done!]

I'm beginning to think it's probably best not to be too worried about the laws of physics around here. We've been through enough of these dreamscapes now, right? Logic is kind of flexible.

[Which is putting it mildly, honestly.]

Lots of material from one stalk, though— if we cut into the others, we'll have tons. Luckily there's two of us to carry it all back, yeah?
steadypulse: (I made my mistakes)

[personal profile] steadypulse 2022-07-08 08:58 pm (UTC)(link)
Worth a shot to see if you ask me.

[Anything that could help? Yeah, if they could do something similar, or even boost something just- Yes. He could shoulder a lot, the pain he could feel from over-taxing ad keeping a damn Noctaere under his skin at bay.

But if he could use himself to even help find out if it could work, to apply for others? Man could be all in.]
shithogs: [ commission, please dnt ] (85)

[personal profile] shithogs 2022-07-08 09:29 pm (UTC)(link)
[Well, that certainly puts a damper on things, doesn't it? Not that Kainé can't relate— she remembers when she had gone berserk all too clearly; it was like being locked inside of herself while something else took over her body, and it had been impossible to make herself heard. She'd been cut off from everyone on the outside, just like Sora seems to be.

He's cold beneath her touch, but he doesn't seem aggressive. She exhales, tipping her head to one side.]


Hey. Blink twice if you can understand me.

[Better to know now if he can or can't.]
sleightofhans: (wait you can't be more trash than me)

[personal profile] sleightofhans 2022-07-08 10:26 pm (UTC)(link)
...Why are you so adamant about doing this? Do you have a particular grudge against these wolves?

[Not that Hans really has a close connection to them. He doesn't care too much about their eventual fate, but he usually doesn't go out of his way to hurt others... unless it's beneficial for him. And really, it's been a long time since he's done something like that.

His ears flatten on top of his head, just overall displeased with how this conversation is turning.]


But no, I don't intend to fight you.
startraveler: (cats!)

[personal profile] startraveler 2022-07-08 10:43 pm (UTC)(link)
Sure! Follow me!

[Carefully, Aether starts heading back through the swamp. It's dark in here, but walking with glowing Chongyun holding a bunch of glowing flowers it feels like he's leading a lantern.]

You know, those flowers seem to fit you.
startraveler: (thinking)

[personal profile] startraveler 2022-07-08 10:49 pm (UTC)(link)
[Aether thinks about it for a moment.]

But we're in a dreamworld... so maybe it'll be fine.

[Maybe it would be possible to use dreamotion energy to make the flowers grow back? It's hard to tell.]