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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.

concierto: <user name=rosebursts> (pic#14600005)

[personal profile] concierto 2022-06-16 01:37 am (UTC)(link)
Hn!

[Venti just barely manages to pull back with that clawed hand swipes at him. So sharp and dangerous that would have ripped Venti clean open.

Something is wrong.]


Xiao. You have to look at me.

[He doesn't pull away. Standing his ground and wanting to reach for the yaksha. If this nightmare energy gets any worse then this could be fatal. If he can just get close enough...]
judicialassistant: (point 2)

[personal profile] judicialassistant 2022-06-16 01:39 am (UTC)(link)
...Ah! [ She leans a little closer to where Madhuri had been pointing. Despite how curious she had been (and still is), she is easily distracted by the task at hand. ] I see what you mean.

We can make floppy ears, like this. And the eyes can go here.

[ There's a pause as she starts to work, but she apparently can't let it go. ]

. . . But, who do I remind you of?
oathkeeper: <user name=vhazzrhossze site=tumblr.com> (☀ 17)

[personal profile] oathkeeper 2022-06-16 01:39 am (UTC)(link)
Well, they're still attached to my head!

[They are his ears!!

But now that they're getting on track Sora sniffs the air. Yes, like a rabbit might. He really can't escape these rabbit habits.]


And I dunno, I'm guessing they'll look like chunks of mirror or crystal or something?
whirlwindthrust: (pic#14520657)

[personal profile] whirlwindthrust 2022-06-16 01:44 am (UTC)(link)
Why... [ Though it's coming out less and less like Xiao's voice. ] Why are you...

[ He's pushing himself up to his feet, wings flipping uselessly at his sides. Trailing behind him like some sort of bloody cloak leaving feathers and fluid behind. ]

I told you -

[ Xiao doesn't even have spear in hand at the moment. But a blast of Anemo is meant to push or throw the other away. ]

To run.
darkcharge: (10)

[personal profile] darkcharge 2022-06-16 01:47 am (UTC)(link)
Yes, and? I don't really see the problem here, Sora. They're usually attached to your head.

[ He's used to this, at least. Vanitas isn't going to question Sora acting like a rabbit. It makes him chuckle. ]

What? Your new bunny senses can't detect them?
lonelysmiles: Ah memories... (So Many Orphans)

[personal profile] lonelysmiles 2022-06-16 01:54 am (UTC)(link)
Certainly, my good man! And if I may offer a bit of assistance navigating...

[Alastor summons his microphone stand and holds it up. Red light projects out from it, somewhat lighting the way forward.]

This might help make it a bit more difficult for unexpected guests to get the drop on us.
concierto: <user name=whirlwindthrust> (pic#14764317)

[personal profile] concierto 2022-06-16 01:57 am (UTC)(link)
[And in a snap of his hand Venti stops the blast of anemo from pushing him back. His hat goes flying off. His braids snap against his cheeks as he stares at Xiao with a flicker of annoyance in his eyes.]

Out of all the things I could do? You think I would run from you? That's silly.

[His hair begins to glow a deep teal colour as he lets the anemo flow around his body.]

I'll not abandon you.
oathkeeper: ??? (66)

[personal profile] oathkeeper 2022-06-16 02:04 am (UTC)(link)
[He sneezes slightly and rubs at his nose.]

It's been a while, that's all. It's not like having that dream a few months back. This feels a lot more real. Besides, why didn't you get some sort of bunny form this time?

[Sora looks up at the collection of white trees ahead of them.]

What do you think a moon fragment would smell like?
whirlwindthrust: (002)

[personal profile] whirlwindthrust 2022-06-16 02:08 am (UTC)(link)
[ Of course that wouldn't work. But Xiao isn't really thinking straight.

But before Venti can really get going, Xiao moves. The Yaksha sprints. Disappears and reappears directly in front of Venti.

Uses his strength to push and shove. down towards the ground. To pin him down. ]


You should!
darkcharge: (101)

[personal profile] darkcharge 2022-06-16 02:11 am (UTC)(link)
I don't know. Maybe because you're more attuned to it than I am?

[ Vanitas stares at the trees ahead of them. Folds his arms over his chest.

Bickering and flirting is something that they just do. But right now he is giving Sora some serious thought. ]


Power? Magic and power. Didn't you used to be able to sniff it at some point?
judicialassistant: (whisper-think)

I-A

[personal profile] judicialassistant 2022-06-16 02:34 am (UTC)(link)
Tobyyy! Gina!

[ It's not so bad at first. When they'd gotten separated, she was certain she could find them again before the new moon hit, but then she thought she saw a shadow, a flicker of something dog-like slipping into the forest. She'd convinced herself she wouldn't go far, that this was for a the sake of her friends, but pretty soon--if it's even possible--it gets even darker, and she knows the new moon is nigh.

To save any firepower she might have remaining, she pulls out her little jar of moonflies. It helps illuminate a path, but sadly doesn't bring her any comfort. Did she even see Toby at all? She had to have. She heard him bark, like he was chasing something.

Didn't she? ]
concierto: <user name=rosebursts> (pic#14600051)

1/2

[personal profile] concierto 2022-06-16 02:43 am (UTC)(link)
Ghn!

[Venti might be the anemo archon where controlling it against another anemo user is child's play to him but... he might not be able to match up against a long lived yaksha going berserk in pure physical strength. The tackle happens so fast Venti loses the breath in his lungs, his back slamming hard against the ground.

He looks up at the other.]


...?!
concierto: <user name=skytied> (pic#14840369)

2/2

[personal profile] concierto 2022-06-16 02:43 am (UTC)(link)
[He stares up at those wild yellow eyes. Blood splatters across Venti's cheeks. The broken and wet feathers scattering about them. He freezes in place and stares carefully. His heart starting to race in a way that it has never done before.]

Xiao.

[There is a flicker of anemo in his eyes.]

I will not run.
oathkeeper: <user name=reactioniconrequests site=tumblr.com> (2720351)

[personal profile] oathkeeper 2022-06-16 02:50 am (UTC)(link)
[He huffs!! Maybe next time Vanitas can be the bunny!! Somehow.

But he frowns with a small nod as he tries to sniff at the air again.]


Yeah, I could. Mostly magic and stuff so I thought maybe I could sniff out the moon fragments too. But I don't know, there's all sorts of smells here right now. I can't get my head straight.

[Moon's weird.]
whirlwindthrust: (pic#15717035)

[personal profile] whirlwindthrust 2022-06-16 02:55 am (UTC)(link)
Why? I- I... I can't...

[ Then a rather feral growl erupts from the back of his throat. Apparently it doesn't matter that Venti is powering up. Xiao is swinging down with clawed hands.

He's losing himself. And if this blow lands... ]
darkcharge: (158)

[personal profile] darkcharge 2022-06-16 03:01 am (UTC)(link)
[ Who knows. Maybe he will be... ]

Maybe just try to remember what it felt like? It has to be something like that, right?

[ Something similar. ]
concierto: <user name=rosebursts> (pic#14600057)

[personal profile] concierto 2022-06-16 03:13 am (UTC)(link)
[As soon as that claw comes down at him... If it hits him or not?

Venti reaches out to place both his hands on Xiao's face. He touches the mask, his cheeks. And he surges upwards and places a kiss on Xiao's forehead. When he does a powerful surge of anemo develops all around them like a storm. Venti's body glows brightly with power and anemo and the tattoos on his chest searing with light.

Soothing... Just hold onto him.]


Follow me, dear yaksha. Back to yourself.
judicialassistant: ([fa] [ryususa] hug 2)

[personal profile] judicialassistant 2022-06-16 03:25 am (UTC)(link)
[ She may have gotten that particular monster, but there are more where that came from. Susato looks alarmed too when Gina's eyes widen, and she also starts looking, but their search is luckily short-lived.

She can't help it. After scratching behind his ears for a few seconds--likely a group effort with Gina--Susato scoops him up for a hug. ]


Thank goodness. Your fur is so dark, I thought we'd lost you to the night. [ To Gina: ] One of us should carry him... at least until the full moon shines again.
oathkeeper: <user name=sheme> (12930288)

[personal profile] oathkeeper 2022-06-16 03:26 am (UTC)(link)
[Sora's ears twitch and he nods.]

Yeah, something like that.

[He closes his eyes and tries to focus on all the different smells around him. The ground, the rocks, the trees... earth...

Magic...]
whirlwindthrust: (pic#15717036)

[personal profile] whirlwindthrust 2022-06-16 03:27 am (UTC)(link)
[ It might. Rather, it does come down and jab into Venti's shoulder. However, it doesn't tear through the Archon. It all stops, Xiao's movements frozen as hands reach behind that mask. Touch his cheeks.

The kiss doesn't quite land on the Yaksha's flesh, but it doesn't have to. There's Anemo surrounding him and then something that is uniquely Venti.

The mask breaks. Shatters and falls from Xiao's face in shards. Eyes? Filled with tears and his lip quivers.

Why... Why is Venti like this? Why is he... ]
concierto: <user name=skytied> (pic#15205323)

[personal profile] concierto 2022-06-16 03:35 am (UTC)(link)
[Why is Venti like this- a question for the ages!

As the mask falls away in bits Venti's lips can then press properly to Xiao's skin. Gentle and tender and sweet. Despite how the pain rockets through Venti's shoulder where the jab is set. He ignores the pain and blood. It will heal later as most archon easily do.

Anemo will continue to swirl around them in soothing waves. Like they are the calm in the center of a storm.]


My dear, yaksha. My Xiao.
darkcharge: (127)

[personal profile] darkcharge 2022-06-16 03:40 am (UTC)(link)
You can do this, Sora.

[ The shards are scattered throughout the forest. They should have a differing scent from the trees.

Just feel it Sora. Vanitas stands close. Waiting. ]
burnttoashes: (Ashes)

[personal profile] burnttoashes 2022-06-16 03:45 am (UTC)(link)
[Nuadha gives Zhao a nod by way of thanks, pausing for a moment to peer down into the pool once he's safely out of the water. Well, that's definitely going to make things fun... the floor is lava indeed.]

Appreciated. That was some sort of reptile, most likely. With any luck it will no longer be hungry for at least a while.

[If he sounds the slightest bit peeved, it's only because that was not the impression he'd wanted to give in front of them. But c'est la vie; he's in one piece and that's what matters.]

Alastor. How long will you be able to keep that magic going?
whirlwindthrust: (5)

[personal profile] whirlwindthrust 2022-06-16 03:45 am (UTC)(link)
[ People keep saving him, don't they? Rex Lapis had ages ago. His family had throughout countless battles. Then Barbatos with his music. His song.

And Aether has, in a way. He's shown Xiao so many things o the point where a part of himself has started to show despite trying to beat it down.

Now here Barbatos is... Venti. Holding him. Cradling him. Lips to his brow. ]


Buh-

[ The feral look fades from his eyes. A pained expression overtakes it. The hand withdraws. His voice shifts. ]

Barbatos...
noblegarnet: (i: hee hee)

wildcard/new moonish

[personal profile] noblegarnet 2022-06-16 04:08 am (UTC)(link)
[It's only after one of Hilda's targets has managed to skitter away that Ferran lets his own presence be known; he tuts at her from a different tree, previously hidden through the use of illusions but now as visible as one can be under the new phase. His reflective white wings, at least, make him quite easy to spot.

His form isn't nearly as dark and sinister as hers at least at first glance, but then, being a Fae is a nightmare in its own right for him. There's undoubtedly a dark energy about him that she might be able to sense, despite his masking.]


Letting them see you immediately? The least you could do is put on a glamor.
Edited (that's not the word i wanted.) 2022-06-16 04:12 (UTC)