songerein | { Moon's Haunted }

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{ 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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ With only her inner fire for light, Susato is running hot on the heels of Gina and Toby. The darkness is overwhelming during the new moon. There is an oppressive weight that hangs in the air. It almost feels like that fire is being choked out, but she glances back, panting, doing her best to keep the distance between herself and the noctasers. She spots one catching up to Gina shortly after. ]

Look out!

[ There's a throwing motion from Susato. She tosses the fire she'd been carefully nursing in her hand, hoping for the best, but it seems to fall just short of the creature. She can see the fire fizzle out where its feet would be, and there is a brief moment of panic. She's already forming another wisp, but then the creature is coming at her fast, and suddenly, it has back up.

Unprepared, she's forced into a scuffle with the creature previously chasing Gina. She only has a few seconds to process that it had lunged at her with the power of all four of its limbs, like a jungle cat.

And now she can barely see. ]

Edited 2022-06-12 02:43 (UTC)

[They had been warned about the phases of the moon. How they shift and the dangers posed by the new moon. But hearing it was nothing, nothing compared to actually experiencing it. It's much worse than she could have imagined.

The world had suddenly become darker and more oppressive than ever. Fear was her most constant emotion, combined with a dread. The monsters they were facing now seemed unbeatable - and they were on the hunt for her. And not just her, but Toby and Susato too...

She ran along the surface of the moon as fast as her legs could carry her, her heart pounding in tune to the stomping feet of the pursuing Noctasers. Even while ahead of them, she felt like she was already caught. Like she could feel all of her fears, all of insecurities and nightmares grasping at her and ready to tear her asunder.

Gina's snapped out of this reverie by hearing a familiar voice call out. Slowing down, she looks back quickly to see Susato taking on one of the Noctasers with her fire. She almost feels a spark of hope among the overwhelming fear. Gina held up Susato's flame as the most powerful weapon they had between them. But then, it didn't even hit. And the creature was upon her instantly. Gina immediately cries out.]

Sooze!!

[Against all reason, Gina rushes forward in a teary-eyed dash and leaps up onto the Noctaser's back. She tries clawing at the beast, and she tries wrapping her arms around what seems to be its neck. Doing whatever she can to get this creature off Susato while dark energy pools around her.]

You get off of 'er right now!! I mean it!

[ Beneath the creature's weight, sparks can be seen as Susato pushes back against the attack. Flames flicker from her hands, the dark energy from the creature threatening to snuff it out, but with Gina's help, the creature roars in annoyance, and Susato is able to gain the upper hand.

She able to blast it with fire, which unfortunately sends Gina flying back as well, still attached. Susato has to watch as the creature is sent tumbling off to the side. She can't tell if that was the end of it or not, but she knows more are coming. She swallows her fear and dashes forward to grab Gina, though she's not quite fast enough. She has to kneel down. ]

Gina!! Gina, I'm so sorry. I was just trying to get it off me, and you... [ Susato starts speaking very, very fast. The temptation to slip back into her mother tongue as she rambles is strong, but there's no time. ] Thank you. W, We have to keep moving. Where's Toby?

[In the aftermath of the attack, Gina tumbles onto the floor and breathes heavily, still feeling the intensity of that moment.]

I- I'm okay. It's fine. You- ya got that monster, an' that's wot matters. [At least she didn't seem to be hurt aside from being knocked over. She still looks a bit shaken though. She accepts Susato's help in getting to her feet - while being alarmed at her question.]

Toby - Toby?! [She looks around, desperate and wide-eyed for any sign of the pup!

But her call is quickly answered by a bork as Toby trots over to them quickly.]

[ 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.

[Gina's gotten used to making out Toby's form in the night, but it still took some squinting with this level of darkness!

She wishes she could bask in the joy of finding Toby safe and sound. But she only feels fear and dread continuing to work within her, especially as she hears the approaching noctasers. She really wishes they could have left Toby at home, but this wasn't an option this time around.]

I'll take 'im. [She says that quickly as she reaches to collect Toby from her arms. She has to make it her full responsibility, no matter what happens, it's all on.]

We gotta find someplace safe for 'im, Sooze. [She looks around warily, as more darkness pools out around here.] Oi, they - they're everywhere.

[ Susato doesn't fight Gina on this. As far as she's concerned, Toby is hers now. She lets him go into Gina's arms, but her hand does ruffle the fur on his head. Meanwhile, the pools of darkness don't seem to let up any, some of them bubbling like stew. ]

There's simply no way to take him home right now. But maybe... maybe he'll be safe there, while we sort this out.

[ It's impossible to miss the wolves' glowing temple. The wolves are their allies, aren't they? ]

We'll have to pass the swamp to get there.

[Once Toby's in her arms, Gina hugs him close, as if holding him to the mortal coil. Toby just sniffles and snuggles up against her, confused as he may be. Gina's fears continue to pulsate through the darkness... at any moment, she could lose either or both of them.

She would probably be lost and rooted to the sot if it weren't for Susato being here and providing direction. She turns towards the glowing temple and feels just a glimmer of hope. Maybe... maybe that could be the closest thing to a safe space in all of this lunacy.]

Y-yeah... good thinkin', Sooze. It sounds like a safe space alright! We'll just... 'ave to 'ead over there. Swamp or no swamp! We... we do gotta keep movin'.

[Shakily, Gina starts moving forward again!]

[ Despite any appearances of a brave face, Susato is inwardly shaken. She never thought she would be the type to be afraid of the dark, but much like Gina, she feels alone. The air feels stale, difficult to breathe, like she is in that wardrobe all over again--

Yet that hadn't even been her.

If she is helping Gina, however, and getting the task done, then that is all that matters. She nods, and using the temple as a guiding light, she slowly leads the way, watching her step at every turn. ]

[ As they near the swamp, she can hear a faint hissing of snakes. They are not the friendly kind like the ones from the greenhouse or the Harvest garden, either, and she doesn't like what they are saying.

And speaking of the greenhouse, she can see flowers with a blue, familiar glow growing in the lurch. She perks up as they get close, and even Toby seems to be interested, squirming slightly in Gina's grasp and sniffing in its direction.

But they're not Dawns. They give a familiar feeling of comfort, however, and Susato will stop to get a closer look. ]

[They trudge onwards through the darkness. An overwhelming, crushing darkness. It feels darker than the compartment of an omnibus, and it helps her to feel just as powerless. But at least she has the shining temple in the distance... and Susato and Toby here with her. She has to look at them (and squeeze Toby) occasionally to remind herself that they're still here and they're still safe. She's not all alone, she's not all alone, or is she?

The hissing of the snakes make her tense up, as if preparing for a fight. But the attention is quickly drawn to the flowers growing in the lurch. She looks on with interest.]

Oi! Ain't those flowers the Glowy Dawns? ...Th-they could be real 'elpful for those bogeyman.

[Gina steps closer and holds Toby a little closer so he can sniff some more and wiggle. Still, she feels a little bit of fear and unease. It seems almost too convenient to be true!]

[ Ignoring the snakes is probably not smart, or at least would be something she would come to regret, but she still doesn't see them. She approaches all slow and cautious like, reaching a hand out to feel the blue petals. ]

. . . No, I don't think so. These must be the lunar flowers, but they look similar. They should still be helpful.

I think I have a jar in here somewhere...

[ What would normally be just a small pouch she carries for spare change, in this dreamscape becomes something more purse-sized. She tugs it open and starts to rummage. ]

[She nods along shakily.]

...Yeah. If they're anytin' like them other flowers, we could really use them!

[Gina will watch as Susato collects them. But she'll still feel uneasy with the sound of hissing, and she glances around uncertainly.]

Just be quick about it now. I- I don't think we're alone, Sooze.

[ Despite having very good reason for the gentle nudge, Susato stops to regard Gina for a moment. She can still see the black energy coming off her. Perhaps helping Susato and being given a task would help, but she really can't ask that of her, given that her hands are already full with Toby.

Susato simply nods. With the jar in hand, she plucks some of the flowers, placing them in the jar like a vase. She thinks about how she was able to use the Dawn flowers in tea and other things like the cookies she made.

. . . Impulsively, once she already has a decent collection in the jar, she plucks off one of the petals and sticks it in her mouth. ]

[Gina does remain on edge as she watches Susato collect the flowers, gripping Toby protectively. The dark energy does continue yo seep out arounf her. As Susato sticks a petal in her mouth, Gina looks both baffled and concerned.]

Wot- wot're ya doin'?? [After a beat, she adds-] 'Ow does it taste anyhow?

...Sweet.

[ There's a very subtle chewing sound that is just a bit unlady-like as a cool liquid oozes from the petal. Suddenly she feels like things might be OK after all, and it's like the weight of the sky has been lifted from her shoulders.

She plucks another petal to offer it to Gina. Toby is immediately curious about it, but she is determined to give it to Gina first between the two of them. ]

Whenever I use the Dawn petals for things like tea, they appear to keep their nightmare-repelling properties. I thought these flowers might be similar... though the chief inspector will have to wait his turn.

'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?

[ Susato just isn't sure if it's safe for Toby, but seeing Gina smile, she can't help but cave, relieved. She plucks another petal and offers it to Toby to sniff and eat, watching closely between both of them. ]

Um, perhaps not every flower.

[ ......Hmmm. ]

We could crush them for more of the honey, and even take some home with us.

[ She looks around, and impulsively she reaches for a stick on the ground that's partially obscured by some bushes. She intends to use it as a makeshift pestle.

Too bad there is a snake slithering at the other end of it. ]

I like the way ya think, Sooze!

[Susato's idea easily earns another grin from Gina. Another sweet snack to partake in? She can't say no to that!

But if there's one thing she can't say no to, it's what she spots on the other end of the stick as Susato pulls it out.]

Look out!! [She panics the moment she notices the snack - instinctively reaching out, her hand shoots a blast of nightmare energy at it!]

[ Susato jumps, letting out a surprised sound as she lets go of the stick. In the next moment, both it and the snake are obliterated by Gina's attack, evaporating into smoky darkness. Her heart is racing now. ]

Gina! That was... [ She wants to say she is impressed! That was amazing. But what was that?

Before she can figure it out, the sound of hissing only grows louder, and more snakes appear from the bush to avenge their fallen friend. Time to grab what they can and go! ]

[Gina stands there bewildered at her own action, looking at her hand. There's still dark energy swirling out from it. She fixes her eyes on Susato for the moment.]

Wot? Wot was it? I... I dunno wot I did!

[But they have other matters to worry about, as more snakes appear. Gina turns and panics, unleashing more blasts of dark energy erratically to repel them.]

Oi, we gotta get movin'!! There's a 'ole lot of 'em!

[ Jar or no jar, Susato scrambles for any flowers that she can carry. It's not until one sinks its teeth into her hand that she stops, backing away to create some distance between her and the other snakes. (Are they protecting the flowers...?)

The snake that bites her is small, allowing her to literally shake it off, but she can see blood forming at its puncture marks. Pain starts to register, and she decides she doesn't have time for that. She turns, making sure Gina and Toby are in tow before she breaks into a run.

She can't resist looking back. They outrun snakes of all different sizes, their eyes aglow, and she's pretty sure she saw alligators.

Either way, they head towards the light of the temple without any more stops. She is panting as she doubles over on its steps. ]

...Ni...Nightmare...

[It's an intense chase! Gina ran with Toby under one arm, while unleashing nightmare blasts at snakes from the opposing hand.

In that wild run, she can't even keep track of everything that happened. But somehow they made it. She is a bit winded, even as she's used to running long distances and being chased around. But her attention is focused on Susato, some more shadow seeping out with her worries.]

Sooze! Are... are you alright?! [Toby is now set down and scampers right up to a step near Susato, to sniff and lick at her.]

[ Oh. Almost on reflex, Susato tries to hold Toby back, still breathing heavily. It's been a while, but she still remembers the little bugger completely taking Naruhodo-san out. She can feel the concern behind Toby's licks though, and with the light of the temple, she can see it from Gina, too.

The fact that more shadow whisps start seeming out of her only confirms it. As she was saying before she was so rudely interrupted: ]

It's... nightmare energy. [ Since Gina wanted to know what it was. ]

[It's okay, thes licks aren't as lethal.. and Susato's probably made of sterner stuff.

As Susato says that, Gina practically snaps to awareness. She looks down at her hands and sees some shadow flowing out from it. It's diminished a lot now that they're near the temple, but still trailing out.]

Nightmare energy... Is - is that wot this is? Wow... wot's 'appenin' to me... [She utters with distress, now worried for herself as well as her friends.]

{ Moon's Haunted }

a. over the (new) moon

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