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

Sora?

[Several steps ahead of him, Kainé pauses and looks back over her shoulder, feeling something twist in the atmosphere around them. They had run into one another while collecting fragments, and given that Sora had proven himself to be a reliable ally in the past, Kainé was more than glad to work alongside him— the job would go faster with two pairs of hands, but now, in her gut, she wonders if there was something else that had encouraged her to stick by him, something instinctual.

The nightmare energy in this particular dreamscape hasn't touched her, not yet, though the black scrawl that's always visible moving across her skin in dreamscapes servers as a reminder that she would be easy prey for it if she let her guard down for even a moment.

Apparently, it had seen fit to seize Sora first.

She frowns as she turns to face him in full, taking only a single step forward and raising a cautious hand towards him.]

Kid...? You okay?

I don't know, everything feels so cold all of a sudden.

[Sora looks down at his hands which are already slightly clawed thanks to this rabbit form he's taken in this particular dreamscape. But it feels strange and looks strange to see the shroud of dark nightmare energy slowly seeping over his fingertips. It makes his head feel dizzy too. And his eyes flicker a soft golden colour when he looks up at her.

He's thankful that she's here. Kainé has been a good friend to work with in the past and he's happy to know her. Jumping at the chance to tag team with her again and maybe get a chance to chat. But it seems this place has other ideas for them almost right away.]

Everything's getting dark...?!

Shit.

[There's nothing about any of this that's good. Every part of his transformation reminds her too much of Shades, of what she herself has become when control has been lost, and she feels her stomach drop even as she closes the distance between them and seizes his wrist, not letting the dark energy beginning to wrap itself around him give her pause.

She's touched worse. What more could this do to her? What she's concerned about now is Sora.]

Hey, stay with me! Focus! Don't let it pull you under!

[But they're just words, and some part of her knows it's too late already.]

Hng-!

[Her grabbing onto him will jolt Sora out of the temporary stupor that he was almost falling into. He shifts and he looks at her and tries to focus on her face but everything is starting to get dark and blurry.]

I'm scared.

[Which might be a little strange to hear from Sora since he's always so happy-go-lucky and so confident in every step he takes. But he can't help muttering out as the darkness spreads over his skin and covers him in shadows.]

What if I never wake up again?

You will.

[Uncharacteristic as this is for Sora, Kainé recognizes the signs well enough— fear, panic, the absolute terror of losing oneself, even for a short period of time. Her voice is firm, even though she can't really offer him any promises. She's just stubborn enough to bully her way through this situation regardless.]

I'll call you back.

[It had helped her. Saved her, when someone else had done it.]

You're not alone, but you have to fight this thing!

[He wants to believe her! He wants to fight and he wants to hold on. But he's also so... scared.]

It feels like I'm falling. I'm not alone...?

[But the black shadows start to consume his body. They are soon covering almost his entire body aside from his face and then slowly over his mouth... All that's left is the bright yellow eyes staring at Kainé.

Don't leave him alone...!]

[Her gaze hardens as he disappears within the shadows, her grip on his shoulders growing tight. It's not quite like looking into a mirror, but near enough— like when she had encountered 76 in his noctaere form, her stomach knots in on itself as she feels a certain kinship with the version of her friend in front of her.

It's not him, not quite, but he's buried inside, just like 76 had been, and just like she was anytime she lost herself.

If she has to fight him, then she will. She'll beat him back until the monster is exhausted and loses its hold, if that's what it takes, but for now, she looks him right in those bright yellow eyes, and speaks to who she knows is still beneath the surface.]

Sora?

[She readies herself, prepared to depend on her reflexes. She has a feeling that whatever comes next won't be pretty.]

[It's so cold. That's his first thought when he finds his body covered in shadows. It's cold and he still feels like he's falling or drowning. He shivers on the spot.

Yet, when she says his name Sora seems to blink and then...

... He looks at his hands and his shoulders droop in exasperation. As if his whole body is saying, "Seriously? This again???"

Oh yeah and Sora can't speak while he's in this form. Oh no.]

[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.]

[Sora has been trapped inside this form a few times but it seems that instead of going berserk he seems just a little annoyed that it's happening. Does Sora actually have a pretty decent grip of being in this form? All darkness and scary? And what does that say about him??

He looks down and then back up at her and then blinks twice. Easily.

This is just not convenient at all for Sora. How is he going to get out of this form this time? He hopes he's not freaking her out but he probably didn't do a very good job of that with how much he was panicking in the first place...

To try and make up for that Sora's dark clawed hand comes up to pat her on the arm. Pat-pat. Sorry...???]

[Right. Good. He can understand her. That's something.

For what it's worth, Kainé herself doesn't seem panicked— in fact, she's much more concerned with figuring out whether or not Sora is okay, trapped in there like he is, but when he comes to pat her arm, she goes still, searching his face.]

... you're fully lucid in there, aren't you.

[Good. That's good. She exhales.]

I was thinkin' you were about to go berserk on me.

[Sora's shoulders seem to shake for a second as if he's giving a small sheepish laugh that can't be heard. He nods and shrugs and tilts his head to the side animatedly to try and prove that he totally is fully lucid in this form.

Once a upon a time he wasn't but she won't have to see that. Hopefully. So long as he stays mostly calm...]

...!

[He tries to motion with his hands but he's not sure how he can communicate with her without verbal words... But it looks like he has something to say?]

[She narrows her eyes a moment, trying to parse his hand motions, and settles for releasing his shoulders and taking half a step back to give him some space. She’s used to non-verbal communication, thanks to her time spent with Fyra. She should be able to interpret what he has to say well enough, given a few tries.

Folding her arms in front of her, she fixes her gaze on him attentively, giving an encouraging nod.]

Go on, kid. I’m listening. Well— watching.

[You know what she means.]

[Thank goodness that she picks up on what he means. So for a second Sora tries his best to explain through interpretive charades that he's stuck like this because of the rage inside of his heart--

... That's not going to translate very well besides Sora jumping down like an angry monkey. So he stands and frowns. Then he motions at her with his hands like he's opening a book with his hands.

Does she have her journal...? Or something to write on?]

[It definitely doesn't translate, despite his efforts, though she frowns and furrows her brow as she makes some attempt to parse it, for what little good it does.

Well. An effort was made, but it seems like they've both quickly decided this isn't the way. Just as the thought of using her journal occurs to her, he opens his hands like a book, and she quickly nods as she reaches for it.]

Yeah, I've got mine, hold on—

[She pulls it out of her bag, along with her quill, and holds it out to him.]

This, right?

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{ Moon's Haunted }

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