songerein | { Moon's Haunted }

Entry tags:

{ 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.

Threaded | Top-Level Comments Only

Locked to Mission #1 Teams

Elimei is somewhere in the swamps and there are only two clues to help lead the teams to her: her reflection in the water and white wisps that appear near those pools. Be mindful of the threats that lurk in the swamps, especially those red wisps. There is also a greater chance for the characters to transform into noctaere as the nightmare energy is stronger the deeper they go into the swamp. The honey and crystals will be invaluable to help keep them balanced unless they can control the nightmare energy to their favor. Finally, it can be assumed that the groups have a decent supply of the items to be used on the Bear and the Mutton Man. There is an option to purify the Bear instead, but the Mutton Man must be destroyed. After that, the pool Elimei is in must be purified with the Lunar Honey and Moon Crystals. It will be assumed that Elimei will be the last objective cleared, as once she is rescued everyone will hurry back home.

Threading wise, you can pick whichever part of the trek through the swamps you want, but must include the "boss" fights.

Locked to Mission #2 Teams

The moon mirror will "split" in half and transform into two identical smaller handheld mirrors with each team getting one. With the mirror and supplies gathered for them, each group will enter the bamboo forest from different entrances. From there they must go through the maze-like forest and pass certain trials. They can be any of the following:

Musical Tiles. Stone tiles are scattered on the path and light up in tune to a certain melody of notes. They must step on the patterns in the correct order to get through. Seems simple until the tunes change halfway, so one must hum the original tune to keep it from changing while their partner traverses through.
Find the Key. A simple objective to find the key that will unlock the door blocking their way, but they must follow clues that will lead them to its location. Example: A lion with a sore tooth (lion statue with broken tooth); where the wind whistles (a gap in the wall); etc.
Rabbit Run. There are numerous craft items found on a stone pedestal— popsicle sticks, googly eyes, paper, scissors, glue—and they must construct a rabbit. They must then make it move via dreamotion and guide it through a small miniature maze that will hit a button and unlock the way.

And any other trial players might think of that could best suit their characters. The moon mirror will also help in guiding them in case they get stuck, and eating a mooncake will also help give them clarity. While they won't face any enemies while in the maze, the corrupted Rabbit Kaguya will make an appearance. It will attack, so the teams need to be able to defend themselves. Telling Kaguya of various moon stories, particularly of any of the moon stories Madhuri collected, will help keep her still long enough to throw the "Holy Hand Grenade." One or two should be plenty, with the first encounter weakening Kaguya for the second encounter to finish purifying her. The two jade fragments dropped will combine into Songerein's moon fragment.

A. Over the Moon

[Gina was all for working on a missing-persons case, but what she got instead was essentially being dropped onto a dream battlefield. She does what she can to adapt to the circumstances and prepares herself to face off with the enemies.]

I dunno exactly wot's goin' on, but... we just gotta stop these Knock-Taster blokes, right?

[Or join her in action! During the full moon, she'll be taking a breather and searching the area for any of the hiding Noctasers, with the help of the nose of her trusted doggy friend

But during the new moon things are looking a lot worse. Find a panicking Gina being chased by Noctasers or hiding in a crater. Nightmare energy starts to seep from her in dark waves, as she feels almost every fear she's ever had eating at her. That the world's out to get her, that she can't trust anyone, that even the best mentor could hold a killer secret... and that she's trapped and unable to truly help anyone.]

B. Bark Side of the Moon

[At another point, Gina finds her way to the home of the lunar wolves. And she accepts their blessing, fully taking on the form of the wolf as she helps them with their tasks. Join her in fending off attacking noctasers, or in seeking out the fallen moon fragments.

Or find her as she races through the forest in search of the wolf clubs, with Toby the dog running alongside her!]

Come on, now... Where could those little pups've gone off to?

C. Wildcard

[Feel free to come up with an alternate prompt or hit me up for plotting!]

[New Moon - Peak]

[To a Keyblade Wielder, the Darkness is nothing to be feared. Or at least, that's the theory. While it opposes Light, it also exists in balance with it, and that balance is what is maintained.

Again, that is the theory. But in this dreamscape, on this moon, in this Darkness, Ira is unsettled.

He has never been to the Realm of Darkness but he imagines this must be what it is like. And he walks through the landscape with his keyblade out and his guard up. But his normally calm demeanor is not present and he seems nervous, and jumpy. Perhaps it is the landscape, perhaps it is the recent storms back in Reverin, but memories of the keyblade war keep sticking in his mind. The sounds of clashing blades, of magic, of the despaired and the dying. Of fending off blows from Aced and Gula, blows intending to hurt, to kill. Not the softened blows of a spar. And as much as Ira tries to banish them away, they keep coming back.

Nightmare energy can be used here. Nightmare energy feels too much like Darkness. And as the Noctasers attack, Ira finds himself struggling. And soon he is surrounded and the transformation hits. It is sudden and it is unexpected, but Ira is swept up in a cloud and as it dissipates he is replaced by a Nightmare.

Not really caring who its opponent is, the Electricorn charges.]

[Full Moon - Noctaser]

[The Full Moon is a slightly more welcoming time. Despite the bleached landscape and harsh light, Ira prefers it. Maybe he's a little more scared of the Dark than he prefers to admit. But the light is fading as the New Moon starts to wax and Ira is looking for a place to spend the next shift.

It might not be the most helpful action, but he's not exactly in the best frame of mind during the New Moon.

Unfortunately, that's when the Noctaser attacks. A large, hulking beast, almost bear-like in shape comes barreling at Ira, swiping at him with a massive paw.

Ira is able to get his guard up but is pushed back.

He might need some help.]

[Bamboo Blades]

[The bamboo forest is a more welcome space, and Ira feels almost calmer among the stalks. Maybe it is the feeling of not being so out in the open or the hollow clacks as the stalks rustle against each other. He can breathe a little easier.

These are the silver bamboo that was mentioned. Be ready to collect the metals.

[And he summons his keyblade with a flash, ready to slice the plant.]

[Wildcard]

[Ooc; Want something new? Want to plot?

urbaninja or PM and we can work something out.]

[ 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)

I. Moon Phases
[Emet-Selch does not believe in coincidences, yet he does believe in a little thing called irony. He's made no secret of his interest in the moon's disappearance, nor in restoring it to its rightful place in the night sky. Dreams of Zodiark have become an increasingly regular occurrence over the past month, and then there was him. He supposes, then, that being drawn to this place, to this unfamiliar moon was, in a word: inevitable.]

[Emet-Selch is left to gaze out across the foreign landscape with the faintest trace of misgiving, the harsh white glow lending pallor to his face and further bleaching all color from his hair as he towers head and shoulders (and perhaps far more) over most others in the crowd, difficult to miss in the moonlight thanks to his long black robes.]

[Dryly, he speaks into the silence with a wide shrug of his arms.]

Well, well. This is certainly convenient.

Although I should hope you needn't me to remind you: do be on your guard. After all, the last thing we need is to be dragged away on yet another rescue mission. That being said, I highly suspect we are in for a greeting, though whether our hosts will prove to be hospitable or no yet remains to be seen.

II. Lunar Wolves (B. Retrieve Moon Fragments)
[That shard!]

['Tis far too unsettlingly familiar for Emet-Selch to merely stand by and let these foul beasts scamper off with it. And so he pursues them on four paws and then on two feet, his "wolf blessing" (of course it would have to be canines...) having long since worn off. The landscape has fallen to darkness, yet Emet-Selch is far from helpless. He does not fear it - though perhaps he should take care. Although he feels the nightmare energy as whispers creeping within the shadowed surroundings, there is yet one darkness which he claims as his own.]

[It is not precisely the same as it has always been, and yet the essence is his, the dream and the vision. A deep purple light radiates outwards as his form wavers and dances, the night shadows shifting, growing until all at once two monstrous appendages fold out from the center of his back, nearly winglike in their expansiveness before they reveal themselves to be massive arms, each ending in clawed hands easily large enough to carry anyone nearby. One could be forgiven for mistaking this transformation as a result of their new and ever-changing environment, yet Emet-Selch seems in complete control of himself. Do forgive him, however, if he secretly revels in it, dream or no - for it has been years, decades even, since he was last able to shed his mortal flesh and manifest in a form more becoming of his ultimate potential.]

[His focus, however, is on the group of noctasers as he levels the glowing crystalline statue in his grasp as if it were a club, his voice a deep, impatient, and reverberating rumble.]

Out of my way!

IV. Item Collection: Elimei (C. Moon Crystals)
[After perhaps a few annoyances, several misunderstandings, and at least one close call - there may be times when one spies the self-styled sorceror of eld with a much less frightening, much more lovely someone cradled carefully in one palm or riding quite comfortably on his shoulder. The intention is two-fold: to make clear that Emet-Selch is not your enemy (not at the present time, at least) and to allow the slighter man a better vantage point with which to locate any moon crystals which may yet be nearby.]

[For such a frightening form, his voice is plaintive, complaining, not unlike a grumpy old man.]

Well, I for one suggest we break from this fool's errand to study them more closely. As we've seen, these crystals stand out in stark relief to their surroundings, yet we know little of their nature. If they are truly so effective at absorbing nightmare energy, we may be able to use them in a more refined manner.

IV. Item Collection: Kaguya (A. Holy Hand Grenade)
[Giant hands, it seems, are all the rage. Although this isn't quite the task he had imagined putting himself up to, Emet-Selch is able to make fairly quick work of the bamboo stalks. For the bamboo too difficult to manually yank from their roots or snap in twain, his claws prove quite effective at slicing through their trunks. One of his smaller, wraith-like hands holds fast to a globe which the wolves have provided to harvest the crystals stored inside, yet he is finding that this is a task which could easily have been split amongst a small group of people... It's difficult to capture the crystals when the trunks are prone to splintering (even though he is being oh so very gentle, relatively speaking). And yet again he must find the means to melt those he has managed to collect. A long sigh escapes (from somewhere, surely, for he possesses no visible mouth), and at last his four slitted eyes seek out the nearest person present. Yes, that's you. Do make yourself useful.]

Since you've nothing better to do, perhaps you might lend me your assistance. How skillful are you at channeling dreamotion?

Z. Wildcard
[ooc: Emet-Selch will be procuring both moon crystals and one of the holy hand grenades. You are welcome to stumble upon him throughout the completion of various tasks either as a man, a monster, or (briefly) as a black wolf with glowing yellow eyes. I'm also open to him becoming lost in his own nightmares whilst on the moon (those will include Endwalker spoilers!), so please let me know if that's something you'd be interested in pursuing.]

Edited 2022-06-12 18:06 (UTC)

⊗ ii: lunar wolves

[Eustace ends up not needing the wolf's blessing as he arrives into the dreamscape already in the form of a gray wolf with blue eyes, with his right eye covered by his eye patch. The only other potential tell of who he is is the strange chain around his neck with a pendant in the shape of his rifle, Flamek. Not really caring if anyone recognizes him or not, Eustace will first focus on helping the wolves so it's only when he starts speaking will someone realize the large wolf next to them is him.

a. Temple Defense Bonus Barriers. After taking a curious look at the moon fragments, Eustace will help patrol the area and take on noctasers that happen to appear. The downside of being in a wolf form is that he can't really summon Flamek. However, he still has access to his lightning, and when pressed he'll change out to his normal self to bring out Flamek and fire shots. When it comes to the flowers used as shield, Eustace uses his original form (not wolf) and takes a few that have been procured and glances over at whoever is nearby.]

Here, help this turn this into a shield and then plant it over there. This area still needs to be fortified.

[As he speaks, the flower in his hand begins to glow as he pours dreamotion energy into it.

b. Retrieve Moon Fragments. As a wolf, Eustace hunts through the forest in search of the moon fragments. Although a wolf, he does have a satchel around him containing a few jars to use. He'll turn back to normal after tracking down the fragments, but he finds being a wolf easier to catch that trail.]

Over here. I think I sense a few in this area...just be careful. [He notices the area around them darkening.] There's a large amount of nightmare energy and the new phase may be coming soon.

[There will indeed be a few fragments guarded by noctasers, but that won't deter him.

c. Saving Wolf Cubs. The moment Eustace learns of missing wolf cubs, he bolts into the forest, transforming into a wolf before he even reaches the bottom of the stairs to dash into the forest. He won't stop until every cub is found or can be assured that others will find them, so he'll be there for quite a long while. And when he does find a cub, he'll be very gentle in trying to coax it out of its hiding place.]

Hey there... It's okay. I'm here to help you get back to your parents.

[If he has to carry it in his mouth, he will. No pup left behind!!! But some are understandably frightened, so anyone who is around to help will be appreciated.]

⊗ iii: item collection - elimei

[When he can be pried away from helping the wolves, Eustace will assist in gathering the items for both groups.

a. Threats while gathering. After collecting a few jars of Moonflies, Eustace ventures further into the swamp, careful to not get too lost by leaving marks and avoiding any red lights he sees. When he finds a few flowers, he carefully plucks them and examines them for a bit—but of course gathering them won't be so easy. Gunshots and flashes of lightning will be illuminated in the darkness when it's the new moon phase as Eustace narrowly avoids getting caught by an alligator that had been hidden in a nearby pool. While he would rather not hurt any natural wildlife, given how agitated the moonflies are and the amount of nightmare energy he feels pricking his skin is enough to let him know the creature has been corrupted.]

...Can I save it with these things...?

[If both the Moonflies and lunar flowers could be used...but the bigger problem is getting it as it quickly ducks back in the water and it's then that Eustace realizes the mount of land he's on is a small one and surrounded by the water. In the middle of new moon phase and pitch black darkness. Great.

b. Moon crystals. It's a good thing he wears gloves so the chance of being cut is slim, but the longer he's been out here exposed to all the nightmare energy, the more his own pool has grown. He can feel the crystals trying to absorb it and it makes his head ache for a moment, but he pushes through. It's only a small amount, so he just has to be careful to avoid the greater risk of becoming crystalized.]

⊗ iv: item collection - kaguya

[a. Gathering the materials. Chopping down the bamboo seems easy enough, and fortunately he already has a strong knife for it. Add some dreamotion strength to it, and he can slice through the high stalks with only a little bit of effort—though finding the right one is a different matter.]

It's like finding a needle in the haystack...

[Sure they should stand out against the black or green shoots, but they seem to be rarer in number and the forest is thick.

b. Handling the grenades. Used to working with them, it only made sense that he would try to forge a few. Of course, these are not without their perils, and when someone accidentally knocks over the container where at least one or two finished ones were resting—]

Watch it!

[A sharp warning as Eustace quickly tries to stop one rolling via raising the earth slightly, hoping to catch it and hopefully before someone accidentally kicks it away.]

⊗ wildcard

[The moon phases can be incorporated in any of the prompts! And feel free to adjust a situation as you want. And although not specifically mentioned, he will also be helping forge the Bamboo Slicer so that's also an option. Nightmare prompts in next comment. Feel free to contact me via plotting comment, PM, Discord or

laenavesse!]

⊗ lost in nightmare

[It was a mistake, and one that he berates himself for. He thought he saw someone go into the bamboo forest and went to bring them back out before they got lost, but the moon phase had shifted from full to new and he had become disoriented. Fortunately he has a small jar of moonflies with him to help light the way, but he still has to proceed with caution. What did they say? Find the lanterns...

OPTION 1: VISIONS OF THE PAST.

Thinking he hears a voice, Eustace frowns and turns—only to stiffen when he sees the ghosts of his family.

"...Impossible... No, this can't be real."

In his head he's know this must be some kind of hallucination, the thing they told him about, but they seem so real. He takes an involuntary step forward, but they crumble away in smoke and flame, everything around him suddenly set ablaze.

"...—!"

He knows he needs to get away, to end this, but he's somehow stuck in place, the sounds and memories of what he witnessed that day bombarding him.

Anyone who finds him like this will need to douse the flames to get to him as the flames are now a product of his own dreamotion and nightmare energy.

OPTION 2: FAILED TO SAVE THE WORLD.

Thick fog has surrounded him, and instead of the bamboo forest he finds himself back on the grounds where his group faced Diaspora. Its armor stripped away, all that's left is for him to finish it off. However, something is off.

Around him are the bodies of his friends and teammates, broken, mangled, and riddled with slashes and holes. He can't believe it—he refuses to—because this isn't what happened. Even as that voice of reason echoes through his mind, he glares up at the visage of the giant automagod and raises his weapon.

"Flamek Thunder...!"

But as soon as he begins the incantation, he freezes and stares wide-eyed at the rifle. It's silent, not responding to him at all.

Charging: 94%

"...What...no!"

No matter how many times he shouted, at first angrily and then desperate, there was no response from his weapon.

Charging: 98%

"Dammit, Flamek, awaken!"

As energy gathers around Diaspora's mouth aimed directly at him, the flood of doubts and uncertainties from that time flood back to him. How he couldn't figure out how to open up and connect to his weapon, how the pressure of knowing he was the reason they had to find alternative methods to destroy Diaspora, how if he failed the entire Skydom would fall, how everyone he wanted to protect would die—

Charging: 100%

Eustace can be found hunched over on the ground, gasping as his nails dig into the soil, his weapon discarded a few feet away from him. It clicks and crackles with electricity, as if trying to get Eustace's attention, but he can't hear it. All he sees in his mind's eye is the devastation of his failure to open himself up, of failing to awakening Flamek when he was needed most. Nightmare energy oozes out and around him, the Moonflies in his jar buzzing around like mad as they crave what they can't reach.

Should anyone find him, he will have some lunar flowers, the Moonflies, and a few small crystals in the satchel he had been using. It could be on him or it could have fallen to the ground. So far it'll be mostly just nightmare energy gathering around him with no real big changes...yet. Just be careful as he might think those approaching him are enemies or some form of the people he's hallucinating about.]

[Tifa had been busy with one of the wolves, listening and learning about how they might be able to erect a barrier to protect the temple. It tells her of a flower that uses dreamotion energy that would be needed for it. It shouldn't be much of a problem, assuming they can time the start of their journey in search of them right. The constant shifting of the moon has left her feeling a bit disconcerted, the darkness being too dark for her liking, but if they can head out right as the change to full takes effect, they might have some time...]

I think we can help you.

[Her hand rests atop the wolf's head and she offers it her most reassuring smile. By 'we', she means her and Eustace—wishful dreamotion energy shouldn't be too hard between them, if they put their heads and hearts together.

It's just as his name crosses her mind that she hears it. His footsteps—she would recognize them anywhere, instantly—rushing towards her. No, bolting. But he doesn't stop when he reaches her, or when she turns just in time to catch his gaze and the wordless tell that something is wrong. Immediately, she knows. He's learned something and he expects her to follow.

With a quick apology to the wolf, Tifa takes off after him with a frustrated grumble of his name. He's out the door and down the front stairs by the time she's at the entrance, his wolf form already fully taken shape. With her own blessing in possession, Tifa knows she shouldn't wait—that her hesitation might cost her, but she hasn't done this yet...]

Please work...

[Tifa takes a leap, and before her feet find ground, they transform to paws as her wolf form takes effect so that she might stand a chance in catching up to Eustace. Being smaller and more agile, she does quick enough, appearing at his side as the forest closes in on them both.]

What's going on with you!?

[She hasn't even had the chance to get used to being a wolf yet!?]

Edited 2022-06-12 15:15 (UTC)

((OOC: Hope this is a good starter for ya'll!))

[Zhao is not really one for hero-minded work. At the same time, he's also not the type of man to just laze around when he could be useful. Especially with the opportunity to engage in potential combat. He doesn't want to let his skills get rusty while hanging around in dreamland.

So here he is, using his saber a bit like a machete to clear away any vines that get in their way. He looks over at the two other people assigned to this task.]

Dumb question, but you ever fight a bear before? I...unfortunately have and this is probably gonna suck about as much. Just FYI.

[Even for one such as Emet-Selch, the going is slow whilst their landscape falls to darkness. Far too easy to lose one's way, far too easy to wander upon danger unknowingly, far too easy to become distracted by the whispers and the tug of unpleasant memories waiting, hoping to drag him down into the depths. And then, there are instances such as these, when he hears only the thundering of hooves before an equine creature lunges out of the darkness and straight at him.]

[There is no time to dodge, only enough to shift his wing-like arms forward to form a wall of scaled flesh and claws before himself to absorb some of the impact. Even so, the force of it is punishing to say the least, and he grunts, staggering backwards.]

Oh for the love of...!

[A low, rumbling growl as four slitted eyes lock on the -- well, it's a unicorn is it not? This one seems unlike the other Noctasers he's faced thus far. There's something unusual about it, something about its essence which suggests light rather than darkness, as cloaked in nightmare energy as it may be.]

Think you I haven't enough enemies to face already? Do spare me the trouble and return to the shadows quietly! I've far more important things to do than to sate your desire for battle.

Edited 2022-06-12 18:26 (UTC)

[ The faint light of one of the moonflowers refracts off the plates of his decorated armor, the effect giving his silhouette a faint accent among the shadows. This is perhaps for the best, considering the rest of the terrain remains black as pitch during the new moon phase, and no one likes to be greeted unsuspectingly from darkness itself.

Also fastened to his armor is one of these flowers from the moon, something he had acquired earlier. ]

Hail, sorcerers. [ His horn-crowned helm lifts in greeting, his voice a deep, hollow sound within the empty shell of iron and steel. His head tips in both of their directions, first to the winged, hooded figure, then to the man he carries. ]

Do you suggest we mine these crystals?

[Hythlodaeus draws up and then looks around in surprise, as if searching for another member of their impromptu party. When he finally realizes the armored man means himself as well as Emet-Selch, he can't help but laugh.]

Well, well! It seems I'm a sorcerer now!

[Oh that is positively delightful.]

Indeed. We should be glad for the aid.

[ After seeing the effects of the new moon, Susato hates to just split up from a friend like Gina. In her mind, it would really be better if they could stay together and help each other through the forest; but with the moon mirror split in two as it has, perhaps there will be more of an advantage covering more ground while they try to get the moon fragment back.

She squeezes the base of their half of the mirror in her hand. She trails behind Madhuri out of habit, being used to the secondary assistant role. Even though they've barely met, Madhuri has already demonstrated admirable musical talent that has made the first trial involving musical tiles a breeze. ]

You carry a lovely tune with that voice of yours. Perhaps you can sing for us one day.

[ Us? Who's us? Perhaps Madhuri's heard of the Wild Harvest.

Either way, the forest path seems to take a turn without either of them realizing it. Ahead of them, she can see what looks like a stone pedestal. Perhaps it could be considered more of a table. There seem to be some items on it, but in the darkness, they'll have to get closer. ]

[Well, well. What have we here?]

[Emet-Selch, at the very least, has the decency not to laugh outright at the misassumption. He also takes a moment to study that which he can see of their new arrival. Emet-Selch knows a man in armor, has commanded whole armies of them during his time as Solus, yet there is something oddly absent in the echoing of this individual's voice as if there is no body filling the suit at all. He will, however, grant him the wise choice of selecting flowers to mark himself as an ally rather than this... chatty, newly-ordained "sorcerer" who would make no effort in hiding his delight.]

Perish the thought. A single showing was more than enough for me, and I've heard no one call for a reprisal of your earlier performance.

[He speaks of the flower festival, though he's well aware such details are lost on anyone but his smug companion, so he turns his full attention towards the man in armor instead and continues:]

Greetings to you as well. And yes, assuming the process does not prove too difficult, that it precisely what I am suggesting. The moon crystals may be enough to disrupt or restore the balance betwixt the two energies at work here. If such is the case, it will give us a clear advantage over our surroundings in addition to its use as a vital tool in rescuing the female kirin.

Indeed. [ The armored suit, for all of his lack of emotion, may appear interested in this task-- or at the very least, assisting in the endeavor-- by the way his stance remains open. ]

It seems this realm is one of need of balance. [ Of light, of darkness, of both dream and nightmare energy alike. Both, surprisingly, can be wielded by those summoned to this realm-- a curious phenomenon, given that he is far used to darkness as a plague, that one needn't be blessed by one or the other to practice.

The plates of his armor slide against each other as the entire suit shifts in his stance, pointing a shoulder at the two of them as he turns his attention to the horizon (rather, where the horizon would be if it weren't obscured by shadow). After a moment, his attention returns to the two of them, the tone of his voice a smooth steel. ]

Through yonder shadows is the edge of a crater; mayhap there are more deposits of these crysts there.

Depends on what sort of bear you're talking about! Plenty of demonic bears in Hell, and some of them aren't even Sinners!

[Alastor isn't a hero, but he'd grown fond of the two little winged kirin. Elimei was just a child, and Alastor's personal moral code wouldn't let him stand idly by even without that fondness for her.]

[He lets the man with the machete cut through the vines, saving his claws and fangs for the threats likely to be between them and their quarry. Instead, he uses his ears to listen carefully to the swamp around them. (He'd been doubly-glad he'd volunteered for this. He'd grown up in the bayous surrounding New Orleans. He knew how to navigate the swamps.)]

[Emet-Selch's admonishments only earn another amused chuckle from Hythlodaeus. He'll neither deny nor affirm the desire for an encore.

Instead he follows the armored man's gaze to the horizon, squinting through the dark.]

There do appear to be a few points of concentrated dreamotion in that direction. Though it may... Hm...

[He frowns, brow furrowing.]

I can't say whether it's more dangerous in that direction or not. I'm still getting used to the sight of nightmare energy, I'm afraid.

[Sound-based games are her cup of tea for sure! It was tricky to change things up in the middle like that, but a Qalli who couldn't sing and recall was a fish without fins.

She smiled back to Susato, glad at least not to be in a canine form any longer. Running on fours and howling was fun, but she was rather happy with her own body.]

I could never turn down a singing opportunity! Burns in the blood.

[Really, give her the excuse. But... hold on, was the path supposed to turn this way? Maybe she should have paid better attention, damn it all-

But what's all this, then? Madhuri tread closer. There seemed to be some stuff on this table.]

I... Hmm. Was there perhaps a child here, lost in the woods? They never got started on what they wished to make, at any rate.

[As he expected, Tifa has soon caught up to him and he glances at her. However, he doesn't slow his pace as they near the forest line.]

Lost cubs.

[a. rabbits live on the moon ]

[Apparently some people are gaining the ability to transform into a wolf by these respective wolf blessings. But Sora must have missed the memo because when he arrives Sora seems to be sporting a very real pair of long fluffy rabbit ears on the top of his head. That is exactly the opposite of being able to transform into a wolf. Sora has heard of certain dreamscapes changing your shape much like other worlds do but this is a little ridiculous.]

At least I'm not new to this sort of thing.

[Sora reaches up and tugs on his long rabbit ear. It's very real so if he's touched he might just chitter or become skittish like a rabbit too. Especially since those lunar wolves are staring at him now...]

Hey, we're supposed to be helping the lunar wolves! They better not be thinking about eating me!

[Sora will be ready to help defend the temple against aggressive noctasers or helping retrive moon fragmeents in the surrounding forests. As a bonus, Sora can also be found playing with a gaggle of wolf cubs that don't seem keen on eating him and rather are much happier with playing chasing games with him.]

[b. moon phases: new moon]

[When the new moon comes into full effect Sora will feel the tremors of nightmare energy inside of his own body. It becomes so dark to see that his eyes will flicker with yellow. He can feel the darkness coiling around him and while he's usually able to deal with etching darkness these days something about this sort of darkness is different.

While exploring or collecting fragments Sora might suddenly stop in his place. His hands go over his face as he feels the weight of the new moon. Dark black tendrils will start to coil around his body in waves. Slowly consuming him and changing his form into something like a shadow...

Rage.]

What's ... happening to me? It... It's so dark.

[Since Sora is used to his rage form and has a fair amount of control over the form as well it's hard to say if Sora will retain his sense of self and merely be Sora covered in shadow or fall to his rage and go ballistic! Interact with care!]

[c. wildcard]

[got something else? feel free to post it here! or find me at

michrure or my plotting comment for some plotting!]

[It's a bit strange how running like this feels as natural as running with two legs. She had expected it to take some getting used to—maybe she might trip over her own feet, or paws, but it's as if everything is as it should be. And knowing him, Tifa's the one who picks up the pace a little, leaping ahead several feet and leading him into the shadow of the trees. It's dark—too dark for her liking, if she's honest, and she wonders if running in like this is such a good idea.]

Eustace.

[Her voice is firm as she spins around to put her at his side again.]

Hang on...

[She knows it's a tall ask for him, but with all of the noctasers running about, the poor pups are probably so terrified that the smallest sound will spook them out of their hiding places.]

[The Electricorn's only response is to snort and paw the ground, readying another charge. He's not really thinking, only reacting out of fear. A fear channeling itself into anger.

But there's a moment of hesitation, like the Nightmare is trying to listen to the words being spoken, before instinct takes over and he charges again.]

[He narrows his eyes before he obliges.]

What?

[ She would make the invitation more official later once they've taken care of the task at hand. For now, Susato tilts her head at the items, holding up their moon mirror like a flashlight to see if it would reveal anything.

She reaches out to touch some of the items. Little sticks, paper... ]

I suppose I have met some rather young dreamers. [ She doesn't want to think a child being stuck in such an environment, though. Hopefully they'd sleep through this one. ] Are these... eyes?

[ She picks up a pair of googly eyes, squinting as she shakes them. The pupils rattle quite unnervingly. ]

Threaded | Top-Level Comments Only

Page 1 of 58

{ Moon's Haunted }

MISSION #1: SAVING ELIMEI

MISSION #2: RETRIEVE MOON FRAGMENT

no subject

Ira | Kingdom Hearts | OTA

a. over the (new) moon

Emet-Selch | Final Fantasy XIV | OTA (ShB Spoilers. EW Spoilers in icons only unless noted.)

Eustace | Granblue Fantasy | OTA

CW: DEATH/BLOOD/TRAUMA/ETC

🐺 awoooo

TEAM BEAR!

New Moon

Item Collection: Elimei (C. Moon Crystals)

no subject

Susato & Madhuri

no subject

no subject

Yeet!

no subject

no subject

no subject

Sora | Kingdom Hearts

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject