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{ nightmare city }

NIGHTMARE CITY
On a fine, dreary day while Reverein is still experiencing the chaotic aftermath of worlds bleeding into Songerein, a familiar top hat, long tailed coat wearing figure will appear in the center plaza. Dubbed "The Ringmaster," he calls out to everyone a friendly greeting, and while a bit wary, those who remember him and his crew who hosted the first Halloween carnival and subsequent iterations gather around to listen to what he has to say.
With a heartfelt plea, he asks assistance from the Dreamwalkers to help aid his brethren, "Nightmarians" who are suffering from nightmares of their own. Residing in a city dominated by nostilium, they are creatures and figures who thrive off it and are able to live without issue, but the recent influx has affected even them. In return for receiving aid, they will help absorb the excess nostilium and seal remaining world fragments.
Meanwhile, the tapirs have another mission for those who would prefer staying behind in the city, and that is to start repairing the tethers.
More details on everything can be found here. Because we are in endgame, all events are open to anyone outside the game! Feel free to tag in or start new threads as we march on towards the end!
I. REVEREIN
Those who decide to stay behind will find the tapirs appearing in and out around the town. There are still a few corrupted tapirs that need healing as well as some that need help recovering, however the more important task is finding the tethers and repairing them. Doing so will help stabilize the connections between Songerein and every other world and stop the world fragments from bleeding further in.
A. Moon Crystals. It was a bit of an accident, really. Those in the Observatory were doing their own research to try and determine the connection between Songerein and other worlds, and one topic of interest was the dream world's moons, a medium the Story Eater employed to traverse between worlds. While debating if the twin moons still maintained those connections, somehow the giant floating crystal activated and fired a giant beam of dreamotion right into the moons, which also just so happened to have aligned right on top of each other and right above Reverein. While no physical damage was detected, as in there are no visible giant holes, light falls from the moons and are revealed to be "moon crystals," crystal shards made from the moon and infused with pure dreamotion.

โจ Crystal Collection. While most of the shards are small, those viewing through the telescope notice there are quite large ones that could cause some damage. Quick, collect the ones that have fallen and try and break up the larger pieces before they put a hole through someone's roof!
๐ New purifiers. The amount of dreamotion in these crystals is significant and could help with the remaining world fragments and nostilium that continues to bleed into the world. While they could just be scattered around like seeds, the Orkilins will be quick to fashion a device that could help amplify and focus the dreamotion into the area. Now they just need those areas to be cleared out of noctaere so they can be set into the ground and activated.
๐ Tapir Medicine. When crushed, these crystals can be used as potent medicine for tapirs who are still corrupted or recovering, either as a pill or even dissolved into a drink. However, the trick is administering said medicine and will require someone to hold down the medicine adverse dream eater. Perhaps offering it with a snack conjured by some nostilium will help.
B. Tethers. By now everyone knows about the tethers that connect the worlds to Songerein, however, no one really knew what they were. They seemed to be this intangible pathway that could not be seen or touched. However, the tapirs have discovered that due to the current circumstances, the tethers are taking physical form in this world. They're still not sure what's happening, so time to investigate!

๐ฎ World Object Fragments. Within world fragments, strange broken pieces of some kind of object can be found scattered around. They have a distinctive sparkle and shine to them, drawing anyone to them. Collect the pieces, and if successfully able to put it all together, it will take the form of a symbolic object of that world. Perhaps those from that world fragment will be able to recognize it and explain what it is.
๐ Dream storytelling. With these new objects, the tapirs will inform everyone that those from those world fragments should try and create a simple dreamscape based somewhere in their world, perhaps an important or popular place, and tell stories about their world in general. Although they can share personal stories, ones about the world in general will work better. Others not from the world can ask questions to try and learn about the world. These dreamscapes and stories will help strengthen the object.
๐ Moon Crystals. If there isn't anyone nearby for a particular world fragment, using the moon crystals will work just as well. Crush it into dust and let the object absorb it while walking around the area while imagining what kind of world the place is trying to represent.
C. Nightmarians. As promised, residents from Nightmare City, the Nightmarians, will enter Reverein to assist in absorbing excess nostilium and serve as conduits to seal off world fragments. However, their initial appearance may startle and confuse the natives as they are creatures that tend to have more "nightmarish" appearance. Try not to attack them! In addition, they will need someone to help them when the nostilium becomes too much by channeling dreamotion into them when needed.
D. Mysterious sightings. Reverein has been abuzz with eerie occurrences over the past two nights following the tail end of the eruption of nostilium and the appearance of world fragments. Witnesses have reported sightings of a strange, humanoid creature wandering the streets under the cover of darkness. Descriptions are vague but some claim to have found fiery red feathers in its wake, along with ominous claw marks etched into the alley walls. In addition to this enigmatic figure, there have also been sightings of a large wolf roaming the area. Despite the unsettling nature of these events, no attacks or injuries have been reported from either the creature or the wolf.
Those who have investigated a slew of recent interrelated occurrences may notice a few things about this creatureโs description and the timing of its appearance. Even if not, thanks to their efforts, related professionals in Nightmare City will have a wealth of information to help with dealing with this matter, should it be brought to them (literally and figuratively). Those looking to investigate can also use this toplevel for additional information and responses.
II. NIGHTMARE CITY
For those willing to venture to Nightmare City, a special gateway is erected in the Central Plaza where anyone will be able to enter and leave freely, and will remain for as long as needed. Passing through the gateway may feel strange at first, a sharp chill that seems to overwhelm the senses before it is replaced by a rush of heat as they step into the center of a much larger city square. Tall buildings tower around them with neon lights blinking in and out from windows and signs. Music, chatter, and other sounds fill the air as all sorts of "nightmarish" creatures walk or fly past—demons, monsters, ghouls, masked figures, all from horror based worlds. But rather than dreary, it's lively with laughter mixing in with those ghastly screams. Those from modern cities may liken the city as one of the larger populated metropolises. However while it is busy, there is a tension, and as soon as the Dreamwalkers start to appear many will rush in not to attack, but to plead desperately for their help.

B. Dreamwalking. Right away requests for Dreamwalkers to enter nightmares is called upon, but somehow the nightmares are so terrifying to the Nightmarians they can't even properly explain what they see. Bracing for the worst, what the Dreamwalkers find will surprise them.

๐บ Cuteness Overload. In some dreams, the dreamer is surrounded by a plethora of cute things: cute animals, cute aesthetics, cute colors—even the Dreamwalker and the dreamer are "cutified." Big eyes, sparkles, even the sun has a cute laughing face. This has left the dreamer hunched over in sheer terror while kittens and puppies paw and purr around them. Help the poor Nightmarian by somehow ridding the dream of all this cute.
โ Domestic living. Some may find a dream where one is just chilling on the couch and enjoying a cup of coffee and watching TV relaxing. For a Nightmarian, it's pure hell. They feel trapped, unable to break through the cycle, and they feel their sense of self being drained away, Even the colors are starting to fade. Time to spice up their life, perhaps even shock or scare them back to their old self.
๐จ Dream wreckers. One way to try and break the Nightmarian out of their stupor is to destroy and "horrorfy" the dream as much as possible. Whatever could terrify the Dreamer may be a sweet dream to the Nightmarian, so this could be good practice for someone who may want to try and twist and use nostilium actively for a good purpose.
๐ช Open door. If the Dreamwalker is unable to handle the situation on their own, creating a rift into the dream so that an awaiting Nightmarian can assist is another option. To create a rift, they have to conjure a weapon and use enough nostilium to break through and create a tear in the space. The job isn't over even when the Nightmarian arrives. The Dreamwalker will need to still assist them so they aren't scared off by the contents or worse, fall into the "nightmare" themselves.
C. Nightmare Forms. For those who want practice or need help controlling their nostilium, there are a number of experts willing to teach the way of the nightmare, both in and out of dreams. This will require a lot of mental strength and fortunately if someone loses control, they are in a place that will help them. This also includes learning to take on a controlled nightmare form. What that form will be will vary, but as Dreamwalkers will be facing nightmares and their vices, it could incorporate the seven deadly sins.

๐ฅ Strength in Sin. It may sound strange, but instead of trying to face one's fear, Nightmarians will ask Dreamwalkers to think of what their worst vice is. Do they have anger issues? Prideful? Lazy? Gluttonous? Envious? Lustful? Covetous? Because nostilium is also formed by negative emotions, it is easier to try and focus on a negative aspect of oneself than trying to grapple with something more emotional based on fear. By focusing on a negative trait instead, they can lean into that vice and turn it into a source of power and strength. Thus in this exercise, whatever powers they exhibit will reflect that particular trait.
๐ Nightmare Form. The next step will be trying to transform into a unique form born from nostilium. Those who have turned into noctaere before or have transformed in some way will naturally lean into that form. But they can also try and learn something different, one based off their vice. This form may actually be more stable and offer them more control. What look will they have in this form?
๐ฏ Target practice. Whether in a dreamscape or out in a designated practice zone, participants can go through various exercises and use targets and dummies to help focus, channel, and release nostilium into a controlled force no different than when utilizing dreamotion. Some may use spells and abilities similar to what they know, however with nostilium it will be changed in some way. Different element, different color, curse or hex-like effects, etc.—how it manifests will be unique to the individual. Weapons are treated similar.
๐คบ Sparring practice.It's also possible to try and spar against someone, whether it's two nostilium users or one using nostilium and the other using dreamotion. There will be experts supervising and will intervene if someone loses control, so do not worry and push to the limits. These exercises will benefit both nostilium and dreamotion users as they navigate using and countering nostilium.
๐ช Worst Nightmare. After going through the different exercises, those who want to try go further and harness the powers and force born from their nightmares have the chance to take a partner and be launched into a nightmarescape based on their worst nightmares. They will remain lucid, but they will feel the effects of the nightmare more keenly than usual. But if they are able to "defeat" their nightmare and take control of the nostilium and emotions created by it, they will be able to strengthen their powers and their nightmare form.

no subject
Just as I'm sure you mean well now with your offers. To some degree at least.
[Joshua looks at Naoya, glowing eyes searching his face. Then, he laughs softly, albeit without humor.]
Tell me true--did you ever see us as friends?
no subject
True companions, no. No one can hold that position. Even the allies I've made that follow me from life to life don't have that distinction. But as a person I enjoyed being around, as someone whose intelligence I respected, as someone whose happiness was... not unimportant to me? Yes.
[He's not sure if 'friends' is a status he's capable of having anymore. He's too bitter, too old, too worn down. But 'allies' isn't the correct term, either. It's something between the two, and he's never quite known how to put it.]
no subject
I will accept that. 'Tis better than I expected, given my behavior the last we saw one another.
[Joshua's own expression mirrors Naoya's sadness. He may not have a chance to say this, so he may as well now.]
I'm sorry. For its paltry worth... I am genuinely sorry, Naoya.
no subject
[Damn it, it's so difficult to say these words.]
I never hated you. And if you thought I did... I - ah. ... Apologize.
[Why does saying that hurt so much?]
Just because I get angry doesn't mean everything is broken. ... Anger has always been my worst trait, I think.
[That or stubbornness.]
... Will you allow me to come closer?
no subject
Apology accepted. You are forgiven.
[He dips his head, then he lifts his gaze to meet Naoya's eyes once more.]
Approach, but my words of caution still stand.
Time is short. If I must needs act, I shall, and I do not want you caught in the seal.
no subject
[He approaches Joshua and puts a hand on top of his head. It's... gentle, but he knows that the gesture isn't an empty one. He leaves it there for a few moments and then moves it down to his shoulder, squeezing it carefully.]
Don't forget that you're not alone here. There's plenty of people who want to help you. Even if one person cannot... there are people who will offer their aid.
It's an important thing to remember.
no subject
[That's what the fond and knowing look Joshua gives Naoya says when the (much, it turns out) older man places his hand on his head. His shoulder stays lax under Naoya's touch, rising and falling with his rhythmic, if strained, breaths.]
I promise I will remember--and that I'm counting on it.
[He has to, if part of him is to stay 'alive' when--not if--the noctaere wins. Joshua can feel the fiend's victory is close at hand. As willful as he is, there's only so much he can do against that sheer, growing power alone. Whoever is to make their way into the dreamscape must do so knowing full well that they'll have to bring forth their utmost if they intend to help him.]
[Otherwise, they'll have to kill him.]
[With that morbid thought in mind, Joshua raises a hand so he can place it on Naoya's shoulder in return.]
May I ask something of you?
no subject
[He's not one who believes in the 'power of friendship' or whatnot, but some things are easier with help.]
... Of course.
[He might not be able to do it, but he can at least listen.]
no subject
Take care of your family. Not just your brother. But your family. Promise me this.
[So that he knows that, if the worse comes to pass, not just Abel, but Kazuya will be in good hands.]
no subject
... I can try. ... I can try.
[He knows he means Kazuya. The degree to which he can take care of him varies depending on the timeline. In his own... he's not sure he can. He doesn't want to hurt Kazuya, but... he does need to work around him.]
But don't make me give you a promise like you're a man about to die. You'll have time enough to be around Kazuya.
no subject
[That's all he can ask for, and he'll accept it. He shows as much by squeezing his arm around Naoya briefly before pulling away, allowing space.]
Not just Kazuya, but you, as well. And many others.
[More space. The whispering is growing louder. Joshua steps back, legs trembling.]
I don't want to die. I promised I would fight, and so I shall. Until the end, no matter what it is.
But... I cannot discount the possibility that it will be bitter.
no subject
We will find a solution for you. I can't be the only one here with interest in both magic and technology. There will be people who can look into solutions. To have you die is an unacceptable outcome, and it will not be allowed.
[It's just that easy.]
no subject
[And a lot to legitimately piss him off. If Joshua makes it through, it's not going to be pretty for the BBEG.]
And as for worrying about Kazuya's birthday...
...one orchestrion, and as many rolls as I can afford. That is the plan.
[In other words: the plan isn't to die. He's just not sure how well it's going to work, if at all.]
no subject
[Ah, so he's spoken with Kazuya. Good.]
I look forward to seeing it. You're going to make it out of this if I have to track your very soul down and drag it out with me.
[How? He's not sure. But he'll find a solution. Though that does... raise an idea.]
I have used the Demon Summoning Application and the Harmonizer in the COMP to send people into someone's mind before. Perhaps it could be used that way again. It might not free you physically, but...
no subject
[Except the noctaere doesn't like that idea. Neither does the man whispering in his ear. They grasp for any hold they can take on him while he's worn and desperate. To his credit, Joshua tries to fight, but he's tired, and a tired mind makes for an easy target.]
[His body trembles. Amber brushes the edges of the blue of his irises. He clutches at his head.]
No!
[Joshua steps backwards, quicker, farther from Naoya.]
no subject
Whatever's ailing you should know this - I will do what is needed. So if you're going to try to intimidate me, you're looking in the wrong direction.
no subject
[It'd be beautiful if it weren't for the release of nostilium.]
Stay back, Naoya! Please!
[Joshua cries out with a voice that both is and isn't his. Fire erupts around him in tall pillars that spread far and wide.]
no subject
Fine. But you're not getting out of this. I promise you this - even if you hide, we will find you.
no subject
[But he keeps hold. He has to. He has to build the seal. Not much longer now--the flames stand strong and steady, shielding a world that he can create once the noctaere takes over. Once Joshua 'sleeps'.]
I know you will.
And I know you will do what you must.
no subject
[He takes another step back as the heat grows intense.]
... Be as well as you can, would you? It'd be a terrible shame otherwise.
no subject
[But the flames close around him, and he's gone]