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Entry tags:
{ 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
He hates that idea, and the way his expression hardens is clear sign of it.
...But as much as he hates it, they might not have much of a choice.]
...We should speak to one of the people here. They might know a better method.
[Still going to try to get around it though—]
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[One flame peters out, and she grabs his hand instead to keep him from rushing off to find someone, because she knows what he's trying to do.]
You and I both know this is the best way. And the safest.
[She smiles for him, pulling him closer.]
I know you don't like the idea, but let me try it.
no subject
We should still talk to them, because I'm not sure how to help you focus on pulling the nostilium.
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[And she doesn't look entirely convinced either, but she'll follow along with whatever he wants to do. He is the expert, after all, but it goes without saying that she'd rather his than someone else's.]
I should at least get used to wielding it before I start trying to make it, shouldn't I?
no subject
[Bit of a catch 22 with that.]
At this point, I suspect the fact you have such little nostilium within you that is causing most of the problem. Which means we may need to expose you to more of it.
[Which, in turn, means she might have to try and make it, though in a different sense.]
And I doubt either forcing you to have nightmares or exposing you to raw nostilium is the answer.
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They did say something about using our vices to turn it into nostilium.
[She was listening!]
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[She fidgets with a strand of hair by her ear, thoughtful, as she sees one of the nostilium instructors wandering close.]
We figure out what our vices even are.
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[He's not perfect by no means, but his vices? No, maybe it's because he can think of one too many that might make this difficult.
But what about Tifa? He can't think of anything at all...
In any case, he'll flag over the trainer. They won't be able to get anywhere just wondering around, so hopefully they'll be able to get the insight they need for them to continue.]
no subject
Embracing it.
[She repeats it quietly to herself once they're finished explaining.]
All this time, I spent my energy on trying to be free of it...
no subject
For now, they are taken to another area of the training area, where it's explained that there are targets that she can try focusing on and will be able to read her nostilium output. Another helpful tip she'll receive is that what she's trying to use is something of a "darker magic." She just needs to draw on negative feelings and thoughts, but with a certain control.
"You can think of it like having resentment towards those feelings and have a desire to show that such things don't control you. Instead, you will be the one in control."]
no subject
Eustace?
[Her voice is quiet and coaxing.]
Do you think... you could try it first?
no subject
A vice...I suppose my pride could be considered as one.
[But how to channel...pride. Arrogance?]
no subject
I guess it could be, depending on who you ask.
[She's not helping, is she?]
I did think so when we first met.
no subject
I can be a little arrogant.
[It's not like he's looking down on others... But he did have some kind of sense that he should take point or take the lead rather than relying on someone else. At least for a long time he did, not so much anymore.]
But in that case... How to harness that kind of emotion...
[How would it feel? As he tries to imagine back when he was at the height of his isolation, there's a mixture of heat and coolness that he senses gathering near his fingertips. Cold to reflect that once frozen heart, and the heat that spurned him forward. It's a different feeling from what he's used to, and since he's more attuned to it, he does feel traces of that nostilium. It's faint, not as strong as when directly channeled.
The next question is how this will even manifest, and he just decides to release what small amount has gathered so far. The energy takes the form of a strong blast of cold yet fiery wind, like the release of a storm that cuts through the target.]
...Not...what I expected.
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She reins in her excitement, trying to keep herself as calm and subdued as possible, not wanting to feed too many positive emotions into their surroundings, but he will at least be able to see her giddy pride and curiosity in her eyes as she looks between him and the target. For a moment, she forgets why they are here and what she had been worried about in the first place.]
How'd you do that!?
no subject
[His hand lifts to rub his chin in thought, brows furrowing.]
The main difference I could feel is that it was stronger and colder, similar to nostilium. But it wasn't so overwhelming, at least this time.]
no subject
I've tried that before, but never for nostilium. It was always for stronger dreamotion.
[She flexes her fingers, and focuses in on it anyway, and she glances up at him, silently seeking his encouragement.]
...All that anger...
no subject
Don't hold back this time. Let it flow out.
Even if it goes out of control, I'll be right here.
[He'd reach out for her, but... Not exactly conducive for this type of experiment. But he will remain right next to her.]
no subject
She gives a little nod back and focuses on the targets instead. It isn't difficult to tap into that anger, especially not now given that she'd recently gone home and returned here, but it is difficult to turn it around into something else. What had always propelled her forward to make her stronger and fight harder needs to be... what? Just pure, unfiltered rage?
Closing her eyes, she thinks back over everything.
Nibelheim and her home and the flames that burned it down. How it stood standing again, rebuilt by Shinra as if the tragedy had never happened. How they have no regard for the lives of the people. The plate that they dropped over the slums of Sector Seven, costing millions of people their lives and homes. How Sephiroth continues to terrorize them and Cloud, especially.
How this world continues to push Eustace around.
A dark, scarlet flame that is unlike her own flickers to life in her hand. It burns hotter than normal, stifling even, but before she can get it under control, it bursts like a firecracker and sprays flames every which way, startling Tifa out of her concentration with a yelp of surprise, and she falls back away from them. Her hand feels almost like it's been burned, and when she glances down at it, her palm is flushed and red.]
no subject
Are you all right?
[The flames that landed on the ground only smolder, but their persistence hints at the nostilium fueling them.]
no subject
Yeah. I'm good. Just burns a bit.
[That blowback was not so different from that of the Snow Queen's dreams when they had gone in there to collect fragments, but with this one made of her own concentrated nostilium with no dreamotion to counter it, she'd be lying if she said that it didn't hurt.]
I have a hunch it wasn't supposed to happen that way?
[Her eyes go to the embers on the ground, burning still, leaving charred marks on the floor.]
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Not...exactly. You were channeling it, but it went out of control, perhaps in reaction to how strong you were feeling.
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But I wasn't even doing that much...
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