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dreamposts ([personal profile] dreamposts) wrote in [community profile] songerein2024-07-19 02:36 am

{ 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.
โœจ 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!
๐ŸŒ™ 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.
๐Ÿ’Š 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!
๐Ÿ”ฎ 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.
๐Ÿ“” 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.
๐ŸŒ™ 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 creatureโ€™s 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.

A. Nightmare Medicine. With help from the Orkilins and dragons, a special type of remedy can be made that can be consumed or thrown at the affected Nightmarians. It is made by a mix of dreamotion and nostilium, which must be channeled together. It might still be too difficult for one person to do both at the same time, so they suggest one person focuses on nostilium and another with dreamotion. This is why they need the Dreamwalkers as the Nightmarians can help provide nostilium. The moon crystals from Reverein can also be used here, though only a small amount is needed so be careful when measuring!

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.
๐Ÿ˜บ 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.
๐Ÿ”จ 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.
๐Ÿšช 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.
๐Ÿ‘ฅ 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.

๐Ÿ˜ˆ 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?

๐ŸŽฏ 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.

๐Ÿคบ 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.

๐Ÿชž 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.


D. Capture the Cute. There are cute creatures terrorizing the Nightmarians. Capture them and either bring them back to Reverein so they can be used to combat the noctaere there, or destroy them.





starshower: (temp 143)

[personal profile] starshower 2024-08-10 01:02 am (UTC)(link)
[She tries to remain perfectly unfazed by the touch, tries to pretend that she doesn't feel it when his claws lightly run up her spine, but he'll feel her tensing against his body, and perhaps even under his fingertips as well, when that cold brushes over her back. Her lashes flutter, eyes shutting for a moment...]

What are you doing?
flamekthunder: (ฯŸ 077)

[personal profile] flamekthunder 2024-08-10 02:13 am (UTC)(link)
Maintaining the cold.

[Said "oh so innocently."]
starshower: (temp 219)

[personal profile] starshower 2024-08-10 02:32 am (UTC)(link)
Mm...

[Her body arches almost too naturally, both into him and the warmth of him and into the cold at her back.]

You know that the cold can be dangerous sometimes, yeah?
flamekthunder: (ฯŸ 048)

[personal profile] flamekthunder 2024-08-10 02:36 am (UTC)(link)
No.

[A mischievous smile.]

Why don't you tell me?
starshower: (temp 271)

[personal profile] starshower 2024-08-10 02:57 am (UTC)(link)
Well, when it's too much...

[Another shiver spears through her.]

It can cause all kinds of problems.

[Her eyes flit to his chest, then to his lips, then back up, her breath coming out in little puffs of air. Said problems include her heat trying to fight back against the cold, and starflowers blooming at their feet. It starts with a few, and then a dozen, and then two...]
flamekthunder: (ฯŸ 111)

[personal profile] flamekthunder 2024-08-10 03:35 am (UTC)(link)
[He can see those starflowers blooming from his periphery and he chuckles quietly as he moves in closer so that his lips can brush against hers.]

What kind of problems?
starshower: (temp 300)

[personal profile] starshower 2024-08-10 03:47 am (UTC)(link)
[She can't help but smile when his lips are close, exhaling with a tiny laugh. How tempting it is to catch his lips, but she holds fast against that urge for now.]

Well, for starters... Slower heartrate, reaction time, and lowered temperatures...

[Her fingers trail up his back, heat sparking there that burrows beneath his skin.]

But that's fine.
flamekthunder: (ฯŸ 153)

[personal profile] flamekthunder 2024-08-10 04:09 am (UTC)(link)
Good thing you don't really need that here right now, hm?

[As he feels that heat through her, he sends more of that chill through his own touch, but he'll lace it with some of his electricity, giving her a pleasurable tingle to ripple down her spin and then down to her hips.]
starshower: (temp 091)

[personal profile] starshower 2024-08-10 04:37 am (UTC)(link)
[They are toeing a very dangerous line here, Tifa caught between love and some deeper desire, especially when that jolt of electricity sparks over her skin, chasing the cold.]

Mm, no. I can keep you warm.

[Fire dances in her eyes, the glow in them rippling a brighter red, and she rises up on her tiptoes to meet him, arms tightening around his waist.]

Hey, Eustace...?
flamekthunder: (ฯŸ 052)

[personal profile] flamekthunder 2024-08-10 04:42 am (UTC)(link)
[He only smiles, letting their lips brush together with a hum...

...]


Not yet.
starshower: (temp 033)

[personal profile] starshower 2024-08-10 04:54 am (UTC)(link)
Whatโ€”!?

[She doesn't mean for her voice to be as high-pitched as it is in shock when he turns her down, and the air around them pops with fiery stars and fireworks as she pouts at him, her eyes flitting to his lips.]

You didn't even let me finish!
flamekthunder: (ฯŸ 048)

[personal profile] flamekthunder 2024-08-10 05:30 am (UTC)(link)
I know.

[And a wicked grin as she'll feel a ripple of electricity run through her before he suddenly disappears with a crack of lightning and reappear a few feet away away from her.]

That's the point.
starshower: (temp 203)

[personal profile] starshower 2024-08-10 05:36 am (UTC)(link)
[She bites back a low whine when he sends that lightning over her, but it only comes tumbling out and louder than she means for it to be when he disappears, and she is left pressing into nothing but air, sending her tumbling forward a step to catch herself.

And if she was not pouting before, she certainly is now.]


The point of what?

[Little embers burn at her fingertips, the heat thrumming and spreading enough to chase some of the fog away.]

I thought we were done!
flamekthunder: (ฯŸ 128)

[personal profile] flamekthunder 2024-08-10 05:49 am (UTC)(link)
We're also in another person's dream. You wouldn't want to do something in here and risk putting it back to what it was before, would you?
starshower: (temp 259)

[personal profile] starshower 2024-08-10 06:07 am (UTC)(link)
But...!

[It's kind of embarrassing how much she's fighting this... but she's fallen too far into it to pull herself back out now.]

Not even a kiss?
flamekthunder: (ฯŸ 268)

[personal profile] flamekthunder 2024-08-10 06:33 am (UTC)(link)
No.

[Smile.]

Not here, anyway.
starshower: (temp 161)

[personal profile] starshower 2024-08-10 06:37 am (UTC)(link)
[That smile does things to her, but she walks after him anyway, starflowers blooming in her wake, the grass turning into patches of green as she chases him.]

Not if I have anything to say about it...!
flamekthunder: (ฯŸ 052)

[personal profile] flamekthunder 2024-08-10 06:43 am (UTC)(link)
[And he just waits for her to get close enough before he disappears again to reappear behind her by the trees.]

Careful, you're undoing all your hard work.
starshower: (temp 298)

[personal profile] starshower 2024-08-10 06:51 am (UTC)(link)
[She looks back, seeing several patches of grass poking through the darkness, bright green among black and shadows.]

A little greenery didn't hurt anyone. Besides...

[Thorns start to creep up to where he stands, these starflowers bright red.]

You've made it pretty easy for me to fix it.
Edited 2024-08-10 06:51 (UTC)
flamekthunder: (ฯŸ 153)

[personal profile] flamekthunder 2024-08-10 07:08 am (UTC)(link)
[He does watch a bit pleased.]

Think it's enough for this place?
starshower: (temp 170)

[personal profile] starshower 2024-08-10 03:32 pm (UTC)(link)
Is what enough? The nostilium?

[Those vines now wrap around his ankles, meaning to trap him in place, and Tifa slowly closes the distance between them.]

I think we could stand to do a little more.
flamekthunder: (ฯŸ 077)

[personal profile] flamekthunder 2024-08-10 10:19 pm (UTC)(link)
I get the feeling you're talking about yourself than the Nightmarian.

[And just as she thinks she has him—

He once again disappears and reappears a few feet away.]
starshower: (temp 032)

[personal profile] starshower 2024-08-10 10:35 pm (UTC)(link)
[Those vines fall away from where he once stood, their once lack of colour starting to bleed into a shade of green, and Tifa only lets out a small sound of surprise when he disappears from in front of her.]

In what sense? I'm just trying to help, but you're making it difficult for me to do that.
flamekthunder: (ฯŸ 128)

[personal profile] flamekthunder 2024-08-10 10:48 pm (UTC)(link)
But I think we've done enough? How much more could we possibly do here?
starshower: (temp 071)

[personal profile] starshower 2024-08-10 10:53 pm (UTC)(link)
I think so.

[She glances past him up the hill where she knows the Nightmarian is, and she can see them... are they dancing in the rain that's started to pour down over them? Yes. Yes, they are.]

So why do you keep trying to duck away from me?

[Flames spark around her in a small bout of frustration.]
Edited 2024-08-10 22:53 (UTC)

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๐ŸŽ€

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