songerein_ooc | { dream notes: #06

DREAM NOTES #06: FEBRUARY 1, 2022

Phew, has it really been six months? Man how time flies when you're having fun! We have a lot of fun things planned for the upcoming months so thank you to everyone who has been with us so far. There is a Mini State of the Game that is posted alongside these notes that everyone should read.

Don't forget apps will open again in March! We're also throwing up an App This Plz/Enable Me Plz meme later, so feel free to share it with friends or post on it yourself.

✵ CALENDAR ✵

Here is our current schedule for the month:

2/01: Game Notes #06; Mini State of the Game; Plot With Me

2/03: ATP/EMP

2/11: Dreamscape Event

2/15: Test Drive

2/22: Reserves Open (Apps open March 1st)

2/26-28: Activity Check

3/01: Apps open, Dream Notes #07 and new Dream Board

3/03: Apps close at 11:59PM CT

3/05~06: Apps processed and Intro Log posted

3/29-31: Activity Check

DREAM TREND: This month's dream trends may involve any of the following themes: hidden desires, heartbreak (neither not necessarily romantic)

WEATHER: The blizzards are no more, but it's still a bit cold and the snow is still sticking around despite there being less of it. Rain is also in the forecast for the month, light evening drizzles that can form ice patches so watch out.

OTHER NOTES: While we don't have cupid arrows to worry about, there's something else afoot that is going to turn this "lovey dovey" holiday a little chaotic. Otherwise, the atmosphere is improving now that things are taken care of and nightmares are lessening.

Just some quick notes. There is a Plot With Me post that's going up at the same time as this one. It's similar to the CR Meme, but a little simpler and more focused on discussing current plans for the month.

Because applications are opening March 1st and it's been a while, we'll be holding our first ever ATP/EMP post! We'll have a special code for everyone to use to be all nice and fancy, but go ahead and feel free to start preparing a write-up and letting those you know are interested to post to it when it goes up.

✵ ACTIVITY CHECK RESULTS ✵

Congratulations to everyone who commented on our Activity Check! The following characters were removed from the game:

Alisaie Leveilleur |

adelphoi
Azmuth |

whohastimeforthat
Chizuru Yukimura |

thousandcranewish
General Nuadha |

burntoashes
Goro Akechi |

skews
Ichiban Kasuga |

rpgminded
Momo |

yesdoubt
Rosalia Rossellini |

bloodinbloom
Shu☆Zo |

galaticstar
Sumire Yoshizawa |

bravestep
Taishakuten |

shakra
Yoshiya (Joshua) Kiryu |

whitefeather

If anyone was swept because they missed AC, you can reapply in the next cycle. Just fair warning, we will notice if this happens more than once and we may not allow immediate reapplication the next time.

This puts our player population to 52/75, which means our new player reserve/apps slots are at a maximum 23.

IMPORTANT: We have an important notice regarding activity levels we've observed over the past six months, so we would like everyone to read the accompanying Mini State of the Game regarding it.

✵ WORLD UPDATES ✵

Be it new NPCs, creatures, places, or some other discovery or creation, the world of Songerein continues to grow! Before we hit our usual list, here are some more general information updates about the town to give everyone a general understanding of how things are going:

General Population: Is roughly ~300, with the NPCs roughly 3:1 to the PCs. As a reminder most of the inhabitants in Reverein are also otherworlders with humans and nonhumans alike. Some of the Songerein fae "natives" are also moving in, but they make up a smaller population and mostly for running businesses. It's a very multicultural place.
Scope of Businesses: It can be safely assumed that there are a couple of options for basic goods and services, including grocers, restaurants, boutiques, hairdressers, apothecaries, clinics, smithies, tailors, etc. They will all be on the smaller size as these businesses will have only been open for a few months now, and there's always a risk of the owner disappearing just like PCs, but they intend to grow. Just bear in mind that it's still a smaller population so there won't be too much variety or competition yet. But it's safe to say there's at least 2 or 3 of everything with no penalty in being creative to come up with more. If it helps, imagine the current marketplace similar to rural downtown areas.
General Atmosphere: Friendly! Everyone is still in the "We need to work together to survive" mode so there are more helping hands than not. However this can always change as more culture and personality clashes arise as time goes on.

And now for some other new additions and changes as a result of the Dream Board and other submissions:

Places:

An in-ground communal firepit. There stands a wooden 'shed' protecting a stack of firewood, which gets replenished on occasion, that is right next to a large in-ground fire pit lined with stones just outside of the residential district in an easily spottable clearing. Very accessible and open for anyone to just to start a fire; either to just gather around for warmth or cook something over. Great for outdoor gatherings where you want to have a fire going.

A few Spicy Noodles and Garnish Noodles can be actively seen when in use, should someone use the fire to cook and have a few drinks by. Atmosphere of the area almost always seems welcoming and comforting.
An old ruin of an arena, which Ira is fixing up as a training area. Though that was paused when the blizzard blew through.
A greenhouse behind Yujin Mikotoba’s actual house to keep some of those special anti-noctaere flowers in. He's been keeping a close eye on their growth and examining their properties.
A small pub restaurant called The Wild Harvest opened by Kazuma. Serves various western and eastern style earth-based street food dishes. A special menu is rotated every month.
Wild Harvest's specials for the month are:
- Hippity Hoppity Breakfast Set (Western or Japanese-style breakfast set)
- Dumplings (Fried or Steamed. Meat or Veggie)
- Drink Pops (Comes in chocolate, tea or fruity flavors. Put in drink and they burst into colors and flavors!)
- Brownie for two. (With or w/o ice cream on top)
- Fluffy cheesecake with a drizzle of dream honey and fruit toppings of your choice.
Rise and Shine permanently added to the drink menu as the pub's signature drink. (Light Orange-Pinkish drink with a whiskey base and the taste of apples and sweet spice)

There are a few special seating arrangements setup for two around the garden for this month as well.

Other:

Road Destruction. Omi sort of destroyed a small section of town road dealing with the giant yarn ball. Instead of a flat road, a portion of this section rises sharply in a ramp and then abruptly drops off. He's not sure how he managed to do it and doesn't know how to put it back. (See Dreamboard.)
Snare traps. Hunter left some snare traps made from spider threads for the snoyotes... That weren't used. Whoops. (See Dreamboard.)
Crime Life. Otto's taken up residence in one of the warehouses by the docks, cleaned it up and set up a whole bunch of 'no trespassing' signs to keep people out. A visual reference post here.

He's spent the last week of January using Noel to steal metal and tools from forges/blacksmiths. Also a welding setup. He won't attempt to have Noel steal from the hatmaker until the owl thing is over, so the confrontation won't happen till the start of February.
Dog Information. For those who are interested in learning about the various dogs Eustace has been taking care of, there is a journal entry available for OOC information! It covers the Flower family and the corgis. The individual notes on the dogs are also ICly available at their homes.

The World Directory has received a giant update that includes all the relevant submissions so far! If we've missed any, please let us know.

✵ OWLS RETURN HOME ✵

Thanks to everyone's hard work and effort, the eggs and owlets have returned to their mother. Upon seeing her babies safe and sound, the fire owl that once threatened to raze the entire town cooled until her feathers were more of a light blue. Using a spare rowboat, she took off with all the eggs and owlets in tow, promising to grant everyone a reward in the future (yes there will be a part 2). For those curious on the numbers:

…Some numbers may be a little inflated due to double submissions from both parties in a thread, but we'll just count it, anyway. The extras can be from NPCs it's fine—regardless thanks for everyone for their hard work for all…all those little owls. (~~may or may not be laughing—~~)

As for Santa, realizing it's soon February, he has left to first "get a gift for the Missus" and then went off to find Cupid. Those who have spoken with him are free to share any interesting info. Reminder that anyone could have been around to listen in as well, so even if you did not actively participate, you can have your character be knowledgeable. Some key points learned:

The Story Eater has been entering dreamscapes and causing problems. The Halloween dreamscape was its first venture and it was also in the Christmas one.
The Story Eater was hiding in Songerein's moon and then later absorbed it before leaving the world entirely, which is the cause for the moon's current absence. It is traveling through dreams and connecting through the moons of other worlds, corrupting them by absorbing the moon energy and then reflecting a twisted version of it to the corresponding worlds thus spreading its influence.
Santa will be tracking down the various "moon guardians" of legends and lore to learn more about what they have been able to discover.
Everyone needs to work together to help keep the nightmare energy at bay as the sudden disappearance created the spike in nightmares in January.
Because of Songerein's influence, the Story Eater has gained dreamotion abilities, which is what is helping it enter through dreams now. It means it's stronger, but it also means that dreamwalkers can fight back without needing to rely on Story Essences like in the past. The Storyteller is working on a way to lend the original powers of the Aspects, but that will take some time.
Baba Yaga is a dear friend of Santa's and was the one trying to help everyone back during the Halloween dreamscape. The Story Eater was trying to frame her for the chaos. She is also the one who created the potion that can damage the Erasers.

So a bit to unpack there, but the most important bit is at some point we're all going to the moon!!! It also means we have more of a plot than initially planned for the game, but this is pretty fun so we're rubbing our hands in glee.

✵ RISE IN CRIME ✵

Two noteworthy mentions in regards to the rise in crime happening around Reverein. It was bound to happen, really, it's not like only heroes and outstanding heroes appear!

Player Plot: Otto and Noel. First up is a mention regarding the player plot posted earlier.
General Crimes. Influenced in large part by the negative atmosphere created by the frequent nightmares and the tension from the owls, there's been a general rise in minor crimes over the past few weeks. Burglary, theft, harassment, fights—reports are popping up more and more every week. While no one has been seriously hurt so far, it's only a matter of time.

This has led to the locals wondering what to do about law enforcement. So far either the victims or volunteers have taken up the mantle to protect and deal with inevitable crimes, and the population is small enough where volunteers and vigilantism is enough. But there are also worries that bandits or gangs may form up. Even if the world currently doesn't have a set currency, more unique items and goods produced are now available and still hold value.

Will this ideal dream bubble burst?

Due to this month already loaded with the event, we won't be highlighting anything noteworthy yet, but expect some things to pop up on the board starting next month. Players can still start something on their own if they'd like.

✵ BLEEDING HEARTS ✵

It's February, and we all know what that means: Valentine's Day. Many other worlds celebrate this "romantic" day in some shape or form, so while it may have different names, the other local NPCs are going to take the opportunity to raise spirits after the nightmares from last month. Of course after the gumdrop shenanigans back in December, there will be a little less "forced couple" pushing. But there is still a general "festive" air where shopkeepers are coming out in full force to try and help that "couple" atmosphere. New candies, new products, new restaurants opening—it's been six months and those who have been around for a while can finally show the fruits of their labor.

However, it's also a time of bitterness as many may be without their loved ones or still cannot find their fateful partner. So while there's a lot of joy, there's a lot of despair as well…which may result in the town looking a bit odd as emotions start affecting things. Just beware the odd rain shower or pit of despair goop. However, there's something even more troublesome appearing.

As a result of these negative emotions, a strange creature will be born and will fly through the city to target those full of loving hearts.

Called a "Bleeding Heart," desperate—and obsessive—for love, the creature will fly into their target's chest and latch onto their heart to absorb the "loving" and "joyful" emotions out of the individual while twisting their feelings in the process. The love could turn into hate, or it could become more extreme and make the individual desire more of it. This will cause the victim's behavior to change accordingly.

The Bleeding Heart must be removed, and fortunately an afflicted victim is made obvious by the glowing red light coming from their chest where the heart is. To remove it, someone else must lure it with their own "passionate" feelings towards the other (not necessarily romantic). It will move slowly, so the moment it's out it can be destroyed by striking the glowing core in its chest. However, if they fail the Bleeding Heart may re-enter the victim's body or move to the other person.

Those who are capable of entering hearts and souls can also attack it from within, and dreamwalking is also a possibility for those who want to try. However, they would be facing an avatar of the individual and must deal with their corrupted emotions to weaken the Bleeding Heart's grasp before they can strike.

Eventually the Bleeding Heart will leave on its own. It will always be attracted to those with loving hearts, so the moment it senses someone with a stronger amount, it will ditch its current host to find a new one to drain. This will leave the victim passed out and emotionally drained. They'll be able to recover, but they might feel either apathetic or negative for a while.

Instead of Cupid, we get these fun creatures, ho ho. Wonder if Santa found Cupid yet?

✵ EVENT PREVIEW: LINDWORMEO AND JULIET…? ✵

It's another massive dreamscape event, and we realized we hadn't really utilized the "stories" part of our premise. So we're going to smash two different stories together because that's just how we do. The main story base is Shakespeare's famous Romeo and Juliet, which is very fitting for February. However, it will have a rather unique slant to it as it will incorporate elements from Danish tale, "King Lindworm."

As usual we will post the full details closer to event time, but here's the preview so players can start thinking of how involved they wish to be:

There will be undertones of the war between the two big families and we may incorporate factions for characters to be tossed into or have to play some role in
Romeo is cursed to becoming a lindworm, a more serpent like dragon creature, and Juliet must have find a way to cure it.
Story and character roles will be more of a thing this time around, however except for Romeo and Juliet there won't be any specific sign-ups and prompts will make things more flexible.
There will be chances for characters not assigned as Romeo to experience lindworm transformation so players interested in that aspect won't feel left out.
Other scenes will be referenced and be played out or set up in some fashion.
Shakespeare.

As for our main couple, there are some important things you need to know:

There will be sign-ups for Romeo and Juliet pairings. There can be multiple pairs, but depending on interest we may have to limit the number ~~otherwise we may have half the game—~~
Those who sign up for R&J will be locked in to these roles. They will not be able to tag out with others.
- There will be a set of designated tasks and prompts that the pair must fulfill, and since we want these threads to actually progress, we're enforcing this restriction to ensure focus. Players can choose which prompts to thread and handwave others, but we'll require a minimum number.
- Players should pick their partner for a better chance of thread progression. The characters do not need to be in a romantic relationship.
The one signed up as Romeo will be cursed to be a Lindworm, so there will be some degree of monster transformation. Gender does not matter for either role, but costumes will be in effect.
- To make things a little flexible, the character doesn't have to be completely turned the entire time and could have partial transformations instead, but it's expected for them to have difficulties because of the form.
THIS WILL HAVE A TRAGIC ENDING. Attempts can be made, but there's no changing the lover's fate and spoilers, both of them die in some form. The method can vary to suit the characters. Important: the characters will be fully aware that while they die in the dreamscape, they will be unharmed upon waking. Presumably once those reach the "end," the dreamscape will also have reached its ending so they will wake up not long after their death scenes. It'll just be assumed the pairs are progressing at the same rate.
There may or may not be a duet—

So in short, everyone is stuck in a very weird version of Romeo and Juliet and will need to help progress the "play" to reach its end. It also comes with a twist that will be revealed later.

The event is scheduled for February 11, but like all of our events so far, this is the OOC date. ICly, the dreamshift will occur at the end of the month and only last for a day or so.

✵ DREAM BOARD: FEBRUARY 2022 ✵

How the Dream Board works:

This is all optional, the quests are just extra content for players and while they can sometimes relate to upcoming or current events, they're just kind of "filler" stuff. Some will be set out in Songerein proper while others may involve dreams.
The Dream Board can be found at the Plaza and quests will automatically appear on it like a bulletin board. Some will also appear in the journals. Anyone can accept them and rewards automatically generated upon completion of the task. It's a dream world, it's full of magic, it just knows.
Quests can be done as many times as a character would do them and rewards will be delivered to the character upon completion.
If you have any questions, comment to the designated subthread.

ID	QUEST	REWARD
201	Road Repair. The head of the Reverein Road Safety Committee (RRSC), a volunteer organization that has tasked itself with ensuring the safety of travel throughout town, has put out a request for assistance in repairing a stretch of cobblestone road that has somehow turned into a steep incline. Assistance is needed in demolishing the ramp, re-terraforming the ground so that it's flat, and replacing the cobblestone road. Or maybe just dreamotioning the road back down to its original shape. Whatever works. The new art installation nearby, erected by an anonymous street artist and consisting of a giant ball of yarn shoved onto a street post, will be allowed to stay. (RRSC is not an officially sanctioned organization in Songerein and consists of exactly one (1) member. It's very much a 'I decided to make myself in charge of this issue' kind of thing.)	Safer travels and a ribbon from the RRSC that says THANK YOU on it.
202	Witch's Brew Apothecary. The Witch’s Brew apothecary is prepared to brew a defensive potion against Erasers. However, due to using much of our supply during the research phase, we are looking to restock. If you have the time and resources to spare, please report to the apothecary in Halloween Haven. We’ll give you a list of some herbs to find. (posted by Tenn from the Witch’s Brew)	A bottle of the potion made from Baba Yaga's recipe. Besides being able to clear inky pools, it can disintegrate weak Erasers and damage stronger ones. (*this potion has no effect on Noctaere)
203	Soup Cart. Jiang Yanli is going to attempt to build a soup cart that can be easily pushed into town in order to sell food to the masses. She's still a fledgling at dreamotion energy, and also isn't too skilled with carpentry — she's going to be looking for a handful of people who can help out with this project, as well as those willing to paint/decorate the cart.	Free soup for the day, as well as soup tickets for when the cart is fully functioning!
204	Cupid's Arrow. The story is "cupid" is the one who is supposed to release an arrow to show a person's true love. How about having some fun and trying to play cupid on your own? We have "love infused arrows" that will make the person struck fall in love in whatever is in their sight. And we do mean whatever. Whoever hits the most will get a prize! (Mod Note: The arrows will indeed make a person fall in love with whatever they're looking at, but it could be a person, animal, or even an object. The victim will behave exaggeratedly and dramatically, spewing sonnets of love towards the object of affection. The effect will last for a few minutes, but who knows how much mental damage is taken…)	Free set of arrows for participation; a large bowl of heart candy for hitting over 5 people
205	Rocky Candy Crystals. Give your sweet love some freshly made rock candy crystal made from scratch! Gather some from the caverns beneath town and we'll help you create unique candies filled with your true feelings from the heart. - Crystal Confectioner	Box of rock candy crystals
206	Spider Thread Traps. Someone left a bunch of snare traps made out of weirdly strong spider thread and it's almost impossible to get out! Innocent animals have also gotten trapped! Whoever left them here clean up! Anyone else who can help will be appreciated.	A bushel of berries
207	Bleeding Hearts. Someone do something about these Bleeding Hearts! They've already hit my friends and I don't know how to get them back to normal! (Mod Note: Refer to the designated section in the mod notes for details.)	N/A

✵ END NOTES ✵

And that's it, phew. If you have any questions, feedback, suggestions, or requests, leave a comment.

{ dream notes: #06 - february 1, 2022 }

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