seasonsrpg | Event #8: Fairytale Gone Live

Event #8: Fairytale Gone Live

Fairytale Gone Live
LOGS | NETWORK | OOC | MEMES | NAVIGATION

Knowledge is Magic

Part 1

Fairies have managed to uncover something in the Amberfall Library. Powerful magic had kept it covered, but with the help of their queen they managed to reveal what was hidden: an entrance to an ancient library. No one has recollection of a library being hidden there, but the fairies claim it feels 'familiar'. They started exploring the library in earnest and identified it as the Magical Library of Knowledge. As it's a magical library, it's completely possible that it teleported itself into safety when Darkness came and found its way here.

This ancient library is known to be good willed in nature. However, it does have some quirks and sometimes pulls pranks on unsuspecting visitors. Fairies are immune to such things, but there's a reason for it: fairies aren't able to pick up the books in the library, not even with their magic. Only those with the ability to touch the books will be affected by the magics that happen in the library.

The books contain important information about the world that has been lost, so a request has been sent to otherworlders to make a trip to the library and find important seeming information. Everyone who volunteers will be given a bag that helps carry any books (will keep the books safe and the bag remains light no matter how many books it has inside - only works on books) and an amulet that has a one-time magic that will teleport someone to safety if necessary.

Of course anyone is also welcome to just bring back books that interest them personally. The bag does have limitless space, after all. It was developed for people who want to loan a lot of books at the same time - good thing the invention will now have other uses!

Part 2

After descending down a long spiral staircase, people will find a huge library that has more books than eyes can see. They're all on shelves, at least, instead of being scattered around. There are various sections and all of them have been put in an alphabetical order by the book's name, as most of them lack the name of an author. The place has three floors, all with various staircases leading up and down.

The ambience in the library is dark, making reading there seem a little bit unpleasant. However, anytime someone opens a book, a small lantern will float above them, making the surrounding perfect for reading a book without disturbing anyone nearby. Once the book closes, the lantern will float away to find someone else to help.

Floating lanterns aren't the only things moving around the library. Occasionally one may notice movement from the corner of their eye and if they turn around they might see an owl sitting on top of a clothes rack or a table. These are library owls - intelligent owls that oversee the library and just live there because they enjoy being there. If someone offers them a snack, they will perch on the person's arm or shoulder.

Even if the library seems extremely organized, the sad truth is that all of the important knowledge containing books have been hidden among normal books. But the library owls will know where the look, as long as someone is nice to them and will give them snacks. Those who are mean to the owls will be guided towards useless places - like the section filled with just empty books or one that has magical traps.

Immersed in Books

Part 1

Some of the sections of the library behave differently than others. There are odd magical effects (like making someone act like they're in love when reading a romance book) or traps that have been made to surprise people (mostly harmless 'chalk dropping from above' or 'water sprouting from a fake flower' type of traps). Some sections even have guardian books that are floating books that will push people out of the section if they're being loud or otherwise disturb others. Attacking one of them will make the books reflect the attack back to the person.

Some of the rooms containing books take being magical to another level. Whoever opens a book will change the whole look of the room. All of the shelves and the surrounding area is replaced with a scenery from the book. If two or more books are opened at the same time, the scenery will be a mix of all of the opened books. Fortunately, none of it is actually real so if someone happens to open an informative books on sharks, they will just get a very realistic illusion of being in an ocean with sharks.

Sometimes these sceneries will also change the clothes of the people to fit the book characters' clothes. Wearing these clothes might make the people talk like the characters do in the books (in accents or elven languages) or act out a dramatic death scene in the middle of the room. Usually this passes after the scene is played out or once the book in question is found and closed.

Part 2

Another weird phenomena happens in the aisles that have books on fairytales. Anyone who opens a book in one of these aisles might find themselves become a fairytale character. The change is visual at least, but some might even go through a complete change. In other words, someone could just look like the Prince from Snow White, but another might even believe they are him. Someone who starts off as just looking like a character might later end up acting like them as well, but not the other way around.

The longer someone 'stays in the fairytale' the more likely it is they will be taken over by the character they've become. It will be harder and harder for them to remember their real name or react to someone calling them by it. They will share the goals of the fairytale character and think they're in a strange trials set up by someone that they need to get out of.

A way to break free of a fairytale is to either receive a kiss (preferably of true love, but just a normal kiss will do) or by having a key item destroyed. The key item will depend on the fairytale character in question (so for a princess it might be a crown or for a fairy godmother it might be their wand). Destroying the book that started it all isn't possible, as the book is 'inside the person' until they snap out of the fairytale.

Part 3
CW/TW: horror, gore, paranoia, murder (attempts)

In the lowest floor of the library exists the horror sections. These aisles are full of different thriller and horror books. Unfortunately, upon escaping the darkness this particular section was partially corrupted. For that reason there's a high change of running into danger here.

The further in you go to these sections, the creepier the ambience becomes. Is that blood on the floor? Is that floating lantern flickering ominously? Some may even start seeing things that aren't even there or just generally feel paranoid.

If someone happens to open a book under these circumstances, they might summon a shadow of a killer from the stories who will attempt to murder the reader to break free. Some might become possessed by character from the books and do their bidding. The fastest way to break any of these is to destroy the book. This is the only time that doing so is encouraged. Other ways include destroying or capturing the shadow or knocking out the person possessed.

Perhaps the safest option is to just open a book and witness a gory scene being laid out on the ground beneath them, just like described in the books. It's not pleasant, but it won't hurt anyone. The scene will disappear once the book is put away.

Destroying books here also helps deal with the partial corruption, as it will slowly disappear and the aisles start feeling a little bit more "normal".

The Cold Case

Part 1

To those not keen on diving into a strange library, there are other things to do. Of course, anyone who went to the library can later also join the events happening in the city.

A public announcement is made that the next big mission would happen in the Winter Segment. More specifically, the Research Center and the four Power Holders are making preparations to tackle the mystery of the Frozen Falls. With the new information gathered from exploring, it's now a known fact that the storm preventing their access is actually the souls of the previous power holders keeping anyone from entering the place. However, with the right preparations, gaining access to and exploring the falls will be made possible.

The first set of preparations happen in the Frostreign District. Anyone is welcome to join the project in one of the big houses near the Sauna Spa area. The place is filled with materials for making winter gear for the mission. There's almost every imaginable colored fabrics, different accessories and even yarn for those who'd rather knit. The main goal is to make gear for themselves, but any extra is also appreciated.

Those who don't feel so confident in making gear can also choose from pre-made ones and edit them with the enhancements needed to keep the cold away. Even the most basic summer clothes can be made to be perfect for the cold weather, as long as the enhancements are made right. People are at least encouraged to enchant any metallic parts of their weapons (or even jewelry!) to prevent them from becoming too cold to handle.

Participants are taught a spell that will let them enhance the gear or clothes of their choosing into ones that resist cold. This spell needs to be chanted in a freezing temperature, which is why the event is held in Frostreign. Once the enchanted item starts glowing in an a warm, orange color, the spell has worked.

The spell has to include 'With the warmth I draw from' and 'I protect this', but otherwise it's up to the person how the spell goes. Popular phrases are 'from within' or 'from the earth'. Saying the spell wrong, such as 'With fire I protect this' will result in a burning item instead. It won't damage the item, but it will be impossible to use unless the fire is put out.

Part 2

Frostreign also offers other ways to prepare for the coming mission. A challenge has been posted on the billboard outside the Sauna Spa area; The Ice Hole Swim Challenge. The goal is to first go into the sauna and then walk through the snow in just their swimwear to the ice hole at the center of the district and dip in. Those brave enough to enter the water will get a reward. After the swim everyone is encouraged to run back into the sauna to warm up.

Another challenge is starting to heat up in the sauna, which isn't really related to withstanding the cold. Some Sauna Fanatics are challenging people to stay in the sauna as long as possible while the heat rises higher. Those who manage to stay inside the longest and in the highest temperature will get a reward! However, those who cheat using seasonal powers will be subjected to the ice bucket challenge, which is basically having a bucket full of ice water dumped on them.

One of the more traditional challenges is the snowball fight where the goal is to hit as many people as possible with a snowball. Those who manage to hit at least ten other players will receive a rewards. Those who don't manage to hit anyone at all will received a star that said 'You tried' with a sad snowflake drawn on it.

The fourth and final challenge is a speed contest that's run on a rink made of ice. No one is allowed to use skates; just normal shoes (or no shoes at all if they prefer). There are multiple races and multiple winners in this contest - as well as a lot of medicine for the pain caused by falls.

But what are all these rewards that someone can earn? It's a choice between various things: one free item from Riki's Rewards (max. 30 comments price), a set of five different gift cards for five different restaurants (of characters' choice), a collection of useful potions (one that fixes any status effect, one that creates a substitute to take damage for the user, a five hour invisibility potion and a potion to revive someone from a fatal hit) or a giant teddy bear that feels like hugging someone the person loves. All rewards can be taken once, but someone can do multiple challenges to get more than one reward.

Just participating in any of the ongoing challenges will get someone a five star gourmet meal in the Frostreign's famous Northern Cuisine Restaurant*. Currently staying in the Sauna Spa hotel rooms is also free for the duration of the events.

* As long as the food is from "somewhere north", like even 'northern part of country in the south', it's likely a dish can be found in this restaurant.

OOC TIPS

• Ask event related questions here.

• In this event, gathering information is the main goal. If you wish to participate, please see this comment for OOC mechanics. The more people participate, the better! All requests are OOCly open until June 9th, 23:59 PST!

• Information gathered may not match the section explored.

• Feel free to come up with new fairytales, use existing ones (with changes, if a character of that fairytale exists in the game) or even use mythologies as fairytale stories. Have fun!

• Any types of books can be found from the library, even those that come from characters' worlds, as long as they're not straight up a manga or diary of someone's life from home. Feel free to come up with the weirdest cookbooks or a "X thing for Dummies".

• Smut is not allowed on the event post, so if your thread is heading that way, please move it to a separate entry (like to your musebox or characters' journal).

• Remember to content and spoiler warn as necessary!

• Reminder to players that this month is Activity Check-in month and check-in ends on May 31st, at 23:59 PST.

code bases by tricklet

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ He's a little more than relieved that he doesn't have the sensitive hearing his sister has, because that really is so much screaming. A librarian was going to have their heads, if one ever managed to make their way out here. ]

[ He's watching with full attention as the book is shredded and the shadow promptly disappears after, taking the necessary mental notes for any future endeavors he has in this section. Not that he's thinking about having many more here, especially by himself. ]

[ With a relieved exhale, he hops down easily onto the ground, offering up an appreciative smile that's laced with mild suspicion. Because Lyney's always been told to look a gift horse in the mouth. ]

I am. Thank you Monsieur, and to you as well.

[ The guard gets a removed hat and bow of his head as well. ]

Your timing was rather superb.

Don't mention it.

[Yeah... yeah, that's fair. Jinwoo doesn't seem surprised to see that hint of wariness in Lyney's gaze. He's probably going to need to rethink just sticking shadows onto people willy nilly here.

In a rare display of sheepishness Jinwoo brings a hand up to rub the back of his neck, sighing a little.

The orc guard, mimicking Lyney, lifts up the head of the skin he's wearing, which... probably looks a little ridiculous. Like he's trying to make it look like it's talking or something- Beru is just staring at it like "WTF bro."]

He sent me a signal that you were in trouble.

[He offers SOMETHING of an explanation very calmly, TOO calmly perhaps, all while gesturing towards the red and black shadow in specific.]

I shadow traveled here once I knew where you were. I thought something like this might happen eventually, since monsters just roam around freely here.

[Not like back home, he means, where they're locked away behind gates until a dungeon break happens.]

Do I seem like such a trouble magnet?

[ The words are a light joke, spoken in the same playful tone that Lyney often carries with him, but he's fixing Jinwoo with a sharp and studying look while quickly reviewing their interactions thusfar. ]

[ As far as he's aware, there's nothing he's done to make the other man specifically suspicious of him, so perhaps it was some sense of general paranoia in him... That, or he does sincerely worry for the well-beings of others. And Lyney had managed to evoke that feeling in him? ]

[ ... Either way, the truth of the matter was that Lyney was deeply grateful for the action. And also habitually wary. ]

He's quite a reliable guardian angel though.

Just the opposite. I know a lot of people who could learn a thing or two from you. [Though he answers in earnest there's still a short breath of a laugh that precedes it, and a small smile that follows.] But where I'm from even the most skilled and cautious hunters can still be taken off guard. This is something of a habit of mine. Better safe than sorry.

[They've lost a lot of good people and hunters. People who've refused his help and people who he hadn't had a chance to give it to in the first place. And after what happened to Jinho... he's never repeating the mistake of regretting or forgetting again.

"He's quite a reliable guardian angel though."

That causes Jinwoo to look towards the orc again, who is no longer being given weird looks by Beru, but simply observing their surroundings and Lyney.

Another tiny smile.]

Yeah. I assigned him and his friends to my younger sister before. But she's not here, so. Idle hands. If it bothers you at all, you just have to say so.

[He hadn't said as such but it wouldn't be unreasonable. Jinwoo doesn't sound... apologetic, exactly, too calm honestly. More like he's willing and ready to hear out criticism if Lyney has any for him, or for him to turn down the offer to keep the shadow on him.

Because, yeah, the implication and assumption from Jinwoo is that the shadow stays unless he's told otherwise.]

[ Sincerity then. Something that doesn't often come his way, and something he can't often trust in back home. Here, things might be different, given that his status as a member of the Fatui means nothing to the vast majority. But it's hard letting go of the wariness all the same. ]

[ Lyney's eyes soften noticeably at the mention of a sister, considering over the pros and cons of the situation. Jinwoo's offer to withdraw the guardian is a positive in his considerations, but having an active bodyguard, especially after agreeing to assist in Master Childe's less savory affairs, may not leave the best impression. ]

[ And more importantly, depending on what he finds out, it's something he could put to use himself. ]

... I'd like to know more before giving my opinion, if there's more you can tell me.

[ He suspects there's a great deal of information at hand that he doesn't know, given that Jinwoo hadn't asked for permission in the first place. ]

Mainly around the topic of privacy and information shared or withheld. I don't imagine you've spent this entire time listening to him relay information about my daily affairs, but what does he pass back?

[From that look Jinwoo would guess that family is something important to Lyney as well, or at the very least that its something he understands.

... I'd like to know more before giving my opinion, if there's more you can tell me.

There is a certain degree to which he'd prefer to stay under the radar. Here there aren't any expectations from him, save for those that he sets upon himself. It's like a fresh start, back to before the world became curious about Korea's newest S-rank hunter, before his name had spread to other parts of the globe for his actions (or inaction in some cases), but Lyney has a right to know what he's signing up for if their relationship is going to stay intact.

So-

Mainly around the topic of privacy and information shared or withheld. I don't imagine you've spent this entire time listening to him relay information about my daily affairs, but what does he pass back?

Jinwoo quickly shuts down the memory of the last time he'd tried peeking in on the people he was watching out for, because it taught him a valuable lesson that he WOULD rather forget- not the lesson itself, but the way he'd learned it.]

Yeah, sure...

[Ugh, did he ever actually apologize for that? Had the opportunity ever presented itself?]

It's possible for me to share senses with my shadows at any given time, but I avoid doing so. It's impossible for me to know what I'm going to see or hear when I look in.

[That's all he's gonna elaborate on for that matter. Lyney doesn't need to know the shameful details.]

So unless I'm actively tuning into their senses he doesn't pass on anything. I only get vague impressions, like his distress, contentment, fear, or unease. It is possible for me to see and hear a lot more if I wanted.

[ Hmm, it makes sense. He's not terribly surprised by the extent of Jinwoo's abilities as far as he explained it, and the impression he has of the man isn't one of some kind of pervert who would use such an ability for... fouler means. It has his mind spinning with the possibilities, even though it's not a skill he could make use of himself. But there is something that spikes to mind while he considers his future options. ]

... Is privacy given during private moments?

[ Jinwoo don't make him say something so indelicate out loud. ]

[Lyney PLS.] I really have to emphasize the fact that I don't use that particular skill anymore.

[He says while covering his eyes with one hand. The implication should be clear. He's learned this lesson the hard way already once, and that was enough.]

You still have your privacy, yes.

[He doesn't sound offended, he just also doesn't even want to process the implication behind those words. He'd slotted Lyney somewhere in the younger sibling figure category, making that such a weird minefield to try to navigate for him.]

[ HE HAS TO MAKE SURE. ]

I'm not asking for myself.

[ Honestly Lyney could care less about himself- ]

I'm asking because I would be fine with this arrangement if you could assign a guard to my sister as well. With her knowledge and permission, of course. I'm not the kind of idiot who'd turn away something that's so obviously helpful in a strange place.

[ Besides, he and Lynette could use written codes for any truly secretive things, now that he's thinking more on the matter. But having extra security for his beloved sister was a priceless asset he wouldn't afford to let slip through his fingers. ]

[~~SIGH fine~~

That surprises him. That's visible. For just that moment Jinwoo is an open book. He didn't expect that!]

Yes...?

[He would have expected Lyney to be angry about the possibility of having had his privacy violated, and it would be within his right. Jinwoo wasn't so high on himself that he'd take offense at such a thing. Instead, though- or maybe he's simply putting the matter aside for now -he wants to add a guard for his sister.

Whether intended to be direct or indirect, that's a show of trust in Jinwoo's books. It means Lyney is trusting him enough to help protect his sister. That would be like Jinwoo asking one of his hunter companions to protect Jinah in lieu of his shadow soldiers.]

Rather, that's no problem.

[He's recovered from his initial surprise now at least.]

I can have it hitch a ride with yours, but it would probably be better to meet so that I can answer any questions or address any concerns.

[Plus he's curious but he's not saying the quiet part out loud kthx.]

Edited (Just once I wish I could slow down and catch these errors before I hit post. orz) 2024-05-31 05:34 (UTC)

[ Lyney sees that, of course he does, and it makes him fluster a bit at seeing someone else look surprised at his decisions. But he's also been unfortunately made aware before coming here that there are times when he's unable to help his siblings himself. That trying to take on all matters by himself, at his level of strength, could only endanger the ones he loved more. ]

[ Jinwoo has shown himself willing enough to protect Lyney, with a level of power he'd witnessed for himself that would rival a Harbinger's, and in a place where they were stripped of all the resources they'd built up over the years in Fontaine, Lyney would snatch each and every opportunity he could to take care of them both. ]

Yes, I agree there. I can inform her about the general situation, but I think it would be all for the best if you and her had a conversation yourselves. If she doesn't agree to the idea though, well, she has the final say in the matter.

But do try not to fall for her charms.

[ He's mostly joking. ]

[Try not to fall for her... charms...? Was he worried that he'd try to hit on his sister?

?????????????

Jinwoo does not realize that he's MOSTLY joking, so Lyney is getting a look that says "I'm SURE she's too young for me to even consider-" but also "Is he messing with me right now...?" AND ALSO "I don't know how to respond to that." BUT ALSO "I don't want to insult his sister indirectly how the hell am I supposed to respond to that?"

Is... HE'S TRYING TO READ YOU RIGHT NOW.]

I'm not really interested in that sort of thing, so it should be fine.

[ Jinwoo please. ]

Ahahah-!

[ He's dying. ]

[ The other man's reaction seemingly lightens the darker mood that had settled over Lyney with their serious discussion, more laughter pouring out as he tries in half-earnest to muffle them. ]

S-Sorry, but you looked like a cat two inches away from falling into a bathtub just then.

[... Oh, so he was messing with him. Ha ha...

Jinwoo, while not genuinely annoyed by this, does at least act put out on the surface. Beru and the orc are both looking over at the commotion, Beru squinting and the orc simply confused.]

I sure felt like it. Come on, man...

You know how big brothers are.

[ Jinwoo's a big brother, he knows the deal! Of course there will be the usual warnings and overprotectiveness. ]

Lynette is my twin, but she has quite a different personality than me. I find her incredibly charming, but I'm quite biased in the matter. I think that you two will get along though, and not actually in any way I'd really be worried about.

[ Though if anything, she might bully him more than Lyney ever would. ]

[As a fellow big brother how could you ever doubt him?? Betrayal.

So, what he's taking away from Lyney's explanation is that Lynette is probably either a lot more like HIM- quiet, aloof, unassuming on the surface -or Lyney's polar opposite, maybe? There are in betweens that he could mean, of course, but those seem the most likely if he thinks his view is biased. That suggests that he hears different from other people.

Jinwoo has NO IDEA what he's signing up for with meeting her. Ha ha ha... ~~Bully him, Lynette. DO IT.~~]

Yeah? Well, then I'll look forward to meeting her. When are you hoping to set that up? Maybe after we leave this place?

[He gestures with a thumb over his shoulder, pointing to the rows of bookshelves behind them. It's EERIE here, not that he's the least bit bothered by it.]

[ Jinwoo will just have to see to find out, just as he did with Lyney. Though Lynette may be more of a surprise or less of one, after having met the magician first. ]

I can arrange a meeting after this if you'd like, of course. There's no need to subject her to this place, and I believe I have more or less the idea of what's to be found here.

[ Terrible things. Terrible things are all that's to be found here and he's had quite enough of them, thank you. ]

[ On his feet once more, and now that he's not flustered by unexpected dragon-shaped circumstances, he'll motion toward where he knows is the way out. ]

That'd be fine, if she isn't busy. Were you looking for something in particular when you came here, or were you just looking to see what you could find that might be useful?

[He falls into step with Lyney once he's ready, slowing his pace on account of their height difference. He could just offer to teleport them out but he thinks Lyney's prooooobably had enough surprises and shocks for a while.

This reminded him- just a little bit -a little too much about what happened at Jinah's school a while ago. Monsters suddenly spawning and catching defenseless students and staff alike unaware and off guard... Lyney isn't helpless by any means, but this could have ended badly.

The orc slips back into Lyney's shadow for now, and Beru into Jinwoo's. It won't do to freak out anyone else in the library. They might mistake the two shadows for the ones from this corrupted area and try attacking or "snapping [he and Lyney] to their senses" if they suspected corruption or something.]

[ Why is everyone so tall- ]

[ He catches the movement of the two shadows out of the corner of his eye but doesn't say a word about them, nor makes any further physical indication. Instead, he merely huffs a tired sigh as he walks alongside the older man. ]

Investigating, more or less, just like we've been doing for a while now all over this library. An eerie place like here may have some sort of uniqueness to it, so I thought it best to find out for certain. But inevitably, it seems to be the same sort of magic, just with a different topic.

[Would you believe he used to be a Short ~~Dweeb~~ King? Forget spinach and milk, boosting your strength stat is the key, Lyney.]

What was your search radius? What sort of topics and genres, I mean?

[He's got some experience in this area when it comes to magic, magical artifacts, magic items, and the like. Maybe he can give some insightful suggestions? Or-]

If you want to keep searching I can stick around. The Darkness here in Ellipsa has a different feel from the darkness I'm familiar with, so it's a little easier for me to pick it out if you want to avoid the dangers.

[And failing that, if they need to check out one of those books he can deal with whatever comes out of them easily enough.]

[ Does he look like a strength build?? I guess maybe from all those charged attacks- ]

We decided to start our search in library topics that felt most relevant. Geography and history, to start, while trying to keep track of other areas we saw people going towards. This was one of the areas where there didn't seem to be as many people venturing around, though now I can see why.

[ He does glance up with a bit of surprise at the offer though. ]

I already feel bad enough taking up your attention as is, Monsieur.

[LISTEN he didn't start off much better off than Lyney! And you're not gonna convince me he doesn't have potential! Just become a Player its easy!]

[Jinwoo shakes his head at this, making sure to point out-]

Any information that we uncover has the potential to be useful, not just for you and your sister, but for Ellipsa as a whole, right? With how much this world centers around magic there may very well be vital information about the Darkness somewhere in here. It can't hurt to check while we're both here anyway.

[That's the PRACTICAL argument, anyway.]

And it's not a bother. If anything pressing comes up, I can just bring you someplace safe if I really have to be on my way.

[ Please, does Lyney look like a webtoon protag?? ]

[ But ah yes. Sharing information with everyone else, including strangers. It's far from his first instinct, but it's another reminder that this world is different from his own. Or at least, the information trade network he's involved with is. ]

Yes, you're right there.

If you are certain, then I won't insist otherwise. As I said before, I'm not a fool who would turn away help of that sort.

[ Not unless his pride was somehow involved. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Event #8: Fairytale Gone Live

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject