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idream_ofmemes2023-01-18 12:48 am
perchancetodreammods) wrote in idream_ofmemes2023-01-18 12:48 am
Entry tags:
TDM #5 - Love You Like a Love Song
Love You Like a Love Song
New Arrivals
It seems, at first, like any other night.
You perform your nightly routine, winding down for bed as you usually do, dressing down, climbing under the covers, and preparing to drift off. This is, in all likelihood, a painfully average night, with absolutely nothing to suggest anything strange was on its way. However, as you reach that strange, liminal moment where only a sliver of consciousness remains as sleep is about to take you, there is a strange feeling in the pit of your stomach. A shift. And in that moment, you realize something is different. You don't have time to think about how or why you know this, or whether it is a good or bad thing, you simply know that it is so.
But it's too late. You drift off nonetheless.
When you rise, you find yourself still in the same bed you went to sleep in, but that bed has been… transported, somehow, to a broad and otherwise empty room. Your feet hit the black marble floor, but even if they are bare, they don’t feel cold. Around you are tall arches, beyond which is a rich, pink, sunset sky, and fluffy clouds drifting lazily by, sometimes close enough that parts of them intrude on the room.
On one side of the room, there is a door. Tall and austere, it looms overhead, bearing a carving of a strange blue eye. You feel awake, yet you know you are dreaming. Never in your life have you had a dream like this, so breathtakingly lucid. You feel foreign here, but welcome, like a guest. It’s an odd feeling, but perhaps it is familiar.
At the foot of your bed, there is a note on a small black slip of paper, written in lavender ink. It’s addressed to you by name.
“If you want answers, come find me at the Torn Oak. Otherwise, make yourself at home. Welcome to the Dreamscape.
-The Outsider”
The only way out is through the door. When you exit it, it slams behind you, and is gone if you turn around. You begin to get the sense that you’re going to be here for a while.
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───
Welcome to the Dreamscape, a unique dream experience hosted by a mysterious entity calling themself the Outsider. They claim to be the master of the unconscious mind, having brought you and your neighbors to this magnificent shared dream where the only limit to what is possible is your imagination. Despite how long the dream may feel, the Outsider assures you that your life in the waking world is conveniently on pause, and when you awaken, you will find everything just as you left it, leaving you full reign to focus on the dream.
Your task here is to forge bonds with other dreamers, through conversation, common ground, whimsical dream adventures and the occasional emotional hardship. Success will reward you with feathers, which can be exchanged for Wishes, which allow you to add things to the Dreamscape or even make parts of it your own.
You are also given your very own Nimbus Cloud, a pink, cloud-shaped pocket dimension where you can craft your home as your heart desires just by willing it to look how you want, allowing you form your own little slice of paradise. Sleeping and eating are optional, death is impermanent, and the ever-shifting landscape offers a wealth of unique experiences. The only catch--- you can't leave. At least, not until the Outsider wakes you from the dream, and they seem to be a bit dodgy on how long that will take, or what their motives are for bringing you here. Your only option is to try and make the best of it, though perhaps getting to know your host might offer some answers, along with some additional benefits.
However you choose to dream, your adventures are what you make them, and how you interact with the Dreamscape will influence how it expands. Good luck out there, and sweet dreams!
You perform your nightly routine, winding down for bed as you usually do, dressing down, climbing under the covers, and preparing to drift off. This is, in all likelihood, a painfully average night, with absolutely nothing to suggest anything strange was on its way. However, as you reach that strange, liminal moment where only a sliver of consciousness remains as sleep is about to take you, there is a strange feeling in the pit of your stomach. A shift. And in that moment, you realize something is different. You don't have time to think about how or why you know this, or whether it is a good or bad thing, you simply know that it is so.
But it's too late. You drift off nonetheless.
When you rise, you find yourself still in the same bed you went to sleep in, but that bed has been… transported, somehow, to a broad and otherwise empty room. Your feet hit the black marble floor, but even if they are bare, they don’t feel cold. Around you are tall arches, beyond which is a rich, pink, sunset sky, and fluffy clouds drifting lazily by, sometimes close enough that parts of them intrude on the room.
On one side of the room, there is a door. Tall and austere, it looms overhead, bearing a carving of a strange blue eye. You feel awake, yet you know you are dreaming. Never in your life have you had a dream like this, so breathtakingly lucid. You feel foreign here, but welcome, like a guest. It’s an odd feeling, but perhaps it is familiar.
At the foot of your bed, there is a note on a small black slip of paper, written in lavender ink. It’s addressed to you by name.
“If you want answers, come find me at the Torn Oak. Otherwise, make yourself at home. Welcome to the Dreamscape.
-The Outsider”
The only way out is through the door. When you exit it, it slams behind you, and is gone if you turn around. You begin to get the sense that you’re going to be here for a while.
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───
Welcome to the Dreamscape, a unique dream experience hosted by a mysterious entity calling themself the Outsider. They claim to be the master of the unconscious mind, having brought you and your neighbors to this magnificent shared dream where the only limit to what is possible is your imagination. Despite how long the dream may feel, the Outsider assures you that your life in the waking world is conveniently on pause, and when you awaken, you will find everything just as you left it, leaving you full reign to focus on the dream.
Your task here is to forge bonds with other dreamers, through conversation, common ground, whimsical dream adventures and the occasional emotional hardship. Success will reward you with feathers, which can be exchanged for Wishes, which allow you to add things to the Dreamscape or even make parts of it your own.
You are also given your very own Nimbus Cloud, a pink, cloud-shaped pocket dimension where you can craft your home as your heart desires just by willing it to look how you want, allowing you form your own little slice of paradise. Sleeping and eating are optional, death is impermanent, and the ever-shifting landscape offers a wealth of unique experiences. The only catch--- you can't leave. At least, not until the Outsider wakes you from the dream, and they seem to be a bit dodgy on how long that will take, or what their motives are for bringing you here. Your only option is to try and make the best of it, though perhaps getting to know your host might offer some answers, along with some additional benefits.
However you choose to dream, your adventures are what you make them, and how you interact with the Dreamscape will influence how it expands. Good luck out there, and sweet dreams!
Constellations
When you join the Dreamscape, you will receive a magical Constellation pendant, allowing you to connect to the DreamNet! The star-shaped pendant, which varies depending on your personal style, lights up and projects a hologram screen that will allow you to send messages, videos, and voice calls. A handy way to stay connected with fellow dreamers on the go that is intuitive enough for anyone to understand, whether you come from a world where email has been invented or not!
Love is Mystical
♫♪♩♬ {Cold War Kids}
A few weeks have passed now since the incident that broke the Dreamscape. It had only taken the Outsider a few hours to get everything back to passably normal, but ever since it happened, things have been somewhat tense. The Outsider has kept to themself, holed up in the Torn Oak, and there is a sense of unease among the rest of the dreamers, as if some new terrible thing might happen any minute. Worry, for the Dreamscape, for the Outsider, and for the safety of the dreamers, looms in the air as the master of ceremonies continues to be AWOL.
In the midst of all these troubled feelings, it would be easy to forget that the season of love was drawing near, and that the Outsider had expressed that they’d been making plans. But just as some dreamers were fit to break down the Torn Oak’s door looking for them, the Dreamscape’s host at long last made contact in the form of a video to everyone’s Constellation. A little jingle plays from your star pendant, like the sound of a music box, and a screen of light appears before you, displaying their blue complexion and three-eyed visage.
“Hello, my friends!” They smile, albeit a bit sheepishly. “I know I have been doing a poor job of making myself available for the past few weeks. Some of you are likely new arrivals, but for many of you, things have been… a bit trying since the unveiling of the Everwinter Snowglobe. And in retrospect, I imagine my absence has not done much for morale, so I do apologize. However, I am pleased to announce that while I continue to look for the cause of the anomaly from earlier this month, I have prepared some of my usual fare of festivities for all of you to enjoy, to try and get things feeling a bit more normal again.”
As they speak, you notice the color palette of your surroundings growing a bit warmer and softer, with reds and pinks beginning to catch the eye more prominently.
“In many locations and traditions, early spring, especially February, is the time of year when romance and intimacy are celebrated. So from now until February fifteenth, I will be rewarding these types of meaningful connections with one extra feather than normal, in hopes that we can all use this time to grow a little closer to one another. I also hope that you will use these extra feathers to make larger-scale Wishes, so that we can get back to shaping our Dreamscape together. Thank you all so much for your patience, your understanding, your compassion and willingness to help, and most of all, your faith in me. We will find out what damaged our Dreamscape, and we will be stronger for it. But for now, let’s just focus on doing what we came here to do--- connecting with others. Happy Valentine’s Day to you all!”
As the transmission ends, a wave of shimmering warm color washes over the Dreamscape, deepening the soft, rosy color palette and decorating the Dreamscape in glittering, romantic motifs. All around, a myriad of new features begin to crop up, creating opportunities for you and your fellow dreamers to partake of the generous feather bonuses available until next month. As the Outsider stated, anyone who engages in Physical Affection, Romantic Moments, or Intimacy between now and February 15th will get a bonus feather for these interactions, so go out there and get your flirt on! Don’t forget that first-time love confessions also get extra feathers, so if you were looking for the perfect moment, now’s your chance! Or if romance isn’t your thing (or your partner isn’t in the Dreamscape), platonic instances of Physical Affection also get the bonus. Cuddling pays! The Wishing Center has additional details if you need them.
From Eden
♫♪♩♬ {Hozier}
The Torn Oak is not a small tree, by any means. So the fact that a massive structure of prismatic glass, fixed into a cage-like rose gold armature, can be seen over top of it indicates very clearly that the building is incredibly large.
Follow the path behind the tree, and just past the white willow that drapes itself over the Glass Lake, you will find an enormous, sprawling botanical garden encased in a greenhouse of iridescent glass. From the outside, it’s already stunning, but going inside will feel like stepping into another world as you find yourself utterly surrounded with all manner of fragrant flowers, fruit-bearing trees, running water features, and pale architecture, all bathed in an ethereal golden light. Flower petals line the stone or glass staircases to higher levels, allowing for hours upon hours of roaming. English gardens of roses and lavender with charming gazebos, Japanese zen gardens bursting with camellia blossoms, a Greek outdoor bath house covered in bright pink climbing flowers and surrounded by delicate Narcissus, a tropical oasis full of plumeria and hibiscus, a running river carved through a patch of delicate wildflowers, orchards, vineyards, and even a private room with a bed whose dense canopy is constructed of lush wisteria trellises are all available to you. With this many options, anyone looking for a romantic date spot will surely find something to their taste in the Slice of Eden.
Cosmic Love
♫♪♩♬ {Florence + The Machine}
To the other side of the Torn Oak, there is another structure, this one a bit cooler in tone than the rest. Nestled close to the entrance of the Enchanted Woods, a cathedral-like structure of rich, dark stone, black steel, and blue stained glass has been erected, with stunning celestial details set into the glass. An intricate sun, a white crescent moon, and dozens of silver stars and colorful planets appear in the arched windows. And on the far side--- is that a telescope?
The structure is technically some kind of observatory, with an enormous lens pointed toward the sky, displaying its view on a curved screen that takes up the entire ceiling. But the architecture, with its arched stained glass windows, vaulted ceilings, and spiraled flying buttresses, resembles that of a grand old church. And the sprawling tile floor is an intricate blue and gold mosaic, perfect for a ballroom. Emotional orchestral music echoes through the hall, sounding as though it is coming from another room, though it’s unclear where, and the moment you step into the building, your clothing transforms to breathtaking celestial-themed formalwear. Maybe there are other dreamers present, and you attend a lavish cosmic ball, or maybe you and a paramour come when no one is here and twirl alone under the stars. Regardless of the occasion, if you dance on the ballroom floor here, you will find yourself feeling as though you are floating, dancing through space itself. Any romantics who are fond of the night sky will enjoy the taste of the galaxy they get in the Starlight Cathedral.
You & I
♫♪♩♬ {Barns Courntey}
Of course, what would a Dreamscape event be without a festival in the Twisted City? Among the ever-shifting buildings, an adorable pink-and-red heart themed fair has taken over the streets, featuring booths selling charming little heart-shaped street crepes, carnival games with romantic trinkets as prizes, and, oddly, just one ride. The Tunnel of Love. Because of course it is.
Board the swan-shaped boat with your partner at the station, and cuddle up as the vessel begins its voyage into the dark tunnel ahead. However, this is no ordinary Tunnel of Love. Shortly after the ride begins, the canal takes a quick drop, and your boat picks up a bit of speed, spilling you over into the black abyss before you. But you’re not falling--- in fact, you’re flying! As you soar, you find yourself flying through a cloudless sky, over a still, dark ocean. Tiny silver stars melt from the sky and fall lazily into the water below as crystal ships crawl across the surface of the water, cutting the glassy waves and glittering in the moonlight. Where is your boat now? It doesn’t matter. Land on a crystal ship, swim in the ocean of molten silver starlight, or keep on flying overhead--- you’ll reach the end of the tunnel when you’re good and ready.
Crush
♫♪♩♬ {Tessa Violet}
There’s one other interesting attraction at the carnival--- some kind of virtual reality game. It looks a bit like a bunch of photo booths all positioned together, but if you look inside an open booth there is some sort of VR eye mask on the vacant seat. The sign in front of this unusual apparatus reads, “Meet-Cute Simulator”.
Grab a free booth, press the button on the console, and don your mask for a custom mini-dream with one other dreamer--- placing you directly in a romance novel trope! Whether it’s bumping into each other at a grocery store, a chance encounter at a coffee shop, or a stay at a remote location with only one bed, you’ll know as soon as you enter the dream what your role is in this story and who your partner is. You can get consensually paired off with someone of your choice or get put in a pool to be paired off with a random other singleton, so this can make for a fun roleplay date or allow you to meet someone new! Get as wild, fantastical, corny, or spicy as you like!
Baby I'm Yours
♫♪♩♬ {Breakbot feat. Irfane}
Also a new fixture in the Twisted City, which thankfully is static and won’t change locations the minute you’re not looking at it, is what appears to be a dance hall! Not too far from the carnival, bright lights and catchy disco music can be seen pouring out of a building labeled in bright neon letters, bearing the name “HUE&ME”.
The moment you step inside, the sights of the club overtake your vision, and your eyes begin to shift. Somehow, everything looks like it is painted, including you, drenched in splashes of shifting rainbow colors and taking on a sketched-and-paint-drenched appearance under the club lights. Colorful and tasty drinks are being served at the bar (alcoholic or not!) and funky music is bumping the speakers, so this is a great place for a date, to meet someone new, or just to hang out with a friend if you’re not feeling romantic! Nothing like a flood of rainbow colors to enhance the fun! There’s also a custom stop on the submarineway for the club. You know, just in case you want to get out of the city easily for a simple trip back to your Nimbus Cloud. For whatever reason.
Enchanted to Meet You
♫♪♩♬ {Taylor Swift}
Need a little help finding someone to spend the event with? No problem. The Dreamscape’s got you.
Sandwiched between the club and the carnival, a cobblestone plaza is set up with a large pergola draped with sheer fabric and a number of tables with seats for two. Fill out a little card with some information about yourself, take a number, and check what number you’re paired with on a little screen off to one side of the tent. You and that person will get to chat it up for a bit before a bell chimes, and then you’ll get a new number!
That’s right. Speed dating. Is it kind of silly? Maybe. But hey, even if you don’t find a date, it’ll at least get you talking to people and potentially making more friends! Play your cards right, and you could really rack up the feathers… Or just meet someone who you really connect with! And you’re close to a number of fun attractions if you find someone you’re interested in.
Here’s your card:
Have fun!
[OOC note: include the text from the above box in your toplevel for this prompt, and to anyone whose toplevel for Enchanted you respond to! This information should be visible to your speed dating partner.]
Nobody
♫♪♩♬ {Mitski}
Well, not everyone’s cut out for these types of events. It’s possible you already have a partner back home or aren’t looking for one at the moment. Maybe romance just isn’t your thing. Or maybe you’re just too socially anxious to participate in any of the match-up events. Whatever the reason, there’s a place for you at Black Heart Bar & Grill. Grab some dinner and a drink and join in on some singles-friendly or group party activities. Romance-free movies, billiards, card games, and a game of darts where the target is one of those big stupid pink heart decorations from the carnival. Who needs romance? Friendly affection gets bonus feathers, too, anyway! So break out the bro hugs!
Mod Notes
Just a few small notes:
-For February, my fellow mods and I will be going "light duty". This means that February's event will be relatively simplistic, so that we can spend some time enjoying our game and Valentine's Day. The intention is that this (kind of huge) TDM will be useful for a long time to compensate!
-Any threads that begin between now and Feb. 15th will qualify for the feather bonus! For reference, while the bonus is in effect:
Physical Affection (romantic or planonic) = 2
Romantic Moments = 2 (or 3 if it's a first time love confession)
Intimacy = 3
Other interactions give feathers at the normal rate
- Don't forget that we have a birthday chart for both players and characters!
-NEW PLAYERS! Feel free to request a Discord link!
Thank you!