Fading Dreams

Job Name: Defender of Dreamland!
Job Rank: 100-Year Job
Job Requirements: One S-Rank or above wizard. Only one wizard may attempt this job at a time. 80 posts, 550 words each. Total of 44,000 words.
Job Location: Neutral Grounds
Job Description:
Long ago, dreamland and what we call reality were one. There was no difference between the waking world and the sleeping world. At that time, spirits and elementals, humans and beasts all roamed the lands as equals. There was no war, no famine. Everyone was happy. But that was not the way the world was meant to be. Over millennia, men began to long for different things while they were awake, and the spirits called for separation while the men slept. As thus, the great dream was established.

The King of Dreamland, self appointed and self governed, decreed that men could only visit dreamland in their sleep, as such spirits were regulated to stay in the dreamworld, the spirit’s realm, and only visit men in their dreams. This separation lasted for ages and eras. Dreamland did not change, but the world of men did. They developed conflict, war, and death. They discovered magics of all kinds. In their evolution, man forgot the world of dreams existed. They denied it was real. The spirits grew depressed, and began to visit the waking world of men, missing their presence.

Dreamland had lost its power. No longer did the men believe in it, and the spirits no longer respected Dreamland. The King of Dreamland grew outraged at this realization, and plotted to retake his throne as the King of all, by forcing all men to sleep forever. Slowly, he began to warp into the worst nightmare imaginable, a moldable form changing as those who faced him saw their deepest fears. His four counts were caught up in the the growing storm, transformed into nightmarish creatures, each terrifying in their own right. From their, all 20 of the High Knights were transformed, and nightmares were set free upon dreamworld. They attacked the men when they slept, preying upon their fears and growing stronger with each victim they undertook.

And now, the King of Dreamland has enacted the final phase of his plan.

Your client researches in the Neutral Grounds, claiming that the lack of magic helps connect the world to Dreamland. She has been ridiculed for her work, and guilds greatly underestimated the importance of her mission, declining the request to be classified as a 100-Year job. Eventually, someone relented, and you have taken the job, perhaps as out of pity, or maybe vague interest. When you arrive, the client will tell you of the tale of Dreamland, as well as the terrible fate of her comrades; they have been consumed by nightmares, unable to wake and leave Dreamland. Whether you believe her tale of the history of Dreamland, you agree to be put under to visit Dreamland, aware you may never wake again. That’s where the real mission begins.


You will be required to wake 20 people from their nightmares while in the dreamland. In Dreamland, there is no use fighting, as no one can get injured and no one can die. Pain can be felt, but it does not linger. The dreamworld is a constantly shifting landscape, shaped by the dreams of people in it, as well as the spirits who roam free. Nightmares are corrupted spirits or dreams, and can take any form. They also corrupt the world around them. Some nightmares involve horribly grotesque monsters. Some nightmare involve reliving the moment a loved one died over and over again. It is unique to the person under the attack of a nightmare.

The 20 people you save will be people stuck in sleep. It is highly encouraged to use others’ characters from the site, with the creator’s permission. Remember since this is dreamland, they may act totally different (maybe they sprout wings when they dream), and it has no real effect on that person’s character outside of your mission. For each real member’s character you use, a 1% bonus (that stacks) will be applied to the EXP gained from the mission. Be true to the user’s character sheet, using the history and fears section to create an accurate dream. Collaboration with the Character’s creator is also encouraged to create accurate dreams and nightmares for them.

Can you stop the King of Dreamland’s evil plot to make the world of men one with Dreamland once again?

Enemies: There is no real combat in dreamland, so no real enemies will be rolled for. Nightmares must be defeated by making the person having a nightmare overcome the fear that is controlling them. Additionally, you must overcome your own nightmares when facing off against the four Counts and the King of Dreamland himself. Each will present a different nightmare to your character, getting progressively worse until your deepest darkest fears are addressed when you face the King of Dreamland.

Reward:
Title: Defender of Dreamland.
Passive Ability: Vivid Dreaming: Whenever you are asleep, you will still be fully aware as though you were awake. You can travel through dreamland and communicate with spirits or other people who are dreaming, though they may dismiss the dream when they wake.
EXP Bonus: For each character you got permission to use, you will receive 1% additional EXP. This can stack to 20%.
Jewels: 165K Jewels

Submitted by Zalck.

This entire place, this godforsaken city. To Frederick it was nothing more but an abomination of society, everything about it felt wrong. It irked him, it itched him, and most of all the entire absence of a single magical particle. The disadvantage of nothing being able to take in a single form of etherion simply frightened him. Truth was, the Neutral Grounds was actually no different from any other city or town in Fiore. People would go on their daily lives, mothers brining their children to school and tend to their houses. Husbands, going off to a long and fulfilling days of work. And off course the supporting pillar of any irritation for Frederick, the merchants. People who tried to sell their goods and wares at the local market, mostly through the really terrifying ability of yelling so loudly that you just had to buy their stuff. There was only one big difference though, the Neutral Grounds was the only known place in Earthland were any form of magic just didn't work. Couldn't materialize.

So one could understand why this place could be such a bother for Frederick, a mage who relied much on the power and strength of his magic. So much so that without it, he'd might be as weak as a normal human. Unlike some fellow mages of Sabertooth, Frederick didn't carry much physical strength. He only enhanced it through his own latent magical abilities. Sure he knew some defensive moves, some basic martial arts. But even he knew that when push comes to shove in a place like this, he would surely lose.

Yet despite all his current disadvantages, and his growing anger towards the people around him. Frederick stupidly enough agreed on a job that forced him to venture in such a flawed city. Well not that he had much choice in the matter, the request was hanging to long now on the notice board. Especially now, after Hikari's disappearance, he and some others mages had taken on her former duties. Which was taking care of the guild and making sure its reputation didn't got tarnished by leaving a job hanging. So now he was here, doing a difficult job. Well at least he wasn't the only one.

Slowly but steady, Frederick made his way through the crowded streets. Glancing at people from the corner of his eyes. Momentarily taking in their appearance. Most of them were nothing common folk, punks, moms with kids, the elderly. But so every now and then Frederick saw an oddity among them. Probable mages, who either were here on a job as well. Or what was also likely, hiding in plain sight. Away from where any magic could lay eyes on them.

As Frederick progressed further and further into the city, the streets gradually became less crowded. To the point he actually ventured into the darker parts of town. Small streets and alleys, where shade figures hung around. Not your obvious street punks, but real life criminals. The lost souls who came here for another hit. The dealers, selling their infamous 'candies' to the masses. And far worse then that. Hell if Frederick remembered correctly from his days at Savage Skull, somewhere hidden in the Neutral Grounds was a secret society known as The Auction. A vague group of, well merchants perhaps? Honestly Frederick didn't really knew anything of them nobody did, they only knew the Auction from well, their auctions.

Walking some more Frederick finally reached his destination, which obviously was a small staircase at the side of an already small dark alley. Leading towards a busted old door. The sight of it made Frederick sigh immediately, realizing that things were never really easy, not once.


Stats:
HP: 500%
MP: 130%

Wordcount: 618
[1]

'Anyone home?'

As Frederick opened the door, which surprisingly wasn't locked. He immediately called out, his voice stern as always, almost sounded bellowing in the creeping silence. Even though he did spoke at a normal level.
There was no answer, nothing at all. Just a room filled with documents and scientific tools, just barely illuminated by the few lamps that bungled from the ceiling. Creating playful yet eerie shadows on the wall.

Frederick called out again, while shutting the door behind him. Keeping his gaze at every dark corner in the room. As if he'd expected something to jump out at any given moment. Yet again, he was met with nothing more but the utter creeping silence.

'I'd better look around more closely' he spoke out loud. Even though he'd already assumed there was no one in the room.

The room was a big mess, not only were there books piled up all the way to the ceiling. But every single table was filled with blueprints, sketches, schematics. And a large variety of mechanical parts. Loose screws and so on. The ground as well, every were was stuff. Small crates filled with rubbles, machinery partially put together, yet abandoned midway. Yet nothing out of the ordinary, at least not at first glance. Till the moment Frederick stepped onto something that created a short yet hollow sound. Different from the rest of his steps.

He looked downwards, only to see a badly hidden hatch. At first glance invisible because of the shroud of darkness, but when close and noticeable. A poor effort of hiding. The carpet was already partially lifted away from it, which probably indicated that someone might be down there, which would in turn explain why Frederick hadn't met anyone till now.
Squatting down, there was also another indication of someones presence downstairs, the hatch wasn't properly locked down. And could thus be easily opened.

Underneath the hatch was a thin ladder, that felt as if it would break with even the slightest of weigh pressuring down on it. Leading to a small and rather suffocating hallway, and since Fredericks magic was currently absent he ability to see clear through the darkness was gone as well. Leaving him with a rather childish option in his eyes, by putting his hand against the wall, and use that as a guide for trailing his way through the seemingly endless hall.

Since there was no end in sight, Frederick mind wandered off in thought. Thinking back to the most recent events that set a new path for him and the guild he had actually came to like. Hell, he was even fond of the place, and probably the mages. Even if he wouldn't admit it openly to anyone, or himself for that matter. The guild even became closer then ever through the latest ordeals. Frederick himself as well, never before did he really had someone to call a friend. Yet over the past few weeks he had come to the conclusion he had them, and that the feeling was definitely more mutual.

A few more moments passed, before finally a light appeared far away. Urging Frederick to walk faster, as he didn't want to spend any longer in here then necessary. The light grew larger and larger, and slowly took shape with every step he took. Until it was arclike in form, suggesting that what Frederick was heading towards, was indeed the entrance to a new area.


Stats:
HP: 500%
MP: 130%

Wordcount: 576
[2]

As Frederick stepped through the arc formed entrance, everything was momentarily blinded by a bright white light. Which might be caused from the impenetrable darkness he ventured through at first, and then suddenly stepping into a greatly lit room. Either way, the black clad mage of Sabertooth needed to shield his eyes from this light with his arm, before becoming entirely accustomed to it.

His sight slowly returned, starting with shapes and forms around him. Blackened silhouettes still unable to distinct from each other. But definitely suggesting there was a lot more in this room then the upstairs chambers. Well maybe not considering the mess it was in there, but definitely more important then piles of books.
Surprisingly enough a voice pierced through the light. Obviously from a woman. Who slowly became visible to Frederick.

Oh?! hello there' the woman spoke with a rather energetic tone, which was a contrast when Frederick finally had the chance to take a good look at her appearance. Starting with her hair, Frederick could already tell that this woman was a bit off. It was messy, not properly brushed and taken care of. Probably neglected for some time now. Her eyes, where a bit dilated to big. Which meant she was probably hyped up on coffee to keep her awake as much as possible. And probably for some time judging by the big blue bags under her eyes. Her outfit was equally messy, and definitely uncoordinated to say the least. Underneath an open white lab coat she wore what could be best described as weird. Starting from the bottom with a pair of furry bunny slippers, she continued it with a red colored stocking which was torn at someplace. And finished it with a green office skirt. With a faintly grey colored blouse hanging loosely over it. But buttoned up wrongly, to the point that her surprisingly delicately feminine bra was clearly visible.

'Are you by any chance the mage from Sabertooth?' she continued with a surprisingly kind smile. 'I have been waiting for you, long enough to have prepared almost everything'

Frederick suspected that the woman had been awake ever since, but decided to stay clear from that subject. As he had the feeling the moment he would ask he would immediately get a crash course in what she was doing all this time. 'yes' he replied 'Frederick Corbyn, but tell me why am I here exactly? The job description said something about safeguarding but besides that it was rather.. vague'

'Oh I did that on purpose' she chirped happily as an answer. Which obviously annoyed Frederick to a certain amount. 'I'm Dianne by the way, but yeah, I wrote that down else I figured no one would show up' Already Frederick started to regret this job, in fact this was preposterous. Normally people would leave some small bit of crucial info out of their job. Especially when it came down to what or whom they were dealing with. But to generally lie almost the entire job together was something else. Meaning that whatever it was that the Dianne had planned was probably something far more dangerous then just regular safeguarding. Maybe even illegal. 'Anyways, shall we get started?' she asked which was more already assuming Frederick was going along with her whimsical self. 'Wait! hold on! Get started on what?!' he asked a bit panicked, un able to keep up with Dianne.

'huh? Oh to save the dreamworld and our world from colliding off course'


Stats:
HP: 500%
MP: 130%

Wordcount: 583
[3]