It's the end of 2021, which means it's time to decide on our next Task of the Year theme! Everyone can vote on these, even if you did not complete the Tasks of the Month.
Below are the suggestions from this year. If there's one from a previous year you would like me to add in, feel free to add them to this post, and I'll add them to the list.
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Spoiler for 1. Lucid Travelling:LUCID TRAVELLING (by Tiktaalik)
Summary: Take a back packing trip in your lucid dreams and enjoy a range of activities. For each task you must first identify what country/ city you’re in and work with it. If you happen to find yourself in your home town or country don’t worry, you can try teleport to a new location or just pretend you’re somewhere new and hopefully the dream will accommodate. Have fun and see what countries you find yourself in.
Task 1: Go sight seeing
Look around and explore the city/ location you’re in. View the sights, if you don’t know where they are ask for directions. See if you can locate at least one main attraction. It could be a statue, building or a natural wonder.
Task 2: Try the food
Find a restaurant, cafe, market or eat at someone’s house. Try the local cuisine and sample any food of your choosing. What does it smell, look and taste like?
Task 3: Speak with the locals
Walk around and get to know the locals. Talk to a street entertainer, a native tribe or just a man on his way to work. See if you can figure out their language, ask for a tour and engage in a conversation.
Task 4: Visit a Museum.
Locate and wander around a museum or an art gallery. Look at the paintings, the statues and artefacts. What’s there?
Task 5: Take a scenic journey
Board a plane or helicopter, or maybe a speed boat or jet ski. Why not an elephant or a horse? Explore and take in the beauty of the destination.
Task 6: Do an exciting activity
Find an adventure activity to participate in. Are you near the sea? Maybe scuba diving. In a city? Maybe bungee jump from the tallest building. A mountain? Try paragliding!
Task 7: Go to a festival
Last task, time to celebrate. Head to a local festival or party. Maybe it’s a concert, a religious ceremony, a carnival or New year celebration. Have fun and go wild!
Spoiler for 2. The Knights Radiant:Task of the Year Suggestion: The Knights Radiant by Moon
(This theme is based off of the book series The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson. However, none of these tasks require the participant to have read any of the books, although they are amazing and I highly recommend them. Also, there have been minor adaptations.)
Background:
Every person has inside them the potential for greatness. It is through our inner search, through our discovery of our core, our soul.. often at the price of extreme trauma and turmoil.. that we find this greatness. Those of us who have.. we are known as… The Knights Radiant.
Task 1: Find your Spren.
Not many people know about the Spren, but, some do. They lurk everywhere, mostly unseen. Some people think they’ve seen a leprechaun, a ghost, or a fairy. But really? It’s just a Spren. What’s a Spren? They are spirits of nature. Beings of pure energy. Not quite in our physical world, but not quite out of it, either.
All Radiants have a Spren that is bonded to them. The Spren are attracted to specific traits, often virtuous, that the person exemplifies. Some examples include Honor, Unity, Honesty, Creation, Order, Universal Love, Respect, etc.
The Spren’s bond to its Human gives the Radiant his or her powers.
The task: Go into the dream world. Find your Spren. Bond with it [you may do this any way your dream sees fit]. Ask what kind of Spren it is, and its core virtue. Ask it why it chose you. What does it see in you? What is its name?
Group Effort: Ask your Spren for a helpful message you can give to one DreamViews’ member: how can they find their Spren?
Task 2: Find your Solace.
*Note: this task not based on the books*
Every Radiant has a place of peace they go to deep within their minds. It is a place of healing, a sanctuary, a safe haven. Usually found in nature, although it can be otherwise, every Radiants’ Solace is unique to themselves. Perhaps yours is an oceanic island. Perhaps it is a forest clearing with a clear blue-green spring. Perhaps it is a library full of people, a network of crystal-filled caves, or a mushroom forest on a strange alien world.
The task: In the dream world, ask the dream to take you to your Solace / Safe Haven / Santuary. Explore the location, and describe the experience. Then, when ready, sit, relax, and meditate in your True Home.
Group Effort: Ask for a helpful message you can give to one DreamViews’ member to help them find their Solace.
Task 3: Say the Words.
All Knight Radiants have to say a specific set of Words to become one of their Order. However, each order has a different set of Words associated with it. These Words do not come from a book. They do not come from another person, either. They come from within. They are personal.
The task: Return to your Solace place in your dream (see previous task). Note: It is allowable to be different from the previous task, so long as it is also a place of deep peace for you. When there, announce your Words to the dream. The Words needs to come from within. They may be a deep Truth for you, a pearl of Wisdom that you embody, or an Oath that you will keep. They centered around your virtue, and when you think of these words, you are filled with a feeling of purpose. When finished, ask the dream if your words have been accepted. If so, congratulations, you are well on you way to becoming a Knight Radiant.
Group Effort: Ask for a message to give to one other DV member on how to find their Words.
Task 4: Summon your Shardblade.
Every Radiant has a Shardblade. They are our bonded Spren, manifested into weapon form. They are highly magical. They are capable of slicing through rock and severing souls; to be used with the utmost care and discernment.
The task: While in your place of peace (may be different from before), summon your Shardblade. How you do this is up to you. When summoned, describe your blade. What kind of weapon is it? What is it made of? What does it look like? Is it imbued with an element (ice, fire, etc.)? Then, practice with it (without harming innocent others). How does it feel?
Group Effort: Ask for a message to give to one other DV member on how to find their Shardblade.
Task 5: Find your Order.
Every Radiant belongs to an orders within the Organization. Each order has unique abilities associated with it, and often relates to our core virtues. There are 10 standard orders (from the Books), however, perhaps you may find yourself belonging to a different order (dream-given) – this is also acceptable.
The 10 Standard Orders:
1. Windrunners (“I will protect”)
2. Skybreakers (“I will seek justice”)
3. Dustbringers (“I will seek self-mastery”)
4. Edgedancer (“I will remember those less fortunate”)
5. Truthwatcher (“I will seek truth”)
6. Lightweaver (“I will speak my truth”)
7. Elsecaller (“I will reach my potential”)
8. Willshaper (“I will seek freedom”)
9. Stoneward (“I will be there when I’m needed”)
10. Bondsmith (“I will unite”)
The task: In the dream, find your place of Solace. When there, ask the dream to tell you which Order you belong to. It may be one of the 10 standard ones, or a dream-given Order not in the books. Either way, once you find the name of your order, ask about it. What else can you find out about your Order? What are they known for? What abilities do they have?
Group Effort: Ask for a message to give to one other DV member on how to find their Order.
Task 6: The Knights Radiant
You are now ready to meet your fellow Knights. Surprise! They are other DreamViews' members.
The task: Head to the "Dreamviews' Embassy" (see post here). It can be different from what is described. So long as it is a meeting place with other DV members, it is valid. Seek out other DV members. Converse with them. What kind of Radiant are they? What are their virtues, orders, shardblades like? Describe the experience.
Congratulations, you are … a Knight Radiant!
Spoiler for 3. Dreamviews Embassy:Task of the Year Suggestion: The Dreamviews Embassy by Moon
With a lack of an ability to have our own Dreamviews’ convention or other gathering, I figure, why not meet and make merry in a lucid dreaming convention? Let's make a Home Base for our lucid dreaming operations.
I want to give credit for this idea to OccipitalRed as it's really just another take on their idea from last year, as well as their Embassy group idea (post here).
Task 1: Find the Embassy.
In the dream, seek out the Dreamviews’ Embassy. It can be any place, so long as other DV members (real or otherwise) are there. Walk around and explore the grounds.Describe what it looks like. Describe any other members you see there. Anyone you recognize from the forums? Find your room. How you know it’s your room is up to you. You could ask someone, or even just “claim” an empty one. Then, once in, decorate it with things of meaning for you.
Task 2: Visit the Art Gallery.
Return to the Embassy. It’s OK if it looks different from last time, so long as the general feel is the same and DV members are present (real or otherwise). Once inside, find the Art Gallery. Explore dream-related art. Say hi to mosa199a and/or DarkestDarkness while they work on their art.
Task 3: Visit the Library.
Return to the Embassy. It’s OK if it looks different from last time, so long as the general feel is the same and DV members are present (real or otherwise). Once inside, find the library. Explore the books, tablets, scrolls, papers, etc. that you find. Visit Moon and the Book Club while there, and say hi.
Task 4: Attend a Lecture.
Return to the Embassy. It’s OK if it looks different from last time, so long as the general feel is the same and DV members are present (real or otherwise). Once inside, find the lecture hall. Find Sageous and listen to his lecture. Learn some fundamentals!
Task 5: Meditate in the Garden.
Return to the Embassy. It’s OK if it looks different from last time, so long as the general feel is the same and DV members are present (real or otherwise). Once inside, find the garden. Find Sivason and meditate with him and any others learning dream yoga techniques.
Task 6: Training Room.
Return to the Embassy. It’s OK if it looks different from last time, so long as the general feel is the same and DV members are present (real or otherwise). Once inside, find the training room. Find Humble and those training on the Tasks of the Month. Participate with them. Note: The tasks to do not have to have anything to do with the actual Tasks of the Month.
Task 7: Feast with Friends.
Return to the Embassy. It’s OK if it looks different from last time, so long as the general feel is the same and DV members are present (real or otherwise). Once inside, find feast hall. Enjoy a meal (you may have to summon it) with others. Then, have a fun party (music, dancing, joking, drinking are all options).
Note: If you do not know the named members in the tasks, I recommend that you use expectation and/or summoning techniques to bring said person to the dream. They do not have to look like anything specific. Confirm their identity, then describe what the dream gives you.
Spoiler for 4. Build Our Dream Base:Task of the Year Suggestion: Build our Dream Base by Moon
For this theme, it will be structured a little differently. Members may complete any of the possible tasks below, earning wings for each one up to 7. Each time a task is completed by a member, that particular task is locked out (exception: your personal room). No one else may complete that task, however, you may complete other tasks not finished yet. If all tasks have been completed, members may still earn their wings by completing tasks with their own ideas for base pieces.
Let’s work together to build our dream base. Below are 20 different task options. Each one is a “dream base piece”. For each task, the goal is the same: Create and explore the selected base piece. Make sure it is attached to the rest of the base already completed (if any). Describe with as much detail as you can your contribution to the base so that other members may have a good idea of what the base currently looks like. You may either create it directly, OR, you may let the dream create it and simply explore the new addition to our base.
*Note: These do not have to be completed in order*
1. Build the surroundings (what biome are we located in?)
2. Kitchen
3. Main hall
4. Your personal room *May be completed by every member, regardless if it has already been completed by another member*
5. Bathrooms / Bath hall
6. Lecture hall
7. Library
8. Courtyard
9. Garden
10. Art gallery
11. Swimming pool
12. Game room
13. Attic
14. Basement
15. Dining Hall
16. Sitting room
17. Training room
18. Lake
19. Dance hall
20. Stairwell
21. Upstairs hallway
22. Storage room
23. Patio / deck
24. Balcony
25. Meditation room
26. Your ideas here, you may do something different of your own design. No same idea may be repeated.
Spoiler for 5. Lucid Dreaming School of Magic:Task of the Year Suggestion: Lucid Dreaming School of Magic by Moon
Welcome to the Lucid Dreaming School of Magic! Do you have what it takes to become a master lucid dreaming wizard? Master the six schools of magic, then, in a showcase of supreme power, combine aspects of all to defeat a mighty enemy!
Task 1: School of Magic - Illusion
Welcome to Illusion Class! In this class, you will learn how to deceive friend and foe alike with a flick of your wrist! In order to pass this class… you must take this test:
-Cast "Disguise" to look like someone else, then fool the others around you into believing your new persona. Then, cast "Invisibility", allowing yourself to go unseen by others. Lastly, cast "Mirage" to disorient people nearby, so that they see a totally new reality.
Task 2: School of Magic - Restoration
Welcome to School of Restoration! Mend the very bones of your brethren and stop the forces of evil with the pure intent of your heart! Only the purest souls need apply. Are you up for the challenge?
-First, you will find an injured person and heal them by "Laying on Hands", OR if they are already dead, cast "Resurrection". Then, create a "Force Field" of pure divine energy. Finally, make your way into the heart of the danger, and cast "Exorcism" to rid the enemy of their evil heart!
Task 3: School of Magic – Conjuration
The world is your oyster… or at least it is if you are a conjurer! Welcome to the school of Conjuration. Bring every wish into fulfillment with the snap of your fingers! Overtake your enemies with your necromantic army! Take this test to prove your worth!
-First, you will bring the dead back to life with a "Summon Zombie" or "Summon Skeleton" spell. With your new friends, go and defeat your enemies in battle! Tip the odds in your favor as you Summon an entire "Necromantic Army" (or at least a group of creatures!).
Task 4: School of Magic – Alteration
What is form but another illusion? With this knowledge, you can master the arts of the School of Alteration! Travel the world in any way you desire. Become anything and anyone! Change the very fabric of reality with the power of your knowledge!
-Who needs doors? Walk through the walls as you "Phase" yourself into another location. Then. "Shape-Shift" yourself into a winged creature, and fly. Then, master of hardest of all… "Teleport" yourself to the top of a nearby mountain! This must be a true teleportation spell – no phasing, flying, or using guides! One point to the next, that's it!
Task 5: School of Magic – Destruction
Welcome to the School of Destruction Magic. Destroy your enemies with the power of pure arcane energy! Channel your rage in the form of the natural elements! Ice, fire, air, and earth at your fingertips! Take the test…
-Cast "Ice Spikes" to show your mastery over the element of ice. Then, channel "Lightning" from the skies! Hurl a massive "Fireball" at a building and watch it burn! Lastly, split the Earth asunder with an "Earthquake" that rips through your foes!
Task 6: School of Magic – Psionics
Those with true power don’t need to do anything to show it! They use the School of Psionics! Bend the world to your will with your mind! Control the very thoughts of your enemies! Take true control as you possess them! Can you master the art..
-First, you must send objects flying around the room with only your mind, with a "Telekinesis" spell. Then, converse with your dream companions using "Telepathy", and note their responses. Practice "Mind Control" on your fellow dreamers, having them do what you want.
Task 7: Full Spectrum Wizard
Congratulations. If you have made it this far, you are truly a master wizard. However… can you pass the final test? Do you have what it takes to be the Sorcerer Supreme?
-To pass the final test, you will use your spells (any) to fight an ancient enemy, which could be a Balrog, Dragon, Giant, or Leviathan, or similar creature of legend.. Once completed, you must ask and receive your reward.. And at long last … you will be… the Ultimate Lucid Dreaming Wizard!!!
Spoiler for 6. Create Your Own TotY:Create your own TOTY: by Tiktaalik
Task 1:
Summon your dream guide and ask them what your TOTY should be about this year. Find a clear answer and path to follow then find out what Task 2 entails.
Tasks 2-6:
Complete the task that you were set in the previous task and find out what the next task is. To do this you may ask the dream, a DC or find some kind of clue.
Task 7:
Complete Task 7 and bring closure to the the set of tasks as a whole in what ever way seems right.
After reading all the different themes, post below and vote on your top 3, in the order you want them to appear. Each position will score the following amount of points:
1st - 3 points
2nd - 2 points
3rd - 1 point
Voting ends in 1 week, on Jan. 5th, at 11:59 pm EST.
Good luck, and happy voting!
~Moon
