{ lindwormeo and juliet }

[dreamposts]

LINDWORMEO & JULIET

It is the third dreamshift, and when everyone rouses and becomes aware of their situation, they find themselves dressed in Verona, a gothic city where night reigns everlasting and violence lurks around every corner. Not because of crime, but because of the two main families, the Montagues and the Capulets, everlasting feud. Fights break out almost every other minute and peace is hard sought after. However, peace is perhaps on the table, for the Capulets are hosting a grand masquerade in a gesture of truce. But it's difficult when one of Montague's sons is cursed as a Lindworm, one of the key reasons why there is a feud to begin with.

"But that's not really all that important," a voice echoes around them. It's a voice different from the tapirs that they've grown accustomed to, and after another moment it chimes in again. "Up here my fair little dreamwalkers."

And lo, high above in the permanent night sky is a moon so full and bright that it almost feels as if it could swallow them whole. After learning about the Story Eater's actions against Songerein's moon, the appearance of a face would certainly alarm many. But then the face seems to recede before it changes into a full person holding a quill and manuscript.

"Greetings! I am William Shakespeare and you are now within my own dream, a dreamscape I believe you call it. My works can be found in many places and in many worlds. Yet that accursed Story Eater has been devouring my masterpieces! I must now pen them all over again, but one of its minions is invading my mind and altering everything and I refuse to become a brainless puppet like Marlowe. I have isolated it within this place of my own design based off of Romeo and Juliet. However it seems after my reading of the Lindworm King, my visions have been affected a bit, but no matter. A playwright must find inspiration where he can!

But it is now up to you to see this play through completion. Doing so will help those outside draw out the fiend through the accumulated dreamotion energy, and if you could give it a few stabs that will help as well. Not all of you need to partake in my play, and I have already chosen my leading actors and actresses. You should find a brief copy of the script on your person, but you may act however you wish. However, I should warn you—this is a tragedy, so deaths are expected. But fear not, you will leave this dreamscape perhaps a bit tired, but unharmed. It's all a dream after all.

Now that should cover it. I look forward to seeing how everyone's tragic romances will play out. It may give me material for my next masterpiece!"

And just as suddenly as he had appeared, Shakespeare disappears from the moon, leaving it to loom brightly over the otherwise dark city.

I. GENERAL PROMPTS

Reminder that those cast as Romeo and Juliet can participate in most of these prompts, but the timing would be set early on before they move onto their designated scenes.

A. Family Feud. Everyone in Verona is randomly split in allegiance between the Montagues and the Capulets, and whenever they meet there is some kind of tension. It could be violent, hostile, passive, petty, or even attraction. Surely Romeo and Juliet aren't the only ones who can love across the aisle. If not pit against each other to fight or exchange snide comments, opposing parties can also work together to deal with Erasers posing as creepy looking family members/soldiers/knights/etc.

» BONUS: TO ARMS. A city-wide family feud makes for good business if you’re in the weapons-and-armor trade. Gather materials to help smithies in creating armor and weapons.

B. Masquerade. Almost as if it's the opening act, everyone, both Montagues and Capulets are to attend a masquerade held within the Capulet's ballroom. It's a momentary "truce," and though tension between the families is still rampant, everyone is welcome to wear the finest clothing they can imagine and to partake in the festivities. The masquerade itself is in the ballroom, but there are also gardens and large terraces that guests can go to if they want some fresh air.

» BONUS: PREPARATIONS. Any good party requires a lot of preparation, and all of Verona is abuzz with activity leading up to the big night. Tailors need help getting fabric, jewels, and other baubles to create the finest dresses. Caterers need quality ingredients for the food that will be prepared and served. Someone needs to step up and be the band for the night. There are plenty of ways in which Dreamwalkers can help make the masquerade a success!

C. EXTRA SCENES. There are a few specific "scenes" featuring key characters from the original play. Whether taken voluntarily or "beckoned" by Shakespeare, those who participate will have a little "essence" of the original character. No full personality change, but they might feel certain impulses or find it easier to slip into the role. Note: anyone can fill in the roles of "Romeo" and "Juliet" for the Paris scenes; it is not exclusive to those who signed up for Romeo and Juliet.

1. PARIS V. JULIET. Paris meets and dances with Juliet, taking a fancy with her. With his arrogance believing he can win over the Capulet princess, throughout the night he attempts to woo Juliet, either in the ballroom or the gardens just outside. Juliet must not be swayed! (Or maybe a little swayed, but try not go totally off-book here). Juliet can shut down Paris however they want. (This scene happens during or immediately after the "Masquerade", but before the Balcony scene.)
   
   
2. PARIS V. ROMEO. Paris bullies his younger brother about the Lindworm curse on a near-constant basis. And to add insult to injury, after meeting Juliet he’s decided that he wants Juliet for himself. Obviously, Romeo is not about to let his stupid mean brother steal the love of his life! They’re going to have to fight this one out, either with words or via fisticuffs. (This scene happens during or immediately after the "Masquerade" but before the "Balcony" scene.)
   
   
3. BENVOLIO'S ATTEMPTS. Benvolio is trying to find a cure for Romeo's curse, and after some research in the library he finds something! Good cousin that he is, he puts the theory to the test immediately. Unfortunately, his attempt backfires and he gets turned into a lindworm (fully or partially) instead. The poor guy is now out of sorts, and he needs protection so that someone doesn't mistake him for some monster and kill him. At least the transformation is only temporary.
   
   
4. TYBALT V. MERCUTIO. The infamous duel. Considering how much their families hate each other, the inciting incident can be just about anything. The original story has Tybalt goading Mercutio into a duel by calling Romeo a villain, Tybalt killing Mercutio, and Romeo killing Tybalt. But no one’s enforcing the particulars very closely here, so players are free to proceed with the fight any way they please. (If this fight does end in one or more deaths, please refer to the event details on how death works within the dreamscape.)

D. Love is a Battlefield. As if there wasn’t enough drama to deal with, a large, winged noctaere can be found throughout the dreamscape firing arrows at the residents, turning them into Erasers. It can summon smaller winged noctaere to fight for it, and if a dreamwalker gets hit by the arrows, they will slowly turn into a lindworm that is full of hate. It's difficult to combat the boss itself, but it can be weakened by defeating its minions and those hit by its arrows. Love of any form will be a powerful counter that will hit the boss as well.

» BONUS: ROSE COLLECTION. In the forests are white and red roses that are hidden under logs and stones. They will sparkle a bit to make them look different than other flowers. They must be collected before the Erasers can get to them. A white rose fed to a lindworm will return them back to normal. Eating a red rose will allow characters to turn into a pink, heart covered lindworm for ten minutes to fly up and try to combat against the winged noctaere or the Erasers.

II. ROMEO AND JULIET'S OBJECTIVES

The following objectives are locked to those who signed up for Romeo and Juliet. Please refer to the notes for all the stipulations and effects characters will experience as the tragic couple. Final reminder that the characters will be aware of the tragic ending as well as reassurance that they will awaken unharmed at the end of their final scene.

Click for objectives.

A. Love at First Sight. Time to get your party-crashing pants on, Romeo, because there is a masquerade that you are not invited to but are attending anyway. Who doesn’t love a good party? If you wear a mask, no one will know it’s you! Here Romeo and Juliet have the opportunity to meet and flirt and make goo-goo eyes at each other. And if they really want to get into the spirit of things, they can go into a laborious metaphor about how holding hands is super hot but kissing is way hotter. (Yes, really.) At this point Romeo's curse is only a partial transformation, something along the lines of scales down one side of his body.

B. Balcony Scene. The time for light flirting is over–this is where Romeo and Juliet get to declare their undying love for each other. Romeo really needs to work it as his brother, Paris, has also made moves on Juliet. There’s some strangeness in the dreamscape at this point that seems to have mistaken Shakespeare for musical theater, so the loving couple must sing their love for one another. With that spirit in mind, the moment should be suitably big and dramatic! Immediately after this scene is when Romeo and Juliet get married, so there’s no reason not to put it all out there. Shakespeare will lend a "helping hand" in giving them knowledge of the lyrics to sing, though they are free to create their own song and freestyle it. (Players can use existing songs or make it up as they go.)

C. Elope. Being the very mature and intelligent lovers that they are, Romeo and Juliet decide to get married after knowing each other for a whole day. Time to get to the chapel, meet with the Friar, and exchange vows. Shakespear will lend a helping hand by providing wedding attire fitting for those who are cast in their role. That's right, every Juliet will have their own special bridal dress, isn't he so considerate? And then it’s time to do whatever it is that newlyweds do, if that's what they are into. Otherwise, Romeo and Juliet will need to return home to prepare for their future.

D. Runaways. Juliet learns that she is being forced to marry Romeo's brother, Paris, which is a problem because she’s already married and also she doesn’t like that other guy anyway. In a major divergence from the source material, Romeo and Juliet decide to make a run for it instead of that whole poisoning-yourself business. It’s just a better idea all around. The goal is to get out of town undetected, which means that this is a stealth mission. Romeo and Juliet must follow a path and avoid getting caught. Whatever it takes to get past the guards and would-be snitches that would turn you in!

E. Find the Cure. Even after making it out so far, fate is against them. At this point Romeo's curse is advancing, so they need to look for the cure. Just outside of town they encounter a very trustworthy set of three witches who provide a list of items for them to retrieve and mix into a potion: rainbow mushroom, feather of a dove, three snails, and lavender. No one said this was going to taste good. However, while it will work temporarily, only Juliet is told that the final ingredient must be the blood of his lover. It's a cryptic message, however they do not specify how the blood is taken. Do they mean just a few drops? Or her life?

F. Tragic Ending. Upon learning of the young couple's running away, the Capulets have declared war with knights out hunting to kill Romeo and bring back Juliet. They are soon found and no matter what they do, death will await them. But how? Players can direct this however they want. Did the soldiers catch them? Did they decide that the whole double-suicide poison thing was a good idea after all? Does one tragically sacrifice themself to save the other? Does Romeo go full Lindworm and eat Juliet? The possibilities are endless. At this point Romeo is capable of turning into a full lindworm if he's taken the cure without Juliet's blood. If he drinks the cure with Juliet's blood, then he will revert to a normal human (teenager) with no extra powers.

[Mod Note: Details on this event can be found here and we request all thread submissions to be made here.]

Comments

Love at First Sight.

[indolentaxe]

[It doesn't take very long for Hilda to realize that she has been cast as the romantic lead in this Shakespeare guy's place. One of the other players addresses her as Juliet as she's getting ready for the masquerade, and at first she is thrilled. Of course she should be the beautiful heroine, beautiful and feminine and delicate as she is. She's happy to have the chance to fall for a handsome man and start a romance, however forced it is by their circumstances.

It'll be a good distraction for the weirdness of her actual romantic circumstances. Which don't exist, actually, so why is it even coming up.

The excitement quickly wears off when she realizes that she's supposed to die at the end. Yeah, it's not going to actually kill her, but ugggggh it's super unfair. Tragedies are stupid. What's wrong with happy endings where the lovers ride off into the sunset together?! This sucks.

Well, at least this is all starting on the right foot. Who doesn't love an excuse to dress up and party? So here Hilda is, a blushing young beauty in pale red gown and long curls, waiting for her Romeo to approach.]

[menancia]

[Some would call it the role of a lifetime. This is Dohalim's first opportunity to contribute to a dreamscape to this extent, and upon being addressed as Romeo for the first time, he's very quick to adapt his mindset accordingly. In being assigned such an integral role in this story, it is his responsibility to play it to its fullest— and he intends to do so, to dedicate every fiber of his being to this performance.

His Juliet stands out against the crowd, a stranger in both truth and fiction, and he makes his way towards her with purpose, dressed accordingly and appearing to be perfectly at ease with his surroundings as he sweeps into a low bow and extends a hand to her.]

If I profane with my unworthiest hand this holy shrine, the gentle fine is this: my lips, two blushing pilgrims, ready stand to smooth that rough touch with a tender kiss.

[He absolutely studied his lines in the short time allotted... at least the earlier ones.]

[indolentaxe]

[They had lines to study?! That's news to her.

Really, Hilda's more of a 'go with what feels right' kind of actress. And what feels right in this moment is to be utterly charmed by this handsome stranger. She's not sure how much of it is the magic of dreams and how much of it is actually her, but quite frankly she doesn't care. It's much easier--and more fun--to let it all wash over her either way.

With a warm smile, she accepts his hand.]

Don't sell yourself so short, pilgrim. I think you're being most gentlemanly right now.

[That's... more or less the gist of Juliet's response in the original play.]

Am I supposed to introduce myself as Juliet, or as Hilda? Because my name's actually Hilda.

[menancia]

[That's—

Hm. Not in the script, but it does have the spirit of the lines he recalls reading through, and he will not allow her approach to keep him performing the role to his utmost. However, if she's going to improvise, he can well do the same— they wouldn't want the scene to become awkward and stilted thanks to his insistence on rigidity, after all.]

Juliet! Truly, thy name is as heavenly as thy visage.

[He takes the offered hand and lifts it slightly, bowing to drop a kiss against the back of it.]

Have not saints lips, and holy palmers too?

[indolentaxe]

["Juliet" it is! Shame she doesn't know his actual name instead of having to default to "Romeo," but maybe he'll tell her once this is all said and done and they're too busy being dead to have to do this acting thing anymore.

Not that there's much acting that needs to be done here, given how easily charming he is. The kiss to her hand gets Hilda to give him a coquettish giggle.]

They do, but I'm pretty sure it's so they can pray.

[For not having read the script, Hilda's doing a pretty darn good job keeping pace with it. Dream magic!]

[menancia]

[Indeed, there will be time enough for names when this is finished and they have played their parts to the fullest; for now, he will masquerade twice over.

He gives her a winsome smile as he lifts his head to meet her gaze from behind his mask; though the words may differ, he can already see her as a charismatic leading lady, one that it will be quite easy to play off of in scenes to come. No doubt they will be able to do the bard's words and dreams justice, between the two of them— though the scaling that is currently partly hidden by his mask does give him some concern about how future scenes may play out.

They'll deal with that when the time comes.]

Then, sweet angel, let lips do what hands do! They pray, grant thou, lest faith turn to despair!

[He is Into This— there is no shortage of enthusiasm from this man.]

[indolentaxe]

[It'll probably be fine! What's a little curse like turning into a lindworm or whatever worth against the force of True Love?

In the few minutes they've been chatting, Hilda has gone from 'more into the idea of being the leading lady than actually wanting to put in the effort' to '110% invested.' It's hard not to want to match his energy, and she even goes so far as to resolve to take a peek at the script between scenes. In the meantime, following his lead has gone splendidly. There's a sparkle in the rose-colored eyes behind her mask when she responds with a slightly sly smile.]

Angels tend to stay right where they are.

[The invitation for him to kiss her is very evident between her words.]

[menancia]

[Surely, such a curse can only bring greater depth to the tragedy that already looms ahead of them— it will be a performance for the ages!

His own smile brightens as she sees fit to match him; the words seem to come to her easily, and he lifts her hand in his as he takes a step closer, as though her response alone has renewed his spirit.]

Then move not, while my prayer's effect I take! Thus from my lips, by yours, my sin be purged—

[The invitation is clear enough, and he recalls the act being somewhere around here in the script he'd looked through beforehand. He leans in to meet her, their difference in height made negligible by his bowing, and presses a chaste kiss to her lips, mask still in place.]

[indolentaxe]

[They are going to act the hell out of their tragic demise together, Hilda can already tell. Which honest makes her feel a bit better about the whole 'having to die' aspect of it. If they swing for the fences, so to speak, it will feel less real.

Of course, they have a lot to get through before they get to that point. And it's much more pleasant to focus on the butterflies in her stomach that flutter as he leans down to kiss her. It's no more real than the eventual awful stuff, but here she's more than happy to pretend it is.

With a smile and a bit of a giggle, she rocks back and forth on her heels a bit as he pulls away.]

So now my lips have the sin you just placed there~?

[Kind of silly to call simple kissing like this a sin, if you ask her, but the script is the script.]

[menancia]

[The whole exchange is so chaste that the choice of language amuses him, as well, but he does not dare break character, only allowing his smile to pull wider as he proceeds to feign being enraptured, with quite some success— he lets out a long, blissful sigh, followed by a deep chuckle.]

Sin from thy lips? Trespass sweetly urged, I will take it in turn! Give me thy sin again.

[He'll lean in again, eyes bright beneath his mask, but this time, he'll give her the opportunity to meet him halfway and initiate the next part, instead.]

I am not sorry for this

[indolentaxe]

[Hilda sees the opportunity he gives her and takes it, standing up on her toes to close the rest of the distance between them and kiss him again. This kiss is a bit less chaste, but still well withing the acceptable parameters of politeness. Sure, they're falling madly in love or whatever, but they did only just meet.

When she breaks away, she beams up at him.]

You are quite the kisser.

[The sentiment of Juliet's line, and absolutely true besides. Balthus who?

After a few more moments of smiling, the pair is interrupted by a very disinterested blonde woman who barely glances up from the handheld device she's using.

"Hey, dingus, your mom wants you."]

Dingus?! Me?

[The woman shrugs, nonplussed, and Hilda shoots Dohalim an apologetic look and heads off in search of her "mother." Whoever is playing her will probably show up, right?

After Hilda departs, the woman doesn't even wait for her cue before chiming back in.

"By the way, she's a Capulet, so don't get your hopes up."

With that, she farts in his general direction and then leaves him to stand alone on the dance floor.]

I'm dying

[menancia]

[Needless to say, it is hardly the turn he had expected this scene to take.

Dohalim furrows his brow as the Nurse turns her back to leave him alone on the dance floor, reaching a hand out as he calls after her:]

What is her mother?!

[The response comes without the Nurse even pausing for a moment to look over her shoulder.

”What’s your mother, you fat dink!”

Blinking several times in rapid succession, Dohalim frowns as his hand falls to rest at his side.]

My life… is my foe’s debt?

[He sounds uncertain about that, honestly. Surely Shakespeare won’t mind.]