songerein | { lindwormeo and juliet }

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{ lindwormeo and juliet }

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.

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.)
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.)
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.
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.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

My apologies.

[And he goes to step to the side, but to answer her question.]

Uh, well, given the circumstances, my attention....or perhaps a dance?

[...Does... she look like she's much of a dancer? Beatrix takes a moment to look over herself. No. She's almost positive she doesn't look like one, but...]

I was under the impression that men usually did that. Asking ladies for dances, that is.

[Says the woman who comes from a world where things are still kind of backwards. Not entirely so. A smart person who knew Beatrix would have come to the conclusion that it's not that others ask her to dance, it's the other way around. Or at least, it's supposed to be. If Beatrix ever showed any interest in dancing.

...Isn't she supposed to blending in? She's doing a terrible job of this.]

[Ira also feels like he's sticking out like a sore thumb. It's moments like these were he misses Gula, or Luxu. Someone who won't just let him fumble.]

I, I suppose you are correct. Forgive me, this is my first time at a ball like this. I'm not familiar with the customs.

[There. Just blame it on being a Montague.]

[After a moment's consideration, she issues a sigh. This is on her. Of course not everyone is from a world like her own. Just because she knows the ins and outs of court politicking doesn't mean everyone else does. That kind of standard to hold is just unfair. Not... that Beatrix has ever been a fair woman.]

No. It is not feasible that everyone here should be aware of these things. Especially if their original world does not have similar ideologies or traditions.

[In short, the fault is on her. She isn't going to say that, though.]

If you are unaccustomed to such soirees, then you must be from a place that does not often host them.

[Ira smiles, somewhat ruefully.]

You would be correct in that. What parties we had were certainly never like this. And I've always found myself towards the edges.

[Serious wallflower over here, in all the definitions. He's like that chaperone at the school dance who doesn't know how to lighten up.]

Something we have in common.

[She agrees with him, offering just the most subtle dip of her head.]

That is, the part about avoiding attention. If one can manage it. I think this sort of soiree... It is a little like home. Perhaps not as grand. [Few things are as gaudy and grandiose as events under the thumb of the royal family.] You must have been headed to one of the corners to play inconspicuous when I stopped you. Ought I apologise?

[Although just because she's asking doesn't mean she's actually going to do it. Apologies, much like kind things, don't often leave her.]

[A slight scoff of laughter, more at himself than anything else.]

It's fine, there's no need. It's probably better to be drawn into conversation. And really I should be the only apologizing for getting in your way.

[Though, he really can't say which is the better option for this story and the role he's meant to play.]

[Good thing she's had no plans of doing that. She almost manages to reflect the subtle levity in the air that he provides her.

Beatrix draws her attention off of him for some moments, onto those around them, and she draws a hand closer to herself to avoid being touched by another passing. There's no shortage of traffic, which is likely precisely what she's been meaning to avoid. She never has been fond of people in her personal space. At least, not without her instigating it.]

I was only trying to avoid... this. [She lifts a hand and waves dismissively.] Rather, to find a place with an appropriate vantage point, without too many giving me distraction. [As she brings her gaze back onto him, her head dips as she studies him a bit closer.] I had intended to gather intelligence, but it would seem that will prove more difficult than I anticipated.

We may be in a similar situation then.

[That had been part of his goal as well, before the social anxiety kicked in.]

Though, perhaps one of the balconies could assist with what you were looking for.

Balconies?

[She turns for just a moment, trying to make an internal mapping of the area, exits, entrances, doorways to said balconies, and so on.]

Good, I suppose for monitoring those who are in attendance, however... It is unlikely I would be able to hear informational exchange. My ears are lovely, but I cannot say they are... otherworldly.

[Unfortunately, missing an eye does not mean Beatrix has acquired superhuman hearing.]

[Ira nods, slightly sheepish.]

I suppose that is a con, then. Though there could be quieter conversations.

But perhaps a circuit of the room might help?

That is also possible.

[She looks thoughtful for several breaths before her attention returns to him with consideration.]

Truthfully, I have not gathered much information useful here all the same. [Lifting a hand, she gestured with consideration.] Montague and Capulet 'truce,' a word I am not convinced either may know the definition of. Of Montagues, naive enough to believe it. Of Capulets... It would be wisest for everyone here to take these things with care.

[For a moment, she paused.]

I suspect things will become more dangerous sooner rather than later.

I'm glad I'm not the only one who's noticed. Things have felt on edge all evening.

[As a Montague for the story, he's felt like he's been intruding on something.]

What sort of danger are you anticipating?

Edited 2022-03-01 04:04 (UTC)

I could hardly say.

[An unfortunate truth, that. Beatrix wishes she had the answer to that. It's very difficult to prepare for an unseen opponent. In this case, it could be a multitude of unseen opponents. As she's standing in a crowded soiree, caught in a place between two factions, she cannot help but wonder if this is precisely how it felt in the days when Alexandria and Lindblum were just beginning to speak of their own truces.

After too many years of bloodshed betwixt both kingdoms, it would have been impossible to expect anyone to believe in such a concept. Surely there was an expected surplus of paranoia and wariness. Scepticism. Healthy, she'd call that.]

Could be an ambush. [She lifts her shoulders in a surprisingly casual shrug.] Could be an assassination. I think this gathering is meant to serve as either a diversion or to lull those in attendance into a false sense of security. Concisely, I think this is a trap and many people here may be caught unawares by it. It would be foolish to presume that this is purely innocent.

I've been thinking the same. I admit my allegiances, such as they are, have me on edge.

[And he hasn't been doing the best job of blending in.]

And it's hard to say where any particular threat might come from.

Your allegiances. [They're only playing roles. This isn't a real thing at all. At least, maybe it's just easier for Beatrix not to view it as a real thing.] No matter.

[Beatrix shakes her head, continuing to survey around them. She's wary. But honestly, when isn't she? From the very beginning, she's been guarded. To the point of being rather the opposite of personable.]

You are already a step ahead. If you hold onto those theories, brace yourself for that potential, you will have a better advantage should my suspicions prove true. I suppose you are free to stay with me if you believe that will allow you some reprieve from this concern of yours.

If that is alright with you. I have found that working as a team often leads to better results.

[Sometimes it's easy to get caught up in the dream, but he's willing to set aside one allegiance for the other.]

[Working as a team. Beatrix issues a soft little scoff that dies about as quickly as she airs it. Mostly because she can't stand it when people use that kind of talk. There is, perhaps, some validity in such a statement, but she loves to work alone. She loves to live alone. She loves to do everything alone.

...Except none of that is likely true. Old habits simply die hard.]

You may accompany me. At the very least, we can feign that we are... doing as we are expected to in this place.

[A pause as she begins to pass him and she sets a gaze on him, though she doubts there's much that can be made out from behind her mask. Thank goodness for masquerades.]

Dare I inquire which house you are meant to be serving.

[For Ira, it's almost the inverse. As much as he was the leader of his Union, he always had the other Foretellers to work with, at least until things fell apart. Working alone, just isn't really in his nature.

He'll fall in step with her.]

Thank you.

And you might have already guessed that I have been cast as a Montague.

I wonder how I was to suspect that.

[That is, she only might have come to that conclusion as from this conversation alone, Ira seems soft. Maybe, in that respect, anyone who knows her would not at all be surprised to find that she was assigned the role of a Capulet.]

It would seem that in this situation, we are at odds with one another.

[She moves carefully, as casually as she can manage, if only to keep up appearances. It would look beneficial for a Montague and a Capulet to be seen speaking with one another. It adds to that falsified truce that Beatrix doesn't believe is a truce to begin with.]

Not that I have any intentions to do anything. I was purely gathering information. I dislike being at the centre of spectacles.

[There's a small laugh, mostly at himself. He hasn't been very good at this.]

I'm of the same mind. And it made more sense to me to work with fellow dreamers, rather than the residents of this dreamscape.

[Having been through a few of these, he's skeptical of how helpful they are.]

There is no reason we can not play at both sides. Act our roles and act with consideration in mind. That said...

[Maybe this is all working out fortuitously for her. Who better to have made the acquaintance of than a member of an opposing house? Pragmatism takes hold of her and she, under the act of purely expectation in the eyes of the dreamscape, lifts a hand and rests it to Ira's forearm. Provided he lets her.]

What information can you share with me of your house? Have you heard of anything? Anything we may need to intercept?

[He does, playing in to the part. And this is all part of working together after all. The families are supposed to be interacting. He's certainly not caught off guard or anything.]

I don't believe anything specific has been planned, though there are those who's grudges run deep. They seem quick to react to insults.

And it might not be well known that the second prince is cursed.

[Anything to make it seem as though they are... Beatrix doesn't even know. Friendly? Familiar? Things that she really isn't at all with much of anyone. Just the word 'familiar' is one that would leave a bitterness on the tongue.]

Cursed.

[Beatrix echoes him and she raises an eyebrow.]

What do you mean 'cursed?'

From what I've heard, the second prince is doomed to transform into a lindworm. Granted, trying to find the source of the rumours has been a little difficult.

[Though, not for lack of trying. Being whisked away to a party makes it a little difficult to get to the library.]

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