songerein | { lindwormeo and juliet }

Entry tags:

{ 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

[He just lets out a small sigh as he crosses his arms and leans against table.]

I have been, but she either hasn't arrived yet or she's somewhere else...

[His voice trails as he gazes out once again in the crowds, but he can tell at a glance none of them are her, so he does wonder if he should try outside.

But for now he is reminded of something he had seen earlier and his attention turns back to her, his gaze piercing behind the wolf mask he wears.]

Looks like you've found your "Romeo," however.

[ Insight has never truly been Ori's strong suit, and it's made all the more difficult when she's speaking with people like Eustace. Such as she is, she doesn't quite pick up on what he's getting at, at first. ]

Huh? No, I don't think I got picked to be Juliet... did I?

[ ...Unless she was, and she's been slacking off this whole time?! Uh-oh?? Surely somebody would have told her by now if she was supposed to be Juliet, right? Right? Panic flashes across her face as she considers all the ways she's doomed if she is Juliet, mostly because she definitely could not keep her eyes open trying to read the script. And what does he mean, she found her Romeo? Not many have approached her this evening yet, at least not in any capacity that would fulfill what Mister Shakespeare is talking about— except for Diluc, and— wait.

She has gone through an entire face journey when then the pointedness of his statement finally sinks in, going from confusion to panic, then going back to confusion until she's finally landed at embarrassment. ]

... You saw us?

[...This is really quite the sight to witness. How many expressions can she muster in one go— There's a slight quirk of the lips when she finally finishes.]

It seems you spent quite some time out on the terrace.

I didn't think people would really see Diluc and I since we danced to the side of the ballroom and—

[ ...terrace. Oh. Her eyes go wide. ]

Oh, you saw me with Thoma...

[.....

Wait.

What.

Now it's Ori's turn to witness Eustace's strange facial expression as it first stares at her blankly before his brows knit in confusion. She's...talking about a dance, but he had only seen her come out of the terrace, and they could have been the same person but there are two names?? That he doesn't recognize but not the point.]

Explain.

[ Ori grimaces as she watches a myriad of expressions appear on his face in succession, and when she's met with a demand for an explanation, she gives a very long, very airy, very nervous laugh. ]

I, um— haha, I...

[ She clears her throat. Wow, this dress sure has a lot of layers. It's quite warm, isn't it? Her cheeks feel like they're burning up. She's not embarrassed that she has to explain that she has feelings for two men and that they're both her partners - she's embarrassed that Eustace saw her and Thoma kissing out in the terrace! And that other people might have seen her and Diluc! ]

I'm with both of them. Um. We're all together.

[ —still, that doesn't mean the explanation gets any easier. Still, for full clarity, she adds: ]

And I mean outside of the dreamscape. Not as part of this... [ she gestures at the... everything. ] ...play.

[...

....

..............

He's just.......going to rub the space between his brows.]

...I see. And they're both aware?

[He's fairly certain she wouldn't be two-timing but he just has to ask in case. Granted this isn't really any of his business...]

[ As she often does when she's feeling anxious or nervous, Ori wrings her hands together as she watches him rub his face. Just why on earth does she feel worried about Eustace's thoughts on the matter? Truthfully, what's between herself, Thoma, and Diluc is exactly that - between the three of them, but... she doesn't want Eustace to think that she's gone into this without any thought, because truthfully she has given it much thought. And in a strange way, she doesn't want him to worry about her. ]

Yes? We're all together. So the both of them are also together...

[ She squints at him. ]

—wait, you didn't think that I would...

[ Seriously, look at Ori. She's nearly a wreck from just trying to tell a friend that she's in a polyamorous relationship. Does she seem capable of two-timing?? ]

Did you?

Not really, but I had to ask to confirm.

[With his arms now crossed over his chest, he gives her that scrutinizing stare, more like an elder sibling or a father might give.]

How did it happen?

[...Maybe he wants more info because they really are currently related in some form. Siblings? Cousins? Whatever.]

[ Were her hair not elaborately woven into an elaborate braid for the evening, she would surely be fidgeting with the ends of her hair. As it is, she settles for bunching up the fabric of her dress into her fists and fidgeting with that. She takes a deep breath and gives Eustace the same look that she always gives him when she's about to talk, and talk a lot. She's sorry for it every time. ]

Well... I met them both here and we spent a lot of time together... I've always thought that both of them were really amazing and incredible, and that I was glad that I was able to meet them here, but then things got all... [ she lets go of her dress just to gesture wildly with her hands ] complicated after a while.

[ Because of the gumdrop fae, specifically. ]

Then with the nightmares last month, they... they saw me through the worst of them. Much worse than the one you were in... That's when I realized that I care about them... a lot. I just— I thought there was no way that anyone could care about me the same way, but then it turned out that they do, and that they like each other too, so now we're...

[ Her hand goes up to her chest, clutching where her heart beats and aches and twists for them. ]

They're really important to me, Eustace. That's... alright, isn't it?

[He stares at her for several long moments before he lets out a long sigh.]

It's not really any of my business who you see. As long as you're happy and don't get hurt.

[Otherwise someone is getting fried by lightning—]

[ She, too, will stare at him for several long moments. Ori is surprised, in the first place, that he would have even taken note of what she was up to this evening, much less that he would chat her up about it. She is truly unaccustomed to being perceived, having lived most of her life trying to fly as far under the radar as possible even when she, more often than not, ends up sticking out more.

She's worried that she's overshared, and that he doesn't truly care for her answer, but at length she mirrors his long sigh with one of her own. ]

...I am. I'm really happy, actually. To the point that sometimes [ narrator voice: often ] I feel like I don't deserve all this, but... I promise I can take care of myself.

[ Then, she smiles at him, something grateful and sincere. ]

I really appreciate you looking out for me, Eustace.

[Some of her words somehow resonate with him a little, and his stance softens a little. A little. It only softens a little more when she expresses her gratitude and he just lightly shakes his head.]

It's nothing. ...Perhaps I feel a little more protective given that we're supposedly family at the moment, but I would have wished the same regardless.

[Just probably less probing. Probably. Though it's also perhaps because he had seen her childhood dream that he might have a little more care for her as a friend.]

[ Having spent much time with people who have a similar disposition to Eustace, little things like the way that his stance softens for a moment do not tend to escape her notice. Perhaps her words struck a chord with him, and that surprises her; she's always thought Eustace to be self-assured enough to not have the same kinds of insecurities that she does.

In the end, though, it's not nothing, she thinks, and given how much they've interacted since her arrival here a few months ago, and what they'e shared of each other's stories... she's glad for his friendship. ]

... Even when we're not supposed to be "family" or something, I do think of you as a good friend, Eustace. It's not nothing, and like I said... I appreciate it. If it helps, if anything bad did happen, you'd notice right away. I wouldn't try to hide it from you.

[ He would know by now how incapable she is at hiding her feelings, especially in a place like this where emotions tend to manifest into tangible things. Anyhow, Ori shifts in her own stance, finding herself eager to ask him questions in turn. ]

So... I don't know anything about this play, but being Romeo is a big deal, isn't it? Do you know who you're supposed to be looking for?

...Mm. If they ever do anything to upset you, just tell me. I'll be sure to deal with it.

[If Flamek was with him now, there would have been a resoundingly loud click and crackle of static electricity—but alas, there's just a light hum from the sword at his side instead. Either way, one can only imagine how Eustace would "deal" with such troubles....

At her question, however, he is only silent for a moment before he finally answers.]

...Tifa.

[ The hum of the sword catches her attention, and for a moment, she thinks to herself that maybe she should try to hide it, if things go awry...

But the fact is that she has the utmost faith in her partners, that if something were to happen, that they would be able to resolve things between the three of them. If anything, she believes that she's the one who's the most liable or likely to do something that upsets the other two...

In any case, recognition flashes across her face at his answer, and she tilts her head curiously. ]

Oh, Miss Tifa...! I met her not too long ago— uh, outside of this. She seems like a really good person. Do you need help finding her?

No... I'll be able to find her.

[And he says it with so much confidence in his voice that it leaves little room for doubt. Although it may raise other questions instead.]

[ It does, indeed, in such a way that tells Ori that it could only mean that they already know each other. ]

So you know her too, then?

I don't think I've seen her around yet, but...

[ Here, she thinks it might be appropriate to slip into character, somewhat, so she drops the volume of her voice into a hushed tone. ]

If you want, we can walk around the masquerade a little and see if we can catch a glimpse...!

[Yes, yes, just know each other. Nothing more........ Ahem.

He quirks a brow before he there's a small look of amusement as he holds out his arm.]

Might as well. Can make sure you don't attract another member to your little harem.

[Yeah he is not letting her live this one down.]

[ There's something awfully particular about the way she pulls on the long braid her hair has been woven into for the evening, making sure that it stays firmly over her shoulder... perhaps to conceal mark left by one of her partners.

If he saw it, no he didn't.

She's all smiles as she then links with arm, though it fades immediately at Eustace's teasing words, giving way to a completely flushed and flustered expression. ]

My—

[ And then her brow furrows as her lips draw into a thin line. ]

That's not— That's not what it is!

Spirits, why do I have the feeling you're going to keep teasing me about it...?

[ Because you have already resigned to the fate of a sibling dynamic, Ori, that's why. ]

[There's just a small smirk.]

It's not something I would have expected from...you...

[His eyes narrow a bit when he catches that movement. At first he doesn't think much, however unfortunate for Oriphi, Eustace's perception skills are an elite's and he sees that blemish. It could have been just a normal bruise, but an unsettling feeling forms given their current...discussion.]

...What's this?

[He's going to pull back her braid to reveal that mark.

Really, he doesn't need an answer.

Someone is going to die tonight—]

Hmm?

[ and then her braid is hastily pulled back, and she startles, her free hand immediately coming up to try to cover the blemish as she laughs nervously. ]

I, um... What do you mean? I— I got a bitten by a bug outside in the garden...!

[ Forgive her, Thoma - she's not calling him a bug, she's simply trying to lie, and badly at that. ]

Nothing to worry about, haha!

[.............................Hm.]

Seems to have been a rather large bug.

[Outside she says. Since she was dancing with one and the other one they were out in the balcony.........

Suspects narrowed down. Hunt is on.]

Yes, it sure was... large...

[ Ori please do you even hear yourself right now?? No??? ]

Anyway, enough about me! [ She hastily pulls her braid back over her shoulder. ] Let's focus on finding Miss Tifa— I mean, Juliet!

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

1/2

2/2

rip thoma

don't u heckin touch him

don't worry he won't. just shot instead-

🥺