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.]

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[Ira smiles at that.]

I admit that I had a similar reading of him, though his heart may be stronger than you think. As keyblade wielders, we're called upon to fight the forces of Darkness. And those can be very dangerous opponents.

[Sora is like one those puppies that needs to be snarled at from time to time.]

I think... his heart is in the right place. What he desires is a proper reason for one to take up a weapon. He asked me if he could become a knight, that he might protect his... friends.

[She hesitates over the usage of the word. 'Friend' is not a thing she wants to use much. But that's how Sora put it. It'd be a dishonour to take that from him.]

I would not say he is weak. Only soft. On his behaviour alone, I would not have been able to determine that he had any history of combat.

[But oh, how war affects all people in different ways.]

It hasn't stopped him from having high ambitions. His friends must be very important to him.

[It reminds Ira a lot of himself in a way.]

I have not asked him about it, but I have no doubt that he has struggled against the Darkness.

[Perhaps he should.]

Would you grant his request for knighthood?

Knights are not appointed by generals.

[Is her initial response, though it occurs to her that this man has no idea who she is. What she is. And given her state of garb, it would be easy to assume by how she carries herself that Beatrix isn't just playing at nobility, but that she is nobility. She supposes, in some small way, Alexandria may perceive her in just such a light.

Beatrix shakes her head.]

That is, a knighthood is bestowed by a king or a queen. I am neither of those things. I do not have the ability to knight him, even should I have want to.

[She lifts a hand and settles it atop her hip.]

When I joined the knighthood in my kingdom, I was younger than him. I have to admit that children should be able to live their lives as children. I would desire him to be older. I feel he is too young to be touched by such things.

I see. I suppose he will have to wait then.

[Said with a bit of humour. He's been trying to temper Sora's impulsiveness a bit.]

I do agree with that, though I was around his age when I achieved Mastery. I suppose the circumstances are different for everyone.

I was also enlisted in the knighthood at an age younger than him. Simply because that was the way for me does not mean it ought to be the way for others. As you have said, circumstances differ from person to person.

[Beatrix shakes her head slowly.]

Our circumstances also affect us in different ways. [Just because her position has turned her into the person she is at present does not mean it would do the same for Ira. For Sora. For anyone else. It is not a sign of weakness. It is merely a difference in individuality and how one handles a situation.] I would not wish for him to lose the passion he has.

I agree. His is a Heart full of Light, and that should be encouraged.

[Their ideas seem to be aligned in this.]

May I ask why you enlisted so early?

[His question draws from her a particularly weighted pause. It's a bit prying, isn't it. She wonders what the harm is in answering. If there is any harm at all. Her weight shifts and Beatrix rests a hand atop her hip.]

Familial expectation? Societal expectation?

[Her shoulder lifts in something that seems either casual or dismissive. Likely the latter.]

I was made to hold a sword. It suits me more than tailoring or embroidery. It is where I belong.

[Ira appears satisfied with that answer, not that there was anything in particular that he was looking for.]

Expectation aside, it sounds as if you made the decision for yourself.

I am not certain of that. On some level, I suspect I desired it. On another, I suspect I sought the validation and approval of those around me. I doubt very much it was fully a personal desire.

[She shakes her head.]

Rarely is anything ever that simple or straight forward. All things possess a certain complexity to them. The wants and desires of people are oft not as simple either. What brought about your interest in keyblades? Necessity, mayhap?

You have a point there. Necessity, yes, and because my Master saw potential in me.

I suppose at that point, my path was chosen for me, though I'm not sure I could have ended up anywhere else.

[And he's not really thought of other options.]

In that, then, perhaps we are something of the same. At this stage of my life, I am not certain where else I ought to have fit into.

[Her reputation has kept her rooted to this point. But what other origin story could she have had?]

By now, I feel as though I have carried a sword for so long that it is the only thing I am capable of doing. I believe if I tried to live as an ordinary woman, I would fail quite catastrophically.

[She smiles then, but it's entirely hollow and with something of a self-deprecating humour.]

Well, that makes two of us then. I couldn't really imagine a life where I did not have the keyblade.

[It would be very different, that much is true. And even if he had failed, it seems his fate is still intertwined with it.]

Allow me, then, to share some wisdom that has been bestowed upon me. [A pause.] Repeatedly.

[Beatrix clears her throat, wondering how to concisely put into whats what Zidane, Eustace, and Dohalim have been attempting to share with her. Given that she's repeating it, it obviously has left an effect on her.]

We are not our histories here. We are more. It is a good opportunity to discover more about who you are when you are not tied to said history.

[The guys would be so proud.]

[It's one of those pieces of advice that Ira wasn't expecting to hear, but probably needed to hear. It might take a little while to sink in but he'll be holding on to it.

It takes a few moments for him to respond.]

Those. Those are very wise words.

Yes. Yes, they are.

[After just a moment, she does crack a smile, light though it may be.]

I have really found it quite annoying just how wise they are. Perhaps you will take to them quicker than I have.

Often because in hindsight, they seem very obvious.

Though, I have learned that I have to review a lesson several times for it to sink in.

[But he appreciates her optimism.]

[Obvious? No. Not to her. Or perhaps so. She can't say. It's only ever agitated her as she cannot stand being wrong. She always wants to be right, but she has been wrong so many times. It's just one more failing on her person, a stain that only she can see.]

It may be something we have in common. If you require reminders, I do believe I can provide them, whether you wish to hear them or not.

[And maybe he can provide her with additional reminders, too. It would seem, in some fashion, they are birds of a feather.]

It would appear so. I think I would appreciate such things, from time to time. It's seems an easy to thing to forget.

[Especially if he's not careful. Information gets lost in the shuffle.]

It would seem we have struck an accord.

[Casting another look around the seemingly crowded room, her attention eventually falls back onto Ira.]

Let us do a little more reconnaissance, shall we. I suggest we split up and reconvene on what we learn later. I am... not inclined to trust others, but you seem capable. And I do not feel you are a threat to me. I recommend we meet on the balcony above and exchange information.

Indeed, we have. And I assure, I am no threat. I instead look forward to working together.

But that seems like a solid plan. I shall see you up on the balcony soon.

[She gives him another look and after a moment or two of consideration, Beatrix nods shortly.]

I doubt I need to say it, but it would be wisest for us to pry without stirring up too much suspicion. If you cause a spectacle, I will not be lending you a hand out of it.

[Which... is not wholly true. Beatrix suspects she would be more helpful than she claims, but it's simply wiser not to let anyone get in the habit of relying on her.]

I am certain you can handle yourself. [She reassures him before she gestures up to the balcony, as if to agree that she'll meet him up there before she turns to weave her way back through the crowd.]

Of course. I shall do my best not to.

[Not that he'd planned to cause a ruckus, of course. But with a nod, he heads off in the opposite direction.]

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{ lindwormeo and juliet }

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I think we can wrap this up here!

Sounds good to me!