Mafia Murder Theater: A Midsummer Night's Dream - Understudies Win!

[desert ashes]

Mafia Murder Theater: The Casting of A Midsummer Night's Dream

For the second time in fifty years since the grand de Chantal Theater has opened its doors, living down the rumors of deadly scandal and deceit, a new set of investors has come calling to budding thespians.  Had the city forgotten how death and plague had once claimed the lives of those on the stage?  Perhaps the new generation of thespians and investors would not remember -- or perhaps it would simply do to liven up the marketing.  Who could resist the temptations of a potentially haunted theater?  All seemed to be going well for the owners of de Chantal Theater as they opened their doors and posted the next casting call -- suitably, of course, for A Midsummer Night's Dream. 

Yet, as the auditions unraveled and directors went behind closed doors, it seemed all was not well for the budding cast and crew of the theater.  Death was once more entering from stage left, his glinting scythe in hand and summoned at the call of the Understudies who felt nothing more than the lingering blood and star lust.  Who ever remembered the Understudies?  Primary roles were a rare chance ... unless, of course, their competition happened to exit stage left as nothing more than a shell of what they arrived in. 

The final auditions have come to an end and while the investors and executive producers have been tucked away making their casting decisions, the ghosts of the de Chantal Theater are rattling their chains as the deathly cry for spotlight is becoming heard once again ...

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Cast and Crew
Aiden - Understudy/Nick Bottom
Imogen - Thespian/Helena, Lynched, Act 3 Day
Kyrsa - Thespian/Puck, Killed, Act 1 Night
Leorobin - Thespian/Thesesus, Overtook, Final Act
Lucius Cornelius - Thespian/Lysander, Killed, Act 3 Night
Lypiphera - Thespian/Peter Quince, Overtook, Final Act
Marguerite - Thespian/Stage Manager/Hermia, Lynched, Act 2 Day
Marikir - Thespian/Oberon, Lynched, Act 1 Day
Remiel - Thespian/Director/Francis Flute, Killed, Act 2 Night
The Unholy Potato - Understudy/Robin Starveling
Valerian - Thespian/Titania, Overtook, Final Act
Xandi (Producer) - Understudy/Peaseblossom

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Let the drama and comedy begin ...


Everyone is welcome to begin mingling while we're waiting for one or two more to join the cast!

[Imogen]

Imogen shrugged off her coat and draped over a hanger in the large dressing room. She raked her fingers through her hair, until the dark locks sprang in all directions. A mischievous smile quirked the woman's lips and she winked at her mirror image as she grabbed her copy of the play and headed towards the stage to acquaint herself with the available space.
"Goodmorning!" She chimed at fellow thespians passing by.

Leafing through the pages of the pay, she avoided the part she wanted to play most. Everyone wanted to play Puck. It was a fact of life, she'd have to content with. At school her classmates fought over the part, and later at college. She sighed and pushed her desire to get into the mischievous spirit's head to the back of her mind and opened her play at the other part that appealed to her: poor, jealous Helena.

She took up a spot at the side of the stage, as if ready to walk in on the conspiring lovers.

[Marikir]

Marikir glanced up as Imogen walked by, nodding to her at her greetings.  He was glancing over the stage, trying to see the play develop, see what would be crafted by him and the rest.

This being his first major production, it was his hope that it would go well and be received very positively by the audience.  He'd heard the rumors, of course.  Actors are a superstitious lot.  Just look at how another of the Bard's plays was viewed as being cursed if mentioned.  'The Scottish Play' it was called instead.  He chuckled slightly at the thought.  Silly.  Completely silly.

As he turned to walk towards the other end of the stage, Marikir pulled himself up.  Damn ladder.  He'd nearly walked under it.  With a brief pause, he moved around it instead. 

Okay, so...maybe superstitions weren't all silly. Better to just not tempt fate.  That's what Marikir told himself as he suppressed the faint feeling of something dark stalking through the shadowed corners of the theater.

[desert ashes]

On Stage:  "My heart is true as steel."   (Producer Voting!)

Cast and Crew
Aiden
Imogen
Kyrsa
Leorobin
Lucius Cornelius
Lypiphera
Marguerite
Marikir
Remiel
The Unholy Potato
Valerian
Xandi

Still Voting: Aiden, Imogen, Kyrsa, Leorobin, Lucius Cornelius, Lypiphera, Marguerite, Marikir, Remiel,  The Unholy Potato, Valerian, Xandi

Voting for the Producer has begun!  As a reminder, the only member you may not vote for is yourself.   

[Kye]

Kyrsa sat on the edge of the stage, getting a feel for the theater as she watched the others arrive.  She smiled brightly at each of the other thespians who joined her and made small talk as she tried to decide who would be the best Producer.  She didn't truly know any of them very well after all, but you could tell a lot about people from the way the interacted with others.  It would have helped if they hadn't all been here to play a part, after all you could never trust a true thespian.

"I think Xandi would make a wonderful Producer," she said with a smile for the other woman. 

[Autumn52]

Xandi smiled at Kyrsa and the others as she heard her name. She was a little shocked but flattered that Kyrsa had faith in her that she could do the important job of the producer.

Xandi looked around and then she focused back on Marguerite and said, "I have always admired Marguerites work and I think she would make a fine producer."

[Valerian]

Val was studying the current setup for things like the sandbags, lighting, and curtains.  After having heard so many stories about theatres that were cursed, haunted, and worse, she preferred to see for herself that someone was paying attention to safety around here.

The voting for producer caught her attention, however, and she looked back at the gathering crowd.  "Now that's a difficult decision.  How about Remiel?  I think he'd do a good job."

[The Unholy Potato]

The man who jokingly called himself "the Potato" arrived slightly late, a small bag full of papers clutched to his potato-shaped bulk. He waved cheerily to the other actors and cordially greeted any who seemed in the mood to be so bothered. The bag went into a convenient corner or alcove and the Potato picked up a copy of the play for himself. He then found somewhere to pick through the meat of the play, rereading it a time or two as he waited for the rest of his fellow thespians to arrive.

As such, it was no surprise that he didn't notice the voting going on until a largish crowd had materialized. He reluctantly prized himself from his resting place and waddled over. "I, for one, agree with Krysa. I think Xandi would do well as the producer, though I'm sure others are qualified for the role, as well."

[Imogen]

Flipping through the pages of her copy, Imogen cast a look of annoyance at the sudden talk of producers. "Whoever wants it, can do it. I'm only interested in playing. Maybe Lucius Cornelius will want the job. What's the producer do anyway? I mean, except pouring money into this production? I don't have a nickel to my name, but I can play." With that, she bowed her head over the book, her lips forming the Helena's words once Lysander and Hermia had left.

How happy some o'er other some can be!
Through Athens I am thought as fair as she.
But what of that? Demetrius thinks not so;

She sighed, and peeked at her fellow Thespians, hoping to see that one dear face amongst them. Not of Demetrius, or other figment of the Great Bard's imagination, but one living, breathing and she hoped, loving being.

[desert ashes]

On Stage:  "My heart is true as steel."   (Producer Voting!)

Cast and Crew
Xandi (2) - The Unholy Potato, Kyrsa
Lucius Cornelius (1) - Imogen
Marguerite (1) - Xandi
Remiel (1) - Valerian
Aiden
Imogen
Kyrsa
Leorobin
Lypiphera
Marikir
The Unholy Potato
Valerian

Still Voting: Aiden, Leorobin, Lucius Cornelius, Lypiphera, Marguerite, Marikir, Remiel

Voting for the Producer has begun!  As a reminder, the only member you may not vote for is yourself.

[Lypiphera]

Lypiphera arrived nose in book, long strands of her blue-black hair falling errantly over her face as she read, absorbed in the great poetry before her. Without an upward glance she deftly avoided handbags, rucksacks, coats, shoes and any other items abandoned around that auditorium, stepping neatly over them or going around them all together.

It was when she reached the wall of people in the way of her seat that any change happened. Frowning into the book's dog-eared pages as if slightly confused as to why she had stopped before she was in her normal spot she glanced up to find herself in the middle of an enthusiastic debate. Blinking to clear the visions of otherworldly splendour from her mind she considered her fellow performers for a second, head slightly turned to one side.

Then with a half shrug she picked the nearest person to her and voted for him, after all she didn't mind who produced just so long as they had a passion for the work (and who could not!)

"I pick The Potato," she said loudly from the back of the group, pointing at the back of his head for emphasis before burying her nose back in the play and edging into a seat on the other side of the group.

[Remiel]

Remiel sipped from his water bottle, listening to the others.  It was obvious, just by listening to them, that some of them were veteran actors.  He himself had very little experience upon the stage; he had mostly worked as a techie, working the lights or helping to paint the scenery.  His last (and only) role had been as part of the Chorus in Medea.  When you spoke in tandem with several others, you didn't have to worry about freezing up on stage.

And so he thought he'd try out for another role.  This one made him a little nervous, though.  He'd heard about the ill-fated production of Romeo and Juliet, and how all but one of the cast members had been killed in all manner of grisly ways.  So strange that they'd open the theater again so soon.   Oh, well.  As a techie, he knew that every playhouse had their ghost stories...

"Hrm, I didn't know that Imogen was in the cast," he said, recognizing her name from other productions.

[Marikir]

Odd, Marikir thought to himself, that the producer would be chosen from the cast.  Wouldn't that have been better suited to one who wanted it? 

He shrugged slightly as the conversation turned from one person to another.  He didn't recognize many of the names being thrown about.  He was familiar with a couple, and one by reputation.  Well, since he had no way of knowing much of them beyond such...

"I vote for Marguerite," he said with a shrug.  "She's probably got a fair amount of ideas."

He glanced around as the discussion continued to turn, watching his cast mates with cursory glances.  He was pleased to note that he wasn't the only one looking around, glancing into the dark places above and to the sides of the stage.  Maybe he wasn't the only one to have heard the tales of "that" production.

[desert ashes]

On Stage:  "My heart is true as steel."   (Producer Voting!)

Cast and Crew
Xandi (5) - The Unholy Potato, Kyrsa, Leorobin, Lucius Cornelius, Aiden
Marguerite (2) - Xandi, Marikir
Imogen (1) - Remiel
Lucius Cornelius (1) - Imogen
Remiel (1) - Valerian
The Unholy Potato (1) - Lypiphera
Aiden
Kyrsa
Leorobin
Lypiphera
Marikir
Valerian

Still Voting: Marguerite

Voting for the Producer has begun!  As a reminder, the only member you may not vote for is yourself.

[Zelric Miras]

Leorobin rises from his chair after having heard some of his peers cast their vote. He glances at them one after the next, wondering what hides behind their appearances. He recognizes a few faces, although some are just a fading memory in the back of his head, like a breeze that stirs the lonely leave  on the street. "I vote for Xandi, I think she can take the job and do it well." He smiles at the woman in question, remembering a few times they had met in social events after plays like this one.

His experience on this type of stage was a bit scarce when compared with some of the crew,  but he knew his way on stage. Wether it was made of expensive fabrics or concrete walls, wood and ropes, he was there to show a side of himself only a few were acquainted with.

[Lucius Cornelius]

Lucius smile has he step on the stage, he was a little late but he is happy that nothing has begun yet. smiling he wave a hello to all the old friends from previous plays and eager to know the new ones.

he lean to Imogen and taking her hand, put his lips over the hand "thanks for thinking about me as producer  but right now , only interested in be one more of us "

And over all i truly think that xandi has the experience to do a great work there

[Aiden]

Xandi

[Autumn52]

Xandi smiled at all those who had confidence in her to do the job of producer. She blushed wildly and sat with her script in hand to see who would audition for what part of the play. Xandi thought about auditioning for the part of Hermia, but decided to audition for the part of the fairy queen, Titania.

Speaking softly to herself she recites:
"What, jealous Oberon! Fairies, skip hence:
I have forsworn his bed and company."


She rehearses her lines waiting for the auditions to begin.

[Zelric Miras]

A blush was a view he always appreciated, still without a further comment he took his seat again while browsing through the pages to decide who he should try for. Lively and mischievous Puck was a part he could see himself in, the lines were challenging but his memory could work with them.

Thou speak'st aright;
I am that merry wanderer of the night.
I jest to Oberon and make him smile

A character of Puck was unlike most of what he had done, perhaps Oberon, conceited, proud and self-assured and another challenge in itself, he could remember a few of the lines by chance, maybe he could remember more?:

How canst thou thus for shame, Titania,
Glance at my credit with Hippolyta,
Knowing I know thy love to Theseus?

"Choices, choices...." He whispered under his breath in the same tone he had used for the lines. His eyes wandered briefly over the rest of the cast, would be someone else competing for those parts? "Certainly", a voice answered back, "leading parts are the first to coveted".

[Marguerite]

Remiel.

[desert ashes]

On Stage:  "My heart is true as steel."   (Producer Voting!)

Cast and Crew
Xandi (5) - The Unholy Potato, Kyrsa, Leorobin, Lucius Cornelius, Aiden
Marguerite (2) - Xandi, Marikir
Remiel (2) - Valerian, Marguerite
Imogen (1) - Remiel
Lucius Cornelius (1) - Imogen
The Unholy Potato (1) - Lypiphera
Aiden
Kyrsa
Leorobin
Lypiphera
Marikir
Valerian

So it was with the majority of votes that Xandi was elected Producer, and with that, the auditions began.  One by one various members of the cast were brought forth to play courtier to the darkened figures in the audience.  Yet, not all were completely focused on the happenings of the stage.  No, there were a few rather engrossed on particular competition; there were figures and faces that had to be eliminated, had to be removed from the path of stardom was assuredly meant to be theirs.

Just as the first round of auditions were settling, a blood curdling scream sounded from the prop room.  The body of the beautiful and fair Natalia, who would have made such an exquisite Titania if only she'd had the chance to audition, swung slowly back and forth from a sturdy fake tree where she'd been heartlessly hung.  The ghosts of de Chantal theater were stirring once more for the deadly Understudies had returned.

Who among them could possibly be the dangerous foes?



On Stage:  "A lion among ladies is a most dreadful thing."   (Lynch Voting!)

Cast and Crew
Aiden
Imogen
Kyrsa
Leorobin
Lucius Cornelius
Lypiphera
Marguerite
Marikir
Remiel
The Unholy Potato
Valerian
Xandi

Still Voting: Aiden, Imogen, Kyrsa, Leorobin, Lucius Cornelius, Lypiphera, Marguerite, Marikir, Remiel,  The Unholy Potato, Valerian, Xandi

[Marikir]

Marikir glanced up at the swinging form of Natalia.  He felt a pit of fear collapse into being in his stomach.  No.  No no no. 

His eyes darted from face to face, trying to see if there was any hint to be found.  But, he couldn't see anything there.  In fact, all showed shock.  But which was faked?  Which face was false and secretly held joy at the sight?

And who was next?   

Marikir swallowed to try and wet his suddenly parched throat.  He felt an itch at his throat, an echo of the rope around Natalia's neck.  Better to find them out first.  But he had no evidence...he had to choose someone quickly though.

"Leorobin, I don't suppose you have any knowledge about this?" he asked firmly.

[Aiden]

"We all know Natalia was no chaste women, but I do believe Lucius was the last one to follow her to her bed chambers, perhaps it is the result of a love triangle gone wrong."

[Zelric Miras]

"No, I assure you I don't..." Leorobin looked with a long face at the dangling body and then at those around him. He shook his head and sighed, taking a small pocket knife from his coat and a curtain from the props. He headed to the dangling body and cut the rope, placing her on the floor and covering it with the curtain. He looked up from his kneeling spot on the ground as he stored the knife. "She was a promising runner up for Titania. Maybe Kyrsa was close when it happened?"

[Kye]

Kyrsa had kept her peace, still in shock over Natalia's demise, but at Leorobin's accusation she shook her head, paling as she sat down, her knees shaking slightly as she stared at him.  "How could you believe I had anything to do with her death?  I wasn't even trying out for the part of Titania, I have my heart set on the part of Helena."

She glanced around at all of her fellow Thespians and finally shook her head one last time.  "Even though you accuse me Leorobin I do not believe you are the killer.  I thought I saw The Unholy Potato skulking around near Natalia's dressing room... perhaps he has something to do with it."

[desert ashes]

On Stage:  "A lion among ladies is a most dreadful thing."   (Lynch Voting!)

Cast and Crew
Kyrsa (1) - Leorobin
Leorobin (1) - Marikir
Lucius Cornelius (1) - Aiden
Marikir (1) - Xandi
The Unholy Potato (1) - Kyrsa
Aiden
Imogen
Lypiphera
Marguerite
Remiel
Valerian
Xandi

Still Voting: Imogen, Lucius Cornelius, Lypiphera, Marguerite, Remiel,  The Unholy Potato, Valerian

[Autumn52]

Xandi was clearly shaken by the sight of Natalia swaying. She was grateful when Leorobin has cut her down and covered her. Xandi couldn't believe that such a gentleman would be responsible for something so terrible so she decided to look closer at Marikir.

[Lucius Cornelius]

Lucius look around , and his mouth open in surprise when Aiden points to him.

what are you saying?  i didn't follow to her chambers, i went to chambers to visit other person and came back before she goes, im sure that all of you see then , and there is no love triangle as you say, my heart belongs only to one person.

I find suspicious that you acuse me, in fact i think Aiden has to explain a lot of things.

[Imogen]

Imogen shivered, closing her copy of the play. "I can't believe this is happening." She blinked against her tears and angrily wiped the back of her hand over her eyes. "Natalia's only crimes were being both beautiful and talented. Who could have done this?" She listened to the accusations and bit her bottom lip. "I..." About to agree with Kyrsa, she stopped short. "No, you can't... I want to play Helena. I've been rehearsing that part over and over, and I know it by heart! Isn't Hermia more your style? Beautiful and loved by all? Strong, even when Puck's meddling leaves her lover chasing after Helena? I think you should audition for Hermia, dear Kyrsa."

"Oh... and I think you're right about The Unholy Potato. I saw him looking when she went backstage. I thought it was cute then, but now...." She averted her eyes and rubbed her arms. "I don't feel safe with him around."

[Valerian]

Val stood back, pale with shock.  This was just like all the terrible stories she'd heard!  And now she was living through them.  Was any play worth this?

As Imogen finished, Val slowly shook her head.  "Everyone looked at Natalia," she said quietly.  "Her talent turned everyone's head.  But maybe Xandi's right, and Marikir knows something."

[desert ashes]

On Stage:  "A lion among ladies is a most dreadful thing."   (Lynch Voting!)

Cast and Crew
Marikir (2) - Xandi, Valerian
The Unholy Potato (2) - Kyrsa, Imogen
Aiden (1) - Lucius Cornelius
Imogen (1) - Remiel
Kyrsa (1) - Leorobin
Leorobin (1) - Marikir
Lucius Cornelius (1) - Aiden
Lypiphera
Marguerite
Remiel
Valerian
Xandi

Still Voting: Lypiphera, Marguerite,  The Unholy Potato

[Marikir]

Marikir's eyes widened as a couple turned to him, their questions turning sharp.

"I promise you, I had nothing to do with Natalia's demise.  I don't even know enough about any of you to wish good or ill to any of you.  All I know is that I'm here to act.  I have no need to cause anyone to die just to satisfy a selfish urge to be on the stage.  I'm content to take whatever comes my way."

He glanced around, wondering if an unseen cadre would unite against him and turn the others against his innocence...or if it was already too late.  He suspected that if he had already crossed them, he would not long survive, no matter the outcome of this discussion.  He could only plead his innocence.

"I swear, I am not to blame for her death."

[Remiel]

Remiel turned pale and solemn.  It appeared that the curse of the Grand De Chantal Theater had arisen once more.  It would be only a matter of time before the police would find out, and then, as sure as anything, the media would pick up the scent, and then a plague of reporters and magazine writers would be unleashed.  Remiel could see the headlines now:

CURSED THEATER CLAIMS ANOTHER VICTIM
"Natalia" An Unlucky Name, Say Experts

On the plus side, well, at least it guaranteed a full house.  People were suckers for scandal.  No matter how well--or how badly--the show went, at least every seat would be filled, he thought grimly.

As for who the perpetrator was--he really had no clue.  He did not know any of the cast well enough to cast aspersions. Guessing randomly, he wondered if perhaps Imogen was to blame?

[Marguerite]

Marikir

[The Unholy Potato]

The Unholy Potato fretted and squirmed as first Krysa and then Imogen turned against him, clearly terrified by the accusations. "I, um, don't know why you think I'm to blame, but, uh, I swear I knew nothing of what occurred until I read about it in the, um, paper," he said nervously. "I don't know why Kyrsa and Imogen are, um, inventing reasons to accuse me, but I, um, admit to being a bit bothered by it, as might be noticeable. I don't take any pleasure from doing so, but, uh, I would admit that I can't help but feeling that, um, Imogen or Krysa might be making their accusations to conceal their own guilt. Though, I'll say that I lack any suspicion of Marikir and desire to steer clear of blind mob mentality that might lead to unfortunate, um, rashness?"

The last statement-question hung in the air tremulously as the round little man frowned quizzically, wondering if his words had swayed any among his fellow actors.

[desert ashes]

On Stage:  "A lion among ladies is a most dreadful thing."   (Lynch Voting!)

Cast and Crew
Marikir (4) - Xandi, Valerian, Marguerite, The Unholy Potato
The Unholy Potato (3) - Kyrsa, Imogen, Marikir
Imogen (1) - Remiel
Aiden (1) - Lucius Cornelius
Kyrsa (1) - Leorobin
Lucius Cornelius (1) - Aiden
Leorobin
Lypiphera
Marguerite
Remiel
Valerian
Xandi

Still Voting: Lypiphera

[Marikir]

As another accusation turned his way, Marikir couldn't help but laugh slightly.

"Well, I suppose that decides it then.  I warn you all though...ridding yourself of me will only weaken those of you who are true and valuable members of the cast.  I hope that those of you left can find the trail by looking close at how this has gone.  That's the only comfort I'll take from this."

His eyes glanced upward for a few moments, before coming back down to his accusers, a wry smile on his lips.  "You either know I'm clean or are being led by those who know I'm innocent."

He then turned to the rest of the cast.  "You have to believe me, I am innocent of this.  Do not let them do this."

He looked at each of them in the eye, at least, those who would meet his gaze.  He suspected far too few would, though.  He briefly considered changing his vote to tie it up again...but that would avail him nothing, with the producer voting against him.  Still...it was all he could do.  "Unholy Potato" he stated, softly.  He hated doing this...but the others had forced his hand.

[The Unholy Potato]

The Potato eyed his latest accuser tiredly, but nodded in acceptance. "Fair enough, then. I will return the favor, Marikir. I had hoped to avoid blame, at least to start, but if it is necessary to take such steps to keep my own name clear, then I think I will take them. I apologize. If you'll excuse me, this has all rather turned my stomach, so I will return in a bit." So saying, he rubbed his neck uncomfortably and then turned away, wandering off towards the bathroom.

[Lypiphera]

"Love and hate are but opposite sides of the blade..." Lypiphera said thoughtfully. "I fear it is perhaps Lucius who has the most to answer for in this crime."

She gazed sadly around at the assembled cast, "Perhaps though, this is what the killer wants, for us to be questioning one another and seeking to undermine our unity as a cast rather than casting a wider net to catch him, or her... "

[desert ashes]

On Stage:  "A lion among ladies is a most dreadful thing."   (Lynch Voting!)

Cast and Crew
Marikir (4) - Xandi, Valerian, Marguerite, The Unholy Potato
The Unholy Potato (3) - Kyrsa, Imogen, Marikir
Imogen (1) - Remiel
Aiden (1) - Lucius Cornelius
Kyrsa (1) - Leorobin
Lucius Cornelius (2) - Aiden, Lypiphera
Leorobin
Lypiphera
Marguerite
Remiel
Valerian
Xandi

Call Backed: 6 Thespians, 1 Director, 1 Stage Manager and 3 Understudies

Despite all his protests Marikir's fate was sealed.  One by one the stage lights fell to a hushed dim until only a single spotlight remained on the man who had been destined to be Oberon, proud King of the Fairies and the estranged love of the beautiful Titania.  . 

"And the imperial votaress passed on,
In maiden meditation, fancy-free.
Yet mark’d I where the bolt of Cupid fell:
It fell upon a little western flower,
Before, milk-white, now purple with love’s wound, —
And maidens call it love-in-idleness. "

As his final words were uttered upon the stage, the noose came swooping down around his neck and the theater collapsed into darkness as the trap door gave way sending the Thespian Marikir to a shallow grave.  They had lost an innocent among them.

[Lypiphera]

Lypiphera's hand rose unconsciously to her throat as she watched the noose take Marikir into the bowels of the theatre bellow. She swallowed as his body jerked into the darkness of the empty stage and closed her eyes against the sight of his final dance as it seared into her mind.

"Farewell, Marikir" she whispered softly from the dimmed auditorium.

[Imogen]

"He was a kind and honest man." She said quietly, turning from the gruesome sight. The handsome Marikir would never star as the Faerie King, and had joined his Titania in death. There was a sad symbolism in the two deaths, and she nervously thumbed through the pages, somewhat glad she'd never had the intention to try out for Puck.

[The Unholy Potato]

The Unholy Potato rubbed his face unhappily and wandered off a few steps before plopping down on the stage. "Well, that was horrifyingly predictable. I didn't suspect him, of course, but I didn't want to die, either. I hope none of you such an action of self-defense against me."

He glanced up at his peers, then turned away again, muttering to himself, "Not that I'd be surprised if you did, anyway."

[desert ashes]

"If we shadows have offended,
Think but this, and all is mended,
That you have but slumber'd here
While these visions did appear.
And this weak and idle theme,
No more yielding, but a dream... "

Kyrsa's voice carried clear across the empty stage and across the darkened house as she slowly crossed to stage center.  So enraptured with the lines of Puck the Thespian didn't see the swinging axe until it was too late.  Lethally it swung out in a brutal arc; Kyrsa's scream shattered into the theater just as the spotlight flared out. 

Who among them could have slain the actress destined for the mischievous Robin Goodfellow?





On Stage:  "A lion among ladies is a most dreadful thing."   (Lynch Voting!)

Cast and Crew
Aiden
Imogen
Leorobin
Lucius Cornelius
Lypiphera
Marguerite
Remiel
The Unholy Potato
Valerian
Xandi

Still Voting: Aiden, Imogen, Leorobin, Lucius Cornelius, Lypiphera, Marguerite, Remiel,  The Unholy Potato, Valerian, Xandi

Call Backed: 5 Thespians, 1 Director, 1 Stage Manager and 3 Understudies

[Zelric Miras]

Two shocking death had followed one after the other. Certainly neither were nice ways to die. Unconsciously, Leorobin massaged his throat as he remembered the ghastly sights of both murders. A sigh issued form his lips as he returned to his lines, quick glances were casted to those around occasionally.  Aiden was amongst those that were not within his sight.

[Valerian]

Poor Kyrsa.  Poor Marikir!  Val could hardly bear thinking about those two terrible losses.  But those losses also had to be avenged, somehow, and she must try to reason out who could have been capable of such an act -- though as of yet, she had painfully little in the way of facts.  Perhaps Imogen might know something about the murders, shocking as that would be.

[Lucius Cornelius]

After clean his tears for another killing he look around, the cold look of Marguerite tell him that she knows more that she says.

[Remiel]

"Marikir and Kyrsa both voted for The Unholy Potato," pointed out Remiel.  "And now they are both dead.  Coincidence?  Okay, yes, probably it is; but at this point, it's the only lead that we have."

[desert ashes]

On Stage:  "A lion among ladies is a most dreadful thing."   (Lynch Voting!)

Cast and Crew
Aiden (1) - Leorobin
Imogen (1) - Valerian
Marguerite (1) - Lucius Cornelius
The Unholy Potato (1) - Remiel
Leorobin
Lucius Cornelius
Lypiphera
Remiel
Valerian
Xandi

Still Voting: Aiden, Imogen, Lypiphera, Marguerite, The Unholy Potato, Xandi

Call Backed: 5 Thespians, 1 Director, 1 Stage Manager and 3 Understudies

[Imogen]

She rubbed the bridge of her nose, her expression pained as she thought. It was important that she tried to reason. Kyrsa and Marikir had been killed, the murderers must have left a clue somewhere, if only she could find it. She glanced at Remiel and bit her lip. Surely it wasn't possible that such a handsome man had anything to do with the deaths... "Perhaps it's what we're meant to think," she mused aloud. "That The Unholy Potato is meant to be a scapegoat. I am not too convinced, and without further evidence I am reluctant to condemn him."

[Autumn52]

Xandi sat perplexed at the goings on. She could not believe her ears, her fellow thespians accusing one another. Of course someone had to be blamed but how could we possibly know the truth. There is someone among us who knows the truth, the murder. Xandi did not want to falsely accuse anyone but she had to place a vote, Valerian seemed to think that perhaps Imogen had something to do with the murders. But she did not seem to certain, Lucius however seemed to think that Marguerite was guilty, he did seem more convinced in his vote. Xandi hated to accuse someone but since she had to she voted with Lucius. Marguerite

[Aiden]

Word of LeoRobin's speculation did not get passed him, but instead of making a large scene, he took the time to mourn the deaths of his fellow thespians.

[desert ashes]

On Stage:  "A lion among ladies is a most dreadful thing."   (Lynch Voting!)

Cast and Crew
Imogen (2) - Valerian, The Unholy Potato
Marguerite (2) - Lucius Cornelius, Xandi
The Unholy Potato (2) - Remiel, Imogen
Aiden (1) - Leorobin
Leorobin (1) - Aiden
Lucius Cornelius
Lypiphera
Remiel
Valerian
Xandi

Still Voting: Lypiphera, Marguerite

Call Backed: 5 Thespians, 1 Director, 1 Stage Manager and 3 Understudies

[The Unholy Potato]

The Unholy Potato frowned momentarily at Remiel, then shrugged. "It's a shame you suspect me so, but I don't really think that you have ulterior motives for doing so, so I won't hold it against you." After some consideration, he added, "Personally, I think Valerian has a good head on her shoulders. I'm sorry, Imogen, but I can't help but remember your earlier condemnation."

[Imogen]

Folding her arms she fixes The Unholy Potato with an icy stare. "You are too eager to point your finger to a third innocent thespian, Unholy one. I thought it too obvious when Remiel pointed that out, but perhaps I was wrong. I thank you for redirecting my vote, I might have harmed Remiel with my foolishness."

[Marguerite]

Marguerite stepped forward and looked at those who accused her. "Nay, tis not I, who murdered one of our own last night. In fact, I have received information that in fact, Aiden is one of the understudies. What can I say, I do not trust those who look suspicious from the get go."

[desert ashes]

On Stage:  "A lion among ladies is a most dreadful thing."   (Lynch Voting!)

Cast and Crew
Aiden (2) - Leorobin, Marguerite
Imogen (2) - Valerian, The Unholy Potato
Marguerite (2) - Lucius Cornelius, Xandi
The Unholy Potato (2) - Remiel, Imogen
Leorobin (1) - Aiden
Lucius Cornelius
Lypiphera
Remiel
Valerian
Xandi

Still Voting: Lypiphera

Call Backed: 5 Thespians, 1 Director, 1 Stage Manager and 3 Understudies

[Lypiphera]

Privately Lypiphera thought Leorobin's sigh all too dramatic for the situation. Another innocent life had been claimed - this was no time for flouncey gestures of sympathy.

She gazed mournfully up at the bright lights of the stage, The Dream had always been such a thing of wonder to her a mysterious fairy-filled play full of mischief which she had treasured since she was young. But now her wish to be at one with the flowing words and music had arrived and everything was turning nightmareish!

[desert ashes]

On Stage:  "A lion among ladies is a most dreadful thing."   (Lynch Voting!)

Cast and Crew
Aiden (2) - Leorobin, Marguerite
Imogen (2) - Valerian, The Unholy Potato
Leorobin (2) - Aiden, Lypiphera
Marguerite (2) - Lucius Cornelius, Xandi
The Unholy Potato (2) - Remiel, Imogen
Lucius Cornelius
Lypiphera
Remiel
Valerian
Xandi

Still Voting:

Call Backed: 5 Thespians, 1 Director, 1 Stage Manager and 3 Understudies

All voting is closed. 

As there is a tie between Aiden, Imogen, Leorobin, Marguerite and The Unholy Potato, the final say goes to the Producer, Xandi. 

Xandi, please submit your final choice to me via Private Message. 

[desert ashes]

On Stage:  "A lion among ladies is a most dreadful thing."   (Lynch Voting!)

Cast and Crew
Aiden (2) - Leorobin, Marguerite
Imogen (2) - Valerian, The Unholy Potato
Leorobin (2) - Aiden, Lypiphera
Marguerite (2) - Lucius Cornelius, Xandi
The Unholy Potato (2) - Remiel, Imogen
Lucius Cornelius
Lypiphera
Remiel
Valerian
Xandi

Call Backed: 5 Thespians, 1 Director, 1 Stage Manager and 3 Understudies



The five tied in votes were left remaining on stage; a spotlight flared at upstage center before it swiveled to momentarily fixate on each of them.  Aiden.  The Unholy Potato.  Imogen.  Leorobin.  Marguerite.  At the last it paused, the light pouring down over Marguerite before it turned blood red.  The Producer's vote had been cast, remaining predictably with how she had previously voted. 

"I am amazed and know not what to say," was all Marguerite could stage whisper in the role of the young woman caught by love's triangle, Hermia.   With but a heartbeat later the stage floor beneath her fell and delivered her unto her untimely and tragic death -- for her and all the innocent Thespians that remained.  For Marguerite had not only been cast in the role as Hermia...

She had also been the Stage Manager.

[Imogen]

Imogen's sigh of relief was short-lived. Her eyes widened as she stared at Marguerite's empty place. "Oh shit..." was all she managed. Now they were in trouble... and she even moreso. As Marguerite had been cast for Hermia, the role she had wanted as well. "I don't want it anymore!" She said hastily. "I'll play a nameless elf in Titania's following, if we're ever... I mean.." She swallowed and at last, shut up.

[desert ashes]

Across the dimly lit stage Remiel crept in the shadows.  He was looking for shadows -- three other shadows, to be precise.  From downstage center he could hear a light voice drifting out toward the audience, the outline of a cast mate in his sights.  So enraptured by the performance he was witnessing, however, the Thespian-cum-Director did not realize the shadows he had been looking for had crept up behind him before it was too late.

Just as the knife's shadow swung down, catching the corner of his eye, his lips parted --

"'Tide life, 'tide death, I come without delay," came the words of Francis Flute.

A heartbeat later a leather gloved hand caught his scream as the knife plunged in deep.




On Stage:  "A lion among ladies is a most dreadful thing."   (Lynch Voting!)

Cast and Crew
Aiden
Imogen
Leorobin
Lucius Cornelius
Lypiphera
The Unholy Potato
Valerian
Xandi

Call Backed: 5 Thespians, 3 Understudies

[Autumn52]

"No No not the handsome Remiel. Why would anyone kill him? He was such a wonderful man and thespian."

Xandi's tears began to flow and she searched for Leo for comfort. My fellow thespians we must stop this before it is to late. I think that Imogen has been acting a little suspiciously since this whole thing began.

Xandi clung to Leo and begged him to not leave her side until this mystery was solved. "There is safety in numbers", she muttered as she hugged him close.

[Imogen]

She shook her head. "That's foolishness, Xandi. Remiel suspected The Unholy Potato and I think he may have had a good reason for doing so."

Pacing back and forth, Imogen frowned in thought for a moment and winced as she remembered. "No... I've been an idiot. Maybe Remiel's is correct, but didn't Marguerite say she had received information regarding Aiden? Better late than never to start believing her."

[Valerian]

Val, hiding in the corner, stared out wide-eyed at the others as she clung to a side curtain.  "Marguerite must have had enough time to learn something, at least," she chimed in, as Imogen spoke.  "So maybe she was right about Aiden.  I hope she was right.  This is terrible!"

[desert ashes]

On Stage:  "A lion among ladies is a most dreadful thing."   (Lynch Voting!)

Cast and Crew
Aiden (2) - Imogen, Valerian
Imogen (1) - Xandi
Leorobin
Lucius Cornelius
Lypiphera
The Unholy Potato
Valerian
Xandi

Still Voting: Aiden, Leorobin, Lucius Cornelius, Lypiphera, The Unholy Potato

Call Backed: 5 Thespians, 3 Understudies

[Aiden]

"How trust worthy is Marguerite, that trollop bedded all of your lovers behind you backs. She simply wished to condemn me for ignoring her advances, Imogen I thought you and I had more between us for you to send me to a death you know I do not deserve."

[Zelric Miras]

Leo embraced Xandi trying to ease her worries while rubbing her back gently, being the producer, she should be having a hard time with the deaths of the Thespians. "Rest assured that I will remain close." He whispered to her while his eyes glanced at those of the cast that still remained. His eyes moved towards Aiden again, he didn't trusted his innocence, but perhaps his perception was wavered by the fact Aiden voted on him.

He even considered Xandi, but he couldn't get himself to think her tears were false. He lingered on Lypiphera for a while, his head full of thoughts and machinations. "A lamentable dead indeed..." he whispered, wiping Xandi's tears away gently with his handkerchief, trying to keep a calm face to ease her. Frowning as Aiden, voiced his thoughts towards Imogen outloud. "That is no way to speak to a lady...Perhaps your anger shows a bit of remorse in your words?"

[desert ashes]

On Stage:  "A lion among ladies is a most dreadful thing."   (Lynch Voting!)

Cast and Crew
Aiden (3) - Imogen, Valerian, Leorobin
Imogen (3) - Xandi, Aiden, Lypiphera
Leorobin
Lucius Cornelius
Lypiphera
The Unholy Potato
Valerian
Xandi

Still Voting: Lucius Cornelius, The Unholy Potato

Call Backed: 5 Thespians, 3 Understudies

[Lypiphera]

Shell shocked and a little disbelieving Lypiphera stared down at their former co-star.

"I don't understand..." she whispered softly "Why good comes there from killing the cast? Who will run the show without us?" Silently, tears streaked down her face, and she absent-mindedly blotted her nose on her sleeve, her forgotten script still in hand.

"I think Imogen was a little too hasty in giving up her role when others are dying for theres, it makes no sense to abandon a main character to someone else  when we are fighting to remain on stage. I am sick of voting for innocents to meet the noose so I hope to god that this puts and end to such madness!"

[Lucius Cornelius]

Try to avoid to feel to shocked for the recent events that is happening around him, Lucius has been quiet for sometime but then he suddenly come into life and points to AIDEN

You have to explain too much things Aiden.

[Imogen]

"With Marguerite's evidence against Aiden, and her identity revealed, I must say I'm confused as to why anyone would look for a vote elsewhere. If you trust me or not is hardly the issue here. I ask you simply to look at the facts." She shrugged and raised her hands in a helpless gesture. "I can't think of a good reason of why any of us should ignore her last words."

[The Unholy Potato]

The Unholy Potato tapped his chin thoughtfully, peering from one anxious face to another, before finally shrugging. "I've made my opinion clear from the start. I don't trust Imogen one whit. I'm sorry it had to be this way, though."

[Valerian]

"If Marguerite was right, then Aiden is an Understudy," Val spoke up.  "We know Marguerite was the only one of us who could have learned something about who the villains are.  Even if you honestly suspect Imogen as well, it would be foolish for us to presume that Marguerite was wrong and go against what she said.

"If Imogen is also guilty, that will reveal itself in time.  For now, we shouldn't take the chance."  She looked at The Unholy Potato.  "Please, won't you change your vote to Aiden?  We have every reason to believe him an understudy -- and since Xandi has voted against Imogen, then I'm also afraid we may have elected an understudy as our Producer, and we don't dare leave this vote tied.  Because if Marguerite was right, then I think we all know now who the understudies are."  She crossed her arms and looked at Xandi, Aiden, and Lypiphera in turn.

[Autumn52]

"Val how could you? I never. Well perhaps it is you who is the understudy. Why are you so intent, all of the sudden, on saving Imogen? Perhaps you and your understudy friend are worried that you have been found out and now their is no hope." Marg voted for Aiden before she could have possibly know for sure about his innocence or guilt, that is why I do not give her vote much thought. If I am wrong we will know soon.

Xandi crossed her arms and looked at Valerian and Imogen wondering who that last understudy could be.

[Valerian]

"If you want to vote for Imogen next time, fine.  I'll vote for her with you!  But the plain and simple fact is that if we don't get rid of an understudy this time, this production is doomed, and there will be no more votes.

"We have every reason to believe that Marg was right -- and you're absolutely wrong in saying that she didn't have time to know for sure.  She had the first night to learn something, and she did.  You're only proving your own guilt, Xandi, by trying to dismiss what Marg said.  You can't argue your way out of the facts, and you might as well stop trying."

[Autumn52]

"I think think this vote will soon tell who is wrong and who is right. Let us see what happens and if I am wrong, then we shall soon see. The reason I think Marg was guessing as were the rest of us is because just because she had the first night to find out someones identity does not mean she picked an understudy. In fact the likely hood of her picking an understudy on the first night to inquire about is very unlikely. We shall see."

[Zelric Miras]

Leo remained silent at the discussion between the two women, unsure on what side to take. Valerian's arguments certainly made sense, he had pondered some of them as well. Still he had a hard time thinking that Xandi's tears were false, but she had some experience on stage as well. Either way he stuck to his vote, he didn't trusted Aiden.

[desert ashes]

On Stage:  "A lion among ladies is a most dreadful thing."   (Lynch Voting!)

Cast and Crew
Aiden (4) - Imogen, Valerian, Leorobin, Lucius Cornelius
Imogen (4) - Xandi, Aiden, Lypiphera, The Unholy Potato
Leorobin
Lucius Cornelius
Lypiphera
The Unholy Potato
Valerian
Xandi

Call Backed: 5 Thespians, 3 Understudies

Voting closed!

The final decision now lies within the Producer.

(Xandi, feel free to post your decision.)

[Autumn52]

I stand by my vote. Imogen is an understudy.

[desert ashes]

"I stand by my vote. Imogen is an understudy."

At the Producer's words the red spot light fell upon Imogen as the rest of the stage fell to the darkness.  A rustle of unease trickled through the theater as breaths caught, waiting to see if the accusation came to pass. 

"My heart is true as steel," came the ringing words of Helena, the role the Thespian Imogen had been cast to be play.  The moment the last sound faded away the floor beneath the Thespian gave way and cast her to her final end. 

Did the Thespians stand even a slim chance of survival?




Cast and Crew
Aiden
Leorobin
Lucius Cornelius
Lypiphera
The Unholy Potato
Valerian
Xandi

Call Backed: 4 Thespians, 3 Understudies

[Aiden]

"Well better her then me...I wish you all a sound rest this evening."
Aiden smirked at them all before departing for the night.

[Zelric Miras]

A hand, raised to appease his thoughts, met his troubled brow. "Another innocent death..." He whispered shaking his head. "I will retreat for the night, rest well..." He said to all in general, his eyes inspecting each before turning around and leaving the stage. He doubted he would get much sleep, there were simply too much thoughts on his head. Certainly, it wouldn't be a restful night.

[desert ashes]

"Swift as a shadow, short as any dream,
Brief as the lightning in the collied night,
That, in a spleen, unfolds both heaven and earth,
And ere a man hath power to say, — Behold!
The jaws of darkness do devour it up:
So quick bright things come to confusion."

Behind the Thespian Lucius Cornelius the three shadows crept.  As he lyrically spoke the lines of Lysander, the iconic lover whose heart beat for the beloved Hermia, one by one they plunged him into a lethal darkness as daggers gleamed in the bright spotlight.  Then he fell, a last breath taken before he joined his love. 





On Stage:  "A lion among ladies is a most dreadful thing."   (Lynch Voting!)

Cast and Crew
Aiden
Leorobin
Lypiphera
The Unholy Potato
Valerian
Xandi

Marikir - Thespian/Oberon, Lynched, Act 1 Day
Kyrsa - Thespian/Puck, Killed, Act 1 Night
Marguerite - Stage Manager/Hermia, Lynched, Act 2 Day
Remiel - Thespian/Director, Francis Flute, Killed, Act 2 Night
Imogen - Thespian/Helena, Lynched, Act 3 Day
Lucius Cornelius - Thespian/Lysander, Killed, Act 3 Night

Call Backed: 3 Thespians, 3 Understudies

[desert ashes]

As the Cast and Crew gathered in the wake of Lucius Cornelius death it became clear where the chips had fallen.  The Thespians no longer stood a chance against the fearsome Understudies.  With their devious plan having been successfully carried out, Xandi, The Unholy Potato and Aiden overtook the remaining Thespians, Leorobin, Lypiphera and Valerian.

While the deviants were revealed, the final act did not end well the red spotlight fell upon each Thespian before the trap doors released and each one was cast to their final fate.  With the scent of death and corruption in the air, the ghosts of the de Chantal theater howled over the silent, darkened audience as the curtain fell. 




Cast and Crew
Aiden - Understudy/Nick Bottom
The Unholy Potato - Understudy/Robin Starveling
Xandi (Producer) - Understudy/Peaseblossom

Marikir - Thespian/Oberon, Lynched, Act 1 Day
Kyrsa - Thespian/Puck, Killed, Act 1 Night
Marguerite - Thespian/Stage Manager/Hermia, Lynched, Act 2 Day
Remiel - Thespian/Director/Francis Flute, Killed, Act 2 Night
Imogen - Thespian/Helena, Lynched, Act 3 Day
Lucius Cornelius - Thespian/Lysander, Killed, Act 3 Night
Leorobin - Thespian/Thesesus, Overtook, Final Act
Lypiphera - Thespian/Peter Quince, Overtook, Final Act
Valerian - Thespian/Titania, Overtook, Final Act

[Aiden]

Flawless victory!

I think that is a first.

[Lypiphera]

Woo! I survived till the end :)


Well done understudies! Lovely game!