Bad Dream
From Unofficial Handbook of the Virtue Universe
The enigmatic terrorist, Bad Dream, is a villain of many faces. Using manipulation, fear, treachery, and outright brutality, he's carved himself a seat of power within the Rouge Islands. Recurrent villain of many heroes in both the Isles and Paragon City, Dream plays a calculated game against them all, though many believe it's a matter of time until he succumbs completely to his insanity and attempts to burn the world down around him.
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| Pleasant dreams... | |
| Bad Dream | |
| Player: @Talisien Nightbane | |
| Origin: | Natural |
|---|---|
| Archetype: | Corruptor/Brute |
| Threat Level: | 50/50 |
| Personal Data | |
| Real Name: | Jacob Rookswood |
| Known Aliases: | The Ace of Terror, Lord Nightmare, the Boogeyman |
| Species: | Human (reincarnated) |
| Age: | 27 |
| Height: | 6'5 |
| Weight: | 180 |
| Eye Color: | Blue |
| Hair Color: | White and Black |
| Biographical Data | |
| Nationality: | British |
| Occupation: | criminal mastermind, terrorist, serial killer, Lord of Black Tie |
| Place of Birth: | Iffley, England |
| Base of Operations: | London, England |
| Marital Status: | Widower |
| Known Relatives: | Unknown |
| Known Powers | |
| Fear and Nightmare Manipulation | |
| Known Abilities | |
| Genius IQ, skilled at chemistry and weapon improvization | |
| Equipment | |
| Various and numerous knives and guns; sharpened, hard fingernails | |
| No additional information available. | |
Contents |
History
"I can understand when something happens to turn someone to whatever dark side they have creeping underneath... but this guy goes beyond that. He's not just lashing out... or maybe he was at some point. But now, I think he enjoys it. He's sick... just sick."
The enigmatic terrorist known as Bad Dream was first spotted in London, England, breaking a convicted murderer, Jacob Rohleen, out of HM Prison Belmarsh. His motivation was unknown, though Rohleen's body was later recovered, the cause of death revealed to be drowning, though the body was not found near any body of water. After this first act, Bad Dream became known for several high-profile murders and bombings around London, leading to his arrest being considered a high priority by both New Scotland Yard and Interpol.
After a tense shoot-out in an abandoned slaughter house, Dream escaped wounded and fled England to the Rogue Isles. He became known in the Isles as a "Cape Killer", gaining him high favor in the eyes of Lord Recluse, who dually refused to extradite him for his crimes. Since then, Bad Dream's activities have seemed to focus mostly in the Rogue Isles and the United States, though there have been whispers that he has had a hand in London's organized crime, as well as in Japan, Cuba, and South America. In late 2008 he established Black Tie, a paramilitary terrorist organization of like-minded individuals which quickly spread throughout North America, Europe, and parts of Asia, with Dream sitting at the head of the organization, dubbing himself its "Lord".
With a strong determination towards his announced goals of genocide against mankind, the abolition of government, and the defilement of religion, Dream has lived up to his moniker and has become an increasing threat not only to the heroes of the world but also to the organizations who once harbored him, such as Arachnos. Quick to make enemies and stab former allies in the back, some wonder that perhaps even Black Tie itself will not escape Dream's final judgment on the world, should he ever succeed in his goals.
Personality
"There is much I could say about this man... some good, some bad. But, I think I would rather just not say anything and let you use your imagination, because lately I don't know what to think about him. He's not the same man I knew when I first met him and he keeps changing every time I look at him. I don't know whether or not to trust this man, try to kill him, or run very far away..."
Constantly changing, as if evolving and adapting to best suit his survival, placing Bad Dream's true personality has proved difficult. At first glance, he seems like a cold-blooded sociopath, but those who have gotten closer to Dream have reported that perhaps it may all be a cleverly crafted image and gimmick of a perfectly sane, brilliant man. And then there are those who go further and say that itself is also a carefully crafted image and gimmick of a man who's insanity knows no limits behind closed doors.
Dream was once notorious for his mania. He'd have laughing fits, make bad jokes with usually violent punchlines accentuated by firearms or knives, act like a vaudeville performer, and react intensely to any emotion he felt. This is often attributed to his past drug abuse, as the behavior subsided after Dream overdosed in Pocket D and was detoxed back at base. When he returned to the spotlight from his brief absence, the man before his enemies and Black Tie was certainly a changed man.
To the enemy, Dream appears cold, merciless, and calculating. Though not unnecessarily cruel and blood-thirsty, Dream is by no means forgiving or passive. In combat, it's been said that Dream throws every attack with the potential and intention to kill. While out of combat, he comes across as egocentric, pretentious, arrogant, and sadistic. Dream has threatened or assaulted others who so much as say the wrong words to him. His temper seems on a hair-trigger, ready to burst at any moment. Against a true enemy, many say that the demon truly comes out in Dream, and in some rumors this is just as literal as it is figurative.
To his casual acquaintances, he could even be considered sophisticated, witty, and intelligent. He enjoys conversation and debate, especially of the philosophical and political bent. He remains civil, even when his view point is opposed, and while occasionally can be condescending is generally rather respectful to anyone in his company. It's even been mentioned that if it weren't for the numerous atrocities he'd committed, he'd act like just another face in the crowd.
Yet to Black Tie, Dream has shown an entirely different face. As a leader he is calm, collected, and calculated, while still passionate, determined, and serious. A connoisseur of absinthe, a man with a burning hatred for religion, and a spiritual and philosophical guru to his legion. He is fair in judging conflicts and resorts to violent punishments in only the most dire of situations, a drastic change from his former mind-frame of "the beatings will continue until morale improves."
Yet there is still a final side of Dream, shown only to a few choice individuals. A man who hears voices in his head, one who suffers deep depression from feelings of abandonment, and someone who suffers nightmares of his past. All in all, a man who does not motivate out of philosophical belief, violent impulse, or sadistic pleasure, but someone lashing out against a world, society, and higher power who he feels has condemned him to a life of bitter solitude, misery, and equally intensive hatred.
Philosophy And Mind Frame
Dream is an utter nihilist at his core. Though he was raised a Protestant, it is unclear what lead to his fall from faith. However, he has reportedly stated "Life is too full of shit for there to be some omnipotent, benevolent creature watching over us, and if there is then it hates us and wants us to suffer." When really examined, Dream is clearly someone with a strong resentment for the faith he believes abandon him. Now he chooses to believe there is simply nothing in the end. He considers wondering about topics such as "Why are we here?" and "What is our purpose?" to be pointless wastes of thought with no answer. To Dream, humanity is not alive for any specific reason and serves no purpose being alive. In the end, he will argue, will be nothing but empty space, where reality ceases to exist and nothing anyone has done will matter.
Due to this extreme nihilism, concepts like morality and emotion are trivial to Dream. He’s an empiricist, believing concepts like “good” and “evil” are subjective to the individual, for without individual interpretation (and eventually majority agreement), they would not exist. The public consensus of morality, he argues, is simply a method of controlling the population with the fear of a final judgment and/or violation of “societal norms.” This belief in subjective mortality only augments Dream’s antisocial behavior, giving him justification to sleep peacefully after the atrocities he’s committed.[1]
Dually, emotion is quite trivial to Dream, as he believes things like “love” and “friendship” are hollow terms, used purely for the manipulation of others. Regardless of whom he claims he “loves” and who are his “friends”, Dream simply does not mean any of his words. He is only able to truly comprehend anger and hate, but he still barely comprehends what causes such feelings and what they truly are.
Because Dream feels life is meaningless and the individual can never give meaning to his/her life, he lives only to do as he pleases, with little regard for others. His murder sprees are fueled by his disgust for society, and with no belief in an afterlife or morality, Dream sees little self-detriment by causing chaos on Earth. Dream does not believe his purpose is to destroy; it’s simply what he feels to be the most temporarily enjoyable use of his time alive. “No matter how long one can prolong their life,” he argues, “everything living dies. There are no exceptions.” When confronted about his beliefs, Dream is unswerving in his ideas. His delusions of grandeur and arrogance always lead to the belittlement of anyone suggesting otherwise, as he views religious faith and optimism akin to stupidity and weakness.
Due to his rejection of concepts such as the metaphysical and the divine, Dream views entities such as demons, ghosts, and even Outer Gods as [sic]“simply another creature, albeit a powerful one.” To Dream, their existence is simply a different strain of mortality, but like any form of mortality, it is susceptible to the same restriction of inevitable death. While he has been patronizing of demons and claims the fragment of Nyarlathotep within him makes him the “avatar of a god”, his words are simply tools to manipulate an end, whether it be power or intimidation. When one ceases to live, Dream believes, there is nothing but empty space for eternity: just an endless void of black and you. Due to his death and resurrection, Dream claims this belief is an accurate description of the afterlife, but some wonder if Dream only experienced his own self-stylized manifestation of Hell.
Many of Dream's atheistic ideas and rejection of metaphysics are a front, though for unsubstantiated reasons.
Equipment, Powers, Abilities
Note: Many of these powers are IC only and do not appear in his powerset. Cry more.
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"Some have asked me how I dare consider myself a genius when I can hardly tell -Bad Dream |
Powers
- Aura of Trepidation- It's unknown whether this aura is a metahuman ability or simply the uneasiness that comes from prolonged encounters with Bad Dream, but many have testified that their anxiety, depression, and fear increased while in close proximity to him, occasionally to crippling levels. Others have reported naseau, chills, and shallow breathing are side-effects of being too close to him for so long. Some have sensed an unusually high degree of evil energy around Bad Dream, and it is theorized that this energy causes these side effects.
- Genius I.Q.- Behind the postured insanity, blood lust, and theatrics lies a finely tuned and quick mind. Augmented even more so by Vinnie Frizzle, Dream is able to devise complex and detailed plans, perform complicated mathematic equations, and carefully analyze his opponents to the very last detail in the middle of combat, adapting to their weaknesses and strengths.
- The Black Blood- While it's speculated that this power is a genetic or scientific enhancement by Vinnie Frizzle, intelligence agencies are truly stumped about the origin of Dream's inky black blood, which seems to be unwilling to leave his veins for more than two or three seconds before pulling itself back in. Dream can be littered with bullets, but for some reason the Black Blood refuses to leave his body, effectively stopping him from losing blood in combat. Dually, the Black Blood has been known to regenerate his wounds at an alarming rate and keep him alive during otherwise fatal injuries, such as a shot to the face at close range.[2]
Equipment
- Blink Generator- Implanted into his spine by Vinnie Frizzle, Dream is able to neurologically control the device to instantaneously and accurately teleport short distances. He typically "blinks" in clouds of black smoke for dramatic effect.
- Alice- Alice is a very, very special gun. Designed with two firing modes, Alice shifts between being a high-calliber rail gun and a shotgun that utilizes bladed projectiles, able to penetrate armor quite easily. In the hands of Bad Dream, with his excellent accuracy and precision, it's a lethal piece of machinery. However, Alice is rarely used, mostly as an intimidation tool.
Hook- Dream just decided he really wanted a hook hand one day... so he cut his own hand off and had it replaced. Of course, during a fight with Kira, Dream cut his control of his healing abilities, which kept the arm from regrowing, and causing the hook to fall to the ground useless as the organic arm returned. Since then, Dream has used an impervium hay hook with a monomolecular point as an ordinary weapon and occasionally wears a trench-coat with the left sleeve tailored longer to conceal his hand and give him the appearance of still bearing that hook hand. This is mostly the author's homage to the film Candyman, which inspired Dream in many ways.
Abilities
- Increased Speed and Reflexes- Vinnie Frizzle's bodily modifications of Bad Dream have increased his abilities to staggering heights. Neurological computers, artificial implants, and chemical therapy have effectively allowed Dream to move at blinding speeds, allowing him use momentum to add a high degree of power behind his attacks and move in "bullet time". Combined with his blink generator, Dream has mastery over the field in combat, allowing him to effortlessly dodge enemy attacks and fight several opponents simultaneously.
- Enhanced Strength- With all the speed, Dream still needed some extra power to his punch. After being given extreme genetic and chemical therapy, as well as mechanical implants, Dream's strength has been increase substantially, making him a deadly foe in combat. Able to lift and throw large robots great distances, tearing armor off of tanks, and snap necks like twigs, the limits of Dream's strength are still untested and unknown.
People
Note: The listing and organization below is general, at best. Many people in both allies and adversaries fall into a gray area. Some of them hate Dream while he enjoys their company. Some of them enjoy Dream's company while he hates them. For simplicity's sake, they are grouped based on which end of the spectrum they fall on most. Also if you feel your name is missing, feel free to add it, and I will fill in the rest.
Relationships
"He is nothing more than a cold-blooded sociopath. If he wants to watch the world devour itself in chaos, I won't stop him. But those who follow him are fools if they think they won't be devoured themselves."
Despite what he claims, Dream has no personal relationships and no true loyalty to anyone but himself. He may have trusted associates in and out of Black Tie, as well as an apparent love life, but if it came down to it, Dream would throw anyone under the bus for his own survival and continuity of his goals. It's not unfair to say that Dream had normal friends and relationships growing up; he certainly did. However, the Bad Dream of the present sees concepts like love and friendships to be trivial, and now his perceived relationships are little more than a means to an end for him. It's quite possible that Dream does have a hierarchy to his associations and may even feel genuine love for whomever he's romantically involved with, but he doesn't comprehend or understand these feelings. Thus, when he calls someone a friend or tells them he loves them, he truly believes he doesn't mean it and is attempting to appear somewhat normal. Nonetheless, Dream does have a degree of respect for some individuals, as well as notable "business relationships", which are listed below.
- Psalmchild- Kastka is the closest thing Dream has had to a romantic interest since he became Bad Dream. When the two are alone, Dream shows a completely different side of himself, even showing her kindness and affection, though the authenticity of these traits are questionable. He's extremely protective and possessive of her but in the sense of a pet owner rather than a lover. Although he does not understand or acknowledge it internally, he certainly holds a degree of romantic feelings, perhaps even love, for her. If she became a liability, he would kill her without hesitation, but he may feel a degree of remorse in the future. Kastka's presence has certainly added a small degree of stability to Dream's fragile and crumbling mental state, but if he ever lost her, for whatever reason, he'd have little to stop his impulses to completely destroy the planet or die trying.
- Markel Darkweaver- Dream and Darkweaver's relationship was that of master and slave, even though Dream insisted otherwise. Dream is directly responsible for the dark mage's current situation, but he also holds the strings of Darkweaver's fate tightly in his hands. He's beaten Darkweaver viciously numerous times for disobedience and defiance, claiming to be in the position of a father hitting his son. However, Dream understands Darkweaver's strength and considers him a member of his personal circle, even giving Darkweaver free reign over his Magi. Recently, Dream has become increasingly closer to Darkweaver, the two even mutually respect for one another. Though at a time it was hard to believe, perhaps Darkweaver is the closest thing Dream has to a friend.
- R-41 Incinerator- R-41 has been one of Dream's favorite members of Black Tie, due to "Cinny's" ruthlessness and apathy towards the suffering of others, if not outright enjoyment. Dream knows how to appease Cinny by dangling various arson jobs over his head, and in return, Cinny seems to show a large degree of loyalty to Lord Nightmare. Cinny is another member of Dream's trusted inner circle, and Dream currently plots for a way to break Cinny from the bonds of the Manufacturer.
- Jumping Jimmy- Dream holds Jimmy in high regards due to his loyalty to the Lord of Nightmares. During each of Dream's hiatuses, Jimmy was one of the few members of Black Tie who did not join a new organization or lose faith in Dream's return. To Dream, Jimmy is everything he wants in a Black Tie agent: cunning, loyal, determined, and deadly.
- Mr. Soot- Soot is Dream's adviser and one of his most trusted associates. Dream trusts Soot enough to make him the keeper of "the Gospel According to Bad Dream", several handwritten notebooks belonging to Dream detailing the perceived weaknesses and methods of assassination for almost every individual Dream has came into combat with. Like Scott, Dream has procured a significant amount of his technology from Soot. Unlike Scott, Dream is not secretly disgusted by Soot and does not consider him a pawn but an equal.
- Vinnie Frizzle- Dream holds Doctor Frizzle in very high regards, considering him one of his favorite members of Black Tie. Vinnie's eccentricity, brilliance, and talent appeal greatly to Dream, and his desire to, as he puts it, "roast marshmallows over the ashes of this Earth" perfectly parallels Dream's goals of genocide and destruction. Vinnie is one of the few people who've called Dream by a "pet name" (Dream Boat) and lived, as Dream seems to enjoy the display of affection and loyalty. Most, if not all, of Dream's personal enhancements, modifications, and weaponry have been designed and surgically implemented by Vinnie, making him Dream's prized mad scientist.
- Stephnie- Since she entered Black Tie, Dream has always been impressed by the mysterious woman's complete and utter dedication to the organization, as well as her total adherence and respect for Dream's word. After being captured by Arachnos and viciously tortured, she was finally released back into Dream's services, ask specifically to join the Black Guard, Dream's personal soldiers and bodyguards. Dream is quite fond of Stephnie, and even sympathizes (as much as a man like Dream can) for Stephnie's hardships and past. With how often she's recently been seen in his company, it's wondered if Dream has bigger plans in mind for her.
- Zyren Treskal- Zyren and Dream's relationship is one of business. Zyren creates new technology for Dream, Dream pays her for it and offers her protection from answering for many of her past atrocities. More than a few members of Black Tie would like to take a chance at taking Zyren's head, but for the most part, Dream keeps them in line and her out of their grasp.
- Carpe Noctem- Carpe is simply another member of Black Tie. Dream lacks much of a personal relationship with the mysterious ninja, but Carpe follows orders, which pleases Dream. Still, Dream is suspicious of Carpe's relationship with Dimitrious.
- Irmine- To be added
Adversaries
"There isn't much I can say about him, partially because I'd rather not disclose much information, and partially because I don't know much about him myself. There is one thing I do know, however: not many people, at least to my knowledge, openly oppose him and get away with it."
- -Jei
Dream does not consider any opponent to be true enemies or rivals, only viewing them as bothersome to swat. He is too arrogant to call anyone worthy or powerful enough to be a true "arch nemesis", a delusion which will undoubtedly lead to his down fall. The following is a list of people who are actively hostile towards Bad Dream, on his bad side, or simply just tend to conflict with him at times.
- Anna Maris- Some would call Anna Maris "Bad Dream's Arch-nemesis", a title that would no doubt displease the Lord of Nightmares. Anna and Dream have clashed frequently and violently throughout the pass, and it seems that they cannot be in the same room for over a few minutes before they're at the throats of one another. Dream sees Maris as arrogant, ignorant, hypocritical, and pretentious, though he dually feels Anna is one of the few completely "real" people in the Isles, uncompromising and relentless in the pursuit of her goals and ambitions. It's been said that Dream and Anna will likely fight to the death one day, and God help the citizens of whatever town in Etoile the battle takes place in.
- Rook the Vaulted- Dream and Rook's relationship is not friendly and at times hostile, but Dream has consistently shown interest in the mysterious masked mercenary. Dream sees Rook as a sane, tamer, and more eccentric version of himself, although his perspective is truly far from accurate. Dream is intrigued by Rook's unknown identity and has spent copious amounts of time trying to deduce it, as if it were a puzzle. Despite their past hostility, Dream has seemingly held a deal of nonreciprocating respect for Rook, considering him a competent combatant and even chose Rook to be the person worthy of killing him when death and resurrection were necessary to save his soul from eternal imprisonment by the Circle of Thorns. However, when it's come down to the line, Dream's never had a problem with stepping on Rook.
- Kira- Kira is quite an important figure in Dream's life. After her murder at Dream's hand and resurrection, Dream doubted Kira's ability to survive, let alone thrive. She surprised Dream with her remarkable resilience, ruthlessness, and cunning to secure her position within the life of the Isles. The two clash almost as often as Dream and Anna, but unlike Anna, Dream secretly desires to recruit the young girl as the heir to his legacy, should he fall. He finds her to be simply his anima and finds amusement in the fact that the same people who hate Dream for his atrocities love Kira, who is no stranger to brutality and cruelty on Dream's level.
- Dimitrious Vladimire- The status of Dimitrious Vladimire to Bad Dream and Black Tie is heavily debated by many. It's known that the vampire's departure left a bitter taste in Dream's mouth, and Dream has committed disturbing acts of torture and violence against Aldora, Dimitrious's daughter. Presently, the two seem to not talk, but it's rumored that Dream has quietly announced Dimitrious as "fair game" to the rest of Black Tie.
- Sarah Nightingale- It's no surprise that the young inventor hates Bad Dream. He's kidnapped, threatened, and gassed her on more occasion than one. Dream clearly holds her at a lower respect than most individuals, however, due to what he perceives as naivety on her behalf: her belief that Kira and even Markel Darkweaver are any less monstrous than himself. The fact that Sarah boldly proclaimed she was not afraid of him only enraged the Lord of Nightmares, but he currently has yet to take action against Sarah.
- Jean-Luc Bedeau- Few people can claim that Bad Dream has referred to them as "the bane of [his] existence". Bedeau can, though this isn't surprising since few humans can claim they've single handedly held Dream off in combat and lived to tell the tale. Dream suspects there is more to the revolutionary leader than publicly known, even going as far as to accuse him of a connection to the fictional Illuminati-esque organization, the Agency. But that's just silly.
Ultimate Goals
Gather we will each in search of a thrill, a reason for feeling the needing to kill. To stop whats happening, to silence the screams; to not be afraid to sleep and dream; to feel in control and to take it all back; to fall into pieces as the sky turns to black. Hope you got what you wanted, this wonderful wish: to kill everyday until nothing exists in the world, but you, you're the last one alive, But with no conflict to confront will there be a reason to survive? Will the anger just die, or will you kill that as well, as you sit all alone in your personal hell...
-Twiztid
"You see, Dream gets it. This shit-hole of a planet is gonna burn, one way or another. And when that happens? We'll be laughing. Laughing into fucking oblivion."
1. Conquest
The first phase of Dream's greater goals involves the hostile takeover of Earth. Dream currently is in this phase, using his manipulation of Project: Destiny and Recluse's Victory as a means of securing his own rise to power on Recluse's coattails. Dream is believed to be behind the assassination of several "Destined Ones", as well as the abduction of key Fortunatas and Arachnos scientists, attempting to force his position as the true Destined One who will help Recluse rise, only to strike him down and assume power himself.
2. Domination
Upon the conquest of planet Earth, Dream intends to establish a totalitarian regime over the population. This government will be micromanaged by hand-picked members of Black Tie for their loyalty, ruthlessness, intelligence, and competence in that order. The society would be heavily monitored by police forces, and political opponents, freedom fighters, and disenters would be efficiently hunted, detained, and executed.
3. Destruction
Eventually, Dream will turn this police force on the population, ordering the mass slaughter of every living creator, human or not. The oceans would be evaporated using specially designed machines, and Black Tie would utilize "scorched earth" methods to rid the planet of all fertility, making it completely inhospitable to any form of life besides perhaps bacteria.
4. Repeat
When the planet is utterly destroyed, open a portal to a new dimension and do it again.
But suppose there's more?
What if the destruction of the world was just a step in something larger? Something more ambitious? Something even more abominable and audacious? Well, someone may just know if they were to get close enough to Dream.
Trivia
IC
- Current stories on Virtueverse about Dream are: My Conversation With Satan, Becoming a Monster
- Contrary to his personality, Dream has a strong appreciation of the arts and music.
- Alternate versions of Dream have appeared in various story lines and cameos. They can be found here: Alternate Versions
- Items on Dream's desk include Anna Maris's eye in a jar, Saffron's bleached skull (being used as a pencil holder), Descended Bone Daddy's black cancerous-looking heart in a jar, a bullet that shot Arbiter Death in a jar, the casing of a bullet that hit Pyrophoria in a jar, and a jar containing the placenta from Angel Harpman's baby.
- It's unknown what Dream sees when he inhales his own hallucinogenic gas, if it does anything at all.
- Dream has a daughter, about 7 years old, living in a London orphanage who has no idea who her father is. No, I doubt she'll ever show up in CoX. No, you cannot play her. It's just an interesting tidbit of information.
- In his spare time, Dream writes frequently. It's estimates he owns over 100 notebooks, filled with musings, disjointed philosophy, verses, and the like. Some excerpts can be found here: Writing
OOC
- It's been agreed that if Dream rapped, he'd be Slim Shady.
- I have a playlist I listen to while playing Bad Dream. It consists of music from the album "W.I.C.K.E.D." by Twiztid, "Hell's Pit" by the Insane Clown Posse, and several other horrorcore artists.
- Dream is the mid point between horror movie villain and comic book villain, but unlike other such villains, such as the Joker, Dream leans more the horror end of the spectrum.
Music Relating to Bad Dream
Since everyone wants to know, here's a list of songs I feel adequately relate to Bad Dream and that I often listen to while playing him.
- Behind Blue Eyes (cover) by Limp Bizkit- I placed added this song to the list at the top for a reason; as much as I was initially reluctant to admit it, this song fits Dream's inside motives and feelings to a T. Even the lines "No one bites back as hard in their anger, but none of my pain and woe can show through" really reminds me of why Dream commits the actions he does. The worst part is, I didn't give Dream blue eyes intentionally; I wanted a character who wasn't brown hair/brown eyes for once, so Dream was made natural blond hair/blue eyes. I'd like to give credit to Black Amaranth who really put it best: behind it all, she saw a deep sadness and at a point a potentially good person covered up and wracked by a terrible life, causing him to become the man he is today. Even still, Dream does harbor great emotional pain behind his evil facade, but few people care enough to look closer at the man behind the mask.
- Animal I Have Become by Three Days Grace- If I had to choose an actual theme song for Bad Dream, it would likely be this one. I feel the character relates well to the lyrics of internal torment twisting into a hateful rage against others, as well as the perceived inability to change from the "darker side". Essentially, Dream is a man who lived a tormented life to the point he felt forced into his current role. Not only that, but Dream's attempts to play on "the good side of the fence" in conflicts have often lead to his allies mistrusting him, outright accusing him of manipulation, or flat out refusing to cooperate while he's involved, essentially denying him any redemption of any form. Whether or not their accusations are accurate is irrelevant; Dream simply cannot "escape this hell."
- Paradise Lost by Hollywood Undead- This choice may seem a bit out of nowhere, but what many do not know is that the primary source of Dream's anger and hatred is his feeling of abandonment and being unloved by God. The lyrics of "Paradise Lost" perfectly fit with his desperate, confused, and frustrated outlook on religion and God, wondering why, in his eyes, he's been cursed and damned since birth.
- Thorns of the Crown by Iscariot- This song relates well to Dream's ultimate goal; his planned genocide, or "purging" in his words, of mankind. It fits his disgust of mankind's "empty ideals" and current state, and of course it vividly describes how he things of himself.
- Woke Up This Morning (Chosen One Mix) by Alabama 3- I've always felt this song applied well to City of Villains as a whole, but I thought I'd put it in this section since Dream himself was born under a blue moon, which is considered a bad prophecy. It's a song about that sudden realization that your life is truly empty, and the only way to give it substance again may not be the savoriest but the only way.
- Killing Season by Twiztid- Not only does this song apply to Dream but also to his perception of others. It's a song about people who've run out of options, a common theme in Bad Dream's story and RP, or been pushed to their sanity's limits by social experiences, another common theme for Dream. Eventually, all of those people have a breaking point where they end up doing something extreme.
- Other Noteworthy Mentions: City by Hollywood Undead, Woe Woe by Twiztid, The Creator Has A Mastertape by Porcupine Tree, and Laid to Rest by Lamb of God
Reactions and Thoughts
Your hate, rage, and disgust goes here
- "For one who has threatened to burn down my home, tortured my good friend and overall been a complete and total thorn in my side, he's lived an exceptionally long time. I'd almost be impressed if I wasn't so absolutely convinced that he was something other than what he pretends to be."
-Adam Michael Fairfield "Moone"
- "I... have nothing to say about that man."
- "I have never found myself attached to a man in any form, hence why I've never even slept with a guy - up until Dream anyway. He's charming, intelligent, eloquent, and to me he is handsome. It is hard to say exactly what he is like, but one thing is for certain - He has big plans, big dreams, and no one should stand between him and achieving them."
- "Fucked up. Fucks people up. Fucks his own face up. He'd be my kind of guy, if he didn't keep fucking me over. And he fucked over Kads, too. But I guess I can live with him - for now."
-Kira
- "Dreamypoo? I may be his bitch, but I'm the closest thing to an ally he'll ever have. He's also pretty damn good in the sack."
- " When you're around him as much as I am, his crazy tactics aren't very surprising. It becomes a lifestyle. What IS surprising, however, is when you realize that he is just an ordinary, intelligent person with extraordinary plans. "
- "I just thought I'd screw with everybody's heads again and show somebody some honest to goodness loyalty. Best paying nightmare I've ever had, too!"
- "... Damn him."
- "This man is an anomaly. What do men fear more? Death? Or the Unknown? What is it YOU fear? Perhaps Bad Dream is a fitting name after all. But do remember, that he has been judged Guilty. My only regret is that I will likely not be the one to carry out his sentencing."
- "In the next few years, you, and every other goddamn crazy following you'll be remembered as nothing but notches on my rifle --- you are MINE, Dream, and don't ever fucking forget it."
- "...Yes. Yes, I said it. You were right. And now let it be said that nothing--nothing--will be able to stand in our way!"
- "Thinks he can change the world. Too much ambition, not enough action. Heh. Pays pretty well, though. You looking for a some decent work? Yeah, look him up. Unless you're, heh, afraid."
- "Met the chap once. Found him an oddly charming fellow."
- "Ah, a man of genius to be sure. Rivaling or perhaps surpassing my own... I need to work on that."
- "There are two types of people in this world: leaders and lifeless bodies. I never tried to push him down to "lifeless body", and he gets all angry because I spat in his face and got away with it. Now you send the stampede of men at me. I'll be sure to mail their bodies back. If that doesn't fit, I'll just send the toe tag."
- "Lord Dream? He has given me a chance for a family. For life. Whether he is a monster or not doesn't bother me. After all...-I'm- a monster to, aren't I? But I do know if you step against him, I'll be right there to step in front of you first."
- "You will be a part of what's to come! You will be one of the bringers of the Full Moon Parade!"
- "If he has intentionally isolated me from any contact with the world around me to keep me coming back to him in the bitter, bloody end, he has succeeded. He has been the only constant in my life."
- "Let him think I'm afraid of him. Let him think he's broken me. The bastard thrives off ego. When he falls, he'll fall hard, and it'll be that much more sweet."
- "Dream? He's a violent, uncontrollable misogynist with the crazy idea that he's frankenstein's monster off to kill his creator. Tried to explain to him that Frankenstein's monster never killed Mary Shelley, but he won't be swayed. We're propably going to throw down some day, when he figures out exactly who I work for and what I do. I like my chances."
- "Jakey boy? Ah he ain't so bad... For a loon! I swear, I start guessin' at th'guys name an' suddenly he goes all, "Spanish Inquisition" on me! Obvious he takes some kinda downa' too keep himself sane too. An' I thought I was supposed t'be loopy!"
- "Uh... Can basically sum up our "relationship" in one word. Complicated. Very complicated."
Foot Notes
- ↑ As the creator is a philosophy major, each of his characters tend to have a philosophical bend to them. Dream's is Nietzschean Nihilism and Absurdism. It should be noted, however, that Dream's interpretation of both are rather skewed and likely would not have been endorsed by either Nietzsche or Camus.
- ↑ There is a limited stamina to the Black Blood. The more it is spilled and regenerates Dream, the slower the process becomes until eventually it's quite possible he could be bleed dry and die.
