undyingcourt | Test Drive Meme

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Test Drive Meme - New Blood

DEC TEST DRIVE MEME

Welcome to the Undying Court Test Drive Meme! This post will allow players to test drive their AU characters in the setting, as well as meet fresh faces or even connect with those they have preexisting CR with. As with anything involved in the setting, this post will likely contain: violence, enthrallment, torture, and sexual content.

Regarding continuity, all TDM threads can be taken as in-game canon if desired. Please keep in mind that the game proper will begin in mid December, in the Winter Season, so Students/Novices should create their prompts under the assumption that the TDM takes place during the season prior to the one they will be apping as. This means that students planning to app as first season novices will be visiting Castle Courtsheart prior to their Beginning. In other words, if you plan to app a student as a second season, the TDM will take place during their first, and so on.

Feel free to brush up on the Premise, Vampire Powers, and head over to the FAQ/Game Info page if you have any questions!

Make sure you are aware of the Rules when posting your top-level. (Content warnings are always welcome!)
Please format your Top-level in this format: Character Name (AU Name if different) | Canon | Teacher/Student | Court
As a reminder, a Test Drive sample is required in order to app.
If you have any questions specific to the TDM, ask them in the Questions thread below!

Top-Level Directory:

Chat with NPC: Revar
Ace Attorney - Apollo Justice (Student)
Alice in the Country of Hearts - Alice Liddell (Student)
Attack On Titan - Erwin Smith (Teacher)
Baldur's Gate 3 - Astarion (Teacher)
Baldur's Gate 3 - Halsin (Teacher)
Baldur's Gate 3 - Raphael (Teacher)
Batman - Bruce Wayne (Teacher)
Bridgerton (Netflix) - Anthony Bridgerton (Student)
Castlevania - Soma Cruz (Student)
Castlevania: Nocturne - Maria Renard (Student)
Cosmo Warrior Zero - Harlock (Student)
Critical Role - Percy DeRolo (Teacher)
Daria - Daria Morgendorffer (Teacher)
Devil Summoner - Raidou Kuzunoha XIV (Student)
Dragon Age - Fenris (Teacher)
D&D: Honor Amongst Thieves - Edgin Darvis (Teacher)
D&D: Honor Amongst Thieves - Xenk Yendar (Teacher)
Ensemble STars!! - Mayoi Ayase (Student)
Fate/Zero - Kariya Matou (Kariya Makiri) (Student)
FE: Three Houses - Dimitri Alexandre Blaiddyd (Student)
FE: Three Houses - Hilda Goneril (Student)
FE: Three Houses - Lorenz Hellman Gloucester (Student)
FE: Three Houses - Marianne von Edmund (Student)
FE: Three Houses - Sylvain Gautier (Student)
Final Fantasy XIV - Estinien Varlineau (Teacher)
Frozen - Prince Hans (Student)
Genshin Impact - Diluc Ragnvindr (Teacher)
Genshin Impact - Tighnari (Teacher)
Hanna Is Not A Boy's Name - Conrad Achenleck (Teacher)
Hannibal (NBC) - Will Graham (Teacher)
Jujutsu Kaisen - Gojo Satoru (Teacher)
Jujutsu Kaisen - Toji Zen'in (Teacher)
Lucifer (Netflix) - Lucifer Morningstar (Teacher)
MCU - Loki Laufeyson (Teacher)
Original - Aurinn Laurentius (Student)
Original - Bellatrix Bakhar (Student)
Original - Christine Delacroix (Teacher)
Original - Hanako 'Rosalina' Nurumi (Teacher)
Original - Jisu (Eden Woods) (Student)
Original - Karma D'Auvergn (Teacher)
Our Flag Means Death - Edward Teach (Teacher)
Our Flag Means Death - Izzy Hands (Student)
Persona 3 Portable - Kotone Shiomi (Student)
Persona 5 R - Goro Akechi (Student)
Persona 5 - Haru Okumura (Student)
Persona 5 - Ren Amamiya (Student)
Pride and Prejudice - Elizabeth Bennet (Student)
Return to Labrynth - Sarah Williams (Teacher)
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs - Snow White (Student)
Stargate: Atlantis - John Sheppard (Teacher)
Star Trek: AOS - James T. Kirk (Student)
Star Wars - Darth Vader (Teacher)
Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order - Trilla Suduri (Student)
The Adventure Zone: Balance - Kravitz (Teacher)
The Adventure Zone: Balance - Lydia (Teacher)
The Adventure Zone: Graduation - Fitzroy Maplecourt (Student)

NEW ARRIVALS

New arrivals will be starting their first season in the winter, but they're welcomed to the castle early, under the watchful eyes of the Silver Court. Upon arrival, they will be shown to a room by a human whose eyes glow softly from within, with vacant smiles. Thralls. There, the human thralls will draw them a bath and bring them new clothes to wear to their first meeting. These are rich, expensive things made of high quality fabric. Whether it's a silk dress and a heavy velvet cowl, or a fine pants and a vest made from a brocade, the servants will provide. The new initiate's old clothes will be burned after, in a symbol of the life they are leaving behind. If they are hungry, they will be provided food. If they need anything at all, they need only ask their new servants.

Later that night they are taken to a grand hall, with high arched ceilings and candles burning in chandeliers. There are figures painted overhead, beautiful and entwined. Some have their eyes are colored to match the courts, others are gracefully placed in their death, with blood dripping from necks and wrists.

Balconies line the hall behind a forest of pillars, and vampires all watch as the group walk through (some more hungrily than others).

"Welcome to your first undying season, initiates," a pale, silver-haired vampire calls. They have silver eyes are clad in silver robes, but command the attention of everyone in attendance. They have a beauty that seems neither male nor female. They are standing at the center of a wide semi-circle of other vampires, "As the Silver Court's acting voice at this end of the Autumn season, allow me to introduce you to the Houses that will be your new homes."

The vampire, Revar, gives the newcomers an overview of all of the courts—Blue, Red, Gold, Silver, and Black—and then invites those already claimed by their Courts to join the vampires who will be their Makers.

Revar offers the Foundlings who are left a gentle, knowing smile, and then allows them to be chosen. They are like the last sheep left at the auction, and the vampires who take them may not be the enthused about it. Nevertheless, Revar waits patiently until all have found a maker.

Now that they are paired up it is expected—indeed, required—that the initiate drink from their maker. That is their Beginning. Only once they have truly begun can they can be considered novices.

AUTUMN NOX

Silver Court is in season and for the Autumn Nox it holds a large symposium, inviting all the best vampire minds from around lands nearby and far. The whole castle is abuzz with new activity. The stables are packed full of horses, carriages litter the grounds, but somehow the castle has enough rooms to house all the new arrivals.

Novices will find that some of these vampires have not seen a human-novice in a very, very long time. These vampires might see the human-novices more like specimens, curious about their every move. They won't bite, but novices may find themselves observed as they wander the castle and its grounds.

The symposium itself is open to anyone at the castle. Scholars can present on any topic at all. Novices will find that these range from the incredibly mundane (you've always wanted to attend a history of bottom-feeding river fish, haven't you?) to the truly fascinating (new insights into how vampire hearts work) to the downright strange (the symposium has a range of lectures very close to dawn about the sharing of vampire...fluids). Seasoned novices with their own Autumn classes to attend are expected to keep up with their studies, but some teachers may let them out of a session to attend the lectures and workshops of the symposium.

The Silver Court vampires are incredibly busy between running the symposium and trying to help the new novices get settled in. They may need some volunteers to lend a hand with setting up rooms or helping scholars find their way around. In fact, volunteers might find themselves leading scholars down to the second kitchen for a bite to eat, a strong reminder that even these demure learners are still monsters who must drink blood.

PUMPKINS-GONE-WILD

The symposium isn't all that the autumn season brings. The Silver Court’s talents are on display in other ways—sometimes not in ways another had particularly hoped. An overly zealous youngblood in the Silver Court tried to grow a few extra pumpkins for the occasion and ended up with a few too many! The pumpkin vines break out of the green house and start sprouting pumpkins everywhere. These are no ordinary pumpkins, they will sprout and grow and become fully formed in the course of a night. Better keep an eye out for those vines or else your room might become full of pumpkins! Luckily, the pumpkins aren’t rotting any time soon (they’ll last until winter, or so the Silver Court vampires are saying), but it can be pretty inconvenient for them to grow everywhere. Start cutting those vines to pieces, and hope they don’t try to entangle you in the process.

LIBRARY CLEAN-UP

Meanwhile, with all the scholars in town are making a mess of the library, much to the Silver Court vampire’s dismay. Books are being checked out and not checked back in, passed around from scholar to scholar. You might find those lost books just about anywhere. Who was reading in a tree? Anyone who collects the books and returns them to the library is sure to get a little bit of favor with the librarians, and it’s never a bad thing to have a bit of an in with a Court. If you’re worried about failing Silver Court, it’s time to get searching! Although how you’re going to convince a 300 year old vampire that time is not fake and that deadlines are real (and in fact were two days ago) is anyone’s guess.

UNETHICAL EXPRIMENTS

[CW: Torture, experiments]

Those who venture towards the basement might hear something a little different than normal. The thralls who spend their time down there are normally quiet, commanded to keep silent and pleasant for the vampires they serve. But with the arrival of the new scholars comes disquieting, inhuman screams from the darker reaches of the basement. Novices trying to catch a glimpse will be chased away, but teachers might be invited to watch as these vampires experiment on one another, all in the name of science. What’s a little torture, when you’re undying?

Thanks for joining us for our first TDM! For any questions regarding the TDM prompts, please comment in the thread below. For general game questions, please check the FAQ/Game Info. Remember that the game proper will begin mid December, in the Winter Season, so Students/Novices should create their prompts under the assumption that the TDM takes place during the season prior to the one they will be apping as.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[She is pretty soft, even though she'd be insulted if someone said it.]

Well they should have a little more care. And if they're the ones that ruin perfectly good books they should try to take responsibility for their actions instead of bothering the thralls for every little thing.

[She pauses, realizing that maybe this poor guy doesn't want to listen to her complain.]

Ah, sorry. I'm not trying to lecture you or anything.

[He's the first helpful person she's met so far.]

Um, my name is Alice. What's yours?

[Fenris raises an eyebrow at her, something curious. She was definitely soft if she thought vampires shouldn't bother thralls with little things. With that line of thinking she was going to have a hard time here since everything was made by and done by thralls.

Not that he disagreed with her but he keeps that very much to himself.]

And I am Fenris. I take it you are one of the novices starting in the coming winter season?

[A lot of new novices just arrived, he would be more shocked if she wasn't one of them by how she speaks of thralls and complains to a Black Court Vampire. Perhaps she doesn't know better.]

Is it that obvious? Yes, I'm one of the ones who picked the lucky feather out of the bag.

[Her tone suggests that she doesn't consider herself all that lucky. And no, she doesn't know better but even if she did she'd probably still run her mouth. It's a bad habit.]

I'm still kind of getting used to things around here. Are you a student too?

Ah.. a foundling. And yes, quite so.

[One of the lambs to the the slaughter. One of the ones he sometimes finds in himself to pity. He should have guessed, it would be a foundling that would sympathize with thralls in such a way.

He thinks about lying, saying he's also a student, part of him wondering if she will keep her ease about her id he does. But he prefers to be honest and in this moment it won't be a weakness to be so.]

I am a teacher here, so if you have a question I may have answers.

Really? What subject do you teach?

[Alice actually brightens a bit at that. The other teachers she's met have not exactly been pleasant so this is a nice surprise.]

Maybe I'll take one of your classes someday.

No.

[He says that very firmly. She would not be in one of his classes and if he sees her in one he's throwing her to the wolves just like he would any other student.

Literally.]

My classes aren't suited to you.

[She's a little taken aback by his quick answer, and it has her turning to face him just as they reach the doors of the library.]

That's a little presumptuous, isn't it? You don't even know anything about me so how could you know what I'm good at?

[She is forced to admit, at least to herself, that most of the classes being taught are about things she doesn't know anything about. But to assume she couldn't learn is a little hurtful. Does she really seem that hopeless?]

And it's not like I won't study.

[Part of him should have expected her to get all up in arms about this, he's not surprised by it but he hadn't exactly expected it either. So he blinks a couple times before choosing to be blunt with her. He's positive she won't want to be in his courses.]

Perhaps, but you do not seem the sort who would wish to kill others. Am I wrong? Do you wish to learn to hunt people down and kill them? To kill or be killed?

[His voice is gravely serious as he looks her dead in the eyes with his soulless black ones, inhuman and pitch. She belonged in a court like silver, not black. There was no doubt in him that she would sooner get herself killed in his classes than pass them.]

[The reaction is immediate, given without thought.]

N-No! Of course not....

[Oh....

So that's what he meant. No, Alice is not suited to killing. Life is precious and violence should always be a last resort. She knew... knew it was different here and once again feels the creeping sense of despair that she'd felt when she arrived rising up inside her. She must seem so naive to the people here, people who have already accepted the reality of their situation.

Ugh, I'm so stupid. I really need to get it together...]

Sorry. You're right. I wouldn't.... be very good at that.

[Her reaction is telling and incredibly expected. Still, he feels no regret for scaring her, for being blunt and to the point, for eliciting whatever emotional turmoil she was struggling with now..]

Then do avoid the black court courses, they are not suited to everyone.

[Black court was optional anyway, may as well keep those who didn't belong in those courses away from them. Novices die in his courses, he's killed many who were too weak and would do it again without hesitation.

He moves to open the door and holds it open to her. Letting the girl go first.]

Y-yeah... I'll do that...

[She turns away, unwilling to meet his eyes right now, instead entering the library to deposit her current load of books. She does at least manage a murmured 'thank you' in response to him holding the door.

She'll wait for him to turn in the ones he's holding as well, lost in the whirl of her thoughts. Classes on how to kill people? Well, she'd known that was the case. Knew that intellectually, anyway. Emotionally though?

It is a fact that most of the people here are probably prepared for violence. Most have probably already written off the thralls as mere objects. Many are likely prepared to do whatever it takes to survive in this place. But not her. She is definitely behind her classmates in a lot of ways. She should probably change her thinking. It's the logical thing to do. The sensible thing.

But she doesn't want to.

And he was kind enough to want to shield her from that. She's grateful for that.]

[It was kindness in a way, not wanting to kill anyone unnecessarily. If he wanted to kill her he could do it now with very little to pay for it, but he doesn't want to. He doesn't take any particular joy out of killing students, though many who enter his classes will meet that fate.

Now, hunting down and killing people who deserved it was another matter. That he enjoyed. That he was particularly good at.

Once she is in the library he follows suit, setting down his own books to the librarian. They exchange a couple words, seemingly familiar with one another before he holds the door open for her once more.

He wasn't mannerless afterall.]

I understand you may not wish to be in my presence any longer. I will leave you to clear out that room and go searching for other books.

[That jolts her right out of her thoughts.]

What? No! Why would you think that?

[Although, if she's being honest with herself, she can guess why. She really needs to get a better handle on her own reactions. She sighs.]

Look, it's not your fault I'm such a mess. I just... have to learn how to adapt. That said...

[She offers an apologetic smile.]

You've been nothing but kind and considerate. And I appreciate that. And I still enjoy talking to you, so why don't we go clear out that room together?

[Why would he think that? He thinks it's pretty obvious why he would think that but he doesn't answer for now. Instead just leveling her with an unsettling long stare with eyes black as voids.

Fenris' brow knits at being called kind and considerate. Usually he cuts an intimidating enough figure that those aren't words that he gets often. Was he being soft on this girl... His frown deepens.]

Do not mistake my actions as anything more than basic manners.

[His voice is cold, a small part of him thinks she is going to fall into some blue or red trap with such flimsy definitions of kindness. But that's not his concern.

She did need to adapt of get literally eaten alive. But again, that was not his business to protect her from. He had the blood of enough students on his hands.]

Come, show me the room so I can be done with the favor asked of me.

[Alice regards him with curiosity. Someone concerned with basic manners would have given a serviceable, non-committal answer when she asked about his classes.'Sure, maybe you will.' Or just answered her honestly, 'My classes are about hunting people.'

He tried to warn her away. He only told her what he taught when she pressed. In her book, that's pretty kind. Which is why, instead of irritation, he just gets a small smile.]

Alright, fine. Then I appreciate your good manners. Follow me.

[She will start back in the direction of the room and just continues pleasant conversation.]

So, do you like to read?

[Don't analyze him, he's a tsun.

He moves to follow her with a raised eyebrow at the smile. Part of him felt like she might be mocking him and that was irritating, but he already agreed to this so he would get it over with first. He didn't feel like arguing or engaging any further.

So when she continues the pleasant conversation he gives a very simple answer.]

Not particularly.

[Sorry, he's being surly.]

[She can't help but wonder if maybe he's embarrassed that she caught him being nice? If so, that's.... really kind of adorable. Anyway now that she's unearthed the dark secret of his niceness she doesn't take offense at his tone.]

I've always spent way too much time reading, myself. What kind of hobbies do you have?

[She may even be enjoying herself...]

[If he is, he doesn't say and would never admit it. He was being polite, that's all, the fact she mistook it as kindness was irritating.

The fact she is poking at him with questions makes him really want to walk away, but he continues undeterred for the moment.]

Sword fighting and hunting.

[Again, he doesn't really engage as he levels her with a unamused look. Sorry Alice.]

[The unamused look seems to be doing the opposite of discouraging her. If he's not careful she may decide to be his friend or something...]

Hmm, yeah, you do seem like an outdoorsy type of guy. Which do you like better? Hunting or sword fighting?

[Alice knows basically nothing about either subject but she is curious about him though.

He doesn't have to suffer much longer though, because several minutes later she stops.]

Oh, there it is.

[They seem to have arrived at their destination. She indicates a room with a slightly ajar door.]

They are oft intertwined.

[Because he was hunting people and vampires, not deer and bears. But she didn't need to know that, if she wasn't thinking of it in such context then it was better to not burden her with it.

Part of him wouldn't be surprised to see her be a thrall in a few seasons when her softness is to her detriment.

He's glad he doesn't need to suffer any longer. Time to just take a stack of books and go.]

I will take a stack back. Perhaps stay and organize what is left.

You hunt with a sword? That sounds... challenging.

[Don't most people use arrows? Otherwise you'd have to chase down anything you were hunting to get within stabbing range. He must be really fast...

She is definitely thinking deer and bears.

And Alice is soft but she is also a survivor. She may just surprise him. She does agree with his idea readily. It sounds far more efficient.]

Good idea. And if I find the one you were looking for I'll make sure to put it aside for you. Horticulture of the Blue Court, right?

[He's a vampire, of course he's fast. But he chooses not to go in depth about the kind of hunting he does to better... spare her the details she likely doesn't need to hear.

Part of him hopes she surprises him. He didn't take pleasure in feeding from the thralls who are former students. Which most all of them were.]

Yes, that is the book. I am looking to return it, so you do not have to set it aside for me, merely see it returned will suffice.

[He moves over to a large stack of books that he will barely be able to see over and picks them up easily. He nods as if to say goodbye and steps out of the door.]

Edited (html fail) 2023-12-06 02:12 (UTC)

Oh, okay. I'll make sure it gets back to the library then.

[That makes sense. He's a teacher, so he's probably busy. Although she does wonder if there's a small chance he might be fleeing the terrifying prospect of friendly conversation.

Well, either way...]

It was nice meeting you, Fenris.

[ He's not about to admit any reason other than he was too busy for errands.

But she gets a grunt in response before he's gone out the door.]

[Eventually she will find that book, and when she returns it to the library, she makes sure to let them know that Fenris asked her to bring it back. He mentioned a favor, after all, so she wants to make sure whoever asked him to do it knows he saw it through.

OOC: Lovely thread btw, thank you.]

(no subject)

unshod - 2023-12-06 19:51 (UTC) - Expand

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