undyingcourt | january tdm/event post

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january tdm/event post

JANUARY TDM - WINTER DREAMS

Welcome to the Undying Court's January Test Drive Meme! This post also functions as the January Event for existing characters, and continues the Winter Season, led by the Blue Court.

New characters may handwave or backdate the previous season's arrival prompt should they wish to, but you may otherwise assume they've been here the whole time! Additionally, all TDM threads can be taken as in-game canon if desired. And remember that apps open February 3-7, with invites opening on January 28, and reserves not long after!

Note that this post will contain: violence, enthrallment, torture, slavery, horror and potentially sexual content. Dreams come in many forms, after all.

This event also features another chance for characters to submit Regains, so make sure to submit after you've posted your top-level or reply to someone else's dream. For characters both new and old, feel free to brush up on the Premise, Vampire Powers, and head over to the FAQ/Game Info page if you have any questions!

Note that this event will be occurring throughout the month of January and into February, so characters are free to forward-date as desired!
For new characters please format your Top-level in this format: Character Name | Canon | Court | Youngblood/Novice | TDM
For existing characters please format your Top-level in this format: Character Name | Court | Youngblood/Novice
If you have any questions specific to the event, ask them in the Plotting Post Q&A section!

Top-Level Directory:

ONCE UPON A DREAM

A quiet falls over the Castle as a new day begins to break. As with every morning, this is a time when vampires must retreat to avoid the rays of the sun, pulling heavy curtains around their beds and windows to block out any light. However, this particular morning is abnormally quiet as the whole of the Castle seems to fall asleep all at once, and all together. After this enchanted sleep, and for the the next thirty days, the Castle's residents will start to experience strange phenomena within their dreams.

During this period, dreams become more vivid, so realistic it feels like the dreamer is awake. Dreamers can pass into each other's dreams without meaning to. Some of these dreams are in fact memories--either those from the lives the characters have lived in the Castle and the outlying lands, or the strange memories they've begun to gain back.

But be careful! For what starts as a regular memory might start to warp into something new. If you're lucky, it'll be something positive, like a dream of a home you've always wanted. But if you're unlucky, the memory might twist and turn into a nightmare, catching you in it and turning your worst fears against you.

Each nightfall, everyone will wake and return to normal. Or at least, most people will.

[Note: Any current characters who participate in the dream event by creating a top level or tagging someone else at least once in this prompt may be rewarded with a free impactful memory, which may be used in the dreamscape. Don't forget to submit for your Regains!]

A NIGHTMARISH CURSE

It turns out that not everyone wakes up. Those who stay in nightmares for too long may find themselves cursed, and unable to wake up. At first, the curse appears no different from regular sleep. But a few hours in the victim will start screaming uncontrollably. No touch will wake them, no amount of calling their name will break the spell. After too long, the victim will start to bleed, slowly at first, and then more and more as they remain afflicted. A victim left unattended will bleed out and die.

The Council works quickly to step in. Kashire (who is looking rather frayed this season) delivers the news that there's no need to panic, but everyone will need to do their part in locating and curing victims. In fact, the youngbloods seem to be taking this as the perfect opportunity for a teaching moment, and students are expected to try and find a cure with the skills that match their Court. Novices and youngbloods alike are encouraged to try and help lift the curse from anyone they can. (Get creative! Blood heals many wounds...) Any victims that have progressed too far will need to be seen to by Revar.

The nightmare curse, however, can spread quickly. Anyone who enters the nightmare of a victim will fall victim to the curse. Additionally, any attempt to reach out to the mind of a curse victim will also spread the curse. With the combined efforts of the students and teachers, the curse can be completely put out. But it will take time and care to ensure everyone is found in time, and cured safely.

ANYWAY, WINTER GAMES!

But a few curses aren't going to stop the Blue Court from making sure everyone has a good time. The days might be short, and weighed down by the threats of nightmares, but winter has hit Castle Courtsheart in full force, and the long nights and snow-covered grounds make for an excellent backdrop to the Inter-Court Winter Games!

There isn't really a reward for the winning house besides bragging rights and maybe a trophy that doubles as a chalice, but youngbloods and novices alike are invited to join in the festivities and compete against one another in the spirit of glory and the chance to lord over your Court's superiority. Even Council members and mature vampires of each court seem to enjoy cheering on their respective teams from the stands. Everything is fine! Forget your troubles and go play in the snow.

What kind of sports do vampires play? Feel free to get creative, but here are some examples:

Thrall-Curling: Since vampiric strength proves to be a little too much for this sport otherwise, teams of novices (or youngbloods) of the same Court can team up to gently compel their thralls to play the thrilling sport of curling. Coax that stone across the ice with care, and take out the opposing team! Or, well, the thralls will do that, assuming they're guided well. Try not to break them. (The thralls, that is.)

Figure skating: Practicing your pirouettes? For a vampire, a quadruple-axel is hardly worth breaking a sweat over. Favored for its beauty and almost seductive grace, the figure skating competition will be scored and judged by a multi-court panel. Participants might get extra points for incorporating bladework and masking into their sets, so these performances are sure to wow the judges.

Ice Hockey: Yes, the high-contact sport transcends time and space, but vampires don't need silly things like helmets or padded safety gear. Don your court's colors and hit the ice to toss the puck around and score as many points against the opposing team as you can before the time runs out. Violence is encouraged! Everyone likes to see a bit of blood on the ice this time of year. (Shadowstepping is considered cheating, but only if you get caught.)

And more! Snowball fighting may not be a sport, but there's no better time to enjoy the outdoors and stretch those growing fangs and muscles than the dead of winter. So whether you're cheering on your Court or watching from the sidelines, there's something here for everyone. Just because the castle is full of the the undead doesn't mean they can't have a little winter fun.

CLASS NOTES

Other notable happenings for the early winter season include:

Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and maybe it's time to find or make gifts for that special blood claim in your life. This season blood jewelry is the hot ticket item. These are pieces made from precious metal and glass, which hold the blood of a vampire in them. Carry a lover's blood to show how much you love them, or carry your own to force down the throat of your enemies so you can influence them.

Whispers around school start to say that Black Court lost a novice this month. Not murder this time! He simply unmade himself trying to mistwalk. Eh, these things happen.

As a result of a tie in last month's pumpkin carving contest, members of the Black and Red Courts will find small packages outside their doors. They are gifted silver letter openers, with the handle inlaid with pumpkins and leaves, and a note from Revar with a little drawing of a pumpkin and their signature. How nice!

Lady Whisperfangs is quiet for now, but her time is yet to come... This month's check-in will have a field to submit gossip about your characters! Vampires do so love their drama.

Once again, characters are free to talk to the NPCs as well: Revar & Kashire. For any questions regarding this month's prompts, please comment in the Plotting Post. For general game questions, please check the FAQ/Game Info. In the meantime, remember to submit your Regains for this month's free reward, and keep an eye out for our AC Check-in next week, starting on January 25-31.

The new year has brought us plenty of thirsty vampires, so we're glad you're here to share them with you!

Threaded | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Arrogant sniff. ]

I'm thinking out loud.

[ The lottery system is widely considered to be rigged. There aren't actually that many ugly novices around. But also, Reyson would prefer to look good in a strapping, macho sort of way than the way he actually looks. There are doubtlessly people who prefer the elegant prettyboy look. Which isn't to say that that couldn't be Hans - no, probably not, actually. Hans is too earnest.

Could he be a woman of his acquaintance? Alice might enjoy going about as a dashing fellow. The dark hair and the pale skin could belong to Snow - ]

No, definitely not Snow. One sentence out of you is enough to prove that.

[ Aw, do you think he's an elegant prettyboy? Eden would love to hear that. Instead there's a perk to the step saying enough about how amused he was. Reyson would probably figure it out before long.

It would've been far too obvious if he were Snow. There was a unique way that she spoke- Eden didn't think that they could ever imitate that. So instead they nodded along in agreement. ]

Snow also wouldn't have you playing guessing games like this, or be so forward.

[ And she's in a newer season. So is Alice. Trilla wouldn't talk like this either, for much different reasons than Snow. Friendly teasing, though, and those eyes. Looking at him over and over was a major hint in itself.

He's kind of mad at himself for taking this long to realize! He will take the victory, though, triumph creeping into his face via a faint satisfied smile. ]

...But Eden would.

[ They'd done so much to make the shared traits between forms as obvious as possible, so for a moment, Eden had worried that Reyson would forget about the 'sharing classes' thing with novices that wouldn't have learned to mask yet. While the color was different, they'd thought that the hair, eyes and skin tone were all similar enough to link the two appearances. ]

Is that your guess? I'll make the reveal in the cellar. Then after practicing, you can choose your prize if you're correct. If you're wrong... I'll think of something tame enough for you to handle.

[ Tame?! Well, on one hand he appreciates the thought because he knows how he is and it's kind not to pressure him into truly salacious acts. On the other hand! His pride!! ]

Oh, I'll show you just how tame I am.

[ Cripes except now he might have to do just that... The worst case scenario here is that this guy is Eden and she laughs at his sincere efforts. ~~The actual worst case scenario is that it is Mr. Vader and that furthermore the rumor about him being a colony of monster snakes underneath his mask and robes is true~~ ]

[ Reyson still has some luck, for there's only one monster snake under the robes and they'll find out their inner animal in the next season. Eden notices that was yet another invitation, though. ]

Alright, I'll be as forward as I'd like in there. Luckily I've been keeping some oils in my pockets, just in case.

[ Then there's a quick and lightly challenging way their eyebrows raise for a moment, then gesture towards where it looked like the entrance of the cellar was. ]

Eden Woods is your final answer, or are you running through options still?

Just in case-

[ Oh, he's prepared for anything. Definitely on a higher tier of hedonism. Reyson can feel a shiver run down his back. Anticipation? Fear? He could throw the game and leave taking the lead in likely-Eden's capable hands. The possibility crosses his mind. But no, that would be cowardice. ]

Yes, I stand by what I've said.

[ This isn't his first time in the wine cellar and he's been consistent about not breaking into the vats. He does not even have to use mystical vampire powers to convince the steward to let him have the run of the place, even with a guest. It's a nice enough cellar. Dark, cool. Filled with casks and vats and the like, smelling of aging grape and aging wood. ]

Well?

[ Well, when you're going for whomever crossed paths with you first, the 'just in case' could be literally anything. Though one couldn't say for sure just how much has been experienced in this manner... Still, watching Reyson have enough of a rapport to go into the cellar without a single problem, and with a guest? It's pretty impressive. Enough to proudly smirk while following in. ]

I did promise a reveal, and that you could choose your prize if you're right...

[ So he walked ahead a little, hand resting against one of the structures holding everything together... And shrunk. The slate grey-blue eyes turned brighter with the silver reflections in them, until Eden was standing in... Well, almost just a shirt. One wrong move and the breeches would easily fall to the ground. ]

The three traits I seem to keep are... my facial ratio; eye shape, nose, lips and chin, to be clear. More masculine, but still equivalent. My hair is the same. Aaand... Well, the third similarity is actually more pronounced in the male form. I wasn't lying about wanting a place to practice as well, so aside from that, you get your prize. Though I think you were hoping you'd be wrong, so I could choose what things would be instead.

[ Still shameless, but it just comes across as a little different. Cute versus bold kind of charming styles? ]

( Ash is dramatic, and Lamorak catches and returns it. Though he's got an eye on Silver Cour, Blue Court's proclivities, unfortunately, greatly appeal. )

You, indifferent to our plight? I wouldn't believe it for a second.

( Jokes and truth muddle somewhere in there, and Lamorak does not pause to let any implication breathe. It's silly, it's fun. He doesn't expect vampires to care for humans, never mind their own (beyond superficial, clannish pride), and with inhumanity as the baseline, one can only go up. He carries that momentum forward: )

But you've made an effort toward it, haven't you? ( He gestures generally to the books. ) And for that you ought be applauded. Should I carry out your research for you? If you think up a lesson plan for an acting course in the interim, I'd gladly put my name first on the list.

( Unless Ash has something far preferable he'd rather do, might as well kill two birds with one stone. Ash gets to relax, Lamorak gets to pretend he can be of any use when people are in need. Fun. )

Edited 2024-01-27 09:56 (UTC)

Oh? But not you?

( That might not have been the implication, but Lamorak has no fear of seeming dense or annoying - his foremost interest is pestering. )

Oh? That's a fascinating perspective.

( But one that speaks of more experiences with novices than Lamorak has, obviously. He concedes to Norton's correction as he watches the hockey players go at it, some like their Court's favor might be on the line (and, who knows - maybe, for some, it is). )

... I've heard that if a Maker offers more often blood to their Novice, they can quicken the Novice's growth. ( More resilience and stronger powers can only be for the best, right? But: ) I wonder, though, how fast is too fast... And if there is a trouble that comes with stripping away the humanity a little too quickly, no matter how badly they may crave it.

( "Crave" is a particular choice of words here - he refers to the blood cravings that come with a blood claim between Novice and Maker. Lamorak knows these terrible cravings, too, though he so rarely references ever having any, if he implies it at all. Still, Lamorak imagines their Maker's blood and seduction of power must be difficult for many to ignore. )

I heard about that too. [Given his time as a novice, one full of decisions and impatience, how would he not? He's researched heavily on the subject, especially when he declined to continue with his previous maker to move on to Ash.]

You'll have to remember that the maker has to provide blood, though. Vampires we may be, we still have a limited amount of that in our bodies. [Not to mention, the mental and emotional burden on the maker...

Yes, Norton wants to have many novices under his wing, but he's not unaware of the potential issues.]

In the end, it's up to the individual maker and their novice, isn't it? They know their body and their brat better'n anyone.

( A faint laugh leaves Lamorak's lips. )

Ah, what a tragedy that would be - to drain one's Maker while still nascent. Perhaps you ought invest in a neck brace ( among other defenses... ) if you add any more Novices to your collection. I'd hate to lose you so soon.

( The smile remains at the slight slip of his accent again... Hm hm hm... )

But I do wonder. How do I hold up in your esteem so far?

( His voice isn't doing the low winding thing anymore it sounds like the tonal equivalent of :3? )

[Yuri clicks his tongue at the question, but figures it can't hurt to answer.]

Not a lot scares me.

[With one hand he's opening his book back up, glancing at the clock on the nearby wall before writing down the time and a 6. His headache is abating a little.]

What about you?

You're a handful.

[Blunt, to the point. However, it's also a response, in some ways, to Lamorak's comment about having multiple novices. He doesn't have any others ~~(unless the player plots with someone else--)~~, and may stay that way until Lamorak becomes his apprentice. Being a maker isn't just a physical ordeal, but also a mental exercise because he must be responsible for this one silly human and keep him alive long enough for him to grow into a proper vampire.

Maybe one day, after Lamorak has become a youngblood, he'll be able to juggle two, if their personalities and demands allow.]

But as long as you don't do something to embarrass yourself, and thus me, you won't be a problem in my eyes.

I've been keeping track, however. You've been doing well, right?

( Lamorak hums at Yuri's answer - it sounds faintly amused. )

Oh, when I was a child, I dreamt of becoming all sorts of things - birds, usually, but it depended on the day. A horse, a fish, a bird... Maybe another sort of creature all together - something half man, half animal; something like a human, but small and jovial in nature... It never took much to persuade me away from humanity.

( Is that his honest answer... Well, it's not dishonest. )

How's your headache?

( Wow... I'm your handful?? 🥺 )

Oh, I'm a star student. ( So long as no one's flunking based on personality. ) Unless you want perfect grades across the board?

( Which sounds joking, but like, don't look at any of the grades for classes he's taken related to first aid and healing... Everything else comes easy as pie, though. )

[... He can't actually tell if that's a serious answer or not. It seems kind of childish if it is, though it would also explain Lamorak being in Blue Court.

He raises an eyebrow, closing the book.]

It's taking it's fucking time, but it's fading. I said it would pass, didn't I?

Hmmm.

( Very pointed sound, like a cat's purr. )

Why do you record them if nothing can be done about them, anyway? ( At least, in Yuri's own words. ) Sentimentality, or medical concern?

( If Yuri's tracking the data so carefully, it must be something that would be unwise to leave uncatalogued. )

[He gives a little scoff at the idea that he's doing this for sentimental reasons. Hah, that's a good one.]

The latter.

[Since Lamorak is asking he might as well explain it. It's not like any of this is a secret, after all. His Maker isn't going around broadcasting any of it to the castle, but he certainly isn't trying to keep it hidden. It's important medical research.]

I've got a goddamn brain injury, and who the fuck knows if it's going to get better or worse. Having a record of my symptoms gives my Maker another way to analyze what's going on up here - [He taps his head] - and if there are any changes with different treatments. Writing it down just makes it easier than relying on what he feels through our blood claim, or me remembering everything.

[Norton has to roll his eyes.]

Perfect students don't exist. [And besides, he may already know of Lamorak's difficulties with certain Silver Court classes... Then again, Norton was the same. He's particularly robust and heals quite quickly even by vampire standards, but using healing magic?

Ha, ha.]

As long as you're not failing the ones that matter. And if you are... [He gives a shrug.] That's what I'm here for.

No?

[There's some relief to that. Yasuho takes her time with things- case in point, her relationship with Josuke was more like something out of a sweet fairytale than anything else.

Unfortunately it also makes the idea of moving on that much trickier.] It's...

[She weighs her words carefully. She trusts Eden to hold things close, but it's still precious knowledge. In the end, she can't help but hold back.] ...It's old news. ...Before our Beginning, you know..? ...But I was seeing someone back then...it was really serious too, I thought. I even had the chance to send him a letter, to tell him what happened to me.

[She is silent for a few moments. Not tense, but silent, and perhaps even resigned.]

....he didn't even open it. He just...sent it back with the bird.

...the message was pretty clear.

A red wizard.

[ He repeats it with a hatred in his voice that Xenk has never heard before, a desire for revenge burning under it. It's not a feeling Edgin would keep for long--but in these moments, after Zia's death, it's strong and present. ]

What do you mean, you were there?

[ The thought of baking cookies with someone, simple as it is, warms him in a way he can't explain. ]

I haven't in a long time, given you know... [ he gestures at himself. vampires don't exactly eat cookies ] but I used to cake, with my wife. We had a farm.

[ He doesn't know why he's telling her this, when he usually keeps these things so close to himself. He knows there are plenty who would frown on him discussing his human past. ]

Thanks. It's really my wife that makes it that way.

[ On some level, he knows how he knows Marianne--that is, he remembers that she is his student, at a school for vampires. But on another level he doesn't want to know. He wants to pretend for a little while longer.

Sentimental, silly, selfish.

But that's who he is. ]

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january tdm/event post

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