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

[ Xenk nods. His hand is still on Edgin's shoulder. This may or not be a poor decision, but here it comes. ]

I can make no sense of it. But I remembered, quite vividly, that their leader was Szass Tam.

[ Naturally, he does not seem pleased by this news. But he also... doesn't seem surprised by it either. ]

Just like your...

[ Maker? Father? What does he even call him? There's plenty of rumors about Xenk's past and, anyway, he had just acknowledged how he'd been raised by an unfairly cruel vampire. ]

It's weird, isn't it, that so many names are shared between these...memories, and our lives?

[ He'd thought about it before, but he's certain now. Standing here, holding Kira, he's certain. ]

They are memories, aren't they? Not of a past life. But real memories.

Yes. The very same as my Maker.

[ Xenk's response is gravely serious. He's always taking things quite seriously, but it's clear that this is a level above the rest. When he'd awoken from the memory, he'd been shocked to still recall it so clearly. The fall of Thay, the deaths of his parents... they were not his parents this time, and yet...? The memory did not vanish like a dream. It felt too real. ]

It is deeply troubling.

[ Xenk can do little more than nod. ]

I do not know their origin, but I have no doubt of their veracity. The red wizard in your dream was as the ones I remembered... it is too uncanny for a simple coincidence.

[ But what does it mean? Hell if Xenk knows. ]

[ Oh, this guy is too nice. This is the one. This guy is going to make the perfect target.

It is. It's very thoughtful of you.

[ Hans smiles, grabbing another orange to start peeling it. Chaux is in for the best treat!! ]

I'm sure Chaux appreciates it too, don't you boy?

I guess you weren't wrong about fate after all.

[ As he says it, though, the dream around them starts to fade. Well, really, it's Edgin who is fading out of it, fading awake instead of asleep. He finds it hard to focus. ]

Xenk, I...

[ But it's too late, Edgin wakes up in bed with the strangest feelings in his chest, about fate, and about cruelty, and also about how beautiful Xenk looked holding his baby. ]

[ Chaux whinnies happily, and then Phillip starts to hand over the oranges, slice by slice on his open palm. He saves one for himself, though, which he eats last. He looks really happy. Really in his element!

Chaux wanted that last slice, though. he headbutts Phillip as he's eating it. ]

You have to share too! It's a big orange, you know.

[ This can be the day after their shared dream, or any day later! Xenk walks on over to Edgin's office, his brain a mix of confused memories and deeply troubling emotions. Xenk really hasn't felt this much in decades, so you'll have to forgive him if he actually looks... more put together than usual? He's wearing clothes that are far too formal for a casual day at the castle. But one finds what comforts one can.

He also is, very pointedly, not going to worry about his complicated feelings toward Edgin Darvis. The man is still far too emotional for his own good, and was single-handedly holding back Kirk from his full potential. But he was also kind and thoughtful, and had suffered great loss.

Anyway, he's not thinking about it. But he is letting himself into Edgin's office, sorry. ]

Edgin Darvis. I wish to speak with you.

[ He's sooo cute, Hans wants to devour this guy. I mean, what? No. He's focusing on peeling this orange. It's all he can do to keep from laughing as Phillip and Chaux have their little disagreement. ]

Be nice, Chaux. I have some for you, too!

[ He holds out his palm with half an orange for him. Gotta space it out, you know? ]

[Getting even that much of a laugh feels like a victory, he was slowly wearing the vampire down. But his tastes were sublime when you take in people like Bones and Edgin being among them. But again... he has a type.

The song does end too quickly, because he doesn't want to put distance between them, he wants to stay close and intimate with McCoy, but also getting to be alone with the man sooner was also appealing. So he doesn't begrudge the song too much, especially when Bones takes him by the hand and pulls him roughly out onto the balcony.

Dang okay Bones, people gonna think you wanna make out with him with how quickly you're going from dancing to alone on the balcony.

At least Kirk knows better, even if he's grinning like he's won something.]

Then you'll be waiting a while, Bones. So, what's your favorite color?

[Is he joking? Maybe.]

[ Poor Bones isn't good at these social games, he really doesn't think about how it'll look for a youngblood to drag a ribbon-less novice off to a balcony. Oh, well. He'll bark anyone's head off who tries to get him involved in any gossip.

That stupid grin shouldn't be so damn endearing. It's annoying as hell is what it is. But at least away from the ballroom, Bones can breathe a little easier. Not that he needs to. ]

Blue. [ He crosses his arms, almost daring Kirk to make a joke about it. You don't have to like a court to like a color. ] You got 19 left, kid. Better make 'em count.

Yeah, see! You have two whole people spoiling you.

[ It's kind of cute! he's not sure why he wants to feed the other half of the orange to Hans but that's embarrassing so he will never think about that again! Cool! ]

[ Let's say it is indeed the very next ~~day~~ night. Edgin is honestly a little shocked how good Xenk looks, all dressed up for....what? Visiting him?

Was he here to declare he wants Kirk's hand in marriage and makership or something? ]

Sure, yeah. I'm here.

[ Definitely don't worry about it! Chaux happily and greedily chomps on the orange, whinnying happily. Hans laughs, honestly happy. I mean, horses are great, there's no question. ]

He'll still beg for more, knowing him.

[ Hans takes a slice for himself, offering one up to Phillip. Because he's decided this is happening now. This guy is too easy not to try with, right? Oh, the ways he could use this to his advantage... ]

Do you want some?

[ This visit isn't about Kirk for once. And the outfit isn't even for Edgin, which is really too bad. If he was trying to woo Edgin, he would probably wear about the same. Definitely a cape. A cape just feels right. But that's not the main thing on Xenk's mind.

Though he does notice perhaps that Edgin looks nice. He always looks nice. But that's neither here nor there. Some remembered fondness from months ago has no business in his thoughts at the moment. ]

Thank you.

[ He closes the door behind him stepping up closer to Edgin. And still standing, because. Well. He's Xenk. ]

I have many questions. The first of which is perhaps the most simple, though the most troubling, in my opinion.

[ He's building to something, you have to give the man his drama. He isn't pacing, but he is working out the words in his head. There's a sense that maybe he practiced this. ]

Edgin. In your recollections of me, did I have some manner of mark upon my face?

[After checking on the restraints, Yuri grabs his crutch so that he can walk over and get a better view of what Bones is doing. Back to observing, though now that he's been perceived he might as well see if he can get more information.]

Yeah.

[Yep, he's heard of a Dr. McCoy from his Maker!

He stares down, watching Bones mix the vials, mulling over the explanation he's given. Interesting that mixing other kinds of blood to make medicine doesn't work.... He's aware vampires can share their blood with each other regardless of which Court they're in, so it isn't the blood on its own that's an issue. Is it the mixing of it, then?]

What is it about the chemical components of the herbs that cause that? I know there's shit like bloodwine, why doesn't the chemical components of the alcohol cause the same problem? Or is using it specifically as medicine that will fuck someone up?

[Nah, he's actually kind of relieved to see that he's not giving him a canned "I'm totally fine" answer. In fact he's quiet for the longest moment as he frowns, pondering something over in his head.

You know what, he can probably do this and not get yelled at by whoever is keeping watch on things. So unless Reyson protests he's going to move to sit on the edge of the bed instead and just reach out to pull him into a semi-awkward due to positioning hug and quietly bury his face into his hair.]

If it makes it any better, I'm good for listening if you want a soundboard for getting it out or if you want help sorting things out. [Or for anything else, but he figures that this is a more unusual addition than what he'd normally be used for.]

[ Ravyn nods, making note of this. He knows a little about what various pulses mean already, so this is good. Eventually he finds a bit of leather, like a case for some medical instrument, and leans over to place it gently into the patient's mouth. ]

This will have to do.

[ If the owner of said leather is upset, he'll offer to compensate. For now he's more concerned about the novice. ]

You don't think it will get that serious ... do you?

[ Ravyn would probably scare people if he used smiles as a shield, but it suits Wyll very well!! ]

Getting encouragement from a stranger helps sometimes.

[ Other times it's weird, who knows! But he considers this comparison for a moment and eventually nod. ]

Yes, I suppose they are merely blades on one's feet. Do you say this only because you are of the Red Court?

[ Ravyn feels a little bad for being so negative right off the bat with this gentleman. Really he's wondering what's gotten into himself. ]

I'm sure some of them are.

[ He gives an apologetic sort of nod of his head. ]

I don't know all that many of them, personally, so you shouldn't listen to me.

[ This is definitely building to something, but Edgin gives him the space to build to it. He's never seen Xenk like quite like this before so he wants to encourage him to talk and do what he wants.

When he asks the question, Edgin takes it seriously, trying to think. ]

We were...in a cave. It was kind of hard to see.

[ He doesn't have dark vision, you know ]

But yeah, on the top of your forehead, I think. Small, though.

[ He's always been good with details. He has a sense that, in that past, he was especially good with details, but he's not sure why. ]

[ Horsegirl... she's found her people at last. ]

M.. my name is Marianne. This is my second season ...

[ She manages a shy smile. ] It's nice to meet you, Phillip.

[ Oh, right, dark vision. That's a thing humans don't have. Xenk wouldn't know, though he hasn't remembered having dark vision, has he. ]

As I expected.

[ Xenk closes his eyes, releasing his mask (yes, he was using one. Yes, it was just his same face, minus the Thayan mark that is now undeniably stemming out from his hairline.) ]

It was this, correct?

Kira. That's a beautiful name.

[ She wants to cry at how clearly he loves them, tbh. ]

I always wanted to chase them around too when I was little. My parents wouldn't let me. It wasn't becoming...

It's nice to meet you, too, Marianne. I'm a first season.

[ she is his senpai!! that's so nice!! ]

Oh, I'm sure he will.

[ Oh! Hans is offering him some of the orange. The little slice he'd had already was quite good, so, why not? ]

Ah, yes, please. Thank you.

[ he was raised to be polite ok ]

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