undyingcourt | january tdm/event post

Entry tags:

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

Shit, if I have it then... Bones, that means you--

[He gives the vampire an apologetic look, because he doesn't want to have gotten Bones' involved in this, to curse him too. The worry on his face wasn't for himself but for Bones. Kirk would have to make sure that the vampire also woke up once this was over. Would check on him immediately after.

Still, this wasn't the time for it. He was a natural born leader enough to see what needed to be done here and to focus on that. He can't save Bones from the curse while he still has it, so they both needed to do what was necessary to get that cure.]

We're breaking apart on reentry, we need to go to engineering and redirect the power to the thrusters so that we can stabilize the ship. Come on.

[Still holding Bones' hand, he starts to run again as the dream almost kicks up again, the ship shaking and tipping beneath their feet, people screaming for help as parts of the ship come apart.]

[ Xenk's eyes grow wide at the suggestion. He hadn't considered that, honestly. But it follows the strange logic of the memory... ]

That... may be. [ He nods, gravely. ] The memory I recalled as an adult showed no such progress towards a transformation into a mindless monster, but it is possible that this mark was was forced upon my person in that moment.

[Kirk's eyes go big, taking in that knowledge and then.. well he nods because yeah, that made sense, because only vampires can kill each other, the best way to protect the kids and people in the future was to become a powerful vampire. It made sense.]

Can you make me a vampire right now? So I can protect them?

[His eyes are unbelievably blue with tears and hopeful, bright and traumatized. The forest grows darker and scarier, branches snap as Kirk looks out at the forest and holds tight to Xenk.]

They are coming...

[ Oh, this is definitely a cooler and better handshake than a usual one. D&D movie, you missed out. Way more homoerotic this way. ]

Same here. First time meeting a guy and spilling my guts out to 'im on the same dream, so congrats on that.

[ It would be way too awkward to acknowledge the sexual tension here so Bones is going to keep acting blase and not extremely touched that Edgin hasn't made this dream thing weird. ]

[What?! He gets to actually ask 20 questions? Hell yeah. Part of him isn't even mad that he kind of wasted one, but it's good, blue was good to know. Definitely. He didn't regret it at all. Still, he has to think hard about it. What all does he want to ask. Hm hm hm.]

Well your turn next, this game goes both ways, I did promise to be an open book.

[The grin stays as he hops up to sit on the railing of the balcony, right next to Bones.[

We're all monsters already, Xenk.

[ He says it like "Good news! You're already fucked up!" and maybe he intends to keep going with the bit, but, suddenly, he feels a sharp stab of pain, his chest tensing, his throat constricting, and he reaches up to touch his throat, not understanding.

But only for a moment. ]

Oh, fuck. Kirk.

Good.

[Putting his arms around Edgin, he holds the vampire close as they kiss with such emotion, soft and gentle. Something deeply intimate and warm. Kirk wasn't even making it sexual, he just wanted to indulge in their connection.]

Well, I'm honored.

[ he even touches his heart! ]

It's fine. I ain't had it for as long as you have. And when I don't show up for my shift, they'll come lookin'.

[ He waves a hand dismissively, not wanting to bother Jim with his concern. Really, it's Bones' job as a doctor to make sure his patient survives. That's his focus here. It's definitely not about Jim or this strange ship dream. ]

That's a whole load of hogwash if I ever heard it, but whatever you say, cap.

[ Bones would give him a faux salute, but they're already moving back down the halls to try and redirect the power to the "thrusters," or whatever. Finding a room called engineering can't be that hard, right? He's keeping up with Jim fine, though the screaming people are hard to ignore, Bones keeps his eyes on the prize. ]

Founders' flaming tits, did they have to make this ship so damn big?!

Edited (more creative curse) 2024-02-05 04:29 (UTC)

[ Edgin is happy to indulge him, as much as he needs. He holds him back in kind, keeping him close as he returns the warm kiss (or at least, as warm as he can be, as a vampire).

This is going much better than he was worried it was going to. Maybe he shouldn't have been so afraid. What they have is really strong. Special. ]

[ Bones has found that setting a hard limit works wonders for upstart brats like Jim Kirk. Or maybe he doesn't mind his attention that much, and 20 seems like a fair amount.

Nope, definitely the former. The thought of asking this kid 20 questions is exhausting, but he might as well get the easy ones out of the way. He throws up his hands. ]

Alright, fine. Where you from?

Edited (icon) 2024-02-05 05:30 (UTC)

[ Xenk would perhaps agree, though the monsters he'd seen in his memory had been thralls of the worst kind, but that particular thought is cut off when Edgin flinches and grabs his throat. That's not normal. ]

James? What is it? Is he in danger?

[ He may not be his novice, but Xenk is deeply invested in Kirk's safety. There's undoubtedly concern in his voice. ]

[ Ambition is something Reyson should have in spades, given the court he's meant to be in, and Eden's the type that will be ready to test that in some of the more enjoyable ways. It helps determine just how much on one side someone wanted to be in the whole dynamic. There's a moment when Reyson breaks his mouth away to catch his breath and says such words that a smile, which looked more like a smirk, grew on their own lips. ]

Remember you said that.

[ They're going to be here a while, then, because now Eden wanted more than just half the experiences they could have down here. Quickly leaning their head in, there's a quick nip against the curve of Reyson's neck before they latched their mouth on and sucked hard at the skin. Constantly kissing, and if the other kept biting and getting blood on their mouth, it won't last long, but... They wanted to see some more marks on their pale, beautiful body.

Eden was only going to playfully contest for dominance, to keep things a little more exciting, but they were ready and willing to be shoved back down and taken over. ]

[ Xenk is stricken with sorrow for the boy, his desperation so clear and honest. If only it worked that way. If only Xenk had been there to protect this boy. ]

Would that I could. A sudden change is dangerous, however. You would put your friends at risk.

[ He doubts the boy would appreciate the full explanation, that the bloodlust that overtakes new vampires is too strong for a human to comprehend. That Kirk is far too young to be turned, as he'd have to spend an eternity at the age he is now.

He's just a child. A scared little boy. All Xenk can do is try to protect him. He stands up straight and stares out into the darkness, senses on high alert to the oncoming danger. ]

Stay behind me, James. I will protect you.

Yes.

[ Edgin fights to keep the pain out of his voice, and stands. Xenk can follow him if he wants, but he's going to go find his novice. ]

[ Xenk follows without question, keeping pace with Edgin as he follows his connection to Kirk to its source. (Is he jealous of their blood claim? Obviously. It's getting complicated now because he's not sure which one he's more jealous of, but those are thoughts for another time.)

Kirk is in danger, that's all Xenk needs to know. ]

Do you believe it to be the curse?

[ The hand on his neck... it had to be. ]

[ He is indeed the big bad Maker, though of course he hardly views himself in so harsh a light. If nothing else, he saved Wyll from the claws of the vampire who did all this, and he is fortunate for it.

This simply must be a dream though, because he's certain he wasn't here, and of course this would have already happened. ]

Well, don't just stand there bleeding, boy. What ought we do about this? Consider carefully.

[ It won't change the reality if this is indeed a memory, but they have some say over a dream... ]

[ Bones levels him with a Look in response, but doesn't comment. Pretty soon the room around them starts to change, though -- the warm, well-lit country home replaced with a dreary, nearly dilapidated-looking clinic. One wonders how any medicine actually got practiced here, with the amount of bottles behind the counter. ]

Oh, good. [ Bones grits his teeth. ] We're not done walkin' through my life's regrets. Fun.

It has to be.

[ He wouldn't be hurting, otherwise, Edgin is sure of it. And, really, the specifics of the pain speak to it, too. He hurries along to Kirk's room, knocking first before letting himself in. ]

Jim, it's me. And Xenk Yendar.

[ It just feels right, to say it, even if Kirk can't hear them. ]

[ Now it's Edgin's turn to put his hand on Bones's shoulder, in that manly, comforting way. ]

Hey, look at me. This? It's in the past. You're a good teacher, now. You take care of the novices.

Edited 2024-02-05 04:51 (UTC)

[ Xenk follows. It should perhaps be an intrusion to enter Jim's room without his express permission, but being that Edgin is presently his maker, and the danger Kirk may be faced with at present, the rules can bend a little bit.

Inside, they find Kirk screaming. It's what they expected, naturally, but it is still hard to watch. ~~Boy, this empathy thing sucks.~~ ]

James...

[ What do they do? Xenk can't just let himself sit back and watch. He approaches Kirk's bedside. Alas, he knows that entering Kirk's dream will only make the situation worse. But still... ]

We must aid him somehow. Before the curse takes further effect.

[ Reyson is in Gold; he is so qualified to talk shit about it. He's been mentally commanding the thralls to bring him tea and so forth out of necessity and is real mad about how good he is at that in comparison to his bladework. ]

You might as well make yourself comfortable.

[ He moves over so there's more open space on the bed, as clear an invitation as he can make without writing one in formal calligraphy. He does not like to think about how a closed door is not enough to assure privacy, but that is how it is living in a populated castle in which some of the residents can turn into rats and climb around in the walls. ]

Yeah, guy's like a dog with a bone if you give 'im material, I bet.

[ Bones has never been happier to not be involved in the Gold Court's nonsense. The more he hears about Xenk Yendar, the less he wants to get involved in their antics. He rolls his eyes, sighing. ]

Your secret's safe with me, old man. I want about as much to do with Yendar as I want with the goddamned sun.

[ Which is to say: no offense. Though this is Bones, so he won't go that far. Gold Court has its own politics and he's sure Xenk plays an important role there, he's just not the kind of guy Bones wants to get involved with. But he doesn't mind Lockwood, not in the least, so he'd tolerate whatever the man wanted to discuss, ultimately. He makes for good conversation, and the dance was pretty fun even if you won't hear Bones say it.

The guy's weird, but Bones is weird too. It works out. He'll even let the hand on his shoulder slide, rolling his eyes like it's a great and terrible hardship. ]

And miss the rest of the party? [ He asks, dripping with sarcasm. He would rather take a stake to the heart than go back. At least Lockwood has given him an easy out. ] You have fun dancing and schmoozing. I'll keep your little words of advice in mind.

[ Lockwood did compliment his wisdom, that was very nice of him. Bones will take the words to heart and see if he can't teach his fellow Silvers how to play nice. Or at least... how to pick their battles better. "Nice" is not something most would accuse Bones of being. ]

Edited (icon) 2024-02-05 05:04 (UTC)

[ Edgin... you are flying up Leonard's list of favorite people so fast. There's shattered glass and the stale scent of blood here. Leonard is sure that if he stepped too far, he'd find something he would deeply regret.

It's a good thing then that Edgin is trying to keep him occupied. It sure beats thinking about all the people that have died here, and all the people he's failed to save for one reason or another.

Bones can only take so much kindness before he starts trying to deflect it, though. And as much as he'd like to take Edgin at his word, it's hard. ]

No offense, but, you don't know that. I could be a real shitty teacher.

[ Edgin walks over to the other side of his bed, reaching out to press his hand to Kirk's forehead, like that will do any good. He's warm, of course. Edgin had been doing some reading about the curse just in case, but he still felt a bit at a loss as to what a Blue Court vampire could actually do in this situation. It seemed like Silver had an edge over the rest of them. ]

Let's start by making sure he's comfortable.

Threaded | Top-Level Comments Only

Page 47 of 67

january tdm/event post

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

i'm so sorry i died... :pensive:

cw allusion to alcoholism

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject