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

I'm also worried about us suddenly having no control or choice about sleeping, and not just from exhaustion.

[ Though exhaustion is definitely another major concern. While the type that could stay up and continue assisting for multiple days, it meant adjusting too much to her diet to accommodate the demand for energy. That was only going to do so much on its own. Being young and human, while the stamina was there, Eden knew she had to sleep at some point. There was just still so much to do...

Getting to see things being tested though, or maybe getting to be involved, has this bright little smile on her face. He could've just as easily told her to wait as he tested alone. ]

That's one of the things I need to get used to being an option; having the equipment to test this. Mrs Maisy had to always estimate off of previous interactions and the body composition of the patient. Luckily liver damage isn't a concern here.

[ Congratulations Kirk, you earned a genuine blink of 'da'fuc' before Lockwood busted out laughing.

Yes, he had been braced for something much more intrusive. He'd been prepared to answer, without answering or at worst deflecting with firm gentleness.

Shaking his head, still chuckling, Lockwood walked back to the table and effortlessly lifted up one leg and set his heel in a spot free of papers. Reaching to the calf of his breeches, he gave them a tug until the fabric cleared the top of the ankle boots he wore exposing the bright pink stockings.

Grinning like a fiend -or perhaps like an adolescent teen- Lockwood answered with one word. ]

Pink.

[ There was another cheeky wink and he lowered his pant leg and then his actual leg from the table. ] Have a good day, James.

[It seems his question genuinely caught Lockwood off guard. Kirk has no expectation of color the vampire might say, but he thinks it's likely to get answered now if that laugh is anything to go by. Kirk giving him a shrug as if to say "I'm curious."

So when he comes back to show off his pink stockings, Kirk can't help but grin like the cat who got the canary. Even brighter when he gets another cheeky wink.

Still, he nods resolutely like he's been told something important.]

Good day, Lockwood, sir.

[Kirk knows when to put space between himself and another person and right now Bones seems to need space. So, when the vampire lets go of his neck, he retreats back a few steps before sitting back on the railing again. Watching the other as he licks and wipes at his mouth like he both wants the taste of him and doesn't, like Bones can't make up his mind. It's kind of flattering to see he threw the man for that much of a loop with a simple enough kiss.

His lips still tingle at the contact, like the touch still lingers, remembered.

That's cheating, that doesn't count as a question and you know it, Bones. Fine. He will answer it like it was a question then.]

No death wish, just feeling out the moment. [He grins.] But next time, I'll make sure to ask first.

["There won't be a next time" is what he expects Bones to follow up with.]

Satoru's not quite sure when his maker started disapproving of Suguru. It wasn't when they were teenagers; Suguru had been relatively polite and well-behaved back then, the courteous charmer to Satoru's arrogant misfit. His maker hadn't approved of cross-Court friendships, which had amused Satoru to no end, because both of his important friendships back then had been outside of Gold Court.

Was it when the news of results of Suguru's missions started filtering back to the castle? Or had they hated him even before that?

"They'll be over the moon." Satoru's sly grin perfectly mirrors Suguru's. He wants to know how Suguru has changed, how he's stayed the same, what new habits he's picked up and how he thinks about the world now.

Luckily, it seems he's got time. As soon as he gets out of this stupid dream where yet more monsters seem to be pouring in.

Satoru makes a face like he's blushing, pinching his own cheeks. "What, this old thing?" He's a bit more angular in adulthood, but he hasn't changed much. The sly grin makes a return. "You, on the other hand, have aged like a fine wine. Love the hair."

Hmnnnnmmmmm....

[She doesn't sound tense any longer at least. Just, tired, which might not be a fantastic state of being given the nightmares plaguing everyone but is at least better than where they were at before. Yasuho just gets herself redressed for now, inhaling deep and exhaling long as a further attempt to just calm down.

Another breath, while she holds her arms close and frowns.]

It would help, if they didn't show up at the last beginning...

[It's a mutter, but it's probably an audible mutter. Welp.]

[ It's certainly audible as everyone's senses were sharper than they'd originally been. Which gets Eden to turn around from how she was sitting to look at the blond with more confusion. ]

They're here, where you could settle and figure things out, but you haven't? Why?

[ It meant that since before Winter Sol, she'd been letting herself get eaten up by this, when the solution was already in-house. It didn't make sense to Eden. Because she was younger?? ]

[ He really did. On the list of things Bones expected to follow him getting bit, a kiss is in the hundreds. He still stares at Jim like maybe he'll grow horns or turn into a goose or something, because what he just did made no damn sense.

Still, Bones isn't one to gather flies. He growls and grumbles and pulls out his flask to take a long drink, muttering: ]

Damn fool child. Infant.

[ Infant!!!! But he isn't saying anything about next time because the words echo in his ears ominously, like if he doesn't cut this off now, he'll be looking at a future of Jim Kirk trying to get in his good graces and kiss him. And would that be so bad?

Of course it would be! Of course. Bones rolls his eyes dramatically as he can. Now that he's got a little bit of fresh blood in him, Jim might notice he's blushing. But also it's dark, so maybe he's safe. ]

You make a habit of kissin' anybody who bites you, or is that just the lightheadedness talking? [ A beat. ] That's rhetorical, it don't count. Just gimme your damn hand so I can heal you.

[ Bones does indeed hold out his hand for Jim's. Not the move of a guy who never wants that to happen again, but you know. He might just slam the breaks if Jim tries anything like that again, so he does expect him to ask next time. ]

He hasn't either..!

[It's. Childish, yes, but it's a fair point! He hasn't come for her at all! He's an Asshole.]

I'm not going to hunt him down for his apology- aside from how that looks, [she mutters again, coughing behind a hand. Because, that's super bad as a look, it really is,] How could I possibly be sure it was sincere at that point?

You know that as a new arrival, you're barely able to pay attention to anything past the initial vampires while being stared down at. Since around then, you've been holed away studying even more. Plus- Who said anything about getting an apology?

[ Then again, Eden had no clue just how weird and messed up this situation was, just that it was interfering with her classmate's life. ]

You clearly feel and think a lot about this, so I think it'd be a good idea for you to get it off your chest. If anything, so you have that closure and can move on.

[ It doesn't take much longer to push him over the edge. He's not trying to hold out, and he feels sore and in pain, yes, but it feels good to be able to push his body that far, like what he imagines being in a real fight might be like. He's starting to actively enjoy the taste of blood. It's honestly better than eating flesh from an animal, Eden is clearly into it, there's no moral hangups here - maybe there should be, but he is aroused and does not care.

He breaks the kiss to bite bruise-deep into her shoulder, and a splash of white joins the assorted fluids already painting Eden. He remains just enough of a gentleman to collapse on top of her - he's down on his elbows, panting heavily into the crook of her neck. Give him a moment he has achieved enough blankness of mind to get a gold star from Xenk... ]

[The fact he doesn't say anything about next time is a surprise to Kirk. He really thought Bones would gripe and say something otherwise, but no, the man calls him a child and an infant and really, Kirk is considerably younger than the doctor, but he doesn't think he's an infant. I mean, call him a fool, but an infant? Rude Bones.

Maybe he doesn't wave off the comment about next time because there is actual hope for a next time. Kirk definitely hopes so, the doctor's lips were softer than he expected and he would love to kiss him again, properly this time. With permission of course, he promised he would ask next time and if there is one thing that Jim Kirk does, it's keep his promises. He wont be killing Bones again without verbal consent. Or Bones kissing him first.

At least that question didn't count because he was about to argue that one, because the answer was neither. He doesn't go kissing just anyone -- well, he would kiss just about anyone, but this was different. This was Bones. Which it shouldn't feel different but..

It did.

Still, he leans forward and offers his hand, letting Bones take hold of it.]

Aw come on, Bones, infant is a bit much. You're not that much older than me.

[Two decades about but who's counting.]

[Even if it isn't correct, her assumption is entirely logical. Putting up a tough front is one thing, being able to tolerate that much violence when you've got a few seconds to breathe is something else, and outside of his scowl Yuri doesn't look like the type to handle gore. Or little things like the end of his crutch now being a gross mess.

But no. He's fine, aside from being very obviously annoyed. He doesn't even flinch when Hazel starts squawking, he just keeps on chopping her head until he feels his point has been made. When he reaches that point he huffs, dropping his hand.]

Think before you pick a fight next time. Do I fucking look like someone who can throw a punch, let alone take on an entire hockey team of older novices?

[The answer to that question is 'no.']

[ Bones laughs, the moment well and (hopefully) diffused. Bones does not have time to be messing around with someone else's novice. He is not Xenk Yendar and he has not interest in poaching Jim to the Silver Court.

Just, yeah, Jim had nice soft lips and a nice face but lots of people have those. Lots of people also get on his nerves, Jim just happens to be flying to the top of Bones' list.

And yet, Kirk's complaint nearly makes Leonard smile. The brat went and called him Bones again. He shakes his head, irritation lacking any bite. ]

I dunno, kid. You're what, 19? 20? Gonna have to hide the damn cutlery or you might hurt yourself.

[ And yet Bones still grabs Jim's hand and grips him at the wrist, focusing on healing back any blood he may have lost, and any lingering effects of, well, anything that might be in his system. So Kirk might get to enjoy being totally sober, if that booze from earlier did anything for him. That's the magic of healing! ]

Go ahead an' ask me how old I am.

Edited (cutlery is more insulting) 2024-02-10 04:26 (UTC)

[ Being aroused and not caring is pretty much the drive for a lot right now. Even as Reyson was hovered over her with the mess between them, Eden was panting heavily and tracing a finger through the mess all over her right now. There's a few moments of them not doing anything but breathing heavily before she realized that he was probably getting a little tired. ]

We should switch positions so you can take a break for a bit...

[ They weren't even fully done yet, after all. Reaching off between Reyson's arms to get the pants more draped off onto the ground, there's a gentle nudge as a suggestion. ]

Let me treat you, hm? If you do extra well, we could even have times when you tell me what to do and I'll do it saying 'yes, sir' or 'yes, master.' Maybe with a bit of challenge at times, but I can behave nicely...

[ Because this is the best time for such a proposal. If Reyson liked being so bossy and dominant, and she didn't mind being on the receiving end, then why not. ]

[Does he need to hit the books later? Would this kind of information on the Black Court even be in books? Because it sounds it wouldn't.

He inclines his head a little as he watches Bones inject that whatever-it-is into this new patient. The guy certainly doesn't hesitate when it comes to stabbing people with needles. He's assuming it's because he's done it so often that it's basically a reflex now, and not out of any sketchier reason.]

Doubt that's the kind of thing they'd want anyone outside their Court knowing.

[He clicks his tongue, even though this could be for entirely valid reasons. Maybe they aren't getting something out of it, maybe it's out of some weakness or necessity. God, he really has no idea. Not having enough information to even make a guess is the worst.]

Obfuscation in the name of security, I guess?

[ Normally, this would be something Edgin loves about him, how willing he is to help other people, how quick he is to be selfless. But right now, it's becoming a real problem as he's sitting up will quick ]

Whoa, slow down. I'm glad you're worrying about them. I'm sure Karma is looking after Eden. I could feel it pretty clearly when the curse started to really take hold.

[ When he started screaming so much he was bleeding. ]

We can send someone to look for... [ who the fuck is Bones...he takes a moment to try and remember, wait, ] that's Leonard McCoy, right?

Be at ease, James.

[ Xenk is glad Edgin knew what that meant, because he seriously would have said "there is no one named 'Bones' in Castle Courtsheart." Bones? What a strange nickname. Then again, the man is a doctor, so perhaps...? ~~Who the fuck is Goro~~ But Xenk does that cool Gold Court thing where he 'pings' the nearest thrall and doesn't even need to speak to them. His eyes glow gold for a moment, and it's done. ]

The doctor. He will be attended to. I have sent a thrall to inform others of his condition.

[ Xenk gives Kirk's hand a squeeze, trying to calm him. He reaches forward to place a hand at his other shoulder, mirroring Edgin's present hold, but also -- firmly holding him down, to keep him from standing. ]

You must rest, James. You are yet unwell.

[The laugh is good, so is the way Bones' lips don't look as deeply frowning anymore for a second there. It works to liven up the situation, keep it light hearted and casual. Kirk doesn't deal with emotions very well and if he felt like he did something to truly upset the other man it would have put a whole damper on the situation.

As it is, he's getting made fun of but it was in better nature than it was before. Even if he feels the buzz of wine and booze leaving his system at being healed. Damn, that sucks, but also maybe will give him the chance to drink some more in a bit. That's always good.

Right?

With a huffed laugh, he shakes his head.]

21 and alright, I'll bite. [He grins at his phrasing.] How old are you?

[It's starting to become a little bit of a head rush to get healed back all the blood he lost tonight, he didn't even know how close to empty he was running until the warmth was starting to come back to his body and his cheeks flushed with life again.]

[Both of their reassurances does a lot to calm him down, to know Eden and Bones would be looked after and taken care of -- that Edgin knows D'Auvergn will be with Eden, that Xenk sent someone after Bones -- it means more to him than he can explain. Those two had done their best in his nightmare to save him, they had to watch him die, yet--

Yet, they got cursed, because of him. ]

Founders, I'm really fucking tired of dying in every dream I'm in.

[He slumps a little as he feels a little dizzy and drained, still holding on to their hands like a lifeline. Part of him wants to curl up and let these two fuss over him, take care of him, protect him, but--]

Wait.. I get why Edgin is here, but, no offense, why are you here Xenk? Why are there pinecones?

[ That is not why he healed you, young man. Absolutely not. Bones rolls his eyes again, still healing Jim until he can feel every cut and scrap disappear. Kid probably let a bunch of others bite him, too. No wonder he's acting the fool, if he's working on reduced facilities. His flirting with Bones suddenly makes a lot more sense. (No, Bones.) ]

45. [ There's a triumphant little quick to Bones' permanent scowl. Why, it almost looks like a smirk. ] I'm officially twice your age. Graduated when I was 36.

[ Not that being old would be much of a win for humans, obviously, but for vampires, age matters. Bones doesn't mind that part so much. And even if Jim is only doing this because he's blood-addled and delirious, Bones finds he doesn't totally hate this. ]

Founders, I dunno how you were still standin'. You make a habit of losing this much blood? I know novices are tougher than humans, but damn.

[ Edgin just rubs his shoulder gently, keeping that contact between them at Kirk seems to want. He's happy to simply just be here. But Kirk had asked Xenk the question, so he'll let Xenk answer. ]

[ Xenk lets Jim lay down, though he keeps his hand held in his. He has to admit, he does feel somewhat... out of place now. He'd comforted Kirk in his dreams, as much as he could have, and Kirk had ended up dying in one of his own... but this is likely not the time to have that conversation, nor is Xenk needed for Kirk to heal.

Oh, well. He's here now. He wants to be here. So he'll answer, of course. ]

Edgin and I were speaking of our shared memories when the curse took hold of you.

[ Does anyone else know they share some kind of past together? Well, if anyone were to find out, it should be Kirk. ]

The pinecones were Edgin's attempt at drawing you from your nightmares. He deduced that the scent of pine and cedar might return you to the present, using a more recent memory.

[Okay okay okay... start with the thing that he can handle first, then move on to the other. The pine cones makes sense now, it was a good idea, he thinks it's what pulled him from the dream - that and Bones..]

I did smell pine while I was dying this time.. I think it was what stopped the nightmare loop. [It had been so vivid. It had brough memories that proved the dream wasn't real, that this was real.. Of times that were playing in the woods around his house, of talking to Edgin next to a fire.

It gave him something to hold on to and wake up from.

But that's all well and good.]

Shared memories? Like the good old days or something else?

[He looks at both of them when asking.]

Edited 2024-02-10 05:17 (UTC)

Xenk thinks it's fate.

[ Edgin of course says this like it's entirely silly ]

We have a couple memories where each other were in them, that's all. It's not fate.

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january tdm/event post

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LOL!!!

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excellent coping mechanism

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