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 always tellin' you to wear boots like me.

[ He laughs, rough and hoarse but just not giving a shit. He's definitely wearing combat boots at all times, they are hideous and black, and covered in dried blood. But this is an old song and dance, one that's comfortable enough that he's happy to get their sass for. Leonard couldn't handle soft most of the time anyway.

They've got their bond for that, and he's happy to feel his feelings mirrored. It makes things so much easier with them. He always knows where he stands, and he always knows they'll be there for him. 'I wasn't scared. I knew you'd come.'

But what he says is: ]

Yeah, he's a pain in the ass, but he's real good at making connections if nothing else.

Tche.

[Guess if he really wants to know why all this Court crap is the way it is, he's going to have to go back that far. Then again, knowing what he knows now, he wouldn't be surprised if any literature on the Founders either didn't exist or was just as redacted.]

How'll you be able to tell if it doesn't work? The screaming'll start up again?

[Yuri clicks his tongue. This doesn't come across as quite on the level of suicidal behaviour, but it's damn clear Hazel would not give two shits if something happened that got her killed before the whole 'killed to become a vampire' thing. That might be worse, because it doesn't just invite a high amount of recklessness, but a severe lack of forethought. He knows how dangerous the two of those things together can be, he's had personal experience with situations like that.]

I knew what I was doing. [Sort of. He had a good guess, even if it still would've been smarter for him to just duck out. But hey, he can pretend like he was in control the entire time!] That was the fastest way to end the damn fight without someone getting killed for no reason.

Of course. I take my responsibilities seriously. Loyalty and good service are priceless gifts, and should never be taken for granted.

[ Even if it's obvious to him that he's a trustworthy person, it's still both flattering and touching to hear it out loud. Reyson kisses her temple, as that is within convenient reach.

His manhood twitches a little. He quite possibly could be spurred into further action at this point. He also does like being treated sweetly, especially since Eden has already demonstrated, thoroughly, that they aren't going to treat him as if he is breakable. ]

[ Eden looked up after the kiss, mostly because it was confusing how that was getting her heart pounding more than anything else they had been doing down here. It was hard, being someone as touch-starved and unused to affection and emotional intimacy.

Which is probably why she found it easier to focus towards the physical, and more, sexual kind.

Swallowing a bit, Eden cleared her throat. ]

I am talking about master-servant stuff in situations like this, you know. Bring it out in public and... I'll bite you. Really hard.

[ Not exactly the harshest of threats, especially when she couldn't even look up at him when saying so much. ]

Guess I should check... Are you interested in both forms of me? I know the idea got you flustered before, but with a steadier thought on it. So don't sputter out an immediate response- [ After giving him a moment to control himself. ] Don't I arouse and have your interest in this form?

[ Despite seeming to act like this is a distraction for sex, Reyson could probably note (either now or later) that this was a genuine check for boundaries and not wanting to push past what he could handle. She'd have to care to give this kind of consideration, as much as she acted like there was never anything deep with anyone. ]

Reyson didn't really come to vampirism the standard way, and hasn't really... asked about anyone elses' families, and that's kind of dawning on him. And now he has to process this in front of a child who is looking down on him and probably does not come from his own head.

"It sounds like that's going to happen eventually. You can only avoid fate for so long."

He's not going to lie to a child to make her feel better, what kind of asshole would do that.

"I know if I could see my family again, I'd be willing to go to great lengths to do so, and none of them were my children. I'd search the world, I'd kill people for stopping me - whatever it took."

[ Bones is a real stick in the mud when he wants to be, so don't worry, Eden. He is just. A grump. But he watches her work and makes mental notes as she goes. ]

Ain't their attitudes I have a problem with. Hell, if they were happy, I'd probably hate 'em even more. It's the damn secrecy with everything. And they bogart their damn blades! Do you know how useful it'd be to have scalpel made out of whatever dread blades are made of? Half the trouble of doin' surgery on vampires is they heal up too fast. With the right tools, we could be advancin' medicine by leaps and bounds, vivisection on vampires wouldn't just be a dream!

[ He's, uh, a little passionate about this. Very passionate about this. He is getting off-topic, and catches himself, shaking his head and getting back into what he might call Teacher Mode. ]

Anyway, all of that's a pipe dream, 'cause we can't get shit.

[ He waves a hand like he's waving the idea off. Now's not the time! He has a lesson to teach, and he pays attention to Eden and crosses his arms decisively. ]

Trust your gut. Which one's your final pick?

[ Bones nods. Yep, he agrees. Very much. Good luck finding any books on them because there aren't any. But that'll be something for him to discover! ]

Pretty much. He'll start twitchin' a bit, that'll be the warning. But it usually works -- we've been at this a while.

[ He is so tired, but he will keep working. He's a doctor to the core. ]

Trilla finds honesty refreshing, given the number of lies she's been told and has had to perpetuate to remain undiscovered by her father for so long. Besides, even at this age she was more curious than fearful; she had simply never wanted to risk losing the security she had for an unknown that would mean leaving her old life behind. Not until she was certain it would be worth it.

"I only need to avoid it for a while longer. Once I'm old enough to join him I will. Mother won't, though. She says she'd prefer to die, and I don't want that."

[ She didn't realize it was such a passionate subject for him, actually looking a little surprised. While she was pretty sure there was a reason for holding onto the control of the blades, something told her that it wouldn't help, and just secured it as being a pipe dream. So she let things go back on topic.

Looking back, she tapped at the same sample as before. ]

This one didn't react too strong, and was tapering in effectiveness at a rate I liked more, compared to the others. Depending on how someone wakes up, the effects of the nightmare can linger, or they hit something of an adrenaline crash, even if the curse is broken. So, my conclusion would be that it'd be better for the effect to extend a little longer than this one.

[ She'll tap at another that had reacted faster. ]

They are.

[ He concedes but a little, nodding to show that the other go on. Then he peeks over at the black novices in question. ]

A reasonable observation. Do we not choose our novices for certain traits they already seem to possess, however?

[ A low bar but one Raphael is still quite happy to point out that he's crossed. ]

It would have to be. I don't recall sharing a moment like this, with you.

[ How he did end up getting Wyll and so on was far more likely to involve subtlety, word play, negotiation. This is wild and savage. His shoes are scuffed. ]

But I am. Perhaps, we take her together. Perhaps you simply ask me to take you away, nurse your wounds and your sorrow.

[ Josuke feels oddly muscular despite how he actually looks. Incredibly bizarre man, all around. Reyson pats at his bicep while he's talking, for confirmation. He does need his hands to write, though. ]

Next to the mirror by the window. You can get up; I won't wilt without you for 5 seconds.

[ Some of his attitude may be performative at this point... His words are being committed to paper and he has to look at them now. If he's too sweet Josuke won't know how to handle it, that's his excuse. ]

[What a lie, he can totally handle it. At least in private, in public he would expect nothing but withering glares and yelling. Which is fine by him, if he were perfectly honest.]

Only five seconds? What if I took six? [Though he's unwrapping from him for now to slide off the bed and go fetch the brush by the mirror, luckily easy enough for him to find. When he returns he scoots back onto the bed, just using a tiny bit of force to help wiggle Reyson either into his lap or between his legs so he can brush his hair properly. It's up to him which way he'd prefer.]

[ that's so cute... ]

Ah, I didn't think you seemed familiar ...

[ she fidgets a little, trying not to turn her attention fully to the horse nearby because they're easier to talk to ]

How are you ... liking it?

That sounds wonderful. She looks wonderful.

[ Though Marianne regrets laying on the praise a moment later, thinking perhaps she's only making things worse. ] I'm sorry.

[Twitching, huh? Like a bug that's half dead?

............. He isn't saying that thought out loud.]

How long's 'a while'?

Me? In grimy, thick boots like yours? Perish the thought. I would sooner dress like Black court.

[They pause when they catch the thought and smile, soft and gentle, before wiping some blood from his face. Sure they were fussing over him, but had the situation been different, had it been them on the bed screaming and bleeding, he would be chewing her out likely.

So let her fuss.]

Yes well. That's all well and good, but you're off the roster for a couple days. You need your rest, I won't be hearing about you in the east wing until then, understood?

Take your time, you've been through an awful lot, I'm just glad to see you awake again.

[She hums something nonsensical as she gently sways them. It's not a lullaby or a song, just humming to soothe. The heartsick feeling is there in Karma's chest, tight and heavy. It's been a long time since Karma has let herself feel heartsick like this, so feeling it from Eden hurts.

But she just soothes her novice, calmly and carefully, letting them cry or hide or whatever they needed.

[ Revar smiles. Leonard always reminds them of Karma, in a way that gives them a protective instinct around him. They cognizant enough to know when it's simply blood and not their real feelings, but all the same. ]

I was a fairly competitive skater in my day.

It couldn't have been too long. We have so many options for cures now...

[ Though for a solid second, Eden stiffens from the humming, relating it to being soothed back in the nightmare. It was all different, and she'd get past it, but there was a few of an arrow going through. Even though, logically, that wouldn't actually be a killing blow for Karma. Which is why the reaction only lasted a second. ]

[ Leonard laughs again, the sound a little clearer as his throat naturally heals itself. He lets her fuss over him, doesn't complain more than he needs to as she keeps wiping the blood off his face. If their places were reversed, he'd be cussing himself blue with how worried he'd have been. He must look a mess, but he's fine with that.

What he's not fine with is her verdict on his care. No surprise. ]

What?! But I...! [ He gapes. But his precious job is all he has! ] Karma, come on. The castle's a mess with cursed folks! I can't just sit on the bench because I got a little sick. Plus now that I got it, I won't get it again. Hell, I'd be the safest to get back to work right now.

[ He says, looking terrible, feeling awful, and still covered in silver blood. Yeah, he's real convincing. This may be one of the few things that Leonard is a bit childish about. Work. ]

[ He's undead, so a little twitching is probably a bad sign! It's fine. ]

Since the curse started, so... three weeks, maybe? Revar can heal with a touch, but ain't all centuries old with that much healing power, so us youngbloods gotta learn to make due. Took us a few days to nail down the right mix of things, but we've got a pretty good setup at this point.

[ You know what they say, if you can't trust your grand-maker, who can you trust? Maybe that's the reason he trusts them so much. A mutual love and respect for Karma. ]

I ain't surprised, you seem like you'd be real graceful on the ice.

[ And Leonard very much approved of ice skating, because it's not violent and barbaric like hockey. ]

I guess we've been doing these for a long time, then?

[ By vampire standards, Leonard is baby. He knows this. It's why he's being so very respectful, he would never sass Revar. ]

I'd deserve it.

[ He says this gracefully. He'd deck someone for bringing sex games up in public, for sure- anyway, he does have this instinct to as one says, sputter out an immediate response, but if he thinks about it... He's idly stroking her hair while he thinks about it. He loves affection he loves emotional intimacy he is... not going to say he wants to fuck her after all in order to get more cuddles; he has moral integrity.

Being close to another person you like and trust feels good, it's not that complicated. Shouldn't be that complicated. ]

...No, I'm not particularly aroused. I like you, but - I like being close with you like this more than I'd like it if you [ an embarrassed cough ] mounted me in female form.

[ He certainly doesn't want to lie for the sake of making her feel better. Or to lie about being more into women than he is when he does not even have to get married. The social obligation towards eternal bachelorhood is one of the other bittersweet advantages of being a vampire. ]

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january tdm/event post

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