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!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Yes, it's my--.. my ship.

[His mind hesitates and halts, like there is more he wants to say but can't remember.]

I'm the Captain, I know somethings about how to fix her, not as much as Scotty and Chekov, that's why I was trying to find them but-- I can't just not do anything with my crew in danger.

[The ship groans and cracks like it's breaking apart, like it could snap in half at any moment. He knows he saw them earlier but he can't for the life of him get ahold of Chekov and Scotty now. Which is weird, he knows he remembers this differently. He should be running with Scotty not Bones... why was Bones here?]

What are you doing here anyway?

[He runs down another hall, taking a sharp turn as they continue, the white halls morphing into the open machinery of engineering.]

Edited 2024-02-03 00:00 (UTC)

[ His ship, huh? What a weird-ass dream. Well, Bones can't say he's surprised that Jim's dreams would cast him as the hero. The Captain. Though considering the dire straits they're in, it might not be a title he'll hold for long.

No, that thought is too morbid, even for Bones. Jim would find a way out of this. He doesn't seem the type to ever give up. Even if he's talking about people Bones doesn't know, he can't help but admire Jim's willingness to get out there and try to save his crew.

Bones really is just following Jim at this point, but there's nothing for it! It's a dream. ]

Looking for you, obviously! [ That much is true. ] While this nightmare's going on, you're out in the infirmary screaming your lungs out. Pretty sure those two idiots who keep comin' by your bedside'll kill me if I don't find a way to save you.

Nightmare?

[He looks at Bones with wide eyes, owlishly as he tries to understand what the other man is saying. For him this was real, this was happening right now and Bones fit in so well that.. That what? No, this couldn't be a nightmare.]

What are you talking about? This isn't a nightmare, it's real... I--

[His brow furrows as he comes to a stop, looking around at everything around him like he's unsure and confused. This is real. He knows it's real. This has happened.

Happened?]

[ Bones shakes his head. This is certainly a nightmare, though he gets the fact that Kirk might not think so. Dreams are weird like that.

After all, there's no way a place like this could be real, right? Even if Bones seems to move through the halls like he knows the place, there's no way this is anything but a curse-powered dream. ]

Jim. [ Bones speaks seriously to him for once, not faking his anger or anything like that. ] It's a dream. You have to wake up.

[Something about the way Bones speaks to him hits home and the dream seems to slow around them, haltingly. It doesn't seem weird but Kirk blinks, brow furrowed heavily as he looks at Bones, the confused lack of understanding breaking away as realization dawns on him. He was becoming more lucid as he looks around himself and noticing how this was all so strange.

But even more aware now and realizing this is a dream, why did it feel so real still to him?]

I.. I don't-- [Why does he not want to wake up? He needs to stay here and save the crew. He shakes his head and tries to understand more what's going on.]

You said I'm screaming? Did I catch the curse?

[ It sucks to see Jim so driven and sure of himself, and then see that melt away to something almost younger, like who he was in this dream was a better version of himself.

But that's a weird thought, and Jim Kirk is an annoying little upstart novice, not the Captain of some weird ship. It's just a dream -- this isn't even his dream and Bones is having trouble believing it. Shit, those nightmares are strong, aren't they? ]

You sure did.

[ It's not great news, since it means they both have it now. But Bones won't say as much, Jim will have to figure it out. ]

Don't go worryin', you'll be fine -- the cure's not hard to get. But you gotta wake up outta this dream, or you'll just keep screamin'.

[ Bones looks around. This ship seems to be coming apart, and people were counting on Jim to fix it. Was that the problem they needed to solve? ]

It's your dream. How do we fix this ship?

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.]

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)

I'll come looking too. I want to help, Bones..

[He's not sure why it's so important to him to see Bones okay, but it was. It was important to him and his heart, the idea of the vampire hurt really didn't sit well with him. No, he would help if he could.

Jim wants to laugh but the screams around him darken the mood too much to.]

I know, it sounds like bullshit to me too, but it... it just makes sense, okay? Trust me, I'm hoping this will make even more sense to me shortly.

[That he'll know some way to fix this, to make it better.]

Yeah well, look how many people are around us-- [If the number of people is anything to go by then this ship has to be huge. Like Courtsheart big, right?]

This way, come on.

[They run along metal bridges and walkways, surrounded by hulking metal canisters. Everything was massive and metal, gravity throwing them to the side for a second as Jim reaches out to hold on to Bones tightly.]

Hang on!

[ Bones blows off Kirk's concern, focusing instead on chasing him down the hallway. Really, he's not stupid. He figured he'd catch it eventually, even if the curse spread through the mind rather than physical contact. This means he's pre-made his own cure, and would just need someone to administer it.

It's trusting someone else to actually do that that makes Leonard sweat. But he wouldn't be a damn good doctor if he let his own worries cloud his judgment. He has to help Jim wake up first—whatever nightmares are waiting for him after that, he'll deal with them. ]

Dream logic, right? Let's chase this rabbit.

[ Strangely, being asked to trust the kid doesn't immediately piss Bones off. Though he's pretty pissed off already, so he figures he just won't mention it. Besides, Bones can't do much more than roll with it and keep running. And complain, as the ship gives another lurch. ]

Thor almighty, your brain sure cooked up one hell of a goddamn stew!

[ Is that a casting joke and a play on the fact that they're supposed to be kind of Nordic? Definitely both. But the sleek and crumbling hallways soon lead them to a massive room with metal walkways and ginormous canisters—right in time for the gravity to get fucked up, of course. Bones reaches for Jim and holds on tight, using his strength to leverage himself and grab onto one of the railings.

He's never been one to fear death by falling, whether it be flying or simply falling from some great height, but Bones is starting to understand where such fears come from, and why. If he had dreams like this, he'd probably never fly in his animal form again. ]

Like hell I'd let go! For the record, flying ain't half as bad as this free-falling horseshit!

[Don't worry Bones, Karma has your back. As long as she is still at Courtsheart, you'll be fine because she'll make sure you get the cure.

The ship lurches and turns, almost dislodging them both from where they cling, parts of the ship coming apart and hitting the railing as they hang on desperately. Soon though gravity seems to right itself as they can get their feet back under them again and run further down the halls. Kirk doesn't let go of Bones' hand.]

I don't know from where or how.. I-- [He shakes his head as they get into an area that's mostly abandoned.]

This is the warp core... She--[Kirk stops in front of a computer that says the warp core is misaligned, flashing with a mechanical female voice saying it too.. There seems to be a dawning realization on his face, like he's remembering something.]

Scotty would tell me that the core was misaligned, that the ship's dead because of it, that there's no way of fixing it.. [He sounds distant.] This is where I would get too scared and the dream would restart. Again and again.

[There's a tone of knowing, like he knows what he needs to do but has been too scared to do it.]

[ Thank the Founders for Karma, if nothing else they'd get him sorted out! Because if Leonard had anything in his stomach, he'd probably be throwing up right now. Thankfully, he is a vampire and not a human and he has better control than that.

He follows Jim and lets the man ramble. The details don't matter in dreams, so Bones just goes along with it. Wrap core, sure. That's a thing.

Kirk just sounds so... hesitant all of a sudden, that Bones crosses his arms, confused. He doesn't even know Jim all that well, but he knows this much. ]

You, getting scared? That don't sound right.

[ It's a dream, so sometimes what you need is a kick in the pants. At least that's what Bones is hoping. Anyway, he knows he's harsh, but he's doing this on purpose. ]

So what if you're scared? Do it scared, idiot. If you've been stuck in this dream before, then it sounds like the only thing holding you back is your damn self.

[Bones wasn't wrong. Something was making him hesitate, making him not complete the dream. He knows what that something is... he's scared of dying again.

Again.

He doesn't even think about it deeply, just accepts that he's scared of going through that fear and pain again. He would do it, but every time before that he hesitated the dream started over before he could do anything about it. Like the curse was forcing him through the trauma over and over again, not letting him complete it.

But Bones was right, maybe it was him that was hesitating, that was holding himself back from his own cure.]

Not before.. I think since the curse took hold of me, it's just been repeating over and over again, in a loop I cannot escape. But you're right.

[Letting go of Bones, he runs to a door to the side, inputting codes he knows by heart.]

I have to do this alone.. stay here.

[He lets the door hiss shut between them, locking tight as he gives Bones a sad but determined look through the glass.]

[ Bones nods. Damn right he's right. Dream logic is fucking annoying. ]

Sounds like the kind of thing a curse would do.

[ Some part of Bones is still a doctor -- a scientist at heart. It's interesting to hear the ways the nightmares work. Trapping victims in a loop of pain and suffering sounds about right.

Still, Bones lets Jim go, watching the door close behind him. Jim is walking taller now, but with such finality... Bones walks right up to the glass, eying him warily. ]

How are you... re-aligning the, whatever core?

I need to physically force it back into position.. the core's radiation will--

[--kill me.

He shakes his head. Because this is a memory, he knows what's going to happen, he just doesn't want to relive it. Doesn't want to get trapped retelling the same story again. How he's so sure this is a memory and not some dream... he can't say, but it's real. It's so real..]

I'll make it back, just stay here. Let's end this and save my ship and crew.

[With that he turns away and opens the next door before climbing in...

He's gone for a while, but suddenly something seems to kick back on and the ship stops tossing and turning, it seems to stabilize and even out. Whatever Kirk did was successful as the ship no longer groans like its falling apart.

And then he's crawling back out of the first door, the door between them still fully locked, as Kirk struggles, in extreme pain and breathing labored. He manages to collapse by the door between them as he leans against it.]

Edited 2024-02-09 03:14 (UTC)

[ 'Radiation' doesn't sound good. Bones suddenly feels the hairs on his neck stand on end, like he shouldn't know what that is, and he doesn't, but something about it feels... bad. Wrong.

He feels fucking useless standing here while Jim goes off and does whatever he needs to do. This is Jim's dream, but it still doesn't feel as wrong as it should. And what if Jim went and got himself injured? He left his doctor behind like an idiot. That's just typical!

Bones' is spinning his wheels with these kinds of thoughts when Jim returns, which is why his response is more than a little terse. ]

About damn time!

[ He answers immediately, before taking a quick stock of Jim's physical condition, and. It's not good. Eyes bloodshot, physical exhaustion that wasn't there moments ago. Obvious signs of pain and distress. Bones doesn't have to be a doctor to know something is wrong. Unfortunately, he is a doctor, so he knows these are bad signs.

Bones is on his knees, meeting Jim by the window on the door between them. ]

Talk to me, Jim. What the hell did you do?

Edited (cuss) 2024-02-09 03:22 (UTC)

I saved the ship..

[His breathing comes in pained pants, making it hard to speak, making him halt and gasp. His bloodshot eyes are teary, because he knows, he knew what he was doing. That he was killing himself by doing this. ]

It's what needed to be done...

[Kirk knows this isn't how this is supposed to play out, that Spock is supposed to be here, not Bones. That the conversation is supposed to go differently, yet this feels right too. For this dream, this memory.]

to save the crew, to save everyone...

[The pain was so real, a memory he could never and will never forget, so unbearable that his screaming so much worse suddenly in the waking world, horrified and pained, blood running from him in droves. But here he just looks lost as he tries to focus on Bones.]

[ Leonard grimaces, the sight hard to watch, even with how little he knows about Jim. If he stopped the ship around them from lurching, and saved the lives of a vessel this big, then he's just made a huge sacrifice.

A huge, stupid, selfless sacrifice. All that anger drains right out of him.

Bones has seen people die countless times. It's part of being a doctor -- you can't save 'em all. But this is different somehow, and he leans against the door, watching as Jim falls apart even in his 'success.' ]

Jim...

[ This is the kind of man Jim Kirk is, apparently. Even in his nightmares. What a truly insane man. Bones can tell there's no saving him -- maybe in another life, with another set of memories, he'd do everything in his power to find a way to reverse the poisoning, or do something. But Bones can see the certainty in his eyes. Jim said he'd had this dream before. He already knows how this ends. ]

You did a damn good thing.

[ Bones pushes in as close as he can, giving Kirk something to focus on. Giving the man clarity in what must surely be his final moments. Bones is a good doctor, after all. ]

I'm right here, kid. You did good.

Yeah.. it's what needed to be done.

[His mind is fuzzy with pain that's so real. He gasps for air as he focuses on Bones, eyes full of tears, as he shakes. Was he shaking from pain or fear or both, it was hard to tell, especially as the next words escape from between his lips like a secret he doesn't know how to speak other than bluntly.]

I'm scared, Bones... I don't want to die again.

[Tears escape from his eyes as he looks up at Bones, struggling to talk, to breathe, to be alive.

It was so clear he was dying and fast, blood gathering at his lips and tear ducts.]

Were you scared... when you died?

[Oddly, the smell of pine and cedar comes to mind, reminds him of the fact he's alive outside of his dream, of sitting in front of the hearth of his room with Edgin, or playing in the forests of his youth..]

Edited (oops forgot that) 2024-02-09 04:24 (UTC)

You'd be surprised how few people do what needs to be done, when it costs 'em their life.

[ Bones won't give Jim the disrespect of pitying him. It's hard to watch, with how obvious all of his symptoms were (labored breathing, trouble focusing, hemorrhaging around the eyes and mouth...) Honestly, it's making Leonard remember his father, and that's enough to get his eyes glossy, despite his best attempts to the contrary.

He thinks about death. About how his father had died miserably. About how so many people don't get a valiant death where they sacrifice themselves. Most people just die. Bones blinks back his own tears, wiping his face.

His own death had been sweet in comparison. Karma was so delicate. So kind. And yet. ]

I was scared shitless.

[ Bones shakes his head, laughing entirely humorlessly. ]

I was so fucking scared, kid.

[ In a bid to maybe give the kid some closure (this is a dream, what did it matter?) Bones sets his hand against the glass. It's all the comfort he can provide. ]

But I wasn't alone. And neither are you. [ Bones grits his teeth, tears flowing freely but showing no pain otherwise. He's a doctor, dammit. He's good at this. ] You're gonna be okay. You're gonna wake up, and you're gonna be fine.

[Sure it was a dream, but Jim was so sure it was something more... it was a reality, what kind and when, he's not sure, but he knows when something is just a nightmare and when something was something more...

Still, to have Bones answer him instead of shove him off is a comfort. He knows how much Bones likes to push him away, but he needs the vampire in this moment, he needs Bones-- Gods, he's so scared, but he gives an unfocused smile. The smell of cedar and pine growing stronger as he starts to fade from life. He's not sure what to do, it was so different this time.]

I knew you cared.. [His voice is fading, halting in agony as each breath becomes harder to pull in.] Thank you... I--

[But after one more unfocused smile, his eyes go hollow and his breathing slows to struggled stop before he slumps over, gone.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

january tdm/event post

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