undyingcourt | 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

[Karma expects the lash back so gracefully crosses their legs and watches him carefully as he gapes like a fish at them. His excuses ring on uncaring ears as they continue to give him a flat look.

Clearly they weren't buying what he was selling.]

We don't know that you can't get it again. Just because there has yet to be a case of that doesn't make it a proven fact and you know it. [Tsk tsk, Bones. You know better.]

Really, you need your rest, just like any other patient who is recovering from the curse. Go read a book or something, but if I see you tending to patients, I will hobble you.

[ Bones releases the loudest, most dramatic, put out sigh. He knew it was no use arguing with his maker, but damned if he wasn't going to try. Their reprimands are especially biting, because it's definitely bad practice to just follow your gut and assume you'll be okay. And he knows Karma would do it too -- Bones didn't just get his scalpeling thing from nowhere. (It's affectionate. They're normal. For vampires.) ]

Fine. I'll hate it, but I'll... I'll be good. I'll take it easy.

[ He says that like it's a bad thing. He just wants to be useful. But he understands. If he was his own doctor, he'd strap him to the bed to make sure he didn't leave. He hangs his head, closing his eyes in defeat. ]

You think the library has any books on the curse I could take out? You know I don't read fiction.

[ Medical journals or bust. ]

Edited (cw) 2024-02-14 05:37 (UTC)

[They absolutely would(Totally normal and affectionate).

But his acceptance gets a bright smile from them, pleased that they don't have to fight him too much on this. Right now at least. Clearly he will be probably trying to work by tomorrow regardless.]

Good. You need your rest so you can be at peak condition to help people. Eden is under the same orders, you can lament my cruelty together.

[But his question gets them to pause and think.]

Revar said it occurred once a long time ago, long before you and I. Perhaps, though you might have to go into the restricted section to find the journals that have such information.

[ So normal. He loves them. And he feels less terrible about being quarantined if he can make his maker smile. ]

Yeah, yeah. I ain't some kid. I'll live.

[ He is certainly acting like one, with how he's all a mess and complaining, but such is his life. Better to play it safe for everyone's sake than be stupid and stubborn. (Ohhh but being stubborn is so much better. He won't be. But he wants to.)

Instead he will message Jim Kirk and be a dick to him. That's love, baby. ]

Guess I'll see who I can bribe to get in there. Or if people haven't already checked out all the good stuff -- I'm not likin' my chances either way.

Well... live is all relative, isn't it?

[They chuckle as they ring the damp cloth in the basin, the water coming away a faint silver from the blood she was cleaning from his face.

Taking the same cloth, they go back to cleaning his face and looking him over with medical precision, assessing him for symptoms and the like. It was rare that Karma wasn't on the clock.]

I'll put in a good word for you, I have access, I will extend it to you, though remember, no bloodcoffee in the restricted section. Even should works on the curse be taken out, you should look into other ancient abnormalities and illnesses.. if one came back, there is a chance others may as well.

[ Leonard chuckles. Yes, "live" isn't something he's done since his Becoming, but he doesn't mind his unlife too much. Work keeps the days from blending together, and he's always learning. One day he might be able to help humans, or so he hopes.

But he can't do that if he fucks up his health. He holds still while they fuss over him, that knowing, watchful eye familiar and comforting as it's trained on him. ]

Thanks, Karm. I'll be good. Cross my heart.

[ He draws an X over his heart as a joke, but he takes their insight seriously. It's a fair enough assumption, and they'll be better prepared if they know what to expect. ]

If I find anything, you'll be the first to know.

That would be good. Do tell me if you find anything on pointed ears, there's been two cases of it now without really any reason for it. Both are healthy as they were before the affliction.

[Not that either has come to her about it but it feels relevant to know if it's something contagious.

They pause...]

I looked into it, but in case you find something I missed. There have been some strange things around the castle. we need to stay vigilant to any illnesses that might crop up.

Pointed ears...? I'll keep an eye out.

[ There's a memory in his head somewhere, of a call, to someone, that might have...? No, he doesn't remember Spock yet. But he'll look back at this and wonder, once he remembers what Vulcans are. ]

Hopefully this nightmare curse ain't the start of something. I know most of the old vampires think magic is silly, but if we're getting curses in the castle... Well, that could be next. Founders hope not -- I'll take science over magic any day.

That's my concern too.. but there is little to back it up. I can't put my finger on it, but the castle feels... off these days.

[They sigh as they brush some hair behind their ear. Thinking about magic and curses and...

It feels like some kind of fantasy, yet..]

Let's keep this between us, yes? I might speak to another about my concerns, but I think for now we keep this circle small, yes?

You'd know better than me. I believe it.

[ Bones isn't nearly old enough to get a sense for what "normal" is at the castle, not really, but he'll roll with whatever comes. Even this nightmare stuff. They'd found a cure. They'd figure it out. ]

Won't hear a peep out of me. [ He smiles. ] You know you and me got maker/novice confidentiality.

I do, thank you, Len.

[Leaning forward, they give him a kiss on the cheek.]

I should go and check on the patients now.

[Standing, they place the cloth in the basin and smooth out their dress, there was blood on it from Eden mostly, they would need to change before returning to the medical wing.]

Get some rest, I'll be around again later to check in.

[ Bones smiles, reaching forward to tuck a strand of Karma's hair behind their ear. That kind of easy affection hadn't been easy for him when they'd first met, but the years had been kind to him -- Karma had been kind to him. He doesn't bristle under their affection like he would so many others. ]

Good luck out there.

[ He wishes he could follow them so bad!! But he's exhausted. He knows that. He watches them go, but as soon as they're out of sight, he's going to lay back down and rest if he can manage it. ]

Don't have too much fun, huh?

january tdm/event post

cw: mention of hobbling

violence but it's played for affection

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