undyingcourt | january tdm/event post

Entry tags:

january tdm/event post

JANUARY TDM - WINTER DREAMS

Welcome to the Undying Court's January Test Drive Meme! This post also functions as the January Event for existing characters, and continues the Winter Season, led by the Blue Court.

New characters may handwave or backdate the previous season's arrival prompt should they wish to, but you may otherwise assume they've been here the whole time! Additionally, all TDM threads can be taken as in-game canon if desired. And remember that apps open February 3-7, with invites opening on January 28, and reserves not long after!

Note that this post will contain: violence, enthrallment, torture, slavery, horror and potentially sexual content. Dreams come in many forms, after all.

This event also features another chance for characters to submit Regains, so make sure to submit after you've posted your top-level or reply to someone else's dream. For characters both new and old, feel free to brush up on the Premise, Vampire Powers, and head over to the FAQ/Game Info page if you have any questions!

Note that this event will be occurring throughout the month of January and into February, so characters are free to forward-date as desired!
For new characters please format your Top-level in this format: Character Name | Canon | Court | Youngblood/Novice | TDM
For existing characters please format your Top-level in this format: Character Name | Court | Youngblood/Novice
If you have any questions specific to the event, ask them in the Plotting Post Q&A section!

Top-Level Directory:

ONCE UPON A DREAM

A quiet falls over the Castle as a new day begins to break. As with every morning, this is a time when vampires must retreat to avoid the rays of the sun, pulling heavy curtains around their beds and windows to block out any light. However, this particular morning is abnormally quiet as the whole of the Castle seems to fall asleep all at once, and all together. After this enchanted sleep, and for the the next thirty days, the Castle's residents will start to experience strange phenomena within their dreams.

During this period, dreams become more vivid, so realistic it feels like the dreamer is awake. Dreamers can pass into each other's dreams without meaning to. Some of these dreams are in fact memories--either those from the lives the characters have lived in the Castle and the outlying lands, or the strange memories they've begun to gain back.

But be careful! For what starts as a regular memory might start to warp into something new. If you're lucky, it'll be something positive, like a dream of a home you've always wanted. But if you're unlucky, the memory might twist and turn into a nightmare, catching you in it and turning your worst fears against you.

Each nightfall, everyone will wake and return to normal. Or at least, most people will.

[Note: Any current characters who participate in the dream event by creating a top level or tagging someone else at least once in this prompt may be rewarded with a free impactful memory, which may be used in the dreamscape. Don't forget to submit for your Regains!]

A NIGHTMARISH CURSE

It turns out that not everyone wakes up. Those who stay in nightmares for too long may find themselves cursed, and unable to wake up. At first, the curse appears no different from regular sleep. But a few hours in the victim will start screaming uncontrollably. No touch will wake them, no amount of calling their name will break the spell. After too long, the victim will start to bleed, slowly at first, and then more and more as they remain afflicted. A victim left unattended will bleed out and die.

The Council works quickly to step in. Kashire (who is looking rather frayed this season) delivers the news that there's no need to panic, but everyone will need to do their part in locating and curing victims. In fact, the youngbloods seem to be taking this as the perfect opportunity for a teaching moment, and students are expected to try and find a cure with the skills that match their Court. Novices and youngbloods alike are encouraged to try and help lift the curse from anyone they can. (Get creative! Blood heals many wounds...) Any victims that have progressed too far will need to be seen to by Revar.

The nightmare curse, however, can spread quickly. Anyone who enters the nightmare of a victim will fall victim to the curse. Additionally, any attempt to reach out to the mind of a curse victim will also spread the curse. With the combined efforts of the students and teachers, the curse can be completely put out. But it will take time and care to ensure everyone is found in time, and cured safely.

ANYWAY, WINTER GAMES!

But a few curses aren't going to stop the Blue Court from making sure everyone has a good time. The days might be short, and weighed down by the threats of nightmares, but winter has hit Castle Courtsheart in full force, and the long nights and snow-covered grounds make for an excellent backdrop to the Inter-Court Winter Games!

There isn't really a reward for the winning house besides bragging rights and maybe a trophy that doubles as a chalice, but youngbloods and novices alike are invited to join in the festivities and compete against one another in the spirit of glory and the chance to lord over your Court's superiority. Even Council members and mature vampires of each court seem to enjoy cheering on their respective teams from the stands. Everything is fine! Forget your troubles and go play in the snow.

What kind of sports do vampires play? Feel free to get creative, but here are some examples:

Thrall-Curling: Since vampiric strength proves to be a little too much for this sport otherwise, teams of novices (or youngbloods) of the same Court can team up to gently compel their thralls to play the thrilling sport of curling. Coax that stone across the ice with care, and take out the opposing team! Or, well, the thralls will do that, assuming they're guided well. Try not to break them. (The thralls, that is.)

Figure skating: Practicing your pirouettes? For a vampire, a quadruple-axel is hardly worth breaking a sweat over. Favored for its beauty and almost seductive grace, the figure skating competition will be scored and judged by a multi-court panel. Participants might get extra points for incorporating bladework and masking into their sets, so these performances are sure to wow the judges.

Ice Hockey: Yes, the high-contact sport transcends time and space, but vampires don't need silly things like helmets or padded safety gear. Don your court's colors and hit the ice to toss the puck around and score as many points against the opposing team as you can before the time runs out. Violence is encouraged! Everyone likes to see a bit of blood on the ice this time of year. (Shadowstepping is considered cheating, but only if you get caught.)

And more! Snowball fighting may not be a sport, but there's no better time to enjoy the outdoors and stretch those growing fangs and muscles than the dead of winter. So whether you're cheering on your Court or watching from the sidelines, there's something here for everyone. Just because the castle is full of the the undead doesn't mean they can't have a little winter fun.

CLASS NOTES

Other notable happenings for the early winter season include:

Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and maybe it's time to find or make gifts for that special blood claim in your life. This season blood jewelry is the hot ticket item. These are pieces made from precious metal and glass, which hold the blood of a vampire in them. Carry a lover's blood to show how much you love them, or carry your own to force down the throat of your enemies so you can influence them.

Whispers around school start to say that Black Court lost a novice this month. Not murder this time! He simply unmade himself trying to mistwalk. Eh, these things happen.

As a result of a tie in last month's pumpkin carving contest, members of the Black and Red Courts will find small packages outside their doors. They are gifted silver letter openers, with the handle inlaid with pumpkins and leaves, and a note from Revar with a little drawing of a pumpkin and their signature. How nice!

Lady Whisperfangs is quiet for now, but her time is yet to come... This month's check-in will have a field to submit gossip about your characters! Vampires do so love their drama.

Once again, characters are free to talk to the NPCs as well: Revar & Kashire. For any questions regarding this month's prompts, please comment in the Plotting Post. For general game questions, please check the FAQ/Game Info. In the meantime, remember to submit your Regains for this month's free reward, and keep an eye out for our AC Check-in next week, starting on January 25-31.

The new year has brought us plenty of thirsty vampires, so we're glad you're here to share them with you!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Kashire will be available throughout the month both in the castle and grounds, watching the games, etc. Please specify where you'd like to interact with him! ]

[ It's been a bit of a month, and Lockwood has quite a few things on his mind. Lady Whisperfang had been a nice diversion, and of course getting through the dreaded History course had kept him busy, but it seemed as if the subjects of politics and governance couldn't help nipping at his heels.

As a general rule Lockwood dressed the part of a Gold Court dandy. Never stepping foot outside the room unless he was resplendent in classic outfits of tail coat, waist coat, breeches and boots all in shades of black and gold. But sometimes, just sometimes, Lockwood rounded out a long day in something more comfortable.

He still had his black breeches, but instead of his knee high black boots he wore ankle boots that allowed the bright pink socks to flash as he stepped. Atop the breeches he was wearing a simple sweater, mostly black but with hints of gold flecks woven into the wool, it set against his throat as a mock turtleneck. No telling where he'd picked it up, it looked like something quite pedestrian, compared to the fine silk and lace most vampires wrapped around themselves. It was possible that it might have been a gift from somewhere up North.

It was late this particular night, edging close to the hours when all good little vampires would be tucked up asleep. Something had sent Lockwood off to the library for a book, which he carried in one hand as he strolled along the hallways. He wasn't seeking Kashire out, but when his path happened to bring him across the Blue Court Council member, Lockwood paused in his stride.

He should absolutely keep walking. Kashire was a busy man and Lockwood didn't have anything specific to discuss. He had no reason to disturb the older vampire. All the same, he turned neatly on the balls of his feet and set himself on an intercept path. ]

Kashire! [ Lockwood called out, smiling. ] Out alone at this hour? That suggests you're either coming from, or heading too an assignation.

[ Come on. It's Kashire. The man does not sleep alone during the day. ]

Aren't you cute? An assignation.

[ There's no derision--or, at least, no more derision than Kashire usually has for anyone. It's really either luck or council-based immunity that kept him out of Whisperfangs, especially after his perhaps less-than-secret conscious uncoupling with a certain member of the Black Court. Lockwood might even notice that his eyes are as sapphire as they ought to be--which is to say, lacking the black flecks that once marked them.

Or maybe she just took pity on him after he lost his novice.

Still, as ever, Kashire is perfectly put together in every way. Not a bit of silk out of place, his nails painted in blue and decorated as if adorned with icicles for the season. If he had indeed been sleeping with anyone, he'd done a very fine job of putting himself back together. ]

Meanwhile, I suppose you've been having a tryst with the books?

[ There's something fond about it. Why, for someone who knew him, it might sound alarming like "It's good to see you back." ]

Edited 2024-02-16 05:06 (UTC)

[ Lockwood has kicked around the castle long enough, and kicked around the seats of government outside the castle long enough, to have a workable dictionary of Karshire'-isms. He took Kashire's tone in stride; both the loft of patronization and the not!derision. In Lockwood's opinion, it was all the same as getting a warm, welcoming hug!

Stopping a few feet away from the Council member, he glanced towards the book in his hand, then smiled and executed a graceful bow at the waist. ]

It is but a small fling, signifying nothing! [ He exclaimed upon straightening, black and gold eyes flashing with impish humor. ] A hollow attempt to console myself while you enjoy the arms of another.

[ The tone and the words are all proper deference, but to anyone who knows them both, there is playful mischief beneath the formal, flowery words.

Straightening, Lockwood's smile settled down into something more warm, genuine, and his voice softened. ] It's good to see you, Kashire. [ If the Council member keeps walking, Lockwood will turn and fall into step beside him. He would never assume to steal time from someone like Kashire. ] On a scale of one to ten, how ready are you for the end of this season?

[ Walking it is, then! Kashire probably has things to do. He's a council member, after all. ]

Oh, as ever, it's a mix. On the one hand, I'll be glad not to be acting voice, but on the other hand... [ Kashire sighs, looking towards one of the windows in the hall wistfully ] I really do love Winter. It's always a shame when the nights start becoming shorter again.

[ Hands folded back and tucked into the small of his back, Lockwood discreetly set himself one half pace behind Kashire in deference to the other man's rank. He tilted his head, listening and giving the Council member an empathetic look. ]

As a member of Gold Court it is my duty to say 'ha ha' [ Lockwood begins to play up the theatrics ] 'it is time for the rise of the Summer Season in all our superior glory!' [ He turns his head and gives a cheeky wink, before sobering. ]

Longer days mean more time alone with our own thoughts. [ 'More time to dwell upon the loss of a novice'. He won't say the words aloud, that would be presumptuous. But he coats them in a tone that invites Kashire to introduce the subject of his novice, on his own terms. ]

I've always found it a bit easier to ignore the daylight hours here in the castle. It closes up quite nicely. [ Allowing its denizens to rattle about, regardless of the sun's position in the sky. It just cut back on the amount of outdoor activities one could get up to. ]

Will you stay at the castle once the seasons turn?

[ Kashire laughs--he's certainly one for theatrics, and at least someone can enjoy making fun of the Gold Court with him. But it dies out with the time about his thoughts, and the obvious implication there. Not a subject he wants to raise on his own. ]

Well, you're not wrong on that. Better here than some random city not equipped for our kind.

[ The Castle has some benefits, he supposes. ]

Yes, with the extra novices, the Council has asked at least one member from each Court to stay. That's why Revar is still around, too. I mean, fuck if I know where they go when they go do official Silver business, but they're not supposed to be here all year long.

[ Lockwood likes it when Kashire laughs. An actual laugh and not a haughty mocking laugh, and vampire lords know Lockwood has courted both across the years. The way it dies out and Kashire holds the conversation to topics not his novice is a clear message to the younger Gold Court member. Lockwood won't press further.

Instead he grins with a mixture of genuine pleasure and more than a hint of impishness in his black/gold eyes. ]

Now, Sir. No need to be territorial, there are plenty of novices and young bloods to boss around without you stepping on each other's toes. [ He keeps his comments light, especially out here in public, but he is aware that this is an irregular situation.

He cannot recall the Council insisting that members of different courts share the same territory for any extended period of time. Castle Courtsheart is considered neutral space, given the mix of courts within its confines, but it still feels like asking a lot, for Revar and Kashire to have to split and share their authorities.

Another oddity to add to the list he's mentally building. More private thoughts, not for public consumption. Keep it light, keep it safe for public consumption. ]

If it helps, I place myself solely under your command. [ Look. He can be the oldest virgin in the castle, and still be a shameless flirt. Especially if it encourages Kashire to laugh again. ]

[ Kashire sighs, clearly just for the drama of it. ]

You really are such a tease.

[ but then he adds a little more seriously, as if this needs to be said: ]

It's not a territorial thing. Honestly, if Revar wanted to do all the boring paperwork, I would happily give it to them. The Council isn't as fun as everyone not on the Council seems to think it is.

NPC Threads

Kashire

Sidles up with no plan in sight

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

Revar

Curing Curses

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

games

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject