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

That voice brings Satoru to a stop, head turning to stare at Suguru, wide-eyed, stunned. He knows, then, that this is a dream, and though he doesn't understand the strange surroundings and the even stranger creatures staring him down, there is one thing he understands.

"You know me. I love being the center of attention," he says lightly, falling back into their banter like it hasn't been decades.

It's almost painful, seeing Suguru standing there. Because it isn't real, is it? The real Suguru fucked off for some missions years ago and hasn't come back since, leaving Satoru to miss him wistfully like an idiot, like some stupid caricature of a storybook hero, pining endlessly. It's his own fault; he doesn't connect to many people, but when he does, he does so intensely.

Like so many things don't make sense in dreams, he watches as his dream self stalks towards the strange creatures, intention to fight visible in every line of his body.

"I don't know why my dreams picked this scenario, though. I've got way more interesting fantasies than this."

[Suguru didn't choose to leave. his maker's big plans required this little pawn to set things in motion, remove obstacles, all the fun things the old bastard could think of. those decades went by in a blur and it's better that Gojo hasn't seen Geto during those years. he wouldn't have recognised him anyay.]

You always did have a creative mind.

[the creatures on the ground are reminiscent of the strange creatures from Geto's own dream, but it's more of an afterthought with Satoru standing before him like this.]

But it looks like you're about to have fun. What is that place, do you know?

The other him, the one stalking toward the creatures like they're prey, is wearing a style of jacket and pants he's never seen before, black and severe. He might have a creative mind, but really, it's even extending to new fashion choices?

"No idea," he hums thoughtfully, and that's when violence breaks out. The other him is grabbing the smaller creature's arm and twisting, both of them ducking under a swing kick from the taller creature, and there's a grin on his dream self's face that looks deranged right before he rips off the arm in his grip.

Huh. So that's what he looks like when he's fighting. Cool.

"Why are you even asking questions?" Satoru's eyes narrow at Suguru. "Dream figments shouldn't be questioning other parts of the dream, that's just weird." He snaps his fingers, like a lightbulb going off over his head. "Oh! You're my logical mind questioning my subconscious mind, aren't you? Why choose him as a visage, though? That's a strange choice."

Hm?

[the dream sequence distracts Suguru for a moment. Satoru always had a talent for distracting Geto or getting him into trouble, but they're safe here. as safe as creatures like them can get.

but, by all the gods below, Gojo does look damn cool when he's fighting.]

Why do I have to be your logical mind? That's so unsexy, Satoru.

"Hmm, you're right. You can be my ego, then," Satoru offers graciously, because that's definitely the sexiest part of him.

The taller creature, which he's dubbed Plant, and the smaller creature, which he's dubbed Volcano, are still getting pummeled. Dream Satoru kicks Plant so hard it goes flying clear across the station, and Dream Satoru follows that up by whirling Volcano around and flinging him like a frisbee. Dream logic is clearly at play here; Satoru can kick people pretty hard, but not that hard. That would be impossible.

What's kind of annoying is how the dream is warping constantly. The point of view is simultaneously fixed, and from above, and through the walls, and it's all a bit nauseating, honestly.

"So, ego," Satoru says cheerfully, leaning his arm against Suguru's shoulder. "What wisdom have you got for me. Since this is a dream and all, it's probably trying to tell me something. What are the themes. The symbolism. Is this one big allegory about how I'm fighting against my maker?"

[his black bird eyes are fixated on the dream fight below them, taking in every single detail, admiring the brute force that is Gojo. they all have the potential for terrible violence - a skill Suguru has perfected over the years - still there's something about watching dream Gojo that makes his heart ache.]

Still trying to find the easy way, are we? You really haven't changed that much. If you keep that up, you'll force me to become your super-ego and give you a scolding that will make your ears ring.

[a sideways glance, a sly smile, something having caught his attention more than the symphony of violence below.]

Are you though, Satoru? Fighting your maker?

"I'm always fighting my maker," Satoru grumbles, a rare show of what might be called actual genuine emotion. There's precisely two people he'd trust enough to do that with, and one of them is in the castle, and the other one has been on back to back missions for years and isn't here. Just the figment of him.

A figment that's annoyingly lucid and sharp for a dream. Shouldn't Dream Suguru be talking nonsense?

As Dream Satoru leaps easily through a forest of striking tendril roots and lands on the plant monster's shoulders to rip out what seem to be its eyes, real Satoru frowns at Suguru, then frowns deeper, and finally comes to realization that he's dreaming. And that Suguru isn't just a figment.

Ha. He knew Suguru would come back eventually. Is this just a brief visit? Is he going to stay longer? Why did this have to happen in a stupid dream?

"You asshole, how are you even doing this?" he asks cheerfully, still leaning on Suguru's shoulder and reaching over to poke him in the cheek. "I know you missed me, but barging in on my dreams? What, were you hoping to see something dirty?"

I'm not doing anything.

[Suguru laughs at the childish poke at his cheek. it doesn't stop him from reaching out to pinch Satoru's cheek, though.]

I was having very pleasant landscape moments until I was pulled into your symphony of violence here.

[he slings his arm around Satour's waist casually.]

Seems like you missed me more, hm?

As pleased as he is, it does beg the question: how the fuck is Suguru in his dream? Satoru's more mentally aware than most, so it hadn't taken him long to realize that he was dreaming, but Suguru's presence throws a wrench into things.

"I didn't miss you at all," he says airily, as the dream version of himself looks to be killing the plant with nothing more than sheer aura, squishing it against the wall, and damn, that looks like it would be handy. "Your moralizing always did kill my buzz."

It's all lies. He missed Suguru, but it's not like he's going to admit that. That would be way too emotionally open for him.

"Did I pull you into my dream?" Satoru hums thoughtfully. "I've never done that before. Theoretically it's possible with entrancement, though."

My moralising? Satoruuu, those were the very basic requirements to not get into trouble!

[said with a laugh, mostly because he can't for the unlife of him remember having morals, but. he must have had some at some point? he can't see himself following his maker to the depths of hell had he always been like this.]

When would have had the chance for that? You haven't given me the time of day in decades. Maybe I should befriend that you over there. He looks fun.

Back then, Satoru was of the belief that getting into trouble was half -- no, probably most of the fun of being a novice. He'd gone into the school with a reputation that spoke for itself; novice of a Council Member, expected to do great things, blah blah blah. Doing stupid shit to ruin that reputation had been the highlight of his novice life.

"Because you've been gone for decades, idiot," he replies, but it comes out more fond than pointed. "And it took me way too long to realize that my maker always pulled me away the few times you were back."

Constantia was probably afraid of the chaos they could cause together. Or what they could achieve together, given time.

They did?

[well, that was... not really surprising. if he had one of the most promising young men in his palm, he wouldn't let him prance around with murdering scum like Geto either.

his own maker always hoped Geto might be able to rope in the great Gojo Satoru, but when it came to Gojo, Geto had been surprisingly selfish. never letting the old man anywhere near his friend.]

Well, they'll be delighted to hear I'm back permanently, won't they?

[a sly grin, a nudge.]

Since we're in a dream... I missed your stupid handsome face.

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."

You like? I didn't think you'd notice.

[Suguru flips his hair coquettishly, matching Satoru's faux shy vibe and laughs. he's never thought much about the hair. the old tsar has always told him not to cut it short which, ugh, such a nuisance. hearing Satoru say he likes it is... it's nice.

for a moment he feels like nothing has changed and it threatens to show on his face so he turns his attention back to the dream.]

What in the world is your brain going through in slumber? What are those creatures even?

Satoru rolls his eyes fondly. Yes, he does in fact like, though he's very much the kind of guy who normally wouldn't notice if someone shaved all their hair off.

The dream becomes even more active, then, some kind of contraption pulling in and misshapen monsters spilling out of it. Satoru grimaces. What the hell is his brain going through in slumber? The dream version of himself looks-- cold. Maybe a tiny bit conflicted.

"Well, you know what they say. Dreams are our brain's way of working out our experiences during the day. So the monsters are probably a metaphor for the people that annoy me," he replies glibly, just in time for the roof to cave in and dozens of people to fall through. It's... kind of a horrifying scene, if he's being honest. "And these superpowers I have in the dream are just my ego telling me how amazing I am."

So not much has changed in the castle, hm?

[though considering the sheer amount of monsters, either Satoru's patience has worn even thinner than Suguru remembers, or the population of annoying shitheads has grown disproportionally large.

Suguru seems almost mesmerised by the scene. all those bodies - people, monsters - and in their midst Gojo Satoru, forever untouchable, forever unattainable.]

Since when do you need dreams to tell you how amazing you are? What happened to your adoring masses?

[surely those numbers have grown as well in Suguru's absence. oh how he hated those pining imbeciles in the past, pining, gasping, grasping.]

"I got bored of them," Satoru replies flippantly. Because he gets bored of pretty much everything, eventually. Except for a few certain things, and a few certain people.

What happens next in the dream-- even he can't quite decipher. Because the dream version of him holds a hand up and it's like space itself tears around him, but only for a split second. Everyone, humans and monsters both, are frozen, vacant looks on their faces like they're trying to process something incalculable. And then his dream self starts moving, so fast he's a blur, and the heads of monsters are raining from the sky as they're ripped off by hand.

Seriously. What is his brain trying to work out, here? The calculation of a human life? What should be prioritized?

"Just like I'm bored of this," he continues, though there's a bit too much seriousness in his tone to be read as strictly uncaring. Satoru reaches out, and pokes Suguru in the cheek. "I'm ending this stupid dream, and you can wake up. And you'd better be in the castle when I come to find you."

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

january tdm/event post

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject