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

[Oh, no,

The Dreaded Eye Contact Trap.

On the one hand, Yasuho is a very good student. She pays attention! She studies! She does her best, and you know what, her best actually amounts to something! ...Which, in Gold, is to be expected. That pressure is on.

Still, second season she may be, but one never gets rid of the single fear of The Eye Contact Trap. It's a testament to her practice that she manages to almost ditch the look of a deer in the headlights.

Almost.

The book in her hands closes with an audible snap.] Uh-

[No, shoot, no uhs Yasuho, ugh- to say that she's still feeling a bit thrown off by her earlier experience with being cursed, would be putting it lightly.] Of course!

[...she says, while wishing she were anywhere else.] It would be good for me to practice this after all...

[It is rapidly occurring to her that she knows next to nothing about curling. Oh no!]

[ You done messed up now, Yasuho. You've engaged and accepted Xenk's "teaching moment" so now he's going to brightly smile as he steps over to her. ]

Excellent. The compulsion must be done gently in order to achieve the desired result.

[ He is so excited about sports. Don't worry, Yasuho, he can tell she has no idea what she's agreed to. ]

Do you understand the rules of curling?

[The nervousness might show a little, but at least she's going to be honest.]

Gentle...I can do that, [she breathes, nodding more to herself than anything. It doesn't quite keep her from wincing, however.]

Not at all...I didn't see much snow where I grew up, let alone ice. Most of these sports are completely new.

[ Xenk respects honesty, so she's getting points in his book, at least. But he explains like this is totally basic knowledge. ]

It is simple. The purpose of the game is to slide the stone across the ice, towards the target on the other side. Points are accrued based on the proximity to the center of the target, however the opposing team may attempt to keep the other team's rock away from the center as well.

[ It does also involve sweeping in front of the stone over and over to make sure it slides at the exact right speed. It's so weird. ]

[Fortunately she's a smart cookie, and can see those brooms at work.] And the sweeping is to increase friction to slow the stone down...Okay...

So I need to focus first on the throw, and then on two with the broom...

[The gears, they are turning.] Watching them now, they're not allowed to interfere directly with the other team, right?

[A rock hitting a rock, that's fair game, but best she can see there's no taking a broom over to slow someone else down.]

Correct. Only one team is allowed on the ice at a time.

[ His smile actually brightens a bit. He does so love to see a Gold Novice prove they're smart. ]

The rock must be thrown at such a speed that it will reach the target, but slowed by the remaining team members, who use brooms to shift the ice and slow the rock down.

[ It's so simple but it's complex... the beauty of curling. ]

Likewise, teams are not allowed to interfere with another team's thralls. Any instances of foul play are dealt with swiftly and without prejudice.

Naturally, [she agrees, nodding with a little more confidence.] Interfering with the thralls for another team would practically be the same as being on the ice at that point.

Okay...I think I have the basics then...

[Her eyes move toward the ring, studying it for a moment. One thrall to shoot a rock, and then a quick switch to the two for the brooms, that's the pattern she needs to keep in mind...]

Is there a free team right now?

[... ...oh no she's going to go up against her teacher isn't she. She's going to get creamed....

...at least it's good practice...]

[ Xenk nods. Good!! Good sportsmanship is key to any sport!! Don't let the cheaters from other courts get you down! (or Gold Court. People on Gold Court definitely cheat, just not Xenk.)

He motions towards the rink, eyes alight with mirth. He actually enjoys this dumb sport, you can tell. ]

We may practice between the two of us. I have far more experience in this particular area, but I will attempt to... 'go easy' on you, as this is your first time.

[[OOC - OH LETS GO?!?!?]]

[The Gold Court might cheat, but at least these two have standards!

Yasuho's nerves certainly aren't about to fade, but if there's one thing that Xenk's energy is affecting, it's her willingness to try her best. This is a learning opportunity! A chance to really show she's not just good in a classroom setting!

Also maybe people will call her a nerd less. That could be nice.

Having the difficulty spike lowered a bit is still a comfort to hear though, and the woman nods as she prepares to start focusing.] Thank you for that- I'll make sure to aim for a perfect shot..!

[All the cheer on her face vanishes for focus the minute it's her turn though. She needs to do this with care. One person first...and then two. Thrall number one will certainly throw without trouble- the stone glides across the ice with ease, and she seems to manage swapping her attention to the next two pretty well!]

Hooooo...

[ GET IT GIRL!!! Xenk has his own little team of thralls ready to go, though he can do all of this without breaking a sweat. He's far more interested in watching Yasuho's progress, as she's a fairly fresh student and this task could very well fall outside of her means.

A for effort isn't normally a thing Xenk believes in, but he likes curling enough that he'd give it to her. He watches more amicably than he usually does, impressed with her ability and determination. When the power is itself from the mind, sometimes that makes all the difference.

He won't say anything in case that'll break her concentration, but he is suitably impressed. Good job, Yasuho!! ]

[The stone, ultimately, doesn't stop quite in the middle...but it's pretty close, and Yasuho fortunately doesn't make the mistake of having her thralls keep 'sweeping' when the stone is about to reach the rings.

Releasing them from hold though, she can't hold back a short 'WHOO!' before composing herself...at least somewhat. The beaming smile says it all, after all.]

Hoo...Oh! Almost the center..!

[FOR NOW.] It feels a little strange splitting focus between two like that...

[All things considered it was a good job though!]

[ Xenk truly does smile with pride. Good work!! Excellent mind control! 10/10. Well, 9/10, Xenk doesn't give perfect scores. ]

Excellent work.

[ Ma'am, Xenk Yendar just said "excellent work"? Holy shit. Sports really are magical. ]

It is good practice, certainly for one so early in their seasons as yourself. As you grow in strength and become a youngblood, you will be able to control several thralls at once.

[ He says this and just looks at his team. The full squad gets moving and starts throwing the stone over the ice. Xenk here only rolled a 10, so despite an attempt, his thralls will not knock Yasuho's stone away from the target. Very charitable of him!! ]

[Exellent work? Excellent work!?

Yasuho absolutely beams, unable to keep the cheer from her voice.] Thank you, sir!

[She could perhaps have said more about how much she intends to get her best from this opportunity, but she feels it better to focus on watching Xenk's own move. With a second roll of 17- ~~She better hope the die don't build for a spectacular failure~~- she's certainly feeling as if she's brimming with confidence. The woman carefully focuses on her next move as the turn comes to her, eyes honing in on what might be closer.

The target? Or Xenk's own stone?

(The charity is appreciated of course, but she can't insult it by not giving her all after all!)]

[ Sports just bring out the best in people!! And this is an excellent learning opportunity, one that Xenk is glad to see that Yasuho is appreciating.

Xenk's eyes are bright with mirth as he watches her take aim and play more aggressively. Good, because Xenk rolled a 23 (naturally, he has a bonus to Athletics) and that means his own team gets the stone perfectly across the ice, knocking Yasuho's away from the center, where it settles. Perfectly. ]

You show talent. It gladdens me to see that the Gold Court chose well with you.

[They'll make a jock of you yet Yasuho!! Or. Some kind of strange study jock at least.

For all that Xenk's next move has of course nudged her down some points, all she can do is watch the motion with awe. It's a mastery of control- not only of the thralls, but the very understanding of the game, and then the understanding of the thralls' own ability. It's an art of complicated play, and the awe isn't quite gone from her face when she turns to face Xenk.

Which of course makes the compliment that much more felt. Considering she was hand picked in the first place, it's been a blanket of worry since arrival. Has she been doing enough? Succeeding enough? Proving her worth properly, with grace and skill and care?

It's hardly much, but just those words do a lot.] It's my goal to only do better, [she politely answers- still unable to hide that smile she has.] I won't let anyone think they chose poorly for an instant.

[....................................which makes it a shame she rolled a five, but she at least manages to hold back the urge to wince and curse when one of her thralls falls face forward on the ice. At least the stone...made it to the farthest ring...]

[ Study jocks are a staple of the gold court!! Xenk watches her with a smile on his lips. He loves to see talent fostered well, especially within his own court. ]

Good. See that you continue with that goal.

[ He observes her turn and doesn't comment on her near-failure, he may not be nice but he won't mock her. She's still only in her first season, after all. He rolls a 19 and simply nods at his thralls to make the next pitch. They don't knock into her stone, but it's another one close to the bullseye. ]

There you are. It takes practice and skill to attain proper control.

[Doing her best to keep from chewing her lip- it wouldn't do to give away any further embarrassment here- she nods determinedly.]

Getting overconfident means losing focus, [She 'adds' as a point of agreement, taking a steady breath to re-center herself.

With a roll of 15, she does much better suffice to say; she might have hit her straggler stone from the last run to an even worse position, but at least now she has two near the bullseye instead of only one.]

I'll have to study the best way to send the stones too...

[She's looking at sports in a whole new light...is this the secret of mastering the mind...wow...]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

january tdm/event post

them sports them SPORTS

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gently prepares my d20 like `heh`

hot dice, let's gooo

blows on die, shakes, rolls....

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cackles at my die like OH I -KNEW- IT

sorry this is sooo late!!

It's all good haha, rp exists in a wonderful timeless void