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

[ It was absolutely a lucky turn of fate that Lockwood showed up at the library while Kirk was wrestling with his research. And if you believe that; blah blah swamp land for sale blah blah.

It might be hours, it could be days since he'd been speaking with Xenk, regardless it was long enough for Lockwood to learn from 'sources' what Kirk looked like and where he might be found.

Surfacing from seemingly thin air, Lockwood adopted his most innocent expression. Effortlessly playing on his harmless youth look as he tilted his head curiously in Kirk's direction. His smile was megawatt, full of a sincere sort of warmth that almost, but just missed reaching his eyes. ]

If it were easy, then it wouldn't convey as much thoughtfulness.

[Kirk looks up at the other, blinking. He's not seen him before and he looks young, about his age maybe younger. Not that that means much for vampires, for all Kirk knows this guy could be 100 years old, but still, he doesn't feel immediately on edge like he's gonna get skewered for saying the wrong thing. Probably because this person doesn't immediately give off dangerous vampire vibes.

Not that it really stops him from saying exactly what he's thinking most of the time.]

Honestly, never given a gift before, especially one that matters this much, so.. I don't know, I want it to be perfect.

[Still, he smiles right back.]

Jim Kirk, by the way.

[ Lockwood is doing his best to come across as harmless lil ole me. He could try to compel, but he doesn't feel that is necessary, and prefers to attempt his charming the old fashion way. ]

A pleasure. [ He says with a small bow of his head. ] Anthony Lockwood. Everybody calls me Lockwood. Do you prefer Jim or Kirk?

[ As he awaits an answer, Lockwood cranes his head around and tries to get a read on the book in front of the novice. ] I could regale you with all the cliche' 'it's the thought that counts', but I think we can do better than that. What are you thinking of making, oh and I suppose 'for whom' might be a good question as well?

Either is fine, just don't call me Jimmy.

[Well, Lockwood was doing a good job of it, other than how gold his eyes that tells Kirk he's at least dealing with a full-fledged vampire. Yet, considering the experience he has with his own maker, it was easy to give the benefit of the doubt that Lockwood was perhaps as harmless as he seems.

Perhaps. He was still rightfully cautious when it came to any vampires. Even Edgin could be dangerous.

Still, that doesn't stop him from answering.]

Yeah, I'm sure the thought counting is good enough for him, but definitely want something more than that. [He takes the sketches he's done of some fancy blood jewelry vials and slides them over.] I want to make matching jewelry for my maker and I.

So long as you don't call me Tony, we have a deal. [ If Kirk ever asks around, he might hear more than a few tales of Lockwood killing people who called him Tony, or Big A, or any other diminutive of his given name. But for the moment, he's smiling as he offers the exchange and for his own part would never dream of calling Kirk 'Jimmy'.

Kirk's answer to his question causes Lockwood to feel a small bit of disquiet. Xenk had mentioned that Kirk was attached to his maker, but Lockwood had been hoping that it was still a casual sort of thing. Matching blood jewelry didn't sound all that casual.

Outwardly the youthful features remain pleasantly, and appropriately, interested and he looks at the sketches as they are set in front of him. ]

These are beautiful. [ The compliment is genuine. ] But have a care that you don't lose the forest for the trees. [ He shifts the papers back and forth, before settling on one and drawing it to the top. ] This one could be very nice, though if you scale back some of these intricacies, focused instead on the quality of the materials you use to make it, you'll have pieces that can be worn with any ensemble without looking out of place.

[ Black gold eyes turn towards the novices face and Lockwood smiles. His expression is the appropriate amount of curious and carefully fixed to cover the tension within. ] Unless you're going for ostentatious to make a statement? Cement your allegiance to your Maker and Blue Court?

Deal.

[Oh, Kirk will absolutely be asking around about Lockwood, he's curious about the vampire now. There were a few people that could get away with calling him Jimmy, but that was a very very rare privilege that Lockwood wasn't likely to earn.

Kirk tilts his head to get a better look at what Lockwood is talking about when he shifts the papers and brings up one of the drawings as the one he likes best. It was one of the nice and simple drawings, nothing too masterful, but he could see what he was talking about in simplifying it down and upping the quality of materials.

It was important to Kirk that it didn't draw too much attention, he knows Edgin is a more simple jewelry kind of guy if Kirk has to guess. His Maker wasn't really one to be flashy outside of his music.

The question makes him look at Lockwood once more, curious about the phrasing but--]

No, nothing like that. Edgin isn't all that flashy, so simple is probably better.. I want it to be something of a keepsake of our time now.

[ Edgin. Now he had a name. Xenk had been very respectful of Kirk's privacy and hadn't given Lockwood the name of his current Maker, and Lockwood hadn't asked. Better to get information directly from the source, when possible. He knows the name, though he can't recall ever having met the man directly; an oversight that makes its' way to his to do list. ]

Then, if I may, I would definitely suggest tone down some of the ornamentation on this one, but make up for it with high value materials. It will be perfect. [ In his, not inconsiderable, opinion.

Moving aside, to lessen any pressure from his physical presence, Lockwood crossed his arms and smiled. ]

Do you expect to need a keepsake, or are you just planning ahead for when you graduate. Oh! I'm sorry, I should have asked, what season are you in?

[ He asks the question with a sweet expression that is completely devoid of any hint of guile. Lockwood already knows the answer -second season- but he's mastered the art of playing dumb. Combined with his youthful features, he's always found it a worthwhile image to project when he's fishing for details.

That's the manipulative, conniving side of that particular coin. The positive side being Lockwood uses good old fashion charm and manipulation rather than invading private thoughts. At least for as long as he can. ]

[Sliding the paper back over to himself, he takes his pen and starts to focus on simplifying the design, making notes about materials. The metal he notes down is silver, not gold and the gems to be in blue and purple. It was simple enough, something that would flatter without being a negative reminder.

Instinctively, Kirk knows he's being questioned a lot without questioning back, that this man is looking for something, but he doesn't assume anything malicious. It doesn't make the warning bells in his head go off even if he's the one being plied for answers.

Tapping the quill on a discarded paper, he gives the question some honest thought before just answering it. Though his thought is interrupted with the next question.]

Second season. I'll be having my becoming at the start of summer. [Seemed important to state considering the vampire's gold eyes.]

And it depends really, there's a lot going on that might change the meaning of this, but for now I just want to give him a keepsake for the here and now. Maybe it's me being sentimental and overly human, but yeah.

[It was proof that he was once Edgin's in a way, but he pushes that thought down and away, keeping his mental shield up best he can. He knows they are nothing compared to a Gold Vampire, but he doesn't want to be screaming his thoughts either.]

What about you? How long have you been a vampire? I know I wouldn't have missed a handsome face like yours around the castle.

[He puts his chin in his hand and gives him a smile.]

[ Kirk gave a good answer. Nice choice of words, just enough information to be useful without it being too much information. Lockwood was impressed. ]

Not the worst thing [ he agreed with a smile ] to keep a reminder of our roots. A lot of us feel rejecting our humanity has to be a part of our Becoming, but I've always found it's a good thing to have some balance.

[ His response was genuine, and appropriate for sharing. Inwardly he got the sense that Kirk was closer to take Xenk up on his offer than perhaps even Xenk realized. That was a thought Lockwood would keep to himself, as there was no reason for him to press his meddling.

At least, not in that direction.

Beaming his well known, megawatt smile in response to Kirk's latter words, Lockwood appears to openly preen. ]

I appreciate the sentiment. [ After all, who didn't like to be called handsome. ] I am something of an adjunct professor in these halls. Usually I am out in the lands helping my Maker to maintain peaceful relations.

Speaking of which, where do you come from? Wondering if I might have spent any time there.

[ Had he answered Kirk's actual question? Nope. Not only that but Lockwood specifically dropped in the comment about his Maker in a deliberate move to make himself sound young. ]

Really? Huh, well you're the first vampire I've met that's felt there should be a balance. Most think being human is a weakness.

[He's impressed to hear Lockwood say as much, he's really not met any Vampires that think it's a good thing to hold on to any humanity. Even a little.

Except Edgin. He was still so human, he grounded Kirk from being too ambitious, helped him have purpose without sacrificing things and people in selfish desire. He made Kirk a better person without even trying. It was strange to find someone who could temper back his ambition for the first time, yet, there he was.

But Kirk totally notices his actual question goes unanswered. Curious. Yet the mention of a maker and the thought of balance of humanity, yeah, Kirk can't help but think that Lockwood is pretty young. Still, the fact that they are seemingly not trading information as equally... Well, his smile becomes a little more of a smirk.]

Up north, Blue lands, little podunk town you probably never heard of.

[Except Riverside does have a name for itself when the vampire lord of the town slaughter over half the inhabitants one winter because of food shortages. It was seen as a terrible waste and needless loss of perfectly fine humans that could have been used in other ways.]

You been north much?

[ 'Up north, Blue lands, little podunk town...'

Lockwood's expression doesn't change, but inwardly he stills a little. Kirk doesn't give the name of the exact town, Lockwood can always search out the specifics later, but he knows of the reputation some of the towns up north hold. It was something of a pet project of his own Maker. She made regular trips specifically in an attempt to coax the villagers to at least send their unwanted down as Foundlings.

At least then, the odds of survival were higher, especially during the winter.

Some trips found ears willing to listen and minds open to considering the options. Other trips found the entrenched belief that starvation and death was a better fate then vampirism. It was always a delicate dance.

Sometimes the elders refused to even listen to Lockwood's Maker, and would run them out at sword and torch point. Yet somehow, even when they were in retreat, a few parents would find them and hand over youngsters who would otherwise be sacrificed to the woods. Lockwood often held the line against angry villagers, while his Maker took the kids and put distance between them.

Gold/black eyes seems to sharpen as he studies Kirk's face a little more closely, but no ... Lockwood doesn't remember ever having seen him before. Not unexpected. He and his Maker could only make so many visits; no doubt they missed more than they helped. ]

A few times. [ He says, keeping it simple. ] My Maker likes to travel across all the lands. She's a bit of a free spirit in that regard.

[Kirk definitely looks significantly healthier than he was before coming to Courtsheart, he spent most of his life half starved and dirty, a gaggle of children at his heels. Especially after the culling happened when they lost everything but him. He was the only thing that kept them alive that bloody winter.

Sometimes he wonders what happened to all of them. Many of the youngest got shuffled off to other towns, some paved their own way. Others stuck to him like glue until they were old enough to find their own path.

He still regrets not saying goodbye to Kevin.]

Sounds nice.

[He sounds a little wistful, like sitting in one place is not his natural state.]

I hope to see more lands, I've never traveled outside of the North or here. It wasn't really a luxury a poor farm kid gets, but I figured as a vampire I might get to venture out and see what the fuss is about.

[ Heavy dark eyebrows lift and that megawatt smile returns with gusto. ]

Well, that's easily solved. We should ride out, and take a little tour. [ He says it as if it's that easy to sign out a novice. Sometimes Lockwood forgets the strict rules that govern the castle.

Forgets. Ignores. It's a fine line. ]

Where would you want to go?

[Kirk's eyebrows go sky high, because wait how much power did this guy have if he could just ride out with Kirk when the castle was basically constantly on lockdown... was this a council member? Has he been shooting the shit with someone powerful?

Did he flirt with someone who's like ancient? Not that it would stop him at all.]

I mean, I would love to. [He's not about to look a gift horse in the mouth.]

Oh man... Gold lands first. I always imagined they look ostentatious, rich, and gaudy. Granted, I know they probably aren't but I wanna see it for myself.

[That and he got a taste from Xenk's dream, it makes him want to see how much of it is real. Was it really that warm?]

[ Whoops!

Yeah, might have tipped his hand a bit there. Not that his age is any great secret -he promises he's better at keeping those- but he had been playing up his unassuming side when this conversation started. It makes Lockwood smile a little; perhaps Xenk does have a point regarding Kirk's innate Gold Court abilities.

Ah well, no sense trying to stuff a cat back in the bag, so to speak. ]

Well, I'd certainly hate to disappoint you. There are areas that definitely live up to that billing, but there are others that actually put their money back into the lands and the tenants. They're actually the ones you want to cultivate; real power isn't flashy.

[ He gives Kirk a cheeky wink with that last sentence. ]

[The cheeky wink with the last sentence makes him smile because yeah, he thought so. Whoever Lockwood was, he was someone with some power and/or age behind him. He wasn't as unassuming as he thought the vampire to be or as much as he was pretending to be for whatever he was trying to get out of Kirk.

Definitely curious, but he chooses not to get upset about being tricked or even mention it, just giving that smile back.]

I rather see lands that are thriving because the wealth went back into the people and lands, not the fancy, ugly houses with no windows.

[He taps his drawing on the paper below his hand.]

Sometimes it's not about the ornamentation but the quality of the materials, yeah?

[ He hadn't doubted Xenk, not entirely, but now he had seen for himself that the other Gold Court youngblood was absolutely correct in his assessment. Kirk belonged with Gold.

The grin he gave the other man was lightyears away from the megawatt smile he had used at various points during their conversation, yet somehow it was so much warmer. ]

Exactly. [ He said, letting the word apply to either the idea of lands thriving due to sound management, or the quality of the materials for the jewelry. Or probably to both.

A beat and then Lockwood was in motion, straightening to his feet and gathering his long limbs to himself with a swordsman's grace. ]

Speaking of which, I should let you get on with it. [ Lockwood had what he'd come for, at least for now. A read of who Kirk was, a name of the vampire in Blue Court who currently claimed the novice, and verification with his own eyes that Xenk was making a good choice. Now, how Xenk ultimately ended up managing this Gold Court pilfering, and whether he would use good choices on that front, remained to be seen. But Lockwood would certainly support the attempt! ]

[Perhaps both, as that's what Kirk takes it as. Especially when the grin he gets now seems more genuine in comparison to to what he got throughout their conversation. He finally cracked the egg and sees who this person really is, even if it might only be the most surface level.

And then the vampire seems done with him, not in a bad way but in a way that speaks of someone with a lot to do and a lot to get to. So, Kirk just watches for a second before deciding something random. He's not sure why he's been obsessed with this question as of late, but he's been asking everyone it and now it seems like the time to do that once more.]

Can I ask you a question? Something quick.

[ Having already taken a couple of steps away, Lockwood paused and turned back with a smile. ]

You may ask.

[ His tone is warm, genuinely inviting the question. But there is just enough steel to make it clear that he isn't promising to answer the question. ]

[Oh ho, yeah, this man was definitely someone. He would be asking Xenk about Lockwood for sure.

He holds his chin in his hand as he rests his elbow on the table, a grin across his face, but he seems to genuinely mean the question. And he does.]

What's your favorite color?

[ Congratulations Kirk, you earned a genuine blink of 'da'fuc' before Lockwood busted out laughing.

Yes, he had been braced for something much more intrusive. He'd been prepared to answer, without answering or at worst deflecting with firm gentleness.

Shaking his head, still chuckling, Lockwood walked back to the table and effortlessly lifted up one leg and set his heel in a spot free of papers. Reaching to the calf of his breeches, he gave them a tug until the fabric cleared the top of the ankle boots he wore exposing the bright pink stockings.

Grinning like a fiend -or perhaps like an adolescent teen- Lockwood answered with one word. ]

Pink.

[ There was another cheeky wink and he lowered his pant leg and then his actual leg from the table. ] Have a good day, James.

[It seems his question genuinely caught Lockwood off guard. Kirk has no expectation of color the vampire might say, but he thinks it's likely to get answered now if that laugh is anything to go by. Kirk giving him a shrug as if to say "I'm curious."

So when he comes back to show off his pink stockings, Kirk can't help but grin like the cat who got the canary. Even brighter when he gets another cheeky wink.

Still, he nods resolutely like he's been told something important.]

Good day, Lockwood, sir.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

january tdm/event post

III Blood Jewelry

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CW: Mention of culling and famine

If you don't like any part of this, please let me know and I will edit

I love this!!

/blush!!!!

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I am sorry for him

LOL!!!

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