undyingmods (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
undyingmods) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
undyingcourt2024-03-20 06:10 pm
undyingmods) wrote in undyingcourt2024-03-20 06:10 pm
Entry tags:
March TDM/Event - Spring Nox
MARCH TDM - SPRING NOX
Welcome to the Undying Court's March Test Drive Meme! This post also functions as the March Event for existing characters, as well as the start of the Spring Season, led by the Red Court.
New novices who are in their second season or more may handwave or backdate the previous season's arrival prompts should they wish to, and should 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 April 3-7, with invites opening on March 28, and reserves not long after!
Note that this post will contain: violence, enthrallment, slavery, body horror and potentially sexual content. Spring has many surprises! This event also features a chance for characters to submit a free Cosmetic Physical Features Regain, as a reward for the Hanahaki prompt.
Feel free to brush up on the Premise, Vampire Powers, and head over to the FAQ/Game Info page if you have any questions!
New novices who are in their second season or more may handwave or backdate the previous season's arrival prompts should they wish to, and should 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 April 3-7, with invites opening on March 28, and reserves not long after!
Note that this post will contain: violence, enthrallment, slavery, body horror and potentially sexual content. Spring has many surprises! This event also features a chance for characters to submit a free Cosmetic Physical Features Regain, as a reward for the Hanahaki prompt.
Feel free to brush up on the Premise, Vampire Powers, and head over to the FAQ/Game Info page if you have any questions!
- Keep in mind that this event will be occurring throughout the month of March and into April, 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!
- Our new Locations page is live! Take a look if you've ever wondered what exactly lies in the castle.
Top-Level Directory:
Chat with NPC: Revar, Kashire, ClaudiaNew Characters/TDM:
All For The Game - Name - Black Court, Novice
Detroit: Become Human - Connor - Black Court, Novice
Durarara!! - Shizuo Heiwajima - Black Court, Youngblood
Game of Thrones - Daenerys Targaryen - Gold Court, Youngblood
Game of Thrones - Jon Snow - Black Court, Youngblood
Honkai Star Rail - Argenti - Red Court, Youngblood
The Locked Tomb - Harrowhark Nonagesimus - Silver Court, Youngblood
The Locked Tomb - Gideon Nav - Silver Court, Novice
My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic - Princess Luna - Black Court, Novice
Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid - Lucoa - Blue Court, Youngblood
Nevermore - Lenore - Blue Court, Novice
Original - Giselle du Sang - Blue Court, Youngblood
Original - Matt Jamison - Red Court, Novice
Original - Sharel Anathrime - Undecided Court, Novice
Return to Labyrinth - Sarah Williams - Red Court, Youngblood
Supernatural - Ava Wilson - Black Court, Novice
Current Characters:
Accelerator (Yuri) - Silver Court, Novice
Astarion - Red Court, Youngblood
Cal Kestis - Silver Court, Novice
Conrad Achenleck - Red Court, Youngblood
Eden Woods - Silver Court, Novice
Edgin Darvis - Blue Court, Youngblood
Harlock - Blue Court, Novice
Leonard "Bones" McCoy - Silver Court, Youngblood
Lockwood - Gold Court, Youngblood
Lydia - Red Court, Youngblood
Raphael - Red Court, Youngblood
Snow White - Silver Court, Novice
Trilla Suduri - Black Court, Novice
Xenk Yendar - Gold Court, Youngblood
SPRING ARRIVAL
New arrivals will be starting their first season in the Spring, and they're welcomed to the castle under the watchful eyes of the Red Court. Upon arrival, they will be shown to a room by humans whose eyes glow softly from within, with vacant smiles. Thralls. There, the human thralls will draw them a bath and bring them new clothes to wear to their first meeting. These are rich, expensive things made of high quality fabric. Whether it's a silk dress and a heavy velvet cowl, or a fine pants and a vest made from a brocade, the servants will provide whatever is requested of them. The new initiate's old clothes will be burned after, in a symbol of the life they are leaving behind. If they are hungry, they will be provided food. If they need anything at all, they need only ask their new servants.
Later that night, new novices are taken to a grand hall, with high arched ceilings and candles burning in chandeliers. There are figures painted overhead, beautiful and entwined. Some have their eyes are colored to match the courts, others are gracefully placed in their death, with blood dripping from necks and wrists.
Balconies line the hall behind a forest of pillars, and vampires all watch as the group walk through (some more hungrily than others).
"Welcome to your first undying season, initiates." a fair-skinned vampire with full, crimson lips that match her crimson eyes steps forward. With dark brown curls, a plunging gown, and a broadsword strapped to her back, the woman commands the attention of everyone in attendance. Her hair falls halfway down her back, and holds herself with a surety and ease to her posture that proves her sword isn't simply for show. She stands at the center of a wide semi-circle of other vampires, "My name is Claudia. As the Red Court's acting voice for the Spring season, allow me to introduce you to the Houses that will be your new homes."
The vampire, Claudia, gives the newcomers an overview of all of the courts—Blue, Red, Gold, Silver, and Black—and then invites those already claimed by their Courts to join the vampires who will be their Makers.
Claudia offers the Foundlings who are left a sharp, knowing smile, and waves a hand, allowing them to be chosen. They are like the last sheep left at the auction, and the vampires who take them may not be the enthused about it. Nevertheless, Claudia waits until all have found a maker, nodding imperceptibly as the last are paired off.
Now that they are paired up it is expected—indeed, required—that the initiate drink from their maker. That is their Beginning. Only once they have truly begun can they can be considered novices.
"Makers, your responsibility to your novices begins today," she declares, a red-eyed apprentice appearing behind her. The apprentice -- for her eyes are too red to be a novice, is blond and pale, and dressed in reds to match her Maker. She's an unfamiliar face in the castle, even for those who have been here for some time. Whispers follow them as she and Claudia step away from the center of the room. Her apprentice, however, remains bound like a livewire, predatory in her gaze as it lands on the season's new novices. "Come along, Silvea," calls Claudia, and for a moment Silvea hesitates, though she follows as instructed. Bit of an odd duck, this one.
Later that night, new novices are taken to a grand hall, with high arched ceilings and candles burning in chandeliers. There are figures painted overhead, beautiful and entwined. Some have their eyes are colored to match the courts, others are gracefully placed in their death, with blood dripping from necks and wrists.
Balconies line the hall behind a forest of pillars, and vampires all watch as the group walk through (some more hungrily than others).
"Welcome to your first undying season, initiates." a fair-skinned vampire with full, crimson lips that match her crimson eyes steps forward. With dark brown curls, a plunging gown, and a broadsword strapped to her back, the woman commands the attention of everyone in attendance. Her hair falls halfway down her back, and holds herself with a surety and ease to her posture that proves her sword isn't simply for show. She stands at the center of a wide semi-circle of other vampires, "My name is Claudia. As the Red Court's acting voice for the Spring season, allow me to introduce you to the Houses that will be your new homes."
The vampire, Claudia, gives the newcomers an overview of all of the courts—Blue, Red, Gold, Silver, and Black—and then invites those already claimed by their Courts to join the vampires who will be their Makers.
Claudia offers the Foundlings who are left a sharp, knowing smile, and waves a hand, allowing them to be chosen. They are like the last sheep left at the auction, and the vampires who take them may not be the enthused about it. Nevertheless, Claudia waits until all have found a maker, nodding imperceptibly as the last are paired off.
Now that they are paired up it is expected—indeed, required—that the initiate drink from their maker. That is their Beginning. Only once they have truly begun can they can be considered novices.
"Makers, your responsibility to your novices begins today," she declares, a red-eyed apprentice appearing behind her. The apprentice -- for her eyes are too red to be a novice, is blond and pale, and dressed in reds to match her Maker. She's an unfamiliar face in the castle, even for those who have been here for some time. Whispers follow them as she and Claudia step away from the center of the room. Her apprentice, however, remains bound like a livewire, predatory in her gaze as it lands on the season's new novices. "Come along, Silvea," calls Claudia, and for a moment Silvea hesitates, though she follows as instructed. Bit of an odd duck, this one.
SPRING NOX
The Spring Nox consists of two events: an Arena and a Salon. The pageantry of the Nox springs up quickly, with Red Court banners unfurling throughout the castle and greenery put on display (the tame kind, one assumes).
Some may find the Arena most interesting. A complicated tournament requiring combatants to use an array of weapons, vampires from all over come to the castle to compete. Although of course the Red Court would argue the true spirit of the Arena is to show off the finesse and skill of the competitors, many vampires attend because of the thrill all the bloodshed brings. Some rounds, the blood in the air becomes so much it can be intoxicating. Good thing there are always thralls close at hand to drink from! Novices are, of course, off limits.
Normally, this tournament is held only amongst vampires. Even Youngbloods struggle against their mature counterparts, whose strength and speed are increased with their age. But this year, Claudia announces that one novice will be allowed to compete.
In order to choose that novice, Claudia and the Red Court are holding a novice tournament prior to the Arena. The prize? A permanent pass from the Red Court. This means that even should the winner never take another Red Court class again, they would have the Red Court's favor. In a world where failing means enthrallment, a guaranteed pass is far better than gold. Of course, no one expects the novice to actually win in the real arena events, but it'll be a very exciting way to lose spectacularly.
But not everyone is interested in bloodsport. Some may find themselves drawn, instead, to the Salon. This yearly event brings the most creative minds from all the lands to hold readings and discussions on art old and new. Some sessions are small, informal gatherings around one or two speakers. Others are large, reminiscent of the Silver Court's symposium sessions. There is guaranteed to be something for everyone, and anyone is welcome to reserve a space and hold a session, regardless of whether they are a vampire or not.
Of course, it wouldn't be a Red Court event without bloodwine and seduction, either. The Red Court maintains an expansive definition of art. It is not uncommon to find steamy poetry readings full of half-clothed vampires, pieces of art where the artist is a living (or unliving, as the case may be) subject, or interactive rooms with paint and other objects meant to be played with. Art is so often about the observer, after all.
A particular highlight this year is of a traveling group of vampires, the Dragulettes, who use makeup and clothing to change their gender rather than using masks. Their outfits range from the silly to the sexual, and they will be performing a series of popular folk songs. They are well known for their humor between their songs and their critiques of the way that humans put so much stock on gender and its false dichotomies. Their show will be on the same stage NECK*SINK played on, and draws a very large crowd as vampires young and old laugh and cheer for the show.
Some may find the Arena most interesting. A complicated tournament requiring combatants to use an array of weapons, vampires from all over come to the castle to compete. Although of course the Red Court would argue the true spirit of the Arena is to show off the finesse and skill of the competitors, many vampires attend because of the thrill all the bloodshed brings. Some rounds, the blood in the air becomes so much it can be intoxicating. Good thing there are always thralls close at hand to drink from! Novices are, of course, off limits.
Normally, this tournament is held only amongst vampires. Even Youngbloods struggle against their mature counterparts, whose strength and speed are increased with their age. But this year, Claudia announces that one novice will be allowed to compete.
In order to choose that novice, Claudia and the Red Court are holding a novice tournament prior to the Arena. The prize? A permanent pass from the Red Court. This means that even should the winner never take another Red Court class again, they would have the Red Court's favor. In a world where failing means enthrallment, a guaranteed pass is far better than gold. Of course, no one expects the novice to actually win in the real arena events, but it'll be a very exciting way to lose spectacularly.
((Note: Students can sign up for the Novice Tournament here. The winner will be chosen via RNG once applications are processed. (In other words, new characters can sign up too!))
But not everyone is interested in bloodsport. Some may find themselves drawn, instead, to the Salon. This yearly event brings the most creative minds from all the lands to hold readings and discussions on art old and new. Some sessions are small, informal gatherings around one or two speakers. Others are large, reminiscent of the Silver Court's symposium sessions. There is guaranteed to be something for everyone, and anyone is welcome to reserve a space and hold a session, regardless of whether they are a vampire or not.
Of course, it wouldn't be a Red Court event without bloodwine and seduction, either. The Red Court maintains an expansive definition of art. It is not uncommon to find steamy poetry readings full of half-clothed vampires, pieces of art where the artist is a living (or unliving, as the case may be) subject, or interactive rooms with paint and other objects meant to be played with. Art is so often about the observer, after all.
A particular highlight this year is of a traveling group of vampires, the Dragulettes, who use makeup and clothing to change their gender rather than using masks. Their outfits range from the silly to the sexual, and they will be performing a series of popular folk songs. They are well known for their humor between their songs and their critiques of the way that humans put so much stock on gender and its false dichotomies. Their show will be on the same stage NECK*SINK played on, and draws a very large crowd as vampires young and old laugh and cheer for the show.
A FLOWERING SICKNESS
The change of season brings more than just warmer weather, as last month's pollinating flowers have begun to bloom all across the castle! But it isn't just the grounds and the gardens that are sporting bright, beautiful flowers now that the snow has begun to recede. Sprouts and blooms appear almost overnight along the castle halls and walls, from the brightest to the darkest recesses of the castle, where flowers have no business growing at all. Where have they come from, and how are they blooming? The Red and Silver Courts have yet to find the cause, but the fact is the flowers are here -- and for now, they're here to stay.
But as the Spring Nox passes and the Spring celebrations continue, novices, youngbloods, even some mature vampires, begin to suffer from a strange, inexplicable cough, with seemingly no cure. As the days pass, those afflicted will begin to cough up petals tinged with blood. Later still, the affliction advances so that those infected begin coughing up entire flowers, with novices reporting trouble breathing, and youngbloods reporting discomfort in their chests -- beneath their lungs.
Those in the most advanced stages may find thorns sprouting forth from their bodies, with the truly severe cases becoming overrun with vines and blooms, as the victims become enclosed by plants from the inside out, and transformed into still, lifelike trees. While the rate and speed at which the affliction worsens seems to vary from person to person, the castle's walkways are soon littered with bloody petals and fretful thralls.
Fortunately for all, while the origin of the affliction remains unknown, the Silver Court finds the curse's name within their records: Hanahaki. This flower-blooming curse buries its roots in the hearts of those with unmet desires. Whether that desire is for love, attention, hatred, approval, or even food, any strong desire is enough to spark life into the pollen so many ingested the month prior, and for the curse to take root. Luckily, once that desire is met, the flowers will wither and die, vanishing without a trace.
And for those whose desires are never met? Well, fortunately for them, flowers only bloom for so long. Anyone who advances to the final stage of the curse will only be afflicted by it for ten days' time, after which the flowers will fade away, starved for lack of nutrients. During this time, those affected can be assisted by others, if they happen to know that person's desire is. Or you could try watering them, that might help? (It doesn't help.)
But as the Spring Nox passes and the Spring celebrations continue, novices, youngbloods, even some mature vampires, begin to suffer from a strange, inexplicable cough, with seemingly no cure. As the days pass, those afflicted will begin to cough up petals tinged with blood. Later still, the affliction advances so that those infected begin coughing up entire flowers, with novices reporting trouble breathing, and youngbloods reporting discomfort in their chests -- beneath their lungs.
Those in the most advanced stages may find thorns sprouting forth from their bodies, with the truly severe cases becoming overrun with vines and blooms, as the victims become enclosed by plants from the inside out, and transformed into still, lifelike trees. While the rate and speed at which the affliction worsens seems to vary from person to person, the castle's walkways are soon littered with bloody petals and fretful thralls.
Fortunately for all, while the origin of the affliction remains unknown, the Silver Court finds the curse's name within their records: Hanahaki. This flower-blooming curse buries its roots in the hearts of those with unmet desires. Whether that desire is for love, attention, hatred, approval, or even food, any strong desire is enough to spark life into the pollen so many ingested the month prior, and for the curse to take root. Luckily, once that desire is met, the flowers will wither and die, vanishing without a trace.
And for those whose desires are never met? Well, fortunately for them, flowers only bloom for so long. Anyone who advances to the final stage of the curse will only be afflicted by it for ten days' time, after which the flowers will fade away, starved for lack of nutrients. During this time, those affected can be assisted by others, if they happen to know that person's desire is. Or you could try watering them, that might help? (It doesn't help.)
((As with last month's pollen event, this prompt is completely optional! Flowers can represent whatever players want, and can affect characters as much or as little as you wish. Unmet desires can be anything from a desire for love and companionship, to "wanting to get a good grade in class," being noticed by your senpai or maybe just having the world's best slice of cake. Have fun with it! Additionally, anyone who participates in this prompt, in any form, is eligible for a free Cosmetic Physical Feature Regain.))
NEW SEASON, STILL MURDER
Partway through the tournament, perhaps during a particularly exciting bout, whispers start to make their way through the halls. Not from Whisperfangs this time, but something much more sinister. A body, murmurs say, there's a body, others shriek. Spring Nox, it seems, is to be haunted just like Winter Sol.
Outside near one of the outdoor rings, Silvea lies as cold and bloodless as the night, a deep wound in her chest but, as with last time, no murder weapon in sight.
Kashire is here, though, another thing reminiscent of the last murder. "Don't just stand there staring!" He snaps, but what else is there to do, really? Try as anyone might to get to the bottom of things, it seems an apprentice was murdered. As a crowd begins to form, castle residents and visitors alike seem to crowd the members of the Council, probing for answers. Want to join your voice to the chorus? Good luck!
Outside near one of the outdoor rings, Silvea lies as cold and bloodless as the night, a deep wound in her chest but, as with last time, no murder weapon in sight.
Kashire is here, though, another thing reminiscent of the last murder. "Don't just stand there staring!" He snaps, but what else is there to do, really? Try as anyone might to get to the bottom of things, it seems an apprentice was murdered. As a crowd begins to form, castle residents and visitors alike seem to crowd the members of the Council, probing for answers. Want to join your voice to the chorus? Good luck!
CLASS NOTES
Other notable happenings for the early winter season include:
- Tis the season for spring cleaning! With the castle overrun with blooms (bloody or otherwise) and flowers sprouting everywhere, you might make a thrall's day if you help clean up some of the mess around the castle. They won't thank you directly, but it's as good a time as any for the castle's residents to do their part and help keep the castle from becoming a gothic garden.
- The new season means new classes! Youngbloods will begin teaching their new courses for the Spring season, and students get to enjoy a slightly harder curriculum as their vampiric abilities grow and develop. Don't worry if you make a fool of yourself and walk into the wrong classroom. It's the first day of class, no one has memorized all of their students' names yet.
- Petal baths have become a bit gauche, but there must be something that can be done with all these flowers, right? Students and faculty alike are encouraged to use flowers creatively, whether it be wearing them in your hair, or perhaps building creative flower arrangements to decorate their rooms and space. Morbid, considering the cursed origin of the petals, but nothing tickles vampires quite like the macabre.
- Rumors are abuzz after Lady Whisperfangs latest rag was particularly biting. Could the Lady's latest temper flareup be due to a lost love, or does she simply enjoy tormenting the castle's residents? Either way, anonymity remains on Whisperfangs' side, but will that always be the case...?
One more thing! We've added a Locations page, for all your location-based needs. As always, characters are free to talk to the NPCs as well: Revar & Kashire & Claudia. 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 March 25-31.
Thanks for joining us and we hope you're looking forward to what this new season has in store!
Thanks for joining us and we hope you're looking forward to what this new season has in store!
Salon - Poetry
Which is precisely why she does not mind his attention being focused on her during the words, hands resting carefully in her lap with dresses and skirts long since abandoned for breeches, tunic cinched at the waist, and boots which had certainly made her seem more comfortable in her own skin.
Once he sidles over, she manages a small smile.]
And miss that? The pleasure was all mine. I see that this place really is doing you some good, Matt.
no subject
Matt has a tendency to look at others through rose-tinted lenses. To be fair, he's in a rose-tinted court. ]
Well, what doesn't kill you, [ he notes, a hint of ruefulness in his tone. He can't quite shrug off the recent slayings the way some others can. (And also, he truly believes he passed his early weapons classes by the skin of his fangs.) ] But, ah--thanks. It really helped to have a friendly face in the room.
Are you going to grace us with a talent? Or maybe I'll have to head out the arena to see you go to work ...
no subject
Oh, I don't think you needed me in the room, it seems to have gone over extremely well with the room. I think they would call that a... natural talent? Something like that. [She's not about to take credit for all of that, she'd rather continue to keep what spotlight she can off of her, small or not. Besides, she's sure he would have done perfectly without her there, too.]
Me? A talent? [Give her a second, she's actually going to laugh at that.] Not like this! But you absolutely should head out to the arena to see my work, yes! I have a feeling I might still have a leg up on everyone else having been trained in this whole weapons and fighting thing before I even got here. Might be a tiny bit unfair, in hindsight... [It won't stop her from getting involved, anyway. She's allowed to show off a bit, right? Right.]
no subject
[ But he doesn't feel the need to push it more than that. He just chuckles along, warming as she moves on to a more thorough consideration of martial prowess. ]
I thought unfair advantages were exactly the ones we were supposed to be taking, [ he muses. ] I'll definitely be there to cheer you on, though. Maybe even toss some roses at your feet.
[ Flowers are about to become totally unfunny around here, but at this point in the timeline, Matt lives in blissful ignorance. ]
no subject
[Is it something they should be taking? She's far more used to this whole idea of fair fights in something that isn't a life or death situation so it still sits a little oddly for her despite it.]
You know how I am and how I was raised to fight fair or whatever when it comes to these sorts of matters. Though I am excited to see what kind of opponents I may end up coming against! I'm sure there are others here who are just as well trained as I am. [She... hopes so, at least, because otherwise that'd be pretty boring for her.] Roses? Too bright of a flower, try again~ [Don't actually toss roses at her feet, Matt, that's too much and gives everyone the wrong impression probably.]
no subject
[ "Matt, let's just skip over honorable combat for now. Maybe next season." ]
I'd say foxglove for you, but it's so toxic. I don't think I'd be doing you any favors by throwing it at you.
no subject
Though she is going into Black, which necessitates fighting dirty sometimes.]
Foxglove... [It is a gorgeous plant, she can't deny that. She hums briefly for a moment as she contemplates the idea.] Now why would you say that? You know I never did understand the whole flower and plant symbolism thing that so many were fond of.
no subject
You're killing me, Luna, [ he protests, teasingly. ] Foxglove can stand for secrets, hidden knowledge, songs only a select few can hear. And it grows pretty much anywhere it's planted. Even in soil where terrible things have happened, like fires.
[ Resilience, in other words. And survival. ]
no subject
Merely she places a hand over her heart with a feigned gasp.] How dare I harm someone as sensitive as you when something went over my head. [She can't keep that farce up for long, contemplating quietly over the meanings. She can... absolutely understand why he would say that. Her bubbly nature dies down for a second, though the smile doesn't fade.]
I appreciate it, you know. I would hope that that continues throughout my time here, given the weight that has been removed from my shoulders only to be replaced by another entirely. Though I think this new one suits me better.
no subject
Well. What he might be missing. Though he has no clear sense of what that something might be. He certainly has little desire to go back home, make a smart match, run a household like his father or play politics like his mother. ]
From where I'm standing, I think it does, [ he agrees. ] But you're the only one whose opinion really matters.
no subject
I appreciate it, truly. [For a moment she hesitates on her words, not quite sure if she should say what she's thinking but at this point she may as well.]
Are you okay? I mean, truly, none of this deflecting or trying to hide it from me stuff. If I can help in any way, you know you can talk to me, right? [She may have her own problems to focus on and own path, but she's not about to let him fall when she can do something.]
no subject
yet. ] I mean ... I think I'm okay. [ A smile. ] It was a little touch and go with my weapons classes, but honestly I think I've cracked that one. But if anything comes up, I'll let you know.... Although actually.
How do you feel about a little friendly sparring?
no subject
Good. I wouldn't want to see you end up as, well... you know. [A thrall. Though she doubts he really would.
The question of sparring causes her a bit of shock, slowly blinking at him. Friendly sparring? She's... not against the idea, but it's not what she expected to hear.]
What weapon did you settle on so I know which of my own would be a good choice for you? [You know. The long range one or the sword, she's not going to be mean or unfair unless he wants for her to.]