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)
undyingcourt2024-04-20 06:22 pm
undyingmods) wrote in undyingcourt2024-04-20 06:22 pm
Entry tags:
April Event - Total Eclipse
APRIL EVENT - SPRING ECLIPSE
Welcome to the Undying Court's April Event! This post continues the Spring Season, led by the Red Court, and features a day to remember, as well as the promise of something more to come. 🌕
Note that this post may contain: violence, enthrallment and potentially sexual content. April showers bring May flowers, and thankfully not the kind that grow in your chest! This event also features a chance for characters to submit a free Gacha Item Reward, for the Marché du Soleil 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!
Note that this post may contain: violence, enthrallment and potentially sexual content. April showers bring May flowers, and thankfully not the kind that grow in your chest! This event also features a chance for characters to submit a free Gacha Item Reward, for the Marché du Soleil 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 April and into May, so characters are free to forward-date as desired!
- 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 below in the Q&A section!
- Check out the Locations if you've ever wondered what kind of areas are in the castle!
- Plus, don't forget to submit your free regains and sign up for classes!
SLUMBER PARTY
It appears that a number of the Castle's residents have been denied an important experience: sleepovers. Blue Court's own Edgin Darvis set out to fix this, but what started as a simple affair quickly became a bigger deal thanks to the meddling of other Blue Court members. Soon enough, all the Castle's residents receive an invitation for a sleep over the night--yes, the night--before the upcoming solar eclipse. After all, everyone will be awake during the day for once, so that extra bit of sleep might come in handy!
But sleeping at night instead of during the day is far from the most notable thing about this slumbering affair. The main hall, usually used for Beginnings, Becomings, and the occasional ball, has been transformed into a veritable kingdom of sleeping. Complex blanket forts and even castles have been created throughout the room. Pillows, stuffed animals, and blankets are present within them and in piles to further deck out the space. There's more than enough to go around for everyone.
Of course a true slumber party is not complete without activities! For the novices, there are all kinds of foods set out, including marshmallows that can be warmed in the fire place to make s'mores. There's plenty of makeup for every complexion, and a rainbow of nail polish to do each other's nails. The Castle's librarians have also provided a set of spooky and/or steamy stories to read aloud in groups.
And because it wouldn't be a Courtsheart affair if they didn't acknowledge that sleeping together might lead to other things, there are plenty of little spaces tucked away in blanket forts and in the wings for a little quiet getaway to spend with that special or one-night someone. Make merry for Spring and all that.
Sleep tight!
But sleeping at night instead of during the day is far from the most notable thing about this slumbering affair. The main hall, usually used for Beginnings, Becomings, and the occasional ball, has been transformed into a veritable kingdom of sleeping. Complex blanket forts and even castles have been created throughout the room. Pillows, stuffed animals, and blankets are present within them and in piles to further deck out the space. There's more than enough to go around for everyone.
Of course a true slumber party is not complete without activities! For the novices, there are all kinds of foods set out, including marshmallows that can be warmed in the fire place to make s'mores. There's plenty of makeup for every complexion, and a rainbow of nail polish to do each other's nails. The Castle's librarians have also provided a set of spooky and/or steamy stories to read aloud in groups.
And because it wouldn't be a Courtsheart affair if they didn't acknowledge that sleeping together might lead to other things, there are plenty of little spaces tucked away in blanket forts and in the wings for a little quiet getaway to spend with that special or one-night someone. Make merry for Spring and all that.
Sleep tight!
ONE NIGHT (DAY) ONLY
All throughout the month, the Castle is abuzz with discussion of the upcoming a solar eclipse: a day where the moon will block out sun. Everyone says the solar eclipse is a "once-in-a-lifetime" opportunity, but that's just vampires being facetious--after all, they live hundreds of human lifetimes. The reality is the eclipse seems to occur on the will of the gods alone, though the last one hasn't been seen in over twenty years.
This is the one day that vampires can go out during the day, and it's quite rare that the moon covers the sun for the entirety of the "daytime" hours. The solar eclipse is a blessing and a curse. Vampires will be able to go outside, but all powers are blocked during this period. No mind-reading, no compulsion, no shapeshifting, and no masks. Vampires must be careful--if they meet a dread blade during this period, no one will be able to heal them. Black Court vampires are on alert even more than usual to keep the peace, and to ensure that everyone survives.
Still, many vampires feel that the risks are worth the benefits. The Castle and its forest have a different feel during the day, and even with the sun being blocked, some of the wildlife still know it's daytime. Maybe it's time to organize that bird watching outing you've been hoping for? The birds will be singing, the sun will not be shining, and for once, everyone is on the same level. Use this day wisely!
This is the one day that vampires can go out during the day, and it's quite rare that the moon covers the sun for the entirety of the "daytime" hours. The solar eclipse is a blessing and a curse. Vampires will be able to go outside, but all powers are blocked during this period. No mind-reading, no compulsion, no shapeshifting, and no masks. Vampires must be careful--if they meet a dread blade during this period, no one will be able to heal them. Black Court vampires are on alert even more than usual to keep the peace, and to ensure that everyone survives.
Still, many vampires feel that the risks are worth the benefits. The Castle and its forest have a different feel during the day, and even with the sun being blocked, some of the wildlife still know it's daytime. Maybe it's time to organize that bird watching outing you've been hoping for? The birds will be singing, the sun will not be shining, and for once, everyone is on the same level. Use this day wisely!
MARCHÉ DU SOLEIL
The solar eclipse brings with it the Marché du Soleil, a special market that convenes only on days where the sun is entirely blocked. The market sets up in the Castle grounds promptly at 5am on the morning of the eclipse, just moments before the dawn. It seemingly springs up out of nowhere, aided by magic that was supposed to be only in fairy tales.
The market itself is a labyrinth, winding this way and that without any perceptible logic. The merchants are as varied as their goods, selling everything from "allegedly" powerful magical items, to fortunes, to mundane teapots (but we hear they're very nice.) Some colorful tents offer card and palm readings. Wagons hold exotic animals from every corner of the globe. Enclosed stalls offer chance encounters with that special someone or potent drinks to enjoy the rare chance to drink like a human.
With all powers dampened, this market is a safe ground for the magical denizens of this world, like witches and dryads, nymphs and selkies. They all look human here though, so the only way you'll know the truth is if they tell you. But don't worry, they aren't shy! In fact, some of these stall owners may look at the vampires of the castle with the same wonder and amusement as the vampires might regard them.
But how will our powerless castle residents pay for all these goods? Not to worry -- the Council is generous enough to hand out bags of coins to all youngbloods and novices, which they can use to purchase anything throughout the market. The coins are emblazoned with the solar eclipse, and are valid only in the Marché du Soleil. Don't spend it all in one place! Or do. You can come back for more, if you don't mind speaking to the Council.
Players are free to assume that characters can purchase any non-magical item from the market, they stock everything! Clothes, pens, furniture, you name it! For any magical item, players will need to submit threads to the item gacha reward. Anyone who interacts with this prompt will earn one free magic item the gacha! If playing the gacha for the market, please mark that in your request.
The market itself is a labyrinth, winding this way and that without any perceptible logic. The merchants are as varied as their goods, selling everything from "allegedly" powerful magical items, to fortunes, to mundane teapots (but we hear they're very nice.) Some colorful tents offer card and palm readings. Wagons hold exotic animals from every corner of the globe. Enclosed stalls offer chance encounters with that special someone or potent drinks to enjoy the rare chance to drink like a human.
With all powers dampened, this market is a safe ground for the magical denizens of this world, like witches and dryads, nymphs and selkies. They all look human here though, so the only way you'll know the truth is if they tell you. But don't worry, they aren't shy! In fact, some of these stall owners may look at the vampires of the castle with the same wonder and amusement as the vampires might regard them.
But how will our powerless castle residents pay for all these goods? Not to worry -- the Council is generous enough to hand out bags of coins to all youngbloods and novices, which they can use to purchase anything throughout the market. The coins are emblazoned with the solar eclipse, and are valid only in the Marché du Soleil. Don't spend it all in one place! Or do. You can come back for more, if you don't mind speaking to the Council.
Players are free to assume that characters can purchase any non-magical item from the market, they stock everything! Clothes, pens, furniture, you name it! For any magical item, players will need to submit threads to the item gacha reward. Anyone who interacts with this prompt will earn one free magic item the gacha! If playing the gacha for the market, please mark that in your request.
A NEW MOON DAWNS
With the eclipse and the market (and the big slumber party) all happening at once, the rest of April and early May seem almost tame in comparison. Classes are getting into full swing, and without random flowers sprouting up all over the Castle (or inside the hearts of the Castle's residents), everyone can actually focus on their academics for once!
But of course you didn't think we'd let you go a whole month without something ominous, did you?
Starting in late April, residents of the castle will begin to notice the sound of howling from the woods becomes more frequent and louder. By early May, Black Court classes have to be moved from the forest itself to inner courtyard and the training areas at the gates, for "safety" reasons, whatever that means.
But Black Court classes aren't the only ones making adjustments. Silver Court classes start to warn about what to do in case of a werewolf bite, how to treat the poison, and the necessity of making sure the person gets help right away. Red Court fighting classes include a unit on fighting non-human opponents, with Blue Court vampires playing wolves, lions, and bears to help students practice fighting them.
The Council's vampires take this threat much more seriously than the ones before it--even more seriously than the string of murders, it seems. But they have no strong answers about the threat, even as the howling seems to get closer by the day. Just what could the future hold...?
But of course you didn't think we'd let you go a whole month without something ominous, did you?
Starting in late April, residents of the castle will begin to notice the sound of howling from the woods becomes more frequent and louder. By early May, Black Court classes have to be moved from the forest itself to inner courtyard and the training areas at the gates, for "safety" reasons, whatever that means.
But Black Court classes aren't the only ones making adjustments. Silver Court classes start to warn about what to do in case of a werewolf bite, how to treat the poison, and the necessity of making sure the person gets help right away. Red Court fighting classes include a unit on fighting non-human opponents, with Blue Court vampires playing wolves, lions, and bears to help students practice fighting them.
The Council's vampires take this threat much more seriously than the ones before it--even more seriously than the string of murders, it seems. But they have no strong answers about the threat, even as the howling seems to get closer by the day. Just what could the future hold...?
CLASS NOTES
Other notable happenings for the Spring season include:
- The winner for the Spring Novice Tournament has been chosen via RNG! That winner is Trilla Suduri of the Black Court. Trilla's prowess in battle led her to victory, and have earned her the Red Court's favor. Congratulations!
- The new season means new classes! Youngbloods have begun 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 about the sudden shift in curriculum later into the month, I'm sure that's fine and temporary and nothing bad will happen.
- Anyone wise enough to strike up a conversation with the witches or nymphs of the Marché du Soleil may find that they're quite knowledgeable about potions, elixirs and perhaps even... curses? They certainly seem to know a thing or two about flowers and seeds, and refuse to sell any magical items related to them. Interesting!
- Spring is here, for real! The castle is graced with the occasional midnight rain, leaving the grounds looking fresh (muddy) and clean (wet.) Lucky for students, most classes occur indoors, but any trips to the greenhouse or classes on the grounds might get a little messier than they've been in the past. Make sure to wear proper footwear!
- After an exciting exchange of truths and lies on the journals, castle residents who participated in that post may find a small gift at their door from an anonymous source. The gift? An elegant feather pen in the same color as the recipient's court. The letter reads: "I always appreciate those who keep this castle exciting. -- Sincerely, LW." Oh, who are we kidding? It's from Lady Whisperfangs.
That's all for now! As always, characters are free to talk to the NPCs: Revar & Kashire & Claudia. For any questions regarding this month's prompts, please comment in the Q&A Section. 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 April 25-30.
Thanks for joining us and we hope you're looking forward to the spring and all the thrills to come!
Thanks for joining us and we hope you're looking forward to the spring and all the thrills to come!
Elias Argent | Youngblood | Silver Court
(ooc: feel free to tag in even if you're not in the class, we can say the trip is open to all)
[Elias’ second-season alchemy and medicines class involves a field-trip to the greenhouses to see how medicinal plants are cultivated. The class gathers on the castle steps on the morning of the trip; the air is cool and breezy, and droplets of overnight rain still cling to the stone gargoyles that peer out of the castle walls. It’s chilly weather, but surely a little mud and rain isn’t enough to cancel a field-trip over…]
Marché du Soleil
[The lack of Masks is a bother- ten years on, he's not comfortable in the underfed barely-an-adult body he was turned in- but the novelty off an outdoors market is too much to pass up. Elias can be found browsing through the various stalls, simply taking everything in. Ignore that he's wearing his masquerade ball mask (he picked one out for a formal event like five years ago and has been reusing it since)- vampires should understand, and novices will be in for an earful if they point it out.
At some point, he might look in interest at a fellow vampire’s haul while taking a break at the fringes of the market- he himself might be enjoying a new snack not found in the castle, or unwrapping an item of his own.]
What's the most interesting thing you've seen so far?
Wildcard
[Hit me up if you have other ideas!]
Marché du Soleil - If you're curious about the link, it's called a 'kandouko'; neat little thing!
Whether Elias intended to aim the question only at Vampires or not though, one would hardly blame someone for making exceptions given what Cotton is carrying.]
They said it's used to warm alcohol, [she croaks with a smile, happily letting the other inspect the odd box.] And apparently, it works for tea as well. I'm hoping to see if perhaps it might one day work for bloodwine as well, but even if that isn't the case, it will make a lovely gift to pass down through the seasons I think...
[Best case though, she gets to keep this sucker around for decades to come.]
ooh, it's a cool contraption indeed!
Does it keep things warm or does it actually heat things? [Lifting the cover to look within-] We don't have anything quite like this, if I remember rightly. That's very interesting. Was it expensive?
[Replacing the lid again, he's momentarily affected by her Grandmotherly Vibes- he hasn't seen enough older people since his turning to develop a vampiric haughtiness towards them- and somewhat awkwardly, blurts out a thanks as if he were much more human than he was.]
Uh- thanks for letting me look at it.
found it while looking for teapot warmers go figure,
Not at all, you asked after all!
It wasn't too costly- apparently it's very common where they came from, [she half hums, half titters, looking over it with a careful squint as well.] ...They explained a little of it, but I would think it's heating things- you keep hot coals in one side, enough that it could be used as a grill. The other side is to be full of water, like a double boiler would be. It's definitely meant for clay vessels instead of anything glass...
no subject
We don't have very many portable heaters in Courtsheart, this will come in very useful if it worked for blood. Would you mind showing me where you got it?
no subject
They had a number of unique designs...some can be quite large I noticed, so with luck you can have quite the pick to look over. Perhaps if it's successful it could even be recreated on its own- it seems to just be metal and wood.
[The wood being the storage box for the thing, so really 'just metal'.]
no subject
[He follows her, taking care to match Cotton’s pace. It's less of a chore to slow down for her than he expects- then he remembers it's the eclipse, dampening the speed he usually has. Well, what an unexpected boon for bonding with the students. Or something. The Council wasn't clear on this part.]
I realise I never caught your name- I'm Elias Argent. Silver Court.
no subject
[It's a bonding experience all over- shopping, dining, and none of the usual divisions...it truly is a once in a 'lifetime' experience, factoring in all of that.
Cotton beams, looking to Elias as she answers.] Camelia Cotton- it's lovely to meet you, ah...Mr. Argent, [she says after a brief pause, before offering a quiet chuckle.] I do apologize, I came from a very small village...we were rather close to one another, so the use of 'Mister' so on so forth, it's still very odd to me! I think the closest thing we had was when the children would call me 'Grandma'- I wasn't their grandmother, but apparently I was good enough, hohoho...
...Oh, but I'm dithering on, I didn't give you which Court I'm to be entering- it's to be Blue, [Cotton adds with a nod.] I'm quite excited, I will admit. I didn't expect to have much more time in this world, and now it seems I'm to have quite a lot more!
no subject
[He's unsure of how to react again, and the disarmed feeling makes him then feel a little foolish. Obviously in Courtsheart people don't talk about what children from the village call them. Elias looks at the ground, resisting the human urge to fidget.]
Yeah, I… can imagine. I came from a small village too. It's surprising to see someone like you doing well here.
no subject
[She might have a point with the element of Surprise- perhaps just about every vampire and novice in her path has simply been blown over by the relentless optimism that somehow lacks an expected layer of naivety.]
no subject
[“Element of surprise” is one of the nicer ways to put it, so yeah- let's go with that.]
It seems that you can only get this level of schooling if you're around vampires. It's one of the upsides of being here. [To him, at least, who'd worked for a vampire in his human life specifically for an education. He knows many others don't agree, so it's nice to speak with someone who's open-minded about it. The interest shows in his voice as he asks the next question- this guy is very much Silver Court.] Which classes do you like?
no subject
But that aside...I will admit my favorites are the classes that let me revisit my youth so to speak; they're considered part of the Black Court, but that focus on your surroundings, on knowing how to survive the wilds, it brings me right back home...
And the teachers have been absolutely wonderful as well of course!
[..........Perhaps that's why she's not being bothered as a novice, actually. If she's actually gotten on the good side of a few Black Court instructors, that'll probably do the job of scaring of anyone willing to try picking off grandma.
.....The students probably think she's a plant, don't they.]
no subject
[T-THIS IS A DANGER GRANDMA. Elias doesn't even think that she could be a plant because he believes the courts have better ways of getting intel than dealing with humans But he is a little scared, despite his common sense that he has no reason to. He never dared to take Black Court classes as a novice, let alone do well in it.]
Wow. Suppose if you can handle those, you should do fine. They have a reputation for being quite hard. [Now that they're in the thick of the market stalls, he adds in an offhand comment:] Let me know when we're close to that stall, alright? Uh, if you please?
[That Grandma Energy is really strong, stronger now that he assumes Cotton can maybe possibly shadowstep or kill a guy. He has no idea which Black Court class she took exactly.]
ngl certain black court vamps just deciding they really love grandma has made my day jgkhfhg
...Season two, well. That's another story, but anyway-] Oh!! Why thank you! They do seem quite intimidating, I agree! Were it not for my experience with being thrown to the literal wolves as a child I think I would have had to shy away from them. But it was well worth it, [she hums, nodding quietly.] It's one thing to know how to navigate the wilderness as a human, but quite another as a vampire.
Now then...Do you see that booth just over there? With the little flag on it? That's the one we're going to be stopping at.
Sorry for the late reply! Life life'd me
[It's kind of messed up that a story about being thrown to wolves is being met with understanding rather than horror, but that's just how it is in vampire land.]
Yes, I see it. [He had passed that booth over earlier, but looking closely at it now, he does see the boxes laid out under the bright little flag.] What a funny flag. I suppose the shopkeep is relying on it to bring in customers.
hjfgkdghdfg no i'm sorry life is ALSO lifing me as you see-
Oh nooo;; also if you can't think of any more hooks I'm okay with wrapping this up!
Sounds good to me! I say almost a week later.... (just in time for the tdm event though, eyy)
Marché du Soleil~
Um, well... [He takes a moment to think on his question.] I saw a unicorn, but it was just a horse with a beard and a swirly horn attached to its head.
[There's a pause then as he fishes something out of his pocket. It's a ring sporting a black jewel. Fancy, yet tasteful.]
This is the only thing I've bought so far. A pillbox ring. Or it's also called a poison ring since you can hide poison in it... But that's not why I bought it, of course.
[He demonstrates that the jewel pops open to show it has a tiny hidden compartment. One could certainly use it to store a substance to secretly poison someone or hide recreational drugs in there or what have you. Conrad just thought it was a neat novelty, though.]
no subject
[Elias watches with avid interest as Conrad demonstrates, nodding with understanding when the compartment opens.]
Oh! Fancy. So why did you buy it?
no subject
[He shrugs his shoulders and slides the ring on a finger, even if it doesn't quite go with what he's wearing at the moment.]
Hm, it'd compliment one of my more favored outfits. I don't wear much jewelry, really, but I think it'll work. I don't really care that it can potentially be used to store poison or whatever... Uhm. How about you? Seen anything worth buying?
no subject
You think you'll get into a jewelry phase? It could look good, I can see it. [Neither of them have worn jewelry much, as far as he remembers. He's considered it, but thought it would be too cumbersome to manage.] You don't think the gem will catch on things at work?
Oh- and I got a couple of things, look.
[Elias will pause to pull out a magnifying glass with a brass frame and polished-wood handle.]
no subject
I don't know, but you think so? I don't want to get too flashy. [He glances down at the ring again, seeming to mull over the idea of obtaining more jewelry.] I, um, just figured I'd wear it occasionally. When I get into my work I tend to remove my accessories. And I don't want to wear anything nice when I'm working with paints or something messy, anyway.
[He examines the magnifying glass for a moment as Elias presents it and nods.] That would be helpful for doing research. Especially concerning some older books that have such small text. [There's a pause then as he looks back to Elias.] The mask is interesting, too. [He's presuming he just bought it and it is pretty intriguing.]
no subject
[Like how his mask is being picked up by Conrad. Elias laughs it off, shaking his head.]
I'm pretty sure this is one of the default designs you can get any of the seamstresses [read as: seamstress thralls] to make. I got it a few years back for one of the balls. I'm just not really identifying with my novice face, you know.
[It just feels weird to look that young nowadays.]
no subject
Oh-oh... I'm sorry. I shouldn't have assumed- Uhm. I understand. That makes sense since you can't mask like normal.
[Conrad doesn't mind looking like he did when he was turned. Maybe if he makes it to being quite old he won't want to look twenty-eight anymore, but he's only forty years old, so he's fine with it.]
Anyway... Yeah, I see, that makes sense. About the ring. I'm good with more accessorizing. Maybe I should shop around for something else that'll work with it? [It'll give him something to do and any time he can spend looking for fashion-related stuff is time well spent.
no subject
[It seems like a really good turn of luck, having a physical body that you just so happened to like when you got turned into a vampire. But Elias might be wrong, he doesn't have the statistics to prove this. Well, anyway.]
I saw these collar pins with chains at one of the stalls earlier, they had many designs. How does that sound? I thought about getting them.
[He didn't, because he wasn't sure if the chains were too elaborate for him, but they sound like they would fit for this situation. Brainstorming this for Conrad is getting him into a fashion-conscious mood that he definitely wasn't in when he walked away from that store.]
Or- hm- if not, earrings? Something for your glasses?
no subject
He rubs at the back of his neck, then, and he's quiet for a moment as he looks like he's pondering Elias's suggestion before he nods.]
Yeah. I've always been favorable to collar pins, sure. Those sound nice. Maybe you could show me? I also have a collection of broaches and stuff like that.
[If Elias doesn't mind hanging out with him for a while, Conrad would be happy to walk around a shop with him. He'd be happy to have some company while he browses.]
I never thought about getting earrings, really. I suppose I could try something, though, maybe an ear cuff? As for glasses, I have a few different frames since I... still always feel like I need to wear them regularly. They're just a fashion accessory in themselves, I know, so I suppose I could always spruce them up a bit.
no subject
[Elias gets up (if they were sitting?) and takes a step forwards, crossing his arms and surveying the market before them.]
-ah, I think it should be this way.
[He uncrosses his arms, gestures in the general direction, and starts walking.]
There's plenty of jewelry stalls too, maybe we'll find something interesting along the way.