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undyingmods ([personal profile] undyingmods) wrote in [community profile] undyingcourt2024-04-20 06:22 pm
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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!

  • 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!




Top-Level Directory:Chat with NPC: Revar, Kashire, Claudia

Name - Court, Youngblood/Novice


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!
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!
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.
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...?
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!

galacticmalpractice: (59)

[personal profile] galacticmalpractice 2024-05-01 03:12 am (UTC)(link)
[ Bones reaches up and squeezes Edgin's shoulder, hoping to anchor him to the present. He knows... this kind of thing is the kind of thing he would have liked to have done with Joanna, too.

Maybe he can't do that, but this isn't so bad.
]

Wouldn't've gotten this far without ya, don't sell yourself short.

[ Talk of Kashire does make Bones curious, that eyebrow of his arching with a question. ]

What kinda suggestions?
juiceofthevine: (inkonic d&d hat edgin (11))

[personal profile] juiceofthevine 2024-05-01 03:23 am (UTC)(link)
I helped a little, I guess.

[ It's fine, he's selling himself short. ]

This was way bigger than I originally planned, but he thought we should make it a whole to do.
galacticmalpractice: (124)

[personal profile] galacticmalpractice 2024-05-01 03:40 am (UTC)(link)
[ Bones grins. Eh, he'll take it. ]

That's Blue Court for ya. If it's worth doin', it's worth celebratin', ain't it?

[ For once, he doesn't mean that disparagingly. He is trying to compliment your hard work, Edgin. ]

Plus, it ain't a bad thing, sharin' more human stuff with the rest of the castle. Much as they might liketa pretend, even the oldest vamps were humans once.
juiceofthevine: (inkonic d&d hat edgin (5))

[personal profile] juiceofthevine 2024-05-01 03:45 am (UTC)(link)
It's kind of surprising, when you put it that way.

[ He hadn't really thought about it like that, but Bones is right. It's a very human thing to do. Especially doing this at night. ]

Everyone's always getting on my case and yet here I am, getting to throw a whole human-style party.
galacticmalpractice: (127)

[personal profile] galacticmalpractice 2024-05-01 03:53 am (UTC)(link)
Maybe they're changin' their tune. Or maybe Kashire's got a soft spot for ya?

[ Bones smirks especially at that. He seriously doubts that's the case, but it would be pretty funny. Edgin may not be a huge proponent on vampire things, but he's a good member of the Blue Court and he deserves their respect if you ask him! ]

Guess it goes to show that you just gotta be persistent. Everybody's got their strengths -- they just took a while t' see yours.

[ Awful optimistic of Bones, but there you have it. ]
juiceofthevine: (inkonic d&d hat edgin (30))

[personal profile] juiceofthevine 2024-05-01 03:56 am (UTC)(link)
I seriously doubt Kashire has a soft spot for me. [ that does cause him to laugh, though! What a thought. ] He's probably surprised I passed Blue Court at all.

[ Too late now, they let him pass and now he's undying and everyone's problem. ]

Listen to you, being all optimistic tonight. [ He bumps his shoulder against Bones's, teasing. ] Are you sure you're feeling okay? Don't need to call a doctor?
galacticmalpractice: (142)

[personal profile] galacticmalpractice 2024-05-01 04:04 am (UTC)(link)
And you made that everybody's problem, didn'tcha?

[ He's grateful for it!! They wouldn't have met otherwise, and Bones knows a thing or two about causing problems in his court. ]

I'm feelin' fine. [ He grumbles, bumping Edgin right back and smiling despite his grousing. ] Might be I'm just lookin' forward to the eclipse. A whole day of almost seein' the sun... 'sides, I hear the doctor on call tonight's a real hard-ass. I'd hate to get on his bad side.
juiceofthevine: (inkonic d&d hat edgin (71))

[personal profile] juiceofthevine 2024-05-01 04:27 am (UTC)(link)
I sure did.

[ Edgin laughs, shaking his head. But it strikes him as good. He seems like just these last seasons that he decided to really live. He feels like he's finally doing something with his undying, after 10 years of nothing. ]

I was thinking about going for a ride tomorrow. I know the market's gonna be in town too, but...being out during the day? I want to make the most of it.

[ He's sure Bones gets it. That's why Bones is in a good mood, after all. But at the discussion of the doctor on call, he laughs again and then turns his head so he can press a kiss to Bones's cheek. And when he speaks, it's against his skin, soft and warm: ]

Yeah? You heard wrong. I have it on good authority that he's practically a teddy bear.
galacticmalpractice: (123)

[personal profile] galacticmalpractice 2024-05-01 04:37 am (UTC)(link)
[ They say life, or perhaps un-life isn't a race. So even if it taken them years to find something worth doing, Bones is glad they've found themselves here after all that. ]

Shit, that's a good idea. Mind if I join you?

[ He can kinda sense that this is an invitation, but Bones is polite. He's going to ask, even if he'd still turn up at the stables the next morning regardless. And when Edgin kisses him like that, soft and sweet, how can he do anything but smile? ]

Might be a bear on account of 'is claws. [ This is the emptiest complaint you've ever heard, Edgin. The emptiest. Especially with how Bones brings his arms forward to wrap around Edgin's waist, and pull him into a soft embrace. Yes, very menacing. ] I hear he's crotchety as hell, an' doesn't take anybody's shit.
juiceofthevine: (inkonic d&d hat edgin (46))

[personal profile] juiceofthevine 2024-05-01 05:00 am (UTC)(link)
Don't be silly. Of course you're invited.

[ That's where they're at, now. The "don't be silly" stage of things. Of course, Bones goes on to be silly about something else instead, but that's alright. ]

I think you just have to get to know him.

[ Some part of Edgin wants to kiss his way down Bones's neck and then sink his fangs in an the image of it makes him so warm, he blushes and looks away, trying not to think like that. He's supposed to be setting things up. But after last time...Mother help him, he's starting to feel like a horny teen around Bones. Get it together man. ]
galacticmalpractice: (99)

[personal profile] galacticmalpractice 2024-05-01 05:42 am (UTC)(link)
Just makin' sure. Maybe there's some other equine enthusiast you'd rather ride with. You an' that doctor're soundin' mighty cozy.

[ Bones smiles, catching that blush on Edgin's face. Now what's that about? Something tells him he'd sure like to know. Because Edgin isn't the only one who enjoys more than just warm kisses and soft embraces, for all that Bones often tries to hold himself back.

He gives Edgin's hips a squeeze, reaching up to steal a quick kiss at the edge of his lips. (It's fine, the only people here are thralls. For now.)
]

Why don't you walk me through all this work you're doin' settinv, and maybe after we can find a blanket t' hide under for a while, 'fore everyone else gets here.
juiceofthevine: (inkonic d&d hat edgin (11))

[personal profile] juiceofthevine 2024-05-03 04:35 pm (UTC)(link)
My life is not as exciting as you seem to think it is. There's no one else I've gone and spoiled the horses with.

[ Edgin is pleasantly surprised by the squeeze and the following kiss, which he reciprocates, if a little nervous still. ]

Okay, yeah, I can do that. Come on, then.

[ He takes his hand so they can survey his blanket fort kingdom together. ]
galacticmalpractice: (124)

[personal profile] galacticmalpractice 2024-05-04 04:18 am (UTC)(link)
[ That just makes Bones smile. Look, he wasn't going to assume. They've lived long lives. Horses could be a normal thing, not just a sweet date thing.

But he's happy to hear it's a sweet date thing. They are going to get kicked out of vampire school for being sweet, and Bones would happily take that.
]

Good. You worked hard, ya oughta show it off a bit.

[ And yeah, Bones is a little nervous about this too, but he's happy. It's so weird, feeling this way. But then, building a giant blanket fort is weird too. Weirder things happen to him every damn day. ]