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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!
Slumber Party~ (I'm sure there'll be more later)
I'm trying to think of a story that wouldn't get you really upset.
[ As in, really upset. It's different from his default 'upset' reaction, which could mean a bunch of things. ]
Then again, despite upsetting Edgin with the boar truth, it did lead to this...
no subject
Nothin' good ever started like that, I gotta say.
[ A story that won't make him upset... well, getting upset is a surefire way to get Bones to possibly mess up your nails, Eden. ]
You're one of the one who ain't never been to a sleepover, then? How'd that come up?
no subject
Well, from Lockwood's post, Edgin couldn't believe that I was capable of taking a boar down. To which, after saying how, he said that he would've grounded me if I was his kid.
[ Probably because she said how she lured it after digging a pit... ]
As you can imagine, I had no clue what 'grounded' even meant. Which led to me asking about other normal childhood things.
no subject
Ahh, I getcha. Edgin's a real good father. No surprise he'd have sent ya to your room without supper for gettin' into that kinda trouble.
[ Not that he would actually do that much, even, but it's more an expression than anything. Will Eden know this? Eh. Bones doesn't think when he uses colloquialisms, they just come out. ]
What other kinda stuff have ya learned about here? You know how to play cat's cradle?
no subject
[ Which, from what Bones knew, didn't really have much significance to someone like Eden. Sure, Eden didn't know it was a phrase, but she's giving Edgin his 'good dad' credit as well. It filled in the gap on why there was a followed subject about 'other normal childhood things.'
Ah, but that gets both a confused and curious expression on her face. She doesn't even need to say 'why would a cat have a cradle?' ]
Not cat's cradle yet. Mostly the fiddly parts and this s'mores stuff that is set up by the fireplace. Oh, and that 'fix your hair' meant to play with it.
[ Also that Xenk took blanket forts very seriously. ]
no subject
[ It's just a thing parents do? Well. Some of them mean it, but Bones knows how sheltered Eden is. He'd rather paint her a nice picture. ]
S'mores are real important. Normally you'd make 'em when you go campin', but seein' as how we're rampin' up for the eclipse, makin' em inside makes more sense.
[ He nods, proud to hear that his boyfriend has imparted important knowledge on young Eden. ]
I'll show ya how to play, it's real simple. You just need a long piece of string. Lemme just grab one real quick...
[ Does Bones carry string in his pockets? No. But is he willing to yank a string off a knit blanket somewhere? Absolutely. ]
no subject
[ Imagine being sheltered away from normal family dynamics. At least some of it's getting made up for during the novice seasons. Also that she's looking better now, compared to having visited a little back, so the medicine (and sleeping with the window closed) was doing some good.
And while the s'mores are delicious, things like this could be enjoyed even after Eden's had her becoming. That makes it worth more in her mind. ]
Are there other thins like cat's cradle that use the long piece of string?
no subject
[ And hopefully no one will be threatening Eden with violence, ever! Well. Unless it's another vampire and there's a whole thing. But Bones would prefer to live in a world where vampires do not just randomly fight each other...
Still, he's got the string now, so he ties it into a loop, showing Eden every step of the way. ]
Yeah, you can play a couple'a different games just like this. Hell, I used to make slingshots out of twine and twigs when I was real little. Usedta get on my Ma's last nerve with the shit I'd break.
[ He smiles fondly as he sets his hands up and... starts making a few different shapes already. Oops, he's getting a little carried away with the storytelling and not the actual explaining how this works. ]
no subject
[ Thought he woman who raised her was also old, it's probably because Eden was just set to be well behaved enough to not get such phrases. Her attention mostly focused on the steps to this cat's cradle, following along and aside from showing a bit of laxity in her finger's joints with how they'd curve or twist a little too much, had the dexterity to mimic McCoy as he went through the steps.
Of course, you hear the darnedest things when someone's focused on something else enough. ]
Oh, I did similar. After processing some animals, we used sinew to do that before I was able to make my own bow later... I didn't break anything I wasn't supposed to, though.
no subject
[ He wouldn't hear the end of it, somehow. But regardless, McCoy isn't so focused that he's totally forgotten what he's doing with his hands. He's just very good at this game -- his hands being his best asset, in his opinion. ]
See, you make little loops with your fingers... and you hand if off, makin' the shapes more complicated as ya go. Now you try.
[ He holds his hands out, giving Eden room to hold the loop. ]
no subject
[ By that, she could understand what 'fox in a henhouse' means. Tapping her lip seems to be the best way of saying that she promised not to share. Even with Jim. See, she's not completely hopeless on these phrases!
Eden's going to lean in to look at the loops and everything with it from a different angle before reaching in. She's being very careful to have everything in place before moving her fingers away with it; though the better part is seeing the way her smile goes up into those eyes as she watches her own success. ]
Are there specific steps or shapes that are supposed to be done in order, or is it trying to make it complicated enough for the next hand-off?
no subject
Thatta girl. You got it!
[ He does actually smile at that. Don't look now or anything. If you point it out, he'll definitely stop. ]
's all up to you how many loops you wanna go. Gen'rally I do about 2 before swappin', that way the game takes more than a few rounds. Else someone might lose a finger.
no subject
Okay, so just a couple. Like...
[ The next couple things Eden added weren't anything amazing or complicated. No crazy twists to the layers or anything too different from what she'd seen the doctor already doing before. Which works, if one wanted this to last... That and it takes a bit of familiarity with anything before Eden really showed creativity with it. ]
no subject
Yeah, just like that. Now you hold it out an' hand it to me.
[ He's proud of her, honestly. This is a very normal thing to do, and he knows how little normalcy Eden's had in her life. Even just this is good work! ]
Once you get the hang of it, it' as easy as breathin'. Then you can start speedin' up, or gettin' real crazy with it.
no subject
Real crazy?
[ The hands are held back out for McCoy to retrieve the 'cradle', trying to show the curiosity more than anything else. ]
Does it end up looking like some kind of actual weaving, or something like that?