undyingcourt | April Event

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!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[The lack of reaction is a good thing, honestly. It's a dumb move to be threatening a vampire, but Yuri is comfortable enough with Bones to be that rude and not expect any retaliation.

The question makes him frown harder.]

Tche.

[Fine. He tugs his hand away briefly so he can sit on some blankets, leaving his crutch next to himself. One tiny step towards reluctantly accepting he's going to be stuck at this whole slumber party thing for the entire night.]

Have you ever done all this crap before?

[ Nothing says friendship like empty threats. Bones smiles at Yuri's obvious acquiescence and takes a seat, holding out his hand.

You're gonna get that hand completely done in silver, if Bones has anything to say about it, Yuri! ]

Nah, not really. I'm just a natural.

[ No, that's a lie. Bones practiced. He can pretend he doesn't care all he wants, but he is undoubtedly a man who refuses to do poorly at things if he can help it. ]

Slumber parties an' stuff... Maybe when I was real little. I didn't make a ton of friends growin' up or nothin', [ The next part he says calmly, but it's obviously a forced calm: ] My daughter was too young by the time I left for her to have parties or anythin', so I missed out.

[Yuri will stick his hand back out so Bones can get to work making his nails pretty as hell. There is still a scowl on his face but hey, at least the silver colour goes with his whole monochrome aesthetic? He can't really complain about that.

He wasn't sure what kind of answer he was expecting, and half of it isn't too bad, but at the mention of his daughter... well... that's awkward.

Yuri resists the urge to shift, deciding to keep his gaze down on his hand.]

... Oh. I'm surprised you bothered coming, if that's the case.

[Why go to something if it's just going to remind you of someone you care about?]

[ Bones can't help the way his usual scowl lightens. Yuri may pretend he's all grump and gloom, but he's actually a really sweet kid under there, and Bones isn't surprised to see it. It's nice to see, for all that Bones keeps his hold steady.

If there's one thing Bones is good at, it's keeping his hands steady. ]

Well, Edgin's the one who came up with the whole thing, so I figured I'd help 'im out. Me an' him are pretty good friends.

[ Don't go telling people Bones has friends, Yuri. That would be embarrassing. But despite the reminder of his daughter, he keeps his cool. ]

'Sides, if I ran away from everythin' that reminded me of 'er, I'd be cooped up in my room whenever I wasn't on duty. And that ain't no way to live.

[It's almost like he never even threatened physical violence! It was a completely empty threat anyways, and now that Yuri has something else to focus on he's -- maybe not comfortable with all of this, but feeling a little less like he wants to crawl out of his skin.]

I guess not.

[It'd be a lot easier, though he doesn't say that out loud.]

How long have you known Edgin?

[He's seen Bones and Edging talking through the journals before, though he hasn't given it much thought until now.]

[ That's how they getcha, Yuri. They smile at your empty threats of violence and pretty soon you're sitting down to get your nails done by the grumpy old doctor. Certainly it would be easier to hole himself up, but it's a mistake he already made in life... not one he's looking to repeat. ]

We'd seen each other in passin' a bit over the years, but me an' him didn't get to know each other until that dream nonsense. Turns out we both know a thing or two about regrets an' family.

[ Which is as much as he'll say on that subject, since it's not his story to tell. ]

I'll be the first t' admit that I misjudged 'im on the count of him bein' part of the Blue Court. Goes to show you can't judge the forest for the trees.

[ That is not remotely how the phrase goes. ]

[Wow, that's a depressing answer. Yuri knows exactly nothing about Edgin, and now he knows all of "had a sad family life like Bones." It feels weird to know that, and he tries to think of something to say that isn't 'Sucks for that guy' and being a complete asshole.

It is, in fact, difficult for him to manage.]

... I guess people in the Blue Court aren't that bad. [He knew someone from the Blue Court! Haven't seen him around lately though, so he shifts the subject a little, his voice gaining a sarcastic edge.] Does this mean you're gonna help him with every Blue Court party from now on?

[ Don't worry about it, sometimes you meet people from sharing the same awful ails. It's fine. It's how adults make friends, right? ]

Now, hold yer horses.

[ Bones rolls his eyes, still steadily painting Yuri's nails. He still doesn't love the Blue Court or anything. ]

Blue Court ain't all that bad, sure, but they're still the ones throwin' the castle's best, and that means worst, parties. Winter Sol alone's a logistical nightmare, don't even get me started!

[Oh, ohhhhh did he just manage to needle him? Seems like it! Yuri keeps a straight face (he will not show any kind of positive emotion while attending a slumber party, gross), but he's inwardly amused by this.

Of course, the only proper thing to do is keep on needling.]

Is it? Doesn't seem like it'd be all that complicated to me.

[ He definitely found out how to needle him. Turns out all you have to do is imply he likes the Blue Court. He's happily starting to rant. ]

Course it is! They muck up the thralls an' leave it to us clean up like we're some kinda clean-up crew! All that damn glass on the floor, who do they think ends up cleanin' up the pieces, huh!?

[Well, sometimes it's good to vent a little! And what Bones is ranting about makes sense, glass cutting up the feet of the thralls for a dumb party is really excessive.]

I don't suppose you have enough sway to make them stop doing that for future parties, huh?

Not even a bit.

[ Bones lets out a long, useless exhale, shaking his head in frustration. ]

'Course they're all about showmanship and ooh look at how we dressed the thralls up all nice! We're gonna revel! [ He scoffs. ] Assholes.

[ Well, except.... ]

I mean, the court in general, anyway. They ain't all bad, but the people in charge sure like to do things the old-fashioned way.

[It really sounds like Bones could rant for hours about this, if given the chance. Which makes sense, the guy's had a lot of time to experience terrible Blue Court things.]

I guess that's a given, huh? The leaders being hung up on tradition, regardless of whether or not it's good.

[He hums thoughtfully.]

Does Edgin agree with you?

April Event - Total Eclipse

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