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+---- Thread: [PQ+] Lost shadows left behind (/showthread.php?tid=11544)
Lost shadows left behind - Hadama - 06-19-2025
The letter had been sent to Sunjata, Archon of King's End, requesting his permission to hold another Void hunt in his region. There were undoubtedly other ways of honing his Gravity Spikes, but for Hadama the Void's influence weighed on his mind and heart. Torchline was protected, but not all regions were so well-defended and he was pragmatic enough to strengthen the alliances forged through necessity and friendship by offering his assistance where he could.
The notices that he had posted in non-infected regions requesting assistance had been, by and large, discreet. Now he stood at the edge of Mourn where a stone monument to those lost during the War of the New Gods stood in silent, solemn splendor, the light of morning gilding it in temporary gold and rose. Hadama carried his trident, the weapon planted at his side, and waited for those willing to answer his call to the dangerous hunt to arrive.
This is a PQ+ for helping King's End out with a Corrupted Unicorn herd and training offensive abilities against the Void.
Please post your character arriving and what they're bringing (items on profile will be assumed to be available if needed).
1. Hadama
2. Vesper
3. Astaroth
4. Alys
**This PQ+ is starting on June 19th, and will need to be finished by July 18th.
RE: Lost shadows left behind - Alys - 06-19-2025
Alys had been spending more and more time in King's End, these days. If she wasn't in the Greatwood hunting roses, or at Frey's Breath hunting lilies, she could be found at home. In the aftermath of all that had happened - the disastrous pool party, more visions, becoming the Seer of King's End - she felt that she owed it to herself to focus on what was hers - her home and her partner, both of whom needed her now more than ever.
So when she'd heard that Hadama was hosting a hunting party, she'd arrived on the appointed morning alone. Sascha was under strict instructions to stay back at the house, and though she'd protested - by destroying Alys's favorite pair of boots, no less - she'd eventually given up and flopped down to wait for her bonded to return.
The Fateweaver came dressed for a fight: she wore dark pants tucked into her second favorite pair of boots (thanks, Sascha) and a short-sleeved shirt that bared the leather bracers she wore to protect her arms. She carried a bow, strung and at the ready, and had a quiver of arrows clipped to her belt. To be extra safe, she also carried several daggers - one on the opposite hip from the quiver, one strapped to a thigh, and one tucked into a boot. But her best weapon was her magic - and that, she carried with her always.
---
Alys arrives with a basic bow, a quiver of ten arrows, and three basic daggers. She has everything on her profile, but Sascha is not with her.
RE: Lost shadows left behind - Astaroth - 06-21-2025
He’s heard through the grapevine of notice boards that something was gathering here – an eradication of more of those void infested, violet beasts. And while he hopes it isn’t another one of those villi’s he’d dealt with last time he was here, in an effort to better prepare himself he takes the trip. King’s End wasn’t that far from home, after all. And with a promise to Danta that he’d be safe, he finds himself here.
Amongst flowers that sprout from the earth, fertilized by multiple barrows and graves as far as he could tell. And sprouting amongst the mix was the gathering, by what appeared to be a monument for the previous war that he’d blessedly been asleep for. Dressed impeccably but certainly built for flexibility, the butcher arrives with the glint of his bladed cane in hand, the smile on his face that reveals his shark-tooth smile, his tail sweeping against his ankles, ashen black at the spaded point.
The only thing noted about his person is the bladed cane, but the pocket of his waistcoat harbors the compact mirror and magic writhes beneath his skin, and there’s a tension in the air that screams that he’s ready.
Asta arrives with two daggers, a flask of water, and all these items from his profile:
Type: Light | Style: Other | Level: Mastered
Revivify Feather | Can bring a character back from the dead so long as it's used within 24 hours of their death.
Type: Grey | Style: Defensive | Level: Upgraded
A pocket mirror that when placed on the ground duplicates the user's appearance exactly. Duplicate cannot speak or leave their place and appears as if the user is simply standing still. Lasts 2 rounds in combat. Must be picked up to be re-activated.
Type: Dark | Style: Other | Level: Basic
Crow Charm Bracelet | A braided leather bracelet decorated with the feathers of a gore crow. It contains all of the emotional trauma sustained as a result of Astaroth's interactions with corvids. If the bracelet is broken or removed, all of the emotional consequences and damage will return to Astaroth instantly.
Type: Dark | Style: Offensive | Level: Basic
Threaded Cane | A metal walking cane which, at the press of a button, breaks into conjoined shards to form a serrated whip. The range of the whip is 10ft. Should the cane be used as a weapon on its own, it will only ever do Basic damage.
RE: Lost shadows left behind - Vesper - 06-23-2025
Vesper doesn’t rush; he arrives with the sun on his shoulders and the sea heat stitched into the fabric of his shirt—loose, sleeveless, linen, the colour of smoked pearl. His trousers are rolled to the shin, boots worn soft from sand and salt, shadows trailing lazy behind him like loyal dogs half-asleep. No blades hang at his sides. No shield, no spear. Just a waterskin slung across his back and the faint shimmer of magic veiled beneath his skin like moonlight waiting to surface.
He doesn't need weapons. He’s brought himself.
The moment his feet touch the appointed ground, he casts his pale gaze over the others. There’s no tension in his limbs, no overt wariness—just that watchful stillness, the quiet calibration of a man who always listens before he speaks. [say]”Hadama,”[/say] he murmurs, tipping his head to the Tidebreaker with a ghost of a grin that never quite reaches his mouth. Respectful, not deferential.
His eyes move next to the others—Alys first, then Asta—offering each of them a small nod. Curious, polite, unreadable.
Then he sets a hand briefly on the waterskin strap, eyes flicking toward the distant shimmer of heat-hazed coastline as if he might instead have been planning on going for a stroll rather than assisting the Tidebreaker with this task. But his shadows stir, slow and serpentine at his heels.
RE: Lost shadows left behind - Hadama - 06-24-2025
The faces of those who arrived were familiar, at least, though he had only been properly introduced to two of them. Alys was greeted with a grateful nod, the Tidebreaker's mild surprise and pleasure at seeing his old classmate hidden behind his usual stoic mien. Astaroth received a more reserved inclination of the Tidebreaker's head when he joined them. The Ancient's face was familiar after a number of events they had attended in each other's proximity, though Hadama could not recall ever being formally introduced. The man's assistance was welcome, regardless. Last of all, Vesper's entrance drew the Mer King's gaze as the younger demigod neared. The tip of his head was unintentionally mirrored by Hadama, a quiet pleasure and pride at the willingness of Safrin's son to help with his task. "Vesper," he returned warmly in his deep, quiet voice.
It seemed there would be no more, and Hadama turned solemnly so that he could see all three of those who had volunteered for the hunt. "Thank you for coming." A simple statement, but a sincere one as he met the eyes of each in turn for a moment before continuing. "We are hunting a herd of Corrupted Unicorns today. As we do not know each other well," or at all, perhaps, in some cases, "I would like to start with introductions. Include any weapons or abilities you think will be useful today, to avoid accidents." He paused to ensure understanding before continuing. 'I am Hadama. I can Heal injuries but I will be focusing on using my Gravity Spikes against the Void creatures. I may also teleport myself and one other." He thumped his trident gently on the ground. "My trident can create a blast of starlit water, but it may be most useful in stopping a charging unicorn."
With that he grew silent once more, waiting to see who would speak up next.
RE: Lost shadows left behind - Alys - 06-24-2025
Alys returned
When Hadama had finished his introduction, Alys spoke. [say]"My name is Alys Glasse,"[/say] she said. [say]"I have mastered illusion and healing magic. I think I'd be most useful in distracting the Void creatures with my illusions, but I can heal anyone who needs it, too. I brought some weapons."[/say] she added, holding up the bow, [say]"But they're not special, so..."[/say] So she wasn't sure how much damage she'd actually be able to do. Still, she would try. [say]"I also have basic air magic."[/say]
---
Alys says hello!
RE: Lost shadows left behind - Astaroth - 06-25-2025
Once everyone gathers and the butcher has a moment to take in the entirety of the team, his gaze flits back to the Tidebreaker as he suggests introductions to start, before they begin their hunt of the corrupted unicorns. Resigned to listen as Alys takes the lead of the introductions, the butcher nods toward her (some common comfort in more illusion play). As for basic knives, Astaroth can’t complain. He also harbors basic daggers and trinkets of the mundane.
Which leads him to his introduction - sweeping into an easy and confident half-bow, the butcher draws back up to his full height, figuring it wasn’t a problem to mention the items and magic he has that’s the important bits. “[say]I am Astaroth, or Asta for short.[/say]” Pausing as he regards the very clearly not Ancient people among them, he continues. “[say]I am unsure how familiar you all are with Ancient abilities, so do feel free to ask if any of it is confusing. I have fire magic, my own shadow control, haunt, and bloodbane.[/say]” Pausing in case there needs to be any elaboration, though he does incline his head toward Vesper with the mention of shadows because yeah he absolutely noticed the trailing shadows following the young man, he continues onto the item portion.
“[say]I also have two daggers, a flask of water, my lovely bladed cane which can be activated to become a serrated whip, as well as a positioning tool in the form of a mirror.[/say]” Shifting his weight back onto his heels, the cane presses into the earth softer now as he straightens up, gaze flitting toward Vesper to hear what the youth had in his possession.
Asta introduces himself and the important things he’s brought/has!
RE: Lost shadows left behind - Vesper - 06-27-2025
Vesper listens without interrupting. His expression doesn’t change, but there’s a flicker behind his eyes—something cool and current-slick, sliding beneath the surface as each introduction offers more than just words. He absorbs the shape of Alys’s caution, the way she presents her bow like it might not measure up to the weight she carries in magic. Sees how her mind orbits around healing, around safety, around the pieces of herself she’s still quietly gluing back together.
He takes in Asta too. The name, the magic, the bladed cane with its smug little grin of a whip coiled beneath. The casual strength. Vesper hears the confidence, sure—but also the edge of calculation beneath it, the kind of readiness that doesn’t announce itself but never really leaves. He doesn’t respond to the nod at his shadows. Just meets the other man’s glance with a faint curl of his lip, like a card half-revealed.
When they finish, he pushes off from the patch of grass he’s been rooted to and steps forward with the lazy grace of someone who doesn’t much believe in hurrying unless there’s blood in the water. The shadows laced around his boots stir like smoke disturbed by breath.
[say]"Vesper,"[/say] he says, tone mooth, slow, that easy southern drawl lilting through his name like it doesn’t weigh a thing. His fingers twitch slightly at his sides, a ripple passing through the shadows before they still again. [say]"I work mostly with my shadows. Trickier stuff, but I can hold, bind, and drag things when needed."[/say] He glances toward Alys, then Asta. Then, more casually, he adds, [say]"Also can shift into a horse if bein' fast is of any use. Assumin' someone can ride bareback, that is."[/say] The last part’s offered with the ghost of a smirk, a lightness meant to balance the quiet weight of the hunt ahead.
Vesp says he can be a pony if anyone wants to GO FAST.
RE: Lost shadows left behind - Hadama - 06-27-2025
Hadama listened with interest to how Alys's abilities had grown since they had last spoken. He inclined his head in gratitude at her offer to provide Healing, and gave her a thoughtful look at her suggestion of creating distractions. "The illusions will be useful as distractions. Thank you, Alys."
He turned next to Asta, and whatever he thought of the dapper Ancient outside of this hunt, he nodded in gratitude for the man's contributions. "I have experienced bloodbane and fire magic. They are... potent. Your skills are welcome, Astaroth."
Vesper, almost languid in the morning light, offered one ability that Hadama knew, and one that he did not. The mention of the shift drew a raised brow, and a note of surprise in his thoughts, though it faded quickly as he contemplated the young man, not so unlike a young stallion in his own way. "I cannot ride, but shadows that can bind hooves and horns will be valuable."
He looked around at the group of hunters in satisfaction, for all that he had only worked with Alys in the past. But the Fateweaver could distract and mislead with illusion, weaving their defense with her magic, while Vesper could catch at the hooves of their prey, fouling their charges and making them easier targets for gravity and fire alike. They were well-balanced, and the Tidebreaker was pleased.
He nodded towards the rolling hills of Mourn where it spilled gently from the hulking shadows of the Barrows and began to move deeper into the plain. "The herd was reported near this place two days ago. Spread out, and search for recent unicorn tracks. Once we have our direction we will move quickly."
First task is to find the pointy Void ponies! Spread out and use your skill of choice to find the hoof prints of a unicorn herd!
RE: Lost shadows left behind - Astaroth - 06-28-2025
As if belatedly, perhaps when Vesper admits he has some shifts, does the butcher remember his own thrumming in his blood. The fyrhund, lial, and feirw settling against his bones in sharp contrast to the idea of a horse. But he’d come here looking to utilize his magic and not his shifts, to perhaps burn and drag the corrupted unicorns to their graves with nothing more than bloody, fiery means.
Still, the butcher is patient even as he twists the bladed cane in his hands, nodding to hear the instruction as they’re offered – spreading out to search for them. “[say]Perfect.[/say]” Comes the quiet thrum of his drawling accent, taking a moment to take in the scent of the air around him, which way it was blowing in order to not go and give their positioning away – traits from his old scouting days in Halo – before he’s picking a direction to head down, tail flicking at his heels as he keeps his eyes peeled for tracks.
Asta picks a direction not in the wind and starts his search!
RE: Lost shadows left behind - Alys - 06-28-2025
Alys was not a particularly skilled tracker, for all that she had hunted a little in the past. Those days were long since behind her, though, and she realized as Hadama gave his instructions that perhaps she had overestimated her usefulness on this venture. Still, at least she knew - or thought she knew - what unicorn prints would look like, even if she wasn't sure exactly what she'd do (aside from providing a distraction) once the herd was found.
She watched as Astaroth picked a direction, then chose her own, setting a course to his right - not quite going the opposite way, but staying far enough away that she might catch something that he didn't. She trained her eyes on the ground, watching not only for hoofprints, but also for any piles of manure that might indicate a direction.
---
Alys goes off to Asta's right, searching for prints or other signs of the herd's activity.
RE: Lost shadows left behind - Vesper - 06-30-2025
He watches them go—Hadama with his regal pace, Astaroth slipping into his scouting instincts, Alys quiet and thoughtful beneath the weight of her own usefulness. And for a moment, Vesper merely breathes.
Then he shifts. The change comes smooth as silk, his human form folding inward, shadows tightening and reshaping until a tall, lean-limbed black stallion stands where he’d been. Starlight freckles scatter faintly across his flanks, ghostly and glinting, as though constellations have been pinned to his hide by a reverent hand. His mane and tail flow like midnight silk, catching the breeze with a kind of composed wildness. But there’s nothing passive in his stillness.
Vesper lifts his head, ears flicking forward, and then, he rears.
Hooves slice the air, sharp and high, his body coiling up like a drawn bow before he throws his weight into the gesture, shadows spilling like smoke around his legs. And then the sound comes—a piercing, deliberate whinny, rich with challenge and wildness, cutting across the hills like a blade of glass through fog.
It’s not a cry of panic, nor one of fear. It’s a summons.
A dare.
Come find us.
Vesper rears and whinnies loudly to draw and draw the herd to them.
RE: Lost shadows left behind - Hadama - 06-30-2025
Astaroth was a canny hunter, but the direction he chose was empty of unicorn sign. The meadows stretched out around him, broken by silent monuments, quiet memorials, and the shapes of his fellow hunters. But of unicorns in that direction there was only old manure, long-dried in the Longheat sun and at least a week old.
Hadama's direction was likewise fruitless but Alys, moving closer to the hills, found a few fresher tracks. The herd had moved together, crossing their tracks more than once as they grazed and hunted across Mourn, but from her best count there appeared to be at least a half dozen and perhaps more. A few Cursed Daisies sprang up next to a pile of manure that still steamed faintly.
But it was Vesper who took the situation by the horns and gave it a shake. Shifted into his stallion shape, his bugle echoed across the low hills and dry grasses, a challenge to any equine in hearing distance.
And in response an answering cry rose, the sound thin with distance at first. There were teeth in that scream, and rage, and an unsettling vibration at the base of one's molars.
"Prepare yourselves," Hadama instructed grimly, moving to place himself - and his trident - between Alys and the sound of distant thunder that rolled without pause and grew louder with each passing second. It swelled at a speed no normal horse could match, and a plume of fine dust rose to the northwest, hanging over the hills. Hadama readied his Gravity Spikes, waiting only for the appearance of the first unicorn over the crest of the low hills separating them. Judging from the tremble in the earth beneath their feet, they only had a few seconds to set their trap or ready their weapons of choice before the equines - corrupted or otherwise - arrived.
Alys finds the hoof prints of the herd and they're fresh! But Vesper's challenge receives an answer, and a herd of some sort of unicorn is charging towards you. They aren't in sight yet, but they will be in a few seconds. If you have any preparations to make, now is the time. The herd will arrive in the next round!
*Hadama moves in front of Alys. He readies his Gravity Spikes and sets his trident to receive a charge.
Hadama: 1105
Astaroth: 200
Vesper: 150
Alys: 130
Corrupted Unicorns: ????
No posting order!
RE: Lost shadows left behind - Astaroth - 07-01-2025
Unsurprised and not at all bothered that the path he’d chosen had been less than stellar for finding tracks, the butcher recalls it as part of the norm from when he’d scouted long before in the expansive snowy expanse of Halo. This place at least has more life, even amongst the monuments and memorials, ones that catch only a curious glance before the butcher hears the piercing whinny back where they’d come.
Returning easily to the group, the butcher preps himself as Hadama suggests they do so, shoulders loosening in a quick and easy shake, lifting the bladed cane so the edge doesn’t press into the grassy ground. He aims the edge of the bladed portion of his cane in a way that seems to suggest that the second he sees the herd leader approach, he might indulge in the bloodlust lingering under his skin.
Asta returns to the group and prepares his bladed cane for when the unicorns appear!