Click here for a list of weather descriptions, seasonal festivals, and a real time:site time conversion.
Character of the Season
Frail in body but dangerously quick of mind, Nikandr is the sort of character who proves that curiosity can be just as perilous as any weapon. A necromancer, inventor, and problem-solver with more ambition than self-preservation, Niki approaches the world like a puzzle box begging to be opened, even when what’s inside has teeth. Blunt, dry-witted, fiercely independent, and carrying a history best left partially buried, he has a knack for making even failure feel fascinating. Whether he’s raising the dead, moving across Caido to King's End, or experiencing a hangover for the first time, Nikandr brings a wonderfully strange spark to Caido, and we can’t wait to see what trouble his brilliant mind wanders into next.
Congratulations, Niki!
Credits
Court of the Fallen was created in October of 2018 by Odd, Honey, and Crooked.
OG Skinning provided by Kaons, with functionality and many custom plugins made by Neowulf!
If it rains it pours so go pour one strong When it comes to this life, we only get one
The last stars have just winked out to golden skies by the time she steps out of her house, a tide of dogs spilling around her and darting off to various paths and habits. Some to go race through the hills, and start the horses running, some already leaping into troughs and buckets due to the heat pressing in even now, and others weaving at her heels with an eagerness for work that has yet to begin. The bunkhouse, in comparison, is just settling in. The hands have taken to working through the evenings when the heat is less brutal, but she'll stick with her daylight even if it earns her some sweat, thank you.
With that in mind though, she's lugged out a big barrel of water, the core half-frozen thanks to Jim, who's icy in more than just personality. She sets out cups, expecting they'll be drinking from this all day, and flops down a pack of jerky and granola bars, the leather keeping it safely away from dog noses. She also carts from the shed to the arena, their home base, a series of gloves, chaps, and hats for anyone needs it. She grabs a glass of chilled water, leaning over the railing of the arena fence and staring at the work needing to be done in quiet consideration.
"Welcome!" she turns to greet over her shoulder when arrivals begin to trickle in. "Help yourself. Gonna take us most of the day and we don't want any early blisters or torn clothing," she advises.
Welcome to the rodeo prep PQ+. This must be completed by February 3rd.
Please post your character arriving, what they’re bringing, and grab any drinks or equipment!
So I'm dead set on living while I'm still alive Dead set on living til the day I die
Received a Gilded Market wig from Remi that resembles her usual hair and is enchanted to stay on better than most wigs | has a reverse centaur tattoo on her left hand with the legs going down her pointer and middle fingers that looks like this.
Flora arrives in a spill of sun and confidence, denim shorts cut more for flirtation than labour and a black tank that looks like it has never known honest dirt, the borrowed cowboy boots thudding a little louder than necessary as she crosses the packed ground. Spice perches on her shoulder like an accessory that breathes frost, pale and alert, her tail flicking as dogs dart past with joyful chaos and Flora grins, lifting a hand in an easy wave toward Colt and the growing knot of people.
"Moooooorning," she calls, voice bright, already warm with the day, before angling her wave a little more specifically toward Hawthorn as well, recognition clicking into place with a quick flash of a smile. They have met only once, briefly in the centre of the hedge maze, but his wasn't a face worth forgetting. She shifts her weight, boots scuffing dust, and adjusts Spice with a practiced roll of her shoulder, eyes sweeping the arena and the laid-out gear with open curiosity rather than apprehension.
Flora brings enthusiasm and Spice.
passion is a passing thing, it's accidental chemistry caught up in a feelin', it can be deceivin'. this is like breaking for me
Scritching the dogs’ ears in passing as they dart around, Thorn arrives as dressed down as possible. A sheer shirt is worn, allowing some of the sun to break through, the scent of sunscreen clinging to him because he’s certainly not trying to get sunburned – tanned, though? Absolutely. A large brimmed hat sits on his head, too, trying to keep the sun out of his eyes the best he can, even if he's still wearing sunglasses just in case. Flashing a grin to Colt as he arrives, Thorn straightens up a touch with the wave from Flora when she approaches – flashing a beaming smile her way in return, happy to see the Queen of Torchline out and about and not lost like he was in Queen’s Gambit. "Heyyy!" He greets both of them.
Having absolutely zero qualms with stepping up to grab a glass of cold water, though, Thorn fills it and sips from it as he waits to be told what their first plan of action is. “I can heal, too, for whoever needs it.” It wasn’t a lot of healing, but it could help against blisters if need be.
Thorn brings himself and his magicssss!
Hawthorn
so tell me your name and tell me your problems, i got the same
If it rains it pours so go pour one strong When it comes to this life, we only get one
All the places that have cracked apart and ache, she shoves work into them until they're full enough to pretend they're still whole. Today's a great day for that, and she intends not to worry about fault lines one bit today. Though her smiles don't come as quick or as full as before, the effort to prop them up over the hurt has come easier, allowing her to pass them out in greeting as everyone arrives.
"Hey, Flora!" She waves, though the enthusiasm falters just a touch as she gives the queen's outfit a dubious look. "Nice boots," she chooses to focus on with a pulse of that smile. "Deifnitely gonna need help from Spice making sure we don't pass out. King's End been feeling more like Torchline these days, but without the same ocean breeze." Maybe one in the Boondocks, but not here.
Hawthorn's approach earns a wider beam of a smile, expression lifting with surprise. "Thorn! I didn't know you were back in town!" She'd gone by to see him a few times, but he'd always been out, which fortunately left her more time to improve and curate his apology gift. Something she'd worry about after this. "Thanks for coming," she says quieter, nodding at his offer of healing.
"To start, you might wanna use your telekenesis," she advises him. "We gotta haul all these fence panels from storage to here. We're gonna need 'em to make the chutes for running the broncs and the bulls down to the chutes," she tells the rest, glancing from Flora to the other help that's arrived, some of her hands, some from the town. She leads the way across the property to the less glamorous section behind the bunkhouse where broken panels have come to rest and temporary ones await use, among other odds and ends of supplies that don't mind the weather. "Grab what you can and walk it back!" she instructs, her own hands settling in to grab up some mental fencing and begin the effort.
Help move fence panels from storage to the arena!
So I'm dead set on living while I'm still alive Dead set on living til the day I die
Received a Gilded Market wig from Remi that resembles her usual hair and is enchanted to stay on better than most wigs | has a reverse centaur tattoo on her left hand with the legs going down her pointer and middle fingers that looks like this.
Across the rolling hills, pale shapes move slowly through the grass, their forms catching the light as they lower their heads to graze. A herd of Unicorns spreads out over the slope, horns gleaming softly as they wander.
They move with quiet grace, unhurried and unafraid, occasionally lifting their heads to glance around before returning to the grass beneath their hooves. None approach, and none flee, content to remain where they are.
From this distance, they feel more like a living part of the landscape than something separate from it, a rare and peaceful sight that seems untouched by the rest of the world.
Unicorns
Areas Found: King's End — Common
Often seen in pairs, unicorns can come in a variety of different coat colours. Some have leonine tails, several horns, and cloven feet, but all are easily recognizable by their equine-appearance and their abilities to either heal or move with incredible speed.
Challenge Rating: Moderate | Mythical
HP: 1,294 | To Hit: +45 | Dmg: 32 Movement: Walk 50 ft.; Gallop 80 ft.
SPECIAL SKILLS
Blessed Horn — channels restorative magic to mend wounds and purge poisons or curses; Swiftstride — unleashes sudden bursts of speed, crossing open ground in a blur; Pair Bond — when two unicorns travel together, they act in perfect harmony, one amplifying healing while the other screens threats and opens paths
TRAITS
Forest Affinity: sure-footed strides that ignore undergrowth and soft ground; Keen Senses: alert ears and keen scent catch distant movement and intent; Elusive Grace: swift, fluid motion makes them difficult to corner or surround
ACTIONS
Horn Gore: a precise, driving thrust meant to deter rather than mutilate; Healing Touch: a gentle nudge of the horn that closes wounds and steadies the heart; Blinding Dash: a radiant sprint that startles onlookers and breaks pursuit
Flora’s grin flashes quick and bright at the compliment, sunlight catching on gold as she lifts a hand in reply. "Thanks!" she calls back easily, boots scuffing dust as Spice leans forward on her shoulder and exhales a soft plume of frost in greeting, more polite than threatening, a cool little wave to go with Flora’s warmth.
When the plan is laid out, she nods without fuss, already moving, even if the glance she gives the fence panels suggests a brief, private recalculation of how glamorous this morning is about to get. She peels Spice gently from her shoulder and sets her somewhere shaded and safe before crossing to the stack, fingers testing weight and balance before committing. Stronger than she looks or not, the work draws a faint huff from her as she gets into a rhythm, lifting, carrying, setting panels down where they’re meant to go, sweat threatening but not yet winning.
Midway through a haul, her attention snags on the distant movement along the hills, pale shapes cutting through the grass. Flora slows just enough to look properly, eyes narrowing against the light before she tips her chin in that direction and glances toward Colt. "Are those yours?"
Flora moves some panels and asks if the unicorns are Colt's!
passion is a passing thing, it's accidental chemistry caught up in a feelin', it can be deceivin'. this is like breaking for me
“Yeah, sorry. The Tower took longer than expected.” Thorn murmurs with a sigh and a quiet laugh, shaking his head a little which just makes the brim of the hat become a little floppier. He listens to the suggestion, though, already reaching for his telekinesis to keep it on standby as she explains the plan.
He follows Flora diligently, reaching the fence panels from where Colt had stored them. Snagging a portion of the fence panel with his hands, the courtesan uses his telekinesis to snag a small bundle of hinges and screws to float along with him as he hauls it back over toward where they’ll work.
He catches sight of the unicorns shortly after Flora does, squinting at them in the distance as if he can make out whether or not they’re supposed to be corralled or not. Flora’s already asked the question, though, so Thorn focuses on setting the pieces down he’d grabbed while he listens for the answer.
Thorn starts hauling stuff over and uses his telekinesis! He also listens to hear the answer to Flora’s question!
Telekinesis (Abandoned/Hybrid): Can move small objects in a 5ft radius.
Type: Grey | Rank: Basic | Cost: Action
Hawthorn
so tell me your name and tell me your problems, i got the same
If it rains it pours so go pour one strong When it comes to this life, we only get one
Between Flora's natural strength and Thorn's magic, they both put Colt to shame as she struggles with a far smaller load of fencing. It's a group effort though, and with all the help on deck, everyone of varying skill sets, they get the panels they need moved over amid some grunts and grimaces. She's front-loading the day with the annoying work, on purpose, hoping by the time noon hits they'll be able to enjoy some lighter tasks.
Flora's question draws her focus from the metal rails she's carting around to the Doubletake, and then again to where her gaze sits. The sight of the unicorns immediately delivers a scowl to her features. "No," she says with a bite that's built on years of frustration. "Wild fuckers always come in close, breaking fences left and right, trying to get to my herd, especially the studs." The beauty and elegance of the wild unicorns is completely lost on her in favor of historic irritations, at least when they're this close to her property. "Dogs'll catch wind and chase 'em off in time." She'd more or less given up on the electric addition to her pasture fences that Sunjata had once offered, figuring there's more politics to it than she first realized, given it'd been more than a year now, plus he's got a lot of needs to consider than just her ranch. Maybe one day she'd get the gods involved, but for now she'll keep up her tried and true battle with nature.
"Alright, good work everyone," she praises with a sigh of relief as she sets her fencing down. She grabs a cup of water, taking five for a minute alongside others as the last of everyone's efforts trickle into a steady pile of gathered fencing. Thorn's screws and hinges will be needed later for the actual gates and chutes the broncos and bulls come out of, but the panels they just lugged fit together like puzzle pieces, with a female end on one side and a male end on the other, attached chains meant to fasten them together. "Now, we need to set up these roughstock panels in a narrow lane leading from this section of the arena to that," she points across the way, "first holding pen over there. This will be how we get the broncs and bulls out of the arena and back into their own stalls."
Setting the cup down, she straightens back up and starts by fastening the first panel to the side of the arena's more permanent fencing, ensuring the gate can still open and close freely. From there, the rest of the panels should flow as efficiently as they can to the pen, ensuring they don't need more supplies than necessary. She does the same on the other side, setting the width of the lane for them all, not wanting it to be wide enough for any beast to turn easily and make a surprise return entrance.
Set up the panels! Thorn's telepathy could still come in handy here.
So I'm dead set on living while I'm still alive Dead set on living til the day I die
Received a Gilded Market wig from Remi that resembles her usual hair and is enchanted to stay on better than most wigs | has a reverse centaur tattoo on her left hand with the legs going down her pointer and middle fingers that looks like this.
It probably helps that the work in Stormbreak had granted him strength from how many bricks he had to lay and work on that makes this work easy. Bringing the panels in toward the space Colt wants them dropped off, he glances out in the distance toward the nuisance unicorns that the rancher’s dogs will go to soon enough, as Colt’s already said.
Wiping his hands off on his pants, Thorn takes in the stack of things they’ll need to put up, letting his seafoam gaze land back on Colt when she gives pointers for the next step. Already stepping into motion, Thorn snags a panel right when the rancher’s finished putting one up and designating the size of the lanes they’ll need. He uses his telekinesis to keep the panel from falling or dropping sideways as he fastens it and goes down the line doing much the same motion.
Thorn puts up the panels and uses his telekinesis in the process!
Telekinesis (Abandoned/Hybrid): Can move small objects in a 5ft radius.
Type: Grey | Rank: Basic | Cost: Action
Hawthorn
so tell me your name and tell me your problems, i got the same
Flora’s mouth quirks at Colt’s answer, even with the bite in it, her gaze lingering on the distant shapes a second longer than strictly necessary. There is something in her that still softens at the sight, a quiet, almost girlish awe she doesn’t bother to justify, and she hopes—privately, harmlessly—that the dogs don’t chase every last one of them clear off the hills. Then the moment passes, tucked away, and she turns back to the work with a small shake of her head.
As the explanation rolls on, her brow creases just slightly, lips pursing as she tracks the path Colt’s pointing out. The geometry of it all doesn’t immediately click, and rather than slow anyone down with questions, Flora opts for usefulness in the ways she knows she can manage. She steps in close as the panels go up, hands firm as she holds them steady, bracing metal and chain while others fasten things into place. When screws or hinges are needed, she’s already there, scooping them up and passing them along, moving with quick efficiency even if she lets the builders worry about the finer points of alignment.
She wipes her hands on her shorts between panels, dust smearing without ceremony, and flashes Colt a quick, encouraging smile as she shifts to the next spot. "You tell me where you want pressure and where you don’t," she says lightly, settling in to hold another panel in place, "and I can absolutely be your human paperweight."
Flora doesn't really understand how the panels go together but tries to be helpful.
passion is a passing thing, it's accidental chemistry caught up in a feelin', it can be deceivin'. this is like breaking for me
If it rains it pours so go pour one strong When it comes to this life, we only get one
Between numerous hands and some magic, the panels begin to zig-zag out, snaking through the land to create a running aisle. "They need some angle to them to keep strong and steady," she advises, mostly working the chains to seal fences together as others hold them steady or slot them together and line them up for approval. "Watch it," she calls out, glancing over the rise of metal to see someone nearly stand up into a panel that Hawthorn is swinging around with his abilities, the group at times working against each other, at least until they find some manner of flow, everyone hesitating briefly before stepping into their newfound role in the production line of creating a maze of fencework.
Flora's strength keeps the line from toppling over at one point, as too many people got to work fitting panels together before steadying them with angles and connecting chains. Colt's head jerks up at the sudden shudder of metal, brow furrowing in consideration as she tries to pinpoint the flaw, not looking forward to sending any of these to the graveyard before the bulls have even had their way with them yet. "Don't get ahead of yourselves!" she shouts down the lane, but quietly picks up her own pace with the chains. Flora's helpful chirp draws her eye up from the work briefly, glancing over at the Doubletake with a hint of humor before the clang of metal in her hands begs her focus back. "If you're still workshopping that, I'd go with anchor, rolls off the tongue a bit better than human paperweight." She nods towards the Doubletake though, her chin pointing while her hands remain full. "That one's good now, if you could hold those there, they're gonna try to swing out when I tighten this."
The work finishes up, but excess panels remain, because surprise, they get to do it on another side of the arena too! It's a network of structure that has a purpose and a plan for the day of, quickly funneling stock to and from holding pens and action to ensure the crowd isn't left waiting or nothing breaks loose and runs amuck through her property. "Same idea, different side," she grunts, again fastening the first two panels to get them started.
Great job finishing one side of panels, now panels electric boogaloo! This time with added dog chaos as some Speaking Squirrels will dart through the work, evading ranch dogs on their tails.
So I'm dead set on living while I'm still alive Dead set on living til the day I die
Received a Gilded Market wig from Remi that resembles her usual hair and is enchanted to stay on better than most wigs | has a reverse centaur tattoo on her left hand with the legs going down her pointer and middle fingers that looks like this.
Flora braces when told, palms firm against cold metal as the panel threatens to swing, shoulders locking in with a quiet, concentrated huff. The shudder runs through her arms, but she holds it, eyes flicking up to Colt as the comment lands. Her mouth curves into a grin immediately, brows bouncing as promised. "Anchor," she repeats with a laugh, nodding once in full concession.
When that side is declared stable, she releases the panel and rolls her shoulders out, shaking her hands once before drifting with the group toward the opposite edge of the arena. The pattern is familiar enough now that she slots herself into the same role without being asked, stepping in close to steady, to hold, to pass along whatever is needed with quick hands and minimal fuss.
The sudden chaos of movement near her boots makes her pause, gaze snapping downward as the Speaking Squirrels dart through like they own the place, voices chiming out their shrill little chorus of follow! follow! Flora stills, caught halfway between amusement and genuine curiosity, and she glances toward Colt with a lifted brow, thumb hitching subtly in their direction as if asking whether this is a thing she should be doing. The shake of a nearby hand’s head answers for her, and Flora exhales a soft laugh, stepping back into place instead.
"Maybe next time guys," she mutters to one of the squirrels under her breath as she plants herself again, hands finding the next panel, anchor once more while dogs and squirrels blur past in a mess of fur, noise, and dust.
passion is a passing thing, it's accidental chemistry caught up in a feelin', it can be deceivin'. this is like breaking for me
“Sorry!” Thorn calls out to the ranch hand he’s nearly smacked the panel into, flashing a apologetic and crooked smile the hand’s way. At the very least, things start getting back into motion – a rhythm they can all continue to keep up with and make progress. Thorn goes down the line, taking Colt’s shout as advice and going a little bit slower to ensure that the panels fit flush and neatly, so no bulls get stuck on it.
When his side is done, he retreats to grab a glass of water – wiping away sweat from his brow when the next action is granted. Colt places the first two panels to get them started and Thorn continues from where she leaves off – utilizing his telepathy much the same way to hold it up so he can fasten it into place – only to step back and just barely miss a speaking squirrel as it darts through. He sucks in a breath of surprise before it breaks into a laugh, rubbing at his face momentarily as he gets his heart rate back under control. “Fuckin’ hell, guys.” He breathes out to the squirrels, rolling his eyes as he uses his magic again to hold the panel in place.
Thorn continues to put up panels with the help of his telekinesis!
Telekinesis (Abandoned/Hybrid): Can move small objects in a 5ft radius.
Type: Grey | Rank: Basic | Cost: Action
Hawthorn
so tell me your name and tell me your problems, i got the same
If it rains it pours so go pour one strong When it comes to this life, we only get one
The workflow is noticeably easier and faster now that everyone has a handle on what to do and where they can do it best. Flora makes an excellent anchor, holding panels steady while others, like Hawthorn, fit them neatly into place, ensuring they're fully slotted together. Colt and additional hands fasten the chains against them, relieving the anchors and it rotates and repeats down the skeleton of metal. As the blue of fur rushes past, Colt stomps after them for a second, cursing out dog names with as much gusto as priests using latin on demons. "Fucking always something," she sighs, but a quiet laugh huffs out, almost inaudible under her breath.
With the panels all arranged, Colt summons everyone back to the arena for a water break. "Don't pass out on me yet, fun's just getting' started," she teases around the rim of a glass before tipping the cool water back. Dawnlight has since stretched out into a clear blue sky, and heat ripples down in greeting. Sweat already darkens portions of Colt's clothing, and she uses their five to wipe her brow and tuck loose hairs back into place.
"Next up, we need to unload dirt into the arena, make sure we got good footing for the animals." Weather and work naturally carry it away, so any good arena worth its salt needs replenishing from time to time. Right on cue, a wagon pulled by horses arrives, and Colt hops over to open up the gate and late them through. Shovels stick out of the mound of dirt on the back, gleaming in the sun with a welcoming for hands and weariness alike. "For now help shovel it out as the wagon slowly drives around, then in a bit we'll get to smoothing it around." The wagon horse would come back to really drag it out, but with so many of their hands free they could help with the work. Not good to strain the horses unnecessarily in this heat.
Panels are done! Take a water break and then help shovel out dirt from the wagon in the arena while it slowly drives in a pattern.
So I'm dead set on living while I'm still alive Dead set on living til the day I die
Received a Gilded Market wig from Remi that resembles her usual hair and is enchanted to stay on better than most wigs | has a reverse centaur tattoo on her left hand with the legs going down her pointer and middle fingers that looks like this.
