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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!
Oblivious to the kid's mother or his previously horrific day, Danta promptly shifts back onto two legs and brushes himself off, considering his work done here. Reaching beneath the bench to pluck out duck #5, he pockets it victoriously and turns on heel to take his chaos elsewhere. Quite when he had become so invested in this game of duck hunting he doesn't know, but snow and cold aside, it reminds him a little of the brutal games of The Climb. Less blood too, of course. For now.
If he'd even noticed who had come to join the antics he might have considered fleecing his opponents - alas, Danta is too busy hunting on his own to realise there are duckies in other people's pockets. And so, approaching a suspiciously innocuous lamppost, he pokes around there, kicking at the snow with the toe of his boot and peering up at the structure.
Danta is smug and goes to investigate the innocuous lamppost!
Dantalion
// with every step that I ran to you //
Horns: Diamond - they look very similar to #2 in this image.
I've done nothing wrong Except for all the atrocities
For all the bedlam unfolding, the maelstrom simmered mostly elsewhere. Melita began tracking and doubling back to spy upon the only victorious child, thus far, perched inconspicuously around a few market stalls. The kid had been skipping along, because despite the terror, they clearly wanted to keep playing. Maybe the Honeybee could get her staff ready…instead of the arrows…
Nova ’s search, while still holding her own hot chocolate, ended up with nothing at all. The kid gang from earlier ran by her, screeching and screaming about someone else searching near lampposts and rooftops, but otherwise she’d be free to continue exploring.
While Sohalia continued her bribery, and this time ended up with a nice pack of fish for her efforts, there were still no ducks to be found here either. The merchant ushered her along with a flick of his hands, and that was when it pounced –
Another small little girl. ”Excuse me miss,” because she was at least polite as she pulled at Sohalia’s shirt. ”Can I have a duck? I don’t have any.”
And then, as Dantalion searched the glints and lights of lampposts, he’d be able to see another pair – strolling arm in arm, seemingly searching without any sense of urgency. The man was leagues tall, and could see well over many others’ heads, but it was the woman who uttered something first. ”Oh dear, I think I see one of those cute little ducks!”, pointing to the snow, where yes, a little white duck blended into the surroundings.
--
Melita is stalking the terrified child.
Nova didn’t find anything except the roaming kid gang.
Sohalia has some fish! And a small child begging for a duck.
Dantalion has found a couple…who has found a duck.
You may:
- Bully the NPCs and they may bully you in return
- Look elsewhere (available now are window box with dead flowers, taco stall, and small arsonist fire)
Ducks Currently in Possession:
Sohalia: #3, #13
Nova: #7, #11
Melita: #4, #16
Dantalion: #5, #14
Terrified NPC Child: #2
Having no such luck yet, of course Danta's ears are sharp for gossip (duck related or otherwise) and as he glances up in time to see the couple, he too spies the white ducky blending in with the snowbank. Drawing himself up straight, he assumes an expression of serious responsibility (he's seen others do it, and sometimes Kiada looks at him like that when he hasn't been listening in a meeting) as he approaches them.
"Some of these ducks are pretty dangerous," he says, blatantly lying. (Or is he? He doesn't fucking know, they might be). "As Theocrat I'm trying to get as many off the streets as possible. If you move along, I'll quarantine it and put it somewhere safe."
Danta tries to con the couple into leaving the duck alone lmao.
Dantalion
// with every step that I ran to you //
Horns: Diamond - they look very similar to #2 in this image.
you gotta get bruised before you get mad you gotta fall down before you fight back
Well, fish weren't exactly what she'd been going for, but she accepted the gift with a smile and a word of thanks. There were no ducks to be found around the fish merchant's stall, and Soh was about to move on when she felt a gentle tug on her shirt. Looking around and down, she crouched to be at the child's level and smiled. While she'd felt bad about Shorts Boy, she felt infinitely worse for a child so well-mannered (and seemingly without any angry parents nearby).
"Oh, do you not have any?" Soh asked, her voice kind. What a sweet child, and so polite! "I have two. I'll share one with you." Then she pulled out one of the two ducks at random and held it out to the girl. It might mean that she was behind the other competitors, but at least she'd be able to make amends to the universe for her role in stealing Shorts Boy's duck earlier.
---
Soh gives the girl a duck!
was feeling so weak but baby i'm strong little did i know i'm a champion
Sohalia
Minor powerplay allowed without permission.
Feel free to use force/magic on Sohalia.
Somewhat disappointed that the ducks weren't just appearing before her eyes anymore, Nova let out a sigh, leaning back on the bench. She took a moment to scan the surroundings as she sipped her hot chocolate, sure that things would eventually work out in her favor. After all, she'd yet to experience defeat in her short lifetime, and she almost believed it wasn't possible for her to feel such an emotion.
Tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, her hand dropped to confirm the placement of her ducks within her jacket before downing the rest of her warm drink. The bubbly smile appeared back on her face, eager to resume the game. She hopped up to discard her cup and paused as she caught the image of a frosty window. Curiosity flared. Were there people inside? What did their homes look like? Creeping up closer, Nova rose on her tip toes to look through, wondering if she might catch a glimpse of something. If only to appear less 'suspicious,' she ran her hands through the dead flowers of the window box to feel for any hidden ducks.
I've done nothing wrong Except for all the atrocities
Melita took the opportunity, as she often did, as soon as the youth came skipping by. While it certainly wasn’t a vicious or menacing strike, her staff had laid in prime position for the child to run directly into, tripping and falling onto the ground, granting the Honeybee an opportunity to steal the youth’s bag, and the duck inside. Yes – the kid was screaming what’s the big deal.
Dantalion seemed to have a knack with the citizens (different forms of terrorizing, at least), for as soon as he drew up alongside the pair, the woman was terribly affronted. She gave a shocking gasp, putting her head to her chest. ”Dangerous? Oh perhaps we shouldn’t be going after these things then,” she tutted to her partner, who also shook his head. ”Thank you for letting us know. Maybe it would be safer to get some of the cotton candy…” and with that, they disappeared, leaving the Ancient to potentially snag the little duck poking out of the snow.
Sohalia ‘s kindness and generosity shown through, and the little girl’s smile could’ve lit up the rest of the chaotic wake. She gently took hold of the #13 duck. “Thank you miss!” she clamored in response – before heading off, beelining for a certain familiar child in the background…sobbing on the bench.
Nova would be fortunate again as she floated and peered around the dead, decrepit flowers. Poking out of some once very vibrant magnolias, was a lavender duck, as if intending to be camouflaged against the rest of the world. #15 stood out on its side; and seemingly no one the wiser.
--
Melita has tripped a child and stolen their bag, snagging #2.
Danta has scared off the couple, leaving him to take the duck should he so choose.
Sohalia has kindly given her duck to the little girl, who is now skipping off towards someone else.
Nova has found a duck - #15!
You may:
- Bully the NPCs and they may bully you in return
- Look elsewhere (available now are: left outside dog bowl, taco stall, and small arsonist fire)
- Fleece your competitors
Nova hadn't really been expecting to find anything in the box of dead flowers - being much more interested in what may be hiding within the window - but she was pleasantly surprised when she felt something smooth beneath her fingers. Glancing down, she clutched the lavender duck that peeked out from beside the dried stems of some unimportant plants. Her smile widened as she shoved it in with the other two, the burst of rainbow energy returning.
Reinvigorated with the spirit of competition, she searched for another place nearby that a duck might hide. Although she hadn't been lucky searching the hot chocolate stand, maybe the trick was savory rather than sweet. Skipping up to the kiosk advertising tacos, she held up two fingers. "Two tacos, please!" And while they went about preparing her meal, Nova took the opportunity to run her eyes over the structure, looking for any more signs of her inevitable victory.
you gotta get bruised before you get mad you gotta fall down before you fight back
Thank you, miss! cried the little girl, and Sohalia smiled at her back as she skipped away. She ignored Tarak's irritation through the bond; those had been his ducks just as much as Soh's, and he was more than a little incensed that she'd simply given one away. Still, he responded to the mental tug from Soh and avoided going after the girl (and the suspiciously familiar crying boy on a nearby bench).
Perfectly content and heart full, Sohalia turned away from the joyful, quiet moment in the midst of the chaos and made her way over to a... was that a dog bowl? Shrugging to herself, Soh searched around and under the dog bowl, just in case a duck was magically hidden nearby.
---
Soh searches the left out dog bowl.
was feeling so weak but baby i'm strong little did i know i'm a champion
Sohalia
Minor powerplay allowed without permission.
Feel free to use force/magic on Sohalia.
"That sounds like a much safer idea. Thanks for your cooperation," Danta purrs to the couple, seeing them off with a wave and at the same time letting a little circle of fire light up around the pretty white ducky, as if to prove he is 'quarantining' it. Of course, that only lasts up until the couple are out of sight, and he steps in to pluck the duck into his hands and put it into his other pocket. (His pockets are going to be full of ducks by the end of this, yes).
With that done, and with fire already on the brain - ain't it always, Danta? - the Maverick turns his attention to the flames from the arsonist's fire nearby, going to poke around it to see if there are any burning duck shapes within. And if there are, it's not as though the element will bring him any harm, so he will be plunging his hand in there.
Danta claims his prize and goes to look at the arsonist's fire.
Dantalion
// with every step that I ran to you //
Horns: Diamond - they look very similar to #2 in this image.
I've done nothing wrong Except for all the atrocities
While some portions of the crowd gathered around the wailing child, Melita casually strolled away. Several began explaining just how things had occurred, anything from ”She was hit by a dragon! No, a banshee!" to ”I think she just fell down,” and by the time the Honeybee had reached the taco stand, she didn’t much care what others prompted or provoked.
Of course, there was someone else at the taco stand – namely Nova, who was apparently enjoying quite a stroll through the market and acquiring all sorts of goodies. Unfortunately for this round, all she’d find was some delicious food. And maybe notice one child give a duck to another in the distance.
Sohalia ‘s ventures around a dog bowl, partially frozen over, left outside for whomever passed by, also amounted to no great fortune. Save for several dogs – who all barked happily at her, wagging their tails, and likely hoping for some treats.
After Dantalion acquired #20 from the snow, off he went towards the arsonist’s fire. Why was there a miniature bout of flames here? One must ask in return: why not? Perhaps while hiding the little toys, Sila had accidentally started a small fire. Maybe someone else decided to for the fun of it. Regardless, amidst the fire, the Ancient would see a half-melted duck, with a #1 on the tail.
--
Melita wanders away from the drama she created and is headed towards the taco stand
Nova has found nothing; save for some delicious food.
Sohalia has also found nothing, except for some very happy dogs!
Dantalion has acquired #20, and then happens to spot #1 in the fire, which is a bit sad looking.
Polite Child has handed Shorts Boy her duck. :3333
You may:
- Bully the NPCs and they may bully you in return
- Look elsewhere (available now are: someone’s parked cart, tree, big ass rock)
- Fleece your competitors
you gotta get bruised before you get mad you gotta fall down before you fight back
To no one's surprise, Sohalia found nothing around the dog bowl save for some very happy dogs. She smiled and laughed as they greeted her with wagging tails, more than happy to offer some friendly pats, making sure she gave scratches to each dog in the pack. It was becoming less and less likely that she would find more ducks, but frankly, she was content with just the one. Winning had never been particularly important to her, anyway.
After a few moments of joyful dog-petting, Sohalia withdrew and made her way over to a tree. She hunted around the base of the tree while she sent Tarak into its boughs to hunt for more ducks. Perhaps this time, she would get lucky and find something.
was feeling so weak but baby i'm strong little did i know i'm a champion
Sohalia
Minor powerplay allowed without permission.
Feel free to use force/magic on Sohalia.
Why not indeed? And what better tribute to the large bonfire overhead than a smaller one to celebrate it? Whatever the reason, clearly Danta is not adverse to the small and dancing flames, blue eyes glimmering as he spots a warped and melted looking duck-tail poking from them. "I don't think you belong there," he informs #1, pushing up the sleeve of his coat so as not to singe it, before plunging his fingers into the fire.
Retrieving the duck and blowing on it as if to harden the melted form into something resembling a duck, he's quietly grateful that the number is still legible, else he imagines he'd be accused of cheating. (More cheating anyway).
With #1 acquired, more or less, the Maverick turns his attention to other places ripe for hunting, settling on the cart and heading over to poke about the wheels and whatever might be bundled inside.
Danta grabs duck #1 and then goes to nose around the parked cart.
Dantalion
// with every step that I ran to you //
Horns: Diamond - they look very similar to #2 in this image.
Maybe she was too distracted by the yummy smell of tacos to notice them, or maybe there really weren't any ducks around the stand, but Nova felt that she'd finished her time there. Accepting her tacos with a bright smile and flutter of her eyelashes, she skipped away from the stand. Whether Mel was in sight or not, she didn't pause to consider the woman. Instead, she wrapped her arms around the food, humming a delightful tune as she left the stand behind.
The benches had either been searched or were currently occupied, so Nova decided on a comfortable looking rock that sat nearby. She readjusted her empty bag and took a seat, biting into the taco before it had a chance to cool down. While she ashfladaafed around the delicious food, she inspected the rock for any random signs of ducky toys.
Nova skips away to the rock to enjoy her food (and search for ducks).
I've done nothing wrong Except for all the atrocities
It seemed Nova and Melita were headed to the very same rock – what a surprise! But while the hybrid tripped over something in the road, gods one hoped she didn’t drop any of that delicious food, Melita’s invisible self (minus the very obvious floating bag) made her way over to the large hulk of boulder, and managed to snag a very gray duck (#8) before trying to make a beeline elsewhere.
Sohalia and her beloved Tarak did in fact find something in the tree (and it would make sense – given Sila’s proclivity for flying, perhaps she really had put a duck up there). Shiny and glittering, the griffin might see and be able to snag the golden embossed toy hanging out in one of the upper branches.
Dantalion ‘s luck persevered, with snatching at duck #1, and then heading towards the cart. While the owner wasn’t nearby, likely actually committed to their occupation, Melita’s companions had found time to place another large duck within the driver’s seat cushion – a very Safrin-esque designed duck, with hastily made wig and gown. Almost as if someone was paying homage to another time. Weird. The Ancient would be able to see #9 on the star-embedded dress.
And then, out of nowhere, a large screech echoed and reverberated through the Inner Quarter, repeating for another few seconds. A warning, that this was the last round, and everyone would be scurrying for their last attempts at grabbing a duck.
--
LAST ROUND
While Nova and Melita have gone to the same area, Melita has prevailed and snagged duck #8.
Sohalia has found a glittering duck ini the tree. Maybe Tarak can grab it.
Dnatalion has snagged #1 and found #9 in the cart.
You may:
- Bully the NPCs and they may bully you in return
- Fight your competitors and steal their shit because its last round so why not
- Look elsewhere (currently available: long ass grass, someone’s shittily made basketball hoop thing, pile of snow)
