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!
The Climb had become a popular destination in the last year. Admittedly, most of the traffic was headed into the Burrows and Frey's Breath beneath, but for those who couldn't use the fiery Ancient portal from the Grounds or teleport, it still entailed some travel over the Crust. Word had reached south to Torchline's shores about some... problems... that had been growing worse since Longheat had begun and Hadama had put out a few requests for assistance in dealing with them.
Whether it was through a personal letter or word of mouth passed from a leader, a few hardy souls had joined him in treading lightly over the (mostly) solid crust of Angel's End, tracking the molten steps of shadowed paws across the soft stone. Hadama had come prepared for the heat as best he could, though his owlbear armor was swelteringly hot and he was sweating freely through the feathers and the leather of his trousers. Metallic steel hair was bound back tightly in a braid and dark with sweat as well as he walked lightly over the surface of Angel's End, pausing to kneel and examine a pawprint before looking to a rise just beyond.
"Three of them, just ahead," he informed his allies quietly. Zavien he knew and trusted at his back but the other man, Hawthorn, was new to him and he had yet to determine his capabilities. "My gravity spikes will pin down the--" He did not get a chance to finish their plan. Two Voidforged Fyrhunds bounded out of the smoke on either side of the men, snarling as molten slaver dripped from their jaws. One older fyrhund and one smaller one raced over the crust, intent to close the distance though even they could not cross it all at once. Straight ahead where the tracks had been leading them a third Fyrhund appeared, half again as large as the other two. It threw back its head in a deep howl and then leapt for the men.
And just like that, the hunters had become the hunted.
Welcome to a PQ for pushing back against the Void in the Climb! Hadama has asked for help in rooting out a pack of Voidforged Fyrhunds.
Round 1: Let your fellow hunters know what you have and offer ideas for how to face the-- oh shit, never mind. The Fyrhunds will be close enough to attack next round!
Voidforged Fyrhunds (Uncommon): The once molten vitality of Fyrhunds is now tainted by the void, transforming them into Voidforged Fyrhunds. The black armor plating that once protected them takes on a shadowy, ethereal quality, and their eyes burn with an otherworldly flame. Instead of breathing traditional fire, they exhale void-touched flames that can consume not just physical matter but also the essence of magic itself. Their territorial nature becomes more pronounced, and they guard their nests with a malevolent intensity, threatening both the physical and magical balance of The Climb.
Word travels, and with it comes Thorn’s urge to go and help where he can. After the whole ordeal with LongNight and the Void still battling every nook and cranny of everything, the courtesan decides that since he’d done some training with Deimos and figured out ways to utilize his magic, that he might be able to help out when needed.
What he doesn’t realize is that Zavien is here, and while he doesn’t know Hadama well (he had lived in Torchline for a time and seen the demigod in passing), Thorn does find some relief in knowing that they were all here for the same goal, and the comfort of the dragoon was an added boon as the region continues to bolster it’s heat.
He’s worn light, airy clothing, not much for helping prevent him from getting hurt (he owned nothing of the sort), so instead he’d focused on remaining as cool as possible, boots scuffing against the surface of the Climb as they travel.
His seafoam gaze lingers on Hadama as he speaks, discomfort already settling in his gut, before the demigod is cut off as two of the void forged fyrhunds appear. Immediately turning his back to his companions so that he can keep track of the ones closing in, Thorn hisses a little sound before he’s positioning his arms, throwing all of his focus into the air magic under his skin, hoping to create a little air shield to keep them from getting close enough.
Thorn uses his air magic to try and make a little air shield at his position in case the fyrhunds get too close!
Air manipulation (Abandoned/Hybrid): Can manipulate the air. Must be within a 5ft radius, control is weak and unstable and requires concentration. Type: Grey | Rank: Basic
He gives both men a friendly wave as he approaches, Sol close at his heels with a flaming stick dangling in his teeth. Sweat is dripping from his every pore, plastering his hair to his forehead and soaking the thin tank top he wears. His muscles are more prominent than usual, the damp fabric of his shirt clinging to his abs and the sheen of moisture glistening in the glow of the lava - not that the Dragoon notices more than the extreme discomfort that coats his body.
Zavien ignores it as he claps Thorn on the shoulder with a bright smile, pleasantly surprised to see the man. "Hey! I wasn't expecting to see you again so soon!" Sol chirps in agreement, showing the courtesan his prized stick (although no touching, it's his). Turning to offer Hadama a similar greeting, he's cut off by the sudden appearance of the Voidforged Fyrhunds they'd come to hunt. Well, at least they wouldn't have to waste time looking.
His eyes quickly take in the situation, spotting the two that part the mog of ashen smoke in a sprinting race towards them. The starlit glow of his sword is suddenly before him, instinct placing him between Thorn and the fiery purple threats. "I'll take the smaller one!" he calls to Hadama, trusting the man to handle the larger of the two until they can take out one of the two.
An echoing howl sounds from behind them and Zavien grits his teeth to spare a glance at the smaller canine that comes for their backs. He doesn't have to say a word before the golden dragon is abandoning his precious stick in favor of the battle. His tiny roar joins the flapping of his wings as he rushes forward with fire and claws, hoping to do enough damage to keep the Void fyrhund from reaching them.
Zavien puts himself between Thorn and the incoming Voidforged Fyrhunds, letting Sol deal with the small one at their back. He uses his Starblade to attack the medium one.
Type: Light | Style: Offensive | Level: Upgraded
Starblade | A sword that glows with inner starlight and burns on contact.
Zavien
but I also take it lighthearted to recognize I can't control it.
Hadama was pleased to have any help that he could get, and though he noted Hawthorn's lack of either armor or weapons he made no comment. Perhaps he should not have trusted in the capabilities of a man he did not know, but before he could learn more about the stranger the corrupted fyrhunds had turned the tables on them.
"Noted," Hadama answered Zavien in a measured voice, already gathering his power and staring down the leader of the pack as it charged down the slope towards them. He measured the distance that swiftly disappeared between them, the space above the fyrhund beginning to warp and compress although he waited until he was certain of his aim before releasing the Gravity Spikes down onto it.
Or at least, he tried.
Somehow the Fyrhund sensed the impending death above it and it shifted to the side, lithe as smoke and swift as shadow. The spikes slammed into the thin stone of the crust and broke through, sending a spray of lava up into the air that splashed onto the Tidebreaker's upraised arm. The liquid rock bubbled and flowed up through the new holes in the surface, slowly spreading out and coming closer to the trio of men where they had taken their stand. The unexpected weakness in its footing caused the pack leader to stumble, blunting its attack though it ended its charge within easy biting range of Hadama.
Hawthorn's air manipulation might have been too weak to repel a charging Fyrhund - even a small one - but it was still air magic, and it was enough to give the littlest Voidhund pause. The moment of hesitation was enough to give Sol his opening, and the dragon swooped down to deliver a glancing score of small but mighty talons over the shadowy creatures ears - though his fire did no harm at all. The same could not be said of its own black flames, however. It exhaled a blast at Hawthorn that hit the air of his shield--
And the shield winked out, its magic drained away by the strange fire so that a few licks of burning void reached past it to ignite Zavien's sleeve.
Zavien's shift to defend Thorn caused some confusion for the Fyrhund who had been charging him. It had to adjust its angle of attack but it was going too fast and so it managed to miss the Dragoon, snapping its jaws shut very nearly on its own tongue. But Zavien's swipe went wide as well. More than wide, in fact. Whether it was the surprise of getting hit by the littlest Fyrhund or his zeal to defend his friend, his sword slipped, delivering a shallow - but instantly cauterized - cut to his own leg in passing.
Round 2:
Nobody had a good time in round 1 thanks to the dice. Let's hope this one goes better.
Hadama 778/800
Hawthorn 24/24
Zavien 147/162
Sol 27/27
If Zavien was the kind to curse, he'd being letting out a string of words that would have his mom rolling in her grave. Luckily, he restricts himself to a muttered 'Shoot' as he watches every one of the Voidforged Fyrhunds dodge their attacks. He can tell that Sol's having some luck, hearing his small roars and vicious chirps as he rakes his claws over the smallest creature. Zavien tells him to keep up the good work as he faces down his own target.
But the strap of his tank top is suddenly smoking, drawing his attention away from the approaching threat. He reaches up to smother the embers, his sword arm dropping carelessly to slash against his leg. Rookie mistake. It sears through the material of his pants slicing and sizzling against skin, causing him to go rigid with blinding pain, a hiss of breath escaping through his clenched jaw.
Vaguely aware that he doesn't have time to nurse an injury, Zavien blinks away the splotches in his vision that are such a bright white that they're black. He shifts his weight to his unafflicted leg, returning to his stance as he stretches out his sword towards the fyrhund again.
Well dang. Let's hope this goes better. XD
Zavien tries to hit the medium Voidforged Fyrhund again while Sol continues to focus on the small one.
Type: Light | Style: Offensive | Level: Upgraded
Starblade | A sword that glows with inner starlight and burns on contact.
Zavien
but I also take it lighthearted to recognize I can't control it.
Thorn’s always been more of a healer than anything else, but that’s part of the reason why he’d wanted to come on this venture. Learning how to be better, how to utilize his magic more than just in bedrooms and in passing. So he watches as he holds his breath and pours all of his focus into the air magic he uses to try and create that little shield, and it’s enough to give the fyrhund pause as Sol dives in to save the day. And honestly, what a relief that was, even if the fyrhund still tries to send its black flame toward him.
And then suddenly his magic is gone and Zavien’s sleeve is on fire. And then the following slice to his leg. Gritting his teeth, the courtesan shifts a touch behind Zavien, reaching out with a hand to press against the Dragoon’s side so as to not bother the stance he’s taking up and pours his healing magic into him. “I got ya.” He comments, just to give Zavien an idea what’s happening as he tries to dodge any further attempts from the void creature.
Thorn uses his healing magic on Zavien!
Healing (Abandoned/Hybrid): Heals minor wounds at basic level.
Type: Light | Rank: Basic
05-29-2025, 07:31 PM (This post was last modified: 05-30-2025, 09:09 PM by Hadama.)
The swirl of combat quickly grew chaotic as the Voidforged Fyrhunds circled the group and lunged in to snap or breathe shadow-black flame at them. Hadama shifted grimly to the side as the packleader sent its own corrupted flames at the Tidebreaker, managing to avoid them even as he brought his gravity spikes down upon it one more time. And this time, bolstered by tiny Sol's successes, he struck true. The Fyrhund shuddered and whimpered as it was knocked from its feet, slammed into the crust so that it left a dent in the soft stone - though at least no new lava welled up around it. It was down but not out, however, driven by its Void-fueled aggression and territorial zeal, and it staggered to its feet to continue the fight.
Where Hawthorn and Zavien stood things were equally dizzying. The courtesan slipped to safety behind the Dragoon and his hands brought healing to the other man, easing the pain of the dark burn. It was wiped completely from Zavien's skin in a matter of seconds, but the Fyrhund was not done yet. It lunged forward, not yet properly wary of the blade, and took a heavy swipe of one broad, clawed paw at the Dragoon's leg. The price it paid for darting in so close was immediate, however, as Zavien's starblade bit home. The fire of the sword did no obvious damage but the magicked steel of the blade cut through the shadowy armor and into the hide and muscle beneath.
Lastly - but certainly not least - Sol had managed to gain the littlest Fyrhund's full attention. It leapt and snapped at the brave dragon but couldn't quite get its teeth into him. Sol, on the other hand, managed to score another line of red across its flank, drawing a gravelly yip of outrage from the beast. It sat back and drew in a deep breath, chest expanding as it prepared to fight fire with fire.
Round 3:
Hawthorn heals Zavien's burn wound, but it's immediately replaced by a new set of claw wounds as Fyrhund 1 scores a heavy blow on the Dragoon. It takes a slash from Zavien's starblade in return, however, and backs up a few steps.
Sol scores another glancing hit on the small Fyrhund 2, and it misses its return snap after the dragon.
Thanks to Sol's hit last round, Hadama is able to use his feat to roll with advantage and get a hit on the pack leader!
Hadama 778/800
Hawthorn 24/24
Zavien 137/162
Sol 27/27
Thorn's gentle voice and accompanying touch are joined by the stitching of his wound and a wave of relief that strengthens him. He doesn't have time to spare a look, but he breathes out a "Thanks" as he moves to face the fyrhund again. His lack of injury didn't last long, the corrupted claws stretching forward to rip at his opposite thigh, too fast for him to dodge. Zavien reacts off pure instinct and training to bring his sword down against the creature's side, slicing through to the muscle beneath to retaliate for the pain that adrenaline was beginning to mask.
Placing some distance between him and the Void canine, he was faintly aware of Sol continuing his assault on the smaller creature, pride swelling his chest at the bravery. Diving and twisting, the little golden dragon snagged with sharp teeth and claws of his own to protect his companion and friends. It gave Zavien a chance to reorient himself, shifting the weight of his legs to avoid the new injury as he lunged for the corrupted fyrhund again.
Zavien continues fighting the medium Voidforfed Fyrhund with his Starblade while Sol attacks the small one!
Type: Light | Style: Offensive | Level: Upgraded
Starblade | A sword that glows with inner starlight and burns on contact.
Zavien
but I also take it lighthearted to recognize I can't control it.
05-31-2025, 07:15 PM (This post was last modified: 05-31-2025, 07:15 PM by Hawthorn.)
// and all my flowers grew back as thorns //
“’Course, Zav.” Thorn rumbles as the magic pours into Zavien. The burn melts away in favor for relief and fresh, pink skin. And with it, a touch of pride lingers in Thorn’s mind that is so incredibly short lived, it’s almost humorous. Because rather than there being one wound to heal, there’s multiple now, and as they face the fyrhund’s as they seem to circle around them, the courtesan feels a touch unmatched.
Cursing under his breath, he searches himself for something else. He moves when Zavien moves, like a little tango within their battle, this time seeking a rock with his telekinesis to launch at the Fyrhund that Sol seems intent to fight with, hoping that maybe it’ll distract or harm enough to get Sol to land a blow.
Thorn uses his telekinesis to grab a rock and yeet it at Fyrhund 2 to help Sol out!
Telekinesis (Abandoned/Hybrid): Can move small objects in a 5ft radius.
Type: Grey | Rank: Basic
Hadama finally had the measure of his opponent, and with the severity of its recent wounds the pack leader was no longer nearly as nimble as it had been. It lunged in a final, rage-fueled attempt to take out the demigod but Hadama met it with his trident, holding it away from his body while he used two pinpoint gravity spikes to finish the creature cleanly.
Zavien may have been injured but he was a trained Dragoon and his wounds were not enough to ruin his aim. The same could not be said of his own Fyrhund, which started to dart towards him and then stumbled as its previous injury pulled wider. It hissed with a sound like steam escaping a volcanic vent, snapping uselessly short of the soldier. Zavien's sword was not short of its target, however, and sank in to the armored hide of the hound, carving a fresh line of molten lava from its shoulder. It wasn't a killing blow, but the Fyrhund was not looking good even as it jerked itself free and gathered itself for one more attack.
Hawthorn's rock didn't have to go far to hit the smallest Fyrhund. Distracted as it was by Sol, it didn't even see the stone coming. The projectile hit hard enough to crack its shadowy armor right behind its skull and it staggered, looking surprised before it fell. Sol got in a final slash of mighty claws on the falling corpse, but it was the man from King's End who had dealt the final blow.
Round 4:
Two Fyrhunds down, one remaining! Take it out!
Hadama 778/800
Hawthorn 24/24
Zavien 137/162
Sol 27/27
Voidforged Fyrhund Leader: 0/500 (killed by Hadama)
Voidforged Fyrhund 1: 31/100
Voidforged Fyrhund 2: 0/25 (killed by Hawthorn)
He's faintly aware of the other fyrhund's deaths, but Zavien doesn't have time to praise or cheer. His own opponent lunges and misses him due to the wound gaping at his side, giving the man a chance to sink another brutal swing of his sword into its side. With a twist of his wrist, he wrenches the blade from its magma and stone skin, barely letting it ooze before striking out again - going for the neck in hopes of a quick death.
Sol takes a moment to bask in his victory, planting a proud paw on the dead Voidforged fyrhund's hide and puffing his chest; but he doesn't stay still for long, knowing that his companion is still fighting valiantly. The little dragon rushes to join Zavien, roaring and diving to slash at the creature in defense of his Dragoon.
Zavien aims for the Voidforged fyrhund's neck while Sol joins him this time!
Type: Light | Style: Offensive | Level: Upgraded
Starblade | A sword that glows with inner starlight and burns on contact.
Zavien
but I also take it lighthearted to recognize I can't control it.
He’s shocked to see the rock land and hit the voidforged fyrhund and bring it down, the surprise of it flickering across the courtesan’s face as he sucks in a sharp breath, realizing very quickly as some of the creatures around them start to fall that there’s still one left. Gritting his teeth and taking in the motion of the two men beside him, he watches as Zavien’s sword does a beautiful amount of work, as has Hadama’s own lances.
He doesn’t have much, but his magic still lingers, and he aims some healing again – hand lifting to press a few fingertips to Zavien’s lower back in a space to not distract him from the blow he strikes but to offer more of that bolstering relief. He’d heal Hadama too when this was all over, when he had a chance to ask the Tidebreaker if it was okay to touch him. But for now, he focuses on the one he can help at the very least without uttering a single word.
Thorn heals Zavien again!
Healing (Abandoned/Hybrid): Heals minor wounds at basic level.
Type: Light | Rank: Basic
Hawthorn's support was keeping the soldier on his feet. His magic flowed into Zavien like a cool rain, soothing away the fire of the Fyrhund's claws and staunching the flow of blood. He managed to stay out of the line of sight of their aggressive opponents, at least enough to avoid the attention of the remaining hellhound, and of all of them only he and Sol remained unscathed.
It was fitting that after wounds he had received from the last Fyrhund, Zavien was the one to slay it. Thanks to Hawthorn he was nearly back to his full fitness, and he was able to move easily back into combat. Its final lunge was met with a deft sidestep and a neat, powerful cut from the Dragoon that severed the vertebrae - and most of the head with it. The Voidforged creature collapsed soundlessly to the ground beneath Sol's last dive, a growing pool of violet lava blood spreading from the wounds Zavien had left.
And then, silence.
Hadama had turned to watch the final moments of the fight play out, but he was not needed for them. Given the wounds he still bore he was not unhappy about that, and his emerald eyes thawed from the cool concentration that had carried him through the fight as he considered Zavien with respect and approval. "Well done," he rumbled, and in that quiet approbation was the understanding of what the other man was overcoming by facing the Void in battle again.
His gaze shifted to the body of the Fyrhund that had been the first to fall and then Zavien's injuries which were only a shadow of what they had been. He turned to Hawthorn, considering the young man thoughtfully before he inclined his head deeply in an echo of a bow. "Hawthorn, thank you. It is good that you were with us today."
He would gratefully accept healing from the courtesan if it was offered as the corpses were pushed at the ends of weapons into a shallow pit that resisted the lava flowing so near to the surface of Angel's End. It would contain the Void seepage from the corpses since they could not be burned, at least until the Climb could be cleansed.
From there it was a long but easier walk back towards the Burrows which led to Frey's Breath for a more relaxed recovery before they went their separate ways.
Last round!
Good job everyone! If the last person to post could put a ~Fin on it we can blow this melted popsicle stand!
Zavien doesn't notice his wound as much as he should, unaware of the blood that coats his pantleg. However, Thorn's healing touch sooths the pain he's been ignoring, helping to sharpen his mind as he lunges in for the attack again. His sword sweeps with controlled and soldierly proficiency, striking true against the exposed neck of the creature to cleave its life from its body.
Still feeling feisty and defensive of his bonded, Sol lands atop the hot body of the corpse with a victory roar. It isn't very intimidating, but it's enough to make Zavien smile, making it easier to straighten and let the thrill of battle drip from his sweating form. He gives Hadama a respectful nod of his head then joins the man in his praise of Thorn, a grateful grin on his face. "Seriously. Thanks, Thorn. That could have been a lot worse without you. You're not hurt right?" His eyes scan for wounds, although he can't initially spot any. The Dragoon does the same to the Mer King, green gaze washing over with analytical concern. "And you, Hadama? You good?"
Only once he knew the others had been tended to did Zavien reassess his own injury, wrapping the excess of his torn pantleg around the soft pink that remained of the slashing of his thigh to keep it protected on his way home.
Zavien
but I also take it lighthearted to recognize I can't control it.
