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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!
Something bright is all a'flutter at the top of Peekaboo Rise. To some it might seem garish against the thick blanket of snow, a cheerful string of lights entwined with colourful bunting, but to others it might just be enough to draw their attention. Whether curious or irritated or simply out for a walk, those who climb the rise will be greeted, alongside this festive display, to a sign plunged deep into a snow drift.
It says "START".
Nearby, stacked and piled (and in a couple of cases, trying to slide away on their own), sleds have been arranged for the taking. Some have tassels, others have go faster stripes and a few are suspiciously plain. One looks like it might give your butt splinters. Who knows what kind of impact that might have on speed, though?
Only one way to find out!
WELCOME TO THE DROP!
You have 48 hours to post your character arriving to choose a sled for the SLED RACE!
The prize for winning this drop will be a MYSTERY ITEM!
// tell me i'm forgiven, say you'll always be mine //
At least this event is something in their backyard. Basically. Because the butcher’s exhaustion has reached a settling point – where he knows the times he’s more capable of being active and he’s forced himself to take a few jaunts out in the cold if only so that he doesn’t waste away in the confines of their room – and he’s sure Danta prefers having a minute or two alone to do whatever he wanted rather than the constant state of checking in on him when the butcher was doing nothing more than taking his sixth nap of the day.
So he’s ventured out in his bundle of jackets, a sweater, and a scarf, spotted the strange appearance of multiple sleds. Ever a fan of the dramatics of it all, the butcher scans them curiously as if debating which might be the best option before eventually picking a sled that has red and gold tassels. And once he’s made his choice, he waits for whatever this is to start.
Asta arrives and picks a sled with red and gold tassels!
The world is new to you, and you to it. During PQ/PQ+/KQs/Drops, you roll with advantage on luck-based rolls and receive an extra name during drops. (In order to use this, make sure to note the ability at the bottom of each post)
Regional Score bonus: +5 in all shrine visits, drops, PQ+s, KQs, etc. (You must post this at the bottom of any post where a +5 should be included). Residents cannot be cursed at shrines in this region.
Astaroth
// say that everything is over, tell me i'm fine //
i'm drowning in all these voices in the sea and meeting all my vices in the ring
It isn’t that long of a trek for the Flood to make it to the Hollowed Grounds. And it just so happened that he’d been in the area on business – not of the Archon kind – but the kind that had to do more with the House of Midnight and the bar that sits within. Some of his visitors preferred things you could only get in the Grounds – or at least imported. So once he’s managed to get all of those established, he’s flying overhead when he notices the sleds and a familiar man standing amongst them.
He does keep his distance from Astaroth – perhaps because he knows better and doesn’t want to get bit – but he peruses the sleds anyway and figures it has to be some kind of race of sorts, so impulsively the Flood chooses a plain sled, figuring it doesn’t need the pomp and circumstance that the other flashy ones had.
Sunjata picks a plain sled!
Regional Score bonus: +3 in all shrine visits, drops, PQ+s, KQs, etc. (You must post this at the bottom of any post where a +3 should be included). Residents cannot be cursed at shrines in this region.
so step inside, i ain't afraid to bleed there ain't a casket strong enough for me
No permission needed for power play!
Feel free to use magic/force on Sunjata, without killing him <3
Sunjata speaks with an Australian accent and has a passive magic that makes him produce a subtle scent that matches exactly to whatever those around him most desire him to smell like.
Sledding was nothing foreign to the Sword; it was a form of amusement throughout Halo on multiple occasions (and year-round, coincidentally). Therefore, a drawing entertainment to the man, whose head tilted as he happened to pass over the Peekaboo Rise, and soared from eagle to human along the hill, intending to see what the commotion was about (an unfortunate side effect as normally being heavily involved in whatever seemed to be going through Caido).
His eyes flickered from the sign, to the sleds, and to the people gathering – pondering if this was about to be some sort of competition amongst the others. Having done so before, he shrugged, enjoying the aspects of it all – even if it ended up just being a simple ride down a long hill.
Going for a plain sled, figuring he might be able to enhance things further down the wake, he gave several nods to others nearby, waiting for the opportunity to utilize things.
--
Deimos picks a plain sled.
Regional Score bonus: +13 in all shrine visits, drops, PQ+s, KQs, etc. (You must post this at the bottom of any post where a +13 should be included). Residents cannot be cursed at shrines in this region.
Like some child possessed, the beast howls in my veins
Melita’s frequency around the Hollowed Grounds was mostly rare – but if there was mischief or entertainment afoot, she was bound to appear sooner or later. Whether or not that was a good thing would be open to interpretation.
Bounding along the snow as best she could (outfitted in the most ridiculous looking amount of gear to arm herself against the cold), she waved to Sunjata and Astaroth, before reading the sign and actually figuring out what was going on. Sleds was enough to convince her of anything entertaining, and she quickly snagged one painted with an array of racing stripes – because in Honeybee logic, much like children with light up sneakers, that meant it’d be going fast.
Then she squared herself up near her uncle, briefly looking around before announcing her presence to him. “Hey!”
--
Melita picks a go faster striped sled.
Regional Score bonus: +17 in all shrine visits, drops, PQ+s, KQs, etc. (You must post this at the bottom of any post where a +17 should be included). Residents cannot be cursed at shrines in this region.
Snow and colors and adrenaline and FUN?! Nova might as well have set this event up herself!
When she'd heard rumor of the excitement, she'd barely had time to throw on her cutest winter outfit. It's obvious in how the white fur hangs from one shoulder when she runs towards the hill. Various strands of the fuzzy jacket are dyed in a pearlescent rainbow that flutters in the chilly Deepfrost breeze. The thick material of her pink leggings help, but the cold is buffered back by the pure energy she emits, the brightest of smiles plastered on her face.
She waves dramatically at Deimos when she reaches the top of the hill, slightly out of the breath that plumes in front of her face. "This looks awesome!" Not waiting for a response, she jumps on the brightest of the sleds, one that glitters in the sunlight like her name is written on it among the rainbow strips.
Nova picks the glittering rainbow striped sled!
Regional Score bonus: +3 in all shrine visits, drops, PQ+s, KQs, etc. (You must post this at the bottom of any post where a +3 should be included). Residents cannot be cursed at shrines in this region.
Stepping up next to Astaroth, it's hard to look tough and confident when she's trying to hide the shivers the brush of cold sometimes elicit. Despite her thick black cloak and the fire lacing her fingers, when the breeze drags a brutal finger over her cheek, Thal's lip threatens to lift in an uncomfortable grimace.
She shifts it into a grin when she glances up at Asta, all teasing and mischief. "Loser has to buy drinks next." It sparks that competitive stubbornness she holds, a rare bit of childish glee hiding in the base of her mind. Searching the possible selections, she doesn't linger long on the choice, confident that skill will win out in the end.
Thalassa picks a plain black sled.
The world is new to you, and you to it. During PQ/PQ+/KQs/Drops, you roll with advantage on luck-based rolls and receive an extra name during drops. (In order to use this, make sure to note the ability at the bottom of each post)
Regional Score bonus: +5 in all shrine visits, drops, PQ+s, KQs, etc. (You must post this at the bottom of any post where a +5 should be included). Residents cannot be cursed at shrines in this region.
Bundled in a thick brown jacket laced with a furry inside lining, Zavien wasn't miserable, but he was definitely uncomfortable as he picked his way through the field towards the Hollowed Grounds. He'd been thinking about the need to find a new contractor for the Tower as his boots crunched through the icy ground, almost missing the pop of color before he was on it, Sol giving an excited chirp as he flew down to investigate.
The grin of his face widened, already spotting a few familiar faces amongst the sleds. He raised a hand to Deimos and Sunjata, chuckling as he filtered through the pile to find one that called to him. "Well, this looks like fun."
His eyes caught on an obnoxious yellow sled sticking out from the snow, already attempting to slide down the hill. It looked big enough to fit him - and maybe a small dragon - so he claimed it, excitement already coursing through him as he assessed the hill before them.
Maybe it could use a little friendly boost.
Running his fingers along the smooth edges, he silently channeled a spirit, a playful gleam shining in his eyes. Let's show them what real speed looks like.
Zavien picks a plain bright yellow sled and channels a spirit to make it extra fast.
Channeling (Accepted) : Allows an Accepted to channel a herald/demigod/spirit during a time of crisis (2x a season). Can be combined with other accepted channeling to increase power.
Type: Light | Rank: Upgraded | Cost: Action
Regional Score bonus: +3 in all shrine visits, drops, PQ+s, KQs, etc. (You must post this at the bottom of any post where a +1 should be included)
Merely passing by on her way to somewhere else, the shock of color against a monochrome landscape drew her in like the crow she was. Once upon a time Maea would have shied away from gatherings like these, avoided the potential clashes against persons and personalities with whom she did not get along, but lately she couldn't quite make herself care about the discomfort in the way she used to. Even when some familiar faces came into focus among a suspiciously random stack of sleds, her true focus snagged on a plain, somewhat weatherbeaten sled with chipping white paint that practically called for her to get on it.
Darting towards it and snagging it before anyone else could, Maea leaped aboard and flashed a toothy grin at Nova. "Right? Let's go fast!" Turning her gaze forward she tightened her grip and braced herself, anticipation building. Whatever happened next, she was determined to have fun with it.
"I never see you at the club!" Okay? I never see you at the creek
The treeline thinned near Peekaboo Rise, where the snow came up past Damien’s calves and every breath smoked like a forge. His axe was slung over his shoulder, another morning of cutting gone quiet but for the creak of trees in the wind. He wasn’t headed anywhere in particular—just following the ridge for kindling and calm—until color broke the white.
Bunting. Lights.
He squinted.
At first glance it looked like some fool had decided to decorate the wild, streamers snapping bright against the pale. Then he caught the sign stabbed into the snow—START—and the laughter echoing faintly up the slope.
“…what in the world..?” he muttered.
But curiosity was a stubborn thing, and the world didn’t give many moments of levity. So he made his way over. By the time he reached the lineup, boots crusted with frost and breath misting heavy, he could make out familiar faces among the gathered: Deimos’s steady presence, Thalassa’s sharp poise, Maea’s pale hair, Zavien from Stormbreak, and others he recognized from Halo or his travels. The whole scene looked halfway between festival and fever dream.
A pile of sleds waited off to the side—some ribboned, some gleaming, one that looked like a punishment disguised as fun. Damien eyed them with scrutiny. The tassels were too fancy, the striped one too proud of itself, and the splintered plank… well, that had a certain honesty to it. But practicality won out.
He stepped forward and nudged one of the plain, solid-looking sleds with his boot. It didn’t creak, didn’t wobble. Simple frame, sturdy runners, a bit of frost chewing at the edges. It’d do.
“Not the strangest thing I’ve done lately,” he murmured, setting his axe down beside it. His mouth tugged faintly, the ghost of a smile lost quick to the cold.
Then he straightened, glancing toward the others, and waited for whatever madness counted as the signal to begin.
Damien chooses a plain sled!
Regional Score bonus: +13 in all shrine visits, drops, PQ+s, KQs, etc.
I pop up at Damien’s side like I’ve been here all along, shoulder bumping into his with a grin that comes bright and easy. “Hey, stranger.” The surprise of finding him here in the Hollowed Grounds tugs at me—I didn’t expect him in my family’s old stomping grounds—but it’s a good surprise, and it leaves me warmer against the Deepfrost chill.
The riot of bunting and lights strung over the snow makes me laugh under my breath. “So what’s all this fuss about?” I glance around at the sign, the gathering crowd, before my eyes catch on the sleds piled in a half-chaotic heap.
The breath I draw is sharp and delighted. “Oh! I haven’t gone sledding since I was like… ten.” I weave toward the stack, boots crunching, and my hand lands on a long, classic toboggan-like sled. Its wooden slats are polished with wear, the bottom slick and slippery with frost, promising bruises and speed in equal measure.
I haul it upright with a tug, grinning crookedly over the edge at Damien.
Theea picks a glossy toboggan sled!
Regional Score bonus: +17 in all shrine visits, drops, PQ+s, KQs, etc. (You must post this at the bottom of any post where a +17 should be included).
10-10-2025, 10:56 AM (This post was last modified: 10-10-2025, 10:57 AM by Random Event.)
WHOOOOOOOOSH.
The moment Zavien's butt touches his bright yellow sled, it's as though it has taken on a life of its own. (For better or for worse, as it happens).
He'll hear the giggle of something cheerful and frosty and inherently mischievous, and he'll have no choice but to hold on for dear life as the sled goes shooting off down Peekaboo Rise.
It's very fast. But steering has become... optional!
10-10-2025, 11:11 AM (This post was last modified: 10-10-2025, 11:21 AM by Honey.)
Flurries of fat snowflakes begin to fall as you rush to select your sleds - and if there's a groan of disappointment at how many of them are plain, that's obviously just the wind.
As you all make your selection and hop on board, a disembodied TOOT sounds close to the starting sign, letting you know that, ready or not, the sled race down Peekaboo Rise has BEGUN.
Surprising absolutely nobody, at the head of the pack is the Sledmaster, the Snowsurfer and Halovian's finest: Deimos Ignatius! But with Sunjata hot on his tail (strange considering how much he hates the snow) there's no telling how long that lead might last.
And in bronze place, it should be our resident cannib-- er, charming gentleman Ancient, but wouldn't you know it, Astaroth will find himself OUSTED by a cheerful yellow sled being ridden by a maniac with very little control over it. That's you, Zavien.
It's anyone's race right now, folks! If only Vox was here to commentate.
Unfortunately Theea did not join the drop in time. :(
"I never see you at the club!" Okay? I never see you at the creek
The starting horn—or whatever that toot had been—barely faded before the world tilted.
Damien shoved off, the sled jerking forward with a bark of friction and spray. Snow slapped his face, cold and clean, as gravity took hold. He hunkered low over the plain wooden frame, steering more by will than technique. The first stretch was pure momentum, a wild rush of air and white blur, and for a moment he almost laughed. Then the slope pitched steeper.
The others tore ahead—Deimos already a dark streak at the front, someone else he didn't know (and couldn't recognize in the current circumstances) close behind, Zavien a flash of yellow chaos careening like a madman. Damien gritted his teeth, weight shifting to cut tighter along the track. Still, the sled began to lag.
“Figures,” he muttered, wind dragging the word out thin.
He’d seen Zavien do something earlier—some flicker of light, a breath of the uncanny—and whatever it was, it worked. Damien wasn’t a mage, didn’t have tricks up his sleeve, and hadn't ever done this before, but the idea tugged at him anyway:
Channeling.
He didn’t think, just reached. Somewhere between heartbeat and breath, he opened himself to the stillness under the roar of the wind. If anyone’s listening— the thought wasn’t quite a prayer, but it carried the same shape. Could use a hand here. Just a boost.
Damien uses his Channeling to attempt to ask a spirit for a boost!
Channeling (Accepted) : Allows an Accepted to channel a spirit during a time of crisis (1x a season). Can be combined with other accepted channeling to increase power.
Type: Light | Rank: Basic | Cost: Action
Regional Score bonus: +13 in all shrine visits, drops, PQ+s, KQs, etc.
