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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!
12-06-2025, 01:56 PM (This post was last modified: 12-14-2025, 05:17 PM by Zavien.)
It's the job that's never started
The mud has been quite a problem this season. From caught wheels and boots to engulfing entire piles of wood or unattended toys. Luckily, it doesn't seem malicious in its pestering, and he's heard rumors that other regions have it much worse, so Zavien will take the little blessing where he can take them - like the fact that they've somehow finally reached the point where they can start the rebuilding process. From ROU infestations to delayed contracts to missing supplies, the preparations have taken months to prepare, but the work can finally begin, and despite everything that's happened recently, Zavien is relieved to be taking that next step.
Sipping his coffee, his heart is a coiling mess of emotions: excitement, regret, grief, joy. It shows in the slight draw of his features, the light smile tinged with something heavier while he waits for the others. Workers slowly trickle in from their homes, conversing low in the early morning hour, greeting him as they gather to await instructions. Some are Breakers he's known most of his life while others are tanner folks eager to finish the project and return to their families in Torchline. He nods his head to each, focusing instead on looking for the familiar faces of the people he'd asked to help.
It’s been a little while, admittedly, since he’d heard from Zavien. But with the request to help, the courtesan is eager to get away from the muddy nightmare that King’s End has become this season – grateful for a distraction away from work and whatever was going on with Colt that he hasn’t quite figured out just yet.
So he shows when is requested, wearing more clothes than he usually does in the hopes that it would keep him warm and protected enough for whatever rebuilding came his way. Familiar with the majority of the work from his days of learning to become an architect, the courtesan arrives with a bright smile, nodding a quiet greeting to those that greet him politely as he passes by, searching for the Commander himself, shouldering the bag up a bit higher.
“Just put me where ya need me.” He says to Zavien with a nod and a smile.
Thorn arrives with a bag of tools (a hammer, chisel, extra nails just in case bc you never know if you need more!)
After some back and forth correspondence with Zavien and an arrangement of lumber deliveries, with the help of some Breakers to manage to labor aspect of it all too, Iskra made good on what he and Zavien has discussed in the bar that night. He’s ready to continue doing so, lending his hands to the efforts to rebuild the large structure on the designated day Zavien told him about, now that supplies have been gathered. It’s no surprise then to walk into quite the unfolding production when he does make his way back into Stormbreak and towards the ruins that await a return to order.
Goose trots on ahead, the tip of his tail flopping to and fro with each stride. He’s bright and alert, always on the hunt for a new friend or game, but he’s caught wind of someone familiar and b-lines for Thorn’s side with a wet nose pressed into the man’s hand. ”Goose!” Iskra tries to call the dog to heel, not about to start a large project in an outside city with some run in with his dog, he’d tie the hound up if need be, however pissed off it made him. In the next beat though he recognizes the other Abandoned, and his concern softens into an easier smile. ”Oh, hey, Thorn right? You working on this today too?”
A hand raises over Iskra’s eyes as he settles near Thorn, peering up and around. Spotting Zavien, he waves, his hand coming to rest on his toolbelt full of any number of helpful armaments for construction.
Iskra has Goose with him as well as a tool belt with basic tools like an axe, hammer, screwdriver, etc.
NOOOO You guys are so matchy and cute and this is my only Iskra gif table and it's green, it’s killing THE VIBES, SOBS
There's something soft and reassuring about seeing Thorn, his close friend and confidant that he hasn't seen in so long. His smile brightens, reaching out to clasp the man in a quick hug that does more for his heart than any words or sentiments could. "Thanks for coming." He suddenly wants to tell Thorn everything, realizing that he's been under the impression everyone knew of the deadly incident when that's most likely not the case.
But now isn't the time, not when there are weeks of work ahead and to many listening ears; and Zavien's smile darkens a touch as he pulls away, clasping Thorn on the shoulder, meaning in his eyes as he says, "We should grab a drink after this. I've missed you."
With another upward tilt of his lips, he turns to spot Iskra coming their way, the boisterous dog greeting them first. Sol hears the chaos and comes diving down from the sky to compete for Thorn's attention, a small chirp as he bounces around Goose to bump flanks and nuzzle for treats.
Leaving his dragon to battle for affection, Zavien grins at Iskra, certain they can bond over their overly friendly companions. He reaches out a hand to shake. "Again, I appreciate your help. The wood looks great." And it's put them in the perfect place to begin rebuilding, which he can never thank the man enough for.
The Commander looks at their small group then out to the gathering people, drowning the dregs of his coffee and setting it aside to give them his full attention. "I think that's everyone. Let's get started." Gesturing to the various aspects of the cleared ruins, he indicates the mud that's attempting to conquer the lot, the vats and pile of supplies, and the small table set off to the side. "If you want to gather a few people, we can start by clearing the mud that's built up, mixing the concrete, and finalizing the blueprints."
Pick a task. Zavien will take what's left.
1. Direct the first group to deal with the *gasp* mud.
2. Direct the second group to mix concrete for the foundation.
3. Direct the final group in planning out design/supply usage for the Tower.
Another familiar face joins the mix, one that’s accompanied by the excitable canine as Goose streaks through the project. Thorn’s grin brightens as he calls out to the dog before looking back up at Iskra with a decisive nod. “Yep. Sure am.” He murmurs, before Zavien’s taking his attention.
They haven’t talked much recently, but it warms his somewhat bruised emotions to know that he was missed, his smile growing lopsided but still bright. “Yeah, that sounds great. I missed ya too, Zav.” He leans into the touch a little as his shoulder is squeezed, stepping back only when the Commander begins to lay out the plans of what they were needing to do.
Immediately drawn to the blueprints, Thorn drifts over to collect a few of the helpers already perusing the schematics in question, peering down at it to make some minor adjustments and help get it so it might last a long while this time. "I've got this side." He calls out to the rest of them as he gets to work, busying himself with ease and prior knowledge of a past life where he'd wanted to become an architect so badly.
Thorn picks option 3 and makes some minor adjustments!
And also, Blu, one could say that Iskra’s table matches Thorn’s eyes ;D
Goose absolutely fucks off with the arrival of Sol. Small, fire-breathing creatures with sharp teeth and wings? Big nope for the chicken disguised as a dog; even Mel’s dragon has taken the hound seasons to warm up to. After bumping his nose against the courtesan’s hand in greeting, he slinks off to busy himself with supervision of the supplies, curling up in a sunbeam with a superiorly lazy air.
Iskra, not nearly as skittish, remains with an easy smile. ”Glad you think my wood looks great!” he remarks brightly. If there’s a sparkle of intentional humor in his eyes, it’s definitely not because he has all day to work with wood and devise related jokes, and absolutely has nothing to do with the urge to slide them in where possible. It should come as no shock that men have a habit of inserting their wood where they can.
Nodding as the greetings switch over to the delegation of work, Iskra takes the time to fully soak in the full scale of production here. Although not too accustomed to ordering around groups of people, he isn’t shy, so easily steps into one of the tasks after confirming with Zavien, ”on it, leave to mud to us!”. Mud is something he thinks he rather has a handle on after this season, albeit he hasn’t been in one of the regions drowning in it, but he has helped and his fire magic has proven effective thus far.
Clapping his hands together and rubbing them faintly as he arranges himself before the little crowd of eager (?) workers, Iskra chipperly announces their plan. ”Alright guys, grab some of the shovels nearby and rakes, we’re gonna spread this mud out. Anyone with fire magic, spread out shoulder to shoulder with me, we’re gonna dry this puppy back into dirt. Just don’t overly roast the top, we need to do it in bursts, the shovels and the rakes will smooth it out, then we fire off again. Rinse and repeat until the shovels and rakes don’t find any more mud.” Then they get about to enacting that very plan, Iskra’s flames leaping to life as he tugs the magic into focus over the soggy lot.
Iskra takes #1 and deals with mud via a group using shovels/rakes and fire magic.
Fire Manipulation (Abandoned/Hybrid): Can create and control flames. Must be within a 30ft radius.
Type: Dark | Rank: Mastered | Cost: Action
Sol - the soft-hearted, friend-oriented dragon - doesn't take Goose's hint. When Thorn fails to offer anything in terms of food or treats and the dog takes off for a patch of sunlight, Sol bounces along behind Goose, tail wagging and tongue lolling from his maw as he chirps and growls in playful tones like an annoying Pomeranian with wings.
More focused on the work, Zavien is happy to leave the plans and blueprints to Thorn, but there's a hint of disappointment when the work begins, silently wishing they could just hang out and catch up. He knows they'll have time later - when the work is done and the city is finally relieved of the shadow lingering in the rubble. It's a small bit of consolation, along with the obvious talent the man has for arranging the project. Zavien smiles softly as they part ways, chuckling at Iskra's joke before they're onto their own tasks.
The planning men gather around the courtesan, hanging on his every word and nodding their heads, taking it all very seriously. The intensity and dour expressions are explained when an older gentleman clears his throat, concern radiating from him as he asks, "Will this stop the Tower from falling again?"
Meanwhile, Iskra is having a grand old time. The abundance of soldiers in the group cling to the structure and organization, falling into order quickly to combat the mud. Fire, water, brooms, shovels, and rakes work to remove the grime, soft grunts and the occasional laughter filter as the men expend their energy. It's long, tedious work that slowly reveals pieces of missed rubble and piled debris beneath the dried patches of dirt, an echo of the previous foundation standing where the new one will be laid.
That is, if Zavien can get it together. The concrete formula sounds simple enough, and his group seems to know what they're doing even if he doesn't, but a heavy pour is all that's needed to disrupt the work, one batch of concrete turning out too thick and another too thin. He runs a hand through his hair, depositing bits of the mixture to harden later as he examines the trouble so he can figure out how to salvage it all.
Great work! Keep it up!
Iskra: The mud is all dried. Clear it - and any other lingering debris - out of the way for the foundation. Hawthorn: The group is concerned about the Tower falling again. Zavien: The concrete's consistency is wrong.
They all part and get their tasks underway, with Thorn focusing on the blueprints and taking into account the shifts of the plans so that the tower would hopefully be more fortified – though that’s hard to do with the recollection that it had been a dragon that had taken it down. It was rare for dragons of that size to venture this far up into Stormbreak, but seeing as it’s happened more than once, there may be something they can do.
Looking up with his seafoam gaze to spy the older gentleman with his concerned question, he nods as he points to the little edits made to the blueprints. “It should. More flex ‘n symmetry should help in case anythin’ tries to land on it or any ground starts shakin’.” He points out the edits made that would essentially make it earthquake resistant which he thinks might also apply to the top portion that seemed to meet draconic demises often enough. “Though nothin’s ever gonna be absolutely perfect. We can try ‘n make it as strong as we can.” He shoots the gentleman a crooked smile, trying to alleviate his stress.
Thorn tries to alleviate the gentleman’s stress by explaining his blueprint adjustments.
12-11-2025, 06:00 PM (This post was last modified: 12-11-2025, 06:00 PM by Iskra.)
Just as Goose has begun to settle, he spies Sol's overly enthusiastic (read: dangerous and scary) approach and immediately leans further and further away. Eventually he commits and scrabbles back to his paws, body low as he hunkers down in submission of the beast. He saunters off, wary glances tossed over his shoulder, before he dips towards a wood pile. He fights to crawl between the stacks, hiding beneath the shelter an overhanging tarp offers, creating a den from the supplies as a safe base from the dragon.
With some chattering among the men and longer breaks between the fire users turning their magic loose, as a group, and with Iskra's nod, they determine that they are mud free. It's dirt and dust rather than wet slop that each rake and shovel turn over, and a small cheer of accomplishment and some hands thumping on shoulders celebrates the task. Baby steps are key to breaking down this monumental undertaking, and even though it might just be step one they've finished, it's something they can cross off, and there's a certain amount of pride and excitement about that. "Alright!" Iskra announces, fire magic snapping shut, the golden shimmer of his abilities retreating into his veins like sediment that's settling in a river. "Everyone needs a tool in their hand now, we're gonna grade this so it's all even and flat, make sure it's ready to take a foundation."
Sure to put his actions where his mouth is, he reaches for one of the nearby shovels. Using it to pry up any mounds of dried mud into cracked and scattered dirt, he works alongside the troop of laborers to begin to smooth out and flatten the ground that will be the base of the tower. A good foundation is key, and they all step back every so often to look at it from all angles and perspectives to be certain.
One of the more experienced builders taps Zavien on the shoulder, explaining that if they combine the two portions of concrete (one too thick, one too watery), they should get the consistency they need to pour the foundation. It's a simple enough suggestion that has Zavien smiling, thanking the man as he begins explaining the directions to the others. Before long, they have a perfectly smooth concrete ready to be used.
Satisfied with the results, he takes a moment to check on the others. He's pleased to see that Hawthorn has assuaged some of the underlying concerns while Iskra has smoothed the area of any remaining obstacles - both managing to simultaneously set the construction up for success and gain the respect of their groups. It's a relief to see, one that has his heart lifting to strengthen the optimism he always wears.
Zavien calls everyone together, pride puffing his chest as he acknowledges each worker with a respected nod of his head. "Okay. Everything's looking great. We'll get the foundation poured and set the wood up for framing tomorrow, then call it a day. Keep up the good work!" Pumping a fist, he dismisses everyone to their tasks, knowing they would be eager to rest after the hours of work.
Success! Pick a new group/task:
1. Mark the perimeter of the foundation.
2. Lay the concrete foundation.
3. Cut wood for the framing.
His smile brightens as the group he’s with seem satisfied with his answers, calming down from the worries that it won’t just topple down again the second they're done with it. It gives him time to look over the blueprints one more time, taking in the plans with the minor fixes made, such that he can squint back over where everyone else is working to get a better idea of the scope of the project.
That’s precisely when Zavien calls out to them and the courtesan settles in to listen, the options given before they get to take a break and return to the work in the morning. “I’ll mark the perimeter!” He calls out, claiming that particular job as he gets his workers to come and help him with the stakes and chalk coated strings, the blueprints in hand to refer to as he guides them all along with him on how to perfectly mark a perimeter.
Their efforts with shovel and rake leave the foundation dry and smooth, like a well-sanded piece of wood ready to be built into something grand. So it is with the tower's base, firm and sturdy, the way the bottom must be for something that will reach into monumental heights.
As the group puts their tools aside, each of them is filled with a sense of pride and accomplishment, even if there's also a certain weariness to the work that's begun to set it. Vacating the foundation, they all turn to hear Zavien's next steps for work to be done, some of them grabbing a flask of water to hydrate as they listen. Iskra is one such person, wiping away the water from his beard as he sets his canteen back down. "I'm best suited for handling wood," he offers up, a wink cast Zavien's way before he pivots to the lumber piles and the tools and men there.
A pair better equipped at reading plans than he is relay the numbers, while Iskra and some of the other men load the wood onto sawhorses. In pairs or trios they measure and mark out the cut lines, charcoal scoring the edges they need. Then, the measure and mark again, just to be safe. Once sure, they set saws into the lumber and with teamwork, hold the main beams steady and force the metal teeth to their will with strength and speed combined. Once cut, they set them into organized piles, repeating the process until enough correcly sized wood begins to stack up.
Having decided that waiting patiently for the dog to warm up to him was boring, Sol decides to take matters into his own hands (paws?). He zips through the crowd of people, snagging the pack off jerky from his and Zavien's lunch bin before trotting back to Goose's hiding place. With an inviting chirp and a loll of his tongue, he drops a few pieces in front, sitting happily as he waits for the dog to reappear - hopefully as a new friend.
Zavien chuckles at Iskra's joke again, shrugging his shoulders at Thorn before they're all separating to their new tasks. He's left with the job of laying the foundation, giving his familiar group of concrete workers a grin as he rejoins them. "Let's get this poured so it can harden overnight."
Everyone's progress is fast and efficient. Hawthorn is able to mark the perimeter with stakes and chalk while Iskra's group succeeds in preparing all the necessary wood to get things started tomorrow. Even the concrete gets poured successfully - although Zavien is rocking it as a new fashion statement. Other than a small tiff when a piece of wood nearly fell on a concrete worker and another near miss between a finger and a saw, everything goes fairly smooth and they're able to pack up before the sun dips below the horizon. With chunks of concrete stuck in his hair, Zavien checks on everyone before dismissing them for the night, offering smiles and praise to rejuvenate energies for tomorrow.
---
When everyone arrives the next day, Zavien is early again, coffee in hand and a brighter smile on his face. Raising his cup along with his voice, he gestures to the crew. "Hope everyone got some rest! We're going to start putting up the frames and scaffolding so we can lay the bricks in the next few days. Grab a hammer or some wood and let's get it done!"
Get some rest then come back for the next day of work!
Then help build the scaffolding/framing by cutting more wood, holding frames in place, hammering it, or directing people on where it should go.
12-14-2025, 05:19 PM (This post was last modified: 12-14-2025, 05:19 PM by Hawthorn.)
// You won't stay with me, i know
Hearing the joke that falls from Iskra’s lips, the courtesan rolls his eyes playfully and sighs as they get to work. He puts all of his focus into the perimeter with the stakes and the chalk lines, double and triple checking in some instances to make sure the edges line up precisely where they want them to. And before the courtesan knows it, the sun is beginning to set and it leaves them all departing for the moment to let everything sit overnight to be prepped for the next day.
Arriving the next day, Thorn, too has coffee in his hands – using it to warm the long digits as he arrives with his coat bundled around him. Realizing swiftly he isn’t one for hammering or cutting wood, the young man flashes an amused and crooked smile at Iskra. “You gonna work with your wood some more?” He asks with a soft laugh, deciding that he can be useful when it comes to holding the frames in place. And that’s precisely what he does.
