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!
Deadiron Ranch is alive. It's a pulse of dust and motion, grit and glory. Horses and cattle are pushed into place from fields and pens, hooves and heads beating out a pattern of eagerness that makes the metal fencing sigh. Dogs and cowboys shout and clamber about, and through the fading afternoon the vendors begin to collect and fill the alleyway of stalls with smoke and aromas too strong to fully resist the pull of. By the time the afternoon is late and evening promises to sweep in, the ranch is ready.
Colt is decked out in western finery of rhinestones and denim, fringe accenting every motion her arms or legs make. She pulls open the entry gates, welcoming in the crowd with a shout and a wave for the initial groups before flowing with everyone to the arena to prepare for the start of the action.
The day is another bright blue one, sweltering for now but promising to cool down with the inevitable sunset. Cowboy hats will be more than just a worthwhile fashion statement today and vendors near the front sell them eagerly for anyone who's come unprepared. Other stalls offer jewelry and leather work, but the majority peddle fried foods, BBQ, or stiff drinks.
An announcer by the arena using wind magic to spread their voice will call the first activity to start, and from there the events will flow with hardly any breaks in action. Bareback bronc riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, hobby horsing, tie-down roping, barrel riding, then finally the bulls. A few hours worth of festivities, then it'll dissolve into music and dancing and the frivolity of what House of Midnight could kick up for anyone not wishing to end their night too soon.
Welcome to the rodeo! You can attend or participate.
If participating, you can be a rider and/or a bull, please signify which in the bottom of your first post! Entries will close 1 week from now.
A shift someone could ride is necessary to be a bull. It costs 100 MP to enter as a rider.
Winning rider gets 3/4 of the pot of MP and the prize belt buckle. Winning bull gets the other 1/4 of the MP. Whoever has the highest time at the end is the winner. If it's a tie, all rolls will be added up and highest total will win.
Bulls and riders will be assigned to one another, grouped by stat ranges, and will make breakaway threads. The bull should begin the thread breaking out of the chute, the rider onboard, and try to buck the rider off. The rider is trying to hang on by any means necessary. Stats and creativity of staying on will be factored into your roll.
Every 2 posts (1 from the bull, 1 from the rider) is a round that equates to 2 seconds in the thread. You're trying to get to an 8 second ride (4 rounds, 4 posts each). You have 48 hours to reply to your thread or it moves on. In the case of the rider not responding, they get bucked off.
Starlit Belt Buckle | A shiny belt buckle containing the light from the stars that causes disadvantage to all who see it within a 5ft radius.
Type: Grey | Style: Other | Level: Basic | Cost: Action
Cowgirls don't cry Ride, baby, ride It's gonna hurt every now and then If you fall, get back on again
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.
Erebos hadn’t known rodeos were even a thing, but to be fair, he’d been a toddler during the last one, they’d been fighting a war, and neither of his parents had been very inclined to join in such festivities when there were ongoing battles and complications all the time. But now he could join in the reverie, and from atop his father’s shoulders, he could survey the masses.
Beheld by the wonder, as had happened on almost every occasion they’d deigned to travel, his eyes had rounded, mouth agape and jaw hanging, gaze flickering from one thing to the next. “So their job is to just hang on? And not fly off?” A smile settled on his face though, imagining the absolute chaos meant to occur soon. They’d already seen some of the other riding, and Deimos had said no to trying it out on Zuriel when they got home. The pout had been solved by funnel cake moments later.
02-08-2026, 05:36 AM (This post was last modified: 02-08-2026, 05:37 AM by Jack.)
JACK
Like it or not, Jack still does technically live in King's End, and he still has plenty of business to attend to when he arrives home from his quest completion. As it happens, though, his homecoming coincides with the sort of event that promises at least one person ending up on their ass in the dust, and whatever his own feelings are on the matter (mostly amusement, for the record), the rest of the crew had thoroughly enjoyed it last year.
So in they file as the afternoon stretches on, Jack strolling through the haze in their wake on roughshod boots and with his faded blue shirt half unbuttoned with the heat. Air magic circulates him to keep him cool, of course, his dark hair left loose and unruly - and this year, he doesn't come alone.
"We transported unicorns once. I dunno if you remember," he says to flame-haired woman at his side as they stop by a vendor for a couple of stiff drinks, his arm casually settled around her waist like it has always belonged there. "Lot more to see of here than just horses with horns, though. More interestin' too, if last year was anythin'to sniff at."
Jack is here to watch!
you wanted perfect, you got your perfect but now I'm too perfect for someone like you
Deimos hadn’t been the least bit interested in being a ‘bull’ of any kind; he hadn’t even thought of attending until Erebos had seen the notice board and brought it up. Figuring they could go out for one more event before tucking themselves back into the threshold of home, and continuing to work on things upcoming for their impending, newest addition, Erebos could be spoiled once more.
He hadn’t gone last year due to everything happening, but he could see where the activities would draw a crowd – peering over the heads of many with his stature, and additional youth on top of his shoulders, they could watch the festivities with cheers and snorts, negating Erebos’ intended attempts when they got back to Halo. He could imagine the youth rounding up the rest of the Halovian children and striving for it on foot though; perhaps that would be less dangerous. “That appears to be the point of it,” he shrugged, listening as the child squealed and giggled at the sharp movement, before handing off another piece of the fried dough, wiping his hands to rid the powdery, sugar residue.
--
Deimos is here to watch!
think about this you have the ability to survive anything
I've done nothing wrong Except for all the atrocities
“Hey, this year I don’t have to pull anyone’s pants down,” she declared next to Iskra, like this was an award-worthy achievement in self-control. In hindsight, she didn’t have to snag at Thorn’s trousers in the middle of the wide public, but it had been on her quest list and funny all at the same time. Nonetheless, her options still remained wide-open, and she did glance around for one of her favorite victims; just in case.
Regardless, she passed over the massive container of popcorn chicken so they could share, shading her eyes with one hand to look at the rest of the observers and participants. “I tried to convince my uncle to go as a hydra this time,” because again, humorous, and who wouldn’t want to see someone trying to ride something with a bajillion heads? “Do you know anyone competing?”
Making his way first to a lemonade stall, Zavien adjusts the hat on his head, doing what he can to block out the heat. As someone who already runs warm, this season has been brutal, sweat a constant companion against his skin. The little dragon at his side seems completely oblivious of the blistering temperatures, but he's equally unhelpful in his ability to minimize the Dragoon's suffering, trotting along with a giant stack of ribs clutched in his teeth.
Zavien just smiles, choosing the frozen lemonade option and pressing it against the slick surface of his neck exposed neck, just above the collar of his shirt. When the people of New Haven had found out he'd be participating in the rodeo again this year, they insisted he dress for the part this time, convinced it would help him do better this year. He's not as optimistic - especially if he has to face a dragon again - but he's happy to give the people some entertainment regardless, and so he wears the boots with spurs, the chaps with tassels, the collared plaid shirt with unbearably long sleeves that he's rolled to his elbows, and the leather cowboy hat to top it off. Despite looking the part, he still walks like a soldier, eyes scanning the crowd as he waits to hear instructions for the event.
02-08-2026, 09:18 AM (This post was last modified: 02-08-2026, 09:19 AM by Thalassa.)
Thalassa
She hadn't planned on attending whatever insanity this event was, but Colt had invited her, and Thal couldn't deny that she was curious. People riding wild beasts and trying desperately to stay on? Sounded like her kind of fun. Except that apparently the 'wild beasts' are actually peoples' shifts. In some ways that's disappointing, no feral chaos to spice up the rodeo, but when she thinks about it, maybe it will be more interesting to see what creative ways people try to launch each other into the sky. Only time would tell.
Definitely not interested in participating - riding or bucking - Thal choses instead to enjoy the festivities. The meat selection is definitely impressive. Burgers and ribs and steaks and pulled pork and wings and all the things that make her mouth water. There aren't nearly as many raw options, but the variety certainly makes up for it, and Thal doesn't hesitate to gather a plate of various meats.
Leaning against a post in the sunlight, her blonde hair pops out against the black of her clothes and horns, tail weaving slowly behind her. Sharp fangs glint as she rips off bites of food, watching the crowd with disguised interest.
Thal comes to watch.
is my value based only on your perception? or is your opinion of me… not my responsibility
The rodeo arrives and Sunjata slips through the crowds, saying hello to everyone that either he’s the way of or vice versa. Pausing to snag a bite of the fried foods – a funnel cake he thinks – Sunjata drifts through to see everyone that’s gathered today. He’s dressed up fairly nicely, a little more kempt than usual. Dressed in a dark tank top and a pair of blue jeans, boots finishes the fit aside from the bits of jewelry he wears in his ears and a silver necklace that pools along his collarbones.
He scouts out Melita and Iskra first, though, slipping up toward them to greet them with a crooked smile that seems to come far easier to him than it had previously. “Hey.” He greets them, glancing back toward the space the rodeo will be taking place. “I entered as a hydra this year.” Tipping a wink to Melita, Sunjata draws silent to listen to whatever conversation they had previously that he’d interrupted.
Sunjata is entering as a bull using his Hydra shift!
get a load of this trainwreck
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.
02-08-2026, 05:15 PM (This post was last modified: 02-08-2026, 05:15 PM by Iskra.)
ISKRA
Goose is absolutely too miserable this time of year to be anywhere without snow, so Iskra has wisely left him home, as argumentative as the dog is about that aspect as well. Fortunately the loud husky tantrum has had plenty of time to die out from his ears, leaving nothing but the steady hum of the activity around this event to flood in instead.
Leaning in towards Melita as she talks, a smile breaks free in an instant, remembering the last event well. "Don't have to, but you still could," he suggests with a laugh, taking the container of fried chicken and popping some bits of it in his mouth with a ready hunger. Though, one hand stays perched between them on the bleacher, and oh no, perhaps he'll grow a bit sleepy and need to yawn and stretch it around behind her.
Before he can remark on her next plot however, the man himself appears, Sunjata arriving in much better shape than at the dinner. "Someone's ears were burning," Iskra comments with a messy grin, extending the bucket of chicken out towards the Heartless should he need the energy boost for his show. "Mel was just saying she suggested you do that, so now I'm really excited to see one hell of a show." Though he wonders where the rider will sit. At the top of one of the heads? Half way down? Near the shoulders and the heads will do a lot of work but not actually be the unseating motion?
"Other than you, not sure I know anyone else competing. I was hoping Deimos might go all out." His gaze drifts around, spying the man and his son further down.
Deadiron Ranch was the place to be today; Sohalia entered alone save for Anani, trying not to look terribly out of place. She was certainly dressed for the occasion, wearing jeans and a simple button-down shirt, her hair braided in a long plait down her back. But she felt ill-equipped to go to a rodeo, much less participate in one.
Spotting Colt, Sohalia waved and shouted a hello - but the rancher looked busy, so she opted to look elsewhere for her socialization needs. There was Zavien in the crowd, and he earned a smile as Soh was pushed along by the milling crowd. Everyone else was swept up in the activity, watching this event or that, or perhaps just trying to stay cool until the sun went down. Luckily for Soh, her cloud wyrm companion ensured that she had a personal patch of shade, at least.
Finding a spot along the arena rail where she could watch, Soh settled in, waiting for the main event - in which she would participate, utitilizing her pegasus shift to attempt to unseat whoever was assigned to ride her.
---
Soh will participate as a bull with her pegasus shift!
it's just a spark, but it's enough to keep me going
Minor powerplay allowed without permission.
Feel free to use force/magic on Sohalia.
02-08-2026, 11:54 PM (This post was last modified: 02-08-2026, 11:54 PM by Kaisel.)
No way you can deny, you feel the most alive when you are terrified
Shifting his chaps up with a frown, freshly purchased from the vendor, he does a small twirl, craning to look past his shoulder and behind him. "Are you really sure there's not supposed to be an ass on these?" he asks Flora and the shop keep alike, skepticism thick as a hand goes back to brush against the lack of substance back there. Not that he's planning to moon anyone today, since he's also tugged on some denim, much to his displeasure as he feels the hug of the levis in places he's accustomed to letting flow freely. "This doesn't seem right," he insists.
The small fringe on the sides lifts up, the dark brown leather merry even if he isn't at the time being. His pale blue button up has been tucked into his pants, embroided with all manner of colorful flowers across the chest, their centers sporting a few rhinestones. He's not convinced this isn't a ladies shirt either, and he fights a bit with the collar. "How does anyone stay on anything wearing all this," he scoffs, certain he'll barely have the room to bend down and take a seat to watch the event.
Kaisel is here to watch!
Kaisel
I'm a daredevil on the highway to hell
Wearing a watery blue, faded and stretched-out sparkling hair tie on his left wrist
A rodeo is not something Niki has done much more than read about, in truth, but as he realises the event is taking place whilst he happens to be in King's End, curiosity draws him along above all else. Sticking to the shade and the edges of the crowd so as not to be jostled about by too many people, the necromancer can at least get to grips with the proceedings while he looks out for familiar faces.
Dressed simply in a dark shirt rolled halfway up his forearms and a similar coloured pair of pants, it's not the coolest attire by far (nor the most interesting given what he can see others have put on), but the necromancer is nothing if not a creature of habit and high collars. He works his way slowly into the rodeo, stopping by a stall to buy an iced tea and to watch something called hobby horsing, before confusing himself into looking for a seat in the stalls instead.
Niki is watching!
my body's on the line now, I can't fight this time now I can feel the light shine on my face
"Is it just me or does this look even more wild than it did last year?" Danta is all but beaming as they head into the rodeo, the Maverick already nursing a glass of something rich and dark that burns on the way down, the silver spurs on his boots clinking with every step he takes. He has, of course, taken rodeo very seriously, dressed in a pair of stonewashed jeans and red leather chaps (with tassels), his pale shirt buttoned and accessorised with a bolo tie in the shape of a crow with its wings spread.
He flicks up his hat (also red) to grin towards Astaroth as they make their way in, something chaotic and fiery in his blue eyes that usually precedes an idea of some kind. Usually a bad one. "Maybe I'll ride a bull this year," he announces, tipping the other man a wink before strutting off to find the sign up sheet and do just that.
Danta offers himself as a rider! (WINK WONK)
Dantalion
it might be your wound but they're my sutures
Horns: Diamond - they look very similar to #2 in this image.
Considering the last time the courtesan has spent time at the rodeo, he’d been pantsed, he’s a little more cautious this time around. Sure, he’s still dressed up nicely (by brothel standards of course), but this time along with the pants and barely there shirt, there’s deep violet suspenders that sit snug against his shoulders. The thumb of one hand is hooked into one of the suspenders as he drifts through the crowds, snagging a piece of taffy to nibble on. He doesn’t see Colt immediately, though he offers her a wave and a dazzling grin when he does, and he sees Zavien shortly after, allowing him to drift toward the other man.
“You ridin’ again this year?” Thorn asks, sidling up next to the Risen Sun, his grin bright under the shade of his own dark cowboy hat, his eyes smiling behind the heart-shaped pink sunglasses with their own form of little tassles.
