[KQ] cannot be controlled

Melita

they should have checked the ashes
of the women they burned alive

Melita wasn’t the most altruistic. Sometimes she wasn’t even very nice. But what lingered through her heart and soul was a measure of boldness, audacity, and daring that never quite left from childhood. And gods, was she sick of this void and Family shit.

So when there was a call for assistance in the Tundra, she came, weapons and glory and all. Her thoughts were solely pinpointed on obliteration, even in these short segments. Because who were these bullying assholes, thinking they could just stomp all over them, time and time again? Did they believe they wouldn’t try once more? Was it supposed to curb and threaten? Fuck that.

She wasn’t overly familiar with the Tundra, but she knew well enough to step outside the Citadel gates to the myriad of purple. Tucked into her mountain of jackets, furs, scarves, boots, and mittens, and gllad she’d left her companions at home, she began to get her gear ready, drawing at her bow, and opting to see who else might join the impending onslaught.

--

Melita has arrived at the Tundra with all of her items, except for her companions. Her bag also contains some rope, food, bandages, an extra pair of gloves, and water.

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)

because it takes a single wild ember
to bring a whole wildfire to life

You will never do anything in this world without courage.

The call for help had been surprising and concerning. He'd heard Vox's uncomfortable announcement, but he'd expected Deimos to have an army ready to handle things. So when he saw the request, Zavien dropped everything to board the first skyship out. He'd barely had time to stop by and let Lena know, entrusting Sol to her watchful care with a kiss and a promise to be back soon. It felt bittersweet to leave her, but he felt better knowing she was (as safe as one can be) in Stormbreak, and he reveled in the opportunity to do something. He may not be able to free his own home of the Family's influence (including the spreading infection), but maybe he could do that for Halo. 

Running a nervous hand through his hair, Zavien stepped out of the Citadel and into the snowy Tundra. He was met with the pleasant surprise of a familiar face. Blinking, he smiled. "Oh? Hey Melita. Are you here to help, too?" He hadn't really pegged her for the 'helping' kind, but her skills would be welcome nonetheless and maybe her fiery, playful personality would lighten the mood of staring down the Void.

---

Zavien arrives with all his items - except his companion (sorry Sol) - and a travel pack full of useful supplies (food, water, first aid, rope, etc.).

Regional Score bonus: +1 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)

Zavien

It is the greatest quality of mind next to honor.

When Tal found out about this, he was going to kill her.

But when Halo was compromised by the Family, how could Alys not go and try to help? She’d spent some of her happiest times in the tundra, and she was hardly content to stand by and watch as it succumbed to the Void.

The seer was a bundle of nerves as she arrived, bow in hand and Sascha on her heels, to stand at the edge of the Citadel, staring out over the purple-tinged snow. She’d known it would be bad, but this? She hadn’t been expecting this. Fortunately, she wasn’t the only one to arrive, and she found herself standing with Melita, who she didn’t know well at all, and Zavien, who she at least trusted if only because of his friendship with her partner. And while the former was radiating waves of retribution, the latter was at least as anxious as she was.

”Hey,” she said to the others, Sascha sticking close as her bonded came to a halt beside the others. ”So… where do we start?”

—-

Alys arrives. She has everything on her profile, a bow, a quiver of 12 arrows, and two daggers.

Type: Grey | Style: Other | Level: Basic
Quicksilver Ring | A ring that when worn grants +3 DEX. Must be included in all PQ/PQ+/KQ/DROP posts to be counted.

ALYS GLASSE

Sohalia

Sohalia, like the others, had heard Halo’s call for aid, and though it surprised her that Deimos wouldn’t have the tundra well in hand, she supposed it was just another indicator of how the Family’s influence wasn’t easily shed.

In fact, she still waited for an indication from Ronin of what was to come for Stormbreak; as such, she felt that her hands were tied with regard to her own region. While she waited, at least she could be of some use here. Maybe.

She arrived with little fanfare to stand beside the group assembled, all of whom she labeled friends. She offered a tight smile to them as Tarak plummeted from the sky to land on her shoulder. ”This is… very purple,” she said. What were they going to do against… all of that?

—-

Sohalia arrives. She has everything on her profile, a glance, and two daggers.

Today you have decided to tackle not only a void guardian but one of Halo's most deadly threats as well: the cold. Deepfrost is the most harrowing time for Halovians, with temperatures plummeting to a bone-chilling -50 degrees, especially out on the Tundra where you now find yourselves. The relentless cold is accompanied by howling winds that slice through even the thickest layers of protection, freezing anything they touch in an instant.

As the Yeti prowls the corrupted Tundra, Deepfrost's merciless grip begins to manifest its effects on the intruders. Melita, wrapped in her protective hat, gloves, and scarf, remains relatively shielded from the immediate onset of frostbite. However, Alys, Sohalia, and Zavien, exposed to the unforgiving cold, start to feel the first harrowing signs. Alys experiences a sharp, burning sensation on her cheeks where the icy winds relentlessly bite, turning her skin numb and red. Sohalia 's fingertips tingle intensely, the cold seeping deeper with each passing moment, making her fingers stiff and unresponsive. Zavien 's nose begins to tingle, the biting wind causing a prickling numbness that threatens to spread if he remains exposed. 

Amidst this desolate landscape, a Void-Infused Yeti prowls with unwavering intent, its massive form moving silently over the frozen ground. The thick, snow-white fur interwoven with pulsating purple strands allows it to blend almost perfectly with the corrupted environment, making its presence both majestic and terrifying. The Yeti pauses, its deep void eyes scanning the horizon through the overwhelming haze. Every breath it takes sends frosty mist swirling around its form, the cold seeping into the very air and somehow making it even colder. Its keen senses pick up subtle disturbances in the void energy, the faintest shifts that betray the presence of intruders. 

The guardian sniffs the frigid air, detecting the scent of four beings approaching its domain. With a sudden, powerful motion, the Yeti lowers its massive frame, muscles coiling beneath its fur. A deep, resonant growl rumbles from its throat, echoing across the icy wasteland. The guardian charges, each stride leaving a trail of void energy in its wake. The ground trembles beneath its hulking frame as it closes the distance, eyes fixed unwaveringly on the gathered group.

---

Welcome to the Key Quest. This is a very hard Level 6 key Quest.

Void Yeti Guarddian: 932/932

Your randomly assigned posting order is:
Zavien: 125/125
Sohalia:180/180
Alys: 100/100
Melita: 360/360

Remember to include a summary at the bottom of your post with all action taken. If weapons/upgrades/abilities/items/shifts/etc are used, please include their desc. from your profile at the bottom of your post as well.

REMEMBER: KQs are rewarding but dangerous. They may cause death and/or permanent changes to your characters.

Void-Infused Yeti (Uncommon/Mythical): The Void-Infused Yeti is a colossal guardian standing over three meters tall, its formidable frame cloaked in thick, snow-white fur intertwined with swirling strands of ominous purple void energy. Intricate violet markings pulse softly across its broad shoulders and back, emanating an eerie glow that melds seamlessly with the void's swirling haze. Its eyes are deep voids, devoid of emotion yet radiating a chilling intelligence that pierces through the icy landscape. Massive, clawed hands grip the frozen tundra with ease, leaving indelible marks in the snow as it moves with deliberate, purposeful strides. Each breath it takes forms frosty mist in the frigid air, and tendrils of shadowy void energy trail from its mouth, draining warmth from its surroundings.

Code blatently stolen from queen of codes, Sky!

You will never do anything in this world without courage.

Having apparently forgotten that Halo was this cold, Zavien immediately wished he'd brought an extra layer of clothing (or five). His nose began to sting against the chilly breeze, and he pulled his thick jacket up over his nose so that only the slit of his eyes remained visible, not that it would do much good. If they were going to do this, they'd have to do it fast. Especially as part of the snow started moving.

The growl would have been enough warning, but feeling the ground tremble ominously under his feet was definite confirmation. "Umm... guys? I think we've got company." On instinct, he unsheathed his sword, the starlight glow evident in the snow. Gritting his teeth against the cold, he stepped out to meet his fate head on. All the while, he prayed to the gods for luck and protection, secretly hoping Ludo might want to help his favorite Demigod.

---

Zavien pulls out his sword to prepare for an attack as he channels Ludo (hopefully).

Accepted Channeling: 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

Type: Light | Style: Offensive | Level: Basic
Starblade | A sword that glows with inner starlight and burns on contact.

Regional Score bonus: +1 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)

Zavien

It is the greatest quality of mind next to honor.

Sohalia

Sohalia’s fingertips began to tingle, and she tucked her hands under her arms in an attempt to warm them. She hadn’t been prepared for the bone-chilling cold, and it was obvious in the way she was dressed. Even with the parka that she’d brought along, it wasn’t enough. It wasn’t nearly enough. And from the looks of the others around her - except, of course, for Melita - she hadn’t been the only one to fall victim to the tundra’s environment.

She was about to suggest that they return to the Citadel for some proper clothing when a growl sounded above the howling wind, and Zavien drew attention to a shape lumbering through the snow. Before Soh could get her bearings, the massive creature charged.

And the four of them were a group of sitting ducks.

”Spread out!” Soh shouted, her shrill voice catching in the frigid air. ”And don’t touch the Void energy!” She moved away, clutching her glaive in frozen fingers, doing her best not to drop the weapon as she strove to create space between herself and the others. Maybe if they weren’t grouped up, they could force it to split its focus, disorienting it. Tarak took to the sky, hopefully avoiding the yeti as he climbed through the air.

As Soh moved, she called out for any animals in range, hoping that there would be something nearby she could compel - and, fortunately for her, she managed to reach three snowy owls. She compelled them to join the fray, hoping that they would dive for the yeti’s eyes, distracting it and preventing it from harming their small party.

—-

Sohalia compels three snowy owls to try and attack the yeti’s eyes!

Can compel like-minded animals for assistance (1 large, 3 medium, 5 small, from the same animal family)

Well, this was decidedly not good.

Alys heard Zavien’s shout at the same time she saw the tundra move, revealing a huge yeti barreling towards them. Momentarily frozen by shock and horror, it was all Alys could do to watch the massive creature approach. Sascha, however, acted quickly, roaring with all the ferocity that the little ursur could muster and jolting Alys out of her fear. She could act, or she could die, and she was not particularly keen to do the latter.

The seer stumbled a few feet backwards, trying to distance herself from the yeti’s approach, and called upon her magic to create a perfect double of Zavien. The illusion ran after Sohalia (while still maintaining a fair distance from the Luminary), brandishing its sword, in an effort to draw the yeti’s attention away from the rest of the group.

—-

Alys uses her illusion magic to create a duplicate of Zavien, which appears to be running towards where Soh ran to distract the yeti.

Illusion: Can create 100% compelling and complex illusions within a 30ft radius.
Type: Grey | Rank: Mastered

Magic: Arcane Academy Cold Resist (Passive) | A magic bestowed upon those enrolled in the Arcane Academy, for as long as they are members, users will not be affected by cold climates.
Type: Light | Rank: Basic

ALYS GLASSE

Melita

they should have checked the ashes
of the women they burned alive

She addressed the others with a nod – familiar with all of them, but shifting into battle mode. No time for being weary or apprehensive; she came ready for the onslaught. Snarling into the high collar of her coat, Melita listened – it wasn’t difficult to see the yeti coming. Preparation had come in handy via her parka and such, but it seemed some of them hadn’t thought about that, and so she gave a heavy sigh, before beginning to move. “I’m going invisible!” She announced, in case anyone thought to yeet their shit her way (listen it happened before).

Heading off to the left, she drew the fire arrow from her quiver, and when she thought she had a decent enough range for her well-practiced and precise measures, she notched the armament, drew the string, and fired it straight towards the massive creature.

--

Melita goes invisible, veers to the left, and shoots a fire arrow at the Yeti.

•  Magic: You Didn't See Anything | Melita is rendered invisible, and doesn't leave footprints/fingerprints, but can still be detected via other senses.
Type: Grey | Rank: Upgraded

•  Magic: Didn't see that coming (FEAT) | First attack after becoming invisible has advantage
Type: Light | Rank: Basic

Type: Light | Style: Offensive | Level: Mastered
Bowstring Bracelet | At first this bracelet appears only as a length of intricately braided bowstring, adorned with vinelike patterns and tiny, fanged charms. But with an arrow in hand, upon miming the action of knocking and drawing it, the user will feel a bow beneath their fingers, as if it was there all along.

Type: Dark | Style: Offensive | Level: Mastered
Fire/Lightning/Ice Quiver | A magical quiver with two compartments. In one, it turns any arrow placed within into a flaming projectile when shot. In the other, the arrow becomes imbued with electricity. (Made by Remi)

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)

because it takes a single wild ember
to bring a whole wildfire to life

LUDO

Ludo's ragged form emerged from the ether—a frostbitten youth cloaked in tattered shadows. Pale, dark eyes scanned the unfamiliar Zavien, a blackened fingertip tapping thoughtfully against its lips. "Brrr."  Its attention shifted as it caught sight of Melita, a mischievous grin splitting its frostbitten face.

"Fancy meeting you here," Ludo sang, its cloak billowing dramatically.

With an exaggerated waggle of its cloak, the frostbitten youth snapped its fingers—or something close to it. In a blink, Zavien and company found themselves draped in absurdly bright, duck-themed outfits. Feathers, bills, and webbed feet adorned them all, with Melita sporting a crown of quacking ducklings.

"There, much better," Ludo declared. And just like that, it vanished in a swirl of rags and laughter, leaving only bewilderment—and quacks—in its wake.

---

Ludo has made all of your outfits duck-themed!

As the group braces against the relentless cold, a sudden flurry of movement catches the Yeti’s attention. Three snowy owls swoop down towards the guardian. The yeti observes their swift, coordinated attack, each owl aiming to distract and disorient. Their talons strike against the thick fur, but the Yeti's robust hide absorbs the minimal damage, barely slowing its determined advance.

Suddenly, a sharp, fiery projectile pierces the frigid air, embedding itself into the Yeti’s broad shoulder. The creature feels the intense heat of the arrow, a stark contrast to the surrounding air, but the cold rapidly neutralizes the burn, leaving only a lingering sensation of irritation where the arrow lodged itself even as the wound begins to weep dark purple.

The guardian’s instincts, heightened by the Family’s dark influence, shift to Zavien. But which one?

Without hesitation, the Yeti repositions itself, shifting its weight onto powerful, clawed legs. It emits a low, resonant growl that reverberates through the icy landscape. The guardian’s massive form begins to move with unparalleled speed, each stride leaving trails of void energy that freeze the ground beneath. As the Yeti charges forward, its focus remains unwaveringly on Zavien.  The piercing cold intensifies, each breath crystallizing into a visible mist that swirls around its massive form. With every powerful stride, the Yeti’s massive claws extend toward the perceived threat, intent on neutralizing the intruder. However, as it lunges, the attack meets only thin air. The Yeti halts abruptly, confusion flickering in its deep void eyes as it senses the absence of resistance where Zavien should be.

Though Alys ' illusion has served as the distraction the seer meant it to be, the Yeti is now positioned directly next to Sohalia.

---

Welcome to the Key Quest. This is a very hard Level 6 key Quest.

Void Yeti Guarddian: 761/932

Your randomly assigned posting order is:
Zavien: 115/125
Sohalia: 170/180
Alys: 100/100
Melita: 360/360

Remember to include a summary at the bottom of your post with all action taken. If weapons/upgrades/abilities/items/shifts/etc are used, please include their desc. from your profile at the bottom of your post as well.

REMEMBER: KQs are rewarding but dangerous. They may cause death and/or permanent changes to your characters.

Void-Infused Yeti (Uncommon/Mythical): The Void-Infused Yeti is a colossal guardian standing over three meters tall, its formidable frame cloaked in thick, snow-white fur intertwined with swirling strands of ominous purple void energy. Intricate violet markings pulse softly across its broad shoulders and back, emanating an eerie glow that melds seamlessly with the void's swirling haze. Its eyes are deep voids, devoid of emotion yet radiating a chilling intelligence that pierces through the icy landscape. Massive, clawed hands grip the frozen tundra with ease, leaving indelible marks in the snow as it moves with deliberate, purposeful strides. Each breath it takes forms frosty mist in the frigid air, and tendrils of shadowy void energy trail from its mouth, draining warmth from its surroundings.

Code blatently stolen from queen of codes, Sky!

You will never do anything in this world without courage.

Ludo's appearance was not exactly what Zavien was hoping for, but at least they'd answered the call, and now he was dressed fashionably in a duck suit. It gave him a little more hope (and a lot of learning experience) to channel again, but he decided to wait for a moment as he noticed the giant purple yeti making its way to Soh. It apparently liked attacking him as he saw his doppelganger get obliterated by a flash of deadly claws right next to her. Flinching, he set his mind on the battle and how they were going to make it through this.

He knew Mel was running about invisible - apparently doing loads of damage with some sort of fire explosive - and Alys had shown him her healing ability, and Soh was apparently an Attuned. With all that and his own contributions in check, Zavien made the very intelligent decision to... (you guessed it) channel again. As he searched for the words to summon Safrin, he called out a warning, hoping he might help her dodge the incoming attack. "Soh! Watch out!" 

Putting some more distance between himself and the creature, he called out to the goddess, "Hey Safrin! Are you free to help against this thing? Maybe show us that brilliant power of yours by hitting it?" His teeth ground anxiously as he awaited, sword at the ready for anything that may happen next.

---

Zavien moves farther away from the yeti and channels Safrin with the request to: damage the yeti. 

Accepted Channeling: 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

Regional Score bonus: +1 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)

Zavien

It is the greatest quality of mind next to honor.

Safrin

Stars flash overhead as Safrin appears, wasting little time in making her presence known. Glancing at Zavien—and then at Alys and Sohalia, noting their matching outfits—the goddess huffs a sound under her breath. "Don't you all look adorable." Fickle and haughty as Safrin is known to be, it likely comes as no surprise that being called in Ludo's wake is not a place she feels befits her.

Still, she does as she has been channelled to do.

Sweeping a starlit glare toward the yeti, Safrin raises her hands. While her normal abilities would do little against the creature, the goddess was not without her tricks. Sending a spear of ice lancing into the creature's shoulder, directly below where Melita's had struck, Safrin smirked before winking out.

Code blatently stolen from queen of codes, Sky!

Sohalia

Sohalia's owls flew in, all screeches and talons and wings, in an attempt to blind the yeti; when they retreated, it was in failure, and Sohalia thanked them silently as she continued to work her way to an open patch of snow. It had been worth a shot, and even a little damage was better than nothing.

Mel shot a flaming arrow and it struck true; the beast continued on as though it had hardly felt the attack. Alys, a skilled illusionist, distracted the creature with a projection of Zavien, and Soh held her breath as the yeti wavered, then selected the false man to go after. Unfortunately for her, that placed the creature squarely beside Soh, and she looked up and up and up at the massive beast as she struggled with her glaive.

Gods, but it was cold. Her fingers could hardly keep hold of her weapon, but she was terrified to drop it lest she be unable to find it again in the snow. Zavien's shout of warning heralded the arrival of Safrin, but Soh didn't have time to be sufficiently awed (or jealous). She needed to act now, or she'd never live to see her little revolution to fruition. With nothing to go on but instinct, she lashed out with her glaive, aiming to strike one of the yeti's lumbering legs. If she could injure it, maybe that would slow it down.

---

Sohalia strikes at the yeti's leg with her glaive.