From being an Abandoned who had rarely left the Hollowed Grounds, to embracing the call of adventure, to dying and being reborn first as an Ascended and then as an Ancient, Maea has gone through quite the amount of changes in her life. One thing remains common, though, in her attempts to find out just where she belongs; she’s always had a craving for knowledge which has brought her to so many places and to meet so many people here in Caido. We can’t wait to see what else is in store for her!
Congratulations, Maea!
Credits
Court of the Fallen was created in October of 2018 by Odd, Honey, and Crooked.
Skinning and hosting by the epically talented Kaons, and functionality fanciness by the coding magic of Neowulf. If you ever see either of them around, make sure to show them some love!
01-22-2020, 11:29 PM (This post was last modified: 01-28-2020, 10:05 PM by Oliver.)
OLIVER
Little was known about the mountains, their large size loomed over Halo, showing a world locked away behind the peaks. Oliver wasn't the sort to normally want to go on a massive adventure, he did love exploring. There was still a bit of hope within him, that they could find something that would be able to bring some peace to Caido. There could be a secret waiting to be unlocked that would show itself, allow them to move on past the horrors of Fiat Lux and become better people.
It was as though a siren were calling him, beckoning him into the mountain range. Surely, it must hold something important. From what he had gathered, hardly anyone had ventured into the range. Something important has to be there. There has to be something there to use to bring some peace to the lands. As well, Oliver had a massive debt to repay. He needed to be useful to Caido and without really thinking or training intensely beforehand, he had decided to make a trek into the mountains.
The preparations were long, but also well needed. He managed to get himself a strong, sturdy backpack, one that would be able to hold supplies. Within the backpack, he had two canteens of water, the blanket that he had accidentally stolen borrowed, a roll of bandage, some extra furs, two thick scarves, his sketchbook, two small empty bags, and finally his collection of knives. The knife given to him by Wessex was tucked into his boot while the one acquired from Loren was in the bag.
Along with his bag of supplies, he had also decked himself out in a nice set of winter clothes. Tons of market people were willing to get rid of their supplies thanks to LongHeat. Oliver finally got himself a thick, fur and wool hat, a nice thick scarf, three coats, a few furs, and two thick pairs of pants. He also got himself some wool lined boots. It wasn't enough, most likely, but it would do.
Oliver wasn't about to venture out into the mountains alone. Most of the people he knew were far too busy to deal with his annoying little quest. Remi was still gone, Sunjata was dealing with romance issues, Loren was....being Loren, and Deimos was training and cleaning up. This meant he knew very little people that he could safely ask for advice until a certain couple of individuals came to mind. Two people that he knew had unique magic, but also a deep understanding of nature. That's how he ended up going to Kai and Oia to ask for them to join him on his little adventure. As well, he asked Jigano to go along as a scribe of sorts, to help record down any knowledge and report back to the Loreseekers. After all, Oliver wasn't exactly the best at...recognizing things...so it would be best to have someone who, you know, deals with Lore for fun. Which means, he had three people who actually knew what nature held helping him. Great.
The three had been told to meet up with him by the portal early in the morning with a backpack of supplies, but not too much so to drag them down. The three had surely been to Halo by now so hopefully they'd know what they were doing.
This is a Magic-Based Plot Advancing PQ! There are three additional spots, and they have been filled.
- Oia'i'o
- Kaimana
- Jigano
Spoke to Weaver, a Halovian, in the thread {OPEN} {SE} sing a happy tune
"We'll never reach it." You confidently tell Kai as you walk towards the portal. "And I'm not sure Rae is interested in watching the human-animals just perish...but.." Thought overtakes you, despite the noisiness of Meraki and 物の哀れ in your thoughts. "...mapping out their intentions...I suppose that makes sense."
You appreciate that Kai lets you work things through. You don't feel encumbered or bothered when he interrupts to point things out, but you do find some pleasure in arriving at a conclusion all on your own. To this end, you flash him a smile. "If we don't die today, I should find a way to preserve my notes somehow...so that if we ever do die while we are out, the information we've gathered won't be lost." This is of course said without a whiff of fear or worry for your own survival.
Into and out of the portal with Meraki on the top of your head, woven into your hair like a properly caught twig and 物の哀れ bounding ahead, all fire and joy, you look towards Oliver though say nothing. Kai is better at introductions anyways.
Oia brings her notebook, two companions and absolutely nothing else.
01-23-2020, 03:48 AM (This post was last modified: 01-23-2020, 03:50 AM by Jigano.)
The Fangs were fascinating to Jigano, a harsh environment of frozen beauty and lethal consequence that housed danger and treasure in unequal measure; far more the former than the latter, as he had discovered on his last foray into these icy peaks. He kept meaning to come back, but there was always something else that needed doing, or fixing, or learning, or recording back in what had become 'home' to him. Oliver's expedition was a welcome reason to set those other things aside for a time and come back to explore.
Besides, he was curious to see how the earnestly helpful young man would handle being a leader in his own right, in charge of where they would go and what they would do.
The bard had worn his Halo clothing; thinner wool underlayers from neck to toes and thick pants still bearing fur on the outside for his legs, with heavy boots lined with sheep's wool for his feet. His long tunic was heavy and thickly woven, sandwiched between more woolen sweaters all underneath a heavy coat purchased in Snowcloak. His thick cloak of white fur overlay it all, hood pulled up around his scarf-wrapped head, from which fox fur poked out as he shamelessly used his partial shift to gain a little more warmth. His backpack held water and some light trail rations, even after he'd left a sack of hearty potatoes for the guards at the portal, but he'd brought a coil of rope as well. He had a number of smaller items tucked into his pockets, including his glasses, everdry bed, scale, and sphere, and SoulKeeper hung from his belt in case they needed to go into any caves. Mostly, though, he carried his journal and a pencil already out and ready to begin recording as he joined Oliver and Oia'i'o. He gave the young man and woman an encouraging smile and a quiet greeting while they waited for the last of their party to arrive.
Jigano is bringing:
SoulKeeper | A magical lantern capable of housing lost souls of the departed. The lantern keeps them safe until such a time as they can be released to Ludo and Mort.
Broken Spectacles | These glasses can translate certain texts, however because of the damage they do not do so with any reliability. (OOC: Will translate one plot-related text per season)
Guardian Sphere | A small glass-like sphere (roughly 2" in diameter) that allows a portal guardian to innately sense where their counterparts are. The light within darkens the closer the ascended are to activating a new portal. When held by anyone else, the light dims and nothing happens.
Snake-Guardian Scale: A palm-sized opalescent scale from one of Rae's portal guardians. When used, it will take the holder from their current position into the portalling dimension regardless of where they are. Once it has been used, it will disappear.
Everdry Bed | A square of silk that transforms into a large, luxurious bed upon command; always warm and clean and never ever gets that wet spot during use (wink wink nudge nudge)
01-23-2020, 04:11 AM (This post was last modified: 01-23-2020, 04:13 AM by Kaimana.)
because when you stop and look around, this life is pretty amazing
"Won't it be real interestin' if we do find it, though?"
You've spent a limited amount of time in the mountains, being more inclined to enjoy sunshine and beaches and generally areas where nature thrives a little bit more, but the invitation to join on this adventure is not something you would say no to. Wrapped in all the warm clothing you could find (which probably isn't quite enough), you walk alongside your twin and her companions, your face (and voice) obscured by a scarf.
"Whaddabout a notebook that makes all the notes go into another book in a safe place?" you suggest from underneath your scarf before following your sister through the portal. "Or a pen that'll write in two places at once? Or - a bag that's connected to another place, so we can send back samples an' stuff, too."
The sight of your traveling companion elicits a grin, followed by an immediate grimace as the cold, cold wind buffets your face. You have nothing but a carpet, and so you have brought nothing but the carpet with you, except for your own endless enthusiasm and your solid memory and a bag full of rations. The carpet, for reference, is wrapped around your body like a cloak.
"Ready!" you declare from beneath your scarf and hat and carpet blanket, bouncing up and down on your heels in an attempt to keep warm. "What're your goals'n plans, 'xactly?"
Kaimana brings ENDLESS ENTHUSIASM and his magic carpet
Soon enough, his companions would arrive to the portal. Oliver would give each individual a brief nod. Oliver had worked with all three of them in some capacity and he knew each one had their own strengths and weaknesses. Hopefully they'd be able to help out seeing as Jigano had come wellpacked with what seemed to be a very heavy bag, Kai came with...basically nothing, and Oia too had nothing. Well....this should be great. At least Oia had a strange new companion along with her?
Nodding to his group, Oliver spoke using his 'I'm trying to show that I'm in charge' voice. "Thank you for agreeing to come with me. We will begin our trek towards the mountains. Please, be wary of anything strange that you see or if anyone chooses to come talk to us. Do not take everything at face value. If you need anything or see something, let me know." Oliver knew Oia and Kai had a childlike perspective on things. They tended to show too much trust in simple things, leading to Oliver feeling a bit worried that they may suffer the same fate as the weird Natural who chose to poke a monster.
Oliver waited a moment to see if anyone had any questions. If nobody asked anything, off they'd go, journeying towards the mountains. If they had any questions, he'd answer them as quickly as possible before heading towards the peaks. Either way, Oliver was ready to get going and he didn't want to dillydally.
Oliver gives basic instructions! He also allows for questions before starting the journey, heading towards the mountains!
Aside from the rope, most of Jigano's items were small and light, and his pack of food and water fit easily under his cloak. He was a little concerned that Kai and Oia didn't bring even that much, but then, he'd seen Kai's magic with plants and some of Oia's ability to freeze time, and hoped that the pair were able enough to take care of themselves. They'd survived the Greatwood and the Hollowed Grounds so far, after all.
He quite liked Kai's idea of a notebook that had a matching pair somewhere else, and nodded enthusiastically at the suggestion. "That notebook idea would come in very handy. Deimos might be able to help with something like that," he mused. "The bag though... it sounds almost like a small, portable portal? I wonder how passing through one of the Voice's portals would affect it." He remembered the dangers of putting a Bag of Holding inside another Bag of Holding back on his world. The results had been catastrophically dangerous. Not that the same thing would happen here...
He just didn't want to be the one testing it when it happened.
But he also didn't want to see Kai looking so cold. "Would you like to borrow my cloak for today?" he offered, noting the bouncing and the distinct lack of quite enough layers on the cheerful young man.
Then Oliver was restating his goal - or at least, their direction, if not quite the specifics - and Jigano fell in behind their young leader (after handing Kai his cloak if the demigod accepted it). "What do you know about the kinds of hazards we might face in the Fangs?" he asked the bundled-up blond, as much out of curiosity as to pass the time.
All of Kai's suggestions have you nearly salivating with intellectual drool. You aren't one to covet, but you can't help but feel the pull of greed imagining yourself with the items your twin is describing. "Do we know anyone who could make those for us? Do you think the herald would?" The herald being Frey, and the answer being not-likely, if you're being honest. Frey didn't seem all that interested in your tasks here, which is perhaps understandable. They have their own duties to attend to, after all.
The bard makes good points, and you decide that although you don't know him, he healed you politely and seemed to have non-obvious and interesting things to say. Which is about as much praise as you're ever willing to offer someone, aside from Kai. Pulling out your notebook, you write down what he's said about portals. "There haven't been many experiments run on portals." You say, pleased.
Glancing towards Oliver, you frown slightly. "Why would I be wary of anything strange. And what counts as strange?" You immediately want to know. After all wariness isn't really a trait you possess, and what might strike one of you as strange, might seem utterly common to the other. "If I have to tell you about everything I see, it will take much longer." You add.
Despite the 'warning' given to you by Oliver, you glance at Kai and move to stride ahead of the group with 物の哀れ trotting behind you, casting warm fiery light in your wake.
because when you stop and look around, this life is pretty amazing
You're happy that Jigano and your sister seem to be getting on, even if you still aren't entirely sure about the bard yourself. "It'd be interestin' to try'n see the effects'a genetic diversity an' invasion of species through the portals, if there are any," you remark, nodding at the idea of further portal experiments. "I wonder if seeds 'n animals can come through 'em independently. 物の哀れ did, after all- maybe we'll see changes in migratory patterns in the comin' years."
Oliver doesn't really answer your questions which is somewhat disappointing, but you try not to let that show. You do nod gratefully at Jigano's offering of his cloak, though, shrugging the soft material on over the carpet that you've managed to swaddle yourself in. Then it's time to set off, and Oia already has questions and you do, too, but you focus on hers for now because you think you can answer them, falling in beside your twin as she leads the way through the snow.
"You only gotta tell him if you see somethin' that seems important to the goal- though he didn't tell us what that is. But I can help you figure it out if you need. An' we'll write it all down an' remember it. It'll be an adventure!"
01-23-2020, 06:51 PM (This post was last modified: 01-23-2020, 06:52 PM by Random Event.)
RANDOM EVENT
You are not wanted here, little uninvited guests. Not wanted at all. You'll soon see why. Or not ! Who knows. There is laughter on the breeze, ominous, high-pitched, and chilly. But you adventurers surely have nothing to fear. You who have brought rations and ropes, bedding and warm clothes. You'll be fine!
A small flicker appears before you; an ice elemental for those of you in the know (everyone except Oliver, probably). It dances on the breeze, fae-like face looking both whimsical and slightly devious. It beckons for you to follow it before turning and flitting up one path.
But as with the start of every good adventure, there is another path you might take. Totally your call. What will you do? Split the party? Draw straws? Have a good old fashioned debate about which way to go?
Quickly now, the sprite is getting away!
Your random initiative order is: Oia, Kai, Jigano, Oliver. Include post-summaries at the bottom of your post and list any relevant magics or items used in your posts. You have 48 hours to reply.
'I wonder if it has more to do with a capacity to bond rather than actually being bonded." You posit because as far as you know, only companions can go through.
Reaching down, you twine your fingers through Kai's for a moment and squeeze. You can't verbalize how much you appreciate his presence, but know that he knows how much you do. Still, you do what you can to show him. "I'll just tell you all the things, and you can tell him." You of course prefer it this way.
As soon as the sprite appears, your eyes widen with delight and intrigue. 物の哀れ bleats unhappily at the icy creature, his ears hesitantly moving to the back of his head. In your hair, Meraki peeps out, croaks in your ear, before bundling himself away.
"Sprite!" You say to Kai, the awe of the word forming into a frigid cloud as it leaves your lips. "We'regonnagofollowtheicesprite....warily.." You call over your shoulder to Jigano and Oliver, adding in the warily bit at the last moment.
Running ahead, you point your finger at the sprite and shout freeze!
Oia obviously runs after the Sprite. She uses her demigod magic to try and freeze it.
Magic: Preservation | Can stop time around small non-human animals. In human-animals, can stop time around a small portion of the body.
Type: Grey | Rank: Basic
because when you stop and look around, this life is pretty amazing
"Okay," you agree, squeezing your sister's hand in yours and smiling up at her with bright, understanding eyes. Of course you know she knows you know how much you both mean to each other. Oia helps you organize your thoughts and put the world into better focus. When you get caught up in big things she brings you down to details, and when the details capture you too thoroughly she reminds you to look around.
Like now- because while you were staring at a particularly interesting ice structure, she noticed a sprite fluttering in the dark. "Sprite!" you echo excitedly, brown eyes growing wide. As Oia takes off after it you scramble in her wake, clinging to your makeshift robes without much care for the rest of your companions and their thoughts.
Clearly this is an interesting thing.
"Hullo!" you call out gently to the sprite, slowing down and doing your best to adopt an unassuming posture. "We're not here to hurt anythin'- we wanna know about the paths. Can you help us, please?" Gently you prod it with your magic, trying to coax its synapses to fire a little faster.
Kaimana follows Oia and tries to increase the sprite's sentience while adopting a soothing demeanor
Before Oliver could respond the Fangs did instead, sending a sprite to tease and taunt and coax them onward, up a trail that disappeared amongst the ice and rocks, so that Jigano couldn't see what lay ahead. That didn't stop Oia and Kai, though, the ever-curious pair darting after the ice elemental with a fine disregard for mischief or danger - or both - and the bard had a moment of: oh no writ large across his face beneath his scarves before he sighed and gestured for Oliver to follow them.
"Never split the party," he cautioned the young man, the grim look of a man who has Seen Things in his eyes as he headed up in the wake of the siblings. Earth magic tingled in his fingertips as he readied it to reach out to the sleeping stone beneath the snow, ready to grab and stabilize any loose rocks that might threaten to fall away beneath their feet or above them on the path.
Jigano follows the demigods and readies his Mastered Earth Magic to stabilize any part of the path or cliffs above within 30 feet that start to crumble.
Before Oliver could respond to Oia's very weird questions, Kai went on ahead and answered the questions for him. Sort of. They were close enough to what Oliver wanted to go for and so he hoped that Oia understood that things weren't always what they seemed. Unfortunately, that was not the case.
A strange being appeared before them, something Oliver had never heard of nor seen ever before. Rather than heeding his warnings, Oia dashed after it with Kai following in her wake. He heard something about a sprite? Whatever that was. Oliver barely even had a chance to glance at Jigano before the man was following after them, so off Oliver went, dashing after the three. It was easy to catch up with Jigano since he almost immediately followed after him. Underneath his hat, he would shift his ears into fox ears, hoping to allow him to hear what was happening better. Luckily, the hat would continue to keep the ears nice and warm...hopefully. And if not? He'd immediately shift them back.
"This has to be a siren." He called out to Jigano, his voice shaky due to running. "They shouldn't be doing this. They don't know what they're doing to us." The twins were inexperienced and Oliver was starting to regret inviting them along. They were leading him to his doom.
Oliver shifts his ears into fox ears! Which are still covered by the hat. If he feels like they are in danger, he will shift them back. If he can, he will use the ears to listen in on anything around them, including the sprite and the twins.
The sprite, too strong to be held entirely by Oia'i'o 's magic moves as if through molasses for a moment. Turning with an expression suddenly more animated, the creature beams at Kaimana. "Neat trick!" It chirps at him. "This path goes up, up, UP!. The other one goes round, round, round!"
Like anyone trying to hear something far away while their ears are covered, Oliver doesn't hear much. Better catch up!
A good preemptive readied-action on Jigano 's part is well-timed. Boulders rush downwards, blocking the area behind them. Thanks to the Sage however, the ones which would have toppled down directly onto the group have been stabilized. However for as long as they remain within 10ft of their current position, Jigano will have to continue to hold the falling rocks against the mountainside.
As Oia'i'o 's begins to wear off, the sprite begins flying in faster and faster circles until the spell is broken. Once it is, she flits about 30m ahead of the group and disappears around a bend in the path.
Your random initiative order is: Oia, Kai, Jigano, Oliver. Include post-summaries at the bottom of your post and list any relevant magics or items used in your posts. You have 48 hours to reply.
