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!
08-17-2020, 05:10 PM (This post was last modified: 08-17-2020, 05:31 PM by Odd.)
we all have demons
Delphia stared at the sandstorm - or rather where it ought to be - in awe of the clarity in the air. No wonder the young Fae woman had entered the storm on curiosity's whim. Tishy sat upon her shoulder, staring as well, tail twitching with excitement. The demigoddess planned to keep her word to the dead Fae, dagger strapped to her hip, goggles perched upon her head and a bandanna tied around her neck - prepared in case the storm picked up again while they ventured. It wouldn't protect her indefinitely, but it might help extend her chances of getting out. She had seen the damage done to the woman and was more than willing to take precautions.
The Seer had invited a select few along - Alina and Nephele - as they were Fae and this did involve their people. One of their own had already died in attempting to navigate the storm after all. Ianto had been asked to join as well. Though Delphia had never met him, he had been Arduinna's vassal (read: prisoner) and may have picked up some useful skills or knowledge that could help them - at least she hoped so. Now all there was to do was wait for her travelling companions to join her and Tishy.
Delphia brings a pack with some provisions, water, a tarp, and a small dagger. She also has goggles and a bandanna mask.
Delphia
i just choose to feed mine
Code blatantly stolen from the fantastical, wonderful Odd
Alina had been surprised to receive the invitation from Delphia. Morbid curiosity, as well as a desire to prevent outsiders (any non-Fae in the huntress' mind) from doing more damage to her precious Greatwood. So Alina had come, spear in hands, mouth carefully wrapped by a cloth. Her hair, normally worn free, was tightly braided and left in a bun on her head.
On one hip, a small medical kit rested. On the other, she had a quiver and a dagger belted, and on her back she had a small pack with some food, water, and rope. Her bow was lashed to the outside of the pack. Flying towards the designated meeting spot, she gave the storms a calculating look.
Only then did she turn to the demi-goddess. "What's the plan?" The huntress' words were short and clipped, entirely matter of fact and businesslike.
Alina brings a spear, a bow and arrows, a dagger, a medical kit with bandages, needle, and thread, and a bag with food, water, and rope.
Going out on a potentially dangerous adventure to explore the sandstorms? The storms that had been raging for an indefinite period of time in Ianto’s mind? Sounded like a huge pile of NOPE to him. But that’s the thing when a demigoddess asks something of you. You don’t really get to say no. (Ianto doesn’t, anyway). So he shows up, hands buried in the pockets of his brown trench coat, a scarf around his neck in preparation should he need it.
And that’s it, honestly. That’s all he brings Why? Find out, kids!
”What a merry band we have here,” he remarks, nodding to Alina - he remembers her well, from her thorough disapproval of his helping to make the training grounds. To Delphia he offers a roguish bow. ”At your service, madam.”
Ianto brings the following:
Type: Grey
Wishing Wagon | Mastered | Larger on the inside, the wishing wagon can be summoned with a specific whistle, regardless of time or place. Where it 'goes' when not in use is unknown
All the faces gathered are familiar to her, which is a blessing unto itself. With how precarious their - and her, in particular - position is in this world right now, Nephele is not inclined to invite too many outsiders to this particular...endeavor. What secrets may lie beyond the stormfront she would rather conceal from those who have already so dearly harmed her homeland.
She arrives last, though not for lack of eagerness. Preparing for the trip had taken longer than expected, but she'd been loathe to enter this entirely unprepared. Nephele gives a warm smile to Alina, and though it dwindles a little when aimed towards Delphia and Ianto, there's no displeasure at seeing them. This is a group she can have faith in if nothing else. "I am curious as to what we may find," she admits, golden eyes gazing out at the land that had once been entirely consumed by raging elements.
Nephele brings:
Type: Dark
Ludo's Rags | A shawl made of pitch dark, lightweight material. The wearer will not feel cold or the effects of the cold, regardless of the temperature. You look spooky.
Type: Dark
Lasracha | A pair of chakrams. The outer rim of these throwing discs are sharpened to a razor's edge, and glint with a curious crimson. Imbued with fire, they burn as well as they cut.
that red riding hood knew exactly what she was doing when she let the wild in
Familiar to all, the Stonesong will lead to what has always been considered the border of the Greatwood. The great river rushes up and over the foothills that provide the back-border of the Fae's terrain towards the sea, and on the other side of it, the trees lose their vivacity due to a lack of rain and moisture. What few trees have managed to stay have had most of their leaves stripped away, their bark is completely smooth for having been sand-blasted for so long, and signs of animal-life become few and far between.
The dust storm that has roared in place for as long as you can all reasonably remember (even the longest-lived of the fae), stands impossibly tall. An orange barricade in the distance that hums with a menacingly low warble that gets into your bones just as surely as sand soon will.
But it was adventure you wanted, so off you pop.
Your randomly chosen order is: Nephele, Ianto, Delphia, Alina. Please post within 48 hours of the person before you. And to ensure that nothing is missed, please include a summary of your actions at the bottom of your post, including the description of any magic/items/feats that are being utilized!
As they move closer to the stripped-bare trees that still miraculously stand, Nephele lifts a hand to gently touch the unnaturally smooth bark. That they're revealed at all is a mystery she hopes to lay to rest today. Glancing out at the towering storm in the distance, Nephele wraps Ludo's rags tighter around her body. It may best keep her from cold, but as they approach she intends to wrap it around her nose and mouth to prevent sand from getting in.
For now, they first have to get there. Nephele strides out towards the orange cloud in the distance, sure that the others will follow in time. No sense in wasting daylight after all. Nephele keeps on her feet, reluctant to use her wings too soon, especially when being flat-footed awards her a better center of gravity to prevent from being tossed about in the skies.
- - -
Nephele begins walking towards the dust storm in the distance! She wraps Ludo's rags tighter just in case the sand worsens as they get closer.
that red riding hood knew exactly what she was doing when she let the wild in
By far the tallest of the little crew, Ianto has the privilege of seeing what a shitstorm they’re walking into before anyone else. He’s already pulled the scarf up over his nose and mouth as they get closer, blue eyes narrowing out at the orange haze.
”So, as explorations go this seems like a quick one,” he remarks to nobody in particular. ”In fact, I’d say we can call it quits right here. Don’t you think? There’s a dust storm. Boom. The end. Quite impenetrable, it looks.”
Is it obvious that he doesn’t want to go? Little bit? But, as much of a coward as he is, Ianto tries not to fall at the first hurdle, and instead presses on a bit further. If it weren’t for the smog in the air that makes him want to sneeze, he’d try to scent out with his fox’s nose. Alas, all he can smell is the rich spices that cling to the scarf from its time in his wagon.
Ianto walks! And tries to convince people that this is where their adventure can end. Duh.
The seer thanked them all for coming in her quiet but warmly genuine way. There wasn't much to say, however, as the task was very simple. See where the storn waned and explore as much as they could. And watch out for skull crabs. Those wefe apparently a thing, gruesome as they sounded. So off the group went!
Delphia's eyes squinted slightly, the closure they drew to the sandstorm. On reflex, she pulled her scarf up to cover her nose, mouth and cheeks. Tishy would seem to disappear from view for everyone else, as the cat sith melted into the realm of the spirits to avoid being pelted by sand. Pale eyes glanced at Ianto, crinkling at the corners as she smiled beneath the face covering. "Fear not. The spirit mentioned that the sandstorm appeared to dwindle and fade. It is in this place we will venture forth." she said, looking back at the cloud of dust.
Tishy becomes a spoop cat and Delphia covers her face with her scarf just in case they get pelted with sand. Delphia tries to lift Ianto's spirits and looks for the faded spot in the sandstorm.
Delphia
i just choose to feed mine
Code blatantly stolen from the fantastical, wonderful Odd
Alina narrowed her lips at Ianto's words. Expression less than impressed she scowled at the merchant. Before she could speak, though, Delphia spoke up.
The huntress just shook her head. "Did this spirit tell you anything else?" Tone sharp, her eyes scanned the dust storm as if she could physically spot the places where it had calmed slightly.
As she examined the path ahead (if it could even be called that) she landed, walking close behind Nephele. Alina took a moment to pull the cloth around her mouth and nose tighter. With that, she braced herself to enter the sandstorm.
Alina tightens the cloth around her mouth and nose and follows Nephele.
Ahh well, good effort Ianto, but it seems the team is determined to go forward. You can always head back, you know? Or just wait it out? Up to you. That said, you all look adorable with your scarves. They will definitely protect you.
As you walk you notice that the landscape is quickly becoming dotted with cacti. Did you all bring water? If not, these are great sources of nutrients and moisture (or so you believe). Despite the roar of the storm, Nephele and Delphiathink they hear something else. Another ominous rumble. It's hard to know and even harder to pick out the sound as being separate from the sand-gale all around.
Your randomly chosen order is: Nephele, Ianto, Delphia, Alina. Please post within 48 hours of the person before you. And to ensure that nothing is missed, please include a summary of your actions at the bottom of your post, including the description of any magic/items/feats that are being utilized!
It’s amazing, how so much can be portrayed through a face covering; Ianto picks out both Delphia’s smile and Alina’s scowl, the fox shrugging his shoulders as if to ask if they really expected anything else from him. Squinting as the sand and dust starts to itch and irritate his eyes, he makes sure each step is careful, glancing across the beige vista.
”So... where does it look like it’s going to dwindle?” he asks the demigoddess nearby. It seems to just be doing it’s sandstormy thing right now. No entryways to be seen. ”Perhaps we should have asked around to see if someone could guide us. Not all the way through, but... just enough to start.”
Ianto continue to walk, and makes ever so helpful suggestions.
Delphia glanced at Alina, taking a moment to recall her conversation with the deceased Fae woman. "She thought she saw a qilin. And there were crab like creatures living in skulls that chased her." she said lightly, eyes focusing back on the sandstorm briefly before Ianto's words broke through the din. Again she smiled, shrugging a bit. "The only one who has seen it is now with Mort. Have patience." she said. He might be eager to move forward (read: run away), but the time to continue would come. She had faith in that.
But quickly enough her brow furrowed, the rumbling noise reaching her ears. "Does anyone else here that?" she asked, trying to spy the source of the noise in the sandy haze.
Delphia tells the group about the Qilin and the skull-crabs. She asks about the noise and tries to see where it is coming from.
Delphia
i just choose to feed mine
Code blatantly stolen from the fantastical, wonderful Odd
Alina opened her mouth to respond to Ianto. However, Delphia beat the huntress to it. Closing her mouth, she glared at the man.
Soon enough, she transferred her scowl to the demi-goddess. "Hear what? And can't you talk to dead people? People in your father's realm? Did it occur to you to get more information?" Although Alina strained her ears, she couldn't hear anything out of the ordinary. She glanced around at the rest of their little band to see if anyone other than Delphia had seen or heard anything.
When no one was forthcoming, however, the huntress just turned forward again. She peered into the sandstorm, keeping all her senses peeled for either a way forward or whatever had caught the daughter of Mort's ear.
The landshark roars out of the ground, jaws wide and teeth shiny with saliva. At random it appears near Delphia, crashing upwards and then slamming down to try and drag her under. The demigoddess manages to keep herself from being dragged down, but not before its teeth latch onto one of her legs, pulling a chunk of skin away from her upper thigh. The wound begins to bleed profusely (#maximum damage on that dice roll). The shark dives back down into the ground, though now that you know what the sound from before was, your ears are quick to pick it up again.
The shark is circling below you.
Your randomly chosen order is: Nephele, Ianto, Delphia, Alina. Please post within 48 hours of the person before you, or you will be skipped and you will not be able to count this PQ+ for levelling/MP. And to ensure that nothing is missed, please include a summary of your actions at the bottom of your post, including the description of any magic/items/feats that are being utilized!
