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!
08-19-2020, 08:21 PM (This post was last modified: 08-19-2020, 08:23 PM by Odd.)
Deimos
THE RESURRECTED SWORD
How did you survive? they ask
How long did you suffer?
how dark did they tint your dreams?
This felt stupid.
Perhaps something idiotic and reckless was exactly what he needed in the last, lingering feral moments, after deaths and desecrations and ruins. Maybe it was duty and responsibility pushing him onward, when little else seemed to warrant the movements. He’d committed to the brambles of lives lost so many damned times before that it should’ve been a mantra in the back of his head: rinse and repeat, mourn and break, shatter and resolve. But each one was more difficult than the last –
But it didn’t matter, not right here, not right now.
They maneuvered forward, along the Outskirts, towards the elemental void. He’d been wise enough not to press into it before, but with the farmer’s notations, statements, and ultimate demise, some of the calculations and speculations were owed. While they traversed, he granted more of the information he’d received. “We are here to explore.” An emphasis for those yearning for anything else, no names given or dropped. He had zero intentions of losing anyone else on any upcoming venture. “The farmer said the storms allowed him to move within them. He thought he saw a dragon. A little one.” His glance briefly went to Wessex, a notation towards her companion. “But he had quite a wound. Said it bit him, and felt like something was in his veins.” The Sword’s first thoughts had been poison, or some other blistering regard not yet known, a foreign concept.
He hitched his bag further along his shoulder, listened to Zuriel briefly snort, grounding himself with a long inhale and exhale. And when they were ready, they could thread their way through, strive for information, for confirmation, for the changes in the world unfolding before them.
--
This is the PQ+ for investigating the shifting storms to the Southeast of the Hollowed Grounds.
Type: Grey
Scale Ring (Upgraded) | A magical ring that when worn, can be used to cover the wearer in full armor that resists dark magic. Made by Remi.
Type: Grey
Bag of Holding | A bag that can hold an infinite number of items, so long as they fit within the bag's 3ft x 3ft opening. The bag always feels nearly weightless, but always looks about 75% full.
The above contains food, water, bandages, rope, and an assortment of weapons, as well as:
Type: Dark
Fang Necklace | A necklace of sea panther teeth. These may be used once per thread to cause intimidation to nearby enemies. (Enemies will roll with disadvantage for that round).
Type: Grey
Invisibility Cloak | Ornate, detailed cloak, that when worn, renders the wearer invisible.
- until you had blood glistening on your teeth
- until your suffering paled in comparison to their own
- until you learned to enjoy the sounds of screams
When Bastien had heard about an exploration into the mysterious storms, he had immediately been tempted to attend; odd for him because he was not much of a one for adventures, but something about the lure of the unknown.
Or maybe now that Rexanna was gone, someone in their household had to be the reckless one.
He'd left Azrael with a capable babysitter and promised to be back by the next day at the latest; he would do anything he could to ensure that was true, but he was not honestly too worried. Bastien had seen a lot of horror in the last years in Caido, and lived through it all: what was the chance of some more? Prepared with some tech and his upgrades, which were admittedly not too much use in a combat scenario, he went out to meet Deimos at the right time.
Something seemed off with the General. He had always been stoic, but he was quiet in a different way today: defeated almost, sad. Bastien did not mention it: they had all their reasons to be depressed at the moment. Quietly he listened to the man's opening words, nodding along - poison, if that was what they were up against, would hopefully not be too much of a problem for Ascended blood.
"Lead the way, Deimos." He simply said, bowing slightly.
--
Bastien has:
Type: Grey
Dark Sphere | When the button on this small piece of tech is pressed, all light within a 5ft sphere is immediately darkened regardless of conditions. Ascended can still see.
Type: Grey
Hover Plate | A thin sheet of elegant metal that acts as a hover board when stood upon by an ascended. Ascendeds can control the height (max. 3 ft) of the board, as well as its direction and speed (speed is equal to the rider's). To a non-ascended, nothing happens when it is stood upon.
You always let me down so tenderly So live fast and die young and stay forever numb
08-20-2020, 01:20 PM (This post was last modified: 08-20-2020, 01:20 PM by Wessex.)
WESSEX
the wraith
she tied you to her kitchen chair she broke your throne and she cut your hair
Keeping busy seems to be the modus operandi for all of them.
They all seem tired. She’s even able to turn and roll her eyes at the insistence they’re only here to explore. Though it isn’t directed at anyone in particular, by process of elimination the Wraith can assume he means that for her. As if she hadn’t gone West to explore two years ago, or that she, too, is burned out by loss. Loki is with her, still unwilling to leave her except to eat, so she directs her attention to the black dragonling who perks up with a soft trill at the word dragon. With bright and curious eyes, she peers out towards the unknown, seeming to understand that there might be kin out there, that this might be her time to finally help out a little.
Wessex follows her companion’s gaze. “Perhaps Loki can be of use,” she muses, eyes growing distant as she falls silent for a moment. Bastien pulls her back and she nods, small pack taken up in hand. Lead on, Deimos.
-------------------
Wessex brings the following:
Type: Grey
Magical Crystal (1) | When (abandoned) magic is cast at this device, it can store the power and reuse it as controlled by the wielder. (Made by Remi)
Type: Grey
Monster Repellant | Will make the air hostile to the senses of any predatory monster-like creatures. Sufficient strength and mental fortification can overcome the effects of the spray. Works in a 30ft radius.
Type: Grey
Manufactured Adrenaline | a syringe containing a daily dose of adrenaline. Can be used once per thread. Raises all stats by 1 for one post and increases an ascendeds other senses for the duration of the thread.
Amalia's unhappiness rolls off of her in waves, tempered only by the starwhale who drifts at her shoulder and occasionally offers a croon of concern. She does not want to be doing this again so soon, not after the disastrous events with Kiada, and yet when Deimos announced he would lead this adventure the Shield could not say no. He'd been different since Kiada's death, reckless, wild, and you don't trust him not to do something foolish in his grief.
The fact that the other two members of the party are Ascended only deepen her irritation, especially since one is Wessex. Anger, guilt, remorse, and blame flash across her face, schooled away in a moment as she focuses on her breathing. Now is not the time to pick a fight: her goal is to get everyone out in one piece, and very little else.
Gripping Nova's hilt anxiously Amalia meets Deimos' eyes, nodding her readiness before returning her attention to the looming storm.
Ama brings:
Jyoti
An ornate titanium shield covered in star sigils. When (abandoned) magic is cast at this device, it can store the power and reuse it as controlled by the wielder. (Made by Remi)
Nova (upgraded) | A beautifully slender sword perfectly crafted for Amalia. The cross-guard is carved from luxere antlers (These antlers glow a soft red despite being detached from the luxere. They provide constant light and protect anyone who holds them during LongNight), imbued with minor healing abilities (upgraded level). The sword will never deal a killing blow, leaving an enemy on 1HP.
Magic Bracer | A leather bracer that can be worn by an attuned that allows them to transport their currently-held items when shifted (small-medium items on their person) (Made by Remi)
Stabilization Ring | Once a year, this ring will automatically stabilize the wearer should they receive a life-ending blow. (If HP drops below 0 from one hit, the ring will cause the HP from that hit to stay at 1). Made by Safrin.
Magical Crystal | When (abandoned) magic is cast at this device, it can store the power and reuse it as controlled by the wielder. (Made by Remi)
we drink the poison our mind pours for us and wonder why we feel so sick
Well. Get a move on kids, those storms won't be there..for...ever...on second thought, you do you. They've been there for centuries now, you're probably okay to dawdle.
Barren though many places in the Grounds are, one the ring-land of trees that make up the Woodlands is breeched, the ground becomes cracked and dry. It isn't quite arid, but certainly, the flat expanses answer the question of "why haven't we come out here more". Well, there is nothing to see, save for the massive storms that roar to the east...
Off you go.
Your randomly chosen order is: Deimos, Wessex, Bastien, Amalia. 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!
Gathered together, with tensions high and wounds scarring, tearing, or waiting for the next blow, there wasn’t much else to do but move along.
His eyes went to Amalia instantly, and then away, maneuvering ahead of the bizarre band, apprehensive for everyone, holding and steeling himself, forging along as best he could. Moving forward, moving forward, moving forward, when no one had time to breathe. To think. To feel.
Beyond, beyond, beyond, and the unknown beckoned and clawed – and he began to head right toward the storm, marching directly into tempestuous edges, as if he’d done it all his life. Maybe he had. It was too early, too soon, to draw up a shield, when he wasn't certain what they'd find. A meandering of curiosity now, instead.
Be mindful. Concentrate. Focus. Keep a sharp watch. He didn’t want to have to say it out loud, but it drummed anyway, a force of nature clambering before them. “Be careful. Let us all know if you spot anything.” Hear anything. Feel anything. He hitched the bag over his shoulder again, ensuring everything was still on his person, and Zuriel clipped behind.
--
Deimos and Zuriel move towards the storm.
- until you had blood glistening on your teeth
- until your suffering paled in comparison to their own
- until you learned to enjoy the sounds of screams
she tied you to her kitchen chair she broke your throne and she cut your hair
“Go on, then,” the Wraith murmurs to Loki with an amused chuckle and a second later the dragon launches herself into the air, climbing higher and higher above the group and the cracked, barren wasteland they begin to cross. A quiet, dark speck for now, she tries to see what might be ahead of them, if the storms and sand were to lessen enough for her to see. She is wary enough to return to Wessex as they approach the actual storms, perhaps feeling buffeted by some winds up there, to report if she sees anything.
And the demigod, for her own part, marches dutifully on, attention drifting between the people walking (mostly Bastien, who though he might still be sour from their last encounter over Rex’s death, is still her closest ally in the group) and her young companion.
-----------
Loki flies high above them to try and see if she can scout from above, but returns to Wessex before the storm winds get too strong around them.
Bastien followed behind Deimos, finding that the man's experience as a warrior made him feel more confident as he went along: it was clear something was on the General's mind, yet he still walked like a mountain, sure and strong. Bastien was under no pretension that he was similar, knowing himself to be a carefree artist who belonged far more in pubs and galleries than adventures, but for the moment he could indulge in the fantasy.
Looking ahead to the storm, he focused, wondering for just a moment if it would turn out to all be some kind of trick to prevent mortals from going further; he didn't think much about the upgrade in his eyes, but it was good to know he could see through any constructed illusions.
--
Bastien follows, using his optical upgrade to see if anything before them is an illusion.
You always let me down so tenderly So live fast and die young and stay forever numb
It isn't Amalia's first foray into the elemental storms, though her last one had yielded little by way of answers, and much by way of entirely unexpected family reunions and injury. This time she's appropriately wary, touching Deimos' elbow reassuringly before flicking her chin to her shield. "Earth or air?" the girl murmurs, figuring he'd know better which one will be of use. "I'll watch the back. Be careful." A final squeeze and she steps aside, letting the others proceed.
Nova ready on her hip and her shield on her arm, Amalia settles into position at the back of the group, Jyoti flying just above, shedding starlight as they go. She misses when her eyes are keener but for now this will have to do.
Amalia asks Deimos to put earth or air magic in her shield, then takes the rear and keeps an eye on the area around them. Jyoti casts light.
we drink the poison our mind pours for us and wonder why we feel so sick
Loki won't be able to see over the storms, much as she might try. The air would be far too thin where she'd need to go, but from her vantage point, she will be able to see movement that is caused by something other than the group below. Small...speckles? If she narrows her eyes, she will see that they appear to be food? rabbits. They hop and then disappear, reappearing several feet away.
How strange.
Bastien will see the storms raging despite the use of his upgrade, suggesting that if it is an illusion it is not one he can see through, or that it is genuine.
As you walk, you reach the point where the storms begin to kick up dust and debris. Lightning streaks around in great sheets with near blinding force, as thunder rumbles with deafening volume. This is precisely the point where things will become...dangerous. You might not be tall in the big scheme of things, but in terms of this landscape, you tower above the flat vista like beacons waiting to be struck. Indeed you notice as you've come closer, that the piebald rabbits around you seem to be able to sense lightning strikes, disappearing just seconds before electricity sizzles where they once were.
How will you progress through?
Your randomly chosen order is: Deimos, Wessex, Bastien, Amalia. 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!
The storms brewed overhead, and he attempted to sidle away the consternation brooding in his chest, but it wouldn’t cease, wouldn’t leave. Scrupulous eyes watched as the rodents the farmer had mentioned scurried about, appearing, fizzling out seemingly into vapor, and then reappearing ahead. “Watch the rabbits,” he warned to the rest of them – little bolts of lightning following their motions. Who was in control? The storm itself, or the animals?
He ceased movement for a moment, contemplating actions, while Amalia asked for incantations for the shield. A nod granted, jaw clenching and unclenching. “Earth then. I am going to try something with Air.” Enchantments were summoned through blood and ichor, pulsing, pervading towards the artifact – perhaps she’d have luck striving for something as well.
The Air magic had served them well in the latest debacle with the sea panther in Torchline – perhaps it could do the same here. Utilizing the elements, he attempted to push the storm clouds, the filaments, the vestiges out of their range – to rage elsewhere, at a safer distance.
--
Deimos gives Mastered Earth magic to Amalia to hold/use in her shield.
Deimos tries to use Mastered Air to maneuver the storm clouds away, in hopes the group can remain out of range.
The world is new to you, and you to it. During PQ/PQ+/KQs/Drops, you roll with advantage on luck-based rolls.
Air manipulation: Can create and control the air. Must be within a 30ft radius.
Type: Grey | Rank: Mastered
Earth Manipulation: Can create and control the earth. Must be within a 30ft radius.
Type: Grey | Rank: Mastered
- until you had blood glistening on your teeth
- until your suffering paled in comparison to their own
- until you learned to enjoy the sounds of screams
she tied you to her kitchen chair she broke your throne and she cut your hair
Loki tries to tell her about what she’s seen, repeating rabbits, then lightning in her images. Wessex frowns, trying to follow it, but it’s a bit of a mess. “Good job,” she croons as the dragonling wraps herself around her bonded’s neck, perhaps also realizing that it’s safer down with them than in the air. It isn’t until the demigoddess sees the rabbits hopping around with her own eyes and then their disappearance - like she does - that something potentially clicks. She teleports to avoid danger. Why shouldn’t they?
Turning to address the group and elaborate on Deimos’s statement “Do you think the rabbits might be… predicting where the lightning will strike? That they’re teleporting, just a short distance, to avoid it?” So if they see a rabbit disappear near them, they should probably scram, too. With that working theory out in the air, the Wraith begins to keep one eye on the rabbits and another on the world around them. It isn’t until Deimos decides to use his air magic that she delegates the rabbit task to Loki so she can help the General with trying to shift the clouds. "If you see a rabbit disappear near us, bite me, okay? And then point where I need to go."
Loki dutifully moves to a more alert position, ready to somehow try and alert Wessex that she needs to move, if necessary. It's alot for a two-season old companion, but she is confident in the dragonling's abilities to stay on task.
---------------------------
Wessex tells Loki to keep an eye on the rabbits while she copies Deimos’s Air Manipulation to try and move the storms, using:
Magic: Magic Re-Resonance | When abandoned magic is cast within 10ft of Wessex, she can duplicate the ability at its upgraded level once.
Type: Grey | Rank: Upgraded
Well, given that he couldn't see anything out of the ordinary, that there did indeed seem to be storms brewing above and ahead that were not illusions, Bastien forgot about that train of thought for the moment: unfortunately, it seemed whatever they were heading towards was very, very real.
The hazards quickly became clear around them and Bastien did two things to protect himself from the lightning strikes: firstly he boarded his hover plate, hoping he would be able to quickly manoeuvre out of the way on it, and secondly he activated the dark sphere, with the thought that if something was controlling the storms other than nature, it might hide him from being a target.
With Deimos' advice in mind he tried to swerve where the rabbits appeared but otherwise stayed on a course to move with the rest of the group.
---
Bastien gets on his hover plate so he can move quickly out of the way of the lightning strikes and activates his dark sphere, then continues following the group.
Type: Grey
Dark Sphere | When the button on this small piece of tech is pressed, all light within a 5ft sphere is immediately darkened regardless of conditions. Ascended can still see.
Type: Grey
Hover Plate | A thin sheet of elegant metal that acts as a hover board when stood upon by an ascended. Ascendeds can control the height (max. 3 ft) of the board, as well as its direction and speed (speed is equal to the rider's). To a non-ascended, nothing happens when it is stood upon.
You always let me down so tenderly So live fast and die young and stay forever numb
As she regains her place Amalia pauses, watching Bastien mount a hoverboard, of all things. With a quiet sigh she wills her barrier to cover him - she may not have much affection for the Ascended, but he has an abomination child waiting for him. She, too, catches sight of the disappearing rabbits, curious as she listens to Wessex's assessment. "I can ask," the Shield volunteers, reaching out to bring Jyoti closer. Keep close, and be careful of the lightning, she cautions, not wanting the starwhale to fly above and make herself more of a target.
Tucking Nova and her shield into her bracer (she knows enough to figure that having metal out in a lightning storm is a bad plan), Amalia focuses on extending her mind out to the rabbits in the surrounding area. She searches for any information about how it is they predict the lightning, as well as what lies deeper inside the storm.
Amalia casts her barrier on Bastien. She puts her metal sword and shield away in her bracer and uses her beast speaker ability to ask the rabbits how to avoid the lightning & what else they can expect to find in the storm.
Beast Speaker | Can speak to rare creatures/companions/regular animals. Requires permission to "speak" on behalf of someone's companion. Regular animals speak in varying levels of coherence.
Magic: Armor of Vi | Projects armor onto one ally. Armor will absorb one blow before disappearing, or until it is cast onto a new ally. One use per thread. Cannot be used on Amalia.
Type: Light | Rank: Basic
During PQ/PQ+/KQs/Drops, you roll with advantage on luck-based rolls and receive an extra name during drops.
we drink the poison our mind pours for us and wonder why we feel so sick
