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!
07-02-2023, 06:12 AM (This post was last modified: 07-11-2023, 02:20 AM by Hadama.)
Ships had been going missing in Torchline waters. Though much traffic went through the skyports these days, a number of vessels still plied the ocean that surrounded the continent, and a great deal of that traffic put in at Kaiholo port eventually.
But lately and most unusual throughout Longheat, there had been a number of merchant vessels lost at sea even when there had been no storms or monster sightings.
It was a Merfolk healer who had been tending to a pod of whales who brought word to Hadama of the black sails that had brought down one such merchant ship, killing or enslaving the crew, pillaging the hold, and then sinking the battered vessel before sailing off to the northwest.
They had discussed it, and it was Hadama who waited in the water beside a slim, swift looking vessel, whose prow bore the proud name “Hel’s Blessing.” He had drawn the longer straw, and it was Harper who must stay in port, in case tragedy befell the hunters and left the region leaderless.
Men and women called out to each other as they scampered up the ratlines to check the sails, or else stored rations and ammunition in the ship’s hold and on deck. A ram shaped like a curved sea dragon’s head sprouted from the prow while several canons rested in temporary slumber upon the deck. The call for volunteers had gone out and now they only waited for the final members of the crew to board before they set out to seek their prey, posing as a merchanter in the hopes of drawing the pirates to them if they couldn’t find their base first.
Welcome to Torchline’s PQ+! This is a pirate hunt with a chance for physical injury or maiming. Please plan accordingly! Post your character arriving with any items they are bringing and we'll get under weigh!
Initially, the Doubletake had assumed that the missing vessels had fallen victim to a certain Kraken with instructions from Ludo. There had been a high number of them which Flora should have found probabilistically unlikely, but she'd absolutely not given it that much thought. Only when Hadama had called out for volunteers had she paid slightly more attention, and only when gossip had indicated that Harper wouldn't be lending a hand (for practical purposes she understood, but Flora was keen to flaunt her aid in his absence just the same), had she really taken an interest.
With food and supplies from the Tavern, Flora told Spice to remain behind the bar as she marched toward the port. Dressed as if she were about to go on a ghostwhale-watching tour, the Doubletake sported large sunglasses, a floppy hat, and a flowing pair of trousers that looked like a skirt given the copious amount of fabric.
"I know that I was told how little it mattered, but if you'd like a demigod Kraken to lend a hand at any point during this little outing, just say the word." When would Flora take responsibility for having lost the election instead of pettily scapegoating Harper? Not anytime soon, I can tell you that for free.
Flora has everything on her profile, plus food and rations from the Tavern. She's left Spice at the bar.
Just walk away, don't make me say
The only words I owe you: I told you so, I told you so
What's that? An opportunity to fuck up some pirates without having to put the Ark or her crew at risk? Sign Jack the fuck up.
It's true that the good captain is judging the fuck out of scrutinising every part of Hel's Blessing he can see as he steps aboard, but one could easily say that he's being thorough in ensuring the seaworthiness of their vessel. Right? Right.
"I can fill the sails if you need," he tells Hadama, patting Flora's ass on his way past for good measure as he saunters towards the prow of the ship to inspect the ram at the end of it. It's a nice addition, but if it means taking down the figurehead of Safrin's tits, the Ark will, alas, have to remain ramless.
Jack brings himself and everything on his profile (except the Ark). He leaves Seven on the ship.
are the angels on their way? i’m in the dirt
Jack being an Abandoned is common knowledge these days, however his Telepathy remains a well-kept secret:
Magic: Passive Telepathy | The user can read the surface thoughts and emotions of those within a 30ft radius. Control is excellent. Note: "Thoughts and emotions" include anything written in a character's narration in a post.
Type: Grey | Rank: Mastered
Also branded with a small star tattoo beneath his left eye.
idealism sits in prison, chivalry fell on his sword
Koa is in over his head. I know it. You know it. Everyone on this dock knows it.
Well, everyone but the boy himself, who is absolutely thrilled to be here.
He has nothing, so he brings nothing, except some fighting sticks (why?), a spear (smarter), and his own good vibes. Pipsqueak has been left to fend for herself, for despite being a surprisingly capable swimmer she remains stubbornly unwilling to fly, which seems important when one is on a boat. He's got rope, too, because rope seemed smart, and he's in his Longheat uniform, all Military-sexy with exposed arms and fingerless gloves and work boots that will be terrible if he falls overboard. He'd considered going more casual, but ultimately decided against it - after all, he's here in Torchline as a representative of the Dragoons. What better way to promote their potential expansion as a global peace keeping force than by helping other areas out with their piracy problems?
He salutes Hadama smartly when he arrives, carefully trying not to make eye contact with Flora, professionalism oozing out of every handsome pore. "King Hadama, Sir - happy to be representing the Dragoons on this venture." His expression may be serious, but nothing can keep the sparkle of enthusiasm out of his copper gaze as he takes in the ship and sea, eager for his first real adventure in the wide world outside of Stormbreak.
Koa brings vibes.
He also has a spear, some escrima sticks, and rope
In the wind you hear voices. It sounds like children playing some kind of game with laughter and mischief. Then one screams. There’s a call for ‘Mom!’ ‘Papa!’ and other adults as the laughter stops. Glancing towards the direction of the commotion, you’ll see fins cutting the water. A pack of echo sharks lucks, ready to leap up and grab any who fall for their trap.
You’ve encountered a pack of echo sharks. This counts as a common creature encounter for the purposes of levelling, but does not count as a Random Event for levelling or MP. There will be no further admin/re intervention. If you choose to follow this creature, you do so at your own risk, however, just having it in this thread is enough to satisfy your levelling requirements.
Echo Shark (common) - A dwarf species of shark known for hunting in packs, the Echo Shark can live in both freshwater and saltwater. They are able to mimic any sound they’ve heard and band together to increase their range of vocals. The sharks use the words and sounds they’ve learned to lure unsuspecting prey into the water, where the sharks will then leap up and drag them into the waves.
07-11-2023, 05:24 PM (This post was last modified: 07-11-2023, 05:29 PM by Hadama.)
Hadama looked over from his discussion with the captain of the ship and the corner of his eyes crinkled dangerously close to a smile. ” Flora ,” he called from the water in greeting. ”Your father would be welcome. But you are more welcome than him.” He enjoyed the conversations he’d had with Remi, but Flora was his friend. There was a keen mind beneath that stylish blonde ‘do and, moreover, the rations she brought were of a much better quality than those already stowed away. Besides, the trip could take several days – or longer, if luck was against them – and Flora had a knack for making sure no one got bored.
He still remembered helping her find games for people to play during the War, back when things had been far simpler and more innocent.
The Tidebreaker hadn’t seen Jack Barclay since the man had resigned as Advisor, but it had always been clear that Jack held the position at his own whim. His choice to leave during the last vote had come as a surprise and disappointment to the mermanta, who had found his advice to be sound, but he had accepted it with his usual phlegmatic approach to humans. Seeing him joining the expedition – even if only to follow Flora, if the pat on the girl’s rump was any clue – brought a thoughtful look to Hadama’s face even as he nodded respectfully to the Ark’s captain. ”Welcome, Jack .”
Last but not least, a Dragoon arrived full of energy and the best of intentions, and the King’s emerald eyes twinkled with laughter behind his stoic mien. ” Koa . Thank you for coming. Are you—“ His greeting was cut short by the sudden scream from the water and he jerked his head around to spy the cause. Fins, circling far closer to the docks than anyone was comfortable with, and all laughter fled his gaze.
”Remove them,” he called to the crew, voice grim. Whether they chose to kill them or chase them away was up to them, but the crew was currently loaded down with boxes or ropes. It was up to the newly arrived PCs officers to take action.
Looks like you need to deal with the echo sharks before we leave port!
There are two canons fore and two cannons aft on either side of the ship (four canons total), but at the moment only two are pointing towards the pack of sharks.
Gasping under her breath as if insulted, Jack will no doubt feel the problematic tide of her thoughts; equal parts daddy issues, and equal parts happy to be objectified by a man who didn't want her. Oh, to be young. However as Koa comes aboard, the Doubletake's annoyance grows genuine. Though she isn't keen on either Jack (too late) or Hadama finding out about the sexcapades once between them, the girl isn't going to overdo her welcome either. "Did you get lost somewhere?" She asks of the dragoon, assuming that was the only possible reason he'd be hitching a ride on this boat.
Hearing the screams and having heard them before, the Doubletake narrows her eyes and drifts lazily toward the railing to peer over. If her feathers didn't have the ability to recall into her palm, she'd not have wasted them on this, but since they could...well. Why not.
Picking up a dagger, Flora throws it at the nearest shark before glancing to Jack. "You know, I heard that if sharks stop moving, they suffocate." She says leadingly, bobbing her eyebrows.
Flora throws a dagger at the nearest shark and makes a suggestion to Jack.
using:
Type: Grey | Style: Offensive | Level: Mastered
Deadly Plumage | Three iridescent feathers capable of being used as projectiles. Razor sharp, they will recall themselves to the user's palm at will up to a range of 30ft.
+
Type: Dark | Style: Offensive | Level: Basic
Star Poison | A poisonous coating on each of the Deadly Plumage daggers
Just walk away, don't make me say
The only words I owe you: I told you so, I told you so
Grunting something under his breath at Hadama and nodding in the King's general direction, Jack turns his attention seemingly back to the ram. Of course, for anyone who knows him (a privilege reserved for us OOC babes) will know he's absolutely listening to the conversations taking place in the depths of the mind, and if he's smiling to himself to know the prickly nature of Flora's relationship with Koa, so be it.
Unfortunately, his private musings are ruined by the echo sharks, Jack dragging himself away from the prow to sidle up next to the Doubletake, raising an eyebrow at her. "Might've heard somethin' similar myself," he rumbles, leaning comfortably against the railing. The captain doesn't move at all, but even so, the water around the pack of sharks begins to crackle and freeze over. He's trying to effectively trap them, keeping them from swimming.
Jack freezes the water around the sharks using his Water Manipulation, trying to stop them from swimming around.
Water manipulation: Can create and control water. Must be within a 30ft radius.
Type: Light | Rank: Mastered
are the angels on their way? i’m in the dirt
Jack being an Abandoned is common knowledge these days, however his Telepathy remains a well-kept secret:
Magic: Passive Telepathy | The user can read the surface thoughts and emotions of those within a 30ft radius. Control is excellent. Note: "Thoughts and emotions" include anything written in a character's narration in a post.
Type: Grey | Rank: Mastered
Also branded with a small star tattoo beneath his left eye.
idealism sits in prison, chivalry fell on his sword
Oh good, Flora's still mad. Koa cringes inwardly, well aware that the girl has a unique ability to drive him absolutely nuts (in more ways than one), and that if things stay this prickly it will be a long voyage indeed. But there's little he can do here and now, so he shrugs off her barbed words, affecting a smile to mask his annoyance. "I thought it would be a good chance to help out. Maybe you can teach me some tricks." It's an olive branch, sort of, and genuinely offered.
Also, Koa wouldn't mind getting lucky on this trip.
But then there are screaming sharks, probably the weirdest thing he's encountered on this trip (so far). The voices have Koa springing into action, the tall young man immediately running to see if someone has fallen into the sea. He only calms when he sees the general nonchalance of his companion, panic replaced by confusion. "Shouldn't we help whoever's down there?" he asks of the more knowledgable Torchers, brows furrowed and fingers clenched, white-knuckled, on the rail. All he can see are sharks caught in ice; the last thing he wants is for someone to be drowning underneath it all.
A half dozen of the maritime predators were cutting through the water of the harbor, their hunting calls a danger with so many people on and around the docks. The humans were safe enough so long as they could reach shore or climb aboard boats, but the Mer in the area had no such protection.
Luckily Flora was not a woman to be taken lightly, as her dagger proved. A shark that had just surfaced to let out another luring cry took the blade directly to an eye. It thrashed twice and then went still in the water, slowly rotating to float belly up while its brethren swam around it, closing in on the docks and the merfolk that gathered in the sea beside them. Her advice was sound as well, but the remaining sharks weren’t in the mood to cooperate.
Jack ‘s magic was joined by Hadama’s as Captain and King both reached out with mastered water manipulation to cover twice the area either might alone. Unfortunately the echo sharks were disinclined to wait around for the water to freeze around them; the pack swiftly broke apart and spread out wide before the sea could harden completely. Some of the cold did seem to affect them, however, as their movements grew more sluggish even outside the new ice floes that bobbed within the harbor as an additional shipping hazard.
”The sharks mimic human voices,” Hadama pitched his voice to Koa, even as his brow furrowed at the way his magic had missed its mark. ”If you have a bow, take your shot.” He hadn’t realized yet just how little the Dragoon had come aboard with, but there would be time to learn about it later. For now the King gathered his magic again and called to the sailors: ”Fire when ready!”
Several sailors had gathered around the canons and were hurriedly packing in powder and loading them, preparing to fire off the big guns within the next round. Overkill? Only if they hit.
5 Echo sharks remain, and they’re closing in on civilians in the water!
Well, son of a bitch. Unwilling to praise Flora if only because his own attack had failed to produce results, the captain instead prowls along the side of the ship to follow the sharks' direction. He's been in more than one KQ situation where firing cannons directly into the water hasn't gone to plan, so he figures continuing to use magic will yield results.
This time, however, he (maybe, reluctantly) takes a leaf out of Flora's book, and rather than trying to freeze the water around the sharks, Jack creates a spear of ice and launches it directly at one of them. Who knows - maybe they'll be having echo shark sashimi before the day is through.
Jack aims at one of the sharks with a spear of ice!
Water manipulation: Can create and control water. Must be within a 30ft radius.
Type: Light | Rank: Mastered
are the angels on their way? i’m in the dirt
Jack being an Abandoned is common knowledge these days, however his Telepathy remains a well-kept secret:
Magic: Passive Telepathy | The user can read the surface thoughts and emotions of those within a 30ft radius. Control is excellent. Note: "Thoughts and emotions" include anything written in a character's narration in a post.
Type: Grey | Rank: Mastered
Also branded with a small star tattoo beneath his left eye.
As Hadama explains what echo sharks are and how they sound to Koa, Flora helpfully adds, "Duh." to the king's description, before looking back toward the water.
Watching the surface begin to shimmer and harden only for the sharks to get away has the Doubletake feeling both appropriately smug that her attack had worked, but also vaguely annoyed because what was now supposed to be an exciting adventure had turned into a rescue mission.
"Get out of the water!" The Doubletake calls, thinking that the civilians must be tourists and not proper Torchers for still lingering in the waves. Recalling her dagger, Flora aims and throws it again.
Flora throws a dagger!
Type: Grey | Style: Offensive | Level: Mastered
Deadly Plumage | Three iridescent feathers capable of being used as projectiles. Razor sharp, they will recall themselves to the user's palm at will up to a range of 30ft.
+
Type: Dark | Style: Offensive | Level: Basic
Star Poison | A poisonous coating on each of the Deadly Plumage daggers
Just walk away, don't make me say
The only words I owe you: I told you so, I told you so
idealism sits in prison, chivalry fell on his sword
Ok well human-voiced-sharks were not on the list of fauna Koa studied in preparation for this trip, his bad. Also not on the list? Useful ranged weapons, because our boy is a brawler and has difficulty solving problems he cannot punch.
Luckily Dragoon training means he's needed to adapt, and adapt he does, spotting a bow and quiver nearby (shh let it go) and running over to snatch it. An arrow is quickly drawn and knocked, the boy aiming for one of the sharks while calling to Hadama, "Can you use your magic to push the civilians toward shore?"
Then the arrow releases, hopefully aiming true.
Koa finds a nearby bow and fires at the sharks. He also suggests using water magic to shove the civilians towards shore!
For what it was worth the civilians were trying to get to safety, clamoring into nearby fishing boats or onto the docks as they reached them, but it still took time, and all the while the sharks were closing in.
Or at least, they'd started to. Jack 's change of attack was more successful than the previous attempt to ice the beasts out. It was difficult for the sharks to see projectiles aiming at them from above the surface of the water, and by now the Hel's Blessing was behind them. An echo shark's fin made for an easy target to aim at and the Captain's throw was true. It struck to the side of one of the pack, bringing its attack to a halt and spilling blood into the water.
Flora 's second feather flew as swiftly as the first, but this time her target made an unlucky dive and the blade sliced into the water an instant behind the shark as it momentarily vanished. Koa 's luck wasn't much better. His arrow nicked a dorsal fin but did nothing more than annoy the shark he'd been aiming at.
One of the gunners took aim at the shark Koa had missed, leading its path with a lucky expert eye. The fuse was ignited and the canon boomed out, its thunder ringing across the harbor. The shot was a dead on, and the shark were blown to smithereens from the force of the impact. Flora's shark was near enough to be startled by the shockwave in the water and turned tail and fled.
The second gunner fired a second later, and though they weren't as lucky they were still miraculously on target thanks to Jack's previous freezing of the water that had slowed the sharks down. A third shark joined its brethren in going belly up in the waves.
The Tidebreaker had his own hands full with the last of the pack. He plunged after it, bringing his trident to bear as he closed the distance and let loose with a blast of starlit water.
Well. That hadn't been how they'd expected to start out.
Shaking his head to clear the ringing from his ears, Hadama returned to the ship and nodded up to the captain, who hauled away the anchor and adjusted the sails to catch the wind. The Hel's Blessing headed out to the open ocean, turning north and west as it cleared the harbor. Hadama raised himself up on a column of water as they moved along so he could speak with those on the ship's deck.
"We can try to hunt down the pirates, but we do not know where their base is, exactly," Hadama rumbled. "Or we can try to lure them out by pretending to be a merchant vessel. We will go with the majority's decision."
You've taken out the echo sharks and saved the people in the harbor!
Now you can finally get down to business.
Will you disguise the Hel's Blessing as a merchanter with a hold full of sweet booty, or will you strike out and try to get the jump on the pirates - though their base may be hard to find?
