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!
before bones, before dirt, before even light this is who we were
The tundra beckoned, in the way so many enigmatic things did; with a pull, a mysterious aim, a glorified purpose scalding and rushing at bones. And though they had an outright purpose in walking upon its surface today, into bending and blending amidst the endless, eternal alabaster, Deimos couldn’t ignore that telltale, restless itch for destruction, for mayhem. The void creatures provided the perfect opportunity: to rid them of value and existence, of threats and circumstances.
He turned towards Sah and Noah as they walked along the plain. While Zuriel snorted beside him, and Belial sauntered above, there was no sled near him today – for the depths and melee wouldn’t be for meat. Simple acts of extermination – before anyone within their sanction could be mauled or wounded. “Trackers spoke of more void ursur around the next bend,” and he pointed to which twist and turn he meant, in the distance, meters away from rocks and crag. “Though I am certain we will see others along the way.” They’d been plentiful amidst the originals, and sometimes, seemingly even more so. “We can head there first.” And see where the moments took them.
--
This is the PQ+ hunting party for void creatures! Please post your character arriving and heading towards the bend with Deimos and company, and anything your character is bringing along to assist with the mission. Deimos has everything listed on his profile.
No posting order! We have until April 16th to complete the PQ+.
this untamable expanse churning proof that we have always been deep, restless souls
Sah had left his companions behind with great reluctance. Going on a hunt without the wolves felt like leaving behind an arm. Yet, he didn't want either of them to get sick from biting a void creature. Even if they purposefully refrained, instinct could still overrule reason. All it might take was a single bite to irreparably damage Pad or Lilly. It wasn't worth the risk.
The Wild Thunder nodded as Deimos updated them on their quarry, "Did they give an estimate on the number of ursur?" Ursur, luxere, foxes, and even dragons. The variety of void creatures was staggering. Sah did not doubt that they would encounter more than their official target. He even relished the idea of having the opportunity to destroy more of these corrupted creatures. Yet, he still held a healthy amount of caution for them.
~
Sah arrives with everything on his profile except for his companions. He also has his usual hunting gear (knives, rope, rations, water canteen, etc.)
I think therefore I am, But what if all I do is bleed?
In the desolate expanse of the tundra, where the icy winds howl like tormented spirits, Noah readied himself for the perilous hunt ahead, thankful o be going on such a quest with the Sword and the Thunder. With steely determination etched into glacial features, Noah checked his gear, ensuring everything was in place before he met up with them and set out from the Citadel.
The fur lining of his coat's collar fluttered in the biting wind as he secured it tightly around himself. Noah's breath formed clouds in the frigid air, a testament to the harshness of his surroundings, as did the breath of Vi'dore striding at his side. Eira was up with Belial, golden eyes ready to scout from the air. "I've heard from a few hunters that they're seeing them more and more -- two expeditions have come back unsuccessful for any luxere untouched by the void, which is weird for this season." He said, glancing glacier eyes towards each of the mages in turn.
The three of them were a force to be reckoned with, and even though they strode knowingly into danger, Noah held no fear within him. His senses honed and his resolve unyielding, Noah took confidence in the men he was with. For in the heart of the tundra, where darkness held sway, Noah knew that only the strongest would survive the hunt--today, they would make it known to the world again that it was them.
Noah has: Sentinel's Coat, The Atticus Amulet, Capitol Compass, companions, and all abilities.
before bones, before dirt, before even light this is who we were
Noah’s news left matters of destruction amplified in the back of his mind, like the segments of interlocking schisms before an inevitable chase. A coiled persuasion twisted into his blood, the conniving ends of his machinations sharpening over Attuned balances and Abandoned foils. Lack of success on a hunt for food, for their region, wasn’t life or death nowadays, but it still left portions of them vulnerable. His jaw clenched, and he stared straight into the desolation as they marched, and he nodded towards Belial to scout ahead.
While the peryton flew off, he regarded Sah’s inquiry. “They said three, last I was told.” Which meant things could’ve changed and altered. Maybe less. Maybe more.
It was only an instant later that he felt the tug of his carnivorous companion floating above, gaze narrowing as the information and images scattered through his mind. “Void luxere ahead, less than a few yards.” Only the glint of their antlers could be seen from their current distance, but their approach would’ve already been spotted by the vicious creatures. “Prepare yourselves,” came along a short breath, because he knew all three of them would.
There’d be no sense in avoiding them; not for the reasons they lingered upon the tundra today.
--
Void luxere are several yards away and their antlers can be seen. Dice rolls and IC actions will affect the next round. What will you do?
Suddenly there is nothing but ice and wind all around you. Like being plunged into a whirlwind the air grows even more bitterly cold than it already was, and though you try and struggle against it, you feel your feet beginning to slip.
Before you know it there is a sudden SCHWAACK. Snow falls from the sky and you suddenly realize that there are two water elementals only a few meters ahead of you. They seem to be playing a game of…ice-ball-tag? Whatever it is they’re doing, it’s extremely dangerous.I’d…leave them to it, if I were you.
You’ve encountered a water elemental! This counts as a rare 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. You may not kill your rare creature without admin permission.
Water Elementals (Uncommon/mythical): Not much is known about these creatures other than that they appear during particularly nasty storms. With the ability to manipulate the water in the icy-landscape as well as that within your body, water elementals range from incredibly dim-witted to quite clever.
It did not take long for the tundra to unleash itself upon them in more than one form. Ice and wind howled around them, taking Eira and Belial out of view and making Vi'dore snort with surprise. Noah's face hardened. While he knew there would be danger, and he was confident in his friends, he was not comfortable with how little time passed before it was at their doorstep -- or rather, them at its doorstep.
The luxere, with purple pulsing antlers which directly opposed the beautiful and celestial pulse of normal luxere, were to be vicious. The other threat -- normal, annoying, groaning -- were the water elementals that suddenly appeared before them. To Noah, the elementals made the decision apparent. Looking to his friends he nodded then jutted his chin, changing direction to swerve the elementals and head to eliminate the luxere.
Once he was in range, if the opportunity presented itself, Noah would send his own stag racing towards the luxere ready to strike.
Noah moves towards the luxere and away from the elementals, and if/when he is in range he sends his Spirit Stag towards the luxere.
Magic: Spirit Stag | Can summon the spirit of a mighty stag; an echo of Noah's former shift. This will last for 1 post per thread and appears to be made of pure sunlight. Noah can direct the stag to charge at a target, dealing fire damage and causing disadvantage on their next roll.
Type: Light | Rank: Upgraded
Magic: Wise Hunter (FEAT) | Animals roll with disadvantage against Noah.
Type: Light | Rank: Basic
Regional Score bonus: +3 in all shrine visits, drops, PQ+s, KQs, etc. (You must post this at the bottom of any post where a +3 should be included)
Sah's brow furrowed as they walked. He considered suggesting sending hunters beyond Halo to find game. But then they'd be infringing on the potentially dwindling supply of meat of other regions. They'd need to come up with another solution. He didn't dwell on his thoughts for long, easily slipping back into a hunting mindset when Deimos alerted them.
Returning Noah's nod, the Wild Thunder moved to avoid the elementals that had appeared. Channeling his magic, Sah let it come to the surface, lightning sparking along his skin and ready to strike. Mageglass on his neck warming, the moment the luxere were in range, he'd send a blast at them.
~
Sah avoids the elementals and prepares his magic to attack. If/when he's in range, he'll send lightning at the luxere.
Regional Score bonus: +3 in all shrine visits, drops, PQ+s, KQs, etc. (You must post this at the bottom of any post where a +3 should be included)
Type: Light | Style: Other | Level: Mastered
Mageglass Necklace | A pendant made of mageglass. Will amplify the magical abilities of Abandoned by one level. (Basic becomes upgraded, upgraded becomes mastered, and mastered adds on additional basic damage)
Lightning manipulation: Can create and control Lightning. Must be within a 30ft radius.
Type: Dark | Rank: Mastered
I think therefore I am, But what if all I do is bleed?
before bones, before dirt, before even light this is who we were
The elementals weren’t worth his time – but they certainly caused a stir. Before any of them could move much further, the contortions of snow hitting the ground caused a ripple effect. The luxere’s attention maneuvered, from nothing or perhaps the entanglement of voids, straight to them.
And ordinarily, the deer would run, scatter for safety. But the corrupted fiends?
Fast and swift, they came, and Deimos instinctually unleashed a torrent of Mastered Earth in a deep, rumbling contortion. It undulated through the ground, tripping, stumbling, causing a burst of bumbling deer. Their vicious proportions must have looked foolish, gallivanting until they simply couldn’t any longer. Some fell to the ice. Some launched over their brethren.
And some were instantly hit by the culmination of celestial works and lightning strikes.
Crashing into the icy field still left an entanglement of those strong, or fortunate, enough to withstand – and they came careening again, straight for the hunting party crowd.
--
The elementals have given away any thought of surprise, and the void Luxere have attacked.
Some of the herd has already been felled by previous attacks, and more are coming your way! What will you do next?
With the shifting of attentions happening so quickly, Noah didn’t have much time to instruct his companions. Eira, a seasoned veteran when it came to hunting with Noah on the tundra, was already broadening her circle and keeping her eyes out for any more dangers ahead. She trilled towards Belial as she did so, enticing the hybrid to follow suit. Vi’dore, less experienced in endeavors such as these, couldn’t help but get worked up. He pressed himself closer to Zuriel, drawing from her strength and stoicism in face of such turbulence.
Noah, satisfied in his attack, readied himself for the next. Activating his shield, Noah immediately made another attack. The luxere — pulsing grossly and making his stomach turn with a mix of anger and trepidation — were coming in hot but messily, thanks to Deimos’ magic control over the earth. Noah brought his hands up and drew his celestial weapon, sending two arrows careening towards the luxere.
Noah shoots at luxere two with his celestial arrows and puts his shield up.
Magic: Celestial Shield | Celestial light sweeps together around Noah to form a barrier of light, protecting him from attacks for one round. The barrier follows Noah as he moves. Lasts for 1 post, requires a 3 post cool down.
Type: Light | Rank: Basic
Magic: Vi’s Ranger | Noah may summon a celestial energy bow with which he can shoot two celestial energy arrows (at one target) up to 30ft. Control is excellent.
Type: Light | Rank: Upgraded
Magic: Wise Hunter (FEAT) | Animals roll with disadvantage against Noah.
Type: Light | Rank: Basic
Regional Score bonus: +3 in all shrine visits, drops, PQ+s, KQs, etc. (You must post this at the bottom of any post where a +3 should be included)
Sah grimaced as their location was given away. There was a brief moment of satisfaction as some of the charging herd fell to his lightning, but he pushed the emotion away quickly. Now wasn't the time to celebrate and he was certainly grateful for his armor at the moment as the herd charged. The Wild Thunder had been slightly worried that dark magic wouldn't harm the void-tainted creatures. Perhaps it was paranoia, but he had been half convinced that the normally light-magic drawn luxere would flip to dark magic or undergo some other corruption beyond that of simply being void-touched.
Locking onto a single luxere to target, Sah raised a hand and called forth lightning and fire. Letting the two elements intertwine for a heartbeat, he sent them as a bolt towards his intended quarry.
~
Sah shoots a bolt of fire/lightning at luxere 1! He is wearing his armor.
Fire Manipulation: Can create and control flames. Must be within a 30ft radius.
Type: Dark | Rank: Mastered
Lightning manipulation: Can create and control Lightning. Must be within a 30ft radius.
Type: Dark | Rank: Mastered
Type: Light | Style: Defensive | Level: Upgraded
Starmour | Beautiful lightweight armour that glistens faintly with starlight. This item blocks physical damage at the wearer's Upgraded level. Requires a 2 post cool-down between uses.
Type: Light | Style: Other | Level: Mastered
Mageglass Necklace | A pendant made of mageglass. Will amplify the magical abilities of Abandoned by one level. (Basic becomes upgraded, upgraded becomes mastered, and mastered adds on additional basic damage)
Regional Score bonus: +3 in all shrine visits, drops, PQ+s, KQs, etc. (You must post this at the bottom of any post where a +3 should be included)
I think therefore I am, But what if all I do is bleed?
before bones, before dirt, before even light this is who we were
The tundra instantly became a scattered mess of deer, people, and animals. Zuriel stood stalwartly at Deimos’ side, while Belial remained overhead, largely only due to the Sword’s warning. In any other happenstance, he might have ducked downward and launched his own irritating siege, instead, opting to trill back at Eira, perhaps providing a distraction for any of the luxere.
The Warden managed a massive ice shield in front of his party, constructing the components into a formidable wall, with some proportions shifting into miniature spikes, in hopes of preventing some level of impending catastrophe. All four luxere immediately crashed into it, and while they were wounded and injured, it wasn’t going to hold for long – not with these belligerent beasts. A portion to the left was felled, chips falling to the ground, and another to the right, leaving the middle the only sturdy proportions left – unless it was rebuilt. Luxere Three and Four pummeled into the terrain, struggling to stand.
The Forsaken’s attempts were brutal, swift, and keen. While his shield would only work for this portion too, it seemed to serve him well as Luxere Two went wide – giving him ample time to shoot the beast. Noah would find himself staring face to face with a very wounded and malicious beast, capable of being finished off quickly if he so chose.
The siege of fire and lightning orchestrated by Sahshould’ve done well; but between crashing into shields, ice, and bedlam itself, the snagging portions of sparks and infernos went wide, barely missing his chosen target. Not to worry though – it was coming back ‘round to lower its antlers and charge his way.
--
Deimos has provided an ice shield, but it has been broken on the sides by the herd. Due to their crashing, the herd has taken spread damage. Luxere Three and Four are currently struggling to stand up.
Noah has shot Luxere Two and they are now face to face.
Sah has missed, and Luzere One is charging at him.
The luxere were relentless, even in the face of their impending doom. Where most animals would have avoided the ice shield and its spikey protusions, these void-touched beasts slammed right into it on their violent pursuit. The sound of their bodies smacking against the ice was sickening and made Noah's stomach turn even as they pushed against broken ice and came his way.
His arrows shot true, but not enough. Reacting quickly, Noah struck out with a half-shifted forearm and attempted to slice and destroy the luxere's throat with long, devastating polar bear claws. His shield fizzled around him, and he knew he needed to strike again. Noah's body turned with the momentum of the swing and then he brought his arms back up again and shot two more celestial arrows at another luxere.
Noah half-shifts bear claws and strikes at luxere two then shoots at luxere three.
Magic: Vi’s Ranger | Noah may summon a celestial energy bow with which he can shoot two celestial energy arrows (at one target) up to 30ft. Control is excellent.
Type: Light | Rank: Upgraded
Magic: Wise Hunter (FEAT) | Animals roll with disadvantage against Noah.
Type: Light | Rank: Basic
Regional Score bonus: +3 in all shrine visits, drops, PQ+s, KQs, etc. (You must post this at the bottom of any post where a +3 should be included)
Sah cursed under his breath as a cloud of ice shrapnel altered his depth perception for a brief moment. It was enough to affect his aim, and he snarled when his attack missed. He bared his teeth at the luxere as it retaliated and began to charge. He had the creature's undivided attention so the Wild Thunder elected against an obvious attack.
With a flick of his wrist, Sah sent a wave of telekinesis and air magic at the enraged creature. An invisible fore to try and knock them backward and deal damage. It would hopefully be far more difficult for the luxere to dodge the unseen threat than if the Abandoned had used lighting.
~
Sah sends a wave of telekinesis and air magic luxere 1 to shove them back! He is wearing his armor.
Telekinesis: Can move large objects.
Type: Grey | Rank: Mastered
Air manipulation: Can create and control the air. Must be within a 30ft radius.
Type: Grey | Rank: Mastered
Type: Light | Style: Defensive | Level: Upgraded
Starmour | Beautiful lightweight armour that glistens faintly with starlight. This item blocks physical damage at the wearer's Upgraded level. Requires a 2 post cool-down between uses.
Type: Light | Style: Other | Level: Mastered
Mageglass Necklace | A pendant made of mageglass. Will amplify the magical abilities of Abandoned by one level. (Basic becomes upgraded, upgraded becomes mastered, and mastered adds on additional basic damage)
Regional Score bonus: +3 in all shrine visits, drops, PQ+s, KQs, etc. (You must post this at the bottom of any post where a +3 should be included)
I think therefore I am, But what if all I do is bleed?
before bones, before dirt, before even light this is who we were
Deimos kept the frustration within him in check; but it was an emerging wall along his chest just the same. He’d never seen luxere like this; usually scared, frightened, quick to flee – these were demonic and otherworldly, and if such afflictions effected these sacred beasts, what was to become of the rest of them?
Leaving that thought to the ether, he stood tall next to Zuriel and waged his next wave of onslaughts. Rather than rebuilding the shield, he maneuvered it outward to the fallen deer nearby, crashing and clashing it into their struggling frames. The ice eventually dissipated, but well after they had – leaving their still and broken forms upon the tundra plain.
Noah half-shifted into bear claws and formations – and a graze was all he needed. The luxere had been low on health, staggering in its determination, and despite the threats, had nothing left in its one last gasp. Blood sprayed and it collapsed quickly, leaving only the first luxere remaining. Noah’s other arrows, due to the third luxere already dying, simply flew into the ground.
Sah wouldn’t have as successful a turn though. The telekinesis and air combined, but not well, perhaps due to distractions or the ongoing chaos, but he’d be very grateful for his quick wits. It missed over the side of the deer, and the beast lowered its head, charging forward once more. It aimed for Sah’s ribcage, maybe to deal a massive and deadly blow - however, due to the armor instilled, it simply bounded and grazed off.
But the deer was coming back around.
--
Deimos has used the remains of his ice shield to bash in Luxere Three and Luxere Four. They are dead.
Noah has struck Luxere Two. Luxere Two is dead.
Sah has missed Luxere One, and been saved from a strike by his armor.
