What do you get when two ruthless assassins raise their daughter travelling through the wildest reaches of Caido? Take one look at Theea and you'll get a pretty good idea. Cheerful and tenacious in equal measure, and curious beyond all else, she began her journey on a mission to find those her mother once called family. And find them she did, soon rubbing elbows with demigods, leaders and even ghosts from the past. Her determination is resolute, her thirst for knowledge unmatched. We can't wait to see where her next adventure takes her!
Congratulations, Theea!
Credits
Court of the Fallen was created in October of 2018 by Odd, Honey, and Crooked.
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07-10-2024, 01:10 AM (This post was last modified: 07-11-2024, 11:47 PM by Zavien.)
I can do this all day.
Erica, the local soup shop owner, had reach out in hysterical distress about a friend's missing pet. Apparently, her friend had been developing a symbiotic relationship with a Mata Mata for years, exchanging small snacks in exchange for tiny trinkets. This particular avian serpent had formed a liking to her and her homemade mixture of honeyed oats with berries. When the pet (aptly nicknamed 'Mr. Matas') disappeared, Zavien had been roped into the search.
Now he found himself reluctantly leading a few others into the dark recesses of Stormbreak, on the hunt for Mr. Matas. The Void might not be overtly present in the shadowed root system, but the vibes felt the same, like the darkness might reach out to leach the life from him. His sword stood at the ready in one hand while his other hand grasped a bag of the beloved homemade snack. He looked at each person in turn, sighing loudly. "Let's just find Mr. Matas and get out of here."
This is a lost pet PQ. Help find Mr. Matas!
Round 1: Post your character arriving and looking for clues.
Mata Mata (uncommon) - Mata Mata are small black snakes with raven's wings. They dwell in the Grotto and enjoy spying on those who would use Stormbreak's root system as a means of hiding treasure or fencing items. Sometimes they can be persuaded to deliver messages, but typically they're just a nuisance.
Mastered Item:
Type: Light | Style: Other | Level: Mastered
La Verbena | A personal skyboat (schooner) capable of travelling at 2x wagon speeds over most types of terrain. Can accommodate 2 people onboard during flight.
Lena, having traveled through the grotto multiple times, didn’t remain bothered by the presence of other unearthly, otherworldly notions. She was, however, perturbed by the thought of a missing pet or creature, no matter the circumstance.
So at Zavien’s plea, the Caretaker was there, all bright smiles and encouragement, ready to assist as much as she could. “Here to help!” She responded from the midst, already beginning to clamber over to darkened spaces. While Mittens perused and searched, Lena followed her companion, and utilized her Attuned abilities, calling out to any local wildlife that might have seen or spotted the feathered snake.
--
Lena and Mittens search!
Lena is using:
Can speak to rare creatures/companions/regular animals
Hadama had come to Stormbreak to speak to Zavien, but upon hearing of the missing Mata Mata he had gravely agreed that the lost pet(?) should come first, and joined the Dragoon and the Caretaker on their trip to the Grotto. He was relieved to see them both looking well, though their mission of mercy gave them little time for conversation.
The Grotto was a part of Stormbreak he had never seen before, but he quickly discovered that it was rather... cramped for a man of his stature. His options were either to hunch, half bent over, or to crouch and shuffle along, or else risk repeated head injuries from low-hanging roots above.
"Mr. Matas," he rumbled softly into the shadows as he moved in an awkward crouch through the twisting tangles of ancient tree growth. He was slow and careful in his search, pausing often to fall still and simply look around him as the tines of his trident cast a faint glow of starlight in the area immediately around him, though the light did not penetrate far. "Here, Mr. Matas..."
Hadama calls for Mt. Matas and moves slowly and with great care as he searches!
Dahlia's voice purrs like silk from shadows that don't seem to know whether to flee from her presence or cling to her like a shroud. How has she heard about this search and why has she decided she ought to contribute? That is the Reaper's business, not yours. What's important is that she is in attendance, dressed in sleek suede trousers and a dark blouse, her raven locks pulled into a series of braids and knotted prettily atop her head.
"It must be so distressing for a pet to go missing," she chimes, brushing long fingers across the stone and ducking here and there to look for 'clues', whatever form they might take. "I do hope nothing down here has eaten it."
As the group traveled through the underground, the strange darkness flickered uncomfortably. Whether that was due to the anxiety in their minds or the sudden appearance of Stormbreak's leader couldn't be determined. Focused on scanning the area, Zavien was able to spot a scattering of black feathers leading down the left opening between the wooden pillars and jutting stones. He lifted a single piece of plumage to his face to inspect each inky black strand. Something seemed off about it, but it suggested Mr. Matas might have headed this direction at some point, so he turned to examine the progress of the others.
Lena's broad call for information was heard by a nearby Blink Hare, who scurried up to cock its fuzzy head at her. Apparently, it'd seen a group of feathered serpents but didn't know which direction they'd traveled. The only other detail was that it had been recent, so they couldn't have gone far.
Despite Hadama's larger stature, he seemed to make great progress through the root system. His voice worked just as well, earning a faint echoing chirp in response. The location couldn't be precise, yet it appeared to come from the same direction of the feathers Zavien had found.
Although Dahlia's presence was more than terrifying welcome, it appeared to have a negative effect on the search. A fluttering of wings indicated that their query may have journeyed farther into the caverns. None can be certain that it was her that caused the reaction, but Zavien shivered nonetheless, his eyes darting suspiciously at her sudden entrance. He'd have to talk with the others later about how she may have snuck her way into the search party. After all, he hadn't met the woman personally, but he still knew exactly who she was the moment he'd laid eyes on her. Her striking features and silky voice were a dead giveaway, if not for the undulating darkness around her. Had she actually coming to help? Or did she intend to hinder them? Or perhaps Mr. Matas was already dead and she'd come to see the body for herself? Each option appeared worse than the last.
For now, Zavien swallowed his dread and gave her a kind smile that pinched slightly at the edges. "Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule. You're perfectly on time." One hand ran through his hair while the other attempted to keep his grip loose on the handle of his sword. His following chuckle resonated against the rocks, distorting the sound to an eerie tone of uncertainty. "And that's why we need all available help, to ensure the poor creature doesn't end up as a snack down here." Even if he may question her motives, extra eyes and hands wouldn't be turned away. He would just have to process the meaning of her presence later...
Looking at everyone, Zavien asked, "Any signs of Mr. Matas?"
Round 2: Report your findings and follow the clues to find Mr. Matas!
Mastered Item:
Type: Light | Style: Other | Level: Mastered
La Verbena | A personal skyboat (schooner) capable of travelling at 2x wagon speeds over most types of terrain. Can accommodate 2 people onboard during flight.
Listening to the blink hare took much of her attention and acknowledgments, but after, at the appearance of Hadama (a surprise) and Dahlia (dread), she swung her head towards Zavien, a brow arched distinctly. Based on his features though, he hadn’t invited the Queen of Stormbreak, and they were all going to have to embrace a collective and protective calm.
Which she did, gathering back up with the rest of them, extending a polite and noble nod Dahlia’s way – courteous, direct, without giving the appearance of sudden fear beginning to trace its way through her arms and down into her fingers. Mittens opted not to take part in any chivalry, and scowled from behind the Caretaker. Clutching her hands together, from there, she could offer what the kind creature had determined from her, and gain further insight from everyone else. “A blink hare mentioned it had seen a group of feathered serpents, but didn’t know which way they’d gone – it was recent though.” Which meant time would be of the essence.
Hadama did not regard Dahlia's appearance with delight. He did not appear to regard it with displeasure, either. His expression remained stoically neutral, emerald eyes watching her in thoughtful silence, though after his conversations with Flora on the matter he inclined his head to the Reaper in the courtesy due a fellow ruler as she made her intention to join them known. He looked to Zavien for the direction their host wished to take, and when he chose to push ahead Hadama tilted his head in acceptance.
He gestured politely for Dahlia to go ahead of him, however, once they began their searching in the Grotto. Ladies first, yes? And he was by far the slowest of the group with his size a detriment in the tight space.
His slow pace and low, quiet voice were often soothing to animals, he had found. Keen ears picked up the distant sound of a chirp and as they gathered together again he spoke to Zavien. "I heard one nearby. I could not tell the direction, however," he admitted. "Perhaps to the left?" Though the echoes had made it hard to be sure.
Hadama thinks he heard one! Maybe to the left?
"The pleasure is mine," Dahlia assures Zavien, offering a smile to the group and inclining her head to Hadama in particular as he allows her to step ahead of him. "Thank you, dear," she intones, ducking betwixt root and stone to try and search out the elusive mata mata - not that she expects them to have much luck, despite the leader of the search party and his optimism.
Recent and perhaps to the left are vague enough to keep that thread of hope alive, although Dahlia's brow does furrow a little as she gazes deeper into the Grotto. "I fear our presence may have spooked it further in," she says, straightening up and glancing over her shoulder to all of them. "I suppose we had better follow it, hadn't we?"
Zavien nodded at the input of information. "I also found some feathers on the left opening. It sounds like we may have to journey farther in, as Dahlia mentioned, but I agree that we should head to the left." He gave an appreciative glance to Hadama for the direction and smiled politely at the leader for her contribution to the decision. "Hopefully, the Blink Hare was right about them being close by." At his last words, he looked to Lena with a nod. Finally, he 'protectively' stepped around Dahlia to guide the group, not quite trusting her to not lead them into trouble.
The group did have to travel for much longer than expected. Zavien and Lena didn't have any problems ducking through the weaving tendrils, slipping between the rocky structures without hesitation. Meanwhile Hadama and Dahlia struggled in their own ways. The earlier sections hadn't hindered Hadama's movements, with their larger gaps and malleable roots, but as they moved deeper, they solidified to immoveable obstacles that made it difficult for his bulking size to slip between. Dahlia didn't have the same problem. Instead, the small sticks and protruding sections reached out at odd angles, snagging her clothes and hair. Even the shadows appeared to have gathered the courage to stretch out towards her shifting form, encumbering her movements.
Despite half of the group's slower progression, they were able to dive deeper into the Grotto, following the left path until the tunnel opened up into a medium cavern. As they ducked inside, a fluttering of wings caused Zavien to pause, raising his hand to signal the others. Their lack of light made it difficult to distinguish individual bodies as inky black scales glittered and layers of dark feathers rustled against each other. Perhaps it was just a product of the shifting shadows or a perception of the light, but they might notice a faint purple hue at some angles.
Round 3: There's a group of Mata Matas but something seems off about some of them... Figure out a way to separate Mr. Matas from the others!
Hadama's only response to Dahlia's courtesy was another nod, acknowledging her gratitude but keeping his thoughts and words to himself until Zavien needed information. Like Lena he spoke succinctly and then lapsed back into silence, watching the Reaper when he wasn't seeking for the missing Mr. Matas.
They had a direction at least, and enough pieces of evidence to urge them onward. The next stage of the journey took an unpleasantly cramped situation and made it worse, however, and it quickly became apparent that whether Hadama had gestured Dahlia ahead of him out of chivalry or some other reason his reason for doing so had been prophetic. He struggled in silence against the powerful roots of the Grotto, his jaw set in stoic determination as he contorted or pushed his way through the claustrophobic confines of the undercity.
The cavern was a welcome place to breath and stretch himself up to near his full height, though the shadowy flutter of wings and scales was not, perhaps, the most reassuring of sounds. Hadama planted his trident so that there was a small amount of light as he considered the problem before them. But one of the birds had responded to his voice before, so he settled to one knee on the cold stone of the cavern floor and called again in his low, quiet voice. "Mr. Matas. Here, Mr. Matas..."
Hadama calls Mr. Matas by name.
Mastered Item:
Type: Light | Style: Other | Level: Mastered
La Verbena | A personal skyboat (schooner) capable of travelling at 2x wagon speeds over most types of terrain. Can accommodate 2 people onboard during flight.
Refined and gentle, she made it seem as though she wasn’t watching Dahlia; her focus entirely on the task at hand. Nodding with affirmation of the task at hand, and perhaps to give Zavien a little more confidence with everything else going on, she followed after the paths made into the Grotto.
She half-shifted her eyes into fox ones; content she’d be able to see as the dark took hold. From there, she opted to give proper discernment amongst the gathered flock of Mata Matas, watching, scrutinizing, studying. Some seemed to be assembled into void anomalies, which wasn’t her favorite thing, and others seemed to be of the normal variety.
So she called out across Attuned measures once more, hoping to see some recognition spark from any of the creatures – if it knew its perceived namesake and title, anyway. Mr. Matas?
--
Lena uses her fox eyes to study the animals in the dark better, and uses:
Can speak to rare creatures/companions/regular animals
Not to worry - Dahlia soon tires of root and branch trying to snag at her clothes and her hair, the Reaper promptly vanishing and reappearing beside Zavien and Lena out in the wider cavern where she might not be accosted so badly by the environment. "Is it quite common for them to gather as a group?" she wonders, cerulean gaze flicking towards the Celestine's caretaker as if Lena might have more of an idea about the behaviour than anyone else.
In the meantime, given the somewhat purple hue out in the darkness, naturally Dahlia croons out for any of the void mata-mata to come to her. She even crouches down to welcome them towards her waiting hands.
Dahlia Void Shifts to the cavern where she's not so tangled up, and tries to coax any void mata-mata towards her!
Magic: Void Shift | Can void shift to any location. Type:Dark | Rank: Mastered
Once everyone had filtered in, Zavien quietly pulled the granola mixture out, attempting to entice the pet forward. Contrary to his intentions, all it did was encourage the entire mass towards them. The foreboding feeling that followed had him quickly disguising the treat with a grimace. As it slipped back into his trouser pocket, they all stopped, no longer interested in their presence.
Luckily, Hadama's voice served to be the secret weapon, its deep soothing timbre summoning the single creature from the nest like a bee to honey. Lena's calling might have helped as well, even as the Mata Mata seemed to bolt straight for the large Mer King and his glowing trident.
However, at Dahlia's coaxing, two purplish figures of warped scales and feathers slithered(?) after the ruffled Mata Mata, snapping at its tail and causing a startled chirp of distress. Zavien readied his sword and discreetly shot the woman a worried glance, hoping she hadn't just doomed the poor animal.
Round 4: Mr. Matas makes his way out to the group, but two Abyssal Mata Matas are trying to infect follow him! What will you do?
Abyssal Mata Mata (Uncommon): The Mata Mata, twisted by void corruption, have raven's wings of inky darkness. These Abyssal Mata Matas dwell in the void-laden Grotto, their eyes glowing with the shadows of the abyss. Encounters with Abyssal Mata Matas bring an unsettling aura of void-wrought foreboding.
Mastered Item:
Type: Light | Style: Other | Level: Mastered
La Verbena | A personal skyboat (schooner) capable of travelling at 2x wagon speeds over most types of terrain. Can accommodate 2 people onboard during flight.
The Caretaker did well to repress the sudden shudder involuntarily creeping up her spine at Dahlia’s nearness to her; slowing down the movement so that it only seemed to be a gentle nod of her head, a refinement in regal politeness. “They can. It helps aid in their survival.”
Giving no thoughts that it could very well be the same for humans, she instead concentrated on the other aspects. With Mr. Matas appearing out of the group, and some striving to follow, her eyes narrowed, gazing along the trees and shadows. Can you come distract them? she called to any birds nearby, much like she’d done amidst the Feverlands, hoping they’d be able to deter while the other creature clambered to safety.
--
Lena tries to compel birds to distract the Abyssal Mata Mata.
(Beastmaster) can compel any sentient animals not marked with a ☆ for assistance (6 large, 12 medium, 20 small)
