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Character of the Season
Frail in body but dangerously quick of mind, Nikandr is the sort of character who proves that curiosity can be just as perilous as any weapon. A necromancer, inventor, and problem-solver with more ambition than self-preservation, Niki approaches the world like a puzzle box begging to be opened, even when what’s inside has teeth. Blunt, dry-witted, fiercely independent, and carrying a history best left partially buried, he has a knack for making even failure feel fascinating. Whether he’s raising the dead, moving across Caido to King's End, or experiencing a hangover for the first time, Nikandr brings a wonderfully strange spark to Caido, and we can’t wait to see what trouble his brilliant mind wanders into next.
Congratulations, Niki!
Credits
Court of the Fallen was created in October of 2018 by Odd, Honey, and Crooked.
OG Skinning provided by Kaons, with functionality and many custom plugins made by Neowulf!
The canopy of dense trees made it difficult to see the sunlight and Zavien found himself glancing at the long, dark shadows with a moderate level of suspicion. Maybe it was the purpose of his trek out to the woods, or maybe it was the knowledge that so much Void was spreading, or maybe it was nerves around his impending conversation. After all, he didn't want to disappoint the Mer King.
Per his letter the previous day, he awaited Hadama in a clearing within view of the Labyrinth. Luckily, the eerie fog stayed near the twisting pathways, leaving his own vision clear to watch for approaching creatures or people. Yet the foliage needed no help obscuring how far his eyes could see. He pulled his cloak tighter over his travel clothes before resting a hand comfortably on his sword.
While his ability to teleport his way slowly across the regions of Caido was certainly useful, being restricted to only being able to do so at night meant he still had to do a certain amount of planning ahead when he needed to meet someone during daylight hours.
He had risen early in the Underwater City to begin the series of jumps across the continent before the sun had risen and arrived in the Brambles mere minutes before dawn. It gave him time to explore the area, following the outer edge of the Labyrinth around in a long, slow circle that eventually brought him back to the entrance only to find Zavien now waiting there.
The other man looked ready for trouble, and though Hadama was outwardly relaxed and calm his walking stick was a trident of coral and gold; a silent deterrent against anything hostile. For once, in deference to the cool Flowerbirth weather, he was wearing a warm vest that nevertheless left his arms bare. "Zavien," he called out in his quiet rumble, giving a friendly greeting. "Have you been well?"
As the demigod appeared before him, Zavien gave him a warm smile, relaxing slightly. "Hadama. I'm glad you were able to make it." Nodding politely, he said, "I've been well, other than that scary run-in with Dahlia." He ran a hand through his hair as he chuckled to lighten the mood, glancing around despite knowing there was no one nearby.
Gesturing with his hand towards the woods, he added, "I have to do some hunting for Nature Frey, so I thought this might be a good opportunity to chat." Zavien started walking towards the canopy, keeping his eyes peeled for any signs of movement. "I thought an allogator might make a good target." His voice was soft but clear in the foggy foliage. Spotting a nearby log, he unsheathed his sword, swinging it down into the potential target, only for the wood to splinter away.
Straightening back up, he looked to the Mer King. "How have you been?"
"That is good." Hadama inclined his head slightly in acknowledgment of Zavien's health and the welcome news that he had been able to avoid Dahlia since. Her addition to the search for Mr. Matas had not been expected or particularly reassuring, and had set their meeting even further back. Today, far from Stormbreak, they could hopefully have a little more privacy.
The Tidebreaker joined the Dragoon as they headed into the woods, listening to the quest with calm acceptance. He followed curiously, watching with bright-eyed interest as Zavien attacked a menacing-looking log that proved to be... exactly what it seemed, complete with a few irate termites that tumbled out and scurried under the loam as their dinner was interrupted. "They are usually found in water," he offered, nodding to a nearby stretch of shoreline that the trees marched right up to. One floated in the water, right next to the shallow bank, and Hadama paused a respectful distance back and extended his trident slowly until he could give the log a short, sharp poke.
And nothing happened, aside from a few splinters sticking to the starlit tines of his weapon. His expression remained serenely stoic, hiding any sheepishness he might have felt as he retrieved his weapon and looked out over the waters of the Brambles. "Busy," he rumbled in response to Zavien's question. "I have much to tell you. About Torchline... and the Family," he added, though not without a wary glance around. "Which would you like first?"
Despite the serious mood of their conversation, Zavien couldn't contain the laugh that escaped. His hand clamped over his mouth to stopper the sound and he shook his head. "That's good to know! Thanks!" A smile finally graced his face, pushing the tension from his body. He pulled his sword from the pointless attack he'd unleashed on the termite-infested wood. It creaked at the disruption, crumbling away to dust.
Watching the man poke at his own potential allogator, Zavien considered his options. "Hmm... let's start with Torchline." The Family seemed like a more in-depth conversation, especially considering their shared experience. And his own new information. Stepping around a berry bush that looked a little too enticing to be healthy for him, Zavien skirted around the edge of the water, following Hadama's advice and example. Taking his sword, he tapped another suspicious looking log. Sadly, it didn't do more than roll lazily in the water.
Nodding in acquiescence, Hadama stepped away from his own case of mistaken identity and followed Zavien towards another floating maybe-predator. "We have called on Rae and Vi to ward the Void from Haulani and the Arclight Ocean," he rumbled. "...Barring Starfall itself." Implicit in that exception was that not even the Big Old Gods themselves had the power to affect the Void and Family on their home turf. "And we are working to protect the Ahi Coast now. We hope that all of Torchline will soon be a safe haven." A pause as the suspicious log simply bobbed and rolled, and then Hadama stepped past the Breaker to continue their hunt. "...But the protections cannot keep the Family out."
They had to walk a little farther through the thick undergrowth before they reached a little inlet with a pair of logs laying partially atop each other at the edge of the water. "We have learned something about their weaknesses, however. And their strengths," he added, the stoic cast of his features turning solemn as he once more reached out to jab at one of logs from the distance his trident afforded him.
The wood made a hollow thunk! sound and rolled to the side, but it was lost in the large splash of the 'log' beneath it erupted into a frenzy of motion. Long, powerful jaws whipped around to clamp down on the trident's haft and it jerked hard to pull Hadama towards it. Surprised, the Tidebreaker was tugged to the water's edge before he managed to set his feet and haul back on his weapon--
And the very large allogator currently attached to its end.
Zavien absorbed the information, letting it file into his brain. It was good to know that Torchline was successful in their efforts to expel the Void. "I admire your efforts. I only wish we had the means to do so in Stormbreak." He didn't need to add that Dahlia was the only barrier, but without the approval of their 'leader', they couldn't do more than hunt whatever Void creatures happened to find their way onto the floating city.
The topic of applicable knowledge was extremely enticing, making his eyebrows and voice raise in excitement. "Oh? That's very useful information." He didn't like the idea of the Family having even more strengths, but to know that they have multiple weaknesses was great news that gave him hope for the coming battles. Nodding his head, he added his own information. "Me and a few others have been working on an item to identify Void flora, fauna, and people. I don't know if it will be able to recognize members of the Family, but it's a step."
He would have added more, but then the spraying of water and twisting limbs was enough to force a backward step from Zavien. The large creature leapt from the water towards Hadama and the Dragoon was more than grateful that he already had his sword drawn. His weapon whipped around to slash across the snout attached to the demigod's trident, hoping to separate the two. A slash of blood appeared, seeping into the ridges of the wooden exterior and the allogator roared in pain. Ready to prepare another strike, he pulled back, only to realize that his blade had become stuck in the natural wooden armor. Unable to escape its rage without losing his sword, Zavien had to sidestep the snapping jaws that attempted to remove his foot from his leg. His hand clung to the hilt like a lifeline, or a poorly constructed leash on a very angry puppy.
"As do I," Hadama murmured quiet agreement to Zavien's wish that they could ward Stormbreak in the same way. Halo and Torchline seemed to be continuing to press back against the invaders from beyond the stars and the Grounds had managed to protect their Inner Quarter, but Stormbreak and King's End remained in danger so far as the King knew. And how long Stormbreak would remain free of the corruption that had overcome so many of the Wild regions, Hadama could not guess.
He was quite curious to hear about the item that was being planned, but before they could pursue that line of inquiry they found the prey that they had come hunting. Zavien's sword in its snout drew a roar from the beast that caused it to release the trident and Hadama stumbled back as the pressure he was braced against suddenly disappeared. He reacted instinctively, his magic rising in his chest to come to Zavien's aid. Not to heal - the Breaker had taken no damage yet - but to assist him in the task the god had set to him.
And to further wound the allogator, making it easier prey for the human hunter... if he could only free his blade.
Emerald eyes widened in surprise as the pale light glowed in the shadows beneath the trees, illuminating rather than obscuring as his lunar mist did. The light passed over the allogator and it roared and snapped blindly from the pain that came from a source it could not understand while seeping warmly into Zavien's muscles to bolster his strength and aim.
Magic: Lunar Blessing | Can cause a burst of moonlight in a 15 ft radius that allows allies to roll with advantage for one round while damaging enemies. May be used 1 times per thread with a 3 post cooldown.
Type: Light | Rank: Basic
The strange warm light that washed over the forest and the ensuing struggle was a pleasant surprise. Although his initial response was skepticism, wondering if it was a trick of the woods, the effect it had on the allogator was indication enough of its allegiance. Then the swelling sensation started in his chest and arms. A newfound strength was enough to force his will upon the creature with his attached sword. Growling deeply, Zavien pulled the weapon to his side, slamming the log monster against a nearby tree. It roared again as his blade became dislodged from its head and it fell to its side on the soiled forest floor, limbs flailing in pain.
Now that he was detached from the creature and had a surge of supernatural strength, Zavien took the opportunity to land a fatal blow. With a strong stab of his arms, he aimed for the heart. His sword slid in between the rivets of the wooden exterior, separating muscle and tissue before finding its mark. A shortened howl erupted from its mouth with its final breath, a shudder running through its body, followed by subtle twitching. When it finally stilled, Zavien knelt beside the creature, placing a hand on its flank. "Thank you for your blessing." He bowed his head for a moment, thanking the gods for the opportunity and ability to hunt such an animal.
Once the moment had passed, he turned his head to Hadama, smiling. "Thanks for the help! That was a neat trick." Pulling a dagger from his belt, he began slicing the meat from the fresh carcass. "Now, what were we talking about?"
Although he stood ready to assist Zavien if the allogator proved tougher than either of them had estimated, Hadama waited and watched as the Breaker renewed his attack on the camouflaged creature. It was one thing to help another in their divine quests, but he had no wish to prolong the hunt by killing the other man's prey. In any case, he was no longer needed as Zavien wrenched his sword free and struck true, putting the great predator out of its misery and ending its pain from the wounds it had already sustained.
The Tidebreaker bowed his head, joining Zavien in prayer as the man knelt with admirable respect and piety, and when the moment passed he met the other man's gaze with a small, satisfied nod. "Indeed." Safrin's gifts were often timely, and it was reassuring to have such a tangible sign of her approval; a new power as her demigod, to support allies and chastise foes.
He could appreciate the balance of it, and the way it mirrored his other gift.
But as Zavien worked Hadama dragged his thoughts back to the recent past and their conversation up to that point. He finally spoke after the silence stretched slowly between them, his voice a quiet rumble that blended with the lap of waves along the shore. "You were telling me about an item for identifying infection. And I was going to share what I knew of the Family's elemental weaknesses," he said at last. "Air and gravity magic do the most damage. They are immune to ice and earth magic. All other damage, including water, affects them normally." He paused before adding a final word of assurance: "But animals and plants infected by the Void do not seem to share these weaknesses." Corrupted Caido flora and fauna were damaged by all hostile magics, regardless of element.
His blade split through the allogator easily as he skinned the creature, preparing it for his bonfire later. While his hands worked, Zavien listened closely to Hadama's words. The talk of weaknesses really snagged his attention, the gravity of it making him even more grateful for their meeting. He paused to give the Mer King his full attention, eyebrows knit together. "Wow. So air and gravity are good, ice and earth are ineffective, and the rest are neutral. That's all really good information." Running a hand through his hair, he began strategizing about what item he might be able to procure to best help in the coming battles. However, at Hadama's next comment, he changed his thoughts. "It doesn't affect the Void the same way? Hmm... I wonder why that is. Aren't they related? Why don't they have the same weaknesses? What about infected people?"
With that last question, he returned to his own information. "Oh yeah. The item. It's a ring that Koa, Lena, and me got from Safrin. We think we've finished the quest, but the herald offered to make the item stronger if we could get the item to Starfall and back. I've given it to Deimos to transport since he'll be heading there soon." Reorganizing his thoughts, he tilted his head. "Once it's complete, it should be useful in finding out who might have been infected by the Void." Zavien turned back to finish removing the hard exterior of the animal, before pulling out a large bag that he planned to stow the meat in.
Hadama nodded once in confirmation as Zavien made sure he had the information correct, standing back to let the other man harvest the meat. He was unsure of what limits or requirements had been put on this task, and rather than risk interference he stood guard. Emerald eyes flicked to his hunting companion occasionally as they spoke, but otherwise he scanned the area and the water to make sure nothing else was drawn to the fresh blood that soaked into the mud and trickled into the small waves of the hidden cove.
The next questions gave him pause, and he turned them over in his head as the Breaker shared the story of his own item. He nodded slowly at the mention of strengthening it and its purpose, though his brows drew briefly closer in the faintest sign of a frown. "There is someone I have... suspicions about," he admitted slowly. "After meeting him in Torchline. Everest Hart. If you have the chance to test it."
As for the previous questions, Hadama finally had settled on an idea, but he was sure to begin with the caveat: "I do not know why the creatures are not affected the same. Perhaps because they are of Caido. Changed. Warped, but still connected to it, and bound by its rules. While the Family is alien." And playing by different rules entirely. And on that note he did give Zavien his full attention.
"I have been considering our deal," he said slowly. "Now that I have met the Reaper twice. I had underestimated the danger she posed. And the... level of mental intrusion their Voice is capable of. But now I believe it is too dangerous to risk bringing yourself further to her attention. I will not ask for further information from you." Though since Zavien had not contacted him through any of their agreed upon channels in over two seasons - their deal had initially been struck in Leafchange - it did not seem like it would change much between them.
The name had Zavien freezing momentarily. Apparently, Koa and Lena hadn't been the only ones with their suspicions. Nodding his head, he resumed the preparation of the allogator, his hands making quick work of the process as he spoke. "That's an interesting coincidence. We believed the same thing. Per Safrin's instructions, we could have someone infected hold the ring to complete our quest. With our suspicions about Everest, we were able to get him to hold it, however, we won't know if we were correct or successful until we return the ring to Safrin." It was one of the downsides to waiting, but the pros outweighed the cons in terms of delaying. If they could quickly strengthen the ring, it would prove more helpful in the long run. He glanced sideways at Hadama. "I can let you know what we find out."
Zavien hummed in thought at the ruminations about Void weaknesses and what they could mean. Talking and thinking about it wouldn't do anything but generate more questions, so he settled on knowing their weaknesses (or lack thereof) for now, simply nodding his head at Hadama's theories. As he carved the final piece from the meat, he began to gather it up in the bag. His movements only paused when he noticed the change in topic.
Meeting the Mer King's green eyes with his own, he realized the gravity of his words. He couldn't blame the man, yet he didn't immediately agree with the assessment. "After meeting Dahlia myself, I can understand your reluctance, and I know I haven't been the best source of information. If it's guilt you're worried about, don't be. Anything that happens to me won't be your fault, and I won't stop aiding the cause just because it's dangerous. However, if you want to dissolve our arrangement, I understand. But I'd still like to meet occasionally when it might benefit us to share information. Would you be open to that?" Zavien didn't like the idea of losing Hadama as a connection, even if he hadn't been able to give a lot of assistance thus far. If the Mer King chose to block him out completely, he didn't know if he'd have enough leads to continue helping fight the Void or the Family. All that meant was that he'd be forced to work with less knowledge, increasing the risk tenfold.
It was not, unfortunately, a surprise to hear that others had their suspicions about the once-shy young man and Hadama inclined his head in both understanding and regret that things had come to this. "Thank you," he murmured, accepting the offer for further information when it was available. But it was important to him to make sure that the information did not put the other man in danger, and he was firm in the dissolution of their agreement.
Only to be met by unwavering determination and a courage that was a credit to Zavien and all of Stormbreak. Quietly impressed by the dragoon's declaration and willingness to see things through, Hadama gave a partial bow from his position as sentry. "I would be willing to meet with you again," he agreed after several long moments of thought whlie Zavien finished collecting the meat. "But not as a spy." He reached down to offer Zavien a hand up, emerald eyes warm. "If you would be willing to meet as allies, and as friends, then yes."
