An itch rested beneath dark skin. Some two weeks had passed since the last conversation with @Icefang ♔ was had. Their talk on conquest the morning after their little tryst. The pair had parted ways and had stayed apart since. In all that time he had not departed from the Bluffs. Remaining within its red dusted walls as he thought on it all. The X'uekai. The Lagoon. Freja. Icefang. His legacy. And what it all meant to him. Passed his arrogance and raging bravado.
Was Scilla really what he wanted? Or was it simply his grandfather's wife manipulating him from between her legs? Would he even be second guessing it all if it had been any other territory? Deep down was it just his mother's ghost come to haunt him? Back to whisper into his ear how unworthy he was. How disgraceful.

You are X'uekai.

Renozuri's deep rasping voice rattling through the forefront of his conscious.

We are not what we once were. But I see it in you. The past.

This day he had rose from his den different. Whatever piece of Tiamat that had insisted upon sticking around, he had struck down. As Anatu he may have been what she and his sister's had always wished. But he had never been Anatu. Caelum may not have been around, may not have raised him, but he made him X'uekai. Had separated him through and through from them. Whether his father had known then or not, he had crowned his son an Heir. Renozuri's Heir. But he was his mother's son regardless of his feelings. Thus he was Heir to Scilla Lagoon as well. No matter if it were Icefang's wish. Or her manipulation. Or her War to fight. The Lagoon would be his. Torn down and rebuilt. Better. Stronger. Far beyond anything his bitch mother had ever dreamed possible.

Cassius had descended from Wolfbron so early that the sun had yet to light the sky. He had trailed close to the Vermeda border, stopping long enough only to call to those within. A rallying roar that he knew Icefang would understand. It was now or never. Whether she had all her ducks in a row didn't matter to him. She had had her chance. Her time. Now it was his.

He had not stood around waiting for them either. Either they came or they stayed hidden within the Brook. That call was theirs to make. Cassius had never in his life been afraid to stand alone. Such as he does now. Lingering upon the familiar sands of his birth. The first to arrive if the northern forest army was indeed on their way.

The Darkling takes it all in for a moment. The last time his paws had stepped over this border he had been a child. Visually not much had changed. The scents however were obviously different. Most of which he did not recognize. Ones he had never before met. No matter. They'd all be getting acquainted soon enough.
Much like he had with Icefang so many times, he crosses that invisible line. Uninvited and wholly confident. He continues in. Along the shoreline, early morning sun just now half exposed over the far horizon. Claws flex against the shifting grains beneath each step. Refamiliarizing himself with the proper way to move on such uneven terrain. Once he was satisfied with freshly remembered abilities, jaws part, teeth glistening, and he lets a deafening roar roll across the territory. A demand. A disrespect. A challenge to whoever had gotten themselves comfortable here.

((Please allow Isla and Icefang to reply first so that they may call their allies))

@Cassius ♔ v @Isla ♔
For Scilla Lagoon
0/5

Art by Rabbit, Code by Minxy

She knew it would happen sooner or later, another challenging for her crown. She just wished it wouldn't be so soon after giving birth that it would come. She had been up since before the sun began to rise taking care of her five little bundles, cleaning them and ensuring that they were eating, which the hungry mouths never allowed her to forget a feeding. She was in the process of moving around them in her den and to go outside to stretch and get some fresh air when she hears the deafening call, a challenge, one calling her out. It makes her blood run cold, her muscles tighten and a newly maternal instinct to kick in. Lips peel back in a silent snarl as she realizes that her crown is being challenged for, making her have to leave her children behind to defend their home.

Isla gives them all a lick on the head before she moves a couple of thick pelts around them, creating a fortress to keep them tucked in and well-hidden. The Queen has to pry herself away, unbridled rage coursing through her veins as she moves swiftly across her pride land. As she nears, she releases several bellowing roars, calling to those in the Lagoon as well as Illyria, Ecrosia and Firnen - it is time. She is unsure if Harou and the Oasis would help, even with him telling Isla he was not going to side with Icefang, but she would not turn down and help from Andal lions if they were to come.

Dual colored eyes narrow upon a darkened figure with white stripes and speckles, a mane to match. He didn't look too familiar to Isla, but anyone who dare tried to take her home away was known as an enemy - a lion that needed to be put in his place. She begins to charge toward the side of him closest to her, sending sand flying from colossal paws. A snarl is released as she clinches the few feet that separated him and her, leading in with her right shoulder jutted out. She attempts to slam her shoulder right into his side, opened jaws striking forward and attempting to bite into the middle of his back.


Isla vs. @Cassius ♔
for Scilla Lagoon
round i ii iii iv v
Hits:

Rolling 8d20: 14 + 3 + 11 + 16 + 18 + 2 + 13 + 1

Dodges:

Rolling 6d20: 6 + 10 + 7 + 12 + 19 + 2

Luck:

Rolling 5d20: 7 + 16 + 4 + 8 + 9

** +1 to master perk from pride tier 4 (+1 dodge)
(setting this after she gives birth for my sake lmao)

KNEEL BEFORE ME

CODE / ART BY RABBIT

Indeed he had came way too fucking early. The high sovereign groans in her den. Either he was trespassing her borders or inconveniencing her in other ways like calling at this unfathomable hour. Honestly, she had to give him credit for not coming directly into her den and demanding she get up now. Though under the circumstances, she does not need more than his singular call to get onto her feet. Her members had been anxiously waiting since the pride meeting where she encouraged them to work on their training and she gives a few chuffs to rally most of them out of their dens and behind her as she walks towards the border. For the children, she could only hope that they would remain hidden while most of the adults were away. She had originally planned for them to be moved to the Cove, but there was not time now and she had felt less certain of that decision after witnessing the public brawl between Aphrodite and Miaran. Purposefully, she leaves her borders through the west side, issuing a call for Wolfbron Bluffs to join their march. Louve had said she would help and Icefang could only hope the Dieudonne matriarch would keep her word and follow after them onto the battle field.

Her group is not too far behind Cassius, Icefang able to see his colossal form in the distance as he in his usual fashion crosses over the borders of the Lagoon. At the moment she reaches the borders, he has already issued his challenge cry and Isla is running at him to defend her throne. She does not know what the appeal of this place is. It is as barren as the Oasis with its few palm trees and the central location of fresh drinking water. No wonder Harou allied with Isla. Their taste is alike. The ice queen stands at the border, intent on making it seem like they are merely watching like the different prides usually do at challenges. Either someone would attempt to attack them first, or she would send out her warriors as soon as the first few members of the Lagoon decided to show their faces. Hopefully Cassius's win against her is not just a lucky shot and that today he would make her proud in more ways than one. For the sake of their legacy growing inside her womb.

ooc: open to interaction, she has not crossed the border yet

ART BY INK1GREEN, CODE BY LARS, MODIFIED BY GUNNER

So it happened at last? The so promised war had finally began with this staking claim of the Lagoon. She had prepared for this day, and now today would be a decisive day, one where Scilla and their allies will fight against the forces of the Brook and any who allied to them. Who took a pride the wrong way(She didn't know of the attack to Icefang) And thus she saw it as childish but well. What is done is done.

She arrived with her claws poisoned with ADAM AND EVE a plant who could make someone feel as if their lungs and mouth were burning. Perfect for a fight that could come her way, and today she wasn't going to play nice. Today there wont be any mercy.

((Open for fights.))

Effects: skin, mouth and throat irritation; results in swelling, burning pain, breathing difficulties
Parts Used: berries,
[/quote]

art

Just as many before him, he thought he was going to be ready for the war that had been spoken of and yet from the sound of the challenge he suddenly felt quite the opposite. Güelle was nowhere near as ready as he wanted to be and he knew that, in some way, things were going to go south. That this was not going to be a pretty sight for anyone but he had sworn himself into defending the Lagoon and its members, to support @Isla ♔ in her Queendom era. @Rhea was still not present but he moved into the gathering anyone and took in a deep breath, letting his body take a moment to soothe his rampant heart and prepare him.

güelle is open for a minor maim or major maim, but I have a preference as to what is taken from him if he loses. please be respectful of these wishes if you choose to engage.

ART • CODE

((Keeping this Vague as her joining thread is still ongoing--regardless, she is VB aligned and open to all interactions))

So, this was certainly an interesting turn of events. The call rang out loud enough to pique her interest and cause the dark shadow to slither her way towards it's source. But the time she arrives to the Lagoon, a few others have appeared--inckuding that if her Mother. @Icefang ♔ had rallied whoever her allies were, and it just do happened that stubborn pride ot her bloodline ran dele in Nazara. She comes to her Mother's side with a look of boredom, apathy, masking the little twinge of delight sparking in her eyes. The girl checks her makeshift satchel of leaf and vine, noting the healing herbal mix in the pocket.

There would be blood today, and she is excited at the prospect of Death.

"If anyone dies, their bones are mine" she mutteres as her growing self stand beside the Queen. Her obisidan eyes watch as the presumed leader of the Lagoon barrells upon the other creature--though she knows not his name, she can taste her old home upon him. He is from the bluffs. In truth, Naza missed it. The taste of flesh hadn't left her mind since that day.

Potential XP:

+5 Attend a spar or challenge to assess the wounds

I could burn your motherfuckin’ village to the ground—

I could crack your skull between these motherfuckin’ thighs—I could doom your lineage with one look from these eyes! I could name the date in which they’ll put you in the ground—you’re the one who said its justice watchin’ witches drown!

code by corvus art by drifty

The summons came, first for Icefang by someone unknown to him. His ears had perked, his sliver gaze fluttering open as he listened silently to see if there was a command from the Queen to accompany it. Shortly after, there were chuffs, beckoning her warriors forward. He grinned, lifting to his paws and carefully grabbing a rabbit skin pouch he made his way out of the den. He sent one worrisome glance back to the den before he turned and quickly trotted towards the sound of his Queen. Once with her, he would follow dutifully behind her, leaving room for the other leadership to travel beside her- as was their right. Lathan kept his heart calm, war drums may have sounded but he refused to allow his heart to pound to that tempo- yet. Adrenaline would not serve him until they were at the Lagoon and ready to fight. He walked silently, though he wanted to speak, he didn’t want to raise any alarms. By the time they arrive, @Icefang ♔ stopping at the border, a male he doesn’t recall is being charged by the fierce @Isla ♔. His gaze tears from the pair fighting. He came up along side the queen, dropping his pouch. "I brought a poison that burns the flesh. If you care to dip your claws into it." He murmured, for Icefang and any other Brook members that were within earshot. It wouldn’t kill or weaken their adversaries, but it would piss them off and perhaps cause enough of a distraction. Carefully, he opened it, flexing his toes so he could dip the tips of his claws into the sap (from milky mangrove) he had found in the badlands. It was thick and sticky, even the sand would not wipe it from their claws. Today, he brought no antidote, if it touched their own flesh, they would deal with the burning until home. Gaze shifted around them as he waited for a command or for an enemy to come forward. There was another woman that had arrived, she...did not look friendly to their cause, but she also did not outright attack so he made a note to keep an eye on her. @Nazara had arrived, he glanced to her, noting her comment about death and bones, snorting softly at the idea. She did witchcraft; he was sure of that now. He had no intention of letting her use his bones. Another male appeared, but while he did not appear thrilled by the events, he did not launch at them either. How boring. Where was the excitement? "Speech." Open to anything up to major maim without approval. If you would like a DM, please message me privately beforehand. Poison: Milky Mangrove Sap; on Lathan's front claws. Effects: skin contact causes irritation and blistering, eye contact can cause temporary blindness

Art by Rabbit and code by Shazaki

From the moment the call came, Renly's entire body shivered. Anticipation was one thing but coming face to face with it was another. Being amongst bloodshed had never been her strong suit and she had been lucky growing up that she had plenty of other family members that would happily partake in it. Her own father had been a warrior, Morrigan, too along with many of her siblings whether they were full blooded or not. Renly had always been a bit more neutral in regards to the fighting but she was not adverse to it, either. A fight was sometimes a game of luck, with a sprinkling of experience and wit and some strategy thrown in.

So Renly moved from within the Lagoon and settled within the growing masses. Head held high, breath even as she peered among those that had gathered. Setting her gaze for a moment upon her elder sister and the fight that she was more than prepared to begin with haste. Fight fierce, sister. Give no mercy. Not that she had to send that telepathic urging to Isla for she had always had a penchant for giving no quarter.

open to interaction

• ART & CODE BY K'SARIYA •

Part of the reason Bordeaux was reluctant to live within a pride was moments like this. War seemed so common and leadership seemed so fickle. She did not know who this lion of contrasting white and black was, what morals ruled him, how he might treat those at his mercy. Beyond him, it seemed there was another threat, another pride come to linger on the fringes of the pride. She did not know what caused their rivalry, but it seemed the innocent would be caught in the crossfire.

It was dangerous for her to be there, but she would go in any case. She would loiter in the background, several yards from the border and the looming threat beyond it. With her, she would bring some healing herbs, carefully selected to serve as a first aid for various wounds.

Would these lions have any respect for a resident healer? She did not trust them to be civil. They would have to cross the line and run at her if they wanted a fight. Perhaps in the time it took them to do so, she would be able to react.. to run, or at least to put up defenses.

code: corvus || art: yumpy

Glory and fame

Blood is our name

Unrest had settled in the back of her mind. She'd been occupied with so many things that she'd barely realized how much time had passed, how much was changing yet again. There weren't all that many days she spent at home anymore. Nights, sure. But not the days. The days were spent in other ways that had drawn the striped princess' attention. Perhaps to distract herself from that unrest slowly taking over her mind. To banish it until there was an explanation.

She'd sat in one of her many hidden places, toying with some of the plants she'd collected. What would happen if she mixed it all together? No, no time to think about that. There was something else on her mind. Staring intently at the semi-liquidized Wolfsbane plant sitting on the leaf, she let her mind wander. For a while at least. But then she turned and left, brushing and rubbing against the trees and foliage around her hideout until the scent of Illyria was gone from her coat and she seemed to be nothing more than a rogue. Only when she was satisfied did she return to her hideout and started to slowly dip her claws into the squished poison one by one. She'd already thought it through. Or at least she thought she had. At least she'd thought about it for a while now. To avoid bringing trouble back home if it found her. There'd be no Valka beyond the borders anymore. No, there would only be Alleria, a simple rogue. It was that easy, right? A different scent and a new name. That was it.

Eventually, when her claws were no longer dripping and she felt confident in what she'd come up with, she left her little hideout behind. Time to see if it could all work out. Swift paws carried her across the lands until somewhat unfamiliar scents announced the border of the Lagoon. Lilac gaze wandered as she moved along the border, but remained outside of it. Spotting more and more lions, she slowed down and found a spot to sit, fluffy tail elegantly curling over her paws, pointed ears perking up as she watched.

+20 Fabricate and use a second identity (Thread 1 of 3)
+5 Practice covering your scent (moss, trees and forest plants)
+5 Tell a lie without being caught

Her claws are coated in Wolfsbane - effects include disabling nerves, lowering blood pressure and/or cardiac irregularities
(Valka is open for interactions. She is open for fights up to MINOR maims but I have preferences when it comes to what damage she suffers if she loses and would prefer to discuss it prior to starting a fight. Please be mindful of that and respectful if you choose to engage.)

code by corvus