How comforting to know that whatever turmoil and disasters might plague Hubert's life, the very nature of Amaryllis would always be seeking to tear down the lives of everyone else too.

Misery loves company, as they say.

And in just this one special category, @Isla ♔ is more-than-welcome company, indeed. How lucky for her.

To think, he could've missed this whole show if he had returned from his fruitless wanderings in the outer lands even just slightly later. Maybe it was meant to be...he might say if he held even the faintest semblance of belief in such shit anymore. He cannot say, even now, what he had been hoping to outside Amaryllis's borders, but he can say with utmost certainty that he sure as hell hadn't found it.

So he shall simply have to content himself with this for the time being, before he moved on to more important things (more important people.) The petty joy of watching his rival struggle tooth and claw for her cursed crown in the coming moments should do much to keep him warm, even as the slight chill of the saltwater he'd briefly soaked himself in began to nip at his skin. The ocean had done him a favor in washing away his scent, though in truth, it was little more than a force of habit.

For once, he does little to truly hide himself amongst the crowds. Later, he might say that it was simply because he wanted the Starke's witness of Isla's potential downfall to be known to all.

Yet perhaps there is yet more to it. Perhaps...there is a longing to be seen, after so long. Perhaps he is tired of the hiding. The running.

But how else can a creature such as him survive?

ART + CODE By Dee

The call from Cassius had startled her awake.

And she had hunkered down into the comfort of her den for several long moments, debating whether she should heed the call or not. It wasn't specifically for her that he called, it seemed mostly directed at her Queen. But shortly after, Icefang's own summons had rolled through the Brook and Freja had arisen with her heart hammering in her throat. A certain level of confusion had clouded the Lead Hunter's thoughts, she who had not been there when Icefang had informed her pride of the oncoming battles. In fact, Icefang had specifically told Freja that the need for warriors was to protect the Brook itself, not to wage battles upon others. But in reality, she would have had to have been completely ignorant to miss the tension in the air, the anticipatory feeling, like the sharp inhale of breath before a scream.

Freja still seriously considered ignoring it.

Given her recent run in with Cassius, she felt beyond conflicted about being near him. He was volatile, probably actually psychotic and yet she couldn't stop thinking about him. Clearly she was also deranged. But with the movement of Vermedan's from the pridelands, Freja no longer felt that she could hide in her den any longer. She might know only a handful of them by sight alone, but she did know of their existence at least. And whatever hell they trudged towards, she could at least perform her duties as she had sold them to Icefang and Cassius. She was a healer, a medic and she could at least help in that respect.

Her steps were not so urgent as that of her pridemates, but their trail was easy enough to follow out of the Brook and due south east. As she moved, the little satchel of woven grass strapped across her back remained secure. Sharp eyes spotted a small copse of oil palm and she had paused to collect the leaves and early summer fruits. Given her recent brush with poisons, Freja knew it was something her healing supplies lacked and she didn't want to be without at least something to counteract any underhanded tactics.

Already she could hear the sounds of fights in progress; the snarls and hisses, the thud and scrape of bodies together, the wild turmoil of the sand churned beneath paws. She had never experienced anything like it and swallowed the gorge rising in her throat as she approached Scilla Lagoon's borders. She was careful to remain outside the boundary, though her gaze quickly clocked @Icefang ♔ and @Obsidiana engaged in fights. More Vermedan's paced, clearly looking for targets and Freja felt herself swallow again the bile that arose. When mismatched eyes landed finally on the distant form of @Cassius, it was obscured by the large grey form of his opponent barrelling into him and she remained transfixed, body remaining standing but clearly not looking to launch her own attack on anything that wasn't an injury.


+10 Participate in a raid or war (actively fighting, healing, or helping others)
+10 Heal a character’s sickness or injury
+5 Collect herbs (1/2)

Art by Moogle, Code by Minxy

scilla lagoon, y12 July, 1 year

potential sleuth exp: +10 remain hidden in a large thread (5+ more characters) , +10 learn something about pride/group/family relations, +5 practice covering your scent

He followed the chaos like a fly to shit. There was no mistaking the sounds of war as they echoed and bellowed across the land, and Gryff wanted to know. He wanted to understand, though he held no interest in fighting- no interest in the violent aspects of it. He wanted information, because for him- the extra small boy -- information was a weapon he could use.

He rolls in some leaves along the way, trying to cover his scent, though perhaps it is half-hearted, and tainted by the naive notions of youth. As if leaves could truly mask the scent of Illyria? He is practicing regardless, learning- and trying to do his best. He creeps across the Lagoon border, finding a pile of rocks and rubble to hide behind, his green eyes alight with interest and curiosity as he studies the first two fights that have begun.

Ears pricked, he would try to hear any clues that would help him understand what was going on.

Gryff is attempting to remain hidden.

code by corvus|art by irish

Perhaps it was sent to you as a reminder that no lion is truly evil nor truly good. that everyone has both within them and it is our duty to know that we all bleed the same at the end of the day. Bleed. Was this why Maua continued to send trial after trial upon her family? To spill their blood and force them into action and the spilling of other's blood? Was this the only way they would all ever know that they are the same in their eyes? The same to each other? Isla's claim is called into question and there's been whispers and talk of more fighting to come. More blood.

She had failed her family twice over when Vermeda was challenged for. She would not fail them today and she would be there for them.

She would be there for him.

As she arrives in support of her family she is hit from inside of her own mind by two forces, two memories. She is near knocked unconscious before even engaging or being engaged with and she stumbled forwards out of breath. She can see the vision of her father murdering a woman, over and over this haunting free seconds plays in total clarity before her mind's eye. The only warping presence is an aroma, the scent of the Lagoon and the memory of Matti that it brings up. The close moments they shared and the comfort he had provided her. With this came an entirely different pain and ripping sensation in her heart. Two beasts caroled for her mind and thoughts, both painful, both malicious and sorrowful. She is caught between them and stood in distress in the midst of a battlefield.

( open to anything, preference is something that'll stay 1v1 for my sanity's sake )

I'm sinking down

If you only knew how hard it is For me to climb out. I'm kicking and screaming But no one can hear me. So what happens now? The shadows are creeping in. I didn't ask for. I didn't ask for this. Cold rage Hides the shame Of images I can't escape. Scars that live under the surface. It's strange What I became When part of me was ripped away And replaced with something worthless. I'm sinking down. If you only knew how hard it is For me to climb out

code by corvus || art by rabbit

His paws felt heavy with each step; his limbs shaky and unsteady. Fatigue wracked his body and it took all the strength he had just to rise from where he recovered in his den and stagger to the challenge. He had expected war, that much was clear from Isla’s warning; he had not expected a summons for her crown. It was a slow trek around the lagoon’s shores as he had to stop on numerous occasions to lean against a tree and catch his breath or to grab a few necessary items; the poison had run its course but the damage it left behind brought about long-lasting effects that he couldn’t yet shake. Thankfully, though, the hallucinations had long-since subsided.

In his state, he knew there was little he could do to help and it pained him; he could not properly defend his fellow pridemates and he was most definitely not a healer. But there was one thing he could offer. He lowered himself into the sand at the edge of the trees, looking out at the ensuing battles on the beach before him. With care, he laid out the items that he had grabbed: a particularly sharp rock and violet lobelia flower. The flower was for Papa Legba, the rock for Ogou.

He lowered his head in prayer, first to Papa Legba to allow for open communication with Ogou, then to Ogou, the warrior himself. "Ogou, please lend ye streng’ to de queen, Isla, an’ ‘elp ‘er defend our ‘ome."

It wasn’t until he looked up briefly that he noticed the one woman he wasn’t ready to see. "Dio." Her name left his lips in a whisper, but he remained in place in the shade of the trees. He would not—could not make a move in her direction or he would be unable to stop himself from running into her arms. She was here for Isla, he told himself. Here for her family. His ache for her was still so fresh and it only compounded his physical wounds. But what was she doing?! He couldn’t see her face, but she stood rigid out in the open; vulnerable to attack. Dio, please. If she was hurt, he didn’t know what he would do.

---

OOC: If Matti engages in battle, I’m going to reduce his dice by -1 / -1 (so he’ll be 5:3:6) due to his recent poisoning! I’m open for anything up to major maim with him!

[cleric tasks]
+10 Cast a curse or blessing on a character/group
Possibly +10 Participate in a raid or war (actively fighting, healing, or helping others)

art by muuland, code by lars

He is prepared for this as much as anybody can be, he supposes. The paternal instincts to protect his newborn litter, the desire to slaughter anyone who looks at his queen the wrong way: everything accumulating into one furious man with more bloodthirst than every before. He will dismantle Vermeda piece by piece if it comes to it. He will rip and tear and murder anyone who comes within a hair's breadth of infringing upon his sanctuary.

"Scilla, the time is now! Show no mercy!" he roars to the pride, fur bristling as he turns his attention back onto the chaos.

And then his eyes find a woman standing near the borders and his plan snaps into motion. He doesn't know her, he only knows she reeks of the enemy.

So he will bring her into the fold of the lagoon, rehabilitate her mind. Make her see sense.

COLSUN vs. ??
FOR @Freja
Round 0 / 3
Hits: [roll=#d20]
Dodges: [roll=#d20]
Luck: [roll=#d20]

ART BY SPU, CODE BY DEE, MODIFIED BY GUNNER

Obsidiana watched with a calm expression as the fights began around her, a bit excited to start her own and as if life wanted to supply her needs a fight came right towards her. A woman she didn't know spoke at here before lounging towards her. Obsidiana planted her paws firmly in the ground, toes spreading aiming to make herself a wall of bone and flesh trying to absorb the impact and get it back at thr woman yet this made her chest feel sore. Slowly and trying to keep a cool demeanor she attempted to turns her face towards the woman and attempt to bite on the woman's face aiming for her right side of the face by the cheek hopping to get a firm hold in that area.

Obsidiana vs @Fairytale
For dominace
Round 1 of 3
Hits:

Rolling 5d20: 15 + 13 + 19 + 18 + 9

Dodges:

Rolling 2d20: 15 + 7

Luck:

Rolling 520: 1

Code by dee - Art by Shaz

The sounds and sights of fights unfolding held her attention, the diligent look in her dichotomous gaze fluttering between parties she knew belonged to Vermeda. Whether they would require extensive healing or just patching up, Freja was alert to the dangers of lions fighting tooth and claw. In a strange way, her gaze most frequently went to Icefang - the Queen was older and bore the scars and missing appendages of many a battle gone past. But in the time she had been with the Brook, its Queen had cared for her, had allowed her the time to recoup and regain the muscle she had lost. It wouldn't have been noticeable now, that she had regained what was lost. But it had been with Icefang's help that she achieved it.

The roar of one pissed off creature immediately dragged her attention away from watching, muddied ears fluttering back atop her head at the instructions that poured from the dark creatures lips. Show no mercy. It made her stomach flip, but nothing could have prepared her for the feeling of his attention on her. She was a bystander, she didn't mean anything to anyone, she was only here to help. But whatever the thoughts that swirled in her head, they would not show on her features.

"I'm here to help the injured, but I will defend myself if you leave me no other option." She called to the male, grey tipped tail lashing in agitation around her hocks. She was not a fighter, Cassius and Icefang had both agreed. But the woman was fast learning that this wasn't something that would stand up against others trying to hurt her. And while she had no strategy, no planned attacks, she was also not completely vulnerable. She had teeth and claws, she was not weak or scared. Once upon a time, she had been cowardly to run from her pride, but she did not think it applied any longer.

Freja vs. @Colsun ♔
for Freja
Round 0 / 3
Hits: [roll=#d20]
Dodges: [roll=#d20]
Luck: [roll=#d20]

Art by Moogle, Code by Minxy

Cassandra was quick to come, launching herself at his Queen with a rabid ferocity. He frowned, a low growl in his throat as he carefully moved his sap covered rabbit skin out of the path for such a battle. It would not do for Icefang to accidentally step in it. She would have his own skin for that. Thus, he moved, moving further from the Queen so she could fight and have the room she needed. His silver gaze wandered, eventually finding the slumped and laying form of @Matthieu. A grin started to pull at his lips moving in that direction, but he would be brought up short as an angry roar came forth. His pointed ears coming forward as he looked to find a dark male trying to lay claim to @Freja. He heard her words and he once more growled. If Icefang had gone to the effort to put the medic through trials, she was important. She could not be lost. Lathan came up alongside the woman as she finished speaking, telling the man she would defend herself if need be, but she was there to help the injured. "I will help defend you." He muttered softly, for her ears alone. Making it clear that he would help her, but she would have to actually help as well. He could have defended her alone, but well…he was considering it his own challenge, he would not help those that wouldn’t help themselves. No matter how important they were. His lips curled back in a snarl, revealing his teeth as he bared them at @Colsun ♔ in challenge. Freja would not be going with the Lagoon. She was the Brooks to torment and use. His weight was dispersed evenly in the sand, claws unsheathed, the sap causing some of the sand to stick to claws. His skull rested at shoulder height with his ears falling back to hide in his mane. "Speech." @Lathan @Freja vs. @Colsun ♔ Defending Freja Round 0 / 3 Hits: [roll=#d20] Dodges: [roll=#d20] Luck: [roll=#d20] 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

Icefang glances to her side, blue orbs roaming over the dark form of @Nazara standing beside her. Mother and daughter. Similar in blood, yet so different in every other instance. "Of course," she rumbles softly to her. What timing it was that her daughter came back right before this. As if the warrior that Icefang had tried to instill within her from birth had finally beckoned her home after her teenage tantrum. They would need to have a one on one talk about that sooner than later. Her gaze shifts to @Lathan now as he comes up beside her. What a useful creature he had been. She rumbles approvingly and gestures for those that had gathered around to participate. Carefully, she follows his demonstration dipping the tips of her talons into the sap of the milky mangrove. She would have to be extra mindful of this, considering she had never chosen to fight this way before. Now who would be her lucky victim?

Ah, here she comes.

Icefang smirks, pleasure ripping right through her when she notices @Cassandra charging directly at her. My, did her appearance rile her up that much? She hadn't even crossed their border yet! The high sovereign takes a few steps forward, her maimed tail flicking a command to her army. Releasing her warriors. Descend upon them. Rip them to shreds. Having trespassed officially into the Lagoon, Icefang releases a snarl further solidifying her order to press forward aggressively to her members.


---Fight starts here---

After moving forward to leave space between herself and her pride (to avoid those by her getting hit), she raises up slightly on her hind legs to meet Cassandra, also preparing herself to brace against the full weight of her opponent smacking into her. Icefang tucks her chin to block access to her throat and instead lurches her own face forward in an attempt to close her jaws around Cassandra's open upper jaw approaching from the woman's right side of her face. She grunts when their bodies meet, claws digging painfully into both of her shoulders as Icefang attempts to wrap her own claws around the back of Cassandra's neck. She trusted that Lathan's poison would do what he said and that when the tips of her soaked talons eventually broke flesh that indeed those cuts would burn like a bitch. A sharp reminder of the vile vermin that Icefang truly was.

ooc:
Poison: Milky Mangrove Sap; on Icefang's front claws.
Effects: skin contact causes irritation and blistering, eye contact can cause temporary blindness

Icefang vs. @Cassandra
For Major Maim (TBD)
Round 1 / 4
Hits:

Rolling 8d20: 3 + 10 + 4 + 6 + 13 + 20 + 5 + 15

Dodges:

Rolling 5d20: 16 + 1 + 8 + 5 + 6

Luck:

Rolling 5d20: 13 + 3 + 4 + 6 + 10

50% chance of going berserk -

Rolling barbarianberserk 1d30: 21
You have failed to go berserk!

50% chance of buffering an attack -

Rolling barbarianbuffer 1d30: 10
You have managed to buffer the attack! (+1 to dodge roll for the next round of your fight)

ART BY INK1GREEN, CODE BY LARS, MODIFIED BY GUNNER