WE'RE BORN INTO THE GRAVE

The first warcry had buckled against the trees of the southern end of the rainforest, no more than a dull drone that trembled its racket through the peace of vibrant birds in their comfortable nests. Gauthier raised his head, slumber-drenched on the cold stone beneath the ridge, toward the far reaching quarters of the forest. Beach-born, its bellow too muted by distance to discern whether or not it was more than a plain beckon for rank or dominance. Yet he would not rest again, stretching the ache of an ill sleep from his tired muscles whilst his tail rattled at his ankles, dragging curling claws to hiss against the slab.

Another, then, this time of certainty. Isla.

He leapt to his feet and roared to those of Firnen, calling them to arms – to make good on their promise to Scilla. For as much as Isla intended to do for Firnen, they would do for her. It was an exchange whose simplicity would not be taken for granted on his watch. True to his suspicions, more calls rang through the ebb of morning, one for Illyria, another for Ecrosia, and another far louder and far-reaching than prior. Andal.

Through the dawn-lit growth of the wretched jungle he barrelled in thundering stride, senses awakened to the long-awaited symphony of war. It was not until he arrived, furs blackened with volcanic sands and glistening with sea-washed salt, to the shores of the Lagoon that he broke gait to gather his breaths in preparation. Though age had worn its etchings in his skin and peppered the dark of his mane, his musculature bristled in fiber, their chainmail clink gathered in each heavy lope to the siren song of prospering crusade.

Isla was entangled with a beast only familiar in the flashes of memory – each time in the company of Wolfbron. Yet among them all perused the entity of Vermedan forest creatures, Scillan soldiers that clashed with their enemies, and peppered throughout the many of their allies that swept in to follow suit. His gaze swept to @Everick, a beacon among them, sidled to the appearance of Rainer. But it is not long before Morrigan’s voice rings through the pandemonium, naming him her opponent. As she charged forward, Gauthier took a protective step toward his nephew with a resonant growl, but it was not the moon-touched yearling she was after. It was the Jarl alone. They meet in a clash, and Everick is spared – if not jostled by their unfortunate proximity – from her rage.

Aside, Colsun bellowed an order for the merciless assault on their enemies, taking to a piebald lioness and then joined by two others. The gargoylean brute swung to face the many who attended, though much of their fellows (and enemies) were already engaged in their own bloody battles. He breathed the chaos deep in a long drag, a serene smile ripping its way across his dark lips as his skull lowered and shoulders rolled to crack the dust from their peaks. His eyes lingered upon @Taraji momentarily, noting her engrossment over the feud at the heart of it all.

A familiar voice caught his attention before he could call to her, sweeping his vigilance over Alaric and a gathering of youths battling or – embracing – or… arguing? Before it erupts into a fray between the former king of Ecrosia and one of the distressed children. But there is seemingly little that requires his aid, a warlord and a yearling. And this is not the time for reunions.

Is it?

His gaze halted upon @Louve ♔ from across the battlefield, heeled by Wolfbron jackals yet to immerse themselves in the growing bedlam. He looked to the familiar face of Valaine briefly, before centering squarely back upon their Queen. Held upon her his eyes narrowed, his blood singing with feverish heat. Without the presence of Amara as her shadowing dominion, one wondered: Where was what was owed? It had been months to stew, months to fester, months spent in claw-ticking wait, and how he was weary. The grains had all but nearly filled the glass and the cracks had started to splinter.

To whomever from Firnen would join him at his side, his skull tilted, his voice resolute and commanding. "Defend Scilla and all that stand with them. Cripple Vermeda’s strength." Whether or not Isla would remain queen of the Lagoon, she would see her enemies devastated by any necessary means. Let the pain be their lasting memory of war. He would let his pride decide for themselves who would be their first chosen prey of the few Vermedans who yet remained uncoupled – and he would pick up what was left.

Take your pick.

Another voice split through the bloody siege that unfolded before them, childish and unbridled, sending his memories to the first taking of Firnen and the pesky cretins who could not bind their tongues in the face of destruction. A shadow among the wreckage: a yearling female hurling curses, threats, insults. The perfect contender for his children’s first foray into their fledgling taste for war. A grin curled impishly at its mangled corners.

+5 Observe a fight (Cassius vs Isla)
+5 Observe a fight (Cassandra vs Icefang)
+5 Observe a fight (Fairytale vs Obsidiana)
+10 Participate in a raid or war (SL/allies vs VB/Allies)

On high alert, he caught the sight of paler fur out of the corner of his eye. A figured heading his way, of a similar age but larger frame. The familiar tingle that so often accompanied imminent violence ran up his spine, the fur bristling as he turned to face the stranger. It didn't matter who the other boy was, only that he didn't smell of either Oasis or Lagoon and that made him a valid target as far as Zaahir knew. It was an eager grin that formed as the stranger neared an Zaahir shifted into a defensive stance.

A quick assessment and judgment, and action taken without regard as to whether the stranger had actually been aiming for him or not. Zaahir moved with the practiced speed of one accustomed to being ambushed, and he'd thank his siblings for that conditioning.

He was moving before the stranger fully closed the distance, rushing to meet the other boy head-on. His front limbs would rise as they collided, allowing his chest to take the brunt of the collision as rear paws dug into the sand, claws leaving furrows that would soon disappear. Forelimbs would attempt to wrap around the stranger's neck, the paler boy's fangs finding Zaahir's left shoulder and triggering the welcome rush of adrenaline as his skin was punctured. Zaahir would attempt to 'hug' the other boy's neck to minimize the movement of his head and lessen the damage from his thrashing. Zaahir's claws - six on each paw - would attempt to bury themselves in the other's flesh and grip tight, while his teeth would try to clamp down on the back of the other boy's neck.

Zaahir vs. @Karsus
Minor Maim
Round 1 / 4
Hits:

Rolling 4d20: 17 + 8 + 12 + 11

Dodges:

Rolling 3d20: 3 + 9 + 12

Luck:

Rolling 5d20: 11 + 9 + 10 + 3 + 12

code by daanyen || art by seffiron

TRIGGER WARNING!
This content might touch on topics that are sensitive or triggering for some readers. Trigger Warning for graphic descriptions of violence & vague mentions of cannibalism.
Bitch Queen, a new one to add to the list, she thought as red pulsed in her vision. Her expression curled into one of cruel amusement and as they crashed together, the breath driven from her own lungs in their impact of unstoppable force and immovable object. Her claws, having found some purchase, would seek to sink deeper, attempting to drag beneath thicker fur and mane and keep him close. They would go down together or not at all if she could help it, hind claws sinking deep into the sand as she pushed back. Her jaws, too, had found enough of a mark as she tasted his blood as he was forced to rip himself away if only to get a better angle. Because all his many sins and vices aside, Rainer never disappointed as an opponent.

She only just had time to close her right eye before his fangs were tearing through soft flesh and old scar tissues both, her face having by now become a patchwork of violent reminders. She was forced to reel her head back in ripping flash of pain as he had done, feeling the warm, sticky blood begin to pour down over her right eye as his teeth tore their way to freedom. In a half-gasp left from the initial impact she was almost crooning as she said, "Nenn mich noch einmal Königin," Call me Queen again. White hot pain over her swelling closed eyelid mingled with the unholy joy she found in combat, just as her unmarred silver left eye landed momentarily on someone placed very intentionally she presumed in her sights.

Through the blood pounding in her ears she could hear his French ramblings coming from sneering lips, "Wait your fucking turn, @Vermier," spraying a mixture of the Rike's blood and hers toward him as she spared a snarled promise. Win or lose now, he would be next. Gaping jaws would now attempt to lunge for the right side of Rainer's jaw where it met his throat, attempting to either pierce and hold on or at least get another tear. She'd rip off pieces of him at a time if he had to and maybe be nice enough to share with Vermier before she tore him apart, too.

@Morrigan ♔ vs. @Rainer
For MAJOR MAIM
Round II / IV
Hits:

Rolling 8d20: 13 + 17 + 5 + 3 + 2 + 16 + 9 + 11

Dodges:

Rolling 4d20: 3 + 4 + 16 + 11

Luck:

Rolling 6d20: 19 + 13 + 7 + 12 + 1 + 17

]

table coding by ferus

Karsus didn't notice quite at first--the blood rage was deafening and blinding--but the sand beneath his feet was familiar. He wouldn't fully be aware till his rush of desire to snap bones and break bodies was sated, but the boy was fighting on the very sands of his birth.

But right now, all he could do was fight. It was like a drug, addictive. His heart races and blood flows through his body like lightning did the sky. Even as his own hits did not land as intended, Karsus was satisfied that his teeth grabbed the shoulder of this stranger--one who did not smell of the Brook when this close--even as their bodies collided almost mid stride.

He felt the other lock his head in a strange hug-like formation, doing their best to minimize the damage Karsus could do, and then the pricing of fangs in his neck, just below it's full center on the back. The other's claws dug deep in his own shoulder.

Karsus laughed. Laughed at the sensation. Even if it meant giving up his grip on the stranger. With all his might he shoved with his hind legs, hoping to knock the other down to the sandy ground on their back. Meanwhile, his own claws tried to mimicked the move the stranger had done, swinging to lock into an embrace so they couldn't quite escape or do so easily--claws seeking to dig into both shoulders at the base of their neck, and teeth looking for a soft, supple place along his neck to attempt to tear a chunk from.

After all, they had such beautiful skin. It would look amazing hung in his new den.



@Karsus vs @Zaahir
Minor Maim -- cool ass scar
Round: 2 / 4
Hits:

Rolling 4d20: 11 + 2 + 5 + 15

Dodges:

Rolling 1d20: 19

Luck:

Rolling 5d20: 3 + 17 + 8 + 10 + 14

They will say I have shed innocent blood, but what is blood for if not for shedding?

.

code by corvus

((left claw has redoul and wolfsbane paste on it--poison is just for flavor he does not have the perk! feel free to ignore if you wish))



Kovirah much preferred to do his fighting less out in the open, but ear was war. The anxiety building in his chest was enough to make him on high alert, and keep his stoic mask firmly in check. For a moment, he could have sworn he saw the familiar pastel coat of someone he cared deeply for--but he cannot focus or start to take steps towards what he thinks is @Bordeaux because a very loud, very obnoxious creature is screaming in gibberish, and has caught his ire.

He scents the bluffs upon him, and from observation alone, knows they are not here for the Lagoon. They were here for the usurper.

Kovirah sidesteps someone else's fight, doing his best to dodge where necessary as not to interrupt the engagements of others. His legs pick up the pace, until he is finally in a full sprint through the chaos, mouth loose and ready to tear the enemy apart. After all, the Mire was small and only he and the red woman were here fighting.

When he is close enough, the raven maned male leaps towards the bluff lion, a ruddy ugly brown of a thing with no tail and an equally distorted face. His claws would attempt to latch onto the man's left shoulder and the top of his right one, while his teeth sought the back of his neck--Kovirah attempted to yank downwards, doing his best to knock the other man as off balance as he could, all the while hoping his new concoction of poison was strong enough to take affect.

And if it didn't, he would have to revisit the formula once this was all over.



@Kovirah vs @Vermier
Minor Maim
Round: 1 / 4
Hits:

Rolling 7d20: 13 + 19 + 10 + 17 + 16 + 2 + 5

Dodges:

Rolling 5d20: 10 + 11 + 5 + 1 + 2

Luck:

Rolling 5d20: 3 + 5 + 9 + 15 + 11

potential xp:
+10 Participate in a raid or war (actively fighting, healing, or helping others)
+10 Successfully poison someone (non-lethal)

code by daanyan, Art by Rabbit

((Bumped to Orange PVP for tresspassing/choosing to fight.)) He presented himself for his father's inspection, holding himself with all the poise and pride a Rike should. Coherent snowball indeed. He would do his damnedest to keep both families proud, as difficult as that might prove to be. His head tipped to the side to listen to his Jarl's words. Yes, of course he would be expected to fight, and he was going to... once he figured out which side he was supposed to be fighting on. He opened his mouth to explain as much, which perhaps would have damned his mother in the process unwittingly, but before he could a challenge was issued from the battlefield in their direction. Uh oh, he muttered, already scrambling backwards to get out of @Rainer's way as the Summit high sovereign barrelled in. One of his father's hind legs running into his as he cleared the area was enough of a metaphorical swat on the rear to get out. His gaze caught upon the one other man who could hold his leash. @Gauthier ♔ had joined the fray, and Everick made his way to him instead, sparing a glance back for his father's fight. His marching orders were swiftly delivered. He could only hope that mother knew what she had just gotten herself into, if someone noticed her fighting on the wrong side. A glance of the field showed @Grimm there too, and a low chuckle left Everick's lips. Seemed he was late to the party. He wanted to go after one of the many Wolfbron lions milling about, but unfortunately they all seemed to be a bit more than he could chew. So instead he went after the dark lioness that Gauthier had spotted. He came at @Nazara from the side, attempting to slam into her right shoulder. He was a bit bigger than her, and he was hoping to use that to his advantage. He also reached up with his right front paw and attempted to sink his claws into the side of her face. Everick vs. @Nazara for Minor Maim Round 1 / 4 Hits: Rolling 4d20: 3 + 13 + 4 + 9 Dodges: Rolling 2d20: 7 + 14 Luck: Rolling 5d20: 17 + 12 + 3 + 7 + 1

ART AND CODE BY SHAZ

cressida yaeger

The summons brought her forth, nearly salivating at the prospect of fighting, or releasing herself on the unsuspecting enemy of the Brook. Cressida arrives to absolute chaos, absolute delightful chaos. She stands, taking in the scene- eyes studying the bodies that writhe and clash the sands that are slowly becoming stained with blood. She looks for the perfect target- the perfect enemy to pick. When she spies a young looking peachy boy, she moves.

She has missed the conversation up to this point- just notes that he is in a group of others, and she moves through the sands silently- aiming to come around as near as she can behind him before she would try to launch herself at his back- with jaws splaying open for teeth to try to dig into his spine and grab ahold of the boy, hoping her body slamming into his will give her some kind of advantage.

She did not care who he was, only that he smelled of sea and salt and that she would not sit idly by on the sidelines and do nothing. He was just the unlucky target of her boredom and desire to cause as much pain and chaos as she was able.

Cressida vs @Güelle
for Minor Maim
1/4
hits:

Rolling 7d20: 9 + 10 + 12 + 15 + 1 + 4 + 18

dodges:

Rolling 4d20: 11 + 19 + 5 + 14

luck:

Rolling 5d20: 6 + 4 + 15 + 12 + 5

code by corvus | background credit

"You must be new here. Vermeda has belonged to Cassandra and her family for years. Icefang started this."

And if it wasn't Cassandra going for the crown, it would be someone else in the Valour family. The Brook belonged to the lions that were born here, not these disgusting outsiders and their lack of knowledge of what made the world tick. Maua themselves would see fit to punish those deserving and Colsun is eager to be that swift hammer of justice.

And so he collides with Lathan shoulder on shoulder at the same time sand is flung at his face. Mercifully, he is spared from the brunt of it thanks to the thickness of his fur and eyelashes doing their duty. There were still a few grains in there, however, and it was rather uncomfortable. Fortunately, he's too high on adrenaline to pay too much mind to it. And then there is a paw -- somebody's, he doesn't know -- slicing down his leg. Blood, bruises. He's too high on the battle to care much right now. And then there's claws against his face, stinging more than usual. Odd..

There is blood and bruises aplenty where the claws dig into his skin, ripping and tearing. Colsun attempts to keep his hold on Lathan's cheek, wholly trusting Heloise is doing what she can to help take him down. He might not be able to fully keep track on her movements, but he was glad they both seemed to agree that Freja herself was not the target.

The shadow knight attempts to swing his right paw upwards to slash at the man's left eye, attempting to drag his claws down over the sensitive area and, if nothing else, inconvenience him with blood spilling into his vision.

COLSUN & @Heloise vs. @Freja & @Lathan
FOR @Freja
Round 2 / 3
Hits:

Rolling 8d20: 8 + 7 + 3 + 19 + 12 + 4 + 14 + 20

Dodges:

Rolling 3d20: 15 + 11 + 3

Luck:

Rolling 5d20: 20 + 4 + 3 + 2 + 1

** +1 to master perk from pride tier 4 (+1 hit)
note: colsun will only suffer minor effects from the poison after the war since lathan is not maxed

ART BY SPU, CODE BY DEE, MODIFIED BY GUNNER

He watches her unimpressed lips pealing slightly at the odd display @Nazara performs. At her snarky words, a low growl vibrates through his throat at her disrespect. "Hermanita cuidadosa, your words are sharp but my claws are sharper" Careful little sister he rumbles claws slipping from his paw to dig into sandy soil. He was not above ensuring his younger siblings knew who was stronger. Nor ensuring they would not challenge him when he told them to attack.

However, the monster's eyes are drawn from the young shadow onto the woman rushing at him. His lips peel back to reveal his teeth and a growl erupts loudly and deeply from his chest. His head and chin dips as his stance widen prepared for impact.

Her paw and claws find his left shoulder drawing lines of bright crimson into dark fur. He allows her push to move him away from his sister but not out of reach. He snarls the pain burning over him from the cuts as he moves towards her. His right paw lifts as he attempts to drag his claws down the right side of her face. His sister's distant yelling earns a snarl, a need, and a want. He'd bleed this woman just for her then. However, the woman's odd yell brings a laugh rolling up his throat. The sound is deep, rumbling, and mad.

"Daddy won't save you now chica"

Velasco vs. @Diomedeidae
Minor Maim
Round 1 / 4
Hits:

Rolling 7d20: 4 + 8 + 13 + 5 + 19 + 6 + 15

Dodges:

Rolling 5d20: 15 + 16 + 19 + 7 + 17

Luck:

Rolling 5d20: 6 + 10 + 11 + 12 + 3

Velasco X'uekai

code by corvus, art by eightysichs (DA)

Glory and fame

Blood is our name

Pointed ears quivered, lacing against her skull until they'd nearly disappeared into her fluffy mane. How could she just sit and watch? Torn between two different sides of herself, the pale lioness danced on her paws as she paced. How she hated getting any part of herself dirty. And fighting? The worst. All that blood that would stain her coat. She grimaced slightly as she imaged blood splatter on her shiny coat. But there was something else too. Something that purred at the mental image of blood soaked ground and fur. Something that wanted her to find a target and rip and tear, make them suffer.

And so she moved, gracefully gliding along the border, briefly placing a paw over it before moving it back again to disappear as much as she could, brushing against anything to gather more neutral scents on her coat, to keep that nice and neutral rogue scent. But eventually, from the foliage, she spotted something. A girl who couldn't be that much older than her. And silently, Alleria prowled closer, fluffy tail lashing behind her as she closed in.

Without much warning, she came up next to @Taraji, flopping onto her fluffy butt with a dramatic sigh. "So chaotic....you alright?"

+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

code by corvus