War.

He knows the sound of it, though it’s been years since he heard the song. He knows it by unwilling heart, knows the tune and the words and the moves he has to make. But he has grown up, changed, since the last time he had to dance. Violence for the sake of violence is not what he wants anymore - it isn’t who he is. The young, hot-blooded warrior that walked across the sandbar three years ago is not the scarred man that crosses it today.

That does not mean his heart doesn’t pound, thumping hard in his chest, at the scent of blood, at the noise of battle. The clash of bodies and claws and fangs.

His father is already fighting, others are scattered about. There’s tension, thick in the air. This isn’t a full war but it has the makings of one. Sides are drawn but the lines are unclear - where do the Hollows stand against their old enemies? His gaze flicks over familiar faces and new ones.

He doesn’t launch himself into battle immediately, even if there’s built-in instincts trying to make him do so. Slowly, he makes his way through the battle, noting @Septima with a cub at her legs. Both of them are easy targets, but he knows better than to tell either of them to leave - the medic won’t and however the cub is related to her, there’s no way she’ll listen either. Not surprisingly, @Louve ♔ is there, far off but it is certainly her. Years of history between them, a shared love and loss - does she know? Would she care after all this time? Now isn’t the time to find out, but if anyone would understand his constant, numbing pain…

Not today.

He stands tall, looking for something to throw himself at, a watchful sentry.

Dragos is looking for a fight

✶code by hinter

CREATOR OF MY OWN MASS DESTRUCTION

FUCK.

He was late.

He had originally travelled with the group, but veered off to catch himself a snack, assuming he'd miss the boring back-and-forth arguing that often happened with old enemies. So, Grimm wasn't as great at solo-hunting as he thought he was. One would think of all the hunts he'd led, he'd pick up on something, but apparently that was not the case. And as he trotted up to the border of the Lagoon, he'd find that he missed a great deal more than just empty words.

Luther was locked in battle with a big male, a female close by, too. Several of his pride mates were also locked in battle. He could see the flash of @Zahra 's red pelt somewhere in there. For a queen, one would think she'd have the couth to at least sneak out quietly, instead of crash someone's entire wedding.

What the fuck did he care?

As if Grimm Rike had a conscience? As if he gave a half of a shit about someone's wedding?

Grimm's eyes scanned the pit of fighting lions, and he scanned the ones hanging around by the sidelines, too. He eyed @Everick , happy to see his brother in the mix, but he wasn't here for a social call. He could talk to Everick later. He could fight now.

His eyes fell upon the fighting form of the female that handed him his ass in the Mire when they first came for all their prisoners, first edition. The large brute stepped on the battlefield and roared loud and proud, zeroing his eyes upon the form of @Cassandra . Who will fight him for the right to have her?

Grimm vs. ???
for Theft of @Cassandra
Round 0 of 3



NOTE TO SELF: +1 Luck from Anya

I SET IT ON FIRE AND WATCH IT BURN

code x art

Luther?

She's aligned with—

Gods, she's going to be sick. She's going to be sick.

Yet despite the turmoil inside, Melusina ambles onto the battlefield with catlike grace. Steady, low to the ground, unassuming. Her wide eyes focus first on Icefang as she throws herself into the fray, defending Temero against two others who defended his claim. A young girl, just as she—just as blameless, just as guiltless. Now she dangles precariously in the maw of something Melusina swore she would never let stand again.

But she doesn't move. She doesn't do...anything. It's a price she's willing to pay, a sacrifice she's willing to suffer in the name of strength. And someday, when she wield control, she will never take another prisoner again. Then, she will have achieved justice.

Just like...allying with Luther. Standing aside her brother the kinslayer.

She can do this. She can do this. She can do this.

Rohan is barely more than a blur as he rushes past her half-brother's original opponent and slams into him with a lethal intent. Her breath hitches in her throat, her heart sinking into her belly. If Luther were capable of killing their father than he was more than capable of killing Rohan. Unease and excitement warred within her, half-worried for Rohan's face and half-overjoyed that she could finally bear witness to that smug look being clawed from his face. If there ever was a man to do it, it would be Luther.

But if there ever was a woman to do it—

She swallows hard, sticking to the sidelines but making no effort to hide her presence. She wears the colors of Vermeda with pride, and no longer is she assessing the battlefield for the wounded and weary. She is here to fight.

---

Melusina is looking for a fight!

code by cala, art by yumpy

❝ All we are is an isle of flightless birds ❞

There is a traitor amongst their ranks. A vile creature split from demure fascists, bearing sole sovereignty over their martyr. The raven had been silent, a creature demure and mindful - mysterious, yet unkempt within the ways of the icy queen's red rules. They felt no need for the fraternizations of mindless hounds that sullied beneath the cruel hand of a haggard geriatric. A woman who waited to wither beneath the very brook that held her stable through the harsh winter's mire. The only thing keeping her together would be that of her sacred namesake and a cruel hound that took more than he gave. A man whose greed was large enough to swallow an entire universe whole. It is he who held them captive like starving dogs on chains.

Unlike the first time, they are present. Shifting amongst the shadows with pruned wings and sheer coats. Eyes of ruby survey the scenes, while a petrichor craving settles amongst the shoulders of her petticoat. They would know them even with their eyes closed. Surely so, but even then it does not negate the intention of remaining hidden. Secured and unknown within identity from those that give watchful eye unto the raven crass appearance. They do not need to know of their affiliations, to understand that loyalties do not lie beneath the thin facade of sheer temptations. And thus, Ixora would come cloaked in a breeze. A fading collar of perfume that had thickened amongst the slope of their brash bosom - mint and lavender a hefty contrast to their once earthen aqua of Vermeda's hounds.

"Qu'ils soient punis pour leurs péchés." They would will, yet only against those who stood in honor within the sides of the Vermeda Queen and her allies.

"Ixora is open to interactions.
Though in VB she is not standing with them"

+10 +20 Cast a curse or blessing on a character/group (¹/₂)
+10 +20 Participate in a raid or war (⁰/₂)
+5 +10 Practice hiding your scent (¹/₂)

FRENCH TRANSLATIONS
₁. Let them be punished for their sins.

This was supposed to be a joyous day, one filled with love and a deep appreciation of two souls intertwining and becoming one. They were supposed to bask in the affection, to sing and dance and fill their bellies with the glorious spread and drinks @Matthieu had arranged. Isla had even taken the time to make herself as presentable as she could, rolling in a bed of water lilies she had plucked from the waters of the lagoon inland. She had made sure to tuck in her children, telling them to stay put while the adults enjoyed a night to themselves before heading out of their den.

She wanted to be there to show her support and love for the two - but that would not be happening tonight.

It is the bellowing of enemies that causes the Scillan Queen's gait to quicken into a full blown gallop, paws kicking up sand with each heavy beat. An unbridled rage coursed through adrenaline soaked veins, a wild snarl peeling her lips back to expose stained ivories. As she nears she can hear her allies calling their own defenses as well as more help, and with the miriade of voices in the air hers would follow suit., "Scilla!" Isla shouts as she makes it to the battleground, purple eye wide and assessing as much as she could. "Leave not one enemy untouched! Show them how we greet unwanted guests!" A roar is released after her shouted words, a war cry to spur on her side.

The Queen catches @Morrigan in her own battle, lips pulling into a thin line as she notes her mother's still battered appearance. They were all still recouping from the war that had recently broken out to handle yet another one, but Isla would not show her worries or concerns. No, instead she would allow for the emotions of anger and irritation show upon her features, stalking her way around the clusters of fights and assessing who was fighting who. She catches sight of maroon, a colossal figure she had yet to see in such a long time. Her heart feels as if it would jump through her throat as she watches @Alexander ♔ defend one of her own, a silent prayer given that he would stay safe, as well as her sister. Her eyes then find their opponents and her fur ruffles at the sight of Icefang; too bad she couldn't go for a second round with the bitch.

It is then that she hears a challenging call for none other than Cassandra, and in an instant the warforged daughter is targeting and sprinting toward her newfound opponent. She moves with quickness across the sand, coming from the male's right hand side. As she nears she throws herself forward in an attempt to latch both forepaws up and over the male's midsection, a sort of sideways bear hug in an attempt to bring both of them to the ground. Claws seek to dig deeply into flesh, hungry jaws attempting to snap at the center where the shoulder blades meet to gain hold of thick muscle.


isla vs @Grimm
for @Cassandra
round i ii iii
hits

Rolling 8d20: 12 + 18 + 19 + 3 + 5 + 9 + 6 + 1

dodges

Rolling 6d20: 10 + 19 + 14 + 15 + 5 + 9

luck

Rolling 6d20: 19 + 2 + 12 + 4 + 10 + 11

*Pride Tier 4: Bonus to members participating in fights in their pridelands (doubles the level 1 bonus of their master trade) - paladin
*From Heloise - Medic Sub-Master Perk: Healing expertise keeps all pride-mates in peak physical condition (+1 luck for pride-mates in fights when medic is present, once per character per thread)

ART BY NAVARRE, CODE BY DEE

Wasn't this a wedding?

Jazmin didn’t know the bride or groom, so she’d politely avoided the ceremony - and all the strange, uneasy feelings the idea of being bound to someone forever brought to the forefront of her mind. But when she slips into the scene, following the sound of battle rather than revelry, she finds a war breaking out.

"@Colsun -" she beelines to him, his hulking form impossible to miss even in this fray. She comes up to the male's side, watching as the queen throws herself into a fight. Jazmin isn't a fighter - she won't be any help. "What’s going on?" How had this happened?

Godhunter's gonna hunt you down

When you're sinful to the bone, unholy. And you've claimed yourself a throne, Like me, wield power of your own. Making god hunter's gonna hunt you down. If you're something more than flesh, Ascended, and you've taken on the rest. To end it then she'll find you in a dream, Tormented. Godhunter's gonna hunt you down. When you're sinful to the bone, unholy. And you've claimed yourself a throne, Like me, wield power of your own. Making god hunter's gonna hunt you down. If you're something more than flesh, Ascended, and you've taken on the rest. To end it then she'll find you in a dream, Tormented. Godhunter's gonna hunt you down.

code by corvus || art by ale-tie

Fucking fuck the Lagoon. She had managed her whole damn life with only going there twice and now, she couldn't seem to get away from the damn place. She wanted to stay away from Isla, away from that fucking tug that she couldn't push away, away from the reminder of her falling flat on her face but here she was, following her sister back to the Lagoon. Again. Fuck.

She stayed with Louve as she came up to @Miaran and spoke to the Cove's leader. Elaine struggled not to look for her. To keep her attention on the fights happening all around her. Her attention focused on Luther's fight as she listened to Louve and Miaran. Sorcière? witch? She didn't know who it was that she was talking about. Sa famille était autrefois notre alliée la plus forte et la plus ancienne. Luther l'a brisé. Il s'est retourné contre nous. Tout cela parce que nous sommes des femmes dirigeantes. On ne peut pas lui faire confiance. His family was once our strongest and oldest ally. Luther shattered it. Turned on us. All because we are females leading. He can't be trusted. Elaine glanced over to the Queen. The very new Queen. Notre famille est ici depuis de nombreuses années et tient les Bluffs depuis environ 7 ans maintenant. Nous avons vu et traité beaucoup de choses. Luther peut dire qu'il sera là pour vous, mais dès qu'il pense que vous ne répondrez plus à ses besoins, il se retournera contre vous. Our family has been here for many years and has held the Bluffs for about 7 years now. We have seen a lot and dealt with a lot. Luther may say he will be there for you but as soon as he no longer thinks you will serve his needs he will turn on you.

She didn't know if Miaran would listen or not but Elaine would always be against those who turned on her family after trust was placed there. She didn't really know why Luther had turned on them and it wasn't like she was going to ask. Her gaze swept around and caught sight of Isla as she came barreling in. How long would it be before she could look at her and not have a mix of feelings that confused her beyond belief? She pulled her gaze away and landed it on @Icefangs. Lier

Art by Lars

This needs to be handled delicately.

Very, very carefully.

He follows Miaran and her niece, the dutiful heir, into the Lagoon. The battle is underway and there is plenty going on - quickly enough the queen peels off to speak to the Bluffs sovereign, and Haakon’s gaze trails across the battlefield for something to do. But unlike the war with Andal, he needs to pick a target carefully.

His gaze lands on Aphrodite.

That’ll work.

He launches himself across the sand towards her, attempting to barge his shoulder into hers. But at the same time, he attempts to wrap a foreleg around her shoulders and keep her steady - so that she cannot fall. His muzzle slips upwards, trying to get close to her ear.

"Play along, we need to talk." He whispers to her, so softly he can hardly hear himself speak.

Haakon vs @Aphrodite
‘Minor Maim’
Round 1
Hits:

Rolling 0d20: 1

Dodges:

Rolling 0d20: 6

Luck:

Rolling 0d20: 3

art © drifty | code © hinter

There was a call in the distance. Not a challenge persay, but a summons for help. A plea from Morrigan for allies. The shuffling within the tunnels of Obsidian was enough to get Hero's feet moving as well. He followed the scent of his pridemates not towards Illyria, but towards the Lagoon. The Hodari hadn't the time to figure out what was going on to warrant all the chaos, but here he was now. Even if he didn't know many of his pridemates yet, it was easy to see who was a Savante at least.

Alexander was already in a fight while the scent of Obsidian lingered around in other areas. Morrigan was in a fight as well, and just as he looked across the crowd, there came Isla jumping into a fight of her own. Eventually, his icy gaze found his father's form, but before he could see much else, there was a chill down the Cleric's spine. It was the pull of the ethereal, and sure enough, there stood two familiar faces among the living. Tobin and Dero. Apparently the call for allies wasn't just extended to the living, but to the dead as well. Though he didn't know what they could do to help, it was still nice to see them support their friends and family.

For now, Hero just lingered along the outskirts. He was still fairly new to Obsidian, unaware of what exactly sparked this fiasco in the first place. What side was against which? Who was friend and who was foe? His focus would remain on those he knew for the time being, ready to jump into the fray at a moment's notice.

Open to fights!

tb | stk | dv

+10 20 Intercept a trespasser

The first voice to call out to bring them all together was familiar, and the tone implied they were in for a good night. Rémi had been on the opposite side of the lagoon, lounging by the water and taking in the sunset, but he pulled himself to his feet and began his casual stroll toward the summons.

It was the second call that really got him moving. A call for assistance on the heels of what had sounded like a call for a party was very concerning and lent new context to the other sounds already drifting over the territory.

By the time he came skidding to a halt in the sand, the queen herself was there, ordering the removal of all enemies before launching into battle herself. Rémi may have been new, but he'd been offered one bit of advice at the passage - trust no one from the brook. And he had no reason to distrust Matthieu's advice.

It was a pale coat that caught his eye first, and the stance that implied she'd come seeking trouble. He moved with purpose, then, attempting to put himself directly in @Melusina's path, already in a defensive posture, "You gon' git right back ovah dose bordah's if ya got any sense in ya, cher." The implied 'or I'll drag you over myself' was left unsaid.

Rémi vs. @Melusina
Dominance/GTFO
Round 0 / 3

code by corvus