this is Salem, a land filled with magic and maladies. It is a place where witches and their elemental familiars gather, a home to legend and
lore that predates time itself. Yet of all the wicked and wonderful stories the past can tell us of, the most magical are the ones yet to happen.
This is Salem - this is the start of your very own journey. Welcome to starfall
Starfall is an animaga witch roleplay set in mostly modern times. Members play as witches in a world plagued by monsters, where the only safe spots are walled cities. Starfall strives to be a character-driven roleplay with expansive lore and a highly interactive plotline. We want to allow members to
create and look back on a magical journey, and mold the site and its plot as their characters grow.
Post by corvus kasparian on Sept 26, 2018 3:57:18 GMT
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Corvus tapped his feet anxiously as he checked his watch. The longer he waited, the more chaos his dogs caused and even more, the more food they consumed regardless of whether or not it was good for them. He could see it now: his charges, recently bathed now sticky and ragged with dirt and grime and garbage as they dug their way through dumpsters and jostled passerbys walking with food. There would be no mercy for little girls or boys with ice cream as they were stalked mercilessly by the big St. Bernard known as Larosta who would most certainly chomp down on it before running. There would be no manners or apologies for poor, old Mrs. Bernstein as a tiny cocker spaniel named Juno bounced 3 ft into the air and stole food right off her bread bowl.
And that was just the tamer ones. God they were so cute, but all of them with so much wild freedom and each dog driving each other into a food frenzy was too much. He’d already heard the talking and there was only so much illusion could do to keep people from understanding that at least 8 dogs were missing. EIGHT. So Corvus was anxious to get going but he needed help. He couldn’t do it himself. He would’ve though, if Phillippe weren’t such an asshole about it. The bird, now in his miniature form, had refused to do surveillance for him unless he sought out help.
Something about owning up to his mistakes but more so the bird could laugh at him, as he usually did. So, as Corvus fidgeted he flipped through his notes one more time. He’d managed to gather copies of the little profiles of his missing canines for his partner to look through. Phillippe hawked something in his ear to catch his attention. The young man flinched dropping his puppy papers and then immediately proceeding to scramble to pick them up. “Shit shit shit shit shit” Good start, Corvus.
Post by saskia burovski on Sept 28, 2018 7:07:42 GMT
some time last week, a covenmate told saskia that she ought to focus on more serious missions, given her newfound rank. so today, she decides, she will help some poor lost dogs back to their kennels. it is a worthy cause, in her opinion at least. luci concurs. the matter is settled.
the destination: downtown sundial. the pair make their way there post-haste, saskia armed with a small backpack of various dog treats bought on a pet shop along the way, her eyes bright and determined at the prospect of helping some dogs. luci obligingly waits for the witch to be settled, and as soon as saskia grasps onto the bear’s fur for stability, bolts down the streets of sundial, emboldened by a noble cause.
‘purple haired guy?’ luci questions, the entrance of the shelter coming into view.
“that must be him! yeah!” saskia watches a handful of important looking papers flutter to the ground. “oh dear.”
the pair skid to a halt as saskia slides off luci, dropping immediately into a crouch to help the stranger pick up the papers. “hi!” she chirps, handing him a few of the papers she grabbed. her cheeriness is unwavering, and she beams with a megawatt smile as luci peers over her shoulder. “you must be corvus, right? i’m saskia, here to help with the runaway dogs!”
Post by corvus kasparian on Sept 28, 2018 21:45:34 GMT
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The fledgeling scrambles to at least slap a hand down to keep his papers from fluttering away. He flinches at the greeting, briefly startled but nevertheless attempts a nervous smile back though he doesn’t feel as excited as the ginger before him. “Saskia. Nice to meet you. Yeah, I’m Corvus. Thanks for coming so quickly.” He stated before standing up and dusting off his knees. He looked over at her bear, eyeing Luci curiously for a moment, as if he wanted to pet, but refrained. He pushed away the urge and instead handed Saskia the bundle of papers for her to look through. “Right, thanks a lot I know this was really short notice. Here’s the profiles of all the missing borfs. They kind of range in intelligence, but the smartest one is most likely leading the pack and hidden.”
“Oh, this is Phillippe. He will be our eyes in the air. That’s all he’s willing to do today.” The witch explained while the bird preened himself silently. “Uhh…oh! None of them bite. So you don’t have to worry about that.” He continued, assuring his companion that the dogs weren’t out for blood. They weren’t mangy strays. Well, some of them had been at one point. But they were better now, thy didn’t attack people. Cats though. He made no promises with someone the smaller dogs.
With that explanation Phillippe took flight, smacking Corvus in the head as he took to the hair. Corvus didn’t try to follow his path as the jewel on him reflected the sun harshly. “He can’t really…survey too far is the only thing. I-...I can’t really sustain that much distance.” The young man explained before handing off some collars and leashes to Saskia in case she got her hands on the dogs before he did. He then motioned in a general direction before adding, “Philippe says there seems to be a commotion in a bakery nearby, it might be the twins."
Post by saskia burovski on Sept 28, 2018 22:36:08 GMT
"it's no problem! missing dogs -- borfs -- is a very pressing issue, i came as soon as i could!" saskia has no illusions about the importance of her work. these dogs were depending on them! if they stayed out for too long, who knew what sort of havoc they would wreak? who knew what sort of danger they would get themselves into?
the papers are pushed back towards her, and now, she takes a proper look at them. names, brief descriptions of appearances and personality are written neatly, each sheet a compact fact file on the dogs they have to find. "this is really smart," she says with an encouraging grin, gesturing vaguely at the papers in hand. now she knew what to look for. luci peruses the files over her shoulder curiously.
corvus continues with his explanation, and saskia waves cheerily at his familiar as well when pointed out. carefully looping the offered collars and leashes around her shoulders, she gives her mission partner a thumbsup. "to the bakery it is, then!"
luci, now with destination in mind, bounds on ahead with her nose to the ground, doing the best she can to track the dogs on the ground. in a busy city like sundial, it is a feat easier said than done. 'i think some went this way,' murmurs the bear, and without further warning, lopes away from the two witches.
"she's just gone off to check out another trail," saskia explains to heath as luci disappears down an alleyway as they approach the bakery. "she shouldn't be too far away, but she might point us in the direction of another group later."
Post by corvus kasparian on Sept 29, 2018 2:51:10 GMT
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Corvus nodded quickly at Saskia. “Yes, exactly! Something bad could happen to them without supervision. Not all were strays, some were pets before they were abandoned.” He explained. Despite this, he brightens up as the novice compliments him. “Thank you! I was hoping you’d find it useful.” At least it would justify spending time on getting them. They begin, and Corvus watched Luci before looking back at the witch as she began explaining. He nodded slowly, “Ohh ok. That’s good. We’ll be more efficient like this!” he stated before turning to the bakery. The big sign is colored in earthy pastels and a says, ‘Tokens of my Confection’.
The closer they get to the door the louder the sounds of barking and yipping are as well as the sounds of crashing and employees yelling. A couple scrambles out of the place, bursting through the glass door before it slams behind them. Phillippe perched himself on top of the sign snickering softly at the chaos. ‘I heard they’d gotten into the kitchens and devoured some sort of cake mix.’ He told Corvus who only seemed to grow paler. “Strong signs point to they’re inside.” He relayed before sprinting up to the door and peeking into the glass. The place was pretty trashed. He saw a couple of people that had fallen on the ground as well as various crushed boxes of cookies and a couple of display cakes on the floor. Worst off all was the tiny pawprints coating some of the cream.
He opened the door careful he didn’t let out a sprinting demon puppy. “We’re closed!” screamed and employee, clearly exasperated. Corvus swallowed, unwilling to inform them he was partially responsible for this. “Clearly. It’s ok we’re here to help.” He explained as he moved aside to allow Saskia. “The twins are really…fast. And agile chihuahuas. Baxter is the black, he likes meat flavors a lot. Boris is the yellow one who prefers chicken.” He said carefully looking at the ground as he made his way to the back towards the kitchen. There was more yelling from there, and more paw prints. Oh no.
Post by saskia burovski on Oct 5, 2018 3:58:44 GMT
they turn the corner and the bakery stands before them, mild colours making for a rather pleasant sight, offset only by the cacophony that reaches their ears. saskia’s eyes widen, her eyebrows raised; that’s quite the ruckus the dogs are making. as she nears the entrance, she ends up having to duck out of the way of a fleeing couple, wincing as the glass door rattles shut against its frame. saskia chances a look inside as corvus carefully opens the door: cream-coated pawprints track across the tabletops. it’s a crime scene. it’s absolute chaos.
“understood,” she chirps at his explanation, already looking over his shoulder. looks back. thinks for a moment. “oh! i might be able to help with that.” as corvus makes his way back towards the kitchen, saskia following close behind, she reaches out to tap him lightly on the shoulder, frowning lightly in concentration as she repeats the spell on herself as well -- a surge of energy follows, and her limbs feel light, her movement fluid as the scroll takes effect.
she presses a hand against the kitchen door, peers in through the glass panels, and thinks she catches a glimpse of a small furry canine dart across its floor in a blur. “i’ll take left and you take right, and we’ll chase them into a corner?”
Post by corvus kasparian on Oct 6, 2018 6:52:28 GMT
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Before Corvus has time to saw anything he feels a familiar energy wash over his body. It’s weird, but not unpleasant. He feels more energetic somehow. His body feels different, but in a good way. It kind of feels like when Siobhan Kasparian helped him out against the wolves, but not exactly like that. Maybe it was because Saskia was casting it. Whatever the case, he nods his thanks and grins. He nods at his partner before adding, “Close the door on your way in. Once you have one start trying to scratch their spines. It’ll minimize the, uh, risk. Of biting.” His expression faltered at that before nevertheless they had to press on. “They’re all healthy and immunized so. Yeah.” And their teeth were like tiny jagged needles.
He gave the redhead one final nod before moving in almost stumbling forward as he didn’t expect how easy that was. Oh. Oh he was faster- Ohhhhh. Corvus righted himself, following through with a long, wide stride before planting his other foot down and falling into a better, more normal running pattern. Baxter snarled while Boris began barking excitedly. Corvus feels like he’s skating over flour and slick cream but he chases after the dog on his side. He ducks down to scoop one of the chihuahuas up only for him to beer sharply to the left and letting Corvus slam into wall.
It stings, but he keeps his eyes on the dog, clawing himself off the wall and pouncing after the little dog. Boris, you yellow little shit. The dog barks, turning to look back just as Corvus speeds after him and plucks him up with one hand. The dog yelps and he instantly feels like a sinner. His other hand immediately comes up to support the little dog and he slows to a stop while passing his fingernails over the spine to calm the whimpering dog. “Boris it’s me. You know Corvus? I sneak you bacon bits sometimes. What the hell were you thinking??” he asked pointedly as the dog, while scared, still bites onto his forearm before gnawing at it as he recognized the volunteer. “One down!” he announces with a smile as Boris lets out a howl in protest.
Post by saskia burovski on Oct 11, 2018 10:24:41 GMT
she nods, eyes determined and expression serious, carefully closing the door shut behind her. "right, gotcha." she hopes none of the puppies bite her. she's handled worse, she's certain, but still. puppy bites hurt the soul more than the flesh.
the floor is littered in every baking ingredient imaginable -- cream cheese and flour and pastel pink icing, and saskia tries her very best to avoid slipping in any of this. she's practiced this augmentation before, diligently so, and getting used to it has become far easier, but she's never once imagined that she would have to use it in a situation or place like this. she hops over a fallen flour sack, dodges a couple of fallen icing bottles, intent on capturing the remaining chihuahua.
oh, wow, it really is a very small dog. smaller than kirjava, even. definitely smaller than luci.
baxter gives another defiant bark, slipping and sliding his way around the table as saskia gives chase. she turns a sharp corner, inadvertently bashing her knee against a corner of a table ( comes very, very close to swearing but ends up emitting no sound but a strangled hiss ) but finally, finally!
she dives -- her hands close firmly around a squirming canine -- she catches! "you're terrible, you know that?" she informs baxter, quickly adjusting her grip to grab him by the scruff, out of biting range as she watches him kick the air harmlessly. her free hand scratches the dog's back cautiously as she chides him gently. "you should really be ashamed of yourself, look at the mess you made."
Post by corvus kasparian on Oct 22, 2018 5:34:57 GMT
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As soon as Boris is properly in his grip he begins to try to loosen his backpack so he can grab the leashes out. Two down. Six more to go. With any luck they were grouped together just like Boris and Baxter. After all, coordinating like that would be better. Then again they were just really excitable dogs. All he really knew for certain is that there would be a mess. Like the one that surrounded them. Boris whined in his grip as his brother was caught but Corvus gave Saskia a bright grin. “Excellent! We’re on our way then.” He said with a confident nod. Baxter growls, though he knows he is defeated. The scritches only do so much to appease him. He snapped at Saskia’s fingers but can only manage to reach back far enough to lick a knuckle before reverting back to just hanging out in her grasp. He can only huff as Saskia chided him.
With the kitchen quiet now, he yanks a leash out and hands it to Saskia before tugging one loose out for himself. “Let’s go through the back door. I want to keep moving.” He said, as he gave the kitchen a pointed look. Hopefully Saskia would get the picture. He carefully moves back to the door, careful not to slip on the flour and icing unless he wanted to crush his dog. He made his way quickly before the employees could rush in. They were probably still contending with the mess in the front, the kitchen staff chased out by two very loud, yappy dogs. Without another look back, he slides out a back door, exiting out to a dumpster and finally sets Boris down.
‘Thus far there are two other situations in your nearby vicinity. But I don’t know if it’s all of the dogs.’ Phillippe reports as he perched himself on the a nearby roof to look down into the alleyway. “Thanks for the intel.” He said with ease as he held up the door for his partner while Boris paced, annoyed he was held for so long and taken from his prized kitchen. “By the way, thanks for the speed.” He added once his companion was close enough to him. “It’s augmentation right?” he asked, eyes flicking to behind Saskia, ready to book it if he say an employee try to stop them for explanations.
Post by saskia burovski on Oct 22, 2018 6:03:21 GMT
as baxter calms down, saskia carefully adjusts her grip to hold the dog more comfortably, waiting for corvus to pass her a leash. a bite from a pup this small really couldn’t hurt too bad, but she would still rather not be bitten if she can help it. she gives a thumbs up with her free hand, grinning a million-watt smile. “progress!”
the kitchen is quiet in the wake of the chihuahua-shaped storm, and to be perfectly honest, looks kind of sad. she is all too eager to move onwards, following corvus out the back door with one last mildly apologetic look towards the kitchen, wishing she had some way to clean it up a little before they leave. alas, time is of the essence, and her magic aids little in such a task.
as they duck out the back door, saskia also fervently hopes ( and feeling a little guilty as she does ) that perhaps the employees will take a little longer trying to handle the trouble out in front. not that she wishes inconvenience on anyone, but even her stubbornly optimistic outlook concurs that the situation doesn’t reflect particularly well on them.
“augmentation, yup!” she confirms, nodding with a grin. it is something she has chosen to pick up all by herself, a magic studied from ground up without innate advantages nor even a consistent trainer -- she takes pride in this affinity, to say the least, and it shows in the sparkle of her eyes. but it isn’t the time to start rambling on about augmentation, so instead saskia focuses on where luci is, locates the silent and patient presence in her mind’s eye, and points down the alleyway.
“i think luci found another dog, it’s this way.” she takes off at a decent pace, a long-strided jog enabled by her affinity.
Post by corvus kasparian on Nov 17, 2018 1:10:58 GMT
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He's glad his enthusiasm is matched, if not doubled, by Saskia. Again, he believes himself lucky to have such a cool coven mate. Thank the Gods. He's relieved when the door closed behind Saskia but still not comfortable sticking around. As his guess is confirmed he piped up confidently, "I thought so! My cousin practices that often as well." he said. While he was usually afraid to even call out to Siobhan when it was just the two of them on the street, on account he didn't want to get pummeled, he felt fine speaking of her highly. Most of the time anyway. Couldn't be too careful. What if that shit got back to her? Then what? He didn't want to answer questions on that.
That is all he can say before Saskia confirms their next target has been located. Good. Hot on the girl's heels and still feeling fresh form her last spell, he follows her matching her speed with ease before lagging a few steps behind to better let the witch lead. Philippe follows their progress, unsure where the polar bear is, as well and too lazy to fly upwards to check. Something that large would be obvious to spot but why bother doing the work when Corvus and Saskia were already on it?
As the run he's happy to know they are at least in the same food district, cafes and bistros passing them by. He spotted the occasional food truck and even an advertising ice cream man. The luxury in choice amazed him and horrified him. There was so much here that was NOT safe for canine consumption and he didn't look forward to all the purging he'd most likely have to clean up. Whether it came out the front end....or most likely....the back end... The seemed to close in on a soup kitchen, or well, a restaurant that specialized in soups, thick broths, and stews. Probably really popular in the winter. "Isn't Soup Peddler a chain?" he asked aloud as they continued forward.
Post by saskia burovski on Dec 17, 2018 1:56:53 GMT
the augmented speed helps a lot. saskia isn’t the most physically fit of witches; she tries to avoid strenuous exercise, really. it’s not that great for her lungs, according to the doctors. besides, experience speaks for itself, and she knows that there’s only so much she can do before she starts wheezing and gasping for air like a fish out of water. for now, though, there are dogs potentially in danger, so her lungs aren’t really the top priority to her now. she can deal with that later.
they turn down an alley and close in on what looks to be a restaurant not too far off. “i think it is,” saskia responds thoughtfully. if her memory serves her right, it’s a fairly affordable chain too, perfect for a nice treat on a cold winter’s day. when you’re a starving kid on the streets and you scrounge up just enough money for a good bowl of soup, it’s practically christmas. "oh! i think i see luci!"
ahead of them, luci emerges from a side alley, beckoning them to follow her. she leads them towards the back of the restaurant, explaining as she does so. “i think one of them might be inside,” the familiar says, nodding towards the back door, which stands slightly ajar. “i think it might be the bin room, and whoever it is, they’re having a field day.”
[attr="class","s1lyrics1"]constellation of tears on your lashes
[attr="class","s1lyrics2"]burn everythign you love then burn the ashes
[attr="class","s1write"]
[attr="class","s1scroll"]
Maybe he should explore Sundial a little more if he was going to live here. The Soup Peddler he knew was farther away from the shelter. But he did recall one of the employees bringing something for a couple of dogs who were, well, a little pickier. It was a good training tool though. At least, that’s what he’d been told. It could’ve just been people spoiling the dogs again as they are often want to do. Corvus perked up, spotting the polar bear in the shadows. Philippe dropped down to perch on him as he slowed his pace once they got close enough to Saskia’s familiar. “Thank you, Luci.” Corvus said through pants.
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He has a vague idea of the dog inside but couldn’t be too sure. He takes a moment to check on the chihuahua twins who are panting hard after chasing after the pair of witches but seemed overall fine. Corvus is quick to give them both pats on the head and small scratch behind their large ears before tying them off to the side so they wouldn’t run away. Not that they would, laying on the pavement trying to catch their breaths. Philippe down to watch the pair of dogs while Corvus moved forward. “I’ll be quick, Saskia.” He whispered, stepping past her to look in. He could hear the sounds of an animal in the shadows scarfing down large amounts of probably garbage, which worried him. He leaned in waiting for his eyes to adjust as he squinted before catching sight of white fur and a long, cone like snout.
[break][break]
He brightened up before pulling back, a hand on the door. “Ok, ok. This one’s name is Samson. Or Samsy. He responds to both pretty much. He’s eating garbage even though he doesn’t like dry food that much, not sure if that’s an upgrade or…” Corvus began before trailing off. He shook his head before continuing. “He’s a big boy but kind of a coward. If he gets scared he freezes up.” At this point he looked at Luci. “I can try chasing him out and you wait for him with Luci. He’ll freeze up and you can leash him. Hopefully. He’s not aggressive so he won’t bite. Probably.”
