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 28, 2018 6:29:46 GMT
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Corvus fidgeted on his horse. He adjusted his hair, clipped back for better visibility in the dark. His black mare’s mane was littered with tiny little braids he’d given her to keep himself occupied. They’d just set off and he was already, well, kind of bored. The missions required absolute speed and stealth, two things he was sort of good at? Sort of. How about just barely? Phillippe snorted in his head. Corvus only grimaced in vague annoyance. He clicked his tongue at his horse gently veering it around a puddle of mud, so she wouldn’t get dirty. She didn’t seem to care but he doubted anyone liked being dirty. He didn’t really enjoy it.
He took his baths seriously, scratching and scrubbing himself raw and reveling in the steam. Maybe that was a little extreme, but it wasn’t like he always did deep cleans. He just nitpicked himself really, but he liked looking and feeling pristine. Even if his clothes couldn’t be, at least he personally felt cleanly. Corvus looked at his companion, just a couple of feet from him and his lips twitched as he tried to think of something to say. Frankly, he wouldn’t be able to stay sane if they were wuiet all of the time, but that was part of the mission. On the other hand, wasn’t it more suspicious that they were trying to be so quiet? He tugged on the dark blue hood, slowing his pace slightly to so he could keep pace with his companion.
“So, um, how long ‘till…Town Proper?” he asked as he gave a look at Kasimir before going back to looking around them for anything suspicious. His head would stay on a swivel, though he didn’t understand why really. It would be incredibly difficult to set up an ambush with no cover. Likewise, it would be very easy to escape. He could hide his horse, sure, but he couldn’t silence her very easily.
Post by kasimir burovski ✨ on Sept 28, 2018 16:45:34 GMT
blue moon
you saw me standing alone
if there are any type of missions kasimir is entirely unused to, it would be these. protection of goods, delivery, and alert for potential ambushes while simultaneously looking out for a fledgling witch? quite honestly, he is more often on the other side of this scenario. but he, apparently, makes for an adequate enough mentor - presumably? - that he has been assigned so; kasimir has rather given up on attempting to understand dmitri wisbane's motives these days.
he shifts on his horse to a more comfortable position - and that, too, is something he is rather unused to. riding - it is not a skill he uses very often, though he is adequately proficient. the pace is a brisk one, not anywhere near maximum speed, but rather optimised for endurance; the rhythmic clopping of hooves against the ground almost fade away as it sets the beat of the universe for this journey, this moment in time. kirjava trails behind at a distance enough to keep them in view, but far enough to be aware of potential ambushes from behind.
he glances back at his companion, the darkness hiding the wry tilt to his lips. "approximately another half-day's ride. we may yet reach there by dawn." unsaid is the expectation that something will probably happen to extend their journey thus. he is not expecting it to occur here on the wide, open plains ( though he can certainly think of possibilities - invisibility spells, aerial ambushes, ranged approach from behind ), however, "there is a small expanse of wooded valley ahead," he says, voice quiet in deference of the nighttime hush. "in approximately half an hour. it is probably the most likely location for an ambush."
Post by corvus kasparian on Sept 28, 2018 22:30:12 GMT
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Corvus isn’t exactly thrilled at the prospect of seeing literally nothing until dawn. He’s already prepared though. He’d slept before the mission started but even then. The boredom might lull him to sleep once more. Though, what his partner said next was a little alarming. Exciting, but alarming. “Really? I thought Gale Valley was just flatland.” He whispered back. Would it be incredibly thick forest? Could the valley even sustain that? He glanced around, unimpressed with the little bit of shrubbery that grew around the dirt path.
“Oh…half an hour then.” Corvus echoed. He waited a moment, expecting Kasimir to continue but he didn’t. He gave it a minute. Actually a minute. He nervously sat on his horse, letting her clop away and counting very slowly to sixty before looking up from the path before them at the other rider. “So…is there something we should do to prepare…or?” he asked before putting forward quickly. “I have this spell I can use, but I don’t know if it’ll cover both me and Patricia.” Patricia, being the mare, he was borrowing.
By that extension, he doubted he’d be able to cover his partner either. Hopefully, being an older, more experience coven mate he had his own methods of stealth. Corvus for now would have to rely on the old school tricks. After all, his elemental magic was pretty eye catching all things considered. He refrained from mentioning this was more or less his first stealth mission. That much was probably evident.
Post by kasimir burovski ✨ on Sept 29, 2018 4:20:42 GMT
blue moon
you saw me standing alone
"for the most part, gale valley is composed of hills, flatland, and farmland," he replies simply, though that description does not do the verdant landscape justice. "but there is the occasional wooded grove, though they are nothing so thick like the forest bordering eclipse." he gestures ahead to the top of this hill they are on, ascending at such a slow and steady rate that it almost seems to be flat. "once we reach the top, you will be able to see it."
he lets the quiet settle once more, lets the veils of night fall upon the lands in soft cascades of deepening blue. there are few clouds this eve, and enough stars and moonlight to see by with relative ease. it is almost relaxing, in a way, to wander through this witching hour as spectre, an observer, a mortal underneath the boundless sky; if not for the mission at hand, it would almost be enjoyable.
the silence, of course, does not last so long in the face of his nominal partner. a part of him is actually rather surprised that kasparian has lasted this long. he considers the question, and how to answer it - he is here to serve as a mentor or guide of sorts, he assumes, and that places a responsibility on him he will not disavow. "generally," he begins, "it is a good idea to have your familiar out, so that elemental spells can be used at short notice. it is not as necessary if their reflexes are fast, but it is a good precaution nonetheless. they can also serve as a scout, with relative safety, dematerialising if they encounter danger. my familiar is currently trailing behind us to ensure we are not followed or ambushed."
"preparation is a good idea, but so is conservation of energy. it is probably too early to cast anything as of yet." he glances to the side, studying kasparian quietly. "what affinity and element do you wield, if i may ask? what spells do you know?" kasimir knows many of the witches of his coven by name, appearance, and magic, but even he cannot keep up with all the fledglings they have.
Post by corvus kasparian on Sept 29, 2018 5:09:45 GMT
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Corvus stayed quiet, but he nodded his head to show he was paying attention in the darkness. He humms softly before pointing out, “I don’t think I’ve been to Eclipse Town yet. But it sounds like…scraggly kind of.” He stifled a snicker at himself before quieting down. This was professional time. He was on a mission. Jokes. To a minimum. Until they were out of danger anyway. “Ok.” He waited shivering in excitement at the thought of seeing something now.
He listens closely, leaning towards the other rider slightly at the redhead begins explaining. “I- uh- well, what if your familiar is really big? Phillippe is ok in the city, he’s maybe hawk sized but out here, uh, he’s riding sized.” Corvus returned unsure if it was worth the risk of having Phillippe flying above them. Even at the edge of the distance he could have him out, would it be too noticeable? Maybe he should’ve tested this earlier before they set off. As Kasimir notes their familiar is behind them, he takes a furtive glance backwards before snapping his head forward again. He’d been told already; he didn’t need to confirm it.
“I’m a fire illusionist. Though, I only really know one spell really well to hide myself with.” The witch explained before adding quietly, “Phillippe and I can breathe fire sometimes. The other one is Firestorm which someone else taught us.” It wasn’t much, but then again, he’d gotten through pretty well without having to rely on magic so he thought it was decent enough. He was still capable of keeping himself alive, to a certain degree anyway.
Post by kasimir burovski ✨ on Sept 29, 2018 5:38:12 GMT
blue moon
you saw me standing alone
he raises an eyebrow at kasparian's opinion, though the fledgling probably cannot see it in the dark. "scraggly is not the adjective i would use to describe it," he comments drily, his mind immediately flashing to the wooden buildings and the thick, wild forest, and the giant seven-meter spiders. no, eclipse is many things, but 'scraggly' is not one of them; now is not the time to debate descriptions, however.
he glances at the other witch, amusement concealed by an imperturbable countenance. "size does pose some limitations, but being able to fly negates many of them. scouting ahead is perhaps less viable, but if he were to fly high in the sky, he would be able to provide a good aerial view of the full surroundings, especially in a cloudless night like this. and were we to be attacked, you could climb atop him and take to the skies." being able to take advantage of an aerial position is very useful, as he can personally attest. were it not for their horses, kasimir would highly suggest they take this journey on wing and not by the road.
kasparian glances backwards as he mentions kirjava trailing; "she is well hidden," kasimir tells him.
he does pause a little at kasparian's revelation. that... would certainly explain why they have been paired together. fire and illusions, like kasimir himself; he makes an affirmative noise and nods. "i have experience in both, too," he says. "breathing fire is good, but i would highly advise you to save firestorm for when you are more experienced in controlling your fire, unless you have no other options. it can be difficult to control, and setting fire to the surroundings is a concern."
"which illusionary scroll do you refer to?" he asks, thinking to the two most common ones that fit the description. "invisibility, or darkness?" there are different strategies for each.
Post by corvus kasparian on Sept 29, 2018 6:40:25 GMT
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Corvus can only grin at his companion’s reply. Well, he’d see it eventually. For now, he would imagine bushy, hand drawn tree then. He found himself nodding to Kasimir’s words again. He’d had Phillippe spirit him away multiple times in his life. It was very useful. Though he tended to hide him away as well. Maybe that was why he was so sparkly when he materialized. As the man went into detail of all the benefits of his partner, he felt Phillippe’s ego seem to bloat. He knew it was. He felt a little sorry he hadn’t considered that. “I was worried he might get spotted too easily.” He explained briefly before, very politely, asking for his bird to materialize. ‘I don’t understand the concern when I’m the one that babysits you.’ The massive jaeger says in his head as Phillippe gracefully drops into existence at the edges of his control, directly above him. ‘What do you see?’ the witch asked before a moment of silence as Phillippe looked around. ‘I can see the grove he’s talking about.’ The bird returned but didn’t elaborate. Nothing else interesting then. He then turned back to Kasimir before replying, “Phillippe likes being seen. I don’t think he knows how to hide.”
He seemed to straight up as his partner noted he was of the same affinity and element. “Really now?” he whispered back in disbelief. How lucky he’d gotten a mission with him then. He makes a mental note to pester him after the mission for some practice. Maybe he could teach him something new, given he knew so little. Haha. “Yes, Phillippe gets a lot of spread with firestorm, but it’s like embers at that point.” Good to know. Especially here. It seemed like a wildfire could spread easily on this kind of terrain if they lit it at the right time of year. “Darkness. I usually ball up and then, uh, do it.” He said with a shrug. It wasn’t the easiest thing to explain how you commanded mana.
Post by kasimir burovski ✨ on Dec 16, 2018 7:09:05 GMT
blue moon
you saw me standing alone
a massive jaegar materialises above them, fire trailing at his wings and practically dripping in gold and gems. he glitters, even in the distant light of the stars, and, well. kasimir can certainly see why kasparian is concerned about his familiar being easily spotted. "perhaps," he suggests mildly, "the accessories can be temporarily removed when stealth is required."
for a brief, humorous moment, he pictures his own familiar hunting while adorned in such a manner; kirjava snorts indelicately and tells him to dream on.
"on occasion, kirjava likes to be seen, too," he responds. certainly, his familiar has mastered the art of a flashy entrance, gold eyes flashing with fire as flames dance across her fur, claws gleaming in the light, all fangs bared. sometimes, being seen is a tactic in and of itself - being seen and being feared. "there is a time and place for all tactics."
he inclines his head. yes, no doubt the upper ranks of their coven had paired them in hopes of mentoring. kasimir is not opposed, per say, but he is not a teacher either, and it is not a role he is comfortable playing. regardless, he has a responsibility now, and he will try his best. "he will improve with practice," he says, and nods at the further description of the illusion. "pairing darkness with fire techniques is an effective strategy. it is difficult to avoid what you cannot see."
[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"]
Corvus doesn’t really look up, more corned to see if there’s movement in front of him after his giant familiar makes his entrance. He’s quick to look at his companion, blinking for a moment at the obvious suggestion. “I- I guess I could…try to get him to do that.” He said, dumbfounded for a moment. After all, Philippe had been materializing in jewels since his childhood. He didn’t think he’d ever seen the bird plain. He doubted Philippe ever wanted him to. There brief silence as Corvus sends up this request, and a visible flinching in the witch as Philippe fires back something indignant. Still, he obeyed, and soon enough Corvus is staring up at the vague form of his friend, no longer glimmering in the darkness as brightly as before.
[break][break]
He nods at Kasimir though when relaying the words to Philippe it only really gets a snort at Corvus for making him dress down. “I guess. I think I’m mostly well versed in distracting people.” It had been one of his jobs after all. If he couldn’t keep all eyes on his while walking a tightrope or flipping through the air, what good was his act doing for the Ringmaster? “At least, I was. Um. I’m not sure how good I am in this kind of context..” he added fidgeting a bit on his horse. Being on a mission was different after all. For the most part the most difficult missions he’d had someone older or more experienced than him helping. It made him a little anxious to be frank. After all, sometimes you could jeopardize each other in situations like this. He didn’t want to be responsible for anyone getting seriously injured…or something to that extent.
[break][break]
Fighting was not his strength… not like Siobhan Kasparian or maddox rothscus ✨ who seemed to scrap constantly, showing up with different cuts and bruises and wounds every time he saw them. But, he chocked it up to inexperience. After all, he wasn’t averse to fighting. He just didn’t know how to do it properly and therefore would rather avoid something he’d most likely lose than attempt to best someone in the moment. “Oh really? I haven’t…tried running around while covered in Darkness yet. I’m light on my feet but not…completely silent.” He explained with a little laugh. “I was hoping I could learn some sort of spell or illusion that would help cover my tracks like that.” He added, glancing at the other witch for guidance as the tree grove they had discussed prior came closer and closer. His horse snorted, catching Corvus’ attention as he looked forward again.
Post by kasimir burovski ✨ on Nov 2, 2019 21:38:31 GMT
[nospaces]
[attr="class","ashni-frame"]
[attr="class","ashni-stars"] ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩
[attr="class","ashni-textbox"]kasparian seems strangely surprised at this suggestion, as if having his familiar materialise without all the accessories is a completely foreign concept, never encountered before just now. he cannot imagine why — surely, surely they have attempted so before? the gold and jewels and ornaments hardly seem comfortable, after all, even without considering the intensely eye-catching nature of the bedazzlement. [break][break]
it takes longer than expected, but the massive bird overhead eventually loses his sparkle, becoming just an ominous and looming shadow in the dark night sky. still not exactly the most stealthy, but at least he could pass for a low-lying oddly-shaped cloud now.[break][break]
"distractions are quite useful," he comments lightly, aiming for a tone hopefully somewhere close to encouraging. distractions really are quite useful — they should know, they are both illusionists, after all. "i am sure you have the relevant skills. translating them to different contexts just requires a little experience." which missions should provide. [break][break]
he nods. "there is an illusion for that, though it may be easier to buy a pair of boots with the relevant enchantment. opponents are generally too disorientated by darkness to pay much attention to sound initially, though." he himself relies simply on being physically quiet; it would probably be a good idea to follow through on his own advice.[break][break]
any thoughts regarding spells and illusions quickly become secondary to the grove lying ahead on the horizon like a sleeping beast. his witch's intuition pings — he can sense five other witches like minor sunspots against the quiet of the trees, and two familiars hidden in the bushes. they feel no more than novice strength, most of them apprentice level; not a true threat, he decides, unless a stronger cloaking is involved. [break][break]
speaking of which, he automatically cloaks himself. halting his horse, he murmurs to his companion, barely loud enough to be heard even at this close distance, "five witches up ahead, probably apprentice level. two familiars hidden in the bushes. would you prefer to gain some experience fighting, or for me to deal with them?"
[attr="class","ashni-tags"] @ corvus kasparian[break] # it's been almost a year! tell me if u want to abandon this