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.
[attr="class","a1lyric"]i got nothing but dreams inside[break] i got nothing but dreams
[attr="class","a1lyric2"]i'm just young enough to still believe, still believe [break]young enough not to know what to believe
[attr="class","a1icon"]
[attr="class","a1white"]
[attr="class","a1scroll"] There’s a bit of hesitation as he registers the visage of his friend but doesn’t quite fit the voice, or well his manner of speech. It was more refined than he was used to. Maybe a bit more controlled too? Then again it matched his outfit. Crisp material, shiny buttons, plenty of gold stitching. He liked the crown the best, though comically small it still glinted brilliantly in the low light. He kind of wanted it. He stared a little too long at it before answering. “I’m glad to see you too. I think it’s a dragon suit, or well, an attempt as something resembling one.” He explained, on cue he snorts, and the smoke form his nose spews forth a little harder, embers sparking at the tip of his snout.
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“Oh, t-that’s new!” he muttered catching sight of the little flames though they had most likely been an illusion, he hoped. His hand itched wishing he could write but he would have to remember the details for later and transcribe them into his notes before bed. “That’s good. This thing is a little sturdier than I’m used to.” He’d never worked as a mascot character before, maybe this was what it felt like. Warm, and bulky. “What do you think so far?” he asked, eyes once again drawn to the yellow and gold embroidery before drifting back up to the crown, the thing pulling it all together, in his humble opinion.
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“Your costume I mean. I’m trying to get my hands on as many as possible…” he added with an awkward laugh. He should’ve been focusing on the party, but his thoughts were too focused on weaving and that Really Shiny Crown. He scooted out of the way, dropping a couple more pumpkin seeds that had been jostled to the edge of the plate before adjusting his hold on it to keep form making a mess. “That and snacks so I can sit somewhere for a bit. It’s a little hard to move around people in this.”
[attr="class","a1notes"] Charani Petrov one week of all souls they said get it in while u can they sAID
A dragon suit? Okay that made sense. It also explained the bits of smoke and the tail. He was starting to look dragonic at the very least now that he had an idea what the red head was supposed to be. Like it just made sense now.
"What do I think?" Well he thought many things? But what was he asking about specifically. Why did he want to know? No wait. He was amazing... of course his opinion mattered. Nobody was as great as he was after all. Wait no that isnt right. That through felt strange in his head.
"I'm not sure. It feels kind of like being at one of my grandmother's parties..." Okay to be honest it felt kind of nice though. Unlike how he usually felt in these kinds of clothes this just felt right. Like he deserved this. Like he deserved everything. He did deserve everything.
"Oh yes. I'd assume it would be kind of hard to move in that. Come." The young man would grasp at his friend and was trying to pull him along. He gripped a little harder than he normally would. He wished he had a leash or collar for the other boy. It would make this so much easier.
Wait why did he think that? These costumes were strange. There was some seating and a wider area of the dance floor no that far from them he was leading his pet too.
[attr="class","a1lyric"]i got nothing but dreams inside[break] i got nothing but dreams
[attr="class","a1lyric2"]i'm just young enough to still believe, still believe [break]young enough not to know what to believe
[attr="class","a1icon"]
[attr="class","a1white"]
[attr="class","a1scroll"] Aiden forced his eyes away from the prince’s crown and back down to his eyes, stare still intense, slit pupils wide with attention. He gave a quick nod before he leaned in eager to listen to Charani. “I suppose you are in formal wear.” He murmured with another nod. The effects on him may be subtler. After all, his best friend wasn’t running around in a mostly rubber suit that had somehow magically melded itself to his body. They both tended to wear fancier clothing for certain gatherings.
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“Uh-” is all he can manage as the arm wrapped around his and tugged him. He was about to protest that he was moving too fast when he caught a glint of the boy’s crown and moved closer, not wanting to get away. It would be a wonderful add to his collection. What Collection? The Collection he was making. That’s where the watch had come from right? Right. Right?? Despite his best efforts there’s still people in the way, and Charani insisted on moving at a set pace. His pace. A spark of irritation flashed, and Aiden found himself letting out exactly two ‘excuse me’s to get through be uttering a sharp, low throated growl that surprised even him. But it worked, somehow, and he kind of liked that aspect about it.
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His throat was probably going to be sore tomorrow but whatever. Adding to the effect was the occasional flare up flame from his nose or the edges of his mouth as he bared teeth trying to get through. His plate of snacks was safe as least, keeping bystanders away like a dog guarding his bowl. A pair of rowdy carousers get to close to his lead and he snaps at them as well keeping them from jostling his friend. He’s glad to be able to sit relax with his food at last. “Thanks, uh, so-” he stabbed a soft cookie with his claws, lifting it up to his snout. “Cookie?” he offered with a small laugh before quietly trailing off as he wondered where exactly the more animalistic responses were coming from. Was that what transfiguration magic was like? It warped your senses a little bit to help you match what you were turning into? Weird. “What’s your plan now? Find a princess so you can have matching outfits?”
[attr="class","a1notes"] Charani Petrov one week of all souls they said get it in while u can they sAID
He didnt care about the protests of his dragonicly inclined friend. He should care shouldn't he? He didnt though. His needs and his desires were all that mattered after all right? He was the important one. The one who mattered more.
He was offered a cookie by the strange dragon boy and smirked at the offer. It was a nice jester for sure but he didnt want it. Didnt need it. It was still cute though... like a dog giving its master a ball or branch.
"I think we match pretty well. I mean a big scary dragon guarding a prince in a tower~" I mean sure it was usually some damsel in distress and a much larger dragon but details. Hed much rather spend more time with his new dragon pet. It was what he desired and that was what was the most important thing.
"I was thinking of dancing with a dragon. Though I have to say you'd look much cuter in a different outfit. Im thinking something with very short shorts and maybe a collar." He would wink and stick his tongue out at the red head to show he was kidding. He wasnt kidding but was playing it off like he was. Had to keep this locked up. I mean youve seen how this story ends after all.
The night was marching on as they spent time together. This party was for sure worth it. He didnt know it yet but this was one of the last times theyd spend such a close time together for quite a while. Before nightmares. Before dreams. Before pain. Just some fun pining with an oblivious redhead.
[attr="class","a1lyric"]i got nothing but dreams inside[break] i got nothing but dreams
[attr="class","a1lyric2"]i'm just young enough to still believe, still believe [break]young enough not to know what to believe
[attr="class","a1icon"]
[attr="class","a1white"]
[attr="class","a1scroll"] The cookie was declined, and Aiden had no problem plopping it into his own mouth. A couple of chews and he was onto his second cookie. He felt like he could actually eat a horse. He wasn’t starving so much as he just felt like he had a lot of room in his stomach, even if he had tried to eat a light lunch. He at least felt better not that Charani’s crown- uh, Charani wasn’t about to get knocked over or anything. He narrowed his eyes at his food trying to focus his thoughts. “Ohh, I like that too. Even if I'm not about to whisk you away to a locked tower.” He said looking back at his friend. He supposed Charani’s place could be interpreted at the tower.
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He tried not to grimace at Charani brought up dancing. He could barely move much less offer a decent dance like this. He didn’t have much of a dancing aptitude to begin with. The dragon frowned a little surprised but managing an awkward laugh. Though, he found himself considering it. “I’d do it.” The witch declared before lifting a claw and pointing at the boy’s hat. “But you'd have to give me your crown in exchange.” He’d meant it as a joke, but his words took on a more serious tone. Like a child trying to get something pretty in a pawn shop, he kind of really wanted that crown even if he had no reason to.
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He’d come here to study people’s costumes, and eat food, not collect trinkets. Although the thought of taking things excited him a little and he found his bright eyes had been wandering around staring at things that glinted to see if they were sequins or something better. He held out a hand to Charani ready if he wanted to take the deal not really thinking much of the consequences. After all, he was pretty big. People would give him a wide berth if he gave them a reason to.
[attr="class","a1notes"] Charani Petrov one week of all souls they said get it in while u can they sAID
That wasnt a question. He was going to dance with the prince. This was absolute. Fact. Why? Because he wished it to be so and that was all that mattered. Wait. Did it? He supposed it did. There was this air of confidence and a smidge of overbearing pride he had in this costume.
"Im not sure we could get out of the door with you in that costume to be fair haha" He had bloated so much from his normal form that it was probably not that easy for him to move. He didnt care. Did he care? Does it matter?
"I was not asking." He would say as his body stood very erect, purposefully trying to make himself tower over the other boy. His eyes held this air of superiority... suffocating and demanding.
The young man held out his hand to his friend. He ignored the part about the crown. He would not give up it so easily. Besides the crown was but a symbol. A symbol of his divine right and authority. Or... wait. What was he doing again? This felt weird.
"Stand." His tone was commanding and his voice sounded deeper than normal. It was much more authoritative than Aiden had probably ever heard from his friend. It was kind of strange and very much an effect of the costume. Less cute sweet prince and more Gilgamesh with pride and the power to make things so.
[attr="class","a1lyric"]i got nothing but dreams inside[break] i got nothing but dreams
[attr="class","a1lyric2"]i'm just young enough to still believe, still believe [break]young enough not to know what to believe
[attr="class","a1icon"]
[attr="class","a1white"]
[attr="class","a1scroll"] Aiden shrugged. As much as the costumes of Gloria Silverleaf intrigued him, he didn’t think he’d have much use for the dragon suit after tonight. He’d been at this for over an hour. Whatever little nuggets of knowledge he’d found interwoven into the costume was done. There wasn’t anything left he was pretty sure. “No, but it’s still pretty fascinating.” He felt less weighed down by rubber and more like he was an actual baby dragon standing on his own two legs. Fat, and clumsy but still a dragon. Still very much warm, and greedy. Gods he was greedy. Greedy for food, for gold- Er.
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He paused, huffing a puff of smoke as Charani asserted himself. A part of him shrank a little at his tone, and another part of him twitched in annoyance. He tended to be very accommodating when it came to his friend but…something about this didn’t sit well, didn’t rub his pride the right way. He might be a small one, but he was still a dragon. There was still an amount of respect or at least niceness that was to be expected. Now the comment of a collar sounded less like a funny joke and more like a fool’s errand. You couldn’t just do that to dragons. He felt at odds with his friend as he was told to get up. He kind of didn’t want to. Aiden grinned, baring his teeth on purpose.
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Despite how intimidating it kind of was, he held out his hand stubbornly. “The crown, if you would.” He returned the faintest traces of a growl in his words. Dance? Walk? Stand? Sure. But he wanted something out of it. He wouldn’t just obey because he could. If he could get something out of it, he’d much rather that. Also, the snacks. He couldn’t just…abandon them. Besides what kind of self-respecting creature would he be if he just let some human walk all ove- Aiden. Aiden you are human, you overgrown swamp lizard. "Consider it a fee, your highness."
[attr="class","a1notes"] Charani Petrov one week of all souls they said get it in while u can they sAID
A lowly creature thinks he can speak to me like this? Such insolence. Such disgrace. It didnt matter that behind that monstrous facade was a cute boy. No. He would do what he must.
"You think to highly of yourself. Dont make me laugh." He snickered at this thought that he would just give up the crown. No. He would do no such thing. His eyes moved to the other boys chest.
"I think this would be a fair deal though." He would say as he moved closer to the young man. How dare he try something so bold. Punishment was what he needed. This was deserved. Powerlessness.
The young man tried his hardest to touch the other boy. If he succeeded there would be a large and swift flow of mana radiating from his palm as he used Negation. Don't want to damage the costumes after all they were treasures he could possess. Relics of his kingdom. What?
The plus side is he knew what the costumes did and vaguely how transfiguration magic worked. That and he was in general a stronger purifier than his friend by virtue of just having done it longer. Well this was going to be interesting. What would happen if this worked... or even if it didnt how would he react?
[attr="class","a1lyric"]i got nothing but dreams inside[break] i got nothing but dreams
[attr="class","a1lyric2"]i'm just young enough to still believe, still believe [break]young enough not to know what to believe
[attr="class","a1icon"]
[attr="class","a1white"]
[attr="class","a1scroll"] The grin shifted into a grimace, teeth still out, annoyance doubling at his companion’s words. He wasn’t taking him seriously at all! “I’m giving you the chance to benefit from this. I could just as easily take it for myself.” He warned, unable to hold back his current irritation as dark smoke puffed out of his nose once again. Charani got to close for comfort and he issued a warning via loud snarl as a hand stretched out towards his chest. Finger tips are close for an instant and he’s quick to swat the regal hand away and glare, but it’s not quite before the magic suppressed Gloria Silverleaf’s costumes. That simmering anger is suddenly dulled, and narrowed pupils become a little bigger, a little rounder. Rubber feels a little looser, and skin becomes a little less scaly.
[break][break]
He felt very much less proud and more confused. The witch reached towards a chain on his person and pulls it up to check the time on his pocket watch. The costume had stopped. “Charani- that was uncalled for.” He complained. Now his time was ruined. He’d have to start from scratch again, that is, after Charani’s magic wore off. If not, he would have to find some way to make it wear off though…considering they were both purifiers that might be a little more difficult. Honestly it might just be a waiting game at this point.
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Even then it’d be a little messy. He had his previous numbers of course for comparison so maybe it wasn’t all lost. Well, not he really was talking out of a giant rubber mask. That was probably the appeal for these costumes. Something more lifelike what would make you forget you were sweating inside a rubber suit. Brilliant. The prior need to get his friend’s crown had forgotten for the moment. He wasn’t really interested in it like before. He didn’t feel that urge to collect the shiny. He did, however, remember what all the fuss was about. “You mentioned…you wanted to try dancing?” he asked, setting his plate of goodies on a seat beside him and standing up. Without a crown to steal there wasn’t really much reason for him not to go along with it. Besides, when did he really deny his best friend? Dragon Aiden would be howling right now.
[attr="class","a1notes"] Charani Petrov one week of all souls they said get it in while u can they sAID
A lowly creature dared to swat away his divine hand? If his magic had not worked he would have had to strike the creature in the face. Thankfully it did work. He could see the dragonic skin loosen and become less... realistic looking. It now looked like just some red haired twink in a costume. Because it was.
"It was the right call." That is because it was his call. His call was the right call. It came with the inflated ego of a king... excuse me the divine right of a king above all others. You know pohtayto or sociopath. Er. Pohtahto.
"I did. Lets dance." He would say as he backed towards his original position. He outstretched his arm to his friend like a prince trying to court a rich girl to be queen. He figured now that the creature was once again human he would be much more receptive to him. He was to be the boys future king after all.
He still had that air of superiority to him. Had that sense of being better than everyone. It was probably more noticeable as time went on. As was his greed growing. He would purposefully try to keep Aiden close to him. More than normal. And that is saying something.
[attr="class","a1lyric"]i got nothing but dreams inside[break] i got nothing but dreams
[attr="class","a1lyric2"]i'm just young enough to still believe, still believe [break]young enough not to know what to believe
[attr="class","a1icon"]
[attr="class","a1white"]
[attr="class","a1scroll"] “I guess? Kind of makes the costume even more awkward.” Aiden returned feeling that familiar rubber and weight on him. The comfortable heat from before seemed to increase. He could feel his sweaty bangs and a bead of sweat that trickled down his spine. The rubber felt smooth in some places and weirdly chalky in others. Not to mention now, if he wanted to eat, he’d have to pull up his mask to do so instead of just tossing food into a large, fanged gullet.
[break][break]
Aiden snickered at his friend, self-assured and confident. He was really leaning into that prince act, not that it bothered him too much now. If he really wanted to dance, then that was fine. It’s not like Aiden would be leading. He was in no condition to lead. Besides, with the way Charani was acting he doubted he’d be allowed the chance. “You sure you don’t want me to find you a partner?” he asked as he carefully took the other boy’s arm. He was back to walking weighed down but at least he could lean on Charani every so often for support.
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A thought struck him cold. His own time was messed up, but he could still observe any changes in Charani. Damn, he was going to be juggling a lot of times tonight, but hell if it wasn’t worth it! Yes, yes, yes! As they stepped onto the dance floor after clearing a path, Charani with his prince-ness and Aiden with his…ridiculously large form, the witch turned to his dance partner. “Last chance before I maybe step on your toes.” He stated, eyes staring intently at his friend excited to watch what he would do next. He’d been wearing his costume long enough for most of the transfigurative effects to take effect right? Now all that was left was to throw things at the seer and see how he reacted.
[attr="class","a1notes"] Charani Petrov one week of all souls they said get it in while u can they sAID
Aiden gripped onto his arm and that was all the cue he needed to start walking the boy to the dance floor. Well. More like waddling in the red haired boys case but still you get the idea.
There was only a small walk to the dance floor. Their food and drinks had been left alone. Unloved. Discarded. They didnt matter. All that mattered with the boy who was to soon be his. The boy whom would be the Prince Consort. That was all that matters.
"Dont worry. Just follow my lead." Even without the magic of the costume Charani was a rich boy whose family had hosted plenty of formal events. He could for sure dance like this and would take the lead with the bumbling costumed version of Aiden. They were also about the same height so it made things easy with placement of hands and such.
He would have his hands placed upon Aidens waste as he lead. Or at least once of his hands to try and help control where they were at all times in the dance.
[attr="class","a1lyric"]i got nothing but dreams inside[break] i got nothing but dreams
[attr="class","a1lyric2"]i'm just young enough to still believe, still believe [break]young enough not to know what to believe
[attr="class","a1icon"]
[attr="class","a1white"]
[attr="class","a1scroll"] While he didn’t want to doubt Charani’s skill, he also doubted the guy had practiced with such an awkward partner before. Thankfully ballroom dancing wasn’t that movement intensive. He just had to follow along and let himself get led in circles. Way better than leading. Aiden tended to get distracted while he danced, thinking through other problems instead of holding polite conversation like any other socialite. He didn’t really have a knack for not running into other couples who danced at events. He tended to give up one dance, after his grandparents ripped it from him, and then with his duty done, stick to the food and hide out in the bathroom.
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“Right, on it.” Aiden returned awkwardly placing oversized claws on his friend’s shoulder while the other held him. Now he really had no control of what he was doing, but at least now that his tail was more or less inert he wouldn’t feel it if someone stepped on it. For some reason that worry had followed him all night the minute he’d been able to control its movement. Slightly. Now the worry was gone. This ting was pretty sturdy, so it wasn’t like he had to worry about it ripping off. Even then, he was a weaver. He’d be able to fix it without issue, hopefully. He dind’t…exactly work with rubber a lot.
[break][break]
It’s not as hard as he’d initially thought at least. Or maybe, he’s just bulky so his steps are smaller. But even so, it’s not like the pace is too quick or the movements too sudden and he’s able to keep fat dragon legs in check. He focused on following for a bit before falling into a rhythm. Once he felt comfortable enough he spoke up once more. “You know, I kind of wish I could see myself. I like the idea of a big, doofy dragon getting led around.” He said with a snort. “What about you? Did you like what you got from the costume pile?”
[attr="class","a1notes"] Charani Petrov one week of all souls they said get it in while u can they sAID
Aiden slowly seemed to be becoming more comfortable as they danced. It was a nice feeling. Leading. A small example... a small taste of what he would be doing for the rest of his life. Leading. Right? Right. The costume made it so.
The silence was fine. He could just bask in the hidden face in front of him. Bask in the wild and handsome face he knew existed.... peaking barely from beneath the costume of a monster. It was like a small secret just for him. Everything was for him.
"I think its kind of cute~" A small amount of teasing. A small shine of his actual personality shining through the costume. Or was this all his personality? Just twisted and stretched to fit the transfigured mold? He wasnt quite sure how it worked in detail. It would be interesting to study. He was sure those scholarly types are doing just that.
"I dont know if like is the correct word to describe it. It feels more like... fate? Or something like that." He would have ended up with this costume no matter what. That was what the costume wanted him to believe. He was a prince after all and this toy crown and fake fancy garb was all part of his destiny. Though to be totally honest if it wasnt for the enchantment he had a lot of clothes made from nicer material and worth a lot more than this.
The dance was going as well as he could expect it too. He couldnt exactly do anything super fancy like lifts or the like because of the bulky dragon costume. There was also no telling how long his magic would effect the costumes magic. On the plus side he didnt cause it to violently explode. So yeah that was a good thing.
Taylan is granted no time to reply before Desmond feels a chill in his hand and notes a low, dark flame lick across its surface. His eyes dart downwards just in time to witness the flesh withering away, though he feels neither pain nor discomfort. Perhaps, if he were not in the midst of a gathering of witches adorned in illusion and transfiguration magic, he would have been more concerned, but, as it stood, he was more curious at this new development than panicked.
"... That's new..." he mumbles to himself as he inspects the hand which was now reduced to mere bone and silver jewelry. The fingers bend at his will, despite having no sinew between the joints, and they feel to have lost none of their strength, despite having no muscle around them. His other hand is still flesh, he notes, and he can feel his furrowed brow and pressed lips still on his face. The chill he'd felt didn't seem to be spreading, and no further changes (at least, that he could see or feel) made themselves obvious.
In the act of examining his newly-skeletal hand, through the space between the fingers he sees some anonymous partygoer in a ridiculous-looking dragon costume swaying around the dance floor. He almost wrote it off as an amusing, but inconsequential sight, until he saw who the dragon was dancing with.
With the divining sight granted to merely one in a million, he probably should have been surprised that he had run into this particular annoyance again. But, at the moment, he'd slipped into a emotional sludge of apathy, fatalism, and -- after looking away and taking a drink which leaves the glass more empty than full -- alcohol. He settles for making a slight grimace at this new development and stealing another tart off of Taylan's plate.