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 astartia zamóre on Jun 29, 2017 4:14:23 GMT
❧
Astartia never took the time to frequent the ports very often; it was far too abrasive for her tastes, too noisy, simply unpleasant, but she could manage. It wasn’t that she necessarily disliked large crowds, but the odd smells were an issue she didn’t particularly enjoy dealing with, though she did find the local marketplace interesting, visiting and looking for wares and the like there from time to time. Now, however, she couldn’t spare a moment to take a gander at what was being offered, instead looking over the boats docked there, searching for the one the Gerhard family had decided to provide for her sister and her. She honestly couldn’t fathom why the family would be so careless with an apparently priceless, precious family heirloom to cause the loss of it at the hands of their clueless son. [break] If the family is so loaded, why couldn’t they dock their ship somewhere other than this shithole of a port, she thought with an audible snort, rolling her eyes as she walked, her hand raised to shade her from the beating sun. To be fair, Astartia never cared enough to go looking for any such other port, but she figured there had to be one; surely the rich and fabulous had higher standards than a place such as this. Probably didn’t want to actually let us use one of their ships, wouldn’t be surprised if they rented one for us instead. [break] Astartia would soon find that her suspicions weren’t unfounded when she happened upon a boat — a decent one, at the very least — with an attached sign bearing their names and a shiphand attending to it. [break] “This ship for you?” the crew member remarked after Astartia had stood there, examining the vehicle, for a good few seconds. Astartia merely nodded in response, her gaze remaining on the boat. [break] “How’s it running?” she inquired, finally looking to the man who’d spoken to her. [break] “She goes smooth; you’re lucky you got this one, she’s one of the finest rentals this side of the coast,” he responded with a hearty laugh. [break] After going over how to operate the ship with the man — as he apparently had other endeavors to attend to, and he wasn’t exactly a chauffeur for hire — he took his leave of her. Astartia, having yet to see her twin, Lucena, clambered onto the boat, taking a seat at the edge of the ship facing the crowd, her legs dangling over the edge and her head resting on her forearms against the railing as she waited for her sister to arrive and for them to get moving. mission prompt
Post by lucena zamóre on Jul 31, 2017 20:41:41 GMT
I've been watching your kindness keep A lonely company Look at the fire and think of me I've been watching you creep Around my wandering feet Trying for years to flee
Lucena never bothered to frequent the ports of Sundial, the bustling crowded atmosphere of the docks were far too much for her tastes and she typically prefered to stay deep within the city’s boundaries; nestled in her shared home with her sister or hidden deep within the library at the city’s center. The port was one location she preferred to visit the last, the unpleasant strange stench that seemed to waver in the air had only supported her reasoning. Despite the bitter taste the docks left in her mouth, the port did hold some charm in her eyes and watching ships venture off to sea piqued her adventurous nature though the moment was short lived when she remembered her own purpose being at the port– the careless actions of the Gerhard Family.
She could recall her thoughts upon receiving the mission notification, the utter disbelief that swept over when she accepted the requested; their situation had seemed uncannily familiar to that of the Vanruschild Family. How can such esteemed clans be that careless with priceless heirlooms and entrust children with them at such a young age? She thought, a small huff of frustration leaving her lips as she ventured further into the docks.
It was a difficult task to not criticize the judgement the parents had with their own children. Even if Lucena wanted to place judgement on them, she was in no position to do so; raising children does take a handful out of someone, even the luxurious.
Lucena shook her head at the thought, her eyes glancing over the various docked ships at the port; attempting to pinpoint the ship she was expected to use alongside her sister. Her search was rather short lived, light colored eyes grazing over a familiar sight of braided stark white hair before settling on the lackluster appearance of the boat, “I suppose the Gerhard’s wanted to save their funds?” Lucena inquired, raising the volume of her voice to catch the attention of her sibling while her hand moved to adjust the satchel nestled at her side.
She didn’t quite expect the family to supply them a luxurious boat for their mission, but she did anticipate seeing a better looking ship than the sight she was greeted with, “Beggars can’t be choosers.” Lucena mumbled, the words falling from her lips as she reluctantly moved to join her twin sister; the boat rocking slightly at her moments as she awkwardly attempted to claim her seat.
Post by astartia zamóre on Jul 31, 2017 21:48:24 GMT
❧
Astartia was lightly swaying her legs along with the shift of the ship on the ocean waves, golden eyes scanning over the hordes of citizens crammed onto the wood-floored deck and accompanying marketplace a ways away; she’d observe in intervals before shifting her gaze over to the other boats and getting lost in the dark waters below. She could feel a presence beside her, and didn’t have to guess what it was. [break] I thought I told you we were going out at sea for this one, Astartia reminded her familiar inaudibly, attention turned back to searching for Lucena. The rainbow boa let out a slight, almost amused, hiss. [break] Oh, but you’re so alone, Tart, the snake teased, brushing her regal head against Astartia’s side before rearing up to look over the crowd better than her witch could— one of the upsides to having a powerful snake who can reach ten feet in length. I might as well keep you company. [break] Astartia puffed out a breath, though it sounded more like an abrupt laugh, at her familiar’s words — or thoughts, really — before both of their attention was caught by an unmistakable voice. [break] “That, or they just don’t think the people who are retrieving their precious family heirloom aren’t worth an actually decent boat. Or both. They’re probably too snobbish for our tastes, anyway,” Astartia replied in an almost indignant — and even annoyed — huff, before finally greeting her sister properly with a warm smile. [break] “Whatever, you’re here now, so that makes it better,” she grunted out as she maneuvered herself back into a standing position without falling over; Salacia snickered. [break] Astartia rested her pale hands along her hips; she’d decided to put on a pretty bikini for the occasion, though she was wearing a darker blue, lightly laced “overshirt” which was really a dress to cover up until they had to go into the water. [break] “The dude who was watching it for us said it was the best one at the port but I’m not exactly sure if I should believe him or call bullshit on it,” Astartia relayed, rolling her eyes near the end of her words. [break] “Anyway, guess we should get going then. He did prove a bit useful; showed me how to operate this thing.” [break] With that, Astartia made her way past her sister and toward the “captain’s quarters” — which was really just the front driving seat of the ship, but that mattered little; she patted the seat beside her, motioning for Lucena to sit, whereas Salacia was perfectly fine coiling up on the ship’s floor which was lower than the small ledge Astartia had rested on. [break] “At least we both have Water Lily’s Blessing, yeah? Makes this way easier.” With that, Astartia put the ship key into the ignition to fire up the motor before taking the party out of the docks and toward the sea. “Oh! I forgot; I got us a compass and a map to pinpoint where the damn thing’s supposed to be. Do you mind using them while I steer to help with the directions? I can have Salacia do it otherwise—” [break] “That’s bold of you,” Salacia spoke, her sultry tone hinting at amusement. Astartia merely waved her hand in the air to dismiss her.
I've been watching your kindness keep A lonely company Look at the fire and think of me I've been watching you creep Around my wandering feet Trying for years to flee
Lucena raised her hand to cover her mouth in an attempt to stifle her own laughter though a small snort managed leave her at her sister’s indignant tone, “Most likely, but we’re no longer leagues away from them like before.” She admitted, her features softening in remembrance of their difficult past though the moment was short lived.
“Being here with you is a relief too, I’m impressed that we managed to get the same mission.” Lucena offered her twin a gentle smile in return, but she was quick to grow alert when her sister began to move around the boat. She was certain that Astartia was more than capable of moving around, however she just wanted to ensure that her sister wouldn’t topple down immediately as the boat rocked with the waves.
She eventually settled down into her own seat when her sibling appeared to have things under control, the alertness of her body slowly fading away when Astartia stood triumphantly on the small boat. Lucena chuckled underneath her breath at the sight, she only hoped that retrieving the heirloom wouldn’t ruin Astartia’s ensemble.
“Don’t doubt him now dear sister of mine, there could be other rental boats that are far more worse than this.” She pointed out, another laugh leaving her at her own teasing words. She did understand her sister’s frustrations and she was just as disappointed with its less than appealing looks, “But we’ll make do, we always did in the end.”
Lucena breathed out a small sigh, turning her body to face the sea for a brief moment before her attention settled onto her sibling; noticing the gentle pat she gave to seat next to her, “Thank Merlin that we both do, now we can only hope that it’s a quick dive into the ocean for it.” She agreed, carefully standing from her old seat on the boat to plop down next to Astartia; mindful of Salacia’s position on the floor of the boat.
“I see that great minds do think alike, I brought my own set as well, but I suppose we have backups now.” Lucena explained, using her hand to give her satchel a gentle pat before reaching to take the map and compass her sister offered her; unfolding the map with careful hands in her lap and resting the compass on it.
“I don’t mind giving directions, Salacia can enjoy the boat ride if she wishes. Let’s get out of the port first, we’re due east once we go north for a bit.” Lucena prompted.
Post by astartia zamóre on Aug 3, 2017 4:15:14 GMT
❧
Astartia took a small pause following her sister’s words, eyes darkening for a moment before she forced herself to perk back up. “True, true. I consider that a success in my books… we changed, and we don’t need their charity, even if it means getting a slightly less shitty boat,” she huffed, though it seemed she was almost reassuring herself. [break] She had to admit, she was a bit surprised she actually managed to move without losing her balance, though she figured that being nimble was a necessity when the two were in the woods, it did make some semblance of sense. [break] Of course, they weren’t walking on swaying terrain, but Astartia succeeded regardless. [break] “I mean,” Astartia began, casting a playful look toward Lucena. “I guess.” [break] “Yeah, I really did see some… well, hunks of junk, really, as I was getting here. Luckily, the guy I was talking about had a sign hanging onto the railing with our names on it, made things much easier; I just hope he was right.” [break] Astartia was running her eyes over the various controls of the boat itself before she heard Lucena speak up; “Oh yeah, it’s super convenient. Funny— twins in person, and have twin scrolls,” Astartia laughed good-naturedly. [break] “Not sure exactly how deep the place was; if we’re lucky, it landed on a reef or something like that so we can get this done quickly,” Astartia agreed with a small sigh; while she personally loved the water — ironic, considering she herself was a water element — she didn’t enjoy having to essentially go fishing for something when she would rather be in the water for her own leisure. [break] “Oh, perfect; I mean, hopefully nothing goes wrong, but it’s nice to know that if anything does we’ll be able to find our way back if one of our supplies gets messed up.” [break] The boat started easily, and Astartia pulled out of the port, humming her acknowledgment of her sister’s directions, easing the ship smoothly along the waves; time seemed to pass quickly as they went— perhaps due to the calming presence of the water, or simply because Astartia herself was directing the boat, which caught all of her attention, but they reached the marked location eventually. [break] After ensuring that the boat was fully and effectively stopped and wouldn’t move away from them, Astartia rid herself of her “dress” to reveal her bikini; it wasn’t cold out, so she didn’t have any reason not to wear a bikini; besides, she did notice a little box labeled “towels” near the back of the ship. [break] “Well,” she sighed, eyeing the water. “It’s now or never.” [break] With that, Astartia quickly cast Water Lily’s Blessing before jumping into the water, sinking below the surface quickly. After taking a moment for the bubbles to clear and to make sure her sister was alright and followed her in, she began to swim deeper with the aid of the spell.
Post by lucena zamóre on Sept 18, 2017 19:05:22 GMT
THERE WAS NO LIGHT I SWEAR I COULD SEE A REARING FEAR
Lucena moved to cover her mouth to stifle her laughter at the blunt choice of words though her sister spoke the truth, while the two had endured tremendous amount of struggle there was no need to take on charity now; the two took on the mission with the intent of assisting the family and a simple means of earning money. Despite how underwhelming the appearance of the boat was, it was a mission at the end of the day– another job to get done.
“Astartia, please…” She glanced towards her sister when she caught the teasing tone laced within her words, an amused smile resting on her pale colored lips; she was more than pleased that she could spend some time with her sister like this even though it didn’t seem obvious at times.
“There you have, compared to whatever you saw… we got ourselves something special.” She managed out a laugh, her fingertips running against the grain of the wood the small boat was made from. Her eyes trailed along the interior of the boat quietly for a moment before she tipped her head towards Astartia once more; idly listening to her words and the hopes that the ring simply got caught within the reef.
She breathed out a small content sigh after a moment, her attention settling onto the task before her and when her sibling turned to set sail on the right course towards the area in question; she allowed herself to lapse into silence. While she enjoyed conversation at times, enjoying the silence was just as nice. Occasionally, she would bark out instructions towards the location when it was necessary though it seemed that Astartia was on the right track.
The boat would eventually slow to a halt and without hesitation, Lucena moved to fold up the map and securely stow it away in one of the holding boxes alongside the compass, “You look cute.” She glanced towards her sister, noticing that Astartia decided to wear a bikini for their little dip into the ocean though was quick to defend herself when her twin dived into the ocean with second thought.
“I suppose you’re right!” She called towards the water, carefully standing up in the boat and removing the clothes she wore towards the dock; her shorts and shirt falling onto the floor of the ship to reveal the one piece she wore underneath. With that, she casted Water Lily’s Blessing as she dived into the ocean; her vision swarmed with bubbles upon entering the water though she was quick to find her twin when they faded away.
Post by astartia zamóre on Feb 3, 2018 21:23:44 GMT
i had a dream that you couldn't hear me screaming.
A laugh bubbled from her blushed lips at her sister’s response, golden eyes swimming with mischief; comfort was something difficult to find for the witch, and her gratitude for whom she shared her blood with was beyond something simple, clumsy words could encapsulate. Appreciation was difficult to express— edged along the curve of her lips yet refused to invitation to give way; too weak, too vulnerable. [break][break] “Thanks, I try,” Astartia replied, a pleased grin rising along her cheeks, jutting her hip out as the cold press of her hands resting along her waist— a playful thing, she was; perhaps a survival tactic to distract her of the static, and yet the witch would never admit to it. [break][break] The water heaved as Astartia dove headfirst into its depths, thankful for the scroll she’d snatched; work of ease was a thing to cherish— not everything should end in peril and strife, though it seemed that was much of all the purifier was destined to endure. [break][break] Do you see anything? Salacia crooned, though it sounded muffled— a mermaid’s song gliding through the water, desperate to reach her bonded. [break][break] Not yet… I just hope this won’t take too long. [break][break] The witch swam deeper, occasionally looking back to Lucena as a precaution— she didn’t know exactly what this side of the water held, and she’d be damned if the both of them were caught unawares. [break][break] Eventually, a glint in the water caught her eye— something bathed in the sunlight of the afternoon, beckoning Astartia closer. [break][break] Could it be? [break][break] Astartia swiveled, facing the surface and beckoning for her sister to follow; with any luck, what she saw was exactly what they came to find.
278 WORDS FOR lucena zamóre ― sorry it's so shitty rip
THERE WAS NO LIGHT I SWEAR I COULD SEE A REARING FEAR
Lucena was met with the sight of deep blues and subtle hues of green from the sea, the waters dark and almost murky as she explored the depths alongside her sister; pale colored eyes straining in the salt filled water. While the scroll had blessed her with the ability to breathe, it did not help guard her vision as she swam lower to the floor.
She would occasionally pause in her movement like her sister, her head turning to cast a wary glance from time to time as she turned over stones and shifted her hand through the sands in search of the lost ring. Lucena almost wondered if securing the lost heirloom was worth the reward, to be surrounded by the unknown; to be vulnerable in unexplored waters. It was unsettling, but she did not want to abandon her own sibling.
It was when her sister beckoned her over that her negative thoughts disappeared and she moves away from her area of the ocean, allowing the small rocks to settle back into the disturbed sands. Her eyes almost narrowed at the sight, hope rising in her chest at the prospect of it being the ring.
Post by astartia zamóre on Apr 8, 2018 3:21:19 GMT
i had a dream that you couldn't hear me screaming.
Disturbed life teetered on the edge of currents, carrying with it grains of homes and dusted shells— empty and cracked, discarded for better, settled only on newly formed skin. Astartia could not help but feel morbid in the face of it all, eyes blurred through the toils of ocean water though still glimpsing the whims of water. [break][break] So we’re upsetting balance all for some stupid family heirloom, she thought, almost rueful— indignant. Perhaps it was because she held nothing for her name, nor for her blood, but the balance so carefully constructed was nothing new to her, and it felt beyond futile to search for something so inconsequential — replaceable — in the midst of time passing by and bringing change with every moment. [break][break] Her gaze shifted to the nearing figure of her sister, dipped her head in the direction of that which glinted so daintily beneath the tide. Her lips seemed to part a question yet withheld the words: is this what we came for? [break][break] Extending her arm forward and returning her attention to the delicate reef upon which the object had been cradled by, she coaxed it out and brought it forward; with a nod of her head, she seemed to seek confirmation, and held it out to Lucena for further judgement.
214 WORDS FOR lucena zamóre ― people need to stop littering; thank you for listening to my ted talk
THERE WAS NO LIGHT I SWEAR I COULD SEE A REARING FEAR
Her brows seem to furrow when Astartia presents her with an item, the hope that rose in her faltering at the sight once she realizes it’s not the item the two have been searching the depths for. Lucena refrained from sighing and she simply shakes her head at the curious looks, a portion of her almost feeling upset that Astartia had even presented her with sight of a slowly rusting can– was this a cruel joke?
Without much thought, she reaches over to pry the piece of metal from the grip of her sister’s hand; the rattling of the metal dulled under heavy water of the ocean. It was when she moves to discard it that something falls from the opening of the container, red colored eyes widening when she notices a glint of silver shimmering within the light of the sun. Her eyes dart towards Astartia, briefly apologetic with their looks before she motions that her sibling follows after the slowly falling ring.
The can falls from her grip as she turns her body downwards, arm extending as she propells herself through the water after the ring. Leave a child to shove an heirloom into a can.
Post by astartia zamóre on Apr 8, 2018 3:43:06 GMT
i had a dream that you couldn't hear me screaming.
Astartia’s brow furrowed at her sister— she seemed disapproving, or perhaps disappointed, though the water disturbed from a colony of fish fluttering above them. As her sister undid her grip and upturned the object which, to Astartia’s irritation, was a mere can (how inconsiderate can people get), another light shone before them— [break][break] And began hurtling down further, destined to settle beneath the cool blanket of the sea floor; Astartia’s eyes widened, a sudden pang of regret inching its weight into the forefront of her chest before she moved into action. [break][break] She tilted downward, arms flailing and legs frantically attempting to gather speed as she chased, desperate and more than a hint of exasperated, after the quickly receding ring; she could feel, for a moment, the cooler press of pure metal on her forefinger before it slipped away once more, and she couldn’t help the panic, then. [break][break] Why couldn’t this have been easy? [break][break] I’m still here, you know. [break][break] Astartia stilled as Salacia’s distant, warbled call echoed between her ears; with a curl of her hand and flick of her wrist, she commanded the water only to form a bubble — small, far from stubborn, pliant to her will. She watched, almost triumphant, as the ring, now in clear view, began its ascent to the surface. [break][break] Do me a favor and pop that once it breaks through— and don’t let it sink again. [break][break] Salacia, as much as Astartia could tell, complied with more than a dash of regret at abandoning her bathing spot; putting her familiar out of her mind, however, Astartia peered once again at her sister, calling her to break over the surface with an exuberant curl of her lips; she was almost too pleased to realize that her spell was weakening from the amount of time the both of them had spent under its influence.
306 WORDS FOR lucena zamóre ― salacia is somehow the only responsible one
THERE WAS NO LIGHT I SWEAR I COULD SEE A REARING FEAR
There was some portion that felt guilt when she allowed the trash to sink back into the ocean though in this scenario, the descent of the ring was more important than the livelihood of the sea; she was certain that some monster that was lurking within its shadowy depths would munch on that instead rather than an unsuspecting finger toying with the surface of the water.
Her sibling descends into the water faster than she good, a rush of bubbles swarming past her as she witnesses strong limbs claw through the water; she assumed her sister was just as determined to snatch the ring and just return back onto the dry boat like she was. Lucena’s movement slow when she realizes that Astartia managed to bubbled the ring in question, eyes carefully trailing over the piece of jewelry before she dares swim up to follow after its trail. She was certain that if she failed to catch the ring before it popped, either Astartia or their familiars would be quick enough to snatch it.
Her head finally emerges from the water upon her sister’s invitation, her mouth gaping open to inhale the crisp air almost instinctual; almost as if she was truly running out of breath from being underwater far too long, “I’m astonished and equally disappointed.” She admits when her breath grows even and she turns to face her sister in the water, arms idly keeping her up.
Post by astartia zamóre on Apr 8, 2018 4:04:52 GMT
i had a dream that you couldn't hear me screaming.
The ring rose swiftly, and Astartia slowed to a steady beat, limbs relaxing to a pace that steadied her heart rate, left the ringing in her ears as a memory already fading. She watched it carefully, though she had little worry— Salacia was quicker than she herself could ever be, and her fangs points to fear. [break][break] Her head broke the surface easily, the blessing dispelled as the air collided with cooling skin; her shoulder curled forward, seeking warmth in skin that was already frosted; her lungs adjusted, expanding, almost painful in their desperation, though she ignored the rasp ripping her throat from the inhales. [break][break] Shifting her weight to her back, she grinned at Lucena before turning over and padding over to the boat; Salacia was curled along the gunwale, as pleased as a serpent could be, with the ring held — a prize — between the skin of her smooth jaws. Her respective witch breathed a sigh of relief, repositioning herself around the ship and edging her hands over the exposed wood, easily lifting her weight to twist and settle on the edge. [break][break] Rising, she pulled a towel free, feeling the cloth smooth over the droplets painting her skin in iridescence. [break][break] “Honestly? I’m just done.”
THERE WAS NO LIGHT I SWEAR I COULD SEE A REARING FEAR
Despite the stress of being submerged and searching for a valued heirloom, she couldn’t prevent the laugh that bubbled from her lips as her less than enthused sibling; while she was briefly frustrated with her sibling, the feeling would never stay long and it never had in the past, “Agreed.”
However, she continues to linger in the water as she allows Astartia to climb back onto the ship first; pale eyes watching her sister intently with some concern. When she was certain that she was secured, Lucena swam closer to the portside of the small ship and her own hand reached to grip the gunwale. She struggled at first, her grip wet as she attempted to hoist herself back onto the ship though she managed to succeed with some difficulties.
“Please, make this trip back fast.” She urged Astartia, reaching to grab one of the towels located next to her seat of the boat; the fabric rubbing against her skin as she dries off.
