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.
A few farmers from the Verda River Basin have claimed to have spotted a scaly humanoid being lurking around Blackmoor Swamp. It is rumored to be the abandoned product of an alchemist's experiment gone wrong -- or maybe the twisted child of witch and beast? Either way, the farmers are looking for some evidence to show to their cousins in Gale Valley.
Post by Billy Kasparian on Sept 11, 2018 5:17:45 GMT
Items: n/a Scrolls: *n/a Techs: n/a
@cryptid bois
@cryptid bois
There was a call to arms... a call to fight which he really didn't care for. It wasn't that he didn't want to fight... okay maybe that was part of it since he really didn't care about fighting all that much. It was more that it was nothing that was interesting to him, well at least until he saw this little request for the Blackmore Swamp. Some farmers say it was strange creatures that were holed up in their swamp. Lizard men.
Not exactly what he was looking for but as a member of the Cryptid Hunter's Association he had a duty to observe and deal with any rouge creatures that fell into this category. Sure it wasn't a mothman or chupacabra but it was something. Then again he was also the founder of the association so he could just change the rules on a whim as he usually did. Well to be honest it was more of a club he bullied his friends into like heath ambroise and Zephyr Hart because reasons. He had his reasons after all. Boredom is a reason. Not a good reason but a reason.
"Okay Doctor Puddy, lets go hunting." The cute little feline/doctor simple huffed as her paws padded the ground next to her witch. She was already tired of this excursion but was going along with this partially because she was also bored as well as partially because she was itching to kill something. It had been a while since she could let her claws out.
He was not super far from the entrance to the swamp. He was sure this was where he was to meet whoever was coming for this Lizardman Hunt. Well this should be fun! Maybe he could use one of his new potions on the creature or he had tweaked the ration of his aquapyre recipe a bit so maybe it would burn longer. Who knows but this would be fun.
"Hellooooooo?" There had to be someone here... or someone coming. He wasn't going to sit here all day near a swamp. He had better things to do after all like plan out how to annoy Heath for the next week. Maybe a prank to play on líng lù-xī when her familiar wasn't lurking around being a pain in the butt. You know normal things.
when the villain is to lazy to go very far from the crime scene
Post by heath ambroise on Sept 11, 2018 5:50:12 GMT
This was a story. This was an incredible story. If it was true anyway. But that’s what Heath set out to figure out. Whether there was any truth to whatever the farmers were saying. Yes, they had seen SOMETHING but what was it really if they had only caught glimpses of it? He didn’t know. But he needed to know. Like the ghosts in the light house or the wolves that killed the farmers, he had another lead, another mystery, and he was intent on unraveling. It didn’t matter if it was real or not, what mattered was the truth behind these weird occurrences. He’d tried not to look too eager when he’d heard about it from Billy. Didn’t want that fucker being anymore smug than he already was. The pinkette had dropped everything for this trip, putting in time off from his current assignments in order to pursue this mystery. He’d also very hastily sent a letter, canceling his visit back home. His parents would understand.
Well. Dad would understand. He’d inherited his curiosity from him after all. So, there he was, packed and ready thanks to his trust fannypack of holding. He’d never really been in a swamp. He’d seen one and strolled in one once or maybe twice but…his home wasn’t really near swamps. Forests? No problem. Swamp?? Ugh, its wet. And it was. He could feel the lingering humidity in the air that gave his fingers a slightly sticky sensation. At least it was a pretty clear day. As he approached he heard the voice of one of his biggest annoyances. “Hey.” The journalist greeted once he was close enough. Heath gave Billy a quick once over before looking around. No one. “We’re early.” He noted Or rather, maybe everyone else was late?
He looks back at Billy to say something else before his attention falls on Dr. Puddy. “Hello Dr. How are you today?” he asked, quickly scooting over to the cat familiar and crouching down to pet her. He couldn’t really resist this cat. Sinclair snorted in his mind, finding the habit pretty funny. Heath then remembered what he’d been about to ask. “Hey, when are you free to touch up my hair? The roots are starting to show.”
[attr="class","gearcore"] "This is a terrible idea..." Zeph mumbles, mostly to himself.
Sprocket, in her little crocodile hunter hat, presses the side of her face against Zeph's cheek and wraps her arms around his head in a half-assed effort to bring his spirits back up. "But there'll be snakes to stab, and crocs to skin, and lizard men to murder," she hums into his mind, evidently quite pleased with their current situation. The crafter didn't need to see her face to know that her dark eyes were glistening with anticipation.
"We just gotta track 'em," Zeph corrects, though he knows that mere words wouldn't be able to dampen her stab-happy spirit.
"We're in the middle of nowhere -- no one would hear the screams."
"And that's exactly why this's a fuckin' terrible idea..."
That, plus the swamp water made the earth soft and weak for elemental spellcasting, and wading through it would likely rust up the joins in his legs. Hopefully he wouldn't need to do much of that.
Once he nears the fog-coated source of the mystery, he directs his broomstick to descend towards the specks of black and pink which he could only assume were the friends who'd talked him into this. "Lemme guess," he exclaims as his broom slows to a stop beside the Jesters, "We've got no plan whatsoever, an th' first thing we're gonna do is walk straight into the creepiest place on this side o' Salem?"
Seemingly unperturbed by the danger, Sprocket claps her hands in excitement. It was time for a crocodile hunt!
Billy Kasparianheath ambroise @open the farther u remove zeph from technology, the grumpier he gets and he's probably sleep deprived from trying to make mads' replacement arm
The frost twink was the first one to arrive. Not that he had much room to judge given his outfit currently consisted of tight black leggings and a bright red poncho coat on top of that. He was obviously not looking to be inconspicuous in this mission. The better to draw out the monster my dear.
Both Frost Twink and The Tinman showed up within a minute or two of each other. It was about time they got here. To be fair he had been waiting for maybe thirty seconds at the most for one of them to show up. That was to many though. Much to many. "You're both late that's 20 points." No elaboration. Onto the next subject.
"We can touch them up when we get home? I'm not doing anything." Well at least he had answered the question with some amount of urgency. That was better than him just ignoring stuff and pushing on ahead like he usually did. Or you know the other extreme where all your faults laid bare before him to pinprick you with for the next few decades. You know normal friend stuff.
"I am well assistant thank you." That was all Dr Puddy mustered into the conversation. She allowed the tall gay to pet her. It was what she deserved after all for being so great. More please. More. MORE. In the meantime the monkey was what caught Billy's attention aka his real best friend. Billy finger guns to Spock while broom boy sits all hoveringy and on a broom. "You got it Tinman. It's time to start killing... er... hunting!" He cheers his fist in the air waiting for the others to do the same. If nothing else at least Spock would do it though right? Right best buddy? Pal? Amigo?
when the villain is to lazy to go very far from the crime scene
Post by heath ambroise on Sept 15, 2018 5:52:04 GMT
Heath eyed the other blonde who so smartly thought to bring a broom. He should’ve done that. It would’ve made the trek a little faster at least. He gave the newcomer a wave and a quick, “Hey man.” Before turning back to Billy. He’s quick to roll his eyes at being told he’s late, and simply crosses his arms before giving the guy a nod. “Nice. I can buy lunch then. Or uh, dinner?” he isn’t quite sure how long this would take. He turns to Zephyr to add, “You wanna come along too?” He was thinking pizza. That was enough food for them. Probably.
The journalist then lowered his head turning back to Dr. Puddy, his favorite of the group to be honest. He made sure to pat her head a few more times before running his nails over her spine. Hopefully that was ok. It was attention, so he figured it was alright. “We haven’t even gone in. It probably only looks creepy. I wouldn’t worry about it too much.” He doubted it trumped his home. The forest could get pretty fucking weird at night.
“Anyway if anyone has a plan it’s probably you right?” Heath says as he straightens up and begins making his way towards the swamp. “You’ve got the atheneum spells after all.” He continued, pointing at Tinman. “I can help in catching it with plantshaping, but I’m not hick enough to sniff out a lizard man by myself.” Sinclair steps ahead of the pinkette beginning to sniff the air. Smelled like a goddamn swamp. “Or just be as loud as Billy and maybe it’ll show up.”
[attr="class","victoriousscroll"]It was a good idea for Aria. For Caleb, though, it was anything but good.
There were recent reports of lizard men seemingly found on Blackmoor Swamp, though it hasn't actually been confirmed to be true. Some believed it, but some said it was all just a fraud and that lizard men don't exist at all. Aria was quite excited to know the truth, so she urged Caleb to go even though he didn't really want to.
Apparently a few farmers beside the Verda River Basin have reported seeing those said lizard men, and had been looking for evidence to support their claim. This only convinced Aria to come to Blackmoor Swamp to complete that mission. Finally, Caleb agreed and started the trip there, because after all, he was also a stubborn and "adventurous" man after all.
It had been quite a few minutes (an hour or two, really) before they got to Blackmoor Swamp. Caleb was quite nervous, knowing that he may be the only one doing this mission... until he found four male figures in the distance that seem to be knowing each other. One of them looked really familiar, though.
He feebly approached the four men, his lips closed shut. Not sure why they were happy, because he himself isn't happy right now...
Hope you guys don't mind this mute boy getting in the thread XD
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The boisterousness of the cryptid hunters does not (alas) lure out a curious lizard man from the concealing fog. The deep croak of a frog calls from the distance.
[attr="class","gearcore"] "Hey, sure. Maybe we can try gettin' Spock some color, too," Zeph says with a wry grin. After getting an offended look from the familiar, he adds: "she says she won't do pink, though." Her contented nod affirms that Zeph wasn't just saying bullshit on her behalf.
However, upon hearing that 20 whole points have been deducted from her imaginary collection of points, Sprocket gasps and slaps both of her hands over her ajar mouth. "You should have flown faster!" she mentally scolds Zeph.
The blonde gives her an incredulous look and retorts in a similar fashion: "Maybe you shouldn't've spent half an hour picking out a new hat."
"What self-respecting lizard man hunter doesn't have a crocodile hunter hat? The three of you are a disgrace to the profession," she insists within their mindspace. Granted, she doesn't seem to be too broken up about it, because her mock-shocked expression quickly turns into a grin at the sight of Billy's finger guns. The hands over her mouth flawlessly transitioned to blowing him a quick kiss.
"Ugh, not you, too..." Zeph groans when the term "killing" slips from Billy's lips. Regardless, Spock enthusiastically throws her fist skyward in agreement, and Zeph does the same (albeit without the enthusiasm). "Y'know, one day I'd like t' not be the only plan-- oh, hey!" Zeph's complaint trails off as he spots someone else approaching. Someone familiar, but not someone he was expecting to see today. "Caleb, right? You're... you're not lost again, are ya?" the crafter asks, sounding genuinely concerned.
While Zeph was talking, Spock climbs down his arm, tail curled around his shoulder for support as she reaches into his satchel. She grabs a robotic crow and proceeds to throw it towards the swamp like a shot put ball. Though concern does flash across the crafter's expression briefly, the contraption (thankfully) whirs to life and begins flying deeper into the swamp.
Post by Billy Kasparian on Sept 16, 2018 5:04:14 GMT
Items: n/a Scrolls: *n/a Techs: n/a
@heathen admin
@spoopy boys
There was someone else who had joined the fray. Someone he could say he definitely didn't know. He couldn't say the young man looked at all familiar. That wasn't unlikely though as he looked kinda young so he probably wasn't very highly ranked. To be fair he barely knew the novices in his own coven let alone anywhere else. He just really didn't care about much. Well besides this obviously.
"You're asking me on a date??? Well this is so sudden. What will the kids think!" False nervousness and shock just oozed out of every syllable in his little one act play. Honestly it was kind of convincing if you didn't... well know how crazy he kind of was. He winked at Heath and stuck his tongue out at the same time. "I vote for dinner so we can get trashed after~"
It probably only looks creepy. Famous last words. They did say the lusty girl was usually the first to die in a horror movie. That would probably be the ice incubus in this scene. A four act play perhaps. Who knows. "Let us proceed children." That was all Dr Puddy added into the conversation. She seemed kind of annoyed by the antics going on. She just wanted to go home and sleep in a nice warm room. Someplace that wasn't misty and kind of creepy would be so much pleasant. And wet. Wet is gross.
"Ninja black it is my sweet monkey," was what Billy said in response to dyeing the monkey. It would look so cool and badass for her. Kind of that dark and mysterious look like she meant business. "I mean the plans worked well so far. We're not dead~ Ah is it custody weekend already? Hey kid! Come to slay monsters with Papa Zeph and his friends!" He was having way to much fun with this. There had been nothing to show up despite how deliberately loud he was being. Well time to switch gears.
"Okay! We should get moving. Though I'm not to happy with that creepy fog. Where's an airhead when you need one." It would help to have a water witch or even better an air elemental witch to blow away some of the wind but that wasn't him or Zephyr. Heath is also not one but he didn't count he was like a plus one to the power duo of the Tinman and the Scarecrow.
when the villain is to lazy to go very far from the crime scene
Post by heath ambroise on Sept 18, 2018 3:25:34 GMT
“Not everyone can rock pink, it’s ok.” Heath rebuts with a snicker at the spider monkey. He doesn’t mind the blond’s complaining, his attention catching on the fourth person approaching. He gave the boy a quick wave, deferring to Zephyr who seemed to know the person. As Spock tosses out a mechanical crow, he turned to Billy unamused with his act. “Not even in your dreams, Billy.” He stated dryly, used to this sort of teasing. For the most part. It still grated sometimes. Though it was worse when it was in front of other people. He returned the tongue gesture before raising his eyebrows at the alchemist. “I almost forgot you’re old enough to drink.” He said before nodding in agreement. He wouldn’t turn down an excuse to get drunk. At least it helped him sleep at night. A bottle of whiskey and he would wake up 15 hours later well rested and thirsty as hell.
“Billy’s right, Zeph. You’re kind of 1 for 1 right now. OR something like that.” Heath added absently. He didn’t need much convincing to get a move on. As Dr. Puddy spoke up, Heath turned back and began taking the path towards the entrance. He expected it to be hotter, but maybe all this fog was keeping the humidity at bay. Did fog work like that? He didn’t know. The path was pretty solid thus far, hopefully it was a while before it deteriorated into march wetness they would have to slosh through. He packed extra socks but maybe a better invested wouldn’t been galoshes. Or like, thigh highs. He considered freezing some fog, at least that way it would move out of the way but then again, there was so much of it he’d tire himself out before they got anywhere.
“Aside from being a lizard man what actually is it supposed to be anyway? Am I holding out hope for crocodiles around here?” That would be fun to encounter. Not. He looked down at Sinclair, that was keeping pace with him. “I don’t hear anything yet.” The coati noted.
[attr="class","victoriousscroll"]The blonde man greets him as soon as he arrives, and he waves back at him, as well as the other two. Just then he realized this was Zephyr, the man who helped him get back to Sundial from Eclipse Town when he had gotten lost there. When Zephyr asks if he was lost again, he shakes his head, turning to Aria with a pout. The eagle-hawk simply giggles and turns to Zephyr with an amused look. Of course not. My master is here for the mission. She turns to Sprock with a grin, then to the others. It's a pleasure seeing you all here.
Then they start discussing about other matters, with Caleb simply leaning by a tree on the side of the swamp. Come to think of it, the swamp was dark whenever he looked at it... well whatever, he just needed to get this over with and finish the job so that they could finally go home. All the darkness from the swamp was obscured when Spock threw a familiar mechanical bird over to its direction... probably something to light up the dark, or attract a lizard man... if there were any, that is.
Caleb simply follows once the three other men proceed into the forest, and the farther they got from the light, the darker it went. They kept talking about other things... things Caleb didn't know, and didn't care to put much in. As they got farther and farther, though, a fog suddenly covers them, obscuring other sights from view. His eyes widen and he tries to make his way back to the group, but the fog make it seem almost impossible to see them.
Aria grunts in annoyance. Ah, how annoying! A fog! Caleb flinches and nods in agreement, before turning to Aria with a nod. The eagle hawk nods back, and both close their eyes and stop for a while. The wind suddenly seems to blow towards the two, seemingly hearing their call for aid.
Caleb opens his eyes and, almost as if telling the wind where to go, casts a soft breeze to blow the fog away. Finally he could see his comrades just over there. It should be enough to keep the fog away for a few minutes and make them see where they are headed. Once the fog approaches again he would have to do it again and again until he runs out of mana and--
Well, that's done with, Aria sighs in relief. Let's get going, master.
Caleb simply nods and smiles back at his familiar, before rushing up to the group and nodding in acknowledgment with the pink-haired guy's statement about not hearing anything yet.
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[attr="class","gearcore"] Spock sticks her tongue out at Heath when he comments on her fashion abilities. They were, admittedly, fairly minimal, but she liked to believe that she could pull off any look if she really tried.
Zeph agrees with the consensus of moving onwards, and so follows along on his broom. The athenian also opens his interface -- a blue-tinted, holographic display -- to keep an eye on the findings of his raven. So far, nothing. Wait -- nope, never mind, just a rat scurrying past. "I heard it's got crocs, leeches, n' snakes, but never been here myself," he replies to Heath's question. Because, really, of all the places in the world to visit, what madman would come here?
The soft glow of the interface wasn't nearly enough to pierce through the fog, so he was glad when someone else managed to blow away a large amount of the grey haze. "Damn -- Caleb have I mentioned how glad I am you showed up? 'Cause you're my favorite person right now," Zeph says. Spock offers two thumbs up in shared approval.
Post by heath ambroise on Sept 22, 2018 4:16:15 GMT
The temporary breeze is as pleasant as it is useful. It staves of the clinging humidity for a little bit and cools the sweat forming at the back of his neck. Lucky the last member of this expedition was an air witch. Then again, he could’ve just expended a little bit of mana freezing the sweat on his body himself. If he wasn’t so lazy anyway. He nodded in agreement, “That’ll come in useful…Caleb was it?” He gave the apprentice a quick wave before introducing himself. “I’m Heath, nice to have you on board.” He then pointed at his familiar. “That’s Sinclair.” The coati sniffed, giving the pair a level stare and a nod of acknowledgement.
He turned away while his witch kept chattering, more focused on the hunt of a potentially?? Dangerous cryptid creature. His focus is trained on the path before them and he’s on edge. The witch with them probably wasn’t strong enough to disperse too much fog, leaving them prone to surprise attacks if the creature was intelligently using the fog to their advantage. Sinclair is hesitant to get too near to the water’s edge and instead lifts his tail to summon a few Ice Shards to toss around. You know, just in case something popped out at them. The coati stiffly relays his paranoid findings and Heath is quick to shrug them off.
‘Pop one at the water then if you’re so worried.’ He relays back to his familiar, which elicits a huff from Sinclair. Though the pinkette begins eyeing the water as well. “Did anyone bring bait to try and lure this thing out?” he asked as Sinclair seems to juggle three pieces of ice with his tail impatiently.
