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 elijah silverwood on May 10, 2017 10:51:46 GMT
eye for an eye.
On the outskirts of the docks, away from the sun umbrellas that dot the beach, Elijah finds himself in a suit entirely too hot for this mission. The sun has started to dip beneath the horizon, staining skies blood red. The heat still lingers in the air, evading each and every crook, and he doesn't make any moves to remove his clothes despite overheating. He would hate to shed his jacket so early in the mission.
They're supposed to be checking up on a client's warehouse--make sure that there aren't any stray robbers or animals that could be caught stealing. It seemed easy enough; most of the time, the warehouse came empty, and when they do manage to see a thief, it's easy to spook them away.
He glances at his partner Anthony, an eccentric witch who's also from Silvertongue. He's capable enough, and Elijah isn't one to complain. He slides sweaty palms in his pockets and breathes quietly as they edge nearer to the warehouse.
Tony tagged along with Elijah, happy to let the blue haired younger man take the lead, as he focused his concentration on his card trick. The challenge was to make it spin while keeping an illusion up for as long as he could. Brows furrowed, his hand stayed steady as he balanced the spinning card on his finger with familiar dexterity. It was a lot harder to keep the spell on it as it kept turning.
The mission was plain and simple enough to follow, allowing Tony to relax a little and let his mind wander. Nothing too grand or stressing had happened since they started, and today was surely going to be no different.
As they approached, Elijah asked him a question. Tony didn't answer immediately as he continued fooling around with the card. When it slowed and toppled off his finger, he caught it in his other hand with a curse.
Sighing, he pocketed it while looking at Elijah. "Who knows. I wouldn't mind something to do while we're there. At the same time, I'd rather just get it done and over with so we can get paid." Boring work like checking on warehouses made him feel twitchy for something to do - which was why he often brought random items to fiddle with during their patrols.
Post by elijah silverwood on May 13, 2017 5:47:57 GMT
eye for an eye.
He watches as Tony spins the card, watching as each face edges out of view before unveiling itself again, something mesmorizing if done mindlessly. He doesn't blame him; these missions tend to be boring and run-of-the-mill, but it'll be the first step to getting better, more exciting ones.
Tony doesn't respond for a while, not until the card in his hand slows and falls. It flips into the palm of his hand, and he slips it into his pocket as he looks back at Elijah. He wouldn't mind something to do, but he also wouldn't mind getting it done as quickly as possible. At this, Elijah can't help but agree--especially with his latter statement.
"Who knows, maybe we'll find something interesting for once." He says, realizing that it sounded strikingly similiar to what Ashe had said in their first mission. Perhaps she had more impact on him that he'd previously thought.
When the sun starts to dip under the horizon, light fading away under the moon's smother, Elijah catches sight of the warehouse. Looming and large, he sees that there's light streaming through one of the windows. It's suspicious enough for him to lightly elbow Tony's side and point.
"Here's hoping," He said, grinning as he looked down at the warehouses. Playing with cards was starting to get dull, so for now he'd watch over their target like they'd been assigned to do. Maybe later he could get Elijah to play poker against him - with some bit of betting of course. Even if they were already getting paid for this, some extra cash was always welcome.
As night slowly came, Tony caught sight of the light in the window. It was easy to pick it out in the growing darkness, and the flickering shadows of movement told him someone was up to no good.
He grunted softly at Elijah's nudge, then grinned as he stretched his arms up in the air, loosening his limbs and warming up for the job at hand. "Looks like you just got your wish buddy. Come on."
With Loki following from behind, Tony headed towards the warehouse in silence while keeping an eye on the window. He made his way towards one of the ones on the ground floor, slowly and quietly pushing it up. Every night he would leave some windows unlocked so he could sneak in through them instead of going from the front door.
A gesture of his hand had Loki hopping up onto his head, using it as a platform to hop even higher up. As always, he used Loki to warn him of any oncoming figures or notify him of any changes in a trespasser's act.
In stealthy movements, he lifted himself up and over the ledge, into the dark room.
Post by elijah silverwood on May 14, 2017 20:56:37 GMT
eye for an eye.
Upon closer inspection he can see shadows flickering across the light; it's probably a lantern or something, and he's certain that nobody's supposed to be there at this time. Elijah nods, sighing. He may have gotten his wish, but only time will tell if he'll like it or not.
He follows Anthony as he silently pads towards the window, surprisingly unlocked. Elijah raises an eyebrow but doesn't question, following him silently as Tony lowers himself into the warehouse. It's dark where they are, but they can see the light off in the distance. He hesitates, looking at the lantern with caution.
"Are you sure we shouldn't tell someone first?" Elijah whispers urgently. They may be in too over their head with this, charging in right away. He's far from a hero, and he isn't keen on getting a beating today.
everywhere i go, i am spellbound; you cannot have this control on me
0296 words
NOTES
elijah silverwood Up to you if he actually hit any part of Elijah or not. And it's also up to you what exactly he patted XD
He sensed the presence of his companion following behind him and looked over his shoulder. Even if he couldn't see anything but his partner's shadowy outline in the dark, he still spoke towards the direction where Elijah would be standing. His whisper gave him an idea of where he was.
"Relax," he whispered back reassuringly. "We're witches. Just fledglings, but witches nonetheless. If we keep running to others for help we'll never get anywhere in this career."
Turning ahead, he began to tiptoe forwards. The light was still and hasn't moved since they last saw it, but he couldn't be sure of what to expect outside the room they were in.
While holding out a hand behind him to stop Elijah from possibly knocking into him by accident, he spoke to Loki. "What's the situation up there? How many are they?"
"Two inside the room with the lit up window we saw. They're moving crates out. Probably one more outside the room but I can't be certain of how many more are in the warehouse."
Nodding to himself, he looked back at Elijah, and spoke further. "Look, I'm not saying we charge in there blindly without a plan. I'm not looking to die either. And if things get too dangerous and difficult for us, we'll just run away and call for help."
"Besides, we're simply going to scare them off, the way we scared off everyone else who came here before. It'll be easy as pie. Then afterwards, we can go out for some actual pie." He grinned and reached out to pat the other lightly. In the dark, he couldn't tell what part of the other man he hit, but still did it nonetheless.
"Come on man. I can't do this alone. Say you're in."
Post by elijah silverwood on May 20, 2017 19:26:59 GMT
eye for an eye.
Tony's been in Silvertongue far longer than he has. He's more experienced and older--he should know what to do. But his plan...his pure confidence in uncertainty. It makes Elijah nervous, although he'd never admit it. Tony turns to him and whispers back reassuringly. Well. He does have a point. They'll never get anywhere if they never take risks. He agrees, but he doesn't have to be happy while doing so.
Tony edges forward, and Elijah seeks to follow him--at least, until he thrusts out a hand, hitting his chest with a small, solid thump. He blinks in surprise, protesting the stop until he sees Tony's familiar bound up next to them.
There's two in the room. At least, that they know of. One more outside, and there may be more inside. Elijah frowns, opening his mouth to argue-but as if Tony had predicted it, he turns back to him and explains his plan. It's...not terrible, but it sounds indeed risky.
Elijah takes a moment to mull his choices, and he hears his familiar urging him in the background. Do it Eli, I'm right behind you. With a lick of his lips and a half-hearted nod, he confirms.
everywhere i go, i am spellbound; you cannot have this control on me
0281 words
NOTES
elijah silverwood Sorry I assumed that Tony would know some of Elijah's skills. Let me know if I should change my post.
Tony stayed still and patient, allowing Elijah plenty of time to think it through.
It actually just lasted for a brief period of time before he felt the need to speak up and press the other further. Fortunately, Elijah spoke up before he could point out that every second that passed was a second the trespassers had in taking their loot. He didn't want to have to be the one to explain to their client why some of his possessions have gone missing when they were supposed to be on the lookout.
"I knew I could count on you." Grinning, Tony lowered his hand. "I'll send Loki to turn on the lights while I use my illusions to create some ghouly, scary things to look like they're popping out of barrels. If you could cover the place in some of that smoke or fog you're good at making, I'd appreciate the help. Just don't completely block their view of the illusion." One of their encounters on a previous patrol allowed him to see some of what Elijah could do, so he had an idea of what he could use for this undertaking.
"If they're not fooled by the illusion we'll just have to drive them out by force." In a sage like tone, he lifted a finger as he continued to speak. "See, when it comes to planning, you don't plan for every detail. The best plans happen when you leave room for adjustments and flexibility in case things don't turn out like you expect them to."
He returned to looking back at the second floor, watching out for any changes in their enemies' movement, as he spoke.
Post by elijah silverwood on May 26, 2017 20:05:17 GMT
eye for an eye.
Elijah licks his lips uneasily after agreeing; it's like one of those moments where he'll regret saying yes because he got pressured into it. After all, it'd be safer to come back and warn the witches in advance. That's what he was told to do--and yet, he knows that the robbers will be long gone by the time their clients get to the site. If this is the taste of heroism that the Helios Knights are so known for, then he's willing to try it.
In the darkness, Tony quietly explains his plan. The lights will turn with the help of his familiar; he'll cast illusions, while Elijah can shroud the warehouse in darkness. It's a solid plan, and Elijah has to give Tony credit for thinking of one so quickly. It's impressive to say the least. Tony may be a bit too wild and unpredictable for his tastes, but he's undeniably a capable witch.
"Sounds like a plan." He agrees, and laughs when Tony lays on his sagely advice. He does have a point, but he can't take it very seriously considering who Tony is. In such moments, Elijah can't help but wonder if Tony has always been like that.
"Ready." He says, letting Vesuvia materialize behind him. She wraps herself around his shoulders, and with a cast he slowly pulls a light smog over the warehouse, scentless but clearly visible.
Since Elijah agreed with his suggestion and didn't have anything else to add onto the plan, it looked like now was the time to act. Nodding his head to both Loki and Elijah - though the latter probably couldn't see him do it - he stepped forward just as he sensed a dark cloud gathering in the warehouse. At the same time, his familiar hopped away to do as he was told.
Tony mostly kept to the walls as he tried to find a nice spot to hide in. He went past several doors, then climbed up a set of stairs to the second landing on the warehouse for a better view of everything. With his sights set on the light from the trespasser's lantern, he slipped into one of the rooms across it and tucked behind it. He wriggled his fingers, warming them up just as Loki notified him through their mental link that he was by the light and ready to flip it on.
After taking a deep breath and stilling his mind of any worries or fears, he told Loki to do it. The warehouse suddenly flashed a bright white light as all the lightbulbs turned on. Peeking out from the corner of the doorframe, he shot his hand out and cast an illusion on the wall where he spotted the two dark figures standing.
The windows looking outside the warehouse were still there, but he'd set the illusion up so that barrels that weren't really there appeared behind the real ones. These began to shake, their lids popping out as dark writhing clouds of smoke rose up. Then several long limbed creatures with sharp claws and armored spikes followed, grabbing hold of barrels as they slowly climb out. Elijah's black smoke only helped make the illusion even more authentic. Though there weren't any kind of noise coming from the illusion, he hoped it was enough to convince the trespassers to leave.
Post by elijah silverwood on May 31, 2017 21:17:35 GMT
eye for an eye.
He pulls smoke from the shadows, encasing the warehouse in a light fog. It shouldn't be too hard; the thieves look around in wonder at the sudden intrusion, and Elijah takes pleasure in the way their faces morph into slight fear of the unknown. Anthony passes by him-- probably to find a better spot to cast.
Soon the lights switched on, lighting up Anthony's illusions. Long limbed creatures with sharp claws grabbed the barrels, and when the thieves see, they yell and scatter in confusion like bugs.
It doesn't take long for the warehouse to empty--the illusion managed to work, to Elijah's disbelief. He drops his hands, smoke dissipating into the air. Elijah sighs, shoulders slumping after being so tense. He's still a fledgling--the smoke is easy to cast, but to fill the whole warehouse made him exhausted. He's not sure about Tony, either.
He steps down from where he is on the platform, stopping near where the thieves had been previously. Stray boxes lay around the floor--they had hastily left everything behind. Elijah would consider this mission a success, and he credits most of that to Anthony. He slides his hands into his pockets and glances at him, wherever he is.
The effect was immediate and marvelous. From behind his hiding place, Tony could see the men in the warehouse screaming and running around in a panic. They didn't even bother to check if it was real or not - which was exactly what Tony hoped. If they figured out the trick, then all of it would've been useless and they would've had to think of something else.
Within minutes, the warehouse grew silent once more. There was no longer the sound of running footsteps, or the screams of frightened, grown men. Tony got up to his feet as the fog gathered around them began to disappear. After one last, admiring look at his handiwork, he dispelled his illusion as well. Loki appeared, hopping up on Tony's shoulder and curling up around his neck. He patted his familiar's head, and scratched the back of his ear affectionately.
Then glancing around, he spotted Elijah moving closer to the boxes on the ground. He followed, grinning widely as he put his hands on his hips. "What did I tell you? Everything went according to plan! This is the best kind of result we could've gotten." Even he hadn't expected things to work out this perfectly.
Pulling up the sleeves of his shirt, he crouched down and began to pick up boxes. "We better clean up here first before we report back. Make a good impression and all." He straightened up and began bringing back crates into the room where he suspected they'd been taken from.
Post by elijah silverwood on Jun 27, 2017 20:45:12 GMT
eye for an eye.
The men are gone from the warehouse. What was once a lively show had dissipated, leaving them to their silence. What was supposed to be, in his opinion. With the men gone, Elijah observes the damage done. One or two crates may be gone, but it's far cry from what could've been worse. Their clients lost a couple hundred gold coins at most.
"I suppose you're right." Elijah murmurs. Unfortunately, it's time to clean up the mess that the robbers created. There's even trash strewn around the floor, and Elijah doesn't seek to see what it is.
Today, they'd tried something risky. And dangerous. It may have been protocol to alert clients, but they'd done much more. Perhaps they'll get rewarded better? He has his work cut out for him, and he's sure to take more risks in the future. Elijah reaches to pick up the crate, and follows Tony into the room.
