Novus
an equine & cervidae rpg
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Closing our Chapter
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[P]The Devil in I
Forum: The Colosseum
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Heavy is the Crown [P]
Forum: The Dusk Court
Last Post: Uzuri
07-19-2022, 04:01 PM
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{Event} A dance in twinkl...
Forum: The Dusk Court
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07-19-2022, 03:49 PM
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No damsels in distress he...
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The start of something ne...
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IRON-FORGED
Forum: The Dusk Court
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From one queen to another...
Forum: The Dawn Court
Last Post: Uzuri
07-19-2022, 02:53 PM
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I’m cold-hearted, better ...
Forum: The Night Markets
Last Post: Absynthe
07-19-2022, 02:25 PM
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  mojo witchcraft
Posted by: Fever - 05-30-2022, 04:06 PM - Forum: Mors Desert - Replies (7)

A child of the sun, prodigy crafted by Solis Himself, a lithe and serpentine specimen built to survive the harshest climates of Solterra. She is an oasis to a thirsty traveler, refined by the grit of sands that dance in the wind; a colorful cocktail of mexican red clay, the white-hot glare of the midday sun, and the black of an unfathomable desert sky at night. Her body is a treasure trove of culture and secrets, one who dances with the ghosts that haunt her, a wraith of summer heat and mirrored mirages. 

And even though she is as wild as mother nature herself, she is apprehensive of the ocean.

Fever stands a few yards back from the shore: sands stretch for endless measures behind her, the shade of a few palm trees her only refuge from the fat sun that burns in the sky. The expanse of water in front of her is a tropical shade of blue, the waves in the gentle tide sparkling like scattered diamonds while seafoam collects on the sand like a pearl necklace. 

Like all beautiful things, Fever is drawn to it. She is enamored with the way the shore pushes away the sea but always pulls her back in, like a forbidden dance between two lovers who were never meant to be. It demands her attention, the way a wild dancer would, beckons her in with a promise of cool relief for her hot skin. Yes, the ocean seduces Fever, but she cannot find the strength to ever meet her.

In the slave houses, her mates would speak of horror stories of those who had drown and how they would never be able to meet Solis in death. Just like being buried, drowning is not a noble death - there is no honor in having the ocean keep your body. 

Yet, there was once a time where she had promised a dear friend that they would one day play in the ocean together. 

But she had abandoned him, and she was certain he had moved on to frolic in the sea with someone else. Perhaps she would find his ghost in those waters - she could succumb and perhaps find him at the bottom of the ocean floor with open arms, a waltz awaiting her. Her mother could be down there as well, screaming out to Fever with a voice that would go unheard. How would Fever know she wasn't down there unless she looked?

An ache squeezes her heart in an invisible vice as she lays in the shade alone; the mare tries to distract her wandering mind by watching the water giggle at her, admiring the seductive ebb and flow of the tide, letting the tantalizing salt in the air try to tempt her into taking a step into the unknown.

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  another casualty
Posted by: Fever - 05-30-2022, 03:10 PM - Forum: The Dusk Court - Replies (1)

F E V E R
I DIED LIKE A SAINT; WAS REBORN A DEVIL

Originally, Fever had made her way into Terrastella to attend the masquerade ball, and although she had a half-decent time attending the festivities and had had her fair share of meeting a collection of interesting characters, she was too exhausted to begin her journey back home to her native court. Fluttering her lashes and false bantering was perpetually tiring, and she longed for something strong to soothe her back into a pleasant mood. 

The night was still stiff and warm, a much different climate than she was used to at home. The air made her sticky, a dew of sweat beading on her abstract tri-colored skin. She removed her veil, seeing as she was no longer required to be in a masquerade attire, though the jewels still decorated her spine and her usual jewelry still twinkled in the twilight. Hopefully her travels would be quick, for she longed for a dip at the oasis back in her homelands - to wash away the residual grime that clings to her from being in contact and mingling with the wealthy. 

Fever walks through the foreign streets of Dusk Court; gilded gaze studying the alien shapes of their architectures and the even stranger faces of their people. Fever felt spot-lighted, very obviously not belonging to this kingdom, she stood out like a screaming red flag. She meets the stares with unamusement, her eyes daggers poised and ready to defend herself, her tongue a weapon held at the helm. Thankfully, no one engaged and she was able to return to sight seeing.

A small establishment caught her attention: humble in nature, hidden away like an insider's delight. It seemed to be a treasure trove of individuals who were a little shady, a tad bit suspicious or perhaps downtrodden in nature. These were Fever's kind of people. Unabashedly, she saunters inside, pleasantly welcomed by the warm light of fires and the quiet murmuring of conversation. She could hear a commotion towards the back of the bar with some rowdy patrons, but otherwise, the abode seemed casual and much easier to find conversation than the ball.

The spiced serpent slithers up to the bar, giving a small nod to and testing smirk to the regulars who eyed her - patiently, she awaits the owner to appear so that she may order a drink.

@Asta little opener <3 

I SLEPT LIKE A SLAVE; WOKE UP A REBEL
art by TheDayOfShadow, code by @c.widow

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  when the sun sets we're both the same
Posted by: Fever - 05-30-2022, 02:42 PM - Forum: The Day Court - Replies (1)

Summer is dying - though the heat is still enjoyable in the desert, there is a shift in the gales that snake through the streets of Day Court. Cooler weather is on the cusp, though Solterra is not one for changes in the colors of the foliage or the intensity of the sun, but the days would begin to waste away and chasing daylight would become sport. 

This evening, as the sun begins its descent beyond the horizon, the last rays of light are staining the adobe courtyard of Solterra blood-red. Children are playing games in the long, ominous shadows cast by the clay homes of commoners. Elderly are sipping water like fine wine, some of them fanning themselves, while a guard or two stands post on every few street corners. 

A bleeding sunset reflects light of the metallic skin of a paint mare as she sinuously creeps through the streets. The jingling of bells on her thigh would always announce her arrival amongst her people. She forgets that she doesn't have to hide in the dark any longer, though the sight of citadel police would always cause her heart to climb into her throat. She can recall her days sneaking through the shadows, like a thief in the night, tip-toeing her way past nobles who lay in the streets drunk. And although she is still wary, still paranoid of the wrong people finding her, Fever sashays with a confidence as she moves amongst her kingdom. 

This is her kingdom. Her people. Her livelihood. 

Carefully, she makes her way into the alleys in an attempt to reach one of her favorite spots to watch the sunset. Once she is sure she is alone, her guard slips, and she takes a brief moment to rest against the cool clay of a building. Her shoulders are still blighted by the wounds she received while sparring in the colosseum. Though the scraping on the left shoulder-blade has begun to scab over, yet the bruising on her right side has blossomed into ghastly purple and blue shapes. It was painful to the touch, and whenever she wasn't fighting it, she would have an obvious limp. 

Fever sighs softly, in a bit of a blissful lull as she remembers fighting the stallion, craving that special breed of excitement that sparring brings. She wonders if Solis is pleased with who she has become: from house slave to battle-ready, from dragging chains to dancing and singing for her people, from ragged and emaciated to sharing her wealth with the children in the streets. 

Something suddenly catches her attention, and she is to believe she is no longer alone in the alleys. She pushes herself off the wall as to hide her weakness, put on a guise of attentiveness, and cranes her swan-like neck in curiosity - her golden and black eyes hungry to meet whoever has stumbled across her. 

@Swahili redemption thread <3

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  {Event} Child of Sun and Sea
Posted by: Black Arctic - 05-30-2022, 01:21 PM - Forum: Susurro Fields - No Replies

Black Arctic

Where the sun and sea meet,
There you shall find me.



The colt was alive with energy, something that his parents were less than impressed with some days. He bounced about next to the large flaming creature that was his sire. While his colors were similar, there was marked difference between the sun beast and his offspring. The colt had large wings, though they were more fins than typical wings. His ears matched his mother, as did his double eyes. He would grow larger than Bel, and like her, he loved to swim. 

"Kaito, do you really not ever walk?" The larger stallion asked softly, rolling his golden eyes and reaching down to ruffle the colt’s mane. Even Jiri tired of the colt’s endless energy and would return him home when she needed a break.

"Where is the fun in walking? Besides, I cant walk and keep up with you!" The colt snorted as he danced through the green grasses. They could hear and smell the picnic and that made him more excited. "I wonder what all will be in the fields! Maybe we can find other foals! Are there any other foals?" He asked, pausing in his movements to look up at his sire.

"That is a very good question. I am not sure. I know that Sovereign Cally recently had her first fawn, but I done know if they will join." Sol remarked as he shortened his strides for the foal.



"Kaito""Sol"
@—
Notes: Open <3 Figured I would throw Kaito and Sol into the picnic!

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  Halcyon Race - Leg One
Posted by: Official Dusk Account - 05-30-2022, 12:42 PM - Forum: Susurro Fields - Replies (10)


Aestate Umbrae Festival


The morning dawned clear and warm, perfect weather for the first leg of the race. Uzuri used her wings to reach the fields quickly, Neema staying home to stay out of the way. She had sent a letter to each of the competitors that had signed up, asking them to appear for the race this morning. Seeing bodies starting to arrive, she smiled and moved to where the starting line had been placed. The servants had mapped out the course with a series of light blue flags. The course was to pass between the lines of flags, twice around the fields. 

“Welcome! I am so excited for this event and hope that this will be one to be repeated as the years go by. Please step to the starting line and ready yourself to run. Please remember, no wings or magic will be allowed in this race. I want all to be on a level playing field.” She called over, eyes pausing on each of those that had signed up for this race. 


Leg One Information: The first race of this event will take place in Susurro Fields. This race will test speed. Each character will have two posts in this as they go around the field in a pair of laps. After each character has posted for the lap, there will be an Official Dusk Court post that will update the standings.

Characters signed up:
@Absynthe
@Phoebe
@Aeon
@Pangaea
@Below Zero - If reactivated in time

And so with the sunshine
and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees,
just as things grow fast in movies,
I had that familiar conviction that
life was beginning over again with summer.

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  That's the Spirit
Posted by: Jarek - 05-30-2022, 07:59 AM - Forum: The Day Court - Replies (2)

Jarek
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Here behind the curtain lies a darkness feeding
Pooled inside, in hunger cries, and still it's eating
Everything I had to hide is all on my sleeve
And behind the curtain lies my soul, I’m bleeding
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


There had been a few sun rises and sunsets since he had seen the sunset painted mare named Phoebe. His mind had wondered intensely since they had met, feeling the need to place a token to their meeting. It had to be a perfect item, something that represented the woman's unique spirit and something practical. Delicate and decorative gifts were appreciated too, he was sure. But he wanted this to be something else. Something that she would cherish and would improve her quality of life. He would be sending her more soap leaves that would be a minimum. 



He had spent the morning browsing the wares that were available within the Day court markets. The wispy smoke from baking and from incense had tickled his nostrils intensely. He had finally settled on an object both beautiful and practical. It had been difficult to find something suitable. It had to be a high quality to send the right message. He had found a gloriously bright platinum coloured armor, that would reflect the night sky, or the sun across its length. He hoped it would fit the mare snuggly and it would protect all the important parts without restricting her movement too much. He wasn’t sure exactly what the material it was made out of, but it was sturdy and strong. 


He had decided to place packets of the herb for washing within the helmet of the armor for her to discover. The helmet itself had a striking horn from the center of the head piece, it was truly appropriate in his mind for her fiery spirit. The head,neck, chest and back pieces were able to be clipped and fastened together - or removed as desired. He placed all the parts within the parcel, with light purple coloured paper and closed it up tightly.


He had thought about the best way to get the item to her. He thought about going up and giving it to her. But he wanted it to feel more special than that. He wanted her to return from training and find the mysterious package. He knew that when she opened it she would know exactly who had sent it.  It would be perfect. It would show her how much he had been thinking about her since their meeting. 


He needed the best kind of delivery person. Someone less threatening than himself, smaller and nimble.  Immediately the image of Swahili came to mind. Perhaps she would be willing to make the delivery for him. He found himself standing outside the ally wondering if she would be here. Meeting her at the castle seemed less enticing, he didn’t want to draw too much attention to himself at this time, let alone dealing with her controlling father.

OOC: <3 @Swahili

image by:https://giphy.com/Allyouneediswall

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  !! one task at a time
Posted by: Kindred - 05-28-2022, 03:49 AM - Forum: Delumine's Egg Hunt - No Replies

She planned on keeping herself busy. Small tasks, getting accustomed to the Dawn Court and all that it had to offer again. Years had passed after all. 

Today was the first day she had ventured close to the forest since Callynite had pulled her from her compulsive haze. She’d been staying aware, in fear that she’d get trapped within the confines of the trees once more with her mind’s prison insisting upon searching. 

One step. She takes a deep breath, ears perked at the sound of children scampering around. Two steps. Her eyes peer through the trees and into the clearing. Three steps. So many people. They’re going to ruin any traces!!!! She panics, slightly, feeling her heart beating out of her chest. Four steps. No. No. It’s fine. It’s fine. Traces have been long gone. It’s fine. Five steps. Her eyes zone in on Callynite who seems just as anxious as the mare was, though she was certain it was for far different reasons. 

Find other tasks. Fill your time with them instead. It will be okay. [say]”M’Lady, uhm... Callynite... Can I help?”[/say] Her speech is quite, and she’s surprised with the doe turns around relieved giving her a task to complete. Hide eggs in the Western side of the egg hunt. That she could do. Kindred nods her head before grabbing a basket and securing five eggs, the most comfortable number for her, and shuffled her way off toward the western part of the hunt.

One egg. She pushes through some of the brush, finding an abandoned nest. Carefully, she props it up on a few rocks and then places a few more stones inside that were about the same size as the eggs themselves. Then, she slides the egg in with them, partially covered by some of the rocks. Noticeable... but hidden at the same time.

Two eggs. This one she attempted to hide a little higher. In fact, she knew this tree well, she could see her scratch marks upon it from the searches she had done religiously. A small dip was in the bark of the tree, one that went far enough back to cradle an egg. Gently, she placed it there and covered it with a blanket of moss that trailed out of the hole. 

Three eggs. A different area, a little farther off the beaten path with quite a bit of brush built up near the trees. Kindred delicately placed this one in the nook between some of the sprouting roots that were shaded by tall brush, just barely noticeable. 

Four eggs. A rock jutted up off of the trail, to a dense section of branches, just barely within the short mare’s reach. After testing the sturdiness of the rock she eased the egg into the bed of branches and leaves before making her way back down.

Five eggs. A rabbit hole on her way back toward the main area grabs her eye. She places this one just inside of it on another bed of moss that trails out with a stone backing to keep it from tumbling further in.

[Say]”That should be good...”[/say] she whispers to the air, pressing her nose against her pendant as if Wren were there to approve of her completion. Then, she makes her way back to Cally, depositing the basket near the others again.

[say]”You should be good, m’lady...”[/say] she says, a gentle smile on her face as she fights the urge to start searching once more for her sister.

@Callynite

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  The flow of the ocean
Posted by: Antaeus - 05-25-2022, 11:26 AM - Forum: Terminus Sea - Replies (5)

Antaeus


dance with the waves, move with the sea
let the rhythm of the water set your soul free

Gaining passage to this new land had been surprisingly easy. Easier than he had expected [in large part due to the fact they had accepted his offer of working aboard the vessel to get to Novus with out any sort of background on his abilities or past]. Somehow, despite his shady past, and shadier start to life, he'd made it through, and now the half kelpie turn pirate was on a new island to loot and pillage to make his new base of operations. Okay, so maybe it was only kind of a new start. He'd discovered a while ago that pirating was easy. When you could breath under the water, pirating was no big deal.

He hadn't been in Novus long, the boat he had traveled on having docked just the night before, where he'd been directed up to a land called Terrastella where there was a city not too far from Port. He'd booked a room for the next week, easily supplying the necessary gold, Although, does one really call it supplying, when you casually steal it from the teller, to give back for your own board? It would give him about a week to make his plan for where to begin with exploring and making his home in this world, at the very least. Today wasn't that though. Today he'd spent it at the beach - getting a feel for the underwater community.

He'd started fairly early that morning - early enough it had still been dark out when he'd dove off the cliffs of Terrastella and into the ocean below. Beneath those waves, his luminescence worked well in his favor, providing him plenty of light as his limbs kicked about, pushing him through the water (with more difficulty than he cared to admit, sometimes he cursed the fact he hadn't been gifted any sort of fins with the rest of his natural kelpie abilities). But now the day had begun to grow longer, the sun beginning to hit it's zenith. Surfacing from the water, his mane floated around on the wake as his gaze drove to the sky, where the sun was nearly on top of him. The hottest part of the day, perhaps not a bad time to emerge from the water and allow it to dry his pelt and search for some snacks - whether it be fish, or sea grasses.

Emerging from the water, he shook his pelt, as he flicked water from his the long strands of his tail. His gills had closed as soon as his head had broke the surface, hidden in the shadow of his jaw, and the casualness of him emerging from the water had only been done after he had assured there was no one around on the part of the beach he was at - that may see him mysteriously emerging from the ocean depths, Like the sea, I intend to keep my secrets shrouded in mystery and wonder. As he allowed himself to collapse into a patch of grass, he stretched out beneath the sun, his eyes closing with a subtle sigh, before those deep cyan, pupilless eyes stared out once more, a faint grin to his features as he soaked up the sun, feeling his wet mane and tail already beginning to dry in the loose, if not slightly wild waves he was familiar with when on land. Yes, so far; even in the short day and some he'd spent on Novus - he wasn't yet ready to complain. And there was still the rest of the island to explore, and the Novians to meet and greet as well!


"Speech"
Thoughts
@Rosemary
Notes: <3

x

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  {Event} More than meets the eye
Posted by: Alfajiri - 05-23-2022, 12:10 PM - Forum: The Dusk Court - Replies (4)







A party... The very idea screamed at the young mare as she danced through the dusk court. She and her father had joined the court to be with her mother, and since then... well to say that they were rather quiet would be an understatement. Jiri found that she hoped it would change now that they had a new baby to introduce to the world. She adored her little brother, though she also had some resentment where he was concerned. She felt like an outsider now, like someone that no longer belonged. That is what drove the young mare to the ball.

She shook her head as she pranced, enjoying the feeling of independence. Perhaps it was time for her to start to figure out where she belonged. Jiri was old enough to figure out where she wanted to focus her life, what she wanted to do. That knowledge was heady and intimidating. She was not a soldier, had no desire to become one. But she also didnt want to become a blacksmith like her father. So many options raced through her mind and she shoved them away. This was a night for fun, not for heavy thoughts. Pausing at the gates of the citadel, she took a deep breath.

Over her pelt, a crimson cloak glittered. She loved that she had dressed up. An ornate golden mask covered her features, hiding who she was from those that didnt know her form. Even her striking markings were blurred with the cloak. This was the first time that she had been out as a young adult and it was both terrifying and electrifying. "I can do this." She murmured to herself before entering.

The ball was intense, so many bodies and nearly ethereal music causing a clash in her brain. Moving toward the stage, she found herself swaying to the music with her seafoam eyes closed. Flicking her tail, she let her lean form move. This ball was calling out the more mature side of the mare and she loved every moment of it.



I who am my mother's daughter.
"Speaking"
@
Notes: Open to any <3 Writing this as a two year old since that is pending update
Credit: Character by Chaosy, Art by LizzArtStudios

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  Do Your Research
Posted by: Rosemary - 05-22-2022, 12:21 AM - Forum: The Library - No Replies

Rosemary stared at the paper lying atop the wooden shelf before her, her mouth slightly agape and her worrisome green eyes distant. A crude writing instrument turned slowly, indecisively, in the air beside the waiting page, held aloft by her telekinetic gift with such a strong inattention it was a wonder the item hadn't clattered to the floor of the Library yet. The look upon the grey mare's face was full of uncertainty, of doubt and second guessing, and she could feel it constricting her chest, tightening her breath, filling her with a foreboding sense of dread.

Why did she have this thought? Why had it occurred to her that, upon realizing the Dawn Court possessed a need for merchants and traders, she thought to take up the occupation herself? She wasn't the least bit qualified, hadn't any mercantile knowledge or experience in trade of any kind; most of her knowledge was tied up in etiquette and basic lessons one might impart to a child, all of which had come in handy once upon a time when her title had been something along the lines of "governess." Here, however, there was less need for such a role, less room for her to make herself useful with those outdated skills, and by Oriens, she needed to be useful.

Closing her eyes, Rosemary forced a shaky breath into her lungs and released it with painstaking slowness. [say]Calm yourself, Rosemary.[/say] There was no sense getting so worked up over this. It was just another lesson for her to learn, something new she could later teach to another and continue the passage of knowledge down the line. First, she needed to become a master herself, and honestly what better place to begin than Dawn's famed Library? Making herself open her eyes, she glanced over one shoulder at the nearest book-laden shelves, taking comfort in their presence, their tangible lessons and impactful information that would no doubt prove a boon to this newest endeavor. [say]You are not alone in this. You have the scholars of the ages at your back. They will guide you.[/say]

She took comfort from the inwardly directed pep talk, and her wary expression took on a resigned resolution, steeling herself for this uncharacteristic--and frankly ill-conceived--venture she had set herself on. [say]"First things first,"[/say] she murmured to herself, her tone surprisingly measured despite the lingering nerves rippling beneath her surface, [say]"do your research."[/say] With a look, one of the tomes on the shelving rose and floated over toward her, settling itself gently atop the shelf beside the paper. It wasn't a direct instructional manual on how to operate or build a successful franchise from the ground up, but it did document one that had come before her, a piece of their history from which she could glean valuable insight.

Already she was flipping through it, skimming pages for key words, indicative phrases, pieces of the text that would act as a springboard for her plans. [say]"Here we go..."[/say] Something clicked, beginning to take shape in her mind, and her green eyes focused with a keener interest upon the page. The book settled as she delved into the text, and the writing instrument lifted almost in the same moment, making notations on the blank paper of those most important bits that Rosemary planned to put into practice as soon as she felt confident enough. But only when she felt confident enough.

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