sticksandbonesmods: (Default)
sticks and bones. ([personal profile] sticksandbonesmods) wrote2023-08-24 11:28 am
Entry tags:

NPC CONTACT

NPCs
To request a thread with an available NPC, put their name in the subject line and anything else you feel is relevant. NPC threads cannot be used for Main AC, but can be used for Bonus AC.

Available NPCs:

Shopkeeper / Heimr.

(he/him)

A tall, heavier man who dresses in slightly oversized clothing not unlike that of a wandering merchant of sorts. He has golden orange eyes and long, curly dark hair that's starting to turn silver here and there, and though he carries a certain weeriness, this does nothing to mask his kindness. He has absolutely no pokerface whatsoever. During the day and late at night he mans the General Store with the help of Plum's magic, though now that he needs to sleep, he's more prone to catnaps at the counter. That said, he'll always be ready to listen or offer a cup of tea. Late winter/early spring, he became human — but not the man he used to be. Heimr gained his name from Mizuki.

Trader / Ydalir.

(she/her)

A large woman who adorns herself with rich colors and baggy clothes to hide her shadowy form, and the Shopkeeper’s sister. Like her brother, she has given her name to the forest and with it, her identity and humanity. She is much more energetic, but more likely to anger as well. She runs a trading booth, armed with magical items from who knows where and a mirror that allows her to reach for items across dimensions, which she will use for the new residents of the Grove! For a price. Her name was given to her by Mizuki.

Rusty.

(he/him)

An old dog who desperately wants to go home. Before the fence erected itself, he spent most of his days trying to get into the manor with little success. The Shopkeeper says the children of his former master are inside the manor, and he wants to return to their side. He can be fussy and has a flair for that doggy judgmental side eye, but he’s gentle and loving as well. What secrets does he hold?

Zahliya.

Played by [personal profile] purifier
(he/they)

A Gargoyle rescued from the fog who is very fond of his titles. Known as "the Purifier, He Who is the First Sentinel, the Grove's Guardian" and fifteen other things, Zahliya is short, combative, and possesses the ability to cleanse corruption by taking it into himself, or burning it out with magic. While formerly unable to conjure said magic, Zahliya is now capable of curing all but the most dire forms of Corruption. His true name is "Amun-Ra", given to him by the Goddesses who created him. He can typically be found perched on the roof of the church, and wields two holy blades called Daybreak and Nightfall.

Zonari.

(she/her)

A Gargoyle constructed by the Fallen Sun/Forest who was brought back to the Grove with some reluctance. Zonari is firmly on the side of the Fallen Sun, though she will entertain being spoken to, and is operating under a truce with everyone here under the promise that they will reunite the Fallen Sun with Beiwe and repair the trust lost between the siblings. She refers to Zahliya as her brother. Her magic deals in Corrupting and modifying memories, and she has a small amount of control over Time. She rarely visits the Grove to "check on you all", and will not get directly involved in affairs of the players at this time.

Moder.

(she/her)

A terrifying, two-story tall moose monster known as the Guardian of the Forest. Moder speaks exclusively in a language that sounds similar to Old Norse, but her words are automatically translated in the heads of those who hear her into something legible. She roams the Grove freely and slips in and out of the fog, regularly killing dangerous monsters to protect the people within the fog's protective bubble. If you ask nicely, she will give you rides around the Grove. During Spring and Summer, mosses and flowers grow along her back and bloom in her hoofsteps.

Sinann.

(it/its or they/them)

The River Guardian, Sinann is a five-foot long fantail fish. It is the reason the river flourishes, and it is the reason you should return the bones of fish you take from the river back to it. Despite appearances, Sinann is just as powerful as the other Guardians. It has the ability to enter a humanoid form to go on land, but will largely still be a fish in the river. Sinann's healing water can heal all but the most fatal of injuries, and it recommends carrying a bottle of it with you just in case.

Callan.

(he/him), art by [plurk.com profile] winterbolt

The Lake Guardian, Callan, lives within the lake primarily, but his "mobile home" is in a fishtank in Pure Vanilla Cookie's house. He has the ability to charm people with his siren's song, though lately he's learnt to "be good" and ask first before he tries to take bites out of people. To make matters worse, he's also a shapeshifter, and tends to take on amorphous forms. He cannot shapeshift to something that would break his usual powers — no birds/flight, and no saltwater creatures. Mostly, he wants to play and taunt people. He acts much stupider than he truly is, but he's not going to tell you that.

The Sky Guardian/"Aurora".

(she/her)

Dubbed "Aurora" by the residents of the Grove, The Sky Guardian, the "bird of rainbow", was killed by the Fallen Sun when it Fell. Thanks to the efforts of Pure Vanilla Cookie, she has been resurrected. When she initally perished eons ago, it is said the stars fell from the sky with her; with her return, the stars, too, have come back. She is kinder and more patient than the other Guardians, and can shapeshift into various types of birds. When in her real form, she stands at three stories tall. A single rainbow tailfeather can bring people back from the dead without consequence — but the offerings required can be steep.

Dragon Hatchlings.

(varies)

A clutch of seven dragon young who hatched upon the beach midwinter. The young vary greatly, but are friendly and playful little things. They like to play at the Rec Center or can be found in various places around the Grove, though they all have favored guardians and caretakers.

You may ask them for a blessing or two, threaded here.

Nene.

Played by [personal profile] mermaidcursed
(she/her)

A young girl who was previously corrupted, but healed by the Cosmic Serpent's holy rain and Pure Vanilla Cookie's efforts. This has resulted in the more malignant plant growths on her to drop and die, but at this point she is still significantly plantlike, as she's come to rely upon these mutations to survive for thousands of years. At a glance Nene will stand out due to her eyepatch, metal legs and the flowers growing out of her hair. As she's now free of the Forest, her exuberant and bright personality is starting to really shine through. Upon death and revival, Nene will personally lead you back to the Grove. Just don’t let go of her hand on the journey.

Elsword.

Played by [personal profile] simplicitas
(he/him)

A young man who was once living among the Grove's residents and formerly Corrupted. Elsword formerly resided in The Garden, where he greeted and spoke to the dead, as well as researched the secrets of it. He decided to resurrect for a chance at attacking the Fallen Sun out of revenge. Fully blind, he can be found living with Mizuki, but spends a majority of his time outside camping out across the river and upstream from Vash's House.

Callisto Abella.

(she/her)

A merchant and 'treasure hunter' if you believe her words, Callisto is a cynical woman who has the unfortunate crime of freeing the Fallen Sun, letting him claw his way back to power. He's kept her as a personal pincushion for centuries, killing and resurrecting her at whim, and though she's still full of fire, she is also weary from years of guilt, suffering and the realization that everyone she knows and loves is dead. Callisto keeps to herself but can be drawn from her room at the inn with good company, good food and good wine- which she also enjoys making.

Semi-Available NPCs:

Semi-Available NPCs are NPCs that are only able to be spoken to under specific circumstances. The circumstances are outlined under each NPC's informational blurb. These NPCs may or may not be moved to Available or Unavailable status depending on further plot updates. Characters who do not fulfill the requirements will not be able to thread with these NPCs. They live under a cut to save page space.

List of Semi-Available NPCs (Click to Expand):

The Behemoth.

(she/her)

The "daughter of Callan", The Behemoth is an enormous, many-eyed crocodile who is now trapped outside of the lake due to the fog wall. She has interest in humankind, and will regularly stalk anyone near the river, but will not try to harm them unless she is harmed first. She claims that she will side with whoever makes her home better, be it humankind or the Creature in the Woods. She can only be spoken to while using the Bone Ring.

Plum.

(they/them)

A little fox spirit within the General Store, Plum is the reason that Heimr can get so many supplies and keep it stocked year-round. There is a shrine to them in the back of it. Plum can only be spoken to while using the Bone Ring.

Beiwe.

(she/her)

The Goddess of the Sun, Beiwe's statue rests next to the well. She traditionally wears armour and wields a sword. She is boistrous, loud, and passionate, and praying to her will make the area feel warm for a time. At one point, she rode on the back of a giant dragon named Sehul. Her statue shows her without her horn-halo cracked, but the real Beiwe does indeed sport that injury. She can be contacted via prayer, but unless otherwise noted, cannot be physically interacted with at this time.

Ourania.

(she/her)

The Goddess of the Moon, Ourania's statue rests next to the well on the opposite side from Beiwe's. She wears a flowing gown and a scarf in her statue. Little is known about her, though she is said to be "very ill". Another humongous statue of hers lies underneath the far-off lighthouse, built into the cliff face. When prayed to, she makes the world feel colder for a moment.She can be contacted via prayer, but unless otherwise noted, cannot be physically interacted with at this time.

Felicity Morais.

Played by [personal profile] amethystic
(she/her)

A young witch and Star who was called to an uninhabited star shrine to empower it once more. She stays to both provide a beacon of safety to other Stars in the forest, share her power and a third, much less pleasant reason: to be live bait for that which would kill the holy lights and give them time to protect themselves best.

Unavailable NPCs:

Unavailable NPCs are, well, not available for threads for one reason or another, but are listed here for bookkeeping/lore reasons. They may or may not become available at a later date. Available NPCs may also become unavailable at a later date, and will be moved to this list accordingly. To avoid clutter, this list lives under a cut, but all NPCs are lore-important and should be considered part of the story even if they aren't necessarily contactable.

List of Unavailable NPCs (Click to Expand):

Aldric.

(he/him)

The founder of the Grove, owner of the manor, and Rusty’s previous master. He had planned on establishing the Grove as a pitstop town within the woods while trying to clear space for a shortcut trade route between towns. It seems that he invited people who needed to get away from their hometown as means of refuge as well. ... Recently, the Shopkeeper has confessed to being Aldric, though he can no longer call himself by name.

Renard.

(he/him)

Aldric’s best friend and the co-founder of the Grove. Currently, he is deep within the forest, sealed into a tree and awaiting rescue. He is said to have taken a magic artifact long ago that the forest wants, intending to hide to protect it.

Olivia.

(she/her)

Aldric's sister, who lived within the grove. Apparently she guards the star shards. Through magic and great sacrifice, Olivia gave up her name and with it, her humanity, to become the Trader.

Audrey.

(she/her)

Aldric’s youngest child. Her body was discovered in the manor, laid to rest within her bedroom. She has a gravestone outside of the manor, and both Rusty and the Shopkeeper can be found there sometimes.

Rillian.

(she/her)

Aldric’s oldest daughter, the middle child. She remains within the manor for reasons unknown, and refuses to exit, insisting that it’s for something necessary.

Evan.

(he/him)

Aldric’s oldest son. He remains in the manor alongside Rillian, and refuses to exit, insisting that it’s for something necessary.

"The Forest".

(he/it)

Or rather, the entity possessing the forest as a whole. Childish, sadistic, and power-hungry, the Forest has invited you to play! And you will play, whether you like it or not. Though it can show acts of kindness, it views all life as its toys, and will not be convinced otherwise. Known also as the Creature, the False God, and the Fallen Sun, the entity possessing the Forest was formerly a God that Fell and has seen fit to wreak havoc upon the world. The Guardians will tell player characters to call it anything other than a God so that it doesn't regain any more power. While not available for direct threads on request, the Forest will interact with characters through major events and storylines. At one point, it was named "Suri" by Affogato Cookie, though this name is not known by other player characters and should never be used ICly due to that. Do not do a metagaming, thank you.

Sehul.

(they/them)

A long-dead Guardian, formerly Beiwe's mount and said to be a flame-coloured dragon. Sehul was killed by the Fallen Sun in an attack. The Guardian's skeleton can be found at the lake's edge, sunken into the sediment.

The Cosmic Serpent.

(any/all)

Lying in the whirlpool in the middle of the ocean viewable from the cliffside, the Cosmic Serpent is a long, glittering leviathan who feasted upon the fallen stars eons ago. They will not entertain conversation, and their preferred hobby is taking a nap.
unheiring: (Ascended)

[personal profile] unheiring 2024-02-08 03:52 am (UTC)(link)
This side of me - [He huffs out his amusement, desperate to keep it from sounding anything closer to a laugh.] - Doesn't exist. It hasn't for years.

[And yet Zahliya has cracked it clean out of him. Worse still, he keeps smiling, the more that delight creeps over the Gargoyle's face. Like he's somehow enjoyed making him happy.]
purifier: (006)

[personal profile] purifier 2024-02-08 04:59 pm (UTC)(link)
Ah! I see! So this side of you is a myth? Yet I am witnessing this myth with my very eyes! Curious!

[Playful sarcasm. Yes, he does enjoy making Luca happy, and he will do it again. There's enough depression in this place to go around, they don't need to add to the collective misery.]

...I won't claim to know why you hide that part of you, but I do enjoy it. It's okay to find a bit of fun in a miserable situation.
unheiring: (Like Me)

[personal profile] unheiring 2024-02-09 04:43 am (UTC)(link)
Perhaps it's a miracle. Maybe you are more capable than you expected.

[Help him. He shouldn't draw this much joy from one person, or a handful of bad jokes. There has been so little to enjoy in life, so why should this one little thing bring him anything?

And why isn't he shying away like he should?]


I doubt you want to hear the whole, sad story. Certainly not tonight, after I have already regaled you with so many sordid details.
purifier: (008)

[personal profile] purifier 2024-02-09 05:30 am (UTC)(link)
Try me. I don't have much else to do here other than stare at the trees, stab things, sing songs, and raid the fridge.

[All very important hobbies, mind. Zahliya is leaving out the part where he secretly runs off to nitpick about his hair, but that fact doesn't need to come to light yet.]

...you never have to tell me anything you don't want to tell me. But if you'd ever want to talk about it, whether right now or later on, I'm here.
unheiring: (Unholy)

[personal profile] unheiring 2024-02-09 05:40 am (UTC)(link)
Sing songs?

[He isn't trying to change the subject. He just wasn't aware of this little fact.]

... I will at least keep your offer in mind. Perhaps one day it will be a story I feel comfortable sharing.

[Just not yet.]
purifier: (003)

[personal profile] purifier 2024-02-09 05:48 am (UTC)(link)
[If a topic change is needed, it's needed. There's no questioning it from Zahliya's end, and so he nods to show he understands, he hears, and he's taken it to heart. No need to force anything.

So, yeah. Singing.]


I think... there are not that many people left that know I do. [There's a frown, brief, while he thinks about the people who used to be here.] Mizuki, I think, is the only one. Maybe Felicity. It isn't a secret, but I don't tend to make it obvious, either.
unheiring: (God Hunter's Gonna)

[personal profile] unheiring 2024-02-09 05:58 am (UTC)(link)
Why is that?

[Zahliya had pressed him earlier about his smiles and laughter. Luca thinks he deserves to do the same in kind.]

Is there nothing to sing about? Or is it the attention that comes with it?
purifier: (006)

[personal profile] purifier 2024-02-09 06:12 am (UTC)(link)
Mmm... no, I know many songs. I suppose it's...

[He hums, thoughtful, as his tail flicks across the shingles.]

...well. I do get rather shy from time to time. I have sung in front of some others before, but between you and me, I'm no good under scrutiny. The second anyone makes a face like they might be judging my voice negatively, I'll clam up.

A bit embarrassing, no?
unheiring: (Unholy)

[personal profile] unheiring 2024-02-09 07:44 am (UTC)(link)
I'm sure you sound lovely. [It sounds genuine, words bordering on warm. How Zahliya managed to so thoroughly crack through Luca's rough exterior is beyond him. He probably shouldn't think too hard about it.]

And being worried about how people will perceive you? That's nothing to be ashamed of. There are many who are cruel and quick with their judgements. Better to protect yourself, yes?
purifier: (008)

[personal profile] purifier 2024-02-09 06:17 pm (UTC)(link)
[Honestly, this is one of the nicer interactions Zahliya has had here. Not many people will scramble onto the roof to talk with him, and most of his role has been dispensing lore and getting called out by Irene once upon a time for "living in the past".

It's all nice. Zahliya thinks this is just a good conversation, even if a few landmines were stepped on along the way. That's life, though, isn't it?]


I think people think of me as someone bold and brash and unafraid of things. I am not afraid of monsters, but of many other things. ...a great deal of it to do with you all. Anyway— [He flips his wrist, dismissive.] If you wanted me to sing, Luca, you could ask. I think I can get over myself for you.
unheiring: (Making)

[personal profile] unheiring 2024-02-10 03:26 am (UTC)(link)
[And to think he'd only come up here to get a better view. In a way, though, he probably did. The view he has right now is a pleasant one, after all.

Wait - hang on.]


We were not the only ones to suffer. You were alone for a long time. And I know from experience that after a long period of solitude, it can be difficult to open up. [For Luca, it was only a period of years. Zahliya, on the other hand, had mentioned centuries.

The offer, of course, prompts him to swiftly clear his throat. His head dips down, trying to hide the way his cheeks warm in the slightest.]
purifier: (005)

[personal profile] purifier 2024-02-10 04:26 am (UTC)(link)
[If Luca ever admits that out loud, Zahliya's oblivious ass will be like "ah yeah the black fog wall sure is a nice omen of the shithole we live in huh". Sorry he's like this.

He's trying to peek at Luca's face again as the other hides, though. Sorry he's like this x2.]


Here, then. A song for you. I learned it from someone here — you all came back with a lot of music, you know.

[He'll give himself a moment, adjusting his posture so that it's more conducive to singing, straight back and properly squared shoulders and all that. He looks away from Luca so that he's not actually singing at him, but rather letting his voice carry on the wind, even if it is semi-quiet.

And, well, it sure is a song he chooses to sing. He has a nice singing voice, nothing groundbreaking, but pretty all the same. A voice suited for lullabies and acoustic songs, certainly.

Luca will likely get the full song, and Zahliya trailing off into a hum at the end, unless he chooses to stop the gargoyle early.]
unheiring: (When You're Sinful To The Bone)

[personal profile] unheiring 2024-02-11 02:55 am (UTC)(link)
[Luca, in fact, does not stop him. He listens to the song, gentle and soft as it is, and seems to hang onto every word. In some ways, it reminds him of the days of his youth. He remembers sitting in the pews in the Church of the Phoenix, listening to all of the patrons sing their praises to a Beast they all revered. Wide-eyed and innocent as he'd been, he'd treasured that moment for many years.

Back then, he wasn't old enough to read or really know the words. But he'd felt them in his heart and hummed along, feet kicking as he clung to the hands of his family. He'd felt safe and loved, and had no reason to ever think he would feel otherwise.

Two decades later, and he knew better. And yet for some reason, the song and being sung to come dangerously close to evoking something similar. He catches himself swaying with the music more than once. He feels a hum in his throat.

If there were more witnesses, he might have shied away. Instead, he lets himself revel in it. Just this once.]
purifier: (008)

[personal profile] purifier 2024-02-12 04:16 am (UTC)(link)
[Zahliya forgets himself for a solid minute and a half afterwards, still humming what seems to be a similar-sounding but different tune, enjoying the breeze on his face and how Luca seems so relaxed. It's good. The vibes are good. For once, everything feels okay in this place, and that's something that Zahliya doesn't take for granted.

There's a very sudden, abrupt stop to the melody when he realises that he's gone on for what feels like way too long, tail whipping back and forth. Right. They were having a conversation, he's not showing off (he's kind of showing off)—]


—so! Anyway—! [Buddy.] If you ever have a mind to sing with me, you are more than welcome. Please, don't let me steal the spotlight.
unheiring: (And You've Claimed Yourself a Throne)

[personal profile] unheiring 2024-02-12 05:11 am (UTC)(link)
[It's... a little endearing, the way Zahliya seems to get so flustered. Luca finds himself smiling despite himself. Hopefully, the gargoyle doesn't get smart and point it out in the few seconds it takes for Luca to realize what's happening. His head tilts downward once he does, hiding his face once more.]

Tell you what. [Despite hiding himself, the smirk curling in his words is obvious.] If Father Wolfwood ever starts a choir, I will sign up. Just for you.
purifier: (003)

[personal profile] purifier 2024-02-13 08:13 pm (UTC)(link)
You have a deal, although I doubt he's the type. I suppose I will harass him to do so, so that you can sing to me this time.

[BIG smirk. Eat your heart out Luca.]
unheiring: (If You're Something More Than Flesh)

[personal profile] unheiring 2024-02-13 10:13 pm (UTC)(link)
I rather hope he isn't the type. It was meant to be an impossible deal.

[Is that a wink? I think so.]