The Veteran's Plateau and the surrounding lands of Hells River, the Battlefield, Locus Obscuro, The Range and the Whistling Willows are all affected by a magical autumn, additionally each land seems to have manifested permanently wet pools of blood, weapons and a lingering scent of iron. In the center of the plateau you find a statue:

A large lupine figure carved of stone looms over the plateau, it stands on a simple rectangular stone base but even without the base the statue is larger than any wolf ever seen in Boreas or Auster, larger by far. The figure is carved roughly from dark grey stone, the surface is uneven and rough, there is no sign of fine artistry in the carve instead each part of the statue is shaped to be just good enough to suggest what it’s portraying. Even still the form is clearly of a large imposing wolf, it stands with its legs spread evenly apart, its chest pushed forward and chin tilted up, a pair of dark stone eyes rolled down to sneer down at anyone who stands before it. It wears a stone cape around its neck which cascades down its right shoulder, a time-worn claps sitting at the base of its throat. Its left ear has crumbled, giving the appearance it has been torn and its right hind leg has a large chunk taken out of the stone. The statue is spotted with dark brownish stains that resist even the most persistent cleaning. When it’s dark, or when passerbys catch a glimpse of the statue out of the corner of their eye they swear the eyes glow a deep red.

There is a rough slab of stone at the statue's paws which you assume is the altar and a large ragged brown tabby cat covered in crisscrossing scars is gesturing for a group of other familiars: Other cats, ferrets, rats, and a few ravens, to shuffle decorations around as new ones are being added by others. "Come on then we don't have all day!" It says in a surprisingly gruff voice and you approach with your decoration of choice.

---

Make an IC post in this thread of your character decorating the altar or statue found in the Veteran's Plateau. Each character may only decorate one altar. Each player may only participate in six total events this week. Note: For the purpose of not making people read and memorize every single post, you can assume the familiars are actively shuffling things around to make more room, and it’s totally fine to say that you put down flowers on the same area where someone else just put a pelt. Collaboration and discussion between site members is not required, though it is allowed!

Deadline for decorating: October 23rd 9PM PST

All submissions must be posted by the deadline with no exceptions

The storms were a hard thing to miss as were the changes in the surrounding lands from the statues themselves. Onyx had heard of this festival or something of the sort from some familiars that came across her path. She wasn't one to really care about things of this nature but there was really nothing much better to do. So she went out of her way to bring something to this alter.

She was by no means a scaredy cat, though she had to admit the air here and along the journey was not particularly pleasant. She still made her way until she happened across the giant, nearly crumbling statue. Man, you think these familiar creature guys would take better care of their god statues. It was what came across her mind at least. Presenting to the animals here who were rearranging items as they were brought, she pointed up to the head of the statue with a sudden cringe from the sight of it. One of the birds here would take her large bear skull as if a crown to the statue. Though she supposed if there was anything better, the skull would do somewhere else. It wasn't really her problem honestly.

"Onyx Destruction"
F2U base by Snowylaika

NPC:

The tabby steps forward as you approach and seems to appraise your item carefully, its scarred face unreadable before it gives a nod and signals for another familiar to accept the item and move it to its new home, before turning its inscrutable amber gaze on you.

A raven hooks its talons into the sockets of the skull and hefts it with surprising ease up to the head of the statue, which you just now realize is almost too big even the skull but the bird seems to find a fitting place for it and somehow it looks right up there. The cat gesturing catches your attention and a rather large rat scurries forward with a pouch. "Thank you for your help, in return we'd like to offer you a sign of our gratitude." Says the tabby, gesturing for you to take the pouch. It glances back up at the skull and its whiskers twitch, you think it might be smiling but it's hard to tell.

You have received:
186 Gems & Shrink Potion

Gemstones added to credit.

Staff: note when claimed

On the way back to pack lands, The Warlord caught sight of another statue, and another selection of critters Something about the large and imposing statue reminded him of the world he had come from. The Empire and the wars they always participated in. More than that, it reminded him of a fathers whose face he could not recall. He had Kite wait to the side as he approached. Looking almost reverently up at the war-beaten statue. He unhooked the bracer he had crafted shortly after arriving in Boreas many, many years ago. It was as weathered as the statue. The leather was aged and well used.

He crouched by the statue, and hooked up the bracer to one of its front forelegs. A weapon of war to a statue that looked well familiar with the concept. He stood, looking up at the statue again, and said a silent goodbye to a past he had never really considered he would never see again, before turning and walking away.


"Speech"

NPC:

The tabby steps forward as you approach and seems to appraise your item carefully, its scarred face unreadable before it gives a nod and signals for another familiar to accept the item and move it to its new home, before turning its inscrutable amber gaze on you.

The tabby holds up a paw to a ferret that was approaching as you step forward to lace the statue into the bracers yourself. It watches you intently as if worried you may damage the already crumbling stone but says nothing, it's eyes following you as you step back and it appraises your work for a moment. The cat gesturing catches your attention and a rather raven hops forward with a pouch. "Thank you for your help, in return we'd like to offer you a sign of our gratitude." Says the tabby, gesturing for you to take the pouch. It's amber gaze never leaves you, it's clearly sizing you up and gives a small nod, and you're not sure what it means but it doesn't feel bad?

You have received:
122 Gems & Companion Accessory

Gemstones added to credit.

Staff: note when claimed
Transferred to Kara, Used here

As the fog rolled over Boreas and whispers on the wind spoke of altars and feasts, Gilgamesh felt a rush of fear down his spine. Trauma from the turmoil of the Long Night still haunted his dreams occasionally and he would not risk such a thing happening again. Unable to shake the feeling that more was to come, he was surprisingly feeling rather protective. Wanting to ensure that his offspring wouldn't be affected by whatever would happen, Gil brought Scald and whichever of his other growing pups with him toward the call of the altar. Placed gently over his shoulders, he brought with him a nicely made badger pelt. Sleek, shiny, and smooth as silk, the mottled man approached with his offering. Hesitating at first as he looked up at the crumbling statue's face, he could have sworn he saw a glint of ruby red glaring down at him. His mouth runs dry as he feels overwhelmed and stuck in place. That was until the large tabby cat practically barks at him to keep it moving and get out of the way for others. Giving his head a shake and closing the distance between him and the statue, Gil sets down the pelt with a bow of his head and backs away slowly. ”Speech” ’Thought’

NPC:

The tabby steps forward as you approach and seems to appraise your item carefully, its scarred face unreadable before it gives a nod and signals for another familiar to accept the item and move it to its new home, before turning its inscrutable amber gaze on you.

A quartet of rats scurries forward to each grab a part of the badger pelt and with a coordination that surprises you, they carry it up the statue and gently lay it across the back of the stone, one stays behind to adjust it as the rest carry on with their duties. The cat gesturing catches your attention and an absolutely tiny black kitten waddles forward with a pouch. "Thank you for your help, in return we'd like to offer you a sign of our gratitude." Says the tabby, gesturing for you to take the pouch. It seems to hurry you on quickly, giving you a dismissive wave of its paw but it doesn't seem any more brusque in its manner than it has been this whole time.

You have received:
106 Gems & Small Accessory

Gemstones added to credit.

Staff: note when claimed

His father was acting awfully strange ever since the weather changed drastically. For once, Scald was excited. He didn't particularly enjoy the heat of summer and was finally able to relax with the cool breeze rolling off the ocean. Though, from the look in his father's bright yellow eyes, he could tell something was off. Feeling a mixture of both curiosity and weariness, the lanky pup would agree to follow his dad north of the beach. Whispers and calls of a feast and altars to be decorated could be heard by everyone so he knew his dad was at least not going totally crazy. Making their way through the plateau and up toward the statue, he nearly bumped into his dad when Gil froze in place. Furrowing his brow as he peaked around to look at the statue with its ruby eyes and crumbling features, he wondered what was so spooky about it. The familiars skittering around the base and all over it, adjusting the offerings, were cute in their own raggedy way. Becoming slightly impatient with his father, he was happy to finally get his turn to approach. Growing closer, he pulled from a pouch that hung around his neck a shiny stone he had found in the caverns. Holding it out toward the familiars, he nodded his head with a sheepish smile. "I hope this is good enough," Scald says before it's grasped from his paw by a rather large and beady-eyed raven. Looking up at the statue in amazement, he too was frozen in place for a few moments before being harshly chided at by the brown tabby. Flicking his ears back, he scowled at the beckoning feline before removing himself to leave with his father.

NPC:

The tabby steps forward as you approach and seems to appraise your item carefully, its scarred face unreadable before it gives a nod and signals for another familiar to accept the item and move it to its new home, before turning its inscrutable amber gaze on you.

The raven snatches it out of your outstretched paw and happily hops around the statue, seemingly to take a long time to decide on where to place it, you also get the feeling its considering keeping the shiny stone for itself but when the cat clears its throat pointedly the raven finally places it gently near one of the forepaws of the statue. The cat gesturing catches your attention and a sleek rat comes forward with a pouch. "Thank you for your help, in return we'd like to offer you a sign of our gratitude." Says the tabby, gesturing for you to take the pouch. It watches you go with a blank expression, and the moment you take a step back loudly scolds the raven who appears to have been trying to steal the shiny stone when it wasn't looking.

You have received:
197 Gems & Small Companion

Gemstones added to credit.

Staff: note when claimed

Following behind her father, Vanta approached the statue. In places it looked almost crumbling, a gruesome chunk missing from it's rear leg that sent an unnatural feeling of fear to brew deep in the child's chest. Is this what a wolf who had been in combat looked like? She glanced up at her whole and well father, thankful he had escaped these sort of injuries in his many years of battle. As Sirius gave his own decoration and stepped back, Vanta hesitantly drew forward to offer her own. She did not have much to give nor was she an exceptional crafter by any means, but she did have a unique unnatural mutation inherited from her mother and apparently bestowed upon her dam originally by Gods.

Vanta drew the crystal shards of fur from her satchel and handed them off to the deft beak of her companion. The toucan flew up and began to glue the strands of crystalline fur to the wolf's own neck, mirroring where Vanta's grew. Her offering given, the puppy gave a deep bow and a grin to the statue before turning to accompany her father home.

"Speech"

NPC:

The tabby steps forward as you approach and seems to appraise your item carefully, its scarred face unreadable before it gives a nod and signals for another familiar to accept the item and move it to its new home, before turning its inscrutable amber gaze on you.

No familiar steps forward this time as it becomes clear you've got this handled and it seems every eye turns to watch the Toucan begin its work. There's a low murmur as it glues the shard down and you can't tell if the familiars are pleased or upset at the method of attachment. The cat gesturing catches your attention and a ferret bounces forward with a pouch. "Thank you for your help, in return we'd like to offer you a sign of our gratitude." Says the tabby, gesturing for you to take the pouch. Its gaze softens slightly and it nods towards your father as you go, impassive expression returning a moment later as it snaps at the still chittering familiars to be polite, maybe a bit ironically.

You have received:
165 Gems & Two-Round Skill Pass

Gemstones added to credit.

Staff: note when claimed

Rexx tagged along with his brother and father, not wanting to be cooped up on the beach anymore. The lockdown was a drag at this point, and the nearly-yearling child was itching for some new, novel sights. He was sure his brother did too, and so he padded along with them, burly legs carrying him at a steady pace through the lands they passed by. Their father's concerned look didn't go unnoticed to Rexx, like his brother, but he couldn't fathom what could be so wrong. The beach winds carried a cooler wind, it felt easier on his fluffy pelt and more comfortable, too. Why was his dad being all concerned and frowny about it, anyways? He'd heard of the altars - apparently that meant a really important statue you had to respect - and that his father and brother were going to offer a gift to it. Rexx was confused at the concept - were they supposed to get a wish or something in return? Was something going to happen if they did? He disregarded the curiosity pooling in his head, focusing on waiting patiently as they approached the long-worn, stony statue. A statue of war - from the caped draped over the wolf's still brawny form, despite its erosion, to the suspicious brown stains that suggested dried blood. At least to him, anyways. A small smile of awe curled his tusked maw, purple eyes alight in interest as he readily grasped his offering in his jaws - a well-oiled, well preserved piece of antler from a dead stag. Maybe it correlated with this statue's aura of honor and duty in battle, the way the stag had likely fought till its last breath, allowing Rexx to take a piece of antler as offering. After Scald and another pup placed their offerings, he was next. He eyed the crabby tabby cat and the familiars rushing about the base of the altar, but still obeyed the cat's snippy words as he placed the antler next to the other offerings. He glanced up at the statue, its impressive height, forever immortalized in cracked stone and iron scent, before leaving to keep up with his dad and sibling. "speech"

NPC:

The tabby steps forward as you approach and seems to appraise your item carefully, its scarred face unreadable before it gives a nod and signals for another familiar to accept the item and move it to its new home, before turning its inscrutable amber gaze on you.

A pure white raven with a dramatic scar across one eye flaps over and grabs the antlers from you. It tucks them gently under the statue before giving a croaking caw and landing taking off. The cat gesturing catches your attention and the same raven lands in front of you with a pouch. "Thank you for your help, in return we'd like to offer you a sign of our gratitude." Says the tabby, gesturing for you to take the pouch. It leans over to whisper something to the raven who hops towards you and seems to look you over before hopping back and both familiars nod, you have no clue what they're thinking.

You have received:
191 Gems & 10% Bonus Fight Score Pass

Gemstones added to credit.

Staff: note when claimed

Statues were said to be cropping up around the continent and Ricin needed to see them for himself. With haste, he had tracked down each statue, looked them over and quickly returned to Elysium. After passing on his news to Manea, the blue boy had tracked down his brother and told him everything he had seen. They made a plan to go visit the statue at the plateau and take some decorations for it.

Ricin had struck out again but this time with his brother and the pair went to gather their offerings. They came across traveling markets and were able to procure items that they thought the statue may like. It may seem like an odd notion but, with the appearance of the statues had come a magical autumn, and that alone had convinced the blue boy that these are not normal.
With their items in tow, the blue brothers make their way to the huge glowering statue.

The statue is just as imposing as he remembers, maybe even more so now that he is moves toward it. The battle worn statue seem to glare at him no matter where Ricin goes and it rattles his nerves when the eyes seem to glow red. When a cat singles him forward, gruff words spouting from its mouth, the boy hesitates and glances back at his brother but is quick to shuffle forward.

On the rough slab of stone, at the statue’s paws, Ricin steps forward to offer up his decorations and bows deeply in respect. Propped up against its paws, the blue boy leaves a large, silver shield and set of strong, leather braces that can be used for defense. But, there is more. Tucked inside the silver shield, wrapped and tied around the brace is a leather bag full of herbs to be used for healing.

Boneset, dandelion roots and leaves, elderberries, horsetail, lamb’s ear, lavender, marigold petals, marshmallow, meadowsweet, and trillium all hide in the bag’s depths, waiting to help aid those in need. Straightening up, the cat familiar shoos him away to allow room for others to leave their decorations and the blue boy trots off a short distance to wait for his brother.


"Ricin Dauner"

NPC:

The tabby steps forward as you approach and seems to appraise your items carefully, its scarred face unreadable before it gives a nod and signals for another familiar to accept the item and move it to its new home, before turning its inscrutable amber gaze on you.

Several familiars approach to help move and arrange your items, the tabby carefully looks over each one as it's moved and it nods for each though there is a delay after the herbs are brought forward, a flick of an ear and you're not sure what it means. The cat gesturing catches your attention and the biggest house cat you've ever seen approaches with a pouch. "Thank you for your help, in return we'd like to offer you a sign of our gratitude." Says the tabby, gesturing for you to take the pouch. It looks at you for a moment and seems to be conflicted about you but then gently nods and calls for the next wolf.

You have received:
198 Gems & Date Night Kit

Gemstones added to credit.

Staff: note when claimed

Chade had been surprised and curious when Ricin told him of the statues that had cropped up.  It was both strange and oddly familiar with the magic of the land showing up once again.  The magical sense of autumn that came on them as they got closer to the statue was fascinating.  Chade and Ricin had been cast out of their pack as young pups during the eternal night.  It felt like forever ago but the memories of then were forever lodged in his mind.  They had met a ghost back then, a true ghost who had talked with them and told them about the land's magic.  Chade never decided how much he believed but certainly ghosts and magic were both real.  

Walking across the lands Chade’s brows rose a bit at the pools of blood and finally, they got to the statue.  Chade would always label Ricin as the one with a wild imagination yet for all the statue appeared to be of stone, with the way it had just shown up Chade found himself wondering if there was a true spirit that was either in the stone wolf or watched over it.  Like a carved picture of a powerful spirit.  

Chade hadn’t bought anything at the markets, his mind running over what to do.  Once they were close Chade had them pause long enough so that the blue wolf could kill a rabbit.  The corpse was taken the rest of the way.  He waited for Ry to finish offering his items.  The shield was an impressive sight to Chade and looked quite fitting with the large statue.

Chade moved to the statue, tearing open the rabbit's corpse a bit more, “As a warrior and hunter I would grow wary if the taste of fresh blood could never touch my muzzle.”  The wolf statue was absurdly huge and Chade was no small wolf.  Dipping a paw into the rabbit, the red blood stood out keenly on the dark blue paw.  Standing on his back legs, chade’s paw runs along the side of the stone wolf's muzzle.  “May the taste of blood never leave your jaws.” Dropping back to the ground he nudged the corpse to the familiars, “and a gift to all of you since you seem so busy.”

Chade had already gotten Ricin’s permission earlier and when Chade moved to his light-toned brother Ry raised his paw and Chade placed his teeth over the leg where the fur was thin and slowly put on pressure till he felt a bit of skin give, a thin line of blood-forming and Chade followed it up to bite low on his own leg.  He took the blood from himself and Ricin and pressed it onto the feet of the statue.  In case the spirit of the wolf did exist, or even just for the familiars, he added, “I was told that one’s blood can help connect to the spirit of the earth.  Now our blood is shared with you. May your spirit feel the enjoyment of when we run across the earth, or when we feast on a fresh kill or protect the pack from any predator foolish enough to challenge it.”  A nod to it and the familiars before looking at Ricin so that they could head back.

"Chade & Ricin"

NPC:

The tabby steps forward as you approach and seems to appraise your item carefully, its scarred face unreadable before it gives a nod and signals for another familiar to accept the item and move it to its new home, before turning its inscrutable amber gaze on you.

An absolutely tiny rat scurries up the statue and snuffles at the blood on its maw before returning to the ground and giving the tabby a twitch of it's tail. The cat gesturing catches your attention and a hungry-eyed raven hops forward with a pouch. "Thank you for your help, in return we'd like to offer you a sign of our gratitude." Says the tabby, gesturing for you to take the pouch. It chuckles softly at your offering of food and with a twitch of its tail, several familiars move forward to carry their prize of who knows where.

You have received:
106 Gems & Small Companion

Gemstones added to credit.

Staff: Used in Prezzies for Players 2022 - nyx

Ajax thought about what he wanted to give the statue long and hard, felt it deep down in his bones like it was important. That it would count, in one form or another. With an old bottle he'd found in the shallows of the cavern, he trotted up to the statue, the seawater within sloshing back and forth even when he placed it upon the bloodstained altar. The ocean was salty and so was blood, though the connection was admittedly flimsy it just made sense in his mind. Made him feel as though he was sharing something that was dear to him with another, even if said wolf(?) was statue still and maybe a little off if he looked at it from a certain angle. Blood in the water bloomed like a flower on the surface, spreading slowly and moving with the tide. Sometimes Ajax threw back in fish he'd caught and killed just to see the flow of it, to admire the patterns as they twisted and shifted, before dissipating once spread too far. Ajax got the sense this statue guy might like watching it too, maybe he'd toss a fish in the sea in his honour next time, if he remembered. W E T

NPC:

The tabby steps forward as you approach and seems to appraise your item carefully, its scarred face unreadable before it gives a nod and signals for another familiar to accept the item and move it to its new home, before turning its inscrutable amber gaze on you.

A ferret rushes forward to pick up the bottle, it pauses for a moment as the shifting of the water forces it to rebalance before it hurries off to place the bottle... Somewhere, wherever on the platform it is it's out of your view. The cat gesturing catches your attention and an old rat ambles forward with a pouch. "Thank you for your help, in return we'd like to offer you a sign of our gratitude." Says the tabby, gesturing for you to take the pouch. It fixes you with an expression not yet seen, is that pity? It doesn't seem to rush you off as quickly either...

You have received:
197 Gems & Small Accessory

Gemstones added to credit.

Staff: note when claimed

There had been talk of statues popping up within Boreas and Auster and Beauregard was admittedly curious about the event that seemed to be tied with it. Samhain, others had called it. But what was it exactly? He didn’t get an answer as the familiar spreading the word took off, but curiosity gnawed at him. He was told he could either prepare food, drink, or decoration for the feast or, alternatively, go to one of the statues throughout the lands and decorate them. That was what really got Beau’s brain going. He had some bear claws from the first bear he had slain so he figured why not bring those for an offering? It was something at least… and if he brought something a bit different then that would be a good thing, right? Beauregard had traveled from Northern Boreas down to the South toward Veteran’s Plateau. His ears perked forward as he walked, blue gaze shining as he saw cats, ferrets, rats, and even a few ravens were moving about as he approached after others. Beau approached the statue slowly as he took note of the stains on it, as well as the crumbling and missing bits of stone. A warrior, he thought to himself. It felt fitting that he would approach this statue then over all others. A young, aspiring warrior. He had someone to protect, to care about, but as for a pack… well… When it was his turn to approach Beauregard stepped forward. He could see the offerings others before him had placed, each object moved about by the familiars. He was careful to set the claws down as close as he could to the statue’s paws. Claws to be used over claws, their own sort of weapon. Beauregard had considered such a weapon at one time. He stepped back, lifting his gaze to the statue’s face. He swore he could see red in its eyes and, feeling slightly unnerved, he turned and went on his way. "Talk, 'Think.'

NPC:

The tabby steps forward as you approach and seems to appraise your item carefully, its scarred face unreadable before it gives a nod and signals for another familiar to accept the item and move it to its new home, before turning its inscrutable amber gaze on you.

An absolutely rotund, raven flaps down to gather up your weapon and it struggles to balance them on the forepaws of the statue, cocking its head to the side each time the covers started to slide to one side before it'd click its beak and try to readjust them. The cat gesturing catches your attention and more rats than you can count surge forward with a pouch on their backs. "Thank you for your help, in return we'd like to offer you a sign of our gratitude." Says the tabby, gesturing for you to take the pouch. It gives you a very firm nod as if this entire time it was sizing you up and wanted to reassure you.

You have received:
161 Gems & Grow Potion

Gemstones added to credit.

Staff: Used on Morticia, to 42"

Come down, come down sweet reverence

Jynn's beliefs were as intangible and fluid as her need to roam. While she believed in spirits of varying strengths she didn't have any gods she sought to curry favor with. Still, she wouldn't slight others their beliefs and when beckoned by a strange tux cat to help them in decorating a statue she figured why not. She had a smattering of bear claws and teeth that she had yet to do anything with. It wasn't her style to adorn herself with such things but a powerful spirit that seemed to be that of a warrior might appreciate such an adornment.

Jynn worked to weave the teeth and claws onto a woven sinew cord that was fashioned into a necklace. She arrived to see a number of other wolves already there. Skirting around the crowd she flipped the necklace over the statues neck.

NPC:

The tabby steps forward as you approach and seems to appraise your items carefully, its scarred face unreadable before it gives a nod and signals for another familiar to accept the items and move it to its new home, before turning its inscrutable amber gaze on you.

A familiar you've yet to see, a raccoon and from your estimation, the only one here moves up to grab your items, its little hands scrabbling over the stone before it turns around and scatters them on the stone base with seemingly little pattern. The cat gesturing catches your attention and silver tabby slinks forward with a pouch. "Thank you for your help, in return we'd like to offer you a sign of our gratitude." Says the tabby, gesturing for you to take the pouch. It shakes its head at the raccoon's antics but when it turns to look at you again it gives you a respectful dip of its head.

You have received:
182 Gems & Small Companion

Gemstones added to credit.

Staff: note when claimed

She was surprised that there was others waiting in line to give decorations  and gifts towards the alters. Ever since the eerie change in the weather and some of the surrounding territories she had been a little on edge. At first she really thought she had been loosing it, especially when she came across the odd pools of blood. She even had to drag her daughter out to confirm what she had been seeing. Then when she had found these alters with these little creatures rushing to decorate. It was strange and for the first few days she observed in the distance. Seeing other wolves bring gifts to the statues made her realize what her and Ulula needed to do. She then got to work gathering some of the best things they had made and packing their saddlebags full of gifts for the statues.

Then with her daughter in tow they made the trip back to the statue. As they approached Actaea would stop a distance away and make a notion towards Ulula who sat down, waiting until Actaea would give her items before approaching. No need to stress the critters even more by bombarding them all at once. Actaea approached and slowly slipped the saddlebag from her shoulders opening it she carefully dug out the tinctures she made. Ointments and salves she made fit for the toughest of worriers to treat thier wounds. Placing them down she let the creatures take them and place where they wanted to. Then she placed a cluster of bandages down as well fallowed by a large deer pelt. She then dipped her head to the creatures and the statue before stepping back and waiting for her daughter to go.

"speech"

ART COPYRIGHT BEXX

NPC:

The tabby steps forward as you approach and seems to appraise your items carefully, its scarred face unreadable before it gives a nod and signals for another familiar to accept the items and move it to its new home, before turning its inscrutable amber gaze on you.

A clowder of cats of all colors approaches to gather up your decorations and splinter off to place them around the statue, one kitten starts to speak but an older cat hisses for it to be quiet and the kitten stays quiet. The cat gesturing catches your attention and a pure black ferret comes forward with a pouch. "Thank you for your help, in return we'd like to offer you a sign of our gratitude." Says the tabby, gesturing for you to take the pouch. Its lips twitch into a strained smile and gives you a nod that definitely says you may go, but feels more like telling you to leave.

You have received:
141 Gems & Companion Accessory

Gemstones added to credit.

Staff: note when claimed

She didn’t quite understand the changes, but so far nothing had any ill effects. Her mother had been on edge which she understood why, but so far things were good. She was enjoying the much cooler weather and it had jump started her fur on growing and thickening for the winter. She was enjoying the changes so far and the eerie changes didn’t really bother her to much. She was even more thrilled when her mom decided to craft a bunch of things to give to these statues that popped up as well.

She had some knowledge but she never had a lot of time to actually practice it. She was tickled that she could go wild and make her own things for the statue. She even had gotten Viktor to help her out in making the things. All the stuff they had gathered while exploring new lands came in handy with the things that were created. As she trailed behind her mother she was satisfied with what she had to offer. When her mother made the notion to her she took a seat and patiently waited for her mother. It didn’t take long and when her mother stepped away she stepped forward with a saddlebag.

Slipping the saddlebag off she quietly dug into it pulling out her items and placing them down. First item was a dagger made of stone, a pair of leather bracers, a herb bundle, and a bear cloak. She let the creatures put the items where they wanted, dipped her head and moved away fallowing her mother home.

NPC:

The tabby steps forward as you approach and seems to appraise your items carefully, its scarred face unreadable before it gives a nod and signals for another familiar to accept the items and move it to its new home, before turning its inscrutable amber gaze on you.

A murder of ravens swoop down to start distributing your items, a few of them fighting over which item they get to place, a loud cacophony of caws echoing over the plateau. The cat gesturing catches your attention and a raven that ended up being one too many for your items comes forward with a pouch. "Thank you for your help, in return we'd like to offer you a sign of our gratitude." Says the tabby, gesturing for you to take the pouch. It's tail tip twitches and it gives you a very brief purr before gesturing for you to join your mother.

You have received:
168 Gems & Two-Round Skill Pass

Gemstones added to credit.

Staff: note when claimed

Strange things had been happening as of late. Ignis was no stranger to strange things in the world, especially not after the Long Nights and the eruption of the volcano. He made his way toward the veteran's plateau where it seemed many others had arrived as well. A stature as old as time seemed to have appeared, and last he remembered, it hadn't been here the last time he was here. Where had it come from? When did it appear? Questions that would probably never be answered, he was sure. Many wolves lingered around it, even those from the Armada but he ignored them as he approached the old, worn statue. On his back, he had made another cloak similar to the one he wore. Made of black bear fur and adorned with feathers at the edges. He unrolled it and handed it to the familiars that hung around the statue, and in no time they had taken it and placed it upon the statue's back. Like Ignis' own cloak, it offered both warmth and protection from the elements as well as protection in battle. Although the statue was inanimate, he was sure that the carved beast would've appreciated it had it been alive. "Ignis"||"Blödhgarm"

NPC:

The tabby steps forward as you approach and seems to appraise your item carefully, its scarred face unreadable before it gives a nod and signals for another familiar to accept the item and move it to its new home, before turning its inscrutable amber gaze on you.

A very normal, no adjective to describe it, raven grabs the cloak and hefts it up over the statue, laying it over the hind quarters of the statue so it's not covering the items laid on the small of its back. The cloak is a butt-cape now. The cat gesturing catches your attention and the skinniest rat you've ever seen comes forward with a pouch. "Thank you for your help, in return we'd like to offer you a sign of our gratitude." Says the tabby, gesturing for you to take the pouch. The cat spends a long time looking over its shoulder at the cloak as if trying to decide exactly what it thinks about the statue it clearly keeps now has a feather-rimmed butt-cape... It doesn't seem all that amused.

You have received:
146 Gems & Date Night Kit

Gemstones added to credit.

Staff: note when claimed

Strange things had been happening in the lands. Although it was summer, some lands had some strange energy surrounding them, giving an autumn-like feel and appearance. It was a bit refreshing from the heat, and certainly something more pleasant than the long nights. It was these strange happenings and seeing wolves traveling from all over that led him here. The dwarven male found a throng of wolves around what appeared to be a war-worn statue. At least, that's the appearance it gave off. A noble beast, it's body scarred by time and, in a former life, war-ridden, perhaps. As he watched others leave their offerings, Gimli slipped a necklace made from the teeth and claws of bears and other large beasts, and gave it to the familiars tending to the statue who moved to put it around the stone wolf's neck.   "Gimli"||"Knut"

NPC:

The tabby steps forward as you approach and seems to appraise your item carefully, its scarred face unreadable before it gives a nod and signals for another familiar to accept the item and move it to its new home, before turning its inscrutable amber gaze on you.

A white and brown splotched rat quickly gathers up your necklace and with a deftness that surprises you it gets the necklace around the statue's massive stone neck. The cat gesturing catches your attention and a very messy ferret bounds forward with a pouch. "Thank you for your help, in return we'd like to offer you a sign of our gratitude." Says the tabby, gesturing for you to take the pouch. The cat gives you a very obvious one over and its whisker's twitch in what you think is an approving smile but it's impossible to tell, but you feel it seems to recognize you as kindred.

You have received:
195 Gems & Shrink Potion

Gemstones added to credit.

Staff: note when claimed

Bronze had traveled a bit further than he normally would have at the mention of a strange festival. Maybe it was the odd weather changes that had piqued his interest - he himself wasn't entirely sure why he'd come all this way but as soon as he found his sister's scent he wanted to take the opportunity to reconnect with her. It wasn't just an opportunity for a reunion though. Allegedly if he wanted to approach the altars he had to bring some sort of decoration. After considerable searching, he'd unearthed some strange artifacts that seemed oddly fitting for the large stone structure that stood before him. Approaching the weathered statue, he placed down the pair of candlesticks he'd found. It wasn't like he could light them himself but maybe someone who knew how to do that sort of thing could do better. He approached the statue cautiously and set them down near the base, giving a nod of acknowledgment to. Sure it wasn't a living thing but it certainly seemed to be an embodiment of one, with its tattered ear and crumbling leg. Even its eyes seemed like they were a little more lifelike than just stone, gleaming red from a certain angle... but he wasn't planning on lingering and figuring that one out.

NPC:

The tabby steps forward as you approach and seems to appraise your items carefully, its scarred face unreadable before it gives a nod and signals for another familiar to accept the items and move it to its new home, before turning its inscrutable amber gaze on you.

A pair of twin ferrets each grab a candle stick and move them to the front corner of the simple altar, they seem to look at them curiously as if excepting them to light themselves... So maybe they don't know how to light them either... The cat gesturing catches your attention and an old silvered raven hops forward with a pouch. "Thank you for your help, in return we'd like to offer you a sign of our gratitude." Says the tabby, gesturing for you to take the pouch. The cat looks at the candlestick, then you, then back again and when it becomes clear no one here knows how to light them it sighs and shakes it's head, gesturing for the next wolf.

You have received:
117 Gems & Date Night Kit

Gemstones added to credit.

Staff: note when claimed

Grimshaw had been aware of the sudden appearance of an alter, but had taken his time in getting there. Many others had come already and decorated it, so Grimshaw took his time healing from his challenge with Azure and also time to decide what to bring. The plateau reeked of iron that he assumed came from the wet pools of blood around as if the war that swept through had happened yesterday.

Grimshaw carefully navigated through the looks until the altar came into focus along with the familiars shuffling decorations around to make everything fit. He dipped his chin to the familiars then as he came around to the front of the altar, studying it's carvings and missing parts. Silver eyes scanned over the statue a bit longer before he pulled some bottles of alcohol from the bag he carried around his shoulders for this exact purpose. He offered one first to the familiars, whether they took it for themselves or the altar was their own choice, and set another few down at the fore paws of the altar.

Taking a deep breath, he nodded at the shrine and then towards the familiars before making the short trio back to the Armada.

"Speech!"

NPC:

The tabby steps forward as you approach and seems to appraise your items carefully, its scarred face unreadable before it gives a nod and signals for another familiar to accept the items and move it to its new home, before turning its inscrutable amber gaze on you.

It seems the familiars are quite excited by your offering of drink and it takes a pointed yowl from the tabby to get one of the rats to come forward to collect the bottle for the statue, though it's clearly already managed to get quite drunk. The cat gesturing catches your attention and tipsy calico stumbles forward with a pouch. "Thank you for your help, in return we'd like to offer you a sign of our gratitude." Says the tabby, gesturing for you to take the pouch. It looks eager to partake of the drink before the rest of the familiars finish it, rushing you off.

You have received:
186 Gems & Two-Round Skill Pass

Gemstones added to credit.

Staff: note when claimed

After the excitement of the raid and the storms, Makara felt much more antsy than usual. She was frustrated with herself for losing, but tried to keep her eyes on the prize... which was becoming less clear. Azure's approval? Ugh, that was a useless thing to try and earn. Her own self-improvement? Maybe. She just wanted a goal, a purpose of any kind. The rumblings of this statue's appearance had made its way through Armada. After all, it was the closest of the statues that she had heard appeared across the lands. Makara had packed up some tokens and taken leave to explore it, delighted by what she found. The air was thick with the scent of strangers and Armadan pack wolves, all milling around or recently departed from the area. Mak approached the statue and admired it for a moment - the wolf looked strong, proud, focused. All things she knew were of great value to the pack. "Oh yes, here, please!" she motioned to the scarred cat or any one of the other animal servants scuttling about. She loosened what she'd brought tied around her neck - it was an earlier iteration of the googles she had been given. The glass was cracked but the headband held true and the spikes were as sharp as ever. Some of them were even stained with old blood. "Could you help me find a good place for this?" she asked politely, offering up the older pair of googles. Maybe they'd set it right up on the statue's eyes, a mirror of her own.

NPC:

The tabby steps forward as you approach and seems to appraise your item carefully, its scarred face unreadable before it gives a nod and signals for another familiar to accept the item and move it to its new home, before turning its inscrutable amber gaze on you.

A small ginger cat carefully takes the goggles and leaps up onto the statue, unsure for a moment before it decides to hang them from the intact ear, before leaping down smoothly and purring at you. The tabby gesturing catches your attention and a tiny raven, that definitely isn't just a song bird that's covered itself in ink, comes with a pouch. "Thank you for your help, in return we'd like to offer you a sign of our gratitude." Says the tabby, gesturing for you to take the pouch. It looks at your current pair of goggles and then up at the one you've offered and shrugs it seems not totally sure what to think about your decoration but doesn't seem displeased.

You have received:
163 Gems & Shrink Potion

Gemstones added to credit.

Staff: note when claimed

Malachai was having a bad time. His recently shortened tail was still sore, bandaged regularly and no doubt he'd need to sit through another bandage changing when he got back but Malachai refused to let himself be talked out of going with Grim when he went off to visit one of these altars. Honestly, he didn't much get it, but the man was feeling particularly insecure right now. He'd shown up to the raid with every intention of helping to boost himself in the Armada, done is best to defend his new home and even take back a prize and all he had to show for it was a stumpier tail and a bruised ego... More than ever Malachai feared he was going to lose Grimshaw, that he was going to be proven to just not be good enough for the man and so he was maybe a bit clingier than usual, so even though he thought the whole thing was silly... Well, Malachai was coming along.

He trekked after Grimshaw in grumpy silence, keeping his head down as they arrived at the surprisingly bustling altar and Malachai huffed, rolling his eyes. He waited his turn and when the tabby cat, who was frankly asking for Malachai to grab them by the tail and throw them, ordered him forward Malachai did so, gracelessly dropping his item at the stone feet. A taxidermied bat, where it had come from Malachai wasn't even sure, he'd just found it while going through the bar store room one day and just hadn't figured out what to do with it, this seemed as good as any. He snorted and then turned, quickly making his way after his boyfriend, eager to catch up.

"Malachai Cain Klein"

Art by Cebochka

NPC:

The tabby steps forward as you approach and seems to appraise your item carefully, its scarred face unreadable before it gives a nod and signals for another familiar to accept the item and move it to its new home, before turning its inscrutable amber gaze on you.

A ferret with a visibly bent tail approaches and seems to stop for a moment, glances at the tabby who gives it a nod and then reluctantly takes the bat, clearly unsure where to put it. The cat gesturing catches your attention and a sad looking rat steps forward with a pouch. "Thank you for your help, in return we'd like to offer you a sign of our gratitude." Says the tabby, gesturing for you to take the pouch. It seems to be the only familiar who's doesn't give pause at your decoration and you get the feeling they're all not sure what to make of it.

You have received:
192 Gems & Small Accessory

Gemstones added to credit.

Staff: Claimed! (Used on Crux) 10/29/22