God's Garden and the surrounding lands of Amron’s Castle, Starlight Plains, Cedar Falls, Fossil Ridge, Wraith’s Woods, and Aspen Dam are all affected by a magical autumn. Additionally each land seems to have become overrun with new and flourishing plant growth. Berries that shouldn't be in season are at peak ripeness. Flowers normally relegated to other climates are prospering, bees floating lazily between unfamiliar blooms - and delicious creatures of prey are everywhere. Animals are procreating out of season, making them unusually bold. Hidden nests are flush with new clutches of eggs. In the center of the green, green garden you find a statue:

A wolf carved from smooth alabaster seems to grow straight out of the ground. There is a warm, maternal energy that seems to emanate from it. Two adoring puppies are placed at its feet, glancing upwards toward the central figure. A few stripped carcasses lie around their feet - some of them are certainly bones, but others appear as if they might be carved from the same white stone. It's difficult to tell. Thick, healthy creeping vines twine around the main figure's paws and legs, ending in delicate leaves. The earth beneath it is fragrant, freshly turned soil - perfect for encouraging growth. The air is heavy with the herbaceous smell of new plant life.

There is a circle of antlers surrounding a small divot of soil that has been carved away at the statue's paws which you assume is the altar and a small, fuzzy creature that looks like some strange cousin of the shrew is gesturing for a group of other familiars with its tiny paws: cats, ferrets, rats, and a few ravens (you could have sworn you saw a toad wriggle into the dirt nearby...), to shuffle decorations around as new ones are being added by others. Before your eyes, an impressive litter of twenty three of the same little fuzzy creature assemble before you. "What's the matter, honey? Are you surprised? Us tailless tenrecs have awfully big families, but many little paws make light work! Come, come, little ones! Let's help decorate!" says the largest in a sweet, guileless tone. You approach with your decoration of choice.

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Make an IC post in this thread of your character decorating the altar or statue found in the God's Garden. 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

Ichor had found himself in Auster when the storm had broken out but he'd had the good sense to stay away from it... At first. He was nothing if not a curious wolf and when he'd realized that the whole damn place was hopping with life, and warmer than the rest of the continent somehow? Ichor was not always the most observant wolf and he'd failed to realize the tell-tale signs of autumn. Voices called out, telling others of helping to decorate the altar? Ichor's view of whatever they were talking about was basically none, the explosion of growth kept it hidden from him, sometimes he wished he was taller... Still sounded like a good time, but he didn't have anything to decorate with? Okay no that wasn't totally true, quickly the young Klein bound away from the commotion and returned only shortly after with his prize, he'd stashed it a few days ago.

Then he just followed the voices, finally seeing the altar in question and his eyes growing wide as he looked at the statue. He moved towards the altar and spotted one of the little rodent-like creatures gesturing him to step up and Ichor couldn't help but feel a little... Embarrassed. He put his little prize down on the left side of the statue... What had that other one called themselves? A tailless tenrec? Well except this one wasn't alive anymore... He couldn't remember it talking when he'd caught it a day or two ago either. "So uh, I'm sorry about that I uh, I didn't realize..." He said awkwardly and made a quick retreat.

"Ichor Klein"

Art by yo-stta

NPC:

"Ooooh, no! Is that Fred?" The largest tenrec shrieks, backing away. "He was always getting into trouble..."

The rest of the creatures swarm over the body and take it away - to buy somewhere nice, maybe. Strangely they don't seem too offended. "It's the circle of life, y'see! Everything feeds back to the earth," the tailless creature says before turning away.

You have received:
104 Gems & Small Accessory

Gemstones added to credit.

Staff: note when claimed

After Artorias told her about the odd interaction he'd had with the multicolored fireflies in the nearby cave system, she was reminded a bit too strongly of the long night and the uneasy strangeness that had surrounded the whole period of time. She had been afraid that something similar was going to happen again and it made her worried for their pups, but after their scouts had gone to investigate the surrounding lands and made note of the odd pockets of pleasant fall she began to wonder if this was something else entirely. Their wolves that had scouted ahead to see what had gone on reported back about an alabaster statue and the sudden sprouting of greenery and growth—and the request to bring things to decorate said statue by some animals that seemed to be attending it.

It was a strange request, but Briar was curious. With Artorias in tow she brought a few things she felt might fit the bill and went up to the statue to investigate. She blinked with surprise at the small shew-like creature as it spoke next to its very large family of babies before turning her gaze up toward the motherly figure of a wolf with her pups. Having so recently become a mother herself the statue hit a little closer to home than it might some others and she smiled up at it, her long tail wagging gently. Reaching into the bag of items she brought, she ended up pulling out a loose representation of a bracelet. It was a long piece of silk ribbon with several beads made of gemstones—five beads to be exact. One for each of their children. With Marigold's help, she tied the bracelet around the wolf mother's leg, mimicking the actual bracelet she wore that her father had given her. Stepping back a bit to admire it, she glanced to Artorias to let him make his own contribution before they began to head back.

"Briar Carpathius"

NPC:

"Well that's pretty, innit!" One of the younger tenrecs remark, holding up the bracelet to the light. It hefts the trinket up on to the statue and places it around the largest figure's leg. "Not very tasty though..." he mumbles, trying to put his mouth around one of the beads.

You have received:
152 Gems & Companion Accessory

Gemstones added to credit.

Staff: note when claimed

Zephyr was uniquely thrilled by the sudden appearance of these strange statues and moreso by the weather effects surrounding them. His home (which was becoming cold and gross more by the day) had been immersed in a bubble of magical autumn, the wind still colder than he'd prefer but wildly preferable to rain and snow. All of it had come mysteriously around the same time his mother gave birth to her first litter of trueborn children - was this a happy omen? Zephyr sure seemed to think so.

He'd flown out to the nearest statue to observe, watching as wolves arrived to offer decorations and the tending familiars beckoned each forward in turn. The young avian did not pre-prepare anything to offer himself but did not want to miss his chance to help decorate. Rifling through his satchel, he pulled out one of the small trinkets he had helped to carve for his newborn siblings. It was a small simple wolf toy, but surely these stone puppies might enjoy it as much as live ones might? Stepping forward reverently, the raptor bowed his head and placed the toy between the forepaws of one of the carved children. With his decoration placed he bowed once more, and then headed back off toward the castle.

"Zephyr"

NPC:

A ferret scampers by and bumps into the toy, knocking it over. "OOP!" She mumbles, turning and righting it. "Oooi, look at this little thing! A proper little pup. Good job, you!" She shouts to perhaps the largest bird she's seen in her life.

You have received:
150 Gems & Companion Accessory

Gemstones added to credit.

Staff: note when claimed

She had awoken the morning the season changed from a nightmare. Tremors rolled through her body to the point that she could no longer fall back asleep. As she moved to shake the flashing memories of the Long Night from her mind, a gasp left her lips at the sight of Fall outside the castle walls. A thick fog rolled in and with it, whispers of altars and feasts filled her ears. Audra couldn't help but shake as her glittering golden eye pulled open wide, unable to comprehend what was really going on. When she came back to full consciousness, she instantly looked to the sky, but fortunately, the moon did not hang low and there was no permanent darkness... Yet.

Unwilling to risk the chances of another traumatizing event, Audra followed the voices toward the altar that stood not far from the castle. As she approached, her gift tucked neatly away in her satchel, her paws froze at the sight of the statue. Standing tall over her, a mother wolf with her pups. The motherly aura emanating from the figure made her heart tighten in her chest as the overwhelming herbaceous scent fills her nostrils. Maybe that would be her one day... Holding in her emotions as best as she could, Audra approached until she spotted the large gathering of familiars. Her eye roves over them and a frown creases her lips.

"I-I brought dried l-lavender and p-peppermint b-biscuits, but un-unfortunately I don't b-believe there is e-enough for each of y-you to have one of y-your own," Audra's timid voice is a whisper as she looked to the largest Tenrec. Unclasping the tied pouch from her around her neck, she grasps it between her teeth and places it in the antler circle at the statue's vine-covered paws. Pulling open the pouch to show that indeed there were at least a dozen fragrant biscuits inside, the petite russet fae steps back with a bow of her head. "P-please enjoy and I h-hope all w-will be well," the last of her words are a dying whisper as she quickly turns from the altar and removes herself without a single look backward.

A U D R A

NPC:

The eyes of all the attending animals go wide with excitement. Did she say BISCUITS? A tidal wave of little creatures pours forth with grubby little paws to nibble at the biscuits. A smaller tenrec pops up, crumbs around his mouth: "THANK YEW, MISS!" A crow swoops down and plucks the lavender to weave it delicately in among the other vines.

You have received:
144 Gems & Half Word-Count Seasonal Pass

Gemstones added to credit.

Staff: note when claimed

Something very strange was going on in the lands… When Beau had fallen asleep the land had been locked in winter, snow on the ground and everything, but now it was autumn? And it wasn’t the normal sort of autumn either. The land was overrun with new and flourishing plant life. Even berries that were out of season and flowers that should not be growing there were blooming. Not to mention that there was prey everywhere. While munching down on a pair of squirrels Beau heard something interesting from a fellow feline in passing; it was time for Samhain and alters had appeared across the lands - one very close to where he and Zakuma were denned. Curious the tom cat took the remains of the squirrels, their tails, and set off. The altar itself was a sight to see. Carved from alabaster the main figure of the statue seemed to radiate maternal energy, especially with the two pups that accompanied it. Thick, healthy vines wrapped around the main figure’s forelegs, and all around their paws were the stripped carcasses of some creatures. Some appeared to be bone while others appeared to be carved from alabaster as well. His gaze was drawn to a circle of antlers surrounding a divot of soil. The smell of the air was fragrant, of fresh plant life and turned soil. A tiny voice caught Beau’s attention and he looked down to see some sort of shrew-like creature speaking to him. Then, when about a score of them came about, accompanied by the likes of cats and rats, Beau was even more shocked. Tailless tenrecs huh? And he thought he had a big family! The tom cat approached in turn before laying a squirrel tail down before either pup, the ends of the tail curling out to face him again. Then, with a small nod of satisfaction, the tom turned on paw and scurried off to tell Zakuma of what he’d found. "Talk," 'Think.'

NPC:

The tiniest tenrec drags the tail off to the side. "This is okay, I guess... it'll keep some of us warm," she murmurs, then trips forward to snuggle up on the tail's fluff beneath one of the carved pups near the statue's side.

You have received:
184 Gems & Half Word-Count Seasonal Pass

Gemstones added to credit.

Staff: Used for Prezzies for players 2022

The magical autumn that had come suddenly across northern Auster had originally struck Artorias with a sense of dread. After his encounter with those fireflies in the cave, he feared that this might be a resurgence of the plague the Long Night had brought about almost two years ago. He feared for his newborn children's safety, and stayed up many a night wondering what sort of terror might be coming back to the world. But when he woke up one morning and was greeted not by the cold snows of winter, but a bright and vivid fall that covered the castle and the surrounding plains, Artorias found himself... strangely at ease. The sudden shift in the seasons was still cause for concern, but this... this didn't feel anything like the horrors they had faced before. Hallows scouts had come back, reporting a bizarre statue appearing overnight in the God's Garden amongst the growing foliage and herbs, and both Aegis and Queen had decided to go investigate. His first trip out, Art had seen the small critters tending to the statue of the mother wolf and her pups, cleaning and maintaining it, asking the alpha for tribute to their patron. Strange, but who was he to deny the will of the gods?

Artorias returned with Briar and Zephyrus, bearing gifts and offerings from the Hallows to the deity. As they arrived, he noticed a few other wolves had left some things for the patron. Amber eyes scanned what had been left while he slid the satchel around his neck off and began to rifle through it. From the bag, Artorias produced two plush toys that he had made from excess fabric found in the castle and stuffed with alpaca wool from their herd, one for each of the pups. He had made a set of these for his own children, and now he would offer them to the deity's offspring as well. Artorias placed a toy between the paws of each pup, then returned to his bag, where he pulled out three cloaks made of the same warming alpaca wool, one for the mother and one for each pup. "You brought autumn back to us as my children were born, and for that I thank you," he spoke in reverence to the statue. Perhaps its patron would hear his words and know his gratitude that his pups wouldn't be greeted by snow and ice for their first season alive. "Winter will always follow fall, and being prepared for it is crucial. As a father to a mother, I know you understand." With the help of the critters, Artorias got the cloaks tied around each of the statues' backs. Now they would be protected from the cool nights, the elements, and the coming winter.

After one more look to inspect the statue and the tributes left for them, Artorias smiled and bowed his head. He bid farewell to the familiars and returned to the castle with Briar and Zephyrus. He couldn't explain it, but being near the statue, it had made him feel... calm. Safe. Like everything was going to be okay. It reminded him of the way he felt whenever his mother was around. He really needed to call for Tamsyn soon. He missed her.

"Artorias Carpathius" | "Carpathian" | "Corbin" | "Eira" | "Argent"

NPC:

Three ferrets admire the cloaks as Artorias ties them on. When the small plush toys hit the base of the statue, animals clamber over them. A few try to take bites, disappointed that they're not edible, but most seem content for the latest addition. "Awfully crafty, you two, are ya?" One of the ferrets nods to Briar and Artorias.

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

Gemstones added to credit.

Staff: note when claimed

One big happy family

Artorias has two ravens named Corbin and Eira and a fox named Argent. Assume they are within calling distance at all times.
As his mate, Briar may enter Artorias' threads unless marked Private.
____________________

Hanako hoped this time of year would be better than the last, that she wouldn't lose her coat and get all naked and wrinkly again. It wasn't all bad though, she'd had her children and they were important to her, even if she wasn't very good at showing it. At treasuring family. Stepping close to the statue with a bundle of magpie feathers in her mouth, she offered them to the children, knowing full well kids liked to play with such things. Would want to chase after the flittering feathers with slappy paws, tongues lolling out the sides of their mouths.

She half expected them to prance to life, but of course they remained quiet and still. A reminder that her own children had long since grown up, that they didn't need her in the same way this stone wolf looked after her children. Both perfect mirror images of her, whilst few of her children even shared traits of her own.

With a slight frown she stepped away, quiet and contemplative as she allowed others to take her place.

NPC:

"Ahhh~!" A gathering of small tenrecs remarked, scampering after the feathers and dispersing to twine them among the vines. "This will do fine, yes, thank you!"

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

Gemstones added to credit.

Staff: note when claimed

Vashou slowly treaded toward the mysterious altar. His eyes focused as he walked through the lush forest having stopped to gather some of the berries he had found that were new. His curiosity, filled about the uses these berries could have he had Salvador gather a bunch and store them in a makeshift pouch. Salvador having snacked a few in the mean time.
Vashou approached the altar with several amber stones from the quarry.  The stones almost seemed to glow from the new lighting. Looking more like hand held embers as he approached the altar he would place the amber at the feet of the pups as if offering them a toy. He would follow up by placing a large rabbit at the mothers feet. He hoped this would satisfy the spirits. Even though he knew so little. Sitting there he looked around for any familiar faces.

NPC:

A cat pounces on the rabbit as soon as it was laid down, licking its chops aggressively. "Just what I ordered!" It chuckles, pausing for a moment to bat idly at the amber stones that were also placed on the altar. "These are fine, but THIS is delicious!" With that, it drags the rabbit back around behind the statue.

You have received:
164 Gems & Small Companion

Gemstones added to credit.

Staff: Transferred to Beau Used Here

Sverre had heard of the altars that had appeared and chose to decorate them in a way that paid some kind of homage to his heritage. Having hunted a few deer's to acquire the pelts and horns he needed, he crafted smaller stuffed deer toys, deer skin pillows, and a deer skin blanket for the Alabaster shirne and it's Alabaster shrine puppies.

Carrying everything in a bag, he made his way to the garden and looked around, noticing the little creatures moving decorations around. He was careful as he moved and placed the bag down slowly as to not squish any of them underneath. Removing the toys, pillows, and blanket from the bag and setting them neatly stacked before the mother and puppies altar. He hadn't seen his own mother in some time and the thought saddened him, but he smiled through it and then down to the creatures as they rearranged and decorated before taking his leave, eager to get back to kuroo and prepare some if the meat from the deer he'd hunted.

"Speech!"

Art by Nairinnr at dA & Code by Skelle 2022

NPC:

A crow swoops down and begins to artfully arrange the pillows, toys, and blanket. "Nice enough, nice enough!" It croaks. A handful of baby tenrecs peek out, waiting for the crow to finish so they can nap on the pillows.

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

Gemstones added to credit.

Staff: note when claimed

Cassiela sat back for a long time, admiring the depiction of the altar in the gardens. She had witnessed many come and go. However, the ashen fae hadn't quite built up the courage to approach the mother and her children for herself. It cast a sense of maternal affection that was foreign to her. Quite frankly, startled her to some degree. It wasn't that she didn't love her own mother, their relationship was much colder than this. As cold as the winterlands. It was structured around pillars of routine and expectations. Duty. Honor. Responsibility. Traits that lacked the warmth that she witnessed here.

After some time elapsed, and a lull came through vacant of passerbys, she finally found the strength she had been working to summon to close the distance. But as she approached, and all the little creatures came out, it brought a soft grin to her face. "Yes, of course." Reaching into her bag, she pulled out the stained green conch shell that she had taken from Emerald Island. She couldn't imagine a better place for it. Gently handing it off, she gave a soft nod, before retreating back to the edge of the garden to watch at a distance.

After the strange storm manifested bringing an array of life to the gardens, she found herself being compelled to return. Though, as she entered the adjacent territory, and got closer, the glow of a magical autumn was in full swing. And she was certainly not above gawking at the beauty along the way.

When she came into view of the clearing, her amber gaze was immediately drawn to the altar. Though, she was no longer feeling the warmth of the season change- but the warmth of love that radiated through the gardens. Watching in the distance, she witnessed others bring gifts to leave at the mother's feet. And it made her immediately feel bad that she didn't have anything to offer of her own. Looking around the garden, her mind went to work.

Kiliaen grabbed some segments of a stiffer vine. Braiding them together, and weaving them into a circle. Satisfied, she made her way to the altar, stopping along the way to tuck an array of flowers into her halo. By the time she had reached her mark, she carried with her a beautiful flower crown. One that she was proud of and very much pleased to be able to offer the little familiars that came out to greet her.

She offered them a warm grin and drifted away from the altar to work her way through the magic of the gardens. Grateful that she had chosen to return today.

NPC:

Four little tenrecs toddled forth to accept the crown, ooo-ing and aaah-ing. "How very nice that the vines are still alive for now, what a nice little thing..." they coo among themselves, passing it off to a winged familiar who could place it atop the head of the parent that overlooked the two children.

You have received:
173 Gems & Small Companion

Gemstones added to credit.

Staff: note when claimed

Kiela hadn't traveled this far in a long while, but her interest had been immediately piqued at the mention of altars that had appeared overnight. The unusual weather patterns had caught her interest too. It took her a long while to make her way south and across the Bifrost, following the whispers of the statues until she finally found one. She already had prepared her decoration but once she caught a glimpse of it she knew she'd made the right choice.

She'd harvested a set of caribou antlers from an elder bull that had died of natural causes just recently. Around the antlers she'd wrapped a delicate twist of ivy, not at all unlike the vines that wrapped around the legs of the female wolf in the statue. It seemed obvious to her that this altar as a physical representation of a deity - none other than Maderakka, the mother of life. There was obvious reverence in her eyes as she approached the altar and laid down her offering carefully at its paws, whispering a soft word of thanks before retreating. She just hoped her offering was received kindly, and hoped the Mother heard her words of thanks.

NPC:

A very fat cat receives Kiela's gift. "Oooh, yes, yes. This one understands - there is life, and there is death, and one cannot exist without the other. And you have brought us both!" Titters erupt from the crowd of familiars as the cat drags the antlers in place before the paws of the wolf that overlooked its young.

You have received:
124 Gems & Half Word-Count Seasonal Pass

Gemstones added to credit.

Staff: note when claimed