The Fae Court - Military:

The Fae Court of the Wanderer, is many things... and thanks to its not-so-insignificant interest in remaining armed and protected, situated as it is mainly within a storied citadel at the heart of a magical mountain... surrounded by hundreds of acres of magically potent fae-monster-infested woodlands, and separated into its own fragmented shard of reality in the Void between Worlds to boot, it is no surprise that the Martial Branch is what it is - a loose collection of well-focused and extremely talented - or perhaps dangerous - individuals all fitted under a flexible-yet-effective hierarchy and honed to a singular goal - protecting the Court, and not only in its many members or unique territory.

Knight(s): Eerie Somby (Head) [ @dethdvncer ], Leanna von Braun (Reserve) [ @automaton-otto ] As much paragons of might as effective leaders, as much one-man-armies as exemplars of the values of the Court (in theory at least), the Knights are the top of the rankings for the Court's military, and the Tip of the Spear when open battle becomes inevitable to protect it from those who would harm it or its many members. Currently, there is only one Active knight, and thus their leadership is not truly in question, but the differentiation between 'Head' Knight and other Knights will perhaps one day be tested. As powerful and deadly as they are to face one-on-one, any and all Knights of the Court of the Wanderer are technically those most heavily or closely sworn to the Lord of the Court itself - as in many ways they are one of the foremost faces of the Court by virtue of their position(s).

Marshal(s): 'Hiegau' of the Black Dogs [ @lookthedevilintheeye ] A more mixed and indirect, if no less important rank just under the Knights, a Marshal of the Fae Court of the Wanderer is effectively meant to fill two roles interchangeably - logistics officer and organizer during peace, and field-commander during wartime. While strong in their own right as a prerequisite, being a Marshal is less about being able to fight so much as being able to Lead and keep one's wits in any sort of struggle - be it maintaining standards and assignments for the many Rangers and Guards in the court, or leading them to battle against deadly odds and winning without major losses. There is only one Marshal position filled at the moment, and the Lord of the Court is eager to see another rise to the position - be it from within the Court's current ranks or otherwise.

Ranger(s): Yuugo [ @heroesxdemons ], Ulan 'La Brújula' of Tangway [ @sins-of-the-sea ], Finn Mertens [ @finncomet ] Rangers are by far the most mixed and flexible of the members of the Martial Branch of the Court, regardless of their skills. By nature, the rank of Ranger is not one of leadership but nonetheless is a position of merit and importance, as Rangers are effectively Operatives ideal for assignments of great difficulty or importance to more actively guard the Court... not only its members, but its interests and investments, even if by occasionally unsavory means. Rangers are not Knights, but rather Spies, Assassins, Bounty-Hunters, and Specialists of many kinds and fields - far from defenseless in a straight-up fight, but generally those who favor tactics and methods other than full-frontal combat to fulfill their objectives. Current rangers include - in no particular order of seniority - an expert in hunting and subduing even the toughest of monsters, an expert assassin and tracker with exceptional skill in stealth and reconnaissance, and an in-training powerhouse of an adventurer learning new skills to better round-out his repertoire in more than simple combat.

Guard(s): Theodore 'Teddy' Augustus Ramsel [ @bleedinghearth ], Mortem [ @cursedfortune ], Nikki Eryl Faden [ @wiildhearrted ] Guards are technically the lowest rank in the military-hierarchy of the Fae Court, but in many ways they remain the backbone of more than just the defenses of the Court and the Halls it is seated within. While in times of war they are both soldiers and the last lines of defense should the Halls be attacked, in times of peace any Guard of the Court is expected to have other duties to help them serve and protect those they have sworn to defend: One such guard happily serves as a de-facto daycare worker in his day-to-day life in the Court, another inspects and maintains the many Runic protections and Wards in and around the Halls, yet another extends her patrol-duties to the wild, monster-infested forests surrounding the Mountain and serves as a Game Warden of sorts to control and maintain the natural defenses and resources the forests offer. While not expected to be front-line soldiers except as a last resort, there is no real requirement or expectation of strength or power to the role, other than simple diligence and an understanding of what might be asked of a Guard in times of need - it is therefore one of the easiest positions to enter and maintain in the Court.

        ❝ & remind me... How is any of that your business ?? Gods, you’re            always going about & offering help to those who don’t want it. If            the lad starts something; then those are his consequences. If he            wants to act like this; then let him. It’ll be his own undoing if it truly            is as serious as you claim it to be. But you’re helping absolutely            nobody with the way you go about it. Though I guess all brutes            are the same... Stubborn & refuse to change... Hm... Doesn’t that            sound familiar ~ ?? ❞

I may as well talk about Sol's familiars in the Fae Court verse because there is some changes

The first familiar, as gifted by Hriob, is a songbird known also as the "Butcher Bird," a southern white-crowned shrike. It's known for taking prey like bugs, lizards, snakes, and even other birds, and impaling ithem on thorns, barbs, and branches.

The specific bird that is gifted to Solita, that she ends up naming Briar, is a bit different than a normal shrike, though. He's descended from a phoenix, so he's somewhat magical in nature and even different in appearance from a normal shrike. Bigger, longer tailfeathers, and brighter in color. If he were to die, he would revive in the same manner a phoenix does.

Briar is a very chipper bird. Mischievous, curious, sociable, and maybe a touch sadistic. He likes to be affectionate and will often perch on people to preen their hair. And sometimes pluck hairs to help build a nest, depending on the time of year.

Since white-crowned shrikes are highly sociable, Solita often has to care for a small flock, usually only consisting of 3-6 birds, along with Briar. They may also help with tasks and delivering small items for Solita, helping with her job as the court stewardess.

The second is one that people are probably familiar with, it's the horse from her fantasy traveler verse, Sombra.

Seven feet in height, and incredibly heavy to boot. He's a bit too much for Sol to handle sometimes, with as much of a size difference as there is.

He's got a dark coat- not purely black but a deep dark shade of brown. Outside of scars from abuse by his previous owners, and scars made from getting into fights with other horses or animals, he's notably cared for. Well-groomed and glossy coat, and nicely kept mane and tail.

Sombra is big, mean, and stubborn to boot. Even if he trusts Sol and was essentially re-trained by her hand, there's times she struggles to get him to listen. But he's also unyieldingly loyal to Solita.

Rather territorial of his space, and of his person. Get too close and he will bite. Have Solita's attention, and he will make an attempt to bite. He will also bite Sol too if he's looking for attention or plainly just in a bad mood.

Very food-motivated. If you wish to make friends with him, offer him tasty goodies like fruits, sugar, or sweet veggies. He'll slowly start to warm up.

Sombra is Solita's choice of mount. No matter if he is sometimes troublesome to handle, Solita can't help her own sense of comradery with the horse. She would never abandon him or choose something easier for her own convenience over Sombra.

And I made a size chart roughly compared to Solita:

@hriobzagelthewanderer, continued

Giovanni listened carefully. He doesn't encounter fae often, but he is fully aware they follow different rules from angels, demons, and… whatever the Master is. This, however, is still a major risk, as even angels and demons have been known to break their own rules, resulting in either back cast from Heaven or forced to wander for eternity. He cannot trust fae no matter what. But with that said…. he decides to give it a try. To gamble.

He is the Sin of Greed.

"I have already given the Master a false soul--pyrite instead of gold. The value he had in mine had to be curated and artificially shaped so he-" And then Giovanni keeps on listening. Oh. Hriob wasn't talking about the soul already bound to the Master.

"…………………..

"I'll take it. False souls like my original serve a specific purpose to spread misfortune… and it is about time I unleash that upon the Master for every iota of misery he has cast upon us. Though I can guarantee he will attempt retribution. But the safety of my wife-to-be and my child is part of the bargain, no?

"I don't have much to give to begin with as my soul is already given up… but you said so yourself. You have no interest in collecting souls. I cannot think of anything the Fae at all would want that they cannot obtain themselves. All I can think of to offer is…

"…My heart. I don't need it--my body can survive without it as long as I have immortality. But by taking my heart, I am bound to you as a possible servant for any task you wish for. I follow who gives me the greatest benefit--and as long as the Master has my soul, he cannot lay claim upon my heart.

"Metaphorically, I gave this heart to Annalise. But with her safety in grave danger, I cannot hope for her to hold onto it as the Master will attempt to lay a claim on it on virtue of sworn fealty already given to him. Take the physical heart. Perhaps you can protect my love better than I can. And with it-

"I will serve two Masters."

[To be fair, Hriob does not know that much about Dinosaurs, but he's willing to pick his favorites when that issue is fixed, he's willing to learn!]

"Aw, that's okay! I'm more than happy to teach people more about dinosaurs."

// Alexanders relationship with Hriob

Ask my muse questions about their relationship with another character👑|Accepting

"I really like Master Hirob, our first meeting was of him getting me drunk off my ass. A very welcomed, strange, and refreshing introduction. He could of very well approached me like a good chunk of others in the past via "challenge" or "wanting to fight for no bloody reason" but he didn't, and I appreciate it. I was unsure about the allyship as I don't trust easily but he seems to feel the same as I do about betrayal and I haven't been betrayed yet so I'm quite pleased with our partnership, and our friendship. I consider him a good friend as much as an ally. He was there for me, when I needed to be freed from other unsavory and dark influences."

🕯️ It has been shared how she outwardly feels. Inwardly as a group would be fun too-

send me 🕯️to hear my character's inner thoughts about your character.

"Its Hriob! It's Hriob! He has so many interesting stories! I like having him around."

"But can we trust him?"

"..."

"No matter how much ve like having him around he'sss ssstill jusssst a human."

"He is no longer human. He is fae touch. Still. I'd prefer us no longer associating with his side of the fae wilds."

"He's creepy. No ones that nice without an incentive. He wants something. All of these hero types always turn against the monster in the end."

"Guys please-- he's a prince! Ye know-- heroic and goood and..."

"So we trusting royals now?"

"Guys t'is is alot o' back and fort' fer a simple tailor job. We're going. T'ats final."

@hriobzagelthewanderer​​ continued from here:

The man did not outwardly react as he simply listened to the lad, but took another small sip of tea from his own cup, before finally smiling gently, a slow nod being granted towards Finn.

"...that... is surprisingly mature of you, for one your age. The words alone are simply that, yet I can feel your conviction as you say them to me. I think I can accept such an answer from you without issue, Finn."

Finally finishing his tea, the elder set down his cup, then slowly stood, not to impose so much as to simply stretch his arms and back more casually... finally extending a large, calloused and bandage-wrapped hand to the young hero. "I forget if I gave my name previously, but you may call me Hriob, if you wish. I ask two questions of you, for the moment: what kind of tea do you like, if any, and are you looking for a mentor, by chance, to improve your skills?"

☄️ Finn couldn’t stop himself from letting out a few laughs, and he suddenly downed his tea in seemingly one giant gulp before setting the empty cup back down. “Thanks. But how old do you think I am? I’ll give you a prize if you guess it correctly.”

He took the other’s hand in his own, the one made of smooth but slightly worn metal. “Nice to meet you officially, Hriob. Er... what skills are you talking about here, exactly? ‘Cuz if it involves magic, I might have to take you up on that offer.”

“And as for tea - I like the Irish breakfast style, with milk and honey. That’s how my mom makes it.” 🦋

Run-In with the Runaway!

@nostomannia

To the surprise of no one, Amelia had been banned from Hriob's Fae Court on account of her being....well....Amelia. But, trying to keep an ex-Thief out was easier said than done. It'd be easier to stop the sun from rising.

Anyhow, Amelia had already broken into the Fae Court and was doing a bit of renovating. You see, she took offense to her wanted posters strewn about in the halls...not because she thought she was innocent or anything, no it's simply because they 'didnt capture her good side'. Therefore, she was making it her mission to take them down and uh...replace them...Good grief.

Ta-da~!

So enthralled by her handiwork, Amelia wanted to take a commemorative picture! So, when she heard footsteps approaching, Amelia didn't hesitate to step out from the shadows to ask for a lil help.

"Hey there~! Can I ask you for a quick favor? Can you take a picture of me posing next to this poster? If you don't have a camera on you, i'll lend you my phone for a sec." She asked brazenly, seemingly forgetting that she's not even supposed to be here.

Sometimes, Divinity can take strange forms.

If one asks what 'Life' is, there are a thousand answers, based on context, philosophy, perspective, understanding, experience, and even the simple willingness of the questioned to really think on the issue.

But that does not consider the implication of Concept.

In a world, no, an endless expanse of infinite universes branching and interweaving with one another infinitely, in such a system that endlessly produces beings that embody or connect to Death, why does Life seem so far and few between?

There are many possible answers...

Perhaps they simply do not take a singular form... did Pan not become the name for 'everything' because he encompassed all of Nature? Did Gaia not become the earth to the point that the whole world, the planet itself became her? How many times have deities associated with Life and Creation become their creations, giving of themselves until the barrier between art and artist became blurred beyond repair or recognition?

What is Hriob Zagel, but a God of Life and Survival, Opportunity and Defiance, locked in the latest of a long lines of reincarnations... trapped in the very cycle of life and death one of his ancient predecessors must have had a hand in creating?

He may not seem like a God, not compared to other examples, but given all the other things he has become or encompassed... it does not seem so far-fetched to think that maybe there is a reason his existance is one that both defies and accepts death in ways that no 'true' immortal could, that only Life personified, the flip-side of an embodiment of Death, could possibly have.

Who's to say? Hriob, if he does have any inkling on the topic, doesn't seem to have a stance, publicly at least.

Continued from [ X ]

@hriobzagelthewanderer

The gunmage quietly leaned against a tree, considering his words carefully before responding.

"....There is but one alternate form I can take." He rumbled, a slight movement of his machine arm. "A spell for the times of utmost necessity."

That was all there was to it. Whereas Hriob could afford to frolic about with his corporeal form, the gunmage was purely restrained by his mission. That - and it seemed his idea of 'humor' was equally mysterious (and outlandish) as he himself.

Thankfully, it did not include ruining others' belongings with copious amounts of dog hair. Fire did a far better job of it, after all.

...Certainly more permanent, too.

"Hriob c'mon you gotta show some confidence! Remember what I told you about confidence or dying? Stop dying!"

"Thank you once again for the formal invite this time, Eath!" The fae seemed in good spirits, happy to be out even if he tried to not get too close to the water's edge. "I brought refreshments this time, but not just alcohol I assure you!" Do not ask how he made a giant flask the size of a water cooler into an endless fountain of cold water, just blame magic.

|| 🔷 ||: ❝ I still fell bad about not having formally invited you to the last one... ❞

Hriob was a friend, even if they didn't talk often she still appreciated his presence and everything he did. She should talk with him more...

Well, no time like the present!

|| 🔷 ||: ❝ Spirits, thank you! nothing flammable this time, right? ❞

Last time was almost disastrous, but thankfully no one combusted. Either way She'll carefully take the flask and move it to where the other non-alcoholic refreshments were. Returning swiftly to properly greet the fae with a bow,

|| 🔷 ||: ❝ I'm glad to have you! Did you find your way here alright? I have to keep check I-- I think the briars can be difficult. ❞

She winces, they certainly got her on more than one occasion, and she lived within this forest.

|| 🔷 ||: ❝ And- What have you been up to? Have you spoken to Alexander or... Rokshana? ❞

Yes she had certainly heard about the recent kidnapping...

There are many birds that flock to Mortem. However, this time, there is at least one 'bird' that looks... very much out of place.

@hriobzagelthewanderer - unprompted

"Oho? Well aren't you the prettiest of them all, hm?" The witch cooed as she took in the sight of it. No, wait. Him. That energy, even if it was different in some ways, was still wholly him. Hriob - the delightful hybrid she had come to... befriend, was it? Ah, who even knew. Certainly not the witch that was far more used to being hunted (and hunting) than befriending others.

But now something interested was presented to her. Consider her curiosity provoked. Plum locks swayed to one side as her head tilted slightly so, visually expressing he had captivated her attention. At least, more than usual. His company was always something she enjoyed and welcomed. Was Hriob happy like this? Was it an accident? She couldn't tell. All she was certain about was how difficult it must be to indulge in his finely brewed crafts.

"Are you in need of aid or are you merely showing off your brilliant shape, lovely?" Mortem inquired as she didn't hesitate to move a little closer into a conversational distance. Of course she'd be unafraid, even if he were to radiate dangerous intentions she'd still have come closer. That was, after-all, just the type of witch she was.

At the chance he was having a problem, however, the offer was made. The witch effortlessly manipulated the energy around herself and then beyond - spreading it throughout the clearing. Her calmness, her patience. Let him feel it. Feel her. For the witch was uncertain of the state of his mind and if dear Hriob required some manner of reminder of the familiar soul that called him a friend.

Examine! Usagi, how about some marshmallow fluff stuff?

[The worst part is, after three SOLID DAYS of helping Hriob cast, it's the only food left in the place.]

Irrespective of the unusual call the Fae had sent his way, Alexander would shortly be visited by a moose carrying a large number of barrels: some simple kegs of a particularly potent Blood-Wine as a teaser for the brew he intended to create for Alexander's upcoming wedding, others carefully crafted dresser-like containers with drawers full of recipe books and cooking supplies specifically geared for Alexander and Rokshana's palettes, healing salves and oils specifically geared for a vampiric constitution, and scented candles. All left with a familiar wax seal of a heart growing roots and branches in a facsimile of spreading wings.

He was out and about in the gardens feeding his plant Sasha and overall getting some fresh air. Ear flicking at the approaching moose, Alexander was mildly perplexed for this was his first time encountering one of Hriob's familiars. He could sense the familiar aura of his alley so he knew that this was not some ordinary moose.

"Bloody hell, you're an awfully strong fellow aren't you?"

Hirob did say he'd be sending along a care package but he underestimated just how quickly the delivery would be. Nonetheless, Alexander was grateful as he summoned a few of his guards to relieve the familiar of the cargo. Alexander wasn't sure what the creature liked in terms of food so he offered him a few of his pears as a thank you.

"Send Hriob my regards and thanks~"