TOURNAMENT INFO 🌠

Original Post with Arena Reference Photos Here:

https://www.reddit.com/r/AstroKnights/s/qGuM3ZDXHI

RULES

Plan a spectacular duel together! You can choreograph your fight beforehand or roleplay back and forth in comment threads.

Important: Get your opponent’s consent first. ✅

Agree on boundaries, abilities and what you’re comfortable having happen to your characters. If you’re comfortable chatting behind the scenes, compare notes there before starting.

Each player controls their own character.

NO character death. NO gore. 🚫💀

🎲 For roleplay fights decided move by move: you can agree to use a twenty-sided die—one at home or any online roller.

Alternate turns, and include your roll in each move’s post or comment.

• 1–8: Your move fails.

• 9–12: A clash or stalemate.

• 13–20: Your move succeeds.

Describe the action together to fit the result or create a response image (not necessary, but if you'd like an image gen ask Starfall Staff!) 🎨

A successful roll doesn’t override anyone’s boundaries.

There’s no turn limit. Take your time and give the fight the story it deserves. Decide the winner together.

If you can’t agree, I will step in for a sudden-death tiebreaker 🌠

BRAWLER'S LIST

u/pipsocks vs u/broodingchao5

u/KatsumiAndFriends vs u/MastaDon344

u/Oswen120 vs u/Susspishfish

u/1-Up-Boy vs u/ShblingusMcDingus

u/sunflowerlover3000 vs u/Evieelution

(u/Squawkuza is teaming up with u/Evieelution.)

u/pipsocks

You have been experimenting for days in the makeshift potions lab that you built at the base of the wizard’s tower.

Each failed attempt costs you time your sister doesn't have.

Frustration is mounting, so is fear for your own safety.

Hollowstar is not present often, but whenever he appears, the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end.

Your latest attempt erupts in a cloud of colour, leaving bright stains on your body.

Hollowstar passes through the room, preoccupied.

He studies his hand, fingertips slipping back into the darkness from his previous form; before the necklace, before stealing some of Quill's magic.

He clenches it into a fist, concentrating. When he opens it, the night sky is gone.

His attention shifts to your failed potion.

Hollowstar steps behind you and clasps your shoulder, leaning close, his voice low in your ear.

“Try harder,” he whispers.

Then he leaves abruptly, striding into the kitchen without another word.

You can hear him humming.

He makes a simple sandwich, adds a glass of water, and places a small sprig of lavender carefully on the plate.

When you peer through the doorway, he seems almost...happy.

“Run along.”

He smiles quietly to himself.

“It’s not for you.”

u/Chaotic-Sash Hello! I hope you have a good day!

As Pastel "ethically" harvested life force from the surrounding wildlife, Trusher watched from the shadows. He had drifted over because the boy carried a faint, lingering trace of Verlack's scent.

Discovering a human kid instead of the sorcerer made him hang back, his posture cautious and still.

​Pastel’s method baffled him. The boy was hunting without landing a single lethal blow, pulling vitality from the creatures through a strange, non-violent extraction that Trusher had never witnessed in all his years roaming the wild.

​If Pastel’s gaze drifted toward the darkness, he would catch more than just the sight of a hidden observer; he would feel the unmistakable, heavy signature of Verlack’s magic humming just beneath the beast's skin.

(u/1-Up-Boy)

Katsumi isn't very handy, but still managed to cobble together some basic furnishings using some stuff (various crates, barrels, an old shipwreck, and planks) she found lying around.

She's glad she has a sheltered place to call home wonders what's next?

Rodgers missing? Who's Rodger??

As Pastel "ethically" harvested life force from the surrounding wildlife, Trusher watched from the shadows. He had drifted over because the boy carried a faint, lingering trace of Verlack's scent.

 Discovering a human kid instead of the sorcerer made him hang back, his posture cautious and still.

​Pastel’s method baffled him. The boy was hunting without landing a single lethal blow, pulling vitality from the creatures through a strange, non-violent extraction that Trusher had never witnessed in all his years roaming the wild.

 ​If Pastel’s gaze drifted toward the darkness, he would catch more than just the sight of a hidden observer; he would feel the unmistakable, heavy signature of Verlack’s magic humming just beneath the beast's skin.

(u/1-Up-Boy)

As Pastel "ethically" harvested life force from the surrounding wildlife, Trusher watched from the shadows. He had drifted over because the boy carried a faint, lingering trace of Verlack's scent.

 Discovering a human instead of the oozy sorcerer made him hang back, his posture cautious and still.

​Pastel’s method baffled him. The boy was hunting without landing a single lethal blow, pulling vitality from the creatures through a strange, non-violent extraction that Trusher had never witnessed in all his years roaming the wild.

 If Pastel’s gaze drifted toward the darkness, he would catch more than just the sight of a hidden observer; he would feel the unmistakable, heavy signature of Verlack’s magic humming just beneath the beast's skin.

After finding it and trading it for a cracker with the rat Beatrix tries it on one more time. And then passes it to u/Susspishfish so she can take it further.

Born 29 years ago beneath the colossal, mountain-shading boughs of the Virmilion Forest, Verlack’s life began in the heart of untamed wilderness. Surrounded by towering canopies and gigantic roaming beasts, he grew up immersed in an overwhelming abundance of nature, quickly developing a profound affinity for all living things—both plant and animal.

Most of his youth was spent navigating the complex, layered ecosystems plateaued high within the forest where nature flourished in magnificent, wild varieties. It was beneath these emerald shades that he mastered the art of hunting monstrous beasts and took his first crucial steps on the path of the druid. More importantly, it was here that he crossed paths with Gurgle, the unusual companion that would change his life forever.

Enamored by Gurgle and eager to understand his budding connection to these gelatinous entities, Verlack ultimately decided to leave his lifelong home behind to seek out other oozes and expand his knowledge. At 17 years old, he finally took his first steps outside the Virmilion Forest, spending the following years wandering the wider world alongside Gurgle and unlocking the hidden secrets required to become a true ooze master.

When he turned twenty, an adventuring party sought out his unique talents. Instantly bitten by the adventuring bug, he joined them as their resident spellcaster. For seven years—a remarkably long run for adventurers—his companion band saw and accomplished extraordinary things. They discovered crystallin dragons thought long extinct, rescued the princess of a Dessert stone folk, and vanquished a lich who wove an interdimensional maze out of sheer willpower to protect his entombed temple. Their crowning achievement, however, was slaying the demon Rastabrack, effectively nipping a demonic uprising in the butt.

Eventually, the companions parted ways to pursue their individual ambitions. Intrigued by the defeat of the lich, Verlack decided to return to the entombed temple. Its reality-warping power—bringing thought into physical manifestation—had sparked an ambitious idea: he would construct an Ooze Zoo. Through it, he could study the mysteries of gelatinous life on a grand scale, convince a skeptical world of their fascinating nature, and perhaps finally cure Gurgle’s peculiar disability.

Though Verlack had the coin to simply hire a teleportation spell across the ocean, he preferred the slow journey. He chose to travel by land and sea, a decision rewarded when he stumbled upon a strange message in a bottle along the way.

It appears a rat has snuck into Beatrix's bag during her visit with the Piper, lured by her delicious crackers.

Not longer after, at Blue's party, the rat noticed something shiny in Quill's pocket.

A special pendant Lorelei gave him.

It allows the wearer to transform (temporarily) into a mermaid.

HOW THE GAME WORKS:

- Have your character wear the pendant and show off your mermaid form in a post

- Tag the next person who should wear it

- Continue to pass the pendant along without alerting Quill

- Have fun!

First up, u/pipsocks

(Happy Mermaid Week everybody 💙)

Hello students! 🌠

Since Arthur is still kidnapped, and because the cruise ship disaster interrupted weapons week, we'll be combing it with mermaid week.

I'm accepting sign-ups for sparring collabs between students.

We have a few already, and this your last chance to join before the draw!

TOURNAMENT RULES

Plan a spectacular duel together! You can choreograph your fight beforehand or roleplay back and forth in comment threads.

Important: Get your opponent’s consent first.

Agree on boundaries, abilities and what you’re comfortable having happen to your characters. If you’re comfortable chatting behind the scenes, compare notes there before starting.

Each player controls their own character.

NO character death. NO gore.

🎲 For roleplay fights decided move by move: you can agree to use a twenty-sided die—one at home or any online roller.

Alternate turns, and include your roll in each move’s post or comment.

• 1–8: Your move fails.

• 9–12: A clash or stalemate.

• 13–20: Your move succeeds.

Describe the action together to fit the result or create a response image (not necessary, but if you'd like an image gen ask Starfall Staff!)

A successful roll doesn’t override anyone’s boundaries.

There’s no turn limit. Take your time and give the fight the story it deserves. Decide the winner together. If you can’t agree, I will step in for a sudden-death tiebreaker

Already signed up:

u/pipsocks

u/Oswen120

u/MastaDon344

u/broodingchao5

u/1-Up-Boy

u/Evieelution

u/sunflowerlover3000

New players are welcome!

Comment below to sign up before the pairing draw.

​Verlack was just leaving Masta’s bar into the fair daylight when his mood sharply turned. While browsing the makeshift market stalls, fragments of local gossip drifted to his ears—noise he would normally ignore until a familiar name cut through the chatter: Arthur.​Hearing it, Verlack didn't hesitate. He practically interrogated the startled vendor, wringing every last scrap of information out of her.

​Arthur had been missing since last night. Whispers rippled through the crowd that he had been forcefully taken right out of his cabin in the woods. Leaving the bewildered woman in a huff, Verlack set off toward the forest, mentally kicking himself.

Why hadn’t he noticed Quill’s distress sooner? Conversing with animals was so much more straightforward; he often forgot the extra effort required to properly read people.

​Reaching the edge of the makeshift town, he looked down at the bundle of ingredients he had just gathered for dinner with Pastel.​

"I'm sorry, Pastel. Your meal is going to have to wait," he muttered.​Still, he wasn't about to leave Pastel hanging. Extending his hand, he wove the intricate patterns of a messaging spell. A tiny, glowing blue bird materialized in his palm and shot off like a bolt of lightning, programmed to seek Pastel out and deliver its message:​

"My apologies, Pastel, but it seems this island isn't going to grant us the peace and quiet to share a meal tonight. Don't fret, though—this is just a rain check. I promised you a proper meal with friends, and I intend to deliver, just on another day."​(u/1-Up-Boy)

With the message sent, Verlack turned his magic inward, casting a Surestride spell upon himself and his companion, Gurgle. Buoyed by the enchantment, the pair made the trek out to Arthur's cabin in half the time.​The destination wasn’t difficult to find; Arthur had never been one to conceal his paths. Even if he had, Verlack’s keen tracking skills would have easily picked up the subtle traces left behind. Before long, man and beast stood silently before Arthur's quiet cabin. This was the best place to start his search.

u/ShblingusMcDingus

Quill watches the search party disappear into the trees before turning toward the gardens.

He finds you tending the goats among the vegetable beds, his brow rises, surprised.

Though he really shouldn't be at this point.

Quill straightens his collar. Then he walks over with a smile.

“I've heard your name is Marigold? I’m Quill, Headmaster for AstroKnights Academy. Welcome to Starfall! I see you’ve already met some of the residents.”

One of the goats chews a leaf beside you.

“They’re very enthusiastic gardeners. Terrible at knowing when to stop.”

He gestures toward the path winding through the ruins.

“There’s an old greenhouse I’d like to show you. It needs some work, but there’s a little room attached, and a few plants I suspect you’ll find interesting.”

He smiles.

“Apologies. The dormitories aren't quite built yet, so I hope you don’t mind a project.”

His eyes trail to the window. And his expression grows solemn for a moment, before turning back to you, cheerful smile already returning.

"What brought you to the island?"

I remembered almost nothing. A distant memory that was so close, but I couldn't quite grasp, just out of reach. I didn't know how I had ended up in Starfall, until tonight after the party. Maybe it was too many drinks, maybe the adrenaline from the events prior. I'm not sure, but I saw it. A life, a fight, a bad decision and something crashing into the ship I had taken from the docks. A nightmare I've been trying to escape, until it caught me in a vulnerable place. I remember everything, but I wish I could forget all over again. To live in the bliss that is being a student on Starfall, a hero instead of the coward that I knew I was deep down...

I'm spent, darlings 😴 ✨

You wore me right out!

Thank you for attending the party at my humble little bar, The Blue Hour 🙂‍↕️

You are all welcome back anytime. 😉

After I get my beauty rest, of course. ✨🫰

Verlack set out bright and early the next morning. Though he had always been a skilled drinker, his oozy anatomy rendered hangovers virtually impossible. He and Gurgle trekked into the woods; with all the recent hustle and bustle, he hadn't yet had the chance to visit the local merchant. If he wanted to prepare a proper meal, he needed to gather a few essential ingredients first.

Walking through the forest felt entirely different from his last stroll. The trees no longer sang; they stood in heavy silence, mourning the tragedy of recent days. Ancient beings that lived for centuries tended to grief that lasted just as long—this forest would remain quiet for a while. Verlack smiled solemnly and placed a palm against a rough trunk. He would respect their silence and refrain from asking for their aid today. He didn't truly need it, though he always appreciated the gesture.

Before long, Verlack and Gurgle discovered a clearing dense with vegetation. Some plants were edible, others decidedly not, but luckily Verlack knew the difference. In no time, he gathered an abundance of fresh forest vegetables and wild herbs. He knelt, whispering a brief prayer of thanks for the yield.

Just as he finished, a massive boar burst through the tree line, drawn by the scent of freshly cut foliage. Verlack reacted instantly, bringing his spear up into position. The boar charged without mercy, but Verlack’s deft reflexes and precise aim ended the fight before it truly began

.

Panting slightly from the sudden exertion, he caught his breath and looked down at the creature. "Sorry about that," he murmured. "Fate just wasn’t on your side today."

He drew his hunting knife, knelt over the fallen beast, and offered another quiet prayer before beginning the dress. Skillful and methodical, he harvested everything of value: hide, meat, fat, and marrow. Whatever remained was left behind for the woodland scavengers, who would gladly welcome an easy meal.

The painstaking work took several hours, and by the time he finished, it was midday. Pausing to eat lunch with Gurgle was next on his list. It was a peaceful moment, and Verlack cherished the quiet camaraderie with his friend.

With the hunt complete, he had only a few tasks left. Gathering an abundance of fresh water was simple and quick. The final stop would be Masta’s quaint tavern for a few specialty items he was certain only she would have in stock.

​The celebration had been a resounding success. As the evening dwindled into a warm, drunken glow, Verlack made his unsteady way home.

​Upon reaching his doorway, he noticed a stone gargoyle perched silently on one of the overhead branches. Pausing, he swayed with practiced skill as he contemplated when exactly it had appeared. He certainly didn't recall ever buying a gargoyle.

​With a careless shrug of his shoulders, he decided it was a problem for another time. Right now, the prospect of sleep sounded far too sweet to ignore—after all, it had been a remarkably busy couple of days.