the Rift


UNICORNS :: Swimming the Coast, Round ONE

Official Posts: 847
Administrator
Stallion :: Equine :: ::
Official
#1
:: SWIMMING THE COAST ::
The first round takes place off the coast of the DRAGON'S THROAT, and will last 72 HOURS. Please be sure to note the description of the land, as follows:

Located in the southern peninsula of Helovia, the Dragon's Throat is a wide, natural lake in the middle of lush grasses, palm trees, and cactus. Off to one side of the oasis, an ancient relic of a tree stands tallest, its branches rising skyward like an inverted umbrella. They call the tree “Dragon’s Blood” for its red sap and from the all the battles fought in the land, this tree was the only one to survive the dragon’s fire. The lush landscape turns to flat desert that meets the ocean on three sides. To the north, the soft sand gives way to stone that has been etched out by torrents of water which long ago turned to the sea. Traveling across this stone ground is treacherous for those without sure-footing.

Also be sure to note the shape of the coast on the MAP, located in the sidebar. Your character will be swimming WESTWARD, along the coast of the Dragon's Throat.


Here are some rules to note:
  • You may only post if you previously signed up to compete in the Swimming Race.
  • You must post in every round to gain ground.
  • Failure to post in a round will result in a rank drop of 2 positions, unless you are on a valid absence.
  • The order of the second round will be determined by posting order of this first round!!
  • An RE will be posting a minimum of 2 times in each round, dealing out malevolent or benevolent effects to the person who posted prior. RE post order will be determined by a die roll to ensure fairness.

You may post sabotaging other characters, but this will not affect the official rankings.
HAVE FUN!

Cineviam Posts: N/A
Unregistered
:: :: ::
#2

Theatricality and deception are powerful agents.
You must become more than just a man
in the mind of your opponent


The Moon Goddess chided and clucked at them like a mother hen, pecking and shooing at the herdlands and outcasts as if they were her chicks to be shifted and manoeuvred. And perhaps they were, for at the Moon Mare’s judgment (at her request), he had come forward, summoned from the mists —beckoned from his business at The World’s End to hear about the Sun God’s exile and the start of the games. Just as she took special note of those who gathered and those who didn’t, Cineviam took a care to notice that small detail. Malcontent and loathing slipped over him like a dark cloak when he realized how close he had been to not making an appearance. He wondered what she had in store for the poor souls who stayed at home. Was she really so different from her blazing brother.

Only a swimming contest was open to him

He would have preferred the cross country course, averse as he was to water and he wondered if this was his punishment for his earlier dark thoughts. With all the bodies and minds gathered in a single place, he had hoped she would have overlooked his small slip up. There was another competition, open to each race – to any who possessed magic. But what good was that to the cinder beast who obeyed his ashes, not the other way around. Regardless, he signed up to swim, and took small comfort where he could. Since it was only open to unicorns, he would be surrounded by his fellow Edge members. Should he win or place well, it might give him more distinction among his herd mates. The games offered a rare opportunity to gain magic and other rewards without having to crawl up to the Veins of Gods on his belly and obey their every whim.

He comes to Dragon’s Throat by the deity’s hand—though it nearly destroys him to do so.

The journey from the World’s Edge was a long one – potentially tiring if rushed – but the cinder beast was in no hurry to get into the water. His only deviation from a meandering walk was to stop and admire the Dragon’s Blood tree with its blood red sap and vaguely metallic smell. The ash that sputtered from his nose was persistent and he was soon back on his way toward the shoreline. Even though his cloven hooves marked his progress for any who trailed him, it was the soot that lightly dusted the sand that betrayed who the tracks belonged to.

When it was time to get into the water, he hesitated and gawked about the beach having found himself very much alone. He wondered if that was a good sign or if he had taken a wrong turn somewhere. But that was impossible for his ashes had helped guide him here. An involuntary gasp of breath was choked off as a wave pushed up against his chest, already regretting the decision to sign up for this blasted race. Then his stomach dropped as the ground fell a way and his feathered legs began paddling, propelling him determinedly forward. He thought he was in a good position so the pace he set was meant to leave plenty of fuel in the gas tank for later.


i.cineviam
ii.unicorn
iii.6 years
iv.edge stallion
v.created by blu
vi.adopted by taurus


Faelene Posts: 297
Hidden Account
Mare :: Unicorn :: 16 :: 9 Buff: NOVICE
Sica
#3


A strange and wondrous song had brought her to awaken, and follow to the beckoning of the Moon Goddess herself. The lady was speechless, and captivated by the Godess instantly. Her imagination could have never drawn up such a foreign beauty, regal and elegant. Faelene could not help but stare and listen to what she said of the Sun God placed among them and in this there would be the games. A mixture of excitement, and unease clenched her gut. One contest was open to her, swimming, purely for unicorns. She could not deny the idea of winning something was the draw to enter, and the fact the lady had seemed displeased by those who had not come to join in. Really the whole of it was suppose to be fun, take their mind of things and she couldn't deny that was just what she needed.

The race would take place of all places at the Dragon's Throat, along it's coast. The desert oasis, the realm which dominated of more of the winged where Leander resided. She had a long journey to think about it, and anticipate what would happen. Definitely not good things. Too and again she would notice the dark ash in the split tracks. It would not dawn on her till later it was Cineviam she was trailing until she caught of glimpse of him looking at the weathered tree. It was certainly something that called attention. Silver toned eyes did not hang upon it long, they look across the rest of the rock. It was so different compared to the Edge, she gave it a look of interest, yet caution. She wasn't sure if she liked being so close. She would soon see more members of the World's Edge, and couldn't be sure if she wasn't comforted by the thought or worried. This was after all suppose to be only unicorns. Focus, she told herself. Swimming would surely take a toll on her body, she needed to be ready mentally and physically for it's attack upon her strength.

All too soon it was time, the race was to start. She did not fly to the water at a dead run, she took notice of the coastline, and tried to wrap her head around the idea. Then more quickly made her way to the coast. She would not be flirting with the water, she took the plunge, embracing the sharp coldness. Body shuddered, sending huge ripples as it wrapped around her barrel, clinging to her internal organs. She wished to believe the hard part was over, but felt it had only began. Hooves pushing off the rough bottom, eventually there was nothing to touch, and she pulled herself through the water with a mind half at ease. It was not long she noticed her herd mate, Cineviam himself. Wanting to encourage him, even if this was a competition, she let out a deep whicker, flipping her head in eagerness. Surely this was nothing for him.




Keahi Posts: N/A
Unregistered
:: :: ::
#4
Keahi does not necessarily like to be summoned by the moon wench, less does she enjoy being surrounded by moon followers, but she chooses to wisely hold her tongue. The black fem says nothing as she joins the gathering, even less as she turns to make her way to the starting point. The travel here had been long, but so many of the other participants had done it as well, so the playing field seemed even either way. Leonine tail whips lazily behind her as she soundlessly slips into the water, and when the starting signal is done, she starts to move forward. She would have loved a sprint, but alas, she is not the designer of this brilliant competition. Trying to spare her energy, she places herself in the wake in one of the moon followers, a black mare with red hair, so that she might enjoy the slipstream instead of breaking water on her own. Glancing around, she sees that she is in quite a favorable position, cloven hooves kicking and paddling a little faster to keep up the good pace of the others.

Aurelius Posts: N/A
Unregistered
:: :: ::
#5
Aurelius had listened to the godess’ words with approval. He was not a great sportsman, his stature wasn’t exactly doing him favor in that department, but he thought a bit of fun might release some of the built up tension between the various herds. The dwarven steed was delighted to hear that the unicorns would be swimming; had they been doing cross country, he would hardly have stood a chance. Tiny legs carried him to the edge of the water, without further thought plopping in with a smile on his face. The water was an element that he was very familiar with, and swimming was something he loved to do, to keep in shape. Growing up on an island, swimming came as natural to you as running or jumping.

When the start was off, the chocolate and silver stallion paddled along placidly, not caring if he was overtaken by some of his larger competition; his endurance was formidable, and when they would start to falter, he would be right there to snatch their spot. Yet even if he took it slow, he found himself in the better half of the race, keeping a steady pace to not strain himself too much. With his shorter legs, he found himself in slightly warmer waters than the others, and his little belly kept him bravely afloat, trying to keep off of the coast far enough to not hit any rocks, but not too far if he should need to seek land.

Korra Posts: N/A
Unregistered
:: :: ::
#6
Why she yet again found herself at some sort of gathering was a mystery to the little savage. Korra snorted uncomfortably at the numbers, keeping at the outskirts of the gathering where she could lurk in the shadows. Now and then, the metallic gold on her body reflected the moonlight, giving away her presence to those that didn’t already see her there; the garron cursed under her breath. Swimming? She instantly felt appalled by the thought, grimacing but not saying anything. If she could get her paws on Lotus, she might be able to drown her; that would at least be something. Korra almost dragged herself to the starting point, strong body trembling slightly as she dipped herself into the ocean.

The salt licked upon her barrel and shoulders, and it was cold, but her shaggy coat would keep her warm. Her pure muscle mass would without a doubt be an advantage as well, strength and stamina put to the test when swimming long stretches. When the start was off, she saw several other edgers around her, but she did not greet them. She was concentrated on setting a pace where she could hold out long enough to make it all the way round; this was a battle, not a time for talk. The wildling did not find herself as far ahead as she would like, her winners instinct misthriving in her current position, but she would refrain from pushing herself any further. The good thing about being a warrior was that she knew her body, and she knew exactly how far she could go.

Monster Posts: N/A
Unregistered
:: :: ::
#7

Like in a trance he’d followed the strange song, with eyes half closed he stumbled towards her. The Moon Godess. Her voice was thrilling, enchanting, arousing… but she was a goddess and so even the Monster’s instincts told him to not come to close. The black beast had no idea of what she spoke, he just listened to her voice while he tried to hum the tune she’d been singing.

Suddenlu everubody that had gathered seemed to know what they were doing and were they were going. The Monster searched to faces to find someone, anyone, he recognized. He remembered the antler clad mare Korra from the herdmeeting and began following her. He was distracted though by a strange tree. It smelled funny and it seemed to be bleeding. "Drip, drop?" the beast inquired of the tree, but of course it didn’t answer. Looking rather insulted the beast snorted and turned to find Korra again. She was far away and for some reason he could see only her head.

Not wanting to be left alone in this desert the beast picked up his feet and rushed towards the shore. He wasn’t entirely fond of bathing, which was easily noticed on his dirty hide, but he got help getting into the water… The black rope snaked around his right foreleg and then his left hind hoof managed to pin it to the ground sending the Monster into the water with demonic eyes widened and a screem stuck in his throat.

When he managed to get to the surface he was coughing and spitting. With blood red nostrils flared and his eyes ablaze from his anger with the rope and the sea the black beast started swimming. He just followed Korra’s antlers pumping his legs as fast as he needed to keep her in sight. The uneven coast of the Dragon’s Throat disturbed the currents of the water and the Monster felt that he was sometimes carried with the waves and sometimes fought by them.




Harlequin Posts: N/A
Unregistered
:: :: ::
#8
Image credits: NHuval-stock @ dA


She was in a bad mood this day, but she answered the Goddess’ stupid summoning, stood by her fellow unicorns and accepted to swim. She liked swimming actually and when she picked her way between cactus and plamtrees she began feeling a bit better. She stopped to take a drink from the Oasis since she didn’t want to be parched and desperate for water while in the salty sea. Her mood sank again when she neared the shore, seeing so many unicorns already in the water. But she picked up her feet and trotted towards the sea. She jumped in and started pushing her small frame through the waves.

Her disadvantage was her small size, but maybe she could play a little dirty? If she could just reached some of the others... The one in front of her was a black brute and on top of the waves beside him a strange thing was floating. It looked like a liana. A smile spread on the flecked femme’s lips, she heaved forwards and caught the rope by her teeth. As she had anticipated she was dragged along by the brute. It would not help her advance, but she would save her strength and then she could swim passed them all.

[Ooc; Powerplay ok since I play both of them ;D]




Lena the Songbird Posts: 663
Aurora Basin Time Mender atk: 4 | def: 10.5 | dam: 6.5
Mare :: Unicorn :: 15.3 :: 6 HP: 69 | Buff: NOVICE
Imogen :: Common Kitsune :: Fire Heather
#9


There is love in your body but you can't hold it in,
It pours from your eyes and spills from your skin,
Tenderest touch leaves the darkest of marks,
And the kindest of kisses break the hardest of hearts

The Moon Goddess’s warm decree, compassionate herald, drew the lithe nymph into the waves. She lacked a certain edge of competitiveness; she was not one that became enlightened with the prospect of vying for the limelight or glory. Instead, it was the challenge that fostered her bright, brilliant heart towards the water, the distinct clambering of bold, unwavering fortitude and perseverance that ignited her dulcet resolve, her silken valor. With a lush, ethereal breath, she drifted into the rolling balm of ebb and flow, leaving the sandy shore and the shifting dunes. She was an entity again, sienna siren among the coastal breeze, where the salty air dusted over wayward tassels and ghosted along arched napes, cooling, soothing, the future rapture and reverie of trials and tribulations. With mermaid musing, her hooves cast off against rough stone and rubble beneath the current, muscles automatically pulsing, undulating in the specious decorum of sea and swords. Her eyes sought distinct shapes in the distance, former refinement momentarily forgotten in the presence of brethren, a slight nicker towards the notable Aurelius, the antlered Korra, and other Edge members that bobbed and meandered in the sanguine serenade of zealous patriots. She recalled thereafter that perhaps these other individuals did not wish to be distracted, by the rushing, sloping tide or the kind-hearted chirrup of her recognition – quickly, Lena stroked, long limbs pushing westward, cherishing the adversity, relishing the ordeal and odyssey set before her.



d'Artagnan the Nightshade Posts: 364
Aurora Basin General atk: 6 | def: 9 | dam: 6.5
Stallion :: Unicorn :: 17hh :: 12 HP: 68.5 | Buff: ENDURE
Aramis :: Common Hellhound :: Hellfire & Superspeed imi
#10



"SWIMMING?!"

d'Artagnan glared at the water that rippled with the breeze of Orangemoon, highly unimpressed with his beloved Moon for suggesting such an event. It had taken him a while to travel from the Worlds Edge to the Dragons Throat, not that he wanted to even see the Throat again with its blistering weather. Sand had caressed his hooves as he descended onto the beach and his outburst marked the moment he realized exactly what the event involved. It would be an understatement to say that d'Artagnan found the thought of swimming highly repulsive and dithered along the ocean edge. There were a few who had already taken the plunge into its depths, Edgers and Outcasts alike. The Nightshade noted none of them as he continued to regard the blue mass, shying away at the thought of swimming Helovia in a petty race against his own kind. What kind of event was this if he couldn't even drown a few equine or pegasus? d'Artagnan snorted in disgust.

Do I look like a fish?! The inward grumbles continued onwards as the Doctor took his first steps into the water before taking a huge breath and plunged in. A rather large splash followed as his red body disappeared into the Throat lands impressive ocean. He emerged quickly and snorted out the water that had uninvitingly entered his nose, black forelock plastered to his annoyed face. Mane floated gracefully next to him. d'Artagnan turned his full attention to the actual matter of swimming, kicking out powerfully and noting the force of the current.

Dual coloured eyes turned to look at the rest in the distance, they appeared to be moving west bound. Sighing once more, d'Artagnan swam on and raced after the others, hoping dearly that the sheer power his legs harboured would allow him to catch those in front already.


my heart’s an endless winter
              filled with rage

Use force at your own peril ;) please tag me!

Evers the Able Posts: 82
Hidden Account
Stallion :: Unicorn :: 15.2hh :: 12 Buff: NOVICE
Rita :: Greyhound :: Water Mold imi
#11


Exercise of any form wasn't really a very common thing for the little blue Evers. He could run in short bouts and at a pretty decent speed, but the prospect of swimming an ocean wasn't very appealing to say the least. On this day, Evers rather regretted not having more weight on him, if this ocean was at a cold temperature it would be a great disadvantage to the skinny fellow.

Careful splashes followed as the little scholar slowly waded his way in, taking each new depth in stages before he was entirely immersed. He wondered what his brothers were up to, were they doing something as idiotic as he was? Would they do something this silly? Normally it would be Evers who was the sensible one, his clear and calculating mind allowing him to make the more reasonable decisions. However on this day he decided to leave all that behind and race for the Foothills. So far, he appeared to be the only Foothills member present. A dozen obsidian horns gleamed and reflected on the sea as the gangly steed kicked back and forth, moving westwards.

Oh mother if you could see me now!

She would think him an idiot of course, but would she insist upon him winning? Could he win from this far back? Many unicorns had already pressed on in front of him. Well, only time will tell...

tragedyseen.deviantart.com | equinestockimages.deviantart.com | prints-of-hooves.deviantart.com

Descaro Posts: 77
Outcast
Stallion :: Unicorn :: 16.1hh :: 8 Buff: NOVICE
imi
#12
"Damn it d'Artagnan wait!"

A shout in vein as Descaro almost fell into the sea in his hurried attempt to catch up to the Moon Doctor. Water cascading into his dark lobes which he laid back in irritation. The dark merlot steed knew full well the bastard wasn't going to stop for him.

The Conscript had been racing after him ever since he heard about the events that were to be held by the Moon Goddess. After he hadn't been able to locate the mad fool, Descaro had made his way to the Dragons Throat himself, appearing on the coast line as an odd looking skinny blue edged his way in. Eager eyes turned to the specks in the distance as he flicked his hooves and powered his legs westward, tail floated behind him. He wondered idly what creatures may lay beneath the surface and found himself tensing at the thought, snorting at himself the stallion shook all thoughts from his mind and continued on. The more he concentrated the better the chances.

Descaro looked back to the Dragons Throat briefly to see if he could see any others starting the marathon swim. Was he the last to start?

Fuck. A low grunt escaped his maw as he attempted to kick his legs faster, determined not to disgrace himself and finish last in the damn race.



those who live are those who fight


Prometheus Posts: 75
Up For Adoption atk: 4 | def: 7 | dam: 4.5
Stallion :: Unicorn :: 8.2 / 16.3 :: 4 months / 6 years [Immortal] HP: 60.5 | Buff: NOVICE
Pyr :: Siberian Tiger :: Hypnotize & Flaming Touch Adoptable
#13


Shallow waters grant me passage through the churning throng of unicorns. They seem to be proud of themselves as they flail desperately and toss legs meant for running on land foolishly into the sea. My legs carry the strength of the living but my eyes, my eyes... they betray the death inside me. While others hurry along the coast of the dragon's throat and struggle to keep their heads above water, I find myself sinking. The race is for me no competition, simply amusement. You along the coast with his heavy paws leaving clouds of sand in the air behind you. I have let the chains melt away from your form as my focus has turned to the journey in the sea. Why not let you run free- what harm can you truly do now?

I spend no time carrying out violent tactics when there is a race to win. Imagine what would happen if the zombie colt emerged victorious- what an uproar! I let my tattered lips curl into what resembles a grin at the thought of showing them all that death will always triumph. They will not see me coming.

For I do not swim as they do. While they turn the waters white and do their best to stay afloat, I let myself hit the ocean's floor. There is a warm sense of familiarity here beneath the waters, a wonderful sensation of awakening once more, as I did that evening in the Spectral Marsh. Beneath the waves I am a young corpse that runs on the legs of a champion as I allow my potential form to take over portions of my body. While my legs gain feeling and begin to ache at the constant pressure of water surrounding them, I can gain a footing while others struggle to stay above water. Beneath the surface I've no need to breathe, no desire to shine. Water passes through empty holes in my body and fills my lungs to no effect. I feel immortal. The resistance of the water is one thing, but my steady purchase on the stone-hard sand is another. Above me I see the underbellies of various mortals and my eyes flicker with amusement. Even as the light is blocked by their shifting bodies, I feel a sense of achievement. Here beneath the waves I can follow the paths of the others and always know where to go, until that inevitable moment where I will pull ahead and with halting grace, toss my head up through the surface.

What a chaotic scene it shall be.



img © foter
[Image: siggy1_zpsfwdjquxw.png]
please tag Prometheus in all replies!
magic & force is permitted at your own peril.

Random Event Posts: 1,286
Helovian Ancient
Stallion :: Equine :: ::
#14
A school of fish swims by and knocks Prometheus off course, allowing him to fall behind by one individual.

Validino Posts: N/A
Unregistered
:: :: ::
#15


Orangemoon’s white daylight draws streaks across the blistered orange sands of the Dragon’s Throat spitting rays left and right – all over, casting long shadows that speak tales of midday. A gentle breeze sings into the frayed strands of Validno’s long, sun-bleached mane; it tickles the ends of his tail and rolls between the slope of his back. The Throat welcomes him with just delight. He welcomes it back with a small smile. The Moon called all unicorns from far and wide to test not only violent instinct, but thoughtful skill. Validino’s tall, buff frame should take to this activity well. His simple life in the Foothills game him a small lack in strength, but speed was still evident in his Spanish legs.

The shielding deserts gave way to the tides. They ripped and jerked their way up to the beach, angry from the swirling current, but triumphant and subtle once able to lay out, glittering against the white rays. The air was pungent and memorable. The soldier’s teal eyes soak up the familiar flamboyance. He sees a thin line of many others, waiting at the Moon’s appeal. He wonders how long they’ve been waiting for the beautiful goddess to fall from the skies and declare the race’s beginning. He silently takes his place in the line, glancing once at his brittle, square hooves before looking ahead into the chilly waters.

He wished for once that it was Tallsun as his legs were claimed by the hungry ocean. His pace was slow, smart, well versed to how races went. The conservation of energy was vital. If one was to tire amidst the gorging waves, he knew how quickly they’d swallow you up. The salty waters lapped at his dark cherry skin, licking along the warmer, dry areas of his coat. Quickly, he was stained by the churning sea. Stinging droplets found the holes of his nose as his legs worked, unsure, against the violently rolling ocean. He was moving, that’s for sure. His teal eyes wildly snapped back and forth, cutting over the waves in search for other unicorns who might be already taking the lead.

Validino catches sight of a few he knows, and they are struggling against the withered currents. Foam is forming around their neckline, not from sweat, but from the thrashing of their flimsy legs and the panic of their wide eyes against the toil. Dino feels the sudden urge to panic as they do, perhaps from hardly instinct, but he swallows hard and grunts against the surface breeze.

’Keep going.’
Validino
through the storm we reach the shore

Random Event Posts: 1,286
Helovian Ancient
Stallion :: Equine :: ::
#16

As Evers swims, a wind causes the waves to lap harder, pushing the stallion forward two places.

Irene Posts: N/A
Unregistered
:: :: ::
#17
The pair had left Isilme as one, and now they would swim as one as well. The chestnut and the dark bay plunged into the water behind many others as they had arrived late. Irene pushed forward, Chasitiy falling in right behind her. The waves crashed down upon them both, stuggling slightly. Blue eyes looked ahead hoping to see anyone from Isilme she knew. She did not. She did however see Lena and the bay stallion that had healed Chas.

Chas grabbed onto Irene's tail, making sure she stayed with the older mare. She was still kind of sickly from the shade attacks and just hoped to finish decently. Soon as she could she swam next to Irene, both looking for a way for them to advance.


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