| Administrator |
| Stallion :: Equine :: :: |
| Official |
:: SWIMMING THE COAST ::
The first round takes place off the coast of the VEINS of the GODs, and will last 72 HOURS. Please be sure to note the description of the land, as follows:
Once out from under the rocky bridge, the ocean turns thick murky. The Spectral March leaks out into the ocean like a disease, and many muddy islands with tall grasses dot the horizon. Snakes and other creatures thrive in this darkness, but eyes cannot see whether or not what is brushing against your leg is alive or a stick. Many bones of the ancients sprout up from the darkness as well, and just when the darkness seems too great, the sandy beaches of the Endless Blue appear.
Your character will be MAKING A LOOP around the Spectral Marsh and then NORTH to the bottom of the Endless Blue where the Goddess of the Moon will be waiting along with the racers from the Equine Cross Country Race.
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!
CURRENT RANKINGS
Monster +2
Lena
Faelene
D'Art
Cineviam
Aurelius
Keahi
Korra
Descaro
Evers
Validino
---- No post ----
Mauja -2
Alan -2
Belial -2
Quin -2
Prometheus -2
Kirottu -4
Seiren -4
Vanamo -4
Ricciardo -4
Leyra -4
- Note: Final post placings will be averaged and posts analyzed to determined the winners.
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Theatricality and deception are powerful agents.
You must become more than just a man
in the mind of your opponent
Everything was going swimmingly.
Fatigue had begun to set into his muscles, his legs feeling like they were going through the motions a bit sluggishly. However, with good timing and a whole lot of luck, he had been in the lead the whole time, chasing no one and consciously trying to conserve his energy for the end. You never know, one of the competitors may surprise him with a burst of speed and give him a run for his money.
He relaxed again, once he put the weathered formation of rock that formed the bridge and island well behind him, as if earth and stone could somehow evolve, nurture and contain malevolent attitudes and intentions. The water started to cool out here but it had begun to turn murky as they headed toward Spectral Marsh and again he wished it was a Cross Country race. Hellena had shown him the safe path through there.
Suddenly something grabbed his tail!
At first he thought one of his opponents had caught up to him but when he twisted turned his head to see behind him, no one was there. Thanks to the murk of the water he couldn’t see below the surface as he thrashed against the unknown threat, dragging him backwards and off course. Front legs continue paddling, more like flailing to keep his head above the surface while he attempted to kick out with his hinds, “LET GO!” he shrieked. All he could do was watch in dismay as Faelene passed him to gain the lead.
Finally he felt the weight drop from his tail and he was free to move forward again. Desperately he pumped his legs, trying to get back on track but by the time he did, three more herdmates passed him. He cursed at himself, if only he had kept a bigger lead than loss from the unexpected wouldn’t have been so great. The struggle had taken a lot out of him, crimson could be seen from Cineviam’s flared nostrils and his brow was furrowed.
Around the loop of Spectral Marsh, he no longer fixed his red eyes on the horizon, his gaze was much too fuzzy for that. Instead he focused on the cherry and mahogany rump of the Doctor, trying to close the distance, but before long he had a new goal to fix his sights on – Endless Blue’s shore. He just wanted this blasted race to be over!
The moment his hooves touched bottom, relief flooded through him so intensely he felt tears prick behind his eyes. He had no idea what he placed, but at the moment he didn’t care. He wobbled more violently than the first hours after his birth and his knees buckled, wanting nothing more than to lie down for a few minutes and rest. However, the drowned rats pulling themselves out of the water weren’t alone. The Moon Goddess and a bunch of hornless were waiting for them. Could it be a trap? He wouldn’t put it past any of them and he puffed himself up a bit but otherwise stared at them wordlessly.
i.cineviam
ii.unicorn
iii.6 years
iv.edge stallion
v.created by blu
vi.adopted by taurus
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| Hidden Account |
| Mare :: Unicorn :: 16 :: 9 Buff: NOVICE |
| Sica |
Cineviam, she was finding out, was not the jolliest of souls despite having a beard. She did not let it wear on her, it was probably just who he was. Why prod him to change? She was sure he was much as a silver mountain, frosted with snow. It was not going to be different for anything. This did little to bother her, it only fueled her in wanting to pass him.
Final strokes out from the darkened bridge she hard mad laughter, she could only wonder if it was Monster's or if there happened to be another mental, unicorn stallion. Then there was a threat, I'll going to get you all! To be disturbed or amused? She leaned toward the second, and a coy smirk drifted on her muzzle. Catch me if you can. Faelene thought, letting her legs glide more quickly to be in the sunlight once again. It was not quite the sight before her she wanted.
The water began to look a little more dangerous, it was not as translucent or pretty colored. This warned her of danger, things she could not see. How wonderful, in the water swimming with who the hell knows what beneath my hooves. It could be anything in this new land, and she had to keep thinking of normal fish so her imagination would not run wild with horrors. She slows her coarse at times, letting her body drift with the waves. She can not see, and often her eyes slip to the horror at her side. Bones, and dotted islands reminded her too much of death, and those who did not quite die. When inkling feelings arrive she propels herself faster to hopefully avoid something that mind want to hitch a ride. Her body starts to become more heavy, her muscles feeling hard like rocks here and there.
Suddenly Cineviam was not going so fast, and appeared to be fighting something in the water. It worried her at first. Because she could care less about winning if he might be dragged down. Rapidly she began to throw her front limbs harder to reach him. She did, but he was only being pulled backwards. Seeing this as an opportunity she took it reach the lead. The moment of speed did not do her the best. She had to slow herself back down to make it to the blue water, the sandy shore that awaited them. Doing so she was passed by Monster, and Lena. It was with a final glance to Cineviam to make sure he was alright she continued ahead. She was very much ready for dry land.
It came closer in her sights, she could feel her soul lighten, and her body want. A surge of energy she began to really test her stamina, and strength. How wonderful it would be to stand again! Blissfully she held onto that thought, knowing she would want to kiss the ground after all this. All she saw was the shore, not any around her, because all that mattered was getting to that beautiful piece of earth.
Eventually the water became less deep, her hooves started to slip into the ever wet sand. It was with quivering muscles on her shoulders, and haunches her head drooped in wariness she made her way to the beach just to notice the collection of equines, and the Godess. Legs feeling like they might collapse, her joyous expression was quickly sobered.
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The waters change. They become murky, colder and downright scary. Slimy things brushed against the beast’s legs, trying to sneer him, trying to pull him down. Had he not been picked up by Mauja, had he not been made a pet under the safe leader maybe he would have hissed in anger and kept swimming at the same pace, but he had learned too many emotions now and fear struck him as he felt the weed tangle his feet and legs. Monster panicked, but his fear gave him strange fuel. He paddled on, kicked fiercely with his legs, used the clusters of marshy grass to launch his body forwatds. He passed Korra, then Faelene, whom he vaguely recognized, then Cineviam whom he knew as a fellow conscript.
He raced on, not looking back. He fought the weeds with red and yellow eyes ablaze and his nostrils parted. His muzzle bobbed up and down in the water and his breathing created bubbles in the murky water. Paddle, paddle, paddle. His mind was a red haze and he didn’t stop his panic until he reached a different kind of water. Blue and soft it lay before him and the Monster veered off towards the beach. He wanted nothing more than to get his sleek feet onto dry land, even if it was littered with people. He just wanted to get this over with.
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| Aurora Basin General atk: 6 | def: 9 | dam: 6.5 |
| Stallion :: Unicorn :: 17hh :: 12 HP: 68.5 | Buff: ENDURE |
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Aramis :: Common Hellhound :: Hellfire & Superspeed
imi |
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"You lack the requisite spine and testicular fortitude to study under me"
Pain! Pain is good! Pain is wonderful!
d'Artagnan was rather growling to himself as he powered on past others, his drenched forelock plastered to his face and horn. White teeth bared against the water. Along the way he noticed a rather struggling looking CINEVIAM and, with a malicious stare, snapped at his sooty rear then glided onwards. Complete delirium written all over his merlot face. He might apologize later for his rudeness. Might.
The Nightshade's nose wrinkled at the murky water but too lost on winning the race for it to really bother him too much. That was until it became darker and the depths of the ocean became unclear and thick. Mud mingled with the sea and sickly islands formed on it's death like surface. d'Artagnan entertained the idea that it was Helovia slowly crumbling away. It made him laugh, out loud, to which he got louder as he powered round the Spectral Marsh. Grinning and tongue rolling as unknown objects brushed against his legs sending an injection of adrenaline through him each time. Dual oculars zoned in on a grime bone that had made an unsavoury appearance much to d'Artagnan's delight. A place full of horrors and perfectly fitting for this maddening idiot with a slack face.
Finishing his loop of the place d'Artagnan found wildly delectable, he continued onto the final phase. Northbound to the Endless Blue. The last stretch and the Nightshade threw everything at his already weary body, enjoying the sensation of burning as he did so. The sandy beach was oh so clear to him now and the beast was not about to give up on the last bit of the race. Water flicked through the air as he snorted into it, grunting loudly and eyes laced with enjoyable, searing pain. His beloved Moon waited on the sandy shore, the brute just to be first to greet her! Feeling the weight of the silver marking imprinted around his stifle for the very first time. d'Artagnan was her Nightshade and his very best was simply not good enough. He had to go beyond that. Not that he knew how on earth he'd manage it.
"WIN! My race." Was all he could muster through the burning, the sandy shores getting closer and closer until water logged hooves touched it's grainy surface. Jelly legs warbled up onto the ground, dangerous oculars noticing the equines for the first time. A head turned to one side with a sneer.
What a kind Goddess we have. She brought us food.
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my heart’s an endless winter
filled with rage
Use force at your own peril ;) please tag me!
She can finally see the end to her struggle. From the warmer waters, she plunges back into the cold, shivering slightly but also encouraged to work harder to keep up her heat. The murky waters engulfs her, the foul, rotten smell of the swamp fills her nostrils and makes her cringe. There is no telling what lies beneath the muddy surface, so she plows on, determined to not think about what might grab her from underneath. Keahi is pulling on the reserves of her energy, the race seems endless and she is tiring still, passed by one horse after the other. She feels like screaming in frustration, but bites her tongue stubbornly. She will make it, there is no margin here to fail.
Suddenly, the waters are clearing up and she finds an incredible inner power as the beach appears within view. With the last remnants of her powers, she puts in a sprint and finally feels steady ground under her hooves. With shaking limbs, she staggers stiffly upon the ground, making it to the finish line. Her sides are heaving, short of breath and every muscle in her body is shivering. But she has made it. What position she had finished in, she isn’t sure, but as she looks back and sees others still coming in, she knows that at least she is not the last. She wants to hold her head high and look triumphant, but she is too tired, her muscles burning, and she fell to the ground and laid for a moment to gather her strength.
Thankfully, the waters soon cooled back down and made the swim more bearable. She dipped a little again, getting water in her ears and grimacing angrily. Contributing to her anger were the fact that she was being overtaken by others, even though she fought her hardest to keep herself afloat. The waters were suddenly murky and smelly, shallow in some places where she could feel her hooves brush against the muddy floor, and with all things horrible hiding under the surface. She was not scared, she soldiered on and did not allow herself to think silly thoughts of what might hide under there. She quickly figured out the quickest way around, not afraid to take a bit of a risk to gain ground on those pesky opponents. The current was in her favor some places and in others it gave her trouble, but she was satisfied with the progress she was making.
Then there, in front of her, the finish line finally came into view. With the last reserve of powers, she pushed through and made it to the shore, staggering on land with the water running from her shaggy fur. Trotting to the finish line, she felt every muscle in her body ache, but it was a good ache. Korra was used to pain, it was one of the few things in life she knew how to handle. She held up her antlered head, refused to show weakness to the hornless that were gathered there. The savage turned her attention to the moon goddess, waiting for the winners to be announced. There was no question she had not placed well, but she was still interested to hear the final result of her struggle.
A flock of playful dolphins approached, mingling with the swimming horses. One of them swam up to the dwarven steed, and he nervously glanched at it, trying to stay on his course. Suddenly, he felt it push him along, overtaking one of the other swimmers before disappearing along with it’s friends. A small smile played on his lips, delighted by the playful nature of the dolphins – there had been no such creatures by the cold isles where he had grown up. Suddenly, all around him the waters were brown and murky. A certain smell of rotten water and seaweeds crept in on him, not exactly pleasant but he didn’t let it influence him. He paddled on, trying not to think too hard about what might hide under the unclear surface of the sea.
Choosing a route that was going in between some of the smaller isles, he could easily swim on the shallow waters unlike his bigger competitors, allowing him to cut off some distance of the route. When the beach came into view, he was spirited like the rest of the participants, giving his all to reach the finish line. When he finally plodded on land, he knew that he was not the first, but nor was he the last. The small stag couldn’t help but feel somewhat proud over what he had just accomplished, mismatched eyes twinkling pleasantly even if his body was aching. He bowed his head respectfully to the goddess, before plopping down on the ground and taking a roll, his chocolate fur mottled with the white sand when he once more found his feet. Now, for announcing the results…
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 |
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Imogen :: Common Kitsune :: Fire
Heather |
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
Lena continued onward, along the stretch of coast that meandered under bridges and postured along rocky lines of sand and rubble. This time, however, their long, lanky columns brought them along the Spectral Marsh, and the eerie contortions set her on edge, anxious, eager and ready for some outbreak of bedlam. The water was too murky, too specious, to riddled and addled with potential armaments – not clear and transparent like their earlier foils, trials and tribulations. Here was another test, with the ghostly, ethereal doldrums of cold laments and haunting requiems. She tread with a wary gaze and a fervent heart, noting others passing by her at an alarming rate, for perhaps they too cast a glance upon the noteworthy tides and deceptive, malicious ebb and flow. The bright horizon beyond was the segmented hope that drove her ahead, the promise of the goddess at the end of their journey. With this aspiration locked tightly within her soul, she propelled forward, warm stare occupied by the sun.
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Validino's teal eyes saw so much change up ahead. The leads were dropping and switching helter-skelter while he was just trying to stay afloat. The stallion dug in now with his heels, flicking his blunted hooves out behind him in a cascade of friction. The water cooled again as the line of swimmers emerged from the dimly lit bridge, and Dino found himself right smack-dab in the middle of the action. He fought the quickly murking water, and found that as he swam he lost visibility of his legs, then his chest, and eventually the water was a colloid.
The Spectral Marsh's mire trickled between the stallion's frog as his hooves barely grazed the murky bottom. He had no knowing of what was down there and he didn't care to know. He felt bones graze the skin of his thighs and other horses squirmed flighty from the snaky depths. Validino held his breath as he dodged the tiny sand-islands and felt things swirl around his legs. He could only gulp between each leg thrust and hope nothing came out to eat him alive.
Teal eyes spotted the hide of the blue stallion Evers, and with the blunt side of his horn he reached out to slap and thrash around the stallion's barrel, before pounding his legs faster in hope to lope out of his reach. Validino could not seem to find the ones he passed, only the ones that passed him.
The sea-stained stallion caught sight of the bluing ocean ahead and saw the brown ribbon of shoreline glinting in the light. The Moon Goddess and the others were there with smiles like stars. Dino smiled widely and pumped his legs against the slapping waves and current in hopes of gaining whatever ground he could. "Please my Goddess, give me hope!"
Validino through the storm we reach the shore |
| Helovian Ancient |
| Stallion :: Equine :: :: |
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Cineviam see a shark's fin in the deep, but he continues on! He stays right where he is.
Keahi managed to find solid ground in the murky swamp! She moves forward one space!
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