the Rift


The Test [Archibald][JUDGE!]

Romani Posts: 205
Outcast atk: 4 | def: 8 | dam: 7
Mare :: Equine :: 14.2 :: 9 HP: 66 | Buff: NOVICE
Kasai :: White Tiger :: Wind Whip Sparrow
#1
Romani
The temperature of the Foothills was moderate, not too cold yet not warm. The sun was at it’s zenith, standing proud in the sky and attempting to warm the inhabitants of Helovia with it’s bright rays, and even if one could feel the difference, it wouldn’t ward off Frostfall’s natural chill for too long. A slight breeze flitted along the frosted land, playing with the branches of the trees and causing the tufts of exposed grass to flow in the current. All in all, it was a peaceful day in the Foothills. The tranquility that came with the day was interrupted by a red and cream form tearing across the land, ears pinned as if chasing a foe only she could see.

Coming to a flat plain, Romani suddenly pulled her rear haunches beneath her, front legs splayed out in an attempt to stop. She slid a few feet before coming to a complete stand still, nostrils flaring, azure eyes focused. Compact muscles were tense, ready to react to a threat at a moment’s notice, but with a deep inhale and an equally slow exhale, the Haflinger relaxed.

Vivid blue eyes grew clear and Romani caught her breath from her rigorous exercise, lifting a dark hoof to paw at the frozen ground. Her daily workout complete, she knew she could gain a few moments of respite before meeting Archibald.

Romani had not been a member of the Windtossed Foothills for very long. Nor had she even been in Helovia for an impressive amount of time, yet the time she had spent in the land had granted her with a sense of purpose, and a reason to appease her wanderer’s soul. Oh, she’d always been an adventurer at heart, but too many things had happened recently to make the mare question her life’s choices.

This land she lived in was her home, as she had been welcomed by Svetlana, at despite her hesitance at first, she found herself growing fond of Helovia. Or, more importantly, of the Foothills, where her herd resided. Already Romani had found reason in the form of the young filly, Nayati, who needed someone to take care of her and watch over her until their StormChaser would return. That sense of purpose had grown into one thought; what else could she do to watch over Nayati, and the others of the herd if they so needed it? Yet as a civilian, there was little Romani could do, and so she had gone to Archibald to inquire about becoming a Warrior…

The Dauntless had agreed to a spar, and if the Chief was satisfied, she would be rewarded with the post of Warrior. Now, all Romani had to do was wait for Archibald to arrive. She had done her work out to warm up her joints and muscles, and had cleared her head as her sire had taught her to do all those years ago… The Haflinger only hoped that whatever the outcome, Archibald the Dauntless would be pleased.


[Word Count:501]
[OOC: Maximum 800 words, Magic and Companions not allowed. Let's do 2 attack posts, if that's alright. Setting is obviously in the Foothills, upon a smooth, grassy plain, midday with the sun shining. I hope that's okay to get started?]

table by tempest @ sordid secrets

Archibald the Dauntless Posts: 386
Absent Abyss atk: 6.0 | def: 9.5 | dam: 8
Stallion :: Equine :: 18.3 hh :: 10 years HP: 80 | Buff: SHIELD
Loretta :: Alaskan Malamute :: Time Slip Time
#2
Frostfall, generally, had little hold on this land. However, with the Sun God banished from the Veins the Foothills were experiencing a winter different than their usual. Even upon Archibald's arrival last winter he took joy in the Foothill's lack of a Frostfall wonderland--or hell, whichever one decided. This year snow accumulated in places that had never been touched by the white substance, ice coating plants with its foreign fingers. Archibald contemplated how long the season would last as he cast his glance skyward, hooves following behind Loretta carefully. It wouldn't be long now, he could feel his winter fur start to shed along his legs and the underside of his neck. He feared, though, that even though his body was sending itself through natural cycles it would be pointless without the Sun God.

Fixing his gaze back in front of him Archibald's golden eyes rested on the halflinger mare. She had requested to become a warrior and Archibald generously accepted--but not without testing, of course. That is why he came here, to test this smaller mare. Archibald wanted to see if warrior would be a true fit for her, or if it was just as aspiration put into her heart to make her feel powerful. The Chief lifted his head as he approached, stopping several yards in front of Romani. "I need my warriors always at the ready; I need my warriors to be skilled in offensive as well as defensive battle strategies; I need my warriors to be able to adapt to changes. Do you understand?" Archibald lifted a brow, locking eyes with the reddened female.

Without giving her time to respond Archibald lowered his head slightly and motion with his muzzle for Loretta to go lay down and watch. He mentally told her that this fight was not going to be aggressive on his part, that it was nothing she needed to concern herself over. Snorting, Loretta cast a sideways glance towards Romani before turning and trotting away. Lifting his head again Archibald spoke once more. "I will not use my powers for this battle, nor will Loretta aid in any way. I am here merely to test you, not to end you." Which I certainly could. Archibald finished mentally, tail swishing against his hind pillars as he waited for Romani to begin the fight. In a fluid, synchronized motion Archibald's neck arched and his chin tucked slightly to protect his jugular, his ears pinned back and his legs spread apart slightly, preparing for the muscled female to come to him.
[Word: 426 | Post: 0/2 | Archibad sets his defenses and waits for Romani's attack.]


Romani Posts: 205
Outcast atk: 4 | def: 8 | dam: 7
Mare :: Equine :: 14.2 :: 9 HP: 66 | Buff: NOVICE
Kasai :: White Tiger :: Wind Whip Sparrow
#3
Romani
Hearing the steady sound of heavy, yet elegant hoofbeats approaching through the snow, Romani’s head turned towards the sound, taking in the sight of Archibald as he approached her. Before him trotted his faithful companion, the Alaskan Malamute Loretta, and the mare couldn’t help but marvel at the Chief’s size and bulk. It was easy to forget just how large Archibald was when he wasn’t around… And to think she would be sparring with someone who was at least twice her size and build. It was somewhat overwhelming, but she wouldn’t be deterred. Not when she was trying to prove herself.

There was a reason that Archibald bore the title of “the Dauntless”.

Immediately the mare snapped to attention, holding her head high and ears perked forward. Feathered hooves positioned themselves squared up and ready, and azure eyes were locked on Archibald’s form as he came to a stop mere meters from where she stood. The Haflinger listened as he spoke to her, telling her with no misgivings of what he expected from her.

“Yes, Sir.” The compact mare responded with respect. “I understand.” Azure eyes watched as the Malamute left Archibald’s side, then redirected her attention to the Chief.

With a nod that she understood, the red mare took in a deep breath through her nostrils and let it out slowly and evenly. If she charged directly ahead, he could easily parry any attack she might throw at him… Perhaps attacking from the side? Even though the Chief was much larger than the palomino, she hoped that she could use his bulkier size and muscle against him. Due to her smaller stature, maybe she could employ speed rather than brawn in this spar. Either way, it seemed that Archibald would be able to read any attack she threw at him, a thought she developed by the stoic expression he wore.

Pinning her ears back, Romani began side stepping, blue eyes locked on the Chief’s own orbs. For a few moments she moved slowly around the stallion. Then, with a sharp inhale, Romani charged forward. Her muscles in her hindquarters bunched up, and with a powerful leap she lunged, compact muscles straining as they propelled her chiseled body forwards. It took only a few strides for her to reach Archibald, and with ears flat back against her skull and teeth bared, she collected herself and bucked out with her back haunches, aiming for the Chief’s front legs.

[Word Count: 409. Post 1 / 2. Attack: Romani charges Archibald, intending to kick out one of his front legs with her back hooves.]

table by tempest @ sordid secrets

Archibald the Dauntless Posts: 386
Absent Abyss atk: 6.0 | def: 9.5 | dam: 8
Stallion :: Equine :: 18.3 hh :: 10 years HP: 80 | Buff: SHIELD
Loretta :: Alaskan Malamute :: Time Slip Time
#4
Romani had chosen a good place to call forth the Chief. This setting was optimal for battle. The grass was smooth under the giant's feet, the circumference of the opening quite large. Loretta had to travel nearly a football field's length away to find a boulder to settle near. The sun glistened in the sky, yearning for its God to return to his heavenly home. Archibald knew it would only be weeks before the hot-headed master over light and fire would return. As the Dauntless stood still with his defenses set, Romani replied to his questions. Archibald snorted shortly at her explanation of understanding. Good, he thought, let's see what you can do.

She was smart, Archibald could give her that. His golden eyes took in how she contemplated her attack, letting out a smooth breath before charging forward. . That was a good skill a warrior could possess; one Archibald wanted for his mercenaries.. He did not need hot-headed bastards like Ricochet running around. No, surely not. Archibald needed an army of level-headed, loyal fighters. He needed fighters like Ned and Paladin--calculating, quick. Archibald had the violent part down with just his own family, and surely with himself. When Archibald needed to be, he was almost bloodthirsty. It was certainly how he was raised. Mandrake needed Archibald to be perfect, yet ready to switch at any moment. Archibald needed to be a machine, stoic and composed one second and hell-raising and blood thirsty the next. Archibald was exactly what Mandrake looked for in her sons, and her pride for him was immeasurable. Archibald knew his mother favored him above her other sons, and it drove him for the greatness he had achieved.

As Romani galloped towards the beast he turned quickly, moving his haunches in the opposite direction of her. His movements made them create the image of a capitol T, with Archibald facing her rib cage. The Dauntless moved as swiftly as he could, knowing his mass would slow his movements. Romani's hooves moved towards the Chief's legs as he turned and Archibald gritted his teeth. The solid dagger at the end of the mare's right leg scraped across the brachial bicep muscle of the Chief's upper-leg. Archibald moved quickly then, pushing himself forward with his ears pinned and mouth open. Archibald threw his weight forward, shoulders rolling forward as his hooves pushed off of the grassy floor. Archibald thrust out his neck, tight muscles in his hips continuing to push him forward. The Chief's jaws snapped shut near Romani's right femur, hoping to pull hair and skin from her body and cause a good bite. Archibald's aim was high, closer to her hip joint than her patella because of his domineering size.

Archibald towered over the Halflinger mare, something that the Dauntless found almost always. There were very few horses he had ever encountered that matched his height--Vincent, his twin; the pegasus brothers Hrothgar and Beowulf; and the God of the Earth. This mare was more towards Evers size. She, however, was not as fragile looking as the Dauntless' older brother. Archibald was used to throwing gentle blows to Evers, hoping each time not to cause too much harm. All through-out Archibald's life he could never remember a spar against Evers in which he truly had to try his hardest. Evers was mostly Mandrake's pawn to teach Archibald how to respond to opponents quicker than him. Now, however, Archibald could put some power behind his attacks. Romani's build may be short, but her body is lined with compact muscle. Obviously their ancestors must have crossed blood somewhere, for their builds differed mainly in height.

[ Words: 608 | Post: 1/2 | Archibald pivots his body to be perpendicular to her's. She kicks his upper leg and he moves forward to bite her back right leg, on her hip/quadricep area. ]


Romani Posts: 205
Outcast atk: 4 | def: 8 | dam: 7
Mare :: Equine :: 14.2 :: 9 HP: 66 | Buff: NOVICE
Kasai :: White Tiger :: Wind Whip Sparrow
#5
Romani
There had been a time, many years ago, when Romani was oblivious to the acts of anger and war. When she was just a filly, the only thing she ever knew was kindness and play. The aspects of war and fighting were strange and foreign to her, violence outweighed by the youthful innocence graced by all younglings. Yet, her sire had been well aware of the dangers that threatened all horses, be it in a herd or individually. When she was old enough, the Haflinger was taken aside by her father on a calm, spring day.

“Rome,” He had said to her, eyes locked on her young and eager ones, “One day you will find yourself in jeopardy. It may not be today, or tomorrow, or years from now, but you must be prepared. Today, I’m going to teach you how to fight, how to protect yourself and your loved ones from the threat of danger.” And so, her training had begun.

Over the next few years, Romani had learned everything her father had been willing to teach her; how to properly make an attack, how to execute a successful defense, and even how to move through the trees and brush and cause minimal noise. Of course, the latter had been the most difficult, for her breed wasn’t known for their suppleness, but what she lacked in stealth she was able to make up in fierce power and strength, and raw determination.

Now, however…

It seemed that her strength would be no match for Archibald, so the thing she had to rely on most was her smaller size and strength of mind. There was nothing she could do to prevent Archibald from pivoting to the side, and could only hope that he wouldn’t avoid her completely and that her attack hit home. When she felt her rear hoof collide with the Chief’s massive leg, the red mare could do nothing to stop the elation from blossoming in her chest. It was short lived.

Before she knew it, Archibald was upon her, his massive frame crowding her much smaller one. The stallion’s ears were pinned and his teeth gnashed for her, and the only thing Romani could think was to get out of his way as soon as possible, lest he crash into her and knock her to the ground. Whipping her head around, her back end crow-hopped to the side to try and get clear, but nothing she did could be fast enough to avoid Archibald’s attack completely. His teeth sank into the flesh of her hip, ripping away red hair and skin, and unwillingly a hiss of pain escaped the mare’s lips.

It was seconds later that she completed her spin, resting her weight on her back left leg, favoring her right to help alleviate the pain. Heaving in a deep breath, azure eyes locked onto her target icily, and Romani took a step back to gather herself for her next attack. With Archibald’s neck still outstretched from his successful bite, the Haflinger once more launched herself forward. Her attack was far from pretty or graceful due to the strain on her hip, but she wouldn’t be deterred. The compact mare collected her weight, and pushing off of the ground with her front hooves, Romani reared as high as she was able. Dark grey hooves stretched out, aiming for the Chief’s head or neck and a furious whinny left her throat.

No matter the ending result to this spar, she wanted Archibald to know what she was fighting for. It wasn’t for a title, or for power, but to protect the Foothills and those of their herd. That was her goal.

[Words: 612. Attack 2/2. Romani crow hops to the side to avoid Archibald’s attack, but is bitten anyway. She moves forward then and rears, hoping to land a blow on the stallion’s head or neck.]

table by tempest @ sordid secrets

Archibald the Dauntless Posts: 386
Absent Abyss atk: 6.0 | def: 9.5 | dam: 8
Stallion :: Equine :: 18.3 hh :: 10 years HP: 80 | Buff: SHIELD
Loretta :: Alaskan Malamute :: Time Slip Time
#6
The way Romani was treating this spar sparked something inside of Archibald’s head. She did not know the difference between a fight and a spar. Her attacks struck vulnerable areas that should be avoided, for this spar was not in the intent to harm anyone. The blow he took to his leg would bruise up and the pain surged a little now, running down into his muscle. The Dauntless gritted his teeth and reminded himself that he knew the difference—he was better, he needed to set the example. He could talk to her about it after the spar. He remembered Mandrake’s words as they were continuously drilled into the back of his head. She would bark at him in his younger days as he trained with Wilder, screaming at him to remember to keep his emotions level and not to get too violent. Mandrake taught him when true violence and bloodshed was necessary—and this spar was not one in which there should be copious bloodshed or dangerous strikes.

Archibald felt his teeth close in on fur and skin, hearing the faintest intake of breath come from the mare. Satisfaction filled him, although only for a second. Romani was quick, all horses were in their own way, and she was clever. The mare turned and reared, her front hooves rolling down towards Archibald. Bitch, he thought as he tucked his neck to avoid one of her thrashing hooves from scraping down over his Roman nose. However, the Dauntless could stop nothing from the second hoof that scraped over the thickest part of his mane, pulling a chunk of the thick hair out. He was never as thankful for the thick mass of hair than he was now, for it saved him from a sore neck. In his peripheral vision Archibald noticed as Romani lifted herself into the highest rear she could, and the Chief took his chance. The black knight pulled his haunches underneath him and pushed up towards Romani’s exposed heartgirth with his shoulders pulled up. The Dauntless pushed up with as much force as he could, hoping to throw the shorter mare off balance or even pull her back hooves off of the ground. Archibald’s neck curled tightly to protect him and his ears pinned back as flat as they could go.

Loretta laid in the grass yards and yards away, her own ears pinned against her head. Her lips were curled back into a silent snarl as she watched the spar play out in front of her. The white girl pressed her body down with all her might and fought against herself. Every fiber of her being was screaming at her, telling her she needed to be in the fight with her Chief. Archibald had cast her aside, though, his protective instinct over her and her obedience towards him too great. Loretta growled to no one but herself, much too far away from the equines for them to hear, and wished she was there sinking her fangs into Romani. Loretta did not understand the difference between spars and real fights, much like Romani, and wanted to rip the Halflinger into pieces.

[ Words: 525 | Post: 2/2 | Archibald’s leg stings and will bruise from Romani’s kick. As Romani rears Archibald tucks his neck to avoid one of her hooves that otherwise would have gotten the bridge of his nose. She does strike his neck, however the thickness of his mane saves him from damage. He then pushes up towards her in a rear of his own(whilst he is still underneath her) with the intent to knock her off balance or even take her off the ground completely and make her fall over.] [Crap post is crap.]


Romani Posts: 205
Outcast atk: 4 | def: 8 | dam: 7
Mare :: Equine :: 14.2 :: 9 HP: 66 | Buff: NOVICE
Kasai :: White Tiger :: Wind Whip Sparrow
#7
Romani
Romani didn’t realize what was happening next until it was too late.

While her attack had not been as successful as she would have liked, the Haflinger watched with narrowed eyes as her hooves took out a good chunk of Archibald’s mane. It was far from an effective attack, and when she would look back on it, completely sloppy. Regardless, it meant nothing when Archibald had such an advantage, one thing that Romani had been completely unaware of when she had planned her second attack. So eager as she was to land a hit, the red mare had left herself wide open for the Chief to execute a brilliant counter attack. Idiot! She chastised herself, knowing that she had let her emotions get the best of her. Archibald was clearly planning to throw her, and she was uncertain or not if she would be able to stop him.

Feeling the brute strength push her body up, Romani’s front hooves flailed as she tried to regain her balance, and a shocked, breathless sound escaped her throat as her back hooves were lifted clean from the ground she had been previously stood upon. It all happened so fast; one second she was in the air, suspended only by Archibald’s colossal body, and the next she was hitting the ground hard. The air rushed from her lungs in one big exhale, leaving her wheezing for breath, her azure eyes wide with surprise as her mind rapidly tried to process what had just happened. For a few moments she simply laid there, sprawled out upon the ground and trying frantically to suck air back into her lungs, and when Romani finally felt like she could stand without falling over, she did so, albeit gracelessly.

On trembling legs the Haflinger stood, still breathing deeply to reclaim the air she had lost. Somewhat hesitant eyes lifted to those of her Chief, attempting to gauge his reaction. Would he be disappointed in her? Romani wouldn’t be surprised… Her fight had been less than spectacular, after all. Fool She called herself again, wondering how she could have lost her head so easily, Do you expect him to allow you to become a Warrior now?

[Words: 366. Archibald’s attack is successful, and he throws Romani to the ground.][That post is definitely not my best, sorry!]

table by tempest @ sordid secrets

Official Posts: 847
Administrator
Stallion :: Equine :: ::
Official
#8




R o m a n i | A r c h i b a l d
- - - - -
By my verdict ARCHIBALD is the winner.

ROMANI -- post 1 (attack only)

[Realism]
- 1| Attack: charge buck – not sure how you can charge at him, then buck with your hind legs. You don’t explain it in much detail so position wise this doesn’t work.

[Prose]
+ 1| Emotion
+ 1| Flow
+ 1| Easy read

ARCHIBALD -- post 1

[Realism]
+ 1| Defense: taking the kick
+ 1| Attack: bite

[Prose]
+ 1| Emotion
+ 1| Flow
+ 1| Easy read

ROMANI -- post 2

[Realism]
+ 1| Defense: taking the bite
+ 1| Attack: rear at head – a difficult move for any horse, heads are hard to hit and well guarded, but especially for your size differences.

[Prose]
+ 1| Emotion
+ 1| Flow
+ 1| Easy read

ARCHIBALD -- post 2

[Realism]
+ 1| Defense: grazed on neck
+ 1| Attack: push her off balance – because she just brought her hooves down, the highest point of her rear has already passed and she is naturally dropping back down, so this attack wouldn’t be as successful as if he’d hit her just after she reached up.

[Prose]
+ 1| Emotion
+ 1| Flow
+ 1| Easy read

ROMANI -- post 3 (defense only)

[Realism]
- 1| Defense: knocked off balance – a bit overdone to say he lifted her off her feet and flung her.


ROMANI

[Bonus]
+ 1| Breed

[Injuries]
- 1| Ending fight not standing.

[Creativity]
None.

Comments: You did very well and have a good grasp on the way fighting works. You considered the breed differences often, but I never really felt you played upon them (i.e. saying her short stature helped her dodge, or in reverse, saying her short stature kept her from hitting his head.). Don’t forget about surroundings though! With more practice I know you’ll be very good.

ARCHIBALD

[Bonus]
+ 1| Breed
+ 1| Health

[Injuries]
None.

[Creativity]
None.

Comments: I really enjoyed your emotion in this fight with Mandrake and Loretta. You have a strong grasp on the fighting mechanics, but I’d love to see you work in the surroundings more!

TOTAL
ROMANI - 56
ARCHIBALD - 62


Image Credit: dirkjankraan @ Flickr

Official Posts: 847
Administrator
Stallion :: Equine :: ::
Official
#9
Archibald can now use the swift battle buff!


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