|
|
Post by Dry-oasis on Dec 16, 2016 18:24:13 GMT -6
Hello Starborn, and welcome to Plot 305: Here Comes the Thunder!
Leader: Savvy
Participants: Basyl, Booker, Saleina, Tahla, Nero
Please keep the following in mind!
- Posts must be a minimum of 175 words. There is no maximum!
- No strict order is enforced, but there must be at least two posts between your own character's.
- No god-moding or reading characters' minds (unless your pony is a literal telepath, anyway)
- Always get consent before harming another character!
- Your team is precious. Try to interact with everyone. <3
- Have fun! Even if your pony isn't. 8'D
Prompt: Dark and heavy clouds are rolling in and everyone at the oasis can hear the thunder cracking. Your group gets together to defend yourselves and new found supplies from the ever nearing thunderbirds. Try to push them out of the oasis!
Time Of Day: Morning
|
|
|
|
Post by Queerly on Dec 17, 2016 13:20:45 GMT -6
You don't have to wait for a leader post, fire at will!
|
|
|
|
Post by aAshleyB on Dec 18, 2016 1:52:51 GMT -6
Savvy
| Iron Hoof | Strategist |
He still remembered the moment he and his Sultan's group first laid eyes on the oasis three months ago; it's beauty stole his breath, and he couldn't think of anything the Seroran's needed more than what this place offered them. An image of the tentacled hippocampus that led them here flashed through his head, and he smirked when he recalled knocking to the ground the one who'd arguably become Alya's greatest blessing of the year. Now that the Seroran herd occupied this place, they were able to supply and produce for themselves once more, allowing them to break off their dependence on Aodh and the heavy chains that came with it.
Savvy was soo anxious to break a sweat that his muscles were twitching. He'd made a habit of working out every morning, and he usually went on routine patrols around imaginary perimeters he'd set up surrounding the herd or bands of horses nearby; however, this morning was different. The Sultan Osprey had appointed him, and a few other horses, to guard the supplies that'd been gathered at the Oasis as the oncoming storm would likely be accompanied by Sedo Thunderbirds.
He glanced up at the sky; it was painted a red-orange hue that was being encroached upon by dense dark storm clouds. Judging by the wind, it wouldn't be too much longer now before the storm closed in. He'd seen the fowl a few times before, but they were always at a distance and never close enough to be concerned about. What he'd heard of them was that they were exceptionally large, and there was a rumor once that a single one could make a meal out of a Clydesdale...but that was probably just an exaggeration.
Thunder clapped in the distance, breaking him from his thoughts, and he peered around him. Most everyone was here already, if not on their way, and he honestly didn't know what to do while they waited. Small talk wasn't really his thing, but he wanted to forget the annoying urge to move. Resigning to himself, he looked to the closest horse to him and said the first thing that came to his mind, "Have you ever seen a Thunderbird up close before?"
Post #1 | WC: 369 |
|
|
|
Post by seechem on Dec 18, 2016 12:23:08 GMT -6
Nero had been hesitant to move to the Oasis, though he knew life could not continue in this drought, he was still unsure as to the trustworthiness of this new horse. He admitted, this hippocampus was a beauty, but he was mysterious in a way that Nero did not understand. Yet, he couldn't deny that the herd was flourishing in the seemingly bountiful area, and it eased his conscience that the deal with Aodh had been broken.
The bright morning sun beat down on the herd, Nero had just finished his rounds. Each morning he attended on the mares with young foals, to ensure that they were not dehydrated or underweight. So far everyone was healthy and fighting fit. With this ease in his responsibilities, Nero had spent most of his days reading outside. This morning was no different and Nero was immensely enjoying a copy of 'Herbal Remedies and Tinctures for Fevers' when suddenly a dark shadow threw itself across the garden. Steadily the roan looked up, seeing dark clouds and hearing loud crashes and rumbles.
Generally by now Nero would have retreated indoors, but then his eye caught sight of something. Utterly abandoning his book he rose, walking hesitantly towards the outskirts of the Oasis. There, clearly visible, was a Thunderbird. The sight sent shivers up him, he had never seen one up close before. The sight of it almost making him turn and leave once more, but a group of other horses was already gathering to view the beast.
"Have you ever seen a Thunderbird up close before?" Nero turned to see a tall stallion not far from where he stood. He was a black pintaloosa, though Nero had had no dealings with him before, he immediately answered, "It is rather uncommon for one to come this close. A little unnerving actually." He didn't meet the other horse's eye, but instead fixed his copper eyes on the Thunderbird. "What do we do if it comes any closer?" he asked, his voice shaking a little despite himself.
|Post: 1| |Words: 343|
|
|
|
|
Post by Mad-Manx on Dec 18, 2016 22:39:41 GMT -6
тαнℓα | ѕтαℓℓιση | нєανу нσσƒA boom of thunder seemed to very nearly shake the ground, demanding Tahla's attention as his gaze shifted to the storm that appeared to brewing upon the horizon. In silence he regarded the tempest bearing ever closer on them, scrutinizing the situation with an ever critical eye. He'd heard tales of the thunderbirds before, massive winged creatures that prowled the skies and heralded the return of rain, though never before could he say he had had the misfortune of meeting one personally. Despite the precious water such beasts brought with them, Tahla knew well enough they would be a dangerous and difficult opponent if provoked. Even more so with the drought having had such an impact on the well being of many members of the herd. As a heavy hoof it would be among his duties to protect each of them with his life, as well as the necessities such a bountiful oasis had provided them with. Ears flicking as he picked up the not so distant sound of conversation, Tahla began to pick his way towards it, moving with quick purposeful strides. The dark stallion came to a halt alongside a few other that appeared to have their eyes unwaveringly fixed on the horizon, just as he. Though choosing for now to remain silent, his ears swivelled continuously , alert to the discussion alongside him as he strained to make out exactly what was approaching along the skyline.
Post 1 | 238 words |
|
|
|
Post by Kelpie-River on Dec 19, 2016 7:53:56 GMT -6
Saleina | Iron Hoof | Post 1
The morning air was uncharacteristically cold, with clouds roiling like fighting animals above Saleina's head. Even beneath her thick draft horse coat, the buckskin mare could feel the chill, and it felt almost as though that feeling traveled through her skin, into her bones, and leeched into the normally warm sands of Sedo. It was not comfortable. Sighing, the mare glanced up at the clouds, wondering what horrors they might spill forth. The last time she'd seen a storm like this, she'd been at Osprey's side as he gallivanted through the sky, only to crash into the slippery rocks, mangling his wing for the rest of his life. Needless to say, Sal did not have good memories of rain.
It made Sal's skin crawl to be so far away from her Sultan now. As an Iron Hoof, she had always known that it was her job to protect him, to keep him safe under a proverbial wing. For Alya's sake, she had been Osprey's friend since the day of his birth, and she hadn't left his side unless it was ordered, like today. She knew she had a duty to her leader, and that she would be protecting him by doing her job, but the whole thing felt wrong.
Turning to glance at the other horses surrounding her, Sal let her gaze flick over them all. Her golden armor clinked as she moved, and Sal found solace in the familiar sound. Sighing, the Iron Hoof gathered her thoughts, preparing to speak to those she'd be serving with. The chatter was mainly aimed at the thunderbirds, whose ominous presence drew nearer and nearer, shaking the mare's thoughts with every clap of thunder.
"What do we do if it comes any closer?" One of the horses queried, seemingly as upset by the creatures as Sal. Turning her enormous, armored head, Sal blinked at him, saying simply "We fight. It's all we can do. There's nowhere to run, so we fight those damned birds until they run away with their friggin' tails between their legs."
With these words of unconvincing bravado, Sal fell silent again.
WC: 357
|
|
|
|
Post by seechem on Dec 19, 2016 16:26:00 GMT -6
His ears pricked as the voice of a mare met his ears. He turned his pale face to the buckskin splash. She was taller than him, sporting glittering gold armour. "We fight. It's all we can do. There's nowhere to run, so we fight those damned birds until they run away with their friggin' tails between their legs."
For a few moments he considered her words. As a medicine horse he had little skill in the art of combat beside the basic training given to him as a youngster. "Let's hope it doesn't come to that. The last thing this herd needs is another catastrophe." His voice sounded much more even now, but he still regarded the thunderbirds with utter terror.
As he reflected, he noticed that quite the crowd was forming. The pintaloosa stallion still stood near, which oddly comforted the lanky medic. He could sense that another horse had come to join them. A black stallion stood a few paces away, and despite his lack of communication his ears were moving along with everyone's speech. Nero watched those who surrounded him, along with a few other horses, though they stood further back, and looked back at the Iron Hooves, two large warriors. The fact that the warriors had felt drawn to take vigil on the outskirts suggested that trouble was stirring. "This portentous atmosphere must cease, or hysteria will spread to the herd." he mumbled this more to himself, mildly aware that his nerves were causing him to shuffle through his logophilic dictionary. All he really cared about was getting those thunderbirds as far away from the herd as possible. Yet, his fear and horror of the beats were holding him back, and all he wanted to do was take to his home and hide there until the creatures were forced to flee. He hesitantly looked at the two Iron Hooves again, wanting to see what they would do, and ready to help them however he could.
|Post: 2| |Words: 333|
|
|
|
|
Post by grumpyhyena on Dec 19, 2016 20:30:18 GMT -6
Basyl | Fleet Foot
The early morning was crisp and unusually cold, enough so that it had the ginger horse quivering during her morning rounds. The dark of the early morning had been quiet and unassuming, but as the sun began to crest over the horizon it was obvious there was something brewing not far from their oasis. Basyl had been reluctant at first to join the party that would move to the new, rather permanent city forming around the clean waters of the oasis, but with her mother dead there was little holding her back.
The fur along her shoulders and spine, bristled as the humidity became nearly suffocating and she could feel the static forming in the air. Basyl had heard of plenty of stories about the Thunderbirds, but never once had seen one. She stood on the peak of a small hill, watching as the clouds rolled like waves over the wings of the birds. Even from such a far distance they were a terrifying sight and one that was coming straight for them. The Fleet Foot bristled, turning her back on the coming storm to canter back to the small, growing fief.
It was obvious that the other horses knew the danger as well, as they were gathered close, watching the storm come in. Basyl slowed to a stop, giving the group a weary look before lifting her head to motion to the birds arching across the sky towards them, "They're coming straight this way." she warned, raising her voice so all of them could hear, "We can't stand here all slack-jawed and puzzled, we need to get ready when they get here." she said, meeting the gaze of each horse in the group in front of her.
Post 1 | Word Count 296
|
|
|
|
Post by aAshleyB on Dec 20, 2016 7:05:30 GMT -6
Savvy | Iron Hoof | Strategist |
Savvy didn't have a moment to reply before a visually familiar Iron Hoof spoke. He looked to the tall armored mare as she answered. He couldn't stop the thought that she sounded cocky, but he agreed with her determination to fight if that's what it came to, and gave a short nod in agreement.
The blue roan spoke again, and the slight shift in his tone caught Savvy's ear. What? He couldn't explain what it was exactly, but he stared thoughtfully at the roan as he spoke. There was something about his soft, almost melodic voice, that drew him in. He had the random inexplicable urge to hear this horse sing. What the-? He quickly shoved the idea aside. He glanced back at the sky briefly and the roan's quieted voice reached his ears once more. "This portentous atmosphere must cease, or hysteria will spread to the herd." He'd never heard anyone talk like that, and there was something about it that gave Savvy a tinge of comfort he didn't know he needed; suddenly he realized that a soft smile had been pulling at his face. He met the horses' copper eyes when he glanced his way, and hoped that he could read the appreciation in his expression. He spoke out first to him, and then looked over the others as he spoke. "Let's do our best to ensure there's not another catastrophe...", he drew his eyes back to the clouds, Thunderbirds catching his eye, "and do it as quickly as we possibly can."
The wind had picked up, bringing with it a strong smell of rain, which could be heard hitting the ground through the rustling of the trees. The clouds swallowed the sky, and thunder continued to rumble around them. Basyl called out to them, affirming what could only be Thunderbirds descending as they got closer. A jolt of discomfort pecked Savvy's nerves when Basyl caught his eye, and he quickly looked back towards the sky. "...we need to get ready when they get here," she said. She was right; Savvy stepped forward and looked back at everyone, trying to analyze the situation. "We shouldn't spread too far apart; it'll probably be easier for them to target us individually that way. However, I've never fought these things, let alone seen them up close, so if any of you have any experience with them, or have suggestions, now is the time to say so. Let's introduce ourselves in case we need to call out to each other. My name is Savvy."
Post #2 | WC: 422 |
|
|
|
Post by Kelpie-River on Dec 20, 2016 8:41:12 GMT -6
Saleina | Iron Hoof | Post 2
What the hell was the overo blathering on about? Sal's ears picked up the words he said, but her brain did little to comprehend them. The mare's large, donkey ear twitched slightly, a sign of confusion as she stared dumbfounded at the creature before her, who seemed to be slipping into some form of gibberish tongue. Not helpful. Not at the current moment. Of course, outside the stressful situation, Sal might have realized that the stallion was doing the same thing she did when she fell back on foul language to ease her tensions. But, being in the midst of everything, this possibility fled from her mind, leaving her confused as to why the stallion before her was spewing nonsense.
The mare's attention was torn away from the medicine horse as the ginger mare called out that the horses were coming closer to danger, with the writhing thunderbirds encroaching upon their small space. If the birds were to attack, they would indeed need a plan; the ginger horse was right in that regard. Nodding, Sal turned her head to the sky, watching for any sign of the beasts.
The black stallion took the lead, obviously comfortable with helping the others reach the ultimate goal: safety. Savvy. So that was his name. Both interesting and descriptive, based upon how easily he'd come up with his idea.
"I'm Sal," the mare stated in her big, booming voice.
WC: 240
|
|
|
|
Post by seechem on Dec 20, 2016 9:15:06 GMT -6
As the stallion pulled himself from his thoughts, he caught a soft smile from the black pintaloosa. For a split second Nero wasn't sure what the smile meant, his heart was drumming in his chest as fear tumbled through him, but that smile of appreciation was comforting. "Let's do our best to ensure there's not another catastrophe..." the dark stallion spoke gently, before turning his eyes from Nero and continuing, "and do it as quickly as we possibly can." The Medic was a little awed by how composed the stallion seemed, and appreciated the elegance of his speech. A rumble of wings drew his gaze to the birds, he could hear each sweep of their great wings as the creatures soared and danced closer and closer to the group.
The harsh tone of the young tobiano caught Nero off guard, "They're coming straight this way." But this declaration only fuelled his fear, his copper eyes shot up as he regarded the golden chestnut. She appeared on the young side, and despite her sharp words, he was impressed by her determination and one track mind, "We can't stand here all slack-jawed and puzzled, we need to get ready when they get here." As she spoke she met Nero's eyes briefly, and that made Nero shudder. He hated it when others judged him. "We shouldn't spread too far apart; it'll probably be easier for them to target us individually that way. However, I've never fought these things, let alone seen them up close, so if any of you have any experience with them, or have suggestions, now is the time to say so. Let's introduce ourselves in case we need to call out to each other. My name is Savvy."
Nero released a breath he hadn't even realised he had been holding when Savvy spoke. He appeared to be taking the lead, and Nero was grateful for it.
A loud voice made Nero's ears spark sideways as the large buckskin mare spoke, "I'm Sal," she declared. Nero understood the necessity for this exchange, but the thundering wings made it difficult to hear. "I am Nero," he said as loudly as he could. As he looked at those who stood around him he eased a little, they all seemed to know what they were doing, and all seemed fixed on the idea of protecting the herd. The roan realised it was now his responsibility to protect and aid them in anyway he could, despite his own worries, he would at least try and be brave for them.
|Post: 3| |Words: 428|
|
|
|
|
Post by swaggalatte on Dec 20, 2016 10:01:33 GMT -6
Booker | Screamer
The chimeric stallion's heart raced as he ran at a full gallop towards the Oasis. He was late. Very late.
Coming over a rise in the sand, he spotted the small band of horses already gathered there. Well, shit. He swallowed and glanced to his back, nervously making eye contact with his coyote companion, Hearth. She whimpered slightly and stuck her nose into his mane, trying to comfort him. He took a deep breath and descended the hill towards the small body of water. His anxiety left a knot in his chest, and Booker hoped that none of them were staring at him.
The rumble of thunder shook the sky in the distance, and his heart squeezed. He knew the dangers that came with storms. Flash floods, lightning strikes, and worst of all: Thunderbirds. As a few raindrops gently struck his cheekbones, the lithe fleet foot silently prayed they would not encounter any.
"Very sorry," Booker apologized as he approached the group. "Got a little bit lost along the way." That was only partially true, but he did not want to seem like he was making excuses. He took in the equines around him, recognizing the faces of a few. He had seen them around while he was working, and he recognized the medicine horse from his time during his time spent needing to heal. He hoped that the roan was not completely updated on why he was in so often.
Another shock of lightning lit the sky, the roll of thunder significantly closer than its predecessor. Booker raised his head, his muscles tensing as he spotted a couple dark blots against the clouds. One seemed to be much closer than the rest.
"What shall we do about them?" He questioned, his eyes not moving from the large avian.
Post 1 | 301 words
|
|
|
|
Post by aAshleyB on Dec 21, 2016 3:02:53 GMT -6
Savvy | Iron Hoof | Strategist |
A couple of the horses managed to introduce themselves before a chimeric colored stallion made his way hastily towards the band. Savvy looked to him as he apologized; he couldn't recall ever seeing the horse before. He donned an unusual colored coat against a lanky body and had a tattoo that extended up his right foreleg. A coyote, what could only be his familiar, was with him as they approached. Savvy didn't feel completely convinced by the appy's excuse, but he wasn't going to dwell on it. The important thing right now was making sure no one would be left unguarded, and that the supplies would be sufficiently preserved. Savvy responded to the stallion's inquiry, repeating the statement he'd made earlier to the others, "We need to make sure we remain close to one another so that these beasts can't pick us apart. Would you share with us your name so that we can call on each other should we find the need? My name is Savvy, and Sal and Nero over here just introduced themselves as well," he nodded his head to the armored mare and the smaller blue roan. He couldn't be sure if these horses didn't already know each other, but his introverted nature left him in the dark when it came to the identity of his herd-mates. He brought his eyes back to the chimeric horse before continuing, "If you've ever fought these things, or seen them up close, your opinions or suggestions would be invaluable to us."
Post #3 | WC: 252 |
|
|
|
Post by seechem on Dec 21, 2016 8:25:52 GMT -6
His head shot up anxiously at the sound of approaching hoof beats, then he relaxed. The chimeric stallion was familiar to Nero, and he regarded him coolly. "Got a little bit lost along the way." He said. Nero's ears fell back again, he was still unconvinced but didn't much mind. They needed as much help as they could get at this point. Savvy then piped in "We need to make sure we remain close to one another so that these beasts can't pick us apart. Would you share with us your name so that we can call on each other should we find the need? My name is Savvy, and Sal and Nero over here just introduced themselves as well," He was grateful that Savvy was leading, and looked up briefly into the yellow eyes of the stallion. He then looked across at Sal, Booker and Basyl before returning his focus to the monstrosity that was looming much closer than her liked.
Savvy's next words sparked something in Nero."If you've ever fought these things, or seen them up close, your opinions or suggestions would be invaluable to us." For a moment Nero's brain froze, then he recalled reading a book of native creatures, a while back. Despite his best efforts the information was vague, and he wasn't sure how helpful it would be. He looked up at the horses beside him, "If I recall correctly," he spoke hesitantly, "they're carnivorous flock animals, they have been known to eat horses." He was still a little disappointed in himself for not being able to offer of any more valuable information. "About 3 to 8 of them travel together." As the words left his mouth he felt like an idiot. "I'm sorry, I'm sure this is widely known already." He sighed and looked to the others for a plan, this sort of thing was beyond him.
|Post: 4| |Words: 318|
|
|
|
|
Post by Kelpie-River on Dec 21, 2016 9:44:46 GMT -6
Saleina | Iron Hoof | Post 3
Yet another arrival wrenched Saleina's attention away from the group. The new stallion quickly apologized for his lateness, taking his place within the group. Narrowing her eyes slightly, Sal flicked an ear, thinking. The newcomer would have to do better than get lost to impress the seasoned Iron Hoof. This was serious business; any horse not able to help would quickly become a liability.
Sal's attention was quickly snatched from these thoughts, however, as the stallions began debating amongst themselves as to how they should defend the encampment from the thunderbirds. Obviously, they couldn't lie about doing nothing. As the Medicine horse spoke, Sal found herself absorbing the information he brought forth. The bit about eating horses did little to soothe her, nor did the part where up to eight of the birds could be traveling together. While the factoids had probably been lodged somewhere in her brain, Sal was grateful that the paint had an idea of what they'd be going up against. Some preparation was better than none.
"I haven't fought these before, but I've had my share of duels with other creatures," Sal stated, glancing up at the roiling sky. "If we're lucky, and there's only three, we could have a good shot at driving them off. We could all stand together, facing out, and drive the birds back. Or we could stand one horse forward and one back, alternating, should the birds attack from front and behind. The important part is just that we don't let them get us alone." Falling silent, the Clydesdale cross glanced from side to side, thinking. "And if there's more birds....the same deal...just with more praying."
WC: 282
|
|
|
|
Post by swaggalatte on Dec 21, 2016 13:22:43 GMT -6
Booker | Screamer
Nodding at the darker horse's suggestion, his ears fell back slightly as his name was asked. Of course they would not know exactly who he was.
"Booker. And this is my familiar Hearth," he informed as he gestured towards the canid. She jumped off his back, landing on the ground with a little "mmf!" She paced to the front of him, her tail held high. "Neither of us look like much, but we can manage." He listened intently as they each spoke, and did not miss the disbelieving glances from them. He tried to ignore it. The small amount of information that Nero gave was merely scraping the tip of the iceberg, but Booker appreciated that someone else at least knew something.
"They also have long necks, which might be the easiest way to injure them," Booker chimed in. "There will also be a lot of rain." He had not necessarily encountered the hulking birds before, knowing that they would easily pick him off, but he had seen them from a rather close distance. He had never felt fear such as that before. "The birds can imitate lightning, too." A shiver ran down his spine as he remembered the earth-shaking sounds they made.
Post 2 | 205 words
|
|
|
|
Post by aAshleyB on Dec 23, 2016 2:41:27 GMT -6
Savvy | Iron Hoof | Strategist |
Booker; Savvy made a mental note of the off-colored stallion's name. He nodded towards the pair as they came to a stop with the group. Nero spoke out suddenly and recaptured Savvy's attention; he listened as the stallion described what he'd read regarding the beasts. '...they have been known to eat horses,' so the rumor was true!? Savvy dragged his eyes over each one of them standing there as the roan continued, quickly analyzing their size and conformation. 'About 3 to 8 of them travel together'. He looked back up at the sky, rain slowly started to surround them, like a quiet opening act before the main show, as he tried to make out as many Thunderbirds as he could. There were at least 2, but he wasn't sure; if there were more, he couldn't see them from where he was standing. "I'm sorry, I'm sure this is widely known already." Savvy quickly looked back to the roan and gave a thankful nod, "You taught me something," he said.
Sal chimed in next; he looked to her as she began to speak, then back up at the sky. He thought carefully on her suggestions of whether or not they should stand together facing out, or alternate with one horse forward and one back. Savvy wasn't sure if alternating would be necessary since the supplies allowed them some cover; however, there was plenty of room for movement in the air above them, so he didn't rule it out. "If there're more birds...", he hoped it wouldn't come to that. Having to fight 1 or 2 carnivorous giants was one thing, but 8? That would condemn any hope of successfully preserving the supplies and keeping one another safe from harm.
'They also have long necks, which might be the easiest way to injure them,' Booker added on. Long necks...that could be both helpful and problematic. He wondered, Do they hold their heads high or do they slouch? Do they land while they're attacking, or do they remain in the air, diving continuously until they've weakened their prey? He pulled a slow breath to keep a shiver from driving up his spine at the realization that they had no idea how these things attack. He looked back over their band and the determination to protect them churned in his chest. Perhaps it was an illusion, but it felt as though the air became thicker. "There will also be a lot of rain;" as though right on queue, the gentle patters of rain suddenly intensified to became loud in his ears and hard against his body, only to be drowned in cracks of thunder resonating around them. They were running out of time. Picking up his voice, he spoke only of what he was confident in, "Basyl and Nero should stay between us," he looked to Sal and continued, "I think we should guard their openings on the outside." He looked back to them hoping that was acceptable before turning his gaze to the black stallion that'd been silent up until now, "How do you feel about acting as an anchor in the middle? If we have an anchor," he looked to everyone one at a time as he continued, "we lessen the risk of accidentally disbanding enough to get isolated."
Post #4 | WC: 547 |
|
|
|
Post by seechem on Dec 23, 2016 7:33:28 GMT -6
Nero's ears perked up as he caught Savvy's smile, "You taught me something," the other stallion nodded at Nero and turned back to the task at hand, leaving Nero looking up at Savvy for a few seconds after. Despite himself, Nero smiled a little looking down at his hooves sheepishly, allowing his ears to flicker back and forth, following the discussions.
Sal spoke up, causing Nero to listen intently, nodding his head as she suggested various formations. "I haven't fought these before, but I've had my share of duels with other creatures," Sal stated, looking upwards at the chaos. "If we're lucky, and there's only three, we could have a good shot at driving them off. We could all stand together, facing out, and drive the birds back. Or we could stand one horse forward and one back, alternating, should the birds attack from front and behind. The important part is just that we don't let them get us alone." Then Booker spoke up, his words causing Nero to internally wince at his own lack of knowledge. For Nero to be caught out like this was a rather rare sight, and one he would see never repeated. "They also have long necks, which might be the easiest way to injure them," Booker continued to explain his ideas, Nero quietly considering this information and filing it away for future use. He felt like a fool, but decided to ignore it for now. He looked briefly up at Sal, she looked determined and strong, which made Nero feel a lot better. Then he turned to the chimeric stallion. He remembered their brief meeting several months back, he still hadn't sussed Booker out, and that unnerved him greatly.
Rain was now hammering down, striking Nero's exposed back with great force. The wind howled and roared about his head, and the distant echoes of the Thunderbirds, were now becoming more and more vivid to the point that with each cry from the monster, Nero could feel the vibrations ricocheting through the ground and then up his legs. A bolt of lightning made him jump, stumbling back a few paces. Then, above the loud cracks and rumbles came Savvy's voice, "Basyl and Nero should stay between us," Nero tried desperately to listen to his plan, now seeing him as a leader. He was speaking to Sal, but that didn't mean he should relent in his efforts to hear him over the ruckus. "I think we should guard their openings on the outside." He then looked to Nero, and the young Fleet foot beside him, Nero nodded his head slowly. Icy rain was shooting down his muzzle, his forelock pinned to his forehead. The gale raged even louder, and Nero could see Savvy was speaking, but couldn't make out entirely what was being said to the silent black stallion.
"If we have an anchor," Nero could just about hear Savvy again, "we lessen the risk of accidentally disbanding enough to get isolated." Nero nodded steadily, trying to think of a way he could help more. Nothing immediately sprung to mind except the obvious. Medical aid. The roaring of the beasts and the intensity of thunder caused Nero to turn his head skyward, arching his neck as he peered desperately into the unnaturally dark sky. "I can't see how many there are!" he tried to yell over the storm, narrowing his eyes as rain spat into them. The shadow like shapes of two, maybe three of the beasts made Nero's heart jump a beat. As he starred up he felt his anxiety peak, an electric shiver spreading down him causing him to shake for a moment. 'I can do this...' he thought to himself desperately.
He turned to Savvy, ears perked forward suddenly as urgency spurred him on, "If we all stand together and there are too many of them, they might swarm us so that we are unable to escape." Just the thought of those beasts being able to surround the group made Nero's ears fall back in unbridled worry, "We need to make ourselves a shape that makes it difficult for them to dictate our standing." He offered the idea hesitantly, he had no experience in battles, but hoped this idea would be useful.
|Post: 5| |Words: 714|
|
|
|
|
Post by aAshleyB on Dec 24, 2016 6:15:00 GMT -6
\\ Checkpoint 1 //
Dark and heavy clouds have rolled in and everyone at the oasis can hear the thunder cracking.
Your group gets together to defend yourselves and new found supplies from the ever nearing thunderbirds. Try to push them out of the oasis!
|
|
|
|
Post by Mad-Manx on Dec 24, 2016 10:51:09 GMT -6
тαнℓα | ѕтαℓℓιση | нєανу нσσƒ {Tahla found himself engrossed within his own thoughts as he absentmindedly listened to the introductions and intial ideas of the others, attempting to wrack his brain for whatever useful information he could on the large, winged creatures. Unfortunately, there was not much of use he could recall. Of the few times he could remember them being mentioned, it was often accompanied by the courageous and aerial acts of the furies, however it would seem their little band was rather lacking in terms of wings. They would have to fight on the ground, which would mean getting the carnivorous creatures' attention and giving them a reason to land alongside them. Far from an appealing option, but if it meant defending the precious supplies they had gathered, as well as the residents of the oasis, then so be it. Ears swivelling once more as the dark stallion, the one who had been rather established as the leader of the group, even if not by spoken agreement, began to speak, Tahla did his best to catch his words, realizing in his thoughts he had managed to miss some of the introductions. "I can certainly do that," Tahla replied, raising his strong voice to combat against the rising gale. "I'm Tahla, by the way," he added, almost as an after thought, very nearly yelling the words so that others of the group might have a chance to hear them as the storm bore down ever harder upon them. Post 2 | 244 words |
|
|
|
Post by Kelpie-River on Dec 24, 2016 12:11:50 GMT -6
Saleina | Iron Hoof | Post 4
The sounds of the other horses speaking began to mingle together in Sal’s mind as she attempted to keep one eye on the sky, one on the supplies, and one on each of her teammates. She was short a few eyes. A few key phrases stuck out to the buckskin mare; she made note that she and Saavy were to act as body guards for the two smaller horses, and that the towering black Tahla was to be their anchor. All of it sounded good to the clydesdale mix; any plan was better than no plan, with the air almost chokingly thick as the birds approached. Beneath her golden armor, Sal shivered.
One mammoth ear swivelled to listen as Nero brought forth a new concern. If the horses were to stay together, in order to avoid lightning strikes or being swooped down upon, then they opened themselves up to entrapment. Especially with the supplies between them. Giving a small snort of approval, Sal let her brown eyes rest on Nero for a moment, considering him. She was impressed by his knowledge of fighting, because of his background as a medicine horse.
“Nero has a point,” the mare boomed, her characteristic voice rolling like the thunder above her. “If we bunch up, we’re safe from being picked off, but we’re also close to the supplies, which could keep us from running should we need.” Falling silent for a moment, the mare furrowed her brows, thinking. As an Iron Hoof, she’d had plenty of experience training, and even fighting true opponents in the past. A few of the tricks she’d learned over the years could perhaps yield some form of assistance to the group.
We need to make ourselves a shape that makes it difficult for them to dictate our standing.
A good thought. But perhaps….perhaps not one shape. Perhaps many. Old training drills rushed through Sal’s mind, a list of maneuvers that required horses to work together, under the assumption that the Seoran fighters would not be facing an enemy alone. A few stuck out: If the group were to advance in a diagonal pattern, crossing over their own forelegs with each step, they would advance upon their enemies seemingly from one direction, but in reality from another. As well, if the horses could pivot quickly, they would be able to keep themselves from being trapped within the confines of the horse wall and the supplies.
“If we can make different shapes, keep the birds on their toes, maybe we can survive,” the mare suggested. “Say, if we all moved on a diagonal, we could confuse them as to where we’ll attack from. Or if we can each pivot quickly, we can keep from getting squashed between birds and supplies,” she stated.
WC: 474
|
|
|
|
Post by swaggalatte on Dec 26, 2016 12:52:45 GMT -6
Booker | Screamer
He tried hard to listen to their plans, but the sound of approaching thunder and the sudden intensity of the rain made it rather difficult. Booker turned his head, hoping that the alteration would make it easier.
Many ideas were thrown back and forth, and if he was honest, they were all good ones. If they stuck together they would more likely all survive, but if they moved in an unpredictable pattern, it would be harder for the birds to attack. He glanced over to Sal, Nodding at her words. She seemed to have some of the most knowledge of tactics.
"Unpredictability might be our best bet," Booker suggested, raising his voice over the pounding rain. "They have small eyes so it might be harder for them to see us if we move a lot." Nervously he looked up, just in time to see a silhouette of a bird open its maw and release a terrifying clap of thunder. The sound sent a ripple of fear through him, and he shuffled his hooves in anticipation.
"Whatever it is, we better get in place," Booker stated flatly, not allowing his emotions to fluctuate his tone. He did not want them to think he was afraid.
Post 3 | 204 Words
|
|
|
|
Post by grumpyhyena on Dec 28, 2016 8:21:44 GMT -6
Basyl | Fleet Foot
Basyl was too distracted for the formalities the other horses were making, instead she was staring down the storm as it crept ever closer. It was only moments from being over their head and she could swear she could see the dip of fiery orange feathers below the line of the storm. A crack of thunder startled her from her silence enough to turn around and look at the collection of horses behind her, "As much as I'm enjoying this, how are we supposed to take giant birds out of the sky?" she asked having to raise her voice over the thunder, "None of us are pegasi so we can't meet them in the air and I've got a creeping suspicion that we're on the disadvantage being on the ground." she turned her back on the ground again to examine the sky, they like to eat horses. It was hard to get past that little fact, "What's to say they won't just pick us off and carry us away?" she asked. The static in the air made the fur across her body stand on end, it seemed nearly impossible to defeat an entity that had the literal upper hand on you.
Post 2 | Word Count 208
|
|
|
|
Post by Mad-Manx on Jan 4, 2017 19:19:45 GMT -6
тαнℓα | ѕтαℓℓιση | нєανу нσσƒ {It was increasingly difficult to make out the words of the others above the bellowing wind and crackling thunder, but Tahla did his best to listen to each of the plans proposed and running the various scenarios through his mind as quickly as he could manage. For the years he had studied battle tactics, very few were standing out as feasible options against the winged creatures; a realization he was most certainly was not pleased about. Theoretical devices and tactics that may very well work on an enemy before him were useless when their greatest danger swooped in the sky. Unless they lured them down, somehow, without risking the chance of splitting up, there was almost no way to get to them. "The longer we talk, the more those things are going to bear down on us," Tahla bellowed, attempting to be heard above the chaotic weather. "We need to agree on a plan now, or else they're going to keep their advantage." The dark friesian fell silent for a long moment, considering the storm that was ever quickly approaching, very nearly atop of them now, as was emphasized by the few stinging drops that were flung across his muzzle and muscled neck. "I agree that unpredictability may serve us best right now. Might also work to get their attention. We need them to take notice of us and land if we want to have a shot at them, whatever we do will be pointless if they remain in the sky." Post 3 | 251 words |
|
|
|
Post by Dry-oasis on Jan 8, 2017 18:22:33 GMT -6
 Plot 304: Smoke On the Horizon is joining, work together to put out the wildfire! |
|
|
|
Post by aAshleyB on Jan 8, 2017 19:00:07 GMT -6
Savvy | Iron Hoof | Strategist |
Tahla agreed to acting as an anchor, introducing himself afterwards. Savvy gave him a quick appreciative nod before turning his head to a voice. 'I can't see how many there are!', Nero yelled over the storm. Savvy stepped closer to hear him as he continued, glancing back up at the sky to try and train his eyes on the figures he saw before. Where did they go? The roan had turned to him while he was trying to find them through the hard rain. He turned his eyes back to Nero as he finished his statement; he hadn't thought about them getting swarmed. There were at least three forms he spotted earlier, but now he couldn't see them at all. He furrowed his brow, unable to find an answer before Sal, the armored mare, continued.
She offered the suggestion that they moved diagonally in pairs, to try and confuse the birds, and keep from getting either trapped or picked off. That could work so long as there weren't enough birds to target each pair. Considering this, he nodded when Booker added some information to the discussion. 'They have small eyes so it might be harder for them to see us if we move a lot.' He looked back up at the sky as Booker continued, trying once again to find those figures he'd seen before. One orange form faintly dove into his vision, and a loud crack of thunder quickly followed. He tried to keep his eyes trained on the form, but it quickly disappeared again into the dark clouds and heavy rain. This isn't good...any way you tackle this, we're still at a big disadvantage, he thought. He kept his eyes trained on the sky and turned his ears towards Basyl as her familiar voice carried over to them. He clenched his jaw when she confirmed his thoughts, and turned to look at her when she asked 'What's to say they won't just pick us off and carry us away?' Shit. Tahla continued on after Basyl, and Savvy caught most of his words as he trained his eyes back to the sky. He shoved back a growing sense of frustration before it could get the better of him; in a typical battle, a strategic plan amongst a band or herd offered comfort and reassurance, even courage to the meekest of warriors. But they were completely in the blind, and not only that, but their opponents were large enough to kill them without flock assistance. This wasn't a typical enemy, this was madness. Where are they?! For only a second, his brow twitched in fear, something he wasn't used to feeling. It wasn't death that scared him, it was the idea of not being able to save those you want to protect.
'...whatever we do will be pointless if they remain in the sky,' Savvy looked back to Tahla as he finished, preparing to respond to everyone's suggestions and concerns when his eyes suddenly locked onto a looming dark orange form that was rapidly approaching from behind them. "HEADS DOWN!" he shouted; he didn't think the bird was low enough to touch them, but his size and speed was deceiving, so he wasn't going to risk someone getting injured because they were caught off guard. For a brief second, the rain didn't touch him, and a loud whoosh bellowed through his ears as a small burst of wind brushed against his body when the giant bird passed directly above them. He looked back at the bird as it kept moving on, likely to get enough space to turn around, and he looked over everyone. There! he thought to himself as he saw the two other figures flying out from the clouds, dropping lower to join up with the bird that'd just passed over them. They knew we were here...they hid in the clouds. He quickly glanced back at the other one and it'd began to tilt as the other two fell into a seemingly synchronized line behind each other. They're going to circle us like "vultures", the last word in his train of thought was spoken aloud. A million things tried to process through his mind at once as three claps of thunder boomed soo loud above them that it nearly vibrated through his hooves. They could dive in one after the other and we'd never have a chance of touching them. They were out of time and none of the strategies or ideas they all offered clicked with any sense for execution in his mind.
He ran over to Nero's side and called to the others loudly, "We can't fight them like this, we need to lure them out of the Oasis!" Just after he shouted this as loud as he could, he heard sounds like cracking breaking through the rain behind them. He turned his head to see the face of a Thunderbird with piercingly white eyes staring over at them from behind the supplies, towering at what couldn't be any less than 20 feet in height. "This way now!" he shouted as he took off running outwards towards the edge of Oasis. He glanced back up at the sky once more to be sure, struggling to see through the brutal rain as he moved; three birds still glided in a large circle far above them. Four, there are at least four of them and they look like adults. Thunder began to clap continuously all around them as though in a chorus. He dared not run faster than anyone else, allowing Nero and the others to pass or stay ahead of him just enough that he could see everyone. "Keep running until we're a safe distance from-" he called out loudly between breaths. Huh? Suddenly, his nostrils seemed to smell smoke mixed in the rain. He took in more deep breaths and strained to see ahead of them. "There's a fire out there!" He couldn't see the fire itself just yet, but there was no mistaking that's what it was.
Post #5 | WC: 1002 |
|
|
|
Post by seechem on Jan 9, 2017 15:23:08 GMT -6
Nero listened intently to the responses. “Say, if we all moved on a diagonal, we could confuse them as to where we’ll attack from. Or if we can each pivot quickly, we can keep from getting squashed between birds and supplies,” The blue roan nodded his head slowly as she spoke, high class moves could disorientate the birds enough for the small group to surround them. It was a risky move to be separated into smaller groups, but it could potentially pay off. Nero looked up at Sal, her battle strategies sounded solid at this point, though he was still cautious about splitting into groups with an unknown number of the beasts. The rain was drumming heavily onto him now, his mane and forelock were thoroughly soaked and clung to his damp coat. He thanked Alya that his saddle bag of herbs and medicines was water proof.
“They have small eyes so it might be harder for them to see us if we move a lot." A voice carried over the gale and Nero’s ears flickered forward. The stallion didn’t miss Booker’s nervous glances and the flares of his nostrils. He understood the stallion’s wariness, and was equally concerned. He looked to Savvy anxiously, he had found great respect for the tall black pintaloosa. "As much as I'm enjoying this, how are we supposed to take giant birds out of the sky?" Basyl’s voice cut into Nero’s psyche and he regarded the youngster with a half smirk. One ear flicked back as he listened to the filly who seemed to be more perceptive than she appeared, and a lot more brash and confident than Nero felt, "None of us are pegasi so we can't meet them in the air and I've got a creeping suspicion that we're on the disadvantage being on the ground." Nero had to agree with her. Even with Sal’s brilliant idea to deceive the birds with classical airs and moves, they still wouldn’t be able to out fly them it worst came to worst.
Fleeing on foot was risky as it was, not to mention the likelihood that one of them could trip, sprain a fetlock or hock, or hurt themselves. Nero tried to stop himself from running numbers. It was the one thing he could rely on getting accurate at this point. 'There are 6 of us, and potentially 3 of those creatures…so if I factor in the fact that we know nothing of their numbers or their attack strategies-and carrying the four and a half percent to the left. About 37.75% that we all escape unscathed if we simply run about them…' Nero was utterly caught up in the mathematics of their current predicament that Tahla’s voice made him jump. "The longer we talk, the more those things are going to bear down on us," her voice was raised, the thunder was much louder than before. The beasts must have gotten closer without any of them noticing, "We need to agree on a plan now, or else they're going to keep their advantage." The other stallion was right, despite every instinct which screamed at Nero to get everyone to cover, and to ‘abandon ship’ he knew that it was in the herd’s best interest to remain here for as long as possible.
"HEADS DOWN!" The shout was from Savvy, Nero’s brain felt slow for a moment. ‘Heads down’ what in Hireath could he me- Nero saw it, eyes blazing, bright feathers so close, and getting terrifyingly closer. Nero ducked instantly, practically falling over. The creature’s powerful wings beat over head as it swooped over. The air was forced down so hard that the rain momentarily stopped thundering down as it passed overhead, and instead a freezing wind swept through Nero, his mane and tail sweeping into the air for a second then it was over. The rain continued but now the thunder was louder, more menacing. They must be preparing to attack. Nero immediately looked up to Savvy, he saw he spoke, though couldn’t hear what he said. The medicine horse got to his hooves shakily, his whole body trembling with the shock of the close encounter. A second later Savvy was beside him, his presence was somewhat calming for the young stallion. At least Savvy was an Iron Hoof with some combat experience. Then the stallion addressed the others, a tone of authority and certainty in his voice, "We can't fight them like this, we need to lure them out of the Oasis!" Savvy shouted this, causing Nero’s adrenaline to pulse. BOOM! The sound erupted behind them. Slowly, hesitantly, Nero turned his head. Fear struck his heart at the sight of one of the beasts, only a couple dozen feet away. “Uh…no…that’s not an optimal…situation.” Shock was now causing Nero’s hooves to skip in place, every fibre of his being was telling him to run, run like demons were biting at his heels, because if he didn’t move soon, a giant flying demon was going to…eat him. "This way now!" Then Savvy ran. That’s all the encouragement Nero needed. His long, slender legs were moving before he could process anything. His athletic body allowed him to propel himself forward well, his legs tucking up before digging into the ground and launching him away. Nero’s darker blue ears swivelled wildly at the thunder that was surging behind him. Despite knowing it was illogical, he could almost feel the thunder itself chasing him. He didn’t dare look back, he discarded the need to know how many there were, only that to stop or pause and collect his thoughts could give the creatures a chance to snare him up. That wouldn’t happen.
"Keep running until we're a safe distance from-" Savvy’s voice stopped, had he fallen, tripped. Nero slowed a little, though his muscles burned to make him move faster. He was trying to make sure he could see everyone, or at least Basyl and Booker. He knew that the Heavy Hooves and Iron Hooves could handle themselves for a while so he had time to reach them. But when Savvy’s voice faltered he panicked. He was their leader. Just as he heard Savvy’s next words he smelt it, "There's a fire out there!" The sooty, ashy scent soared up his nose, Nero had to fight to stop his eyes streaming, and he couldn’t afford a cough. Then he saw the flicker of amber flames. “If we head that way,” Nero heaved between gasps for air, “We have a better chance of seeing the creatures than out here in the dark,” His lungs were on fire, each breath was a chore. He couldn’t keep the pace up much longer. He now regretted not going out on runs more often, “There may be others there…I hope.” He said the last bit more to himself, but deep down her prayed to Alya that there would be horses there that could help them, because at this moment he felt terrified.
|Post: 6| |Words: 1199|
|
|
|
|
Post by kawaiideadpool on Jan 9, 2017 22:30:28 GMT -6
Ra | Medicine Horse.
She could feel them getting closer- even over the heat of the flames, there was this sudden electrical energy that flowed through the air. Grumbling slightly as she blows a few hairs from their static position against her face. Is this going to be worth it in the long run? Is this ordeal of playing with these blasted Thunderbirds going to be worth it in the end? And how good where their odds, considering the majority of their team was stuck to the ground. This was around the time she mentally cursed herself for not being blessed with those feathery wings like that of Katarina and Roland. But she knew not to count herself or her companions out yet;after all, they had managed to stomp out a few small areas of those twisting red flames, and all of them had made it unharmed, so far. That seemed to be something to praise by itself.
Blue orbs were studying the flames. Darting from the winding flickers up towards the billowing black smoke that seemed to be plaguing the air at this point, and she wondered how it was possible that they were still managing to breath in without much complications. Breathing a sigh of relief as she felt some of the tension leave her body, but it was a small streak of comfort that was gone within a split second.
Now closer than what they had been a few moments before, Ra soon realized the gravity of the situation as her heart sunk and her stomach churn as if it was about to force her to puke up what little she had ate that morning. But there seemed to be more than Thunderbirds on the horizon as her ears picked up on this faint calling of her own species ordering each other around- which seemed as if, from what she could hear, they were trying to maneuver and keep themselves out of harms way for as much as possible. After all, these plaster creatures created by Alya could snatch any of them up off of the ground if they wanted. And frankly, that's not how she wanted to go down right now.
So using her blessing to teleport through the flames that rested in her way, she strained her blue orbs to pick up on who was heading their way. When the faint figures appeared over the horizon, a sigh of relief slipped past her lips as some reassurance was brought upon her, "Praise Alya."
WC: 418 | Post: 5
|
|
|
|
Post by Kelpie-River on Jan 10, 2017 20:21:53 GMT -6
Sal | Iron Hoof | Post 5
It would have been a lie to say that Sal was not terrified as the beast swooped down, striking fear into the hearts of the horses below them. As the shout of "HEADS DOWN" rang out, Sal fell to her knees, shuddering as the beast dove down upon them. The mare's heart pounded in her chest, and she feared the armor would do nothing as the force of the bird's passing pressed her directly to the sandy earth. When the bird whistled high into the air again, she raised herself up, staring into the sky with wide eyes, waiting for the creatures to fall upon them again.
Only when Savvy's voice tore her from her fear did she begin to return to her mind, and her legs pistoned into motion, following the other horses as they galloped into the night-like darkness, searching for some place, some safe haven, where they could stand some chance of fighting back. As they forged their way into the night, the barest flickering of a flame leaped out, bright against the darkness. Despite her near-paralyzing fear, the mare felt her heart leap at the sight of the flames. Fire meant friends. And friends meant a better chance at surviving this hellish night.
Slipping and sliding on the sand, Sal raced forward, watching the flames grow closer and closer.
WC: 228
|
|
|
|
Post by swaggalatte on Jan 11, 2017 13:28:38 GMT -6
Booker | Screamer
Their conversation on tactics took much too long. Much, much too long. Before they knew it, the hulking avians were upon them. He barely heard the words of warning from the dark Iron Hoof before the wind current of a descending Thunderbird threw him to the ground. Raising his head from his kneeled position, his terrified eyes lingered on the brightly colored monster.
It was circling to come back.
As he stood, he suddenly felt extreme discomfort tickle his neck. Something was too close. It was when Nero spoke that he confirmed his fear. Behind him, the pointed beak of a Thunderbird turned to them, it's silver eyes gleaming.
<i>Run.</i>
He hardly felt himself moving, and nearly questioned if he actually had taken off as suddenly as he did. Turning his head back slightly, he realized that he had nearly separated himself, and forced his speed to a lope until he was no longer ahead.
The stinging scent of flames came to his senses, and he straightened his head. Sure enough, a little ways away, an orange glow rose over the horizon.
Booker almost looked back, hearing someone speak, but knew that if he saw one of the birds chasing them, that he would be overcome with terror.
Post 4 | Word Count: 209
|
|
