Open Shadows and Flame

➹71st-The third Zith attack of the season is the worst yet.

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Not found on any map, Endrykas is a large migrating tent city wherein the horseclans of Cyphrus gather to trade and exchange information. [Lore]

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Shadows and Flame

Postby Prophet on November 4th, 2016, 9:01 pm

71st of Fall, 516
19th Bell

Hearts were as damp as the ground. Fall had been marked by ridiculous heat and water shortages but the few times the skies had opened up to bless the thirsty world below, vicious beasts had lain siege to the humble people of the horseclans. It was written on the faces of every individual in the long caravan; anxiety, dread…fear.

The last attack had been brutal- a surgical raid that left many wounded, several dead and others missing. That’s not to account for the dozens of livestock taken. Clans and pavilions had created strategies for travel and contingencies to boot but the glaring truth left nervous glances and unsettled stances in its wake. All of the scouts and web mages in the Sea of Grass made for a good start but none of that helped spot the winged terrors amidst the melancholy drizzle and wispy fingers of fog.

The head of the line was breeching a hill when the rain suddenly changed from a light dusting to a downpour. The unwelcomed shift in weather washed a wave of despair over the seemingly endless line of horses, wagons and people. It was a feeling like the question ‘how can it get any worse?’. Then, as if fate was listening, a ball of fire erupted to the column’s north and the blaze shot in a line across the prairie along the base of the hill despite the rain. This quick and unquenchable fire split the head of the Drykas caravan from the back two-thirds as well as created a half dozen flaming horses that took off in every direction. The squealing sounds of pain rose above the rain and the shouts for order. For several ticks, the world stopped as the majestic beasts burned across soaked grasslands. The brilliant contrasts of oranges and yellows against the black horizon drew all eyes. Older and wiser Drykas paid mercy in the form of arrows used to drop the creatures to the ground end their suffering.

The fire continued to burn against the will of the weeping sky. The wall was over eight feet tall and hundreds of yards long; an effective barrier. Just when it seemed as if this freak accident had been merely coincidence, a second wall of fire exploded a quarter of a mile from the first one. The city of Endrykas had been split into thirds by fire that was immune to the torrential downpour. The thick smell of lantern oil rose against the aroma of rain and tried to choke anyone too close to the infernos. In sequence with these horrid events, screams broke out for cover, for weapons…for battle.

The central section, pinned down and isolated, fell under waves of assaults from above. Zith were flying in twos and threes in attack runs that seemed planned; orchestrated, even. From the darkness, arrows sailed at those trying to circumvent the flames in an effort to delay any assistance. Those trapped in the middle found themselves trying to maneuver in a tangled mess of people, horses, livestock and wagons which made fighting back extremely difficult. Drykas were trained to fight in open spaces from horseback but those who remained closest to the sky were the first to be targeted and either knocked from their yvases or carted off by the winged fiends. The number of Zith was hard to distinguish but from the sheer scope of the attack one could safely guess around one hundred of the villains were present.

Death had come with fire and shadowy wings.
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Shadows and Flame

Postby Jasmine Stormblood on November 8th, 2016, 5:05 am

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Jasmine rode along side her pavilions carts. There was the covered wagon that she had managed to buy along with several small ones from other members. Clicking her tongue the woman allowed the stallion below her to canter up beside the two mares. Reaching over she let them continue moving, but with this season being so strenuous the blonde wanted to make sure both horses were having an easy time working. Pushing on different spots to test their attention spans, Jasmine was becoming more and more of a caretaker of sorts. With her previous job as an animal handler at the Guided horse, the woman found herself in a good position to care for a good majority of the animals in the pavilion. From all the horses, to the ox, even the goats when they want to listen anyway. Asher was helping her learn how to deal with the other animals so she could be the best of the best in their clan. The Diamond clan was not well known for their animal workings as her previous clan the Amethysts were. So having some background certainly helped.

Shaking her head blond tresses flew around her face before falling back down sticking to her head. The rain had come only to bring more fear and anxiety. Looking around blue orbs became soft knowing her people were scared and suffering. The winged monsters had been terrorizing the clans for a large majority of the season. It had to come to a stop the woman just did not know how that would happen. Chaser snorted and flicked his ears around wildly catching the girl's attention. Suddenly the gentle misting began to pour down on the group. A gasp left her lungs as a loud noise sounded out, fear gripped her chest as the wall of fire erupted before her. Chaser neighed loudly and reared up kicking his front hooves. With a start the woman lurched forward causing her shoulder to connect with his neck nearly knocking her off. Eyes widened in horror seeing the horses set a blaze by the wall flames. She had never seen so much pain since the pirate raids and the mines. What hurt worse was seeing beloved striders and pets begin burned alive. The call for arms seemed to snap the woman out of her trance. Instantly looking the woman could catch a glimpse or two of the monsters. Just before she to get down on came from behind knocking her to the ground.

“Aaaahhhh!” Jasmine cried out falling to the ground.

Landing hard the stallion reared up once more before taking off trying to put some kind of distance between it, and the airborne monster above them. Standing up she quickly over to where Asher was. Climbing in the covered wagon Jasmine tried to work with Asher to fight off what they could of the creatures.
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Shadows and Flame

Postby Brocton Firestone on November 9th, 2016, 5:25 pm

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Things were just beginning to get good with the Firestone Pavillion. A family emerged from fire so to say, or most likely a family with hearts of fire and warmth, care, loving, always vigilant for the most part. The Firestone's made an alliance between the Dawnwhispers- well mostly Naiya. Brocton was comfortable around Naiya. He didn't really know what else to say about her, besides that Naiya knew what she was doing, Brocton didn't feel like he knew what he was doing most of the time, but when it comes to hunting he was always figuring out what to do and where to go, it was instinctive.

Though, the Zith attacks have been more frequent than the previous years. Brocton recalled other hunters talking about the Zith attacks then. He didn't understand why they had to be so vicious. His scar twinged as the skies turned dark and morbid like, it was a dark scene to spectate. Different hues of blacks and oranges, reds even, erupted during the night sky.

A fire broke out as the Winged Creatures attack the center of Endrykas, encircling them as the Drykas had nowhere to escape to with them being trapped around the fire. Brocton wanted to help, but he was dealing with his own problems as tents were being attacked by him, and his own tent was being attacked as well. Brocton mounted on Jinx, with his short bow at hand, arrow perched and grasped tightly. His longsword sheathed currently on the side of Jinx's Yvas. Jinx was neighing madly at the Winged beasts as they flew over head and swooped attacking the tents, ripping them even, destroying everything and even knocking some others off of their Yvas's. Brocton ducked as one of the winged creatures dove for him.

He didn't see the other one that was coming after him and he was brutally knocked off of his Yvas, Jinx cried out with a whine and hurried over to Brocton as quickly as she could. The hunter only remounted and adjusted his short bow, he lost his other arrow which he cursed under his breath for losing. So he grabbed another and readied it. He ignored the ashes that came his way, though he remembered someone telling him, that it's not the fire that kills, its the smoke. The others would need to rescue those trapped inside the circle of fire before they start inhaling smoke, otherwise they'll die.

Brocton wondered if he could help save the Drykas trapped inside that circle of fire, but he was too busy being attacked himself by other Zith. Brocton growled as another small wave of Zith came after him, the first two missed by a hair and the third scratched the hunter by its claws whipping him off with one of its wings, Brocton bounced off of the Strider and quickly covered his wound around his arm with his other hand. He didn't feel it broken. Which was a good sign, it just stun, it stun up to petchin' hai.

"Petch it." Brocton muttered looking at his shortbow. He unsheathed his longsword from Jinx's Yvas and wielded it weakly.

"Brocton!" Called Philly in worry. Brocton and Jinx rushed over to Philly and Philly was waving her arms wildly for their attention. "We need to help mom and dad." She said, looking around. "I can't find them!" Brocton's heart dropped he hoped they were okay. His father is a strong man, and they've always made it through thick and thin. Fortunately there was a turned wagon from one of the other neighboring Pavillions. "Philly, hide under here." I go look. Brocton signed. Philly nodded. She signed Love you. Stay safe, in a panicky motion and her eyes looked watery, her blonde hair greasy and wet, probably from sweat. Philly hid herself under the wagon, holding a dagger of some sort.

Brocton did his best to avoid the Zith, but of course there seemed to be no way around this unfortunate event. Fear trickled through Brocton and he hoped that there was a way out of it. The only thing he prayed for, was for his family to be okay.

OOCOkay, so I'm okay with Jinr' passing on... I mean it'll break the Firestone's hearts but, need to lose some sacrifices and I'm not willing to lose his parents or sister. Though, if necessary... I don't know about Jinx. She'll be okay right? Hope that this post is okay. If I need to chagne something let me know, thanks. :)



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Shadows and Flame

Postby Lorcan Gregory on November 9th, 2016, 10:36 pm

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“The sky broke like an egg into full sunset and the water caught fire.”

~ Pamela Hansford Johnson


It was the illuminating flash of luminescent tangerine and vermillion that first threw Ahiro into a rearing scream of terror! The deafening roar of the flames as they scorched transversely over the Earth, swelling into great heights far above the heads of even the tallest of Drykas is what threw Lörcán into petrified panic! His inaudible yells intertwining with that of his Zavian as he struggled to remain atop his mount - fighting for control.

Throwing himself forward, one hand gripping in blanched terror around the stallion’s mane; Lörcán jerked Ahiro’s yvas, his voice booming with rigid command into the Zavian’s ears, “Woah!!! Woah!!”

With no avail, Lörcán subdued his thundering heart and forced his startled mind into ataraxy. Clenching his thighs tight, clicking his heels into the Stallion’s flanks; Lörcán tore Ahiro away from the ferocious, scalding heat and into the bedlam trap of stampeding Striders and Drykas alike.

Braying coarsely, Ahiro turned with Lörcán’s direction; only to rear wildly in fright as Zith swooped from above - talons glistening viciously in the lambent blaze. Tumbling lubberly over Ahiro’s rear, Lörcán “oomphed” with a crisp cough as the air was torn from his lungs.

The winged vermin’s claws tore scant slices into the Stallion’s back the milli-tick the Zavian bolted! Wheezing, Lörcán swiftly rolled himself to his feet; his lungs searing virulently with each strenuous breath - yet he willed his muscles to move with a determined fire of his own.

Stretching over his shoulder Lörcán drew his gladius, stumbling to avoid the chaotic, battering bodies of Strider and Drykas! Through the thick cascade of the watery kismet of doom, Lörcán’s grip around the hilt of his blade grew slick as he struggled to fend of the clawed fiends from above; swiping almost blindly at any shadow looming in his peripheral.
[ 15/11 ]

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Shadows and Flame

Postby Taurina on November 25th, 2016, 7:37 am


The rain should have been a welcomed sight during the dry fall season, but instead of feeling relief, all Taurina could feel within her was fear and dread. Her gut twisted with it, her mind told her not to trust the rain. Anything that cut her off from Leth was not to be trusted, but the rain had become more than that. The last attacks had come during times of darkness and rain. Without fail they had come during the times the sky cried upon the earth. Taurina knew from the looks of the faces around her that she was not the only one who worried. Anxiety and fear were seen in the eyes of all those that surrounded her that day. They had not helped her with her own emotions.

Taurina prodded her mare along, walking slowly among the Drykas that surrounded her. There was no certain pavilion she travelled with, no people she called family. She was alone, but yet surrounded by people who should make her feel not alone. The Eth looked towards the sky, her god covered from her tonight, only occasionally peaking through the rain heavy clouds that misted them all with water. She let out a sigh, feeling isolated and alone in her Ethaefal form this night. She usually did, but with being completely surrounded by people who were all the same and being the one who was different came with its own set of emotions and thoughts.

Melody let out a long sigh and shifted beneath her, likely feeding off of her rider’s anxious energy. Taurina brought a hand forward and ran it reassuringly over Melody’s lower neck. It was difficult to reach out and stroke the mare while still focusing on riding as the riding was still very hard for the Eth, but she did so anyway in an effort to calm her horse and maybe even herself.

”It is alright, just a little rain,” Taurina murmured in an effort to calm them both down. The high levels of anxiety the Eth was experiencing was not helping her riding skills. She was even clumsier than usual with the high amount of fear. Anxiety killed most any chance they had at a successful ride, but Taurina was not in the mood to get down and walk with this weather. ”Just a little rain,” she repeated, looking wearyingly towards the sky once more and sending a silent prayer for the waters to stop. A horrible request for a time when the earth was so dry and in need of water, but a request all the same. The rain was terrifying.

As if in answer, the rain changed, but it was not for the better. The drizzling mist became a pour that drenched the people of Endrykas. Taurina herself did not hesitate to groan at the change and send a glare towards the skies. Of course this would be the answer, more rain. Before she could complain or create more sounds of her despair, however, the world exploded with orange light.

Melody reared up in fright as the flames burst not but a few rows of people and horses from the traveling pair. Taurina, lacking the riding skills to stay on, lost her grip and fell off the mare. Hands went flying, grabbing for anything to hold onto, but nothing could be found. The Ethaefal landed hard on the ground which caused her body to ring loud with pain. She was not sure what all hurt, but her vision had blurred for a second and when it came back into focus she noticed that she was in the way of another horse on its way back down. She rolled, getting out of the way just in time for the creature to make its way down without causing her injury. Taurina panted for breath, looking frantically around her to gather what had happened as she pushed herself up from the ground.

Upon standing, Taurina found her mare to have calmed enough to be now standing on all hooves once more. The Eth took a painful, but deep breath before returning to her mare. She grabbed the Melody’s halter to keep hold of the horse as she gathered herself and caught her breath. Melody’s fear was easily seen in her wide eyes and pinned ears which caused Taurina’s heart to twist for the creature. There was nothing she could do, but she did understand the fear and in attempt to steal it away, she stroked the mare’s neck and tried to soothe her. This all happened within a matter of moments, before the second release of fire.

There was chaos surrounding the pair, but not as much as there could have been. Until, that is, the second spread of flames burst through the rain and soared up towards the air. Then there was mass panic. Melody was rearing up and down over and over, her own panic charged by those around her. Taurina could smell the smoke mixed with some unidentified scent beginning to fill the air which only added more fear. Her own panic mixed with that of those around her. Then as if it could not get any worse, the terrifying beasts of before charged through the air and they were headed straight for the tent city!

Cries of terror filled the air as the winged beasts attacked. Taurina’s stood frozen, pushed close up against her panicking mare due to the lack of room and the mass amount of people and livestock in this area. The Ethaefal reached for her bow and arrows strapped to the yvas. She was under prepared, undetrained, and frightened beyond belief, but she was able to knock an arrow despite the tight space and sent it flying towards one of the Zith not far from her anyway. She refused to cower and hide again like during the previous attacks. It was time to be like the brave souls fighting for their lives that surrounded her.

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Shadows and Flame

Postby Rufio on November 29th, 2016, 8:39 pm

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     rain, shadow,
       and fire...

Rufio's ochre orbs were alight with the ferocity of the flames. She stared wildly, dumbly. Raindrops drizzled down her face in the torrent. Her strider was tossing his black mane, nostrils flared, grunting in his thick throat, she felt him tensed and quivering beneath her.

    A horse shrieked, fire licking at its flesh.

Rufio's heartbeat was a dull echo, while her mind refused to acknowledge the fiery stallion streaking towards her as anything but a mirage in her retinas.

Loha's nerves of steel had him kick off his hooves and lunge out of its deadly path. Jolted by it, Rufio felt her heart lurch, felt the blood rush in her veins.

        "IXZO—?!"

Her ochre eyes danced wildly for her bond-sister but they had been cut off from one another by the mass. Tears sprang to her eyes as thick, black smoke snaked its way into her throat. "I-X..." With a cough she tried to call out again, her voice ragged and broken as the smoke winded her—"I-X...—Z-O.."

A brush of wings ruffled her sodden hair, and the Drykas sucked in a breath. It was a Zith!—it flew by her, circled low, seeking, seeking—hunting.

"Rufio-" It was Lodai's baritone. Rufio put pressure into her thigh to turn her stallion but Loha was unwilling, he faced the fire, braying and snorting wildly. Rufio called back—"Lodai-" —desperation in her voice as she twisted to see her pavilion-brother.

The Ra'athi growled, his falx gleamed a fierce red-reflecting the fire-as the Stormbloods were set upon by Zith. There, yes, she could see Jasmine and Asher by the wagon and bleating goats. They were a short distance over.

With a sudden yearning ignited by the sight of her pavilion, Rufio twisted back to reach for her falx—feeling the pull in her side as the muscles stretched with the task—it was strapped a little far for her reach. With a grunt of effort, and a strain on her bicep, she wrenched it free, snapping the leather thong that secured it.

"SSSCRRREEEAAAA—" a Zith screeched as it lunged.

Rufio cried out, felt the bite of claws swipe at her Windmarked arm—the hot gush of blood as skin was ripped savagely from flesh. With reflex, the Drykas swung her two-handed weapon with a single arm—"Ahrrgggh"—adrenaline lent her the strength it took—her shoulder seared with pain.

The Zith bellowed in fury. Rufio felt its wings beat about her as it evaded the steel.

With heaving lungs panting for clear air, the half-Drykas felt Loha dancing from hoof to hoof beneath her. He tossed his broad head, brandished his teeth, kicked up his hooves aggressively.

"No, DON'T Loh-!"—Her cry of dismay was cut off, the Zith kicked out with a clawed foot, dishing her beloved stallion a blow at his concave cheek.

Loha went down, Rufio with him. Her falx thrown from her wet, slick grip. Her shoulder lanced with a sharp shot of pain—her freckled face winced and she bit her tongue to keep from crying out. Her heart was thundering against her ribs, her chest heaving, aching.

Worried for her Strider, frantic, there was a sharp relief when she felt his sides rise and fall. He was breathing, just knocked out. She tried to push him off of her leg. Not strong enough. As she struggled and strained, her shoulder protested painfully.

When she heard heavy, growling breathing
             —not her own.

When she glanced up into the rain, she was met by the grinning jaws of the she-Zith. Her eyes gleamed, her sharp teeth bared menacingly. Her claws were perched on the Strider's flank, towering over to peer at prey.

     Cold terror gripped Rufio.
        The Rain poured.
  Anger burst with heat.
      Fire crackled.

         Suddenly"Get off - get off - GET OFF!"Hysterical rage shattered Rufio's terror and an irrational storm swirled in her as she bellowed madly in the Zith's face. The Zith hissssed.

Rufio slumped back, her hands gripped at the sodden grasses and dirt, madly reaching for her falx. Her small fingers curled around a stone, and with anger fueling her limbs she flung it at her foe.

The she-Zith yeowled—frustration bubbling in her eyes—she reached for the Drykas and claws seized Rufio's arms, vice-grip-like. She beat her impressive wings, and Rufio scrunched her face against the back-lash of rain.
      They took off—
  Rufio screamed.

Her leg was brutally yanked out from under her horse. Pain lanced through her ankle and her shoulder and her arms as they bore her weight. Rufio's scream rang out for a tick, a chime, what felt like a bell—it was lost amidst the roaring flames, the cries, the riot of steel.

Within the chaos Rufio glimpsed Ixzo at last—her heart lurched with Fool's hope. Her bond-sister's name scratched up her throat but the syllables were choked silent by raking coughs.

Shock, and smoke, won out—spots swirled about her vision and Rufio felt all sense of fight slipping, ebbing, from her. Rain tingled against her skin, as the sounds of the fight slowly dimmed.

rufio was taken.

  
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Shadows and Flame

Postby Ashka Windrunner on July 29th, 2017, 1:27 am

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Your grades have been found !


Jasmine


Skills :
  • Riding : 1

Lores :
  • Amethyst Clan : Known for their horsemanship
  • Asher : Teaches Jasmine animal care
  • Riding, horse : Clicking the tongue to help commands
  • Riding, horse : Falling from a horse
  • The Third Zith Attack

Penalties/Rewards :
  • A few bruises from the fall, will heal in two days

Taurina


Skills :
  • Acrobatics : 1
  • Riding, horse : 1
  • Weapon, shortbow : 1

Lores :
  • Horsemanship : Stroking a frightened horse to calm it down
  • Riding, horse : Falling from a horse
  • Taurina : Doesn't trust the rain
  • Taurina : Time to be brave
  • The Third Zith Attack
  • Ziths : Attack when dark and rainy

Penalties/Rewards :
  • A few bruises from the fall, will heal in two days
  • A lost arrow

Rufio


Skills :
  • Body Building : 1
  • Brawling : 1
  • Observation : 1
  • Riding, horse : 1
  • Weapon, falx : 1

Lores :
  • Riding, horse : Falling from a horse
  • Rufio : Taken by the Zith!
  • The Third Zith Attack

Penalties/Rewards :
  • Sore ankle and leg, and a few bruises from the fall; will heal in two days
  • Taken prisoner by the Ziths!

Don't hesitate to PM me if you think I miss something, and please edit your request to show it's been graded !

- Thanks to Aladari Coolwater for the boxcode
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