|
Darkseeker
|
D R O U G H T
Everyone is used to heat, it's not something that surprises them when it comes around every year, it's something that, as uncomfortable as it is, is familiar. The horses know what it means: water will be scarce, and food will diminish. But it was never a promise of death.
Til Now.
A heat wave cloaked their valley, simmering along it's surface so that water vaporizes, and edible plant life wilts to dust. At first, it seemed like any other dry season with hot temperatures, long days, and little sustenance. But then the water began to disappear, even water sources that had been reliable in the previous years. Food followed shortly after, even the hardiest of plants and trees would fall, taking with them the whisper of hope. Then the horses began to drop like flies as well, whether it was from hunger, disease, or heat, it seemed no one was safe from the wrath of the sun.
Instinct for the Valley horses was to take cover and try to wait it out, that things would eventually get better. But then, they had never been so bad before. The Lead Stallion of the Herd knew that there was little left for them in the Valley, but change is terrifying for anyone. The worst thing happened though, when the Lead Mare, ill from heat exhaustion, was lost, unable to keep fighting any longer.
With a void in the herd, the Lead Stallion lead what was left of his raggedy herd, and departed from the valley in hopes of finding some place new to call home. It was a very long, dry road for them, but the thrill of the unknown and the hope of something better kept them going. Unfortunately, this hope, this promise, of something new and better wasn't without it's perils. Other herd members were lost, and predators nipped at their heels in hopes of an easy meal.
It wasn't until, with the help of some hardy companions, that the Valley Herd was able to find a little peace of hope amidst all the despair. An oasis, at least to them, of a small, but full, pond with hard brush and foilage around it. There are even a couple of trees dotted around to offer shade. It isn't much, but its better than what they had. When time came for the companions, a small group of donkeys, to move on, the Valley Herd elected to remain at the Oasis. They aren't as hardy as the donkeys, and they weren't sure if they'd make it to the next stop. So, with his reservations, the Lead Stallion choose to have his herd stay, claim the Oasis as their own, and defend it with all they have.
It's a risk, as the Oasis won't last forever, and others will surely desire it. But it might just give the herd enough to time to either regain their strength and move again, or maybe even let them wait out the drought that seems to have the area in a death grip.
__________________________
Edited at May 1, 2024 01:36 AM by Imperial Sands
|
|
|
|
Darkseeker
|
Roleplay Rules Follow all WP and Eve's Rules. 1. Be Active. Seriously, do not join just to never be active. Also, do not claim a high rank if you aren't going to be active. 2. This is a Semi-Literate to Literate Rp, this needs to be shown in Rp forms And Posts. 3. Maxium Four Characters per Person. This will likely change with time. 4. Please keep genetics in mind when creating offspring. If you need a tool to help you, I can give you one. 5. Not all Horses (Stallions) can be gigantic. If I see too many being 17+ hh, I'll restrict it. There is nothing wrong with a short boi. 6. Orphaned foals ARE allowed in this Rp. HOWEVER, you must find someone to take care of your foal prior to being accepted. 8. Please Ask me before your mare has twin foals. Twins, especially healthy twins are rare, and likely someone isn't coming out unscathed, whether it be mare or foals. Especially in this rp. 9. If you've read everything so far, put the missing number in your form. Please hide it. 10. Mares can leave the herd, but they must do it without the Lead Stallion knowing. When you do this, you must give the LS a chance to interfere. Give him a chance to react/interact. If you don't I WILL call you out. 11. Stallions can also steal a mare from a herd. The mare ultimately can try to run away from him, and alert the LS if she wants, or she can go willingly. 12. That being said, for rule 10 & 11, please Pm Me FIRST. Just so there isn't 5 leaving all at once. If you've read this, put butterfly in your form. 13. Please have fun!
Valley Herd Rules 1. Mares & Foals are not to venture away from the herd without permission. Foals NEED supervision.
2. Any interaction without outside stallions is strictly prohibited. Familial relations will be on a case by case basis. Ex: A son comes to visit his mother and/or father.
3. Herd Stallions are expected to be loyal to the Lead Stallion. If they aren't, they'll be removed from the herd.
4. Herd Stallions are also expected to protect the herd with their lives.
5. Herd Stallions Must obtain permission from the Lead Stallion to mate with a Herd Mare. They May Not, however, mate with the Lead Mare.
6. Colts/Young Stallions are to be kicked out from the herd at Year 3, unless they wish to join the ranks of Herd Stallion.
7. Lead Mare Can Not be Challenged for. It is appointed by the Lead Stallion, or by the herd (in the case the Lead Stallion chooses not to pick or is absent.)
Will Add More
|
|
|
|
Darkseeker
|
The Valley Herd Roles Explained
Lead Stallion This is the Leading Stallion of the Herd. He is in charge of the protection of the herd, and also the rules of the herd. He is a big part of making decisions for the herd. His word is law, if you disobey him, it's basically treason, and the results will not be to your favor. He can decide which mares he wishes to foal with, and is herd stallions get to father foals as well. Being the Lead Stallion, he is who you have to beat in order to take over the herd, but not the only one.
Lead Mare She is the Leading Mare of the Herd. She is in charge of leading the herd to different places for food, water, shelter, etc. She is also in charge of the mares in the herd, and helping them, etc. Like the Lead Stallion, her word is law. Typically she is a widely experienced horse who had gained knowledge from those before her. This is knowledge she instills in the young mares she births, and to those she has chosen as her successors. She doesn't have to be the Lead Stallions "mate", but he is supposed to be the only one allowed to father her foals. Her position cannot be challenged for, as she is appointed to the position, or inherits it.
Lieutenant This is the stallion who the Lead Stallion trusts the most and typically has a deep bond with. Could be related to him, could just be a close friend. This stallion is whole heartedly loyal to the Lead Stallion, and accompanies him in fights, etc. When the Lead Stallion is away, the Lieutenant is the one left in charge, though more often than not, it's the Lieutenant getting sent off to do things. If the Lead Stallion dies in anything other than a challenge, the Lieutenant is who takes over, and would have to be challenged for someone to assume the Lead Position. Lieutenants can also choose to help the Lead Stallion with challenges, primarily if they feel the challenger isn't worthy. If it's a worthy opposition, especially if it's a single stallion challenging, the Lieutenant is known to stand down, as it would be an insult to the Lead. For challgenges, the Lieutenant is primarily there to keep things fair. So if two stallions try to challenge the LS, he can step in to fight so it's fair. The position of Lieutenant cannot be challenged for, it's appointed by the LS.
Deputy Deputy or better known as Deputy Mare is the mare who is basically the Lieutenant to the Lead Mare. She is not the Lead Mare's successor, but a mare trained to assist the Lead Mare. She helps keep the Herd Mares in line, is there to support the Lead Mare through her foaling process (and vice versa), and she helps watch over the Lead Mares foal when she cannot. She can fill in for the Lead Mare when the LM is absent, but she does not take her position unless chosen by the LS, or the herd if he chooses not to pick. She understands she is not a successor, just a mare there to aid the Lead Mare. She is fiercely loyal to the Lead Mare, and helps to protect her in times of stress or danger. The DM would, undoubtedly, give her life for the Lead Mare, and be stolen before she would let the Lead Mare be. More often than not, the DM is the LM's sister or a close friend. Deputy Mare cannot be challenged for, she is chosen by the Lead Mare.
Herd Stallions These are the stallions of the herd allowed to remain in the herd by the Lead Stallion. Their purpose is to protect the herd from threats, which includes carnivores, other stallions, etc. It's expected of a Herd Stallion to be willing to lay down his life for the herd if needed. If a Herd Stallion starts to get disrespectful or rebellious, he likely will be run out. If he attempts to challenge the Lead Stallion, and loses, he could be killed or run out. Herd Stallions must gain permission to father foals, for each mare they wish to foal with. If they don't they could be run out or killed. Their foal may even be left behind if the Lead Stallion feels insulted enough. Herd Stallions also keep Challenges fair. If a band of bachelors come and try to challenge the Lead Stallion, they will ensure that it isn't a 4v1, the strongest of them will join in, or they'll keep the rest of the band from fighitng and only allow the leader of it to fight. Ultimately, herd stallions live a rather cush life if they're loyal.
Herd Mares These are the mares of the herd, and under the protection of the Lead Stallion. Mares tend to prefer herd life because it is safer for them and their offspring. Mares, though, are expected to show loyaly to their leads. They are expected not to wander off or help a Bachelor Stallion invade, though it does happen, typically because of the promise of "love". Herd mares who are found to aid in treasonous activity, may be left behind or kicked out. If their foals have been fathered by outside stallions, or with a stallion in the herd without permission, the foal may be left behind. Though this isn't all that common, safety is often more important. Herd Mares help each other take care of foals, and in the death of a mother, a mare may take on her foal so it doesn't suffer the same fate.
Yearlings These are the young horses in the herd that range from a year to three years, and once they turn three they either join the adults of the herd, or leave (if they're colts). Unlike foals who have no responsibilities, Yearlings are expected to have some. They help watch over younger foals, keep sentry with adult horses and can scout too. This is so, when they are adults, they have an idea of what to do. Yearlings are never left to do things on their own, however, with time, it becomes natural and they'll start keeping a look out while with the herd. Yearlings are expected not to be so foalish either, so them running off won't be tolerated. It isn't tolerated as foals either, but consequences will become harsher.
Foals These are the babies of the herd, the fillies and colts who are all under the age of one. They aren't expected to have responsibilities, but mares are expected to keep them under control and from causing trouble. If a foal leads a carnivore back to the herd, especially if someone is attacked, it'll be the parents getting in trouble alongside the foal. Foals, however, are supposed to be protected. If a foal dies under someone's watch, they are liable to be punsihed or exiled.
|
|
|
|
Darkseeker
|
The Available Roles
The Valley Herd
Lead Stallion 1. Reserved for Me
Lead Mare Deceased; Will be Appointed
Lieutenant 1.
Deputy 1. Reserved for Spellbound
Herd Stallions 1. 2. 3. 4.
Herd Mares 1. Reserved for Me 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Yearlings 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Foals 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Non-Herd Roles
Bachelor Stallions 1. 2. 3. 4.
Lone Mares 1. Reserved for Raven Wing 2. Edited at May 1, 2024 10:00 PM by Imperial Sands
|
|
|
|
Darkseeker
|
The Form
Name: Age: Gender: Herd: Rank: Desired Rank: Appearance: [Detailed Description Minimum.] Personality: Crush: Mate: Foals: Kin: [Siblings, Parents, Etc.] Other:
|
|
|
|
Darkseeker
|
Other Important InformationThe Deceased Lead MareCredit for Image Belongs to Velvet-Stain on DA. Stock Image.
SunnaMeaning "Sun"Sunna was the Lead Mare along side Boreas, and was his mate. While he would have foals with other mares, Sunna was the one who had claimed his heart. She was 9 year olds when she died, having been a year younger than Boreas himself. They spent 5 years leading together, and have had multiple offspring together. Sunna died in the drought due to getting sick, and her body just deteriorating until she, and it, gave up and passed. It's important to know that Sunna was a kind and compassionate mare who was fair but lead with a solid and stern hoof. She wasn't the type to give in to mare drama, or let something slide. She was whole heartedly loyal to Boreas. Color: Chestnut SabinoAge at TOD: 9 YearsOffspring: Open for offspring, including foal, yearling, etc.If you wish to make a character related to Sunna, you must first ask me.
|
|
|
|
Darkseeker
|
|
|
Darkseeker
|
Name:Boreas Meaning "North Wind" in Greek Age:10 Years Gender:Male/Stallion Herd:The Valley Herd Rank:Lead Stallion Desired Rank:Content Appearance: Credit Belongs to Valarian-Warrior on DA. This is a Stock Image.
WIP
Personality:TBA
Crush:None for Now. Mate:None; Sunna is Deceased. Foals:Open Kin:Potentially Open for a Brother or Sister. Other: WIP
|
|
|
|
Neutral
|
WIP Name - Maeve - Age - 3 years - Gender - Mare - Herd - None - Rank - Lone Mare - Desired Rank - She is unsure at this time [Open to plot] - Appearance: [Detailed Description Minimum.] (c) Hajen14 on Picrew - Personality: Free spirited - flakey - authorative - stubborn - a little standoffish - observant - inquisitive - more to be added - Crush N/A - Mate N/A - Foals N/A - Kin: [Siblings, Parents, Etc.] very much open for siblings - Other: - I am open to her traveling with an additional horse!
- "What an... interesting group."
- At this time she is very wary of the herd, despite their occupation of the oasis for some time. Maeve is hesitant to approach, in fear she will be swept up as a herd mare when she is ultimately still undecided where she wants to be after leaving her previous one
|
|
|
|
Darkseeker
|
Name:TBD Age:7 Years Gender:Mare/Female Herd:Valley Herd Rank:Herd Mare Desired Rank:Content Appearance:
Credit Belongs to Night-Hawk6 on DA. This is a Stock Image.Personality:TBA
Crush:None Mate:None Foals:Open! Kin:Open! Other: WIP
|
|
|