Brynja

Brynja is attempting to hide & spy on the AntaresVio Fight/Zelda

Hmm... She couldn't place the feeling in her gut when the sovereign's right came called into question. She was displeased by the idea that it might force her out, displeased that it might force change upon herself one way or the other. And for some of the Mire she pitied and felt a modest amount of sympathy for. They'd take it harder, proud things. Brynja was familiar with the lands, easy enough to take into shadow and cover herself with murk, mire, and moss to dampen her scent and make herself seem invisible.

She crawled forwards, the sounds of one battle already rising but a second one joining... she saw Violarum, a lion that smelled of the Oasis, and one of her unknown newer pridemates nearby. She could do nothing for Alaric's fight and this scene was closer, so she nestled down to pry into their business.

(TL;DR: Myra has taken up position in front of Kinki while threatening/provoking the Brook/Sigrun lions, and is preparing to be attacked.)

This time when the challenge rings through the air, splitting the relative peace of the day in half, it is at their doorstep. In truth, Myra cannot say she's really surprised. Considering how common these conflicts of ambition seemed to arise within this land, she'd figured it'd be only a matter of time before she would witness Alaric defending his crown. If he failed...well, that would be a shame, but she knew she would endure just fine regardless.

Her walk from her den towards the border is calm, purposeful but no more hurried than it normally was. Until the second call split the air, a rallying cry made by a different voice, one that promised nothing but bloodshed. Alaric may not have openly declared war, but war had certainly declared itself upon him. How...exciting. The huntress broke into a sprint, her golden frame little more than a blur through the trees and underbrush.

She paused for a moment once she emerged from the thorny bushes, taking a split second to survey the situation. Alaric was already entangled with his challenger and the sounds of another conflict nearby (Vio/Antares) were hard to miss, but Myra's focus was ultimately drawn to the line of strangers that had dared to step over their borders - and with only a youngster of their own to face off against them.

Her head lowered against her chest, pointed ears flattened against her skull, as she moved to take a defensive stance next to and in front of @Kinki. "Stay close." She muttered into the girl's ear as she brushed past. Myra wouldn't keep the yearling from fighting if that was she was wanted to do, but it would be best if she learned to navigate the dangers of the battlefield alongside someone more experienced.

The huntress wouldn't charge forward just yet though - having some more back-up to even out their numbers first would be ideal. Instead, the huntress snarled at the foreign group that had gathered. "It's time for you to leave, trespassers." Light glinted off of sharp fangs as her lips peeled back with deliberate slowness, unsheathed claws digging into the damp soil beneath her. "I won't tell you twice." This wasn't her war, not really. But she had chosen the Mire as her home, had given its King her loyalty for these past few months, and her loyalty was far from meaningless.

No matter what threat approached, she would not back down.

ART COPYRIGHT IRISH

A feminine voice rang in challenge above the swamplands, sending Alaric in a hot fury outside to answer it, but not before he warned her to stay back.

Erna steels herself, saying nothing but not disagreeing. She'd been a good wife these past few weeks, not showing her face at any public events as per her husband's threat command. However, she wanted to see. She wanted to watch him put this woman in her place for her insolence, even if it was from the shadows. After everything they've been through, Erna had full faith in her husband's victory. Her violet eyes watched him depart until his wheat shape began to melt into the Mire's greenery, poised to stalk after him in secret.

And then another call sounded.

This one she knew very well. This one set a flame ablaze in her soul, where there was but a spark just a moment ago. What she thought was a challenge for Alaric's crown turned out to be far more, and she came to the realization that this was a challenge to her as much as her mate.

The moment the chimera's warcry rang out, the Rike banshee was flying out of her den. She threw all caution to the wind, caring little for Alaric's warnings or consequences. She was on the hunt, and today she will have her trophy.

Stalking onward to the drumbeat of her own heart, keeping close to the shadows and relying on her sleuth training to remain silent, she made out the scene in the distance. She knew Saga was at a disadvantage, for Erna had her last eye safely tucked in her and Alaric's den. The most precious gift her husband had ever bestowed upon her. The dark-furred Rike intended to use that to her own advantage.

In the distance she saw her, the Sigrun wench, standing beside her allies that were crawling all over her husband's land as if it was theirs. Rage overtook her and once she stalked close enough, Erna lunged from her hiding place.

She sprang forward, attempting to come from Saga's unoccupied side. Her right paw lifted as she attempted to draw her claws into Saga's limb, specifically the middle portion of the leg, to try and yank it roughly and topple the enemy over. Meanwhile, her teeth snaked forward in a rabid motion, spittle flying to the side, as she attempted to get a grip on Saga's jugular, from the side. Erna wasted no time in beating around the bush - she will kill Saga today or she will die trying.

Erna vs. @Saga
Death
Round 1 / 7
Hits:

Rolling 7d20: 19 + 11 + 8 + 4 + 6 + 7 + 10

Dodges:

Rolling 6d20: 20 + 13 + 6 + 19 + 11 + 2

Luck:

Rolling 5d20: 12 + 5 + 1 + 15 + 7

coded by flea + art by rabbit

"3 yrs old, no bonus"

He was late, he had heard the call and he knew that he had to be there. Yet, he had taken care, making sure that his cubs were safe. Pride challenges were a violent affair and often tumultuous at best. This one….even more so, but he didn’t know that yet. As the Sovereign made his way through the frozen swamp, his mate at his side, scents would collide with him, the sound of multiple fights would have his pace quicken until he broke through the swampy foliage to the only real fighting ground in the Mire. Lips would curl as he paused at seeing all of these strangers in their home. The scent of different prides and rogues would assault his senses, making ears fold back.

Mismatched gaze would observe for a moment before he moved towards Kinki. Something was wrong, he felt it in his gut and the need to protect his ward as well as his cubs off in the distance was strong. Perhaps it was a sixth sense that the warmonger had acquired through his years of fighting but he did not see this challenge ending without a lot of blood. Something he wanted to protect his young charge from. He was somewhat relieved to find that @Myra had taken a protective stance in front of his ward and moved to stand next to the young bard. “Kinki.” Stern, but low. Meant to snag her attention immediately by the seriousness of his tone alone. “Find your sisters, watch them.” He rumbled quietly, vocals for her ears and hers only. His voice would drop further, muzzle brushing against her ear as he told her their exact location. The twins would be nestled in the thick jungle undergrowth, outside of the Mire, Kinki would recognize the landmark as the place they’d went to often in her youth to practice stealth and hunting. “Go. Now.” A command, as his gaze shifted from her to look over the strangers again. Myra would tell them to leave, a threat that seemed as if she was ready to back up. If she wasn’t, she’d better be ready. A low growl rumbling in his chest as long claws flexed into the frozen mud, a warning to those watching. They should listen. Ronin would glance to his mate, a flash of bloodlust flickering in his gaze, he was ready for war and he knew she would be too.

Eyes would shift to find the form of a lion smothered in mud from the swamp, eyes would narrow ever so slightly. Yet, his gaze would continue on, as if he wasn’t too suspicious. The scarred and still healing woman would be found next, for her, he would linger heavily. Shifting forward ever so slightly. She spoke lowly so he could not hear what was being said. Common among pride challenges but something was off, he could feel it in his gut. Ronin would take two steps forward, past his ward and to his comrades side. Where were the members of the Mire? Where the fuck was @Erna when he needed her temper and eagerness for bloodshed? “They aren’t going to listen, take your pick.” He would comment quietly to Myra. Eyes would briefly look to @Zelda and would raise a brow. What the fuck had happened? However, he couldn’t focus on that fight. He had other things to worry about.

Ronin would flick his tail, letting it brush against Slaine as he moved forward. A farewell, but also silent ‘good luck’ to his love. They’d both be bloodied after this, but their children would be safe. The warmonger did not try to hide who his target was, mismatched gaze landed heavily on the Sigrun Prince, smothered in swamp mud. It didn’t matter who he was, the very fact that he had so boldly rolled in their mud meant he was an easy target. Foolish prince. He should have rolled in mud not so easily tied to the Mire. It made him a target. One that Ronin would eagerly take advantage of, despite the clearly ready to battle Aquila being nearby damn near frothing at the mouth. In a blur, another figure would come, Erna, finally. She wasted no time, flying by him and firmly latching onto the blind, scarred woman.

Moving forward quickly, he would eat the distance between he and his target, jaws hanging loose and ready to strike. Ears were still tucked into his mane from earlier, with his head at shoulder height. Charging forth, Ronin would feign like he was going to move to his adversaries right, but at the last second he would change course. Limbs bending his frame lower and then pushing him upward and slightly to his adversaries left. Jaws would reach out in an attempt to grasp and hold onto flesh while claws would strike out in an attempt to find flesh and rip downward. His intent was to use momentum to jar the Prince, to cause his balance to falter and perhaps use that downward bend and upward surge to grasp at more tender areas.


Ronin vs. @Myrkvi
minor maim/
Round 1 / 5
Hits:

Rolling 6d20: 7 + 13 + 2 + 19 + 12 + 17

Dodges:

Rolling 4d20: 2 + 15 + 10 + 5

Luck:

Rolling 5d20: 10 + 13 + 7 + 1 + 11

code by corvus / image by kim

words When the call rang out across the Mire- her home, the frustrated lioness sprang to her feet. She was so unsure of these new emotions. Anger- outrage… they were in such contrast to her normal sunshine demeanor.

Nevertheless, she hurtled towards the call- startled to smell so many different scents inside the prides borders. She hurtled onto the scene- Alaric was already in battle, and so was Violarum with that male from the prior challenge. She halted casting a snarl in his direction but she trusted her friend and his abilities, so she kept moving- she saw Erna come out of nowhere crashing into another. Ronin too- seemingly appeared from nowhere, so Ghyslaine made her way to Myra and Kinki. She heard the tail end of the sovereigns words to the yearling and then focused on stepping to @Myra’s side- lips drawn back into a threatening snarl as she stared down the opposition. She wondered if she’d put that new found rage into use- at the blatant attack on her home.

For now, she’s stand at Myra’s side- a show of strength.

_{— art by yumpy}

The voice of an unknown woman called out in challenge, not from the pit or some distant territory far away, but here in Ecrosia.
The warrior had risen from her resting spot, looking out with concern toward the dense foliage, wondering what this momentous day would bring to the pride. Sea blue gaze had swept toward her husband then, standing at her side, no doubt sharing her thoughts.
Another call resounded then, causing the clanswoman to tense, her jaw setting rigidly as she regarded @Ronin. "It hae come then." War.

The pair wasted no time then, knowing what they must do before they could join their King on the battlefield.

---

Sláine arrived onto the scene beside her husband, Ronin's path would take him toward @Kinki but Sláine stopped behind for a moment, taking a defensive stance her gaze switched quickly between her adopted daughter and the enemies that had gathered. A feeling clutched in her chest, not again, she thinks, not willing to lose another child of hers to war. @Myra's protectiveness was met with a brief look of gratefulness by the slate woman before she caught up with Ronin and then together, they diverted toward the throng of strangers gathered to tear them apart.

Other fights had already begun and Sláine could already feel her body humming in anticipation. Her blue fur brushed alongside Ronin's until a gesture of his tail signalled his departure into the fray. The scots woman purred after him. But there was little time to linger over a matter of the heart when duty, nay, survival called.

Which of these were the cub drowners? She wondered, though Sláine spent no time considering her potential opponents before she sprung forward. The warrior would try to close the distance between her and the unknown male (@Aquila). The bronzed beast was larger than she but that hardly mattered now.

The slate hued gentry would aim to come at the male head on, strong limbs trying to gain enough speed to leap up toward his face in the last moment. Tail swinging out behind her, both forepaws would swing up, aiming to try and latch her claws onto each of his cheeks.


@Sláine vs. @Aquila
Minor Maim
Round 1 / 5
Hits:

Rolling 7d20: 4 + 16 + 1 + 20 + 15 + 6 + 14

Dodges:

Rolling 5d20: 1 + 14 + 15 + 7 + 17

Luck:

Rolling 5d20: 13 + 7 + 3 + 18 + 2

code by corvus

Someone unknown, someone of the Mire called them trespassers and Aquila scoffed. They'd long ago been pushed from these lands by the first of the greedy strangers. And just so recently her Sovereign had done the same. He snarled in @Myra's direction and spat on the ground towards her. In the side of his vision he could see @Slaine full force coming at him. Good.

Her claws met with his bronze fur and already scarred flesh on his right and left cheek both. Red ruby lines tore down through thin skin and blood bubbled up and drained down his chin, clinging to his pelt and curving down his chest. Her claws gained no hold as Aquila surged forwards, aiming to push his head between both of her raised forelimbs and attempted then to grab with his teeth her upper neck (just behind her lower jaw) on her right side.


@Sláine vs. Aquila
Minor Maim
Round 1 / 5
Hits:

Rolling 7d20: 17 + 13 + 20 + 6 + 11 + 12 + 16

Dodges:

Rolling 6d20: 6 + 9 + 8 + 20 + 14 + 13

Luck:

Rolling 5d20: 18 + 15 + 4 + 7 + 19

Sleuth EXP
+10 Sneak into a pride or group without getting caught
+10 Remain undetected in a large thread (5+ characters)
+5 Infiltrate a group thread without getting caught

What a juicy event! And like a moth to the light he was attracted to the scene, wanting to be in the center of the events taking place. He smiled as he slipped quietly into the swamp. He used every tool to sneak in, covering himself in mud to both hide his shape and scent. Silent legs brought him in, his eyes looking around, lurking and wanting to drink all the images and hear every word, every growl. This certainly would be useful to his family and general knowledge. Finally he aimed to hide, doing so in a branch of a tree he climbed, still, and looking at the fights. Waiting for any important details. His tongue slipped out to lick his lips.

Poltergeist is attempting to hide

A Lion Doesn't Concern Himself With The Opinions Of Sheep

Recovering. That’s what he had been doing- gaining his health back under the fold of Ecrosia and laying low to conserve his energy. He was thankful for Alaric; but maybe it didn’t show by how much he kept to himself. Hearing the cal of challenge, however, brought him from his den and his paws began to step over the land. His head was pounding- eyes squinting as he came to the fray. He attempted to remain in the shadows, watching, slowly taking in the people around. There was more than just one fight going on, and his gaze would watch. Silent. Part of him secretly hoped he’d see his father here, too…

/ Zosimos is attempting to stay hidden /

emrik is in the winds, but úlla has no reason to wander away when her other kin needs her too. she's sure her wayward son will find his way back to her, to the sigrun. when cassandra called for the mire throne, she is nonetheless surprised and eager for the girl to snatch a victory. she followed the pawsteps of saga, but decided to take a detour to round up her remaining two children — @Finnulf and @Cirilla. in a matter of months they will experience their independence - and their drowning - but for now, úlla will keep them as close to her as possible. she arrives just in time to see the rike woman erna declare a death match upon her sister (fiore forgot what saga's relation is to úlla). and, to see a certain mire lioness asking them to leave. you have no discipline she states, as she presses over to @Myra, green eyes gleaming with ill intent. she does not allow the woman to boldly state her response. úlla has enough of sitting back, doing nothing, and wallowing in her self-hate for losing another pride.

she lunges, attempting to push myra back with the front of her chest. meanwhile, her left paw comes up in an attempt to hook around the woman's right ankle, hoping it will knock her off balance.

úlla vs. @Myra
minor maim
Rounds: 1/5
Hits:

Rolling 8d20: 8 + 15 + 17 + 2 + 14 + 3 + 7 + 20

Dodges:

Rolling 4d20: 1 + 3 + 17 + 10

Luck:

Rolling 5d20: 17 + 1 + 14 + 5 + 10

table by ferus