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 Posted: Thu Aug 08, 2013 5:06 pm
They were coming. The rumors they had had heard had proven to be true; their scouts had sent back word, had told them of the lands that had forgotten their names, forgotten their faces, forgotten fear. There were skinwalkers, of course, as the plague of beasts were never far from the innocent. . . . but what did it matter? They were a scourge meant to be dealt with and destroyed. They might be monsters, but the kalona were not afraid. Not of pelts and fangs, not of shapeshifting, not of a challenge, and certainly not of a land that had forgotten their greatness.
Oh, the Kawani would learn.
Such fools were they.
Those that had fallen so far away from the purity of their line; those that had turned their back on pride, who were too weak to fight for the lineage. . . they would rue the day. It was too late to turn back, too late to repent. There were very few true bloods left, and those that remained would be judged accordingly.
The great herd was on the move, had been on the move for quite some time. Now, with the sun painting the plains golden, with the scent of summer on the air, they would make their move. Just how much of a fight would those within its lands make? What sort of easy prey might they find within their rich land? Unfortunately for them, there would be no deterring their plans.
This land was theirs, along with everything in it, while those who dared to stand against them would find no mercy.
Please be aware that it will officially begin Thursday August 08 @ 6:00pm MST.
This will be a shop-wide Meta RP event. It's something run a little differently, and is actually a test. There are a lot of pure kalona to be given away from this event in a whole variety of fashions. There will be a lot of random and surprise in-thread games and opportunities; there will be timed and planned events, so people can be sure to be around; there will be simple games that require luck; there will be give away based purely on writing, imagination and creativity.
The actions of these Meta event can effect those who have herds and individuals as well as those that participate in the soquili RP Guild. It is purely optional if herds and characters written want to respond to the rumors and knowledge of a huge, and incredibly formidable, kalona herd. People that wish to have their characters respond to the meta events can happily do so; that being said, people who wish to pretend this event never happens can also do so, too.
It's a slightly different format, and yes, there will be a heavy dose of interactivity OOCly and ICly, but we hope you'll enjoy it! This is more of a personal event I've came up with, and is not the major Soquili Event we hold every year. This is just something I've been cooking up for awhile, which is why, as RP Manager, it does focus more heavily on the RP side of things.
Either way, whether you participate or not, in the thread, or in the guild, we hope you enjoy.
Look out for the official kick off in a few days! If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to PM Uta! I look forward to seeing you all there!
Winners So Far
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Posted: Thu Aug 08, 2013 5:07 pm
It Begins.
The time had come to make themselves known.
The great Protector of this herd had trained his people well, under supervision of the Alpha. They knew their mission, knew that they were to dig their hooves deep in to the heart of the Kawani at all costs. They were to give wind of their arrival with bloodshed and take down any that stood in their way. This particular herd was made of the battle-starved, the restless, the wicked, and the darkest of warriors; those who were not afraid to do what needed to be done, those that did not shy away from duty.
"These lands have grown weak," the great Protector cried as he marched down the ranks of his herd. The herd was significant in size, made up of old and young, male and female. They were all pure, and they were, above all else, family. Oh, it was true that there were some lines that detested others, some families that did not always jump when asked, and some of whom weren't perhaps the most aggressive -- but they were a herd. Ultimately, at the days end, they stood their ground beside one another, besides their true kin. When their Protector called, they came to him, their devotion unwavering. "It is now time to show them what they forgot! For the great name Kalona shall never be snuffed out, shall never be disdained, shall never be scoffed at! Too long have the great herds looked upon the tainted cross-breeds and halflings as equals. We will persevere! We will make them remember! We shall paint the rivers red with the blood of those who stand against us, and rise to our place on the bones of the lessers. They will pay for their forgetfulness, their neglect, their foolishness... they will pay. As it stands, let your appetites water. . . Go forth and massacre; go forth, my friends, and feast."
Giving the signal, there was a great rising from the hills. Unfortunately for the innocents below, this was not so much a raid, as it was a feast. A celebration. A show of force, a show of arrogance.
The peaceful two-leggers, their horses, along with their befriended soquili, didn't see the attack coming. The setting sun silhouetted the horrific scene, a mass of leather wings moving as one in the sky. Dark, snarling shadows shot out of the neighboring woods, intent on leaving none alive. There would be losses, but the leather winged beasts were not new to the art of battle; two leggers were easier to crush, even with their fire, even with their arrows and clubs. They could be dangerous, but they had no wings, and striking from the air put the kalona at a serious advantage.
Meat would be needed to keep the young ones, the old ones, all of them fed. But, meat was on the menu this night, and they would have plenty to feast upon in the days to come. The Protector would not have brought his kin in to the land, if he did not think it was capable of keeping them fed. The advantage of this Kawani was that there were so few true predators, that the soquili, the two-leggers, and the rest of natures prey were found in abundance.
This would be a good place to settle. How convenient of the village to hole up in one area, one space; it was as if the meat had simply come together and was waiting for them to make the kill.
The shrieks of the dying was music to the Protectors ears. Yes, the great spirit of Kalona was indeed with them this most auspicious night.
As you can see, this particular group of kalona are . . . perhaps not the nicest of individuals. (Or maybe they're simply misunderstood!? We have yet to see!) Either way, they have completely massacred a rather substantial kawani village, and have taken up a herdland in the area noted above.
This is their headquarters, and any herds who may have once been there originally. . . did not stay long. They were either killed, or displaced by force. Those who were wise simply picked up and left the neighborhood. Any who opposed were driven off, or became lunch.
For Herd Owners: If any herd, ICly, has eyed that spot or assumed your herd to be in that general area. . . if you want more information about this sudden kalona herd landing on top of your lands, let me know via PM. Otherwise assume the borders are far enough away that they haven't become a threat. . . yet.
Or, for those who don't want to be disrupted by shop-wide meta plot, just assume things go on as normal. The Kawani is a large land, so it's very possible for this to work out without disrupting anyone's plans. It's up to you guys how involved you want to be in the story, so simply RPing as normal without giving this any thought is just fine too.
That being said, it's time for our first giveaway! Yay!
Meat's Back on the Menu, Boys!
This is a Hour Long In-Thread RP Contest.
Yes, it's short. Tell your friends and fill out this form and post it HERE IN THE THREAD.
What?! An in-thread game!?
Well why not!
These two count as your Freebie for the Month! Your ineligible if you've already won a freebie, and will be ineligible to get other freebies from this event if you win!
The Directions
This is a personality contest! There is one hour to respond to this prompt! Entries sent after the cut off will not be eligible.
1. This is open to everybody
2. You need to fill out the form and post in the thread.
3. Please post the form in its entirety in the thread. If you're going to try for both, please make separate entries.
4. No proxies please!
5. Have fun! This is a quick event, so anyone who doesn't win or misses out, no worries. Trust me, there will be a lot more giveaways happening during this event, promise!
[size=28][b][color=teal]Inspiration Goes Here! Zomg![/color][/b][/size]
[b]Username:[/b]
[b]What's His/Her Name?[/b]
[b]Which Kalona Is This For?[/b] Teal Mare or Grey Stallion
[b]Temper[/b] (This is what you'd see on their cert)
[b]Personality[/b]: (What are they like!? Good, bad, evil, war-mongering, aggressive, passive? The choice is yours!)
The game starts now and ends an hour from this post! I will post a stop -- anyone who posts after that stop won't be judged.
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Posted: Fri Aug 09, 2013 7:50 am
A Little Help From My Friends
Their territory had been successfully claimed. Outposts and camps had been set up around its edges, spies and scouts had been sent out to better infiltrate the Kawani lands, and there was great care to keep ever vigilant. The Great Protector wasn't stupid -- he knew very well that their forced takeover of the lands, their original slaughter of the Kawani village, and their general presence would lead to objection. Those ever inclined and aligned with light and goodness, those bleeding hearts, those underlings and lessers would be certain to try to make an attack or drive them from their lands.
No, this particular kalona would not allow for such a thing.
They had every right to live among these lands; if they did not live in peace, such was their right and their prerogative. They had every right live, and if that included hunting, scavenging, or stealing what they needed to survive, than so be it. There was darkness within the herd, but they were strong and true to the name of Kalona. They were powerful, and they had strength on their side; attacks would come, but they would stand down their adversaries and win.
Of this the Great Protector was sure.
Picking his way along the border, the cry of a raven drew his attention. Snorting, the beast gave a low growl, turning his eyes toward the shadowy woodlands.
"Step out, Graght," the stallion commanded, tail flicking slowly behind him. "What news do you bear?"
The petite female darted from the shadows, the raven circling her once before landing delicately upon her back. She ignored it. Giving a slight dip of her head, the female spoke. "There appear to be several dominant herds in these lands, though some are too far to be of much of a threat. Black Skull is our only direct competition, kalona wise, outside of the inbred and tainted mixes that are plaguing these lands." She gave a snort, pawing at the ground in irritation. Fools, all of them. "Larger herds are located all throughout the Kawni, and it's possible any number of them will object to our bloody arrival. Politics may keep the others from banding together, but, knowing the ways of these lands, I wouldn't be surprised if they tried."
The Great Protector gave a small snort. "As was accounted for before we even set foot on these lands." He assured impatiently, golden eyes flickering. "Surely you've more to say?"
The mare gave a nod. "Yes. There is movement east of us; a small herd appears to be gathering together, seems to be sending out word for others to join in and drive off the monsters. Us." She hissed the word, fangs bared. The raven, whom had been quietly preening, gave a small flare of its feathers in echoed indignation.
"Their numbers?"
"Thirty three, immediately. That could vary depending if any join their cause. Nothing we can't handle." She added proudly, confidently.
The Great Protector gave a curl of his lip, though it was an expression that was as close to a grin as he often showed. "Very well. We will make an example out of them. Those that threaten my lands will be eradicated. You're dismissed back to your duties."
Giving another nod, the kalona female spread her wings. It was a sign for her companion raven, which silently took to the skies. The leather winged female was not long after, intent on keeping her eyes and ears open for the good of her herd.
You Can Run . . . but You Can't Hide
So far, not much has been going on in way of metaplot, but I promise things will pick up soon. We're still in the early stages of this event, and very soon, the choices you guys make will effect the out come of this great kalona herd.
For now though, one more piece of the meta is up, and that means some more kalona freebies to give away! Yay!
This is a 24 hour Flaffle to be found here.
Time Starts: NOW
Time Ends: 08/10/2013 @ 7:45 AM MST
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Posted: Sat Aug 10, 2013 3:19 pm
Keep Your Enemies Closer
The female kalona stared at their adversaries. The small herd of thirty three strong, had grown in size. Still, the female warrior didn't doubt that the kalona herd had the advantage. Her tail flicked idly behind her as she walked proudly out of the foliage and on to the great field. She appeared to be alone, save a few circling kalona high above the plains.
The soquili, the lessers, that stood before her looked resolute and determined. She almost scoffed. "Get off our land." She commanded, giving a large, stretch of her wings. She was not the largest of kalona, but she was strong. "This is your only warning." If they did not listen -- and when would a lesser actually give in to the threats of a kalona? -- they would be beaten down and driven away. This would be a day where blood would fall, and this particular warrior had absolutely no intention of it being hers.
A blue coated alicorn gave a snort, pawing at the ground. He was battle scarred, presumably experienced. "You're not wanted here. The Kawani has no hospitality for the likes of your blood thirsty kind. We are not afraid." There was a rattling, a stirring, among the various soquili that stood prepared to do battle; prepared to give their lives for the sake of good.
The kalona mare laughed. "Fools. You don't know the definition of fear. . . yet. But you will." Without warning, with a roaring screech, the female didn't hesitate to throw herself at the group gathered and waiting. It was the signal they had all been waiting for, as both sides charged forth in to battle.
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Posted: Sat Aug 10, 2013 3:20 pm
Next Time Gadget!
The force had been formidable . . more formidable than the warrior mare had anticipated. There were heavy casualties, on both sides, but they were taking a heavy beating. Though frustrated, the mare had no choice -- they were being driven back by this herd, they were losing this ground at the cost of her own kin.
Oh, they would rue the day.
Taking flight on tattered, leather wings, the scarred creature gave a vicious screech. It pained her more than the wounds on her body, but the retreat was within their best interest. Let the bullies take this portion of their land -- it was but a small outpost. They could gain it back later, with a more fortified attack.
To the victor went the spoils, and those of the Kawani could thoroughly enjoy the success of their win. . . But they might not get cocky or arrogant about it. This was one battle won, but it did not determine the outcome of this war. For now, they would retreat, lick clean their wounds, and find a new strategy. Just because there was a group gathered at their borders, a group that had taken back just a small portion of their herd lands, did not mean anything. They could handle this, and they would. . . Those lesser's would be purged, just not, alas, this day.
Perhaps they would need to go out and use the element of surprise. Instead of letting the Kawani approach them, they would send out their own warriors to counter-attack in the coming days.
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Posted: Sat Nov 02, 2013 9:25 am
Burning Bridges
Things were going well, at least, that's what the majority of the herd believed. They had found a new land ripe for the slaughter; a place where lesser's lived in great abundance, and kalona were somewhat scarce. The pickings were lush, according to the Great Leader, and from the amount of blood already spilled, things simply couldn't get better.
Unfortunately, while the herd as a whole appeared to be doing well, there were ripples that spread throughout the herd. Not everyone followed the Great Leader so blindly, so thoughtlessly, with such devotion. The Great Alpha and her Protector had served the herd well enough, if those within truly embraced a darker sort of lifestyle. Blood, violence, power, it was what they promised to give their beloved kin, it was what they worked for everyday, what they strove to obtain.
And yet. . . This Uncertain Lieutenant could not continue to agree. In every battle, he watched as their kin were forced to instigate needless, senseless bloodshed. In every battle, he watched as his won kalona fell, slain for another mile of land. Families were torn apart every time orders were given, and while they were a very capable force, while they all lived for battle, this was a waste. Not everyone born in to the herd was so blind or blood crazed. . .
But there was no escape.
Those that betrayed the herd were made examples of. The weak were not tolerated, not weak of mind, not weak of body, not weak of spirit, and yet. . . they could not go on like this. They were doing nothing but antagonizing the neighboring herds and killing them with needless violence.
Prisoners were often tortured and eaten. Mare, stallion, foal, there was no prejudice among age, race, or kind. If they were caught and they were not of pure kalona blood, they did not survive. Some found this life to be absolutely in line with chaos and the great Kalona spirit. But him?
No.
He would not, could not agree. The kalona were a proud race, but he was not proud of the mass destruction that was caused in their Leaders wake. They were a herd of monsters. It was one thing to defend ones territory, it was quite another to be in a constant state of chaos and war. They would be their own undoing, one day, and would only give cause for more persecution from the lessers. The loop had to be stopped.
There was a small group of them, from various ranks and positions, that agreed with his sentiments. Unfortunately, the small families, the handful of warriors, the retired elders, they lived in fear of being found out. Fear of retribution, should they be found out. They were not yet strong enough to make an escape, not yet. But, this Lieutenant could help where he could. Too many tears had been shed, too much violence had taken place. . .
So it was, he would help.
Picking his way through the woodlands, the light of the waning crescent provided little light. He could not delay another night, for the next battle was already prepped and planned. Tomorrow, more blood would be shed on an unsuspecting herd.
"You're not going to them, aren't you?" The hiss of disdain was heard, and the stallion stopped in his tracks. He swung his head around to see his daughter step out from the shadows.
She was young, scarred, and the only survivor of his lineage. His mate, his sons, all killed in battle. . .or cannibalized on in a moments betrayal. Thankfully, this one was strong. . . strong, and of the same mind. She had been taught to respect the land, the earth, every breath she took. "It is senseless. This herd, they will not win and they will be slaughtered. At least this way, they can prepare."
The mare stared at her father, tail flicking anxiously behind her. ". . .This is dangerous. If you're found out - - "
"There is no one to find me out. I'll return before they even realize I'm gone."
"... but their lesser's. Why should you risk yourself?" She questioned severely, eyes narrowing.
"Because nobody deserves to be so massacred," he repeated with a hiss. "These lands were not our enemy. HE made them our enemy and we both pay the price. Hush now, daughter, and fear not. I'll be back soon. If I fall, carry on as we always have." Reaching out, he nuzzled the mare in a moments pride and affection, knowing quite well that the lesser's would kill him the moment they found him near their borders.
Still, it was a risk he was willing to take. A risk he had to take. They could not stop their herd, not yet, but he could give warning to the victims, warning to at least get the foals out of harms way. With that, the stallion slipped through the woods and in to the night.
The daughter watched, before heaving a breath and shaking her head. Honestly, she didn't know what to do. . . . Was family greater than her herd? This was wrong. This was right. This was . . . something. Something she didn't know how to comprehend.
Conclusion: Loyalty to Father
No. Family was more important than herd. Perhaps it was love and loyalty to the stallion whom had raised her; perhaps it was because his words resonated somewhere within her; perhaps it was because she pitied the lessers and what was coming to them.
Regardless her reasoning, the mare decided it would be best not to speak of this transgression. So, she turned and headed back to the herd, pretending as if nothing was amiss or out of place. Nobody looked for her father, as fara s she understood, and it was only a few hours later when she saw the stallion returning to the herd.
So it seemed, the lessers in danger had been informed. She could only assume they would be better fortified, would at least be able to save some of their kin, if they did not fully retreat. No, the plan would go ahead, and if they were able to save some life, that would be well worth it.
So it was, the herd carried on, none the wiser. Battle preparations were made, and the great kalona herd prepared for their next attack. If they had their way, it would be a complete and utter massacre.
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Posted: Sat Nov 02, 2013 9:26 am
An Ace Up Our Sleeve
The neighboring herd had recruited help. It appeared as if the lesser's had actually gone out of their way to recruit others -- mercenaries intent on waging war against the kalona, other herds that wouldn't stand for this great injustice, or simply fools looking for a fight. Regardless, this territory was not going down easy.
"Saresh, watch your left!" The orange coated kalona roared, snapping at her own opponent -- some draft regular. The beast had found some form of armor, and could hit like the best of them. Still, the mare was working on taking him down. . or trying to. Getting past the metal armor was difficult, and the purple mare was in a constant state of motion, snapping when she got close, and jumping back to avoid his bone, crushing hooves. "Coward!" She hissed as her bite was deflected and she caught more metal than flesh.
Saresh, on the other hoof, was battling some form of unicorn-kelpie mix. It was a freak, as far as Saresh was concerned, but the fangs that lined the mixed bloods mouth left her bloody and bleeding. They were vicious; some of these lessers had hardened battle skills, and they were becoming far more aggressive. These were no pushovers -- some of these were experienced fighters, too!
It wasn't that the great kalona herd wasn't prepared for battle, or prepared to take down those who might match their skill; it was that the sheer numbers which were unexpected. They were not failing, but they certainly were not procuring an edge as swiftly as they might have suspected.
It seemed their reputation was beginning to proceed them.
"Saresh!" A snarl went out as the purple mare, Viego, watched her scarred, orange coated companion get speared by the unicorn horn. The other kalona snapped viciously, tearing at the unicorns neck and face, trying desperately to dislodge the horn which was now buried deep in her chest. Unfortunately, the purple mare could not go over to help aid her impaled brethren; she had a draft on her hooves, and he was quite stubborn!
Viego had caught sight of her herdmates falling. No, they would win. They would persevere. Surely, they would not be sent out here without some plan. Surely, they would not need to . . .
"Retreat! RETREAT!"
The mare wasn't sure what was going on, what was happening. Unfortunately, all she heard was a flurry of wings, and the skies above darkened with shadow. The draft she was attempting to slay looked up, gave a snarl, and quickly turned .
What was going on? What was - - - Looking up, the bleeding mare stared at the sight. Another great kalona legion, fresh from theh erd, had been sent to give them aid. Oh, and they were lead by the Alpha and Protector's Second-in-Command. Oh, what a glorious sight he was to behold. To see him and his legion diving down at the enemies, to see them take to aerial assault effortlessly, to see them snap the backs of those caught beneath their hooves as they would strike.
It was glorious.
"Saresh, Saresh we'll be okay. Let's get these bastards while they're- - - " She stopped, looking over at her companion. The kalona mare was collapsed, blood pooling around her from her chest wound. The mare was hurt badly, if not fatally. Viego's jaw clenched, and she stepped over to her fallen comrade, her herdmate, her friend. "Stay with me. We'll patch you up, you've taken worse and you know it." She commanded, giving a small, haughty huff.
No. No, this wasn't how this was supposed to go! That lesser would have been breakfast, so how had he managed? "You're a better warrior than this! You've taken down lessers twice his size -- don't let some wound like this fell you!" She snarled, reaching down to shove her face hard at her companions face.
Saresh gave a small, gurgled knicker, but her head dropped as soon as Viego pulled it away.
She was dying. Her friend was dying and there was nothing she could do about it. Nothing she could do to stop it. Nothing she could do but watch. ". . . Oh, Saresh." Her throat clenched. As hardened a warrior she might be, that did not mean she could not feel, did not . . .care. Love, even. So it was, the kalona mare grappled with her feelings, tried to understand how her friend had gone and gotten herself slayed. This wasn't how this was supposed to end. While yes, she had died in battle, it had not been particularly glorious. . . "Two minutes. That's all you needed. Two minutes and they would have retreated. Damn you, Saresh. Damn you." It was the closest she could admit to her grief. . . at least here in public.
They may have won this battle, barely, but that did not make the losses any better. They were not all heartless. They were not all cold and cruel, vicious, mindless monsters that the world liked to make them out to be. The kalona who were slain would be celebrated in victory, but Viego understood that such a celebration would be bittersweet. There were many faces missing that had made the great crossing over to these lands, many faces they could not return.
They won this battle, their territory was ever more expanded. . . but was the cost truly worth it? These days, Viego wasn't so sure.
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Posted: Sat Nov 02, 2013 9:30 am
The Calm Before the Storm
It was late, the soquili hidden beneath the shroud of the new moon. The small gathering had picked the thickest of woods within their lands, a small group meeting together to discuss the situation at hoof. The herd was making more and more battle plans, more dangerous ways to strike terror and fear into surrounding territories. The herds aggressive brutality and offensive nature did not seem to be drawing to an end anytime soon.
Life was not a happy one, even for the rebels. Every battle was one more that turned the Kawani against their kind; every battle was one more senseless act of violence, for what, land they didn't need or care about?
Unfortunately, life wasn't easy for the rebels. He fed them information of upcoming attacks, but news of discontent had begun to spread throughout the herd. Any kalona who did not seem as enthused as the rest, any kalona who did not appear to partipcate as expected, might very well be called on by a punisher, to be questioned, interrogated, and potentially made example of.
It wasn't easy.
It seemed anyone whom thought that the outright violence and warfare of their herd was not in the kalona's best-interest could be harassed. Just because someone thought for himself, just because someone did not wish to waste these lands, or surrounding territories, just because someone thought the great kalona were above such means, was leading to more internal violence and betrayal. One day, they knew, their little secret would be up. One day, the Lieutenant would be found out and taken to task.
It wasn't easy for them, and pretending fealty to a herd that didn't hesitate in ripping apart their own kind was a daily struggle. Soon though, they would reach a breaking point. Soon, something would have to give.
"We shouldn't be here." Came the small, soft hiss.
"The families have given their consent. Where we go, they'll follow, but we need to pick a path. You know this is what the Lieutenant wants done."
Another older, pink and white mare, gave a small shake of her head. "We can't keep living like this. Death is at our heels, and is where we'll all be, if the Protector has his way -- either from betrayal or warfare. We need to be decisive, for the time is coming. This impasse can no longer hold, the tension is far too great."
There was a small, quiet stirring among the chosen ambassadors. It was too risky to gather all those that did not see war as the righteous path, so a small group of the most loyal, the most faithful to the cause, had been selected to represent their voices. It wasn't perfect, but with the witch hunt going on within the herd, it was the best they could do.
"Our options are few."
"They're the best we have, without running like cowards. They will not let us slip so easily off in to the night. They will hunt us down like the cowards they believe us to be, will not let us rest, even when they believe us gone. We must make a stand, we must. . .help break this herd apart."
It was blasphemous to speak the words aloud, and the five kalona shifted and grumbled uncomfortably. This was their herd, this was their family, but it no longer was a place they felt safe. There was kalona pride, and this herd had much of it; but many had forgotten how to respect the power given them. They had become savages, war mongering animals that served Kalona no better than those kalona herds that lived in relative security. It was one thing to want to live securely; to have power enough to drive away those lesser's that looked down upon them.
But the way the great herd had transformed into blood thirsty, wicked, cruel, territory driven monsters was not right. It had to be stopped. They had to try to do something, and fleeing was not a viable option. Not when they would so quickly be missed; not when there were scouts, trackers and punishers whose jobs were to find those that ran and make examples of them.
The herd was probably prepared and planned for a great exodus, especially with how some faithful members had been interrogated. They couldn't risk the slaughter that would come if ever their names were dropped, if ever their plans were discovered.
"We can't do this alone, though. If we make a rebellion, we will need aid from outsiders. From lessers." The pink and white mare started, explaining their first option. "We need to show them we have power, and the lesser's will be a distraction; once we rebel, we have no choice but to win otherwise..." Otherwise, they would all be killed in the most cruelest of ways.
A snort. A black and tangerine striped male pawed at the ground. "We're strong enough to do this alone. We have the families -- good, proud, warriors. If we bring lesser's in, we'll not only risk their hides, but be branded weak and cowardly. We simply need bide our time and wait... We'll find the right moment to turn and take them down ourselves."
"I don't know. . . We have families, but compared to the herd in its entirety, we'll be overwhelmed."
"And what makes you so sure we'll find any aid out there, hmm? Those lesser's don't give a damned about us, and why should they, after the slaughter we've brought them? Even other Kawani kalona, the few that are, would likely spurn our plea. We're better off alone."
Unfortunately, though, there could only be once path walked. They were a group, they needed to stay together, and stand united on one front. The question was, which path would it be?
Just a Little More Time
The choice had been made. The small group of kalona rebels had slipped back to where they were needed in the herd, preparing for the time to come. Something was going to have to give, something was going to have to change. Until then, all they could do was pretend.
Night receded in to daylight, and it was just before the sun reached its zenith that that cry went out. The great Protector and Alpha drew the herd together.
"It appears the Kawani continues to resist, continues to fight." The young Alpha spoke, long fangs gleaming in the sunlight. She was still as stone, smaller than the Protector, whom stood beside her like a statue. "They have not succumbed to their fate. They have not yet remembered that kalona are something to be feared!" A great cry went out, and the Alpha's twisted smile grew. That was what she wanted to hear, wanted to see. Her people which lived for her, breathed for her, died for her. They were all family here, but family which understood that to die in the name of Kalona was the greatest gift.
"We've received word that a great army is gathering, desiring to be pit against us during our most vulnerable moments. It seems word has spread, for they are pitting everything they have against us. They are coming straight for our lands, and they seem to think they are formidable." The mare spread her wings, eyes glittering. "What say you, hmm? Shall we face this enemy?" A great cheer. "Shall we grow strong and conquer? Shall we teach them, once and for all, that they will bully us out no longer!?" Another great cheer.
The Alpha laughed.
"The time to fight is now. Prepare yourselves, for we will soon break them, for once and for all."
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Posted: Sat Nov 02, 2013 9:35 am
Don't Mess With the Voodoo
Some time had passed, and unrest had settled like a fog over the Kawani. A great tension had grown, the large, kalona herd preparing for the onslaught they knew would come. They were confident, proud, and certain that they would stand against this great army moving towards their base. The kawani natives, on the other hand, had continues to seek out help and aid, from the simplest of regular, to the greatest angeni. They were ready and determined to break the bullying herd; some had come to seek vengeance, while others had come simply for justice. Whatever the case, balance needed to be restored.
Skirmishes continued to happen from time to time. The kalona continued to keep tabs on the approaching herd, and while they shifted their guard to one of defense, their arrogance demanded they allow this battle to happen on their lands. A home turf advantage. Though some kalona were anxious to draw first blood, to surprise attack, the Protector and Alpha refrained. They had confidence, and they had a plan.
Finally, the hour drew near. Word had spread from scouts that the great gathering was now mere hours away. The time had come. The battle was nigh and blood would fall. So it was, the great Alpha walked up and down the ranks of her kin, inspecting each one as they settled in preparation. The vulnerable had been moved further back, those too young, too old, or too sick to provide much use; second and third defenses had been set out, aerial combatants and guards were prepared to take to the skies, and scouts and guards continued to monitor the pulse of the land. They would feel the approaching herd before they saw them arrive.
Finally, she spoke. "Today, we fight in Kalona's name! Today we show these lands that we will not be driven away; we will paint the land red with blood, a sacrifice to the great Kalona. Stand tall, stand proud, and remember who you are, and why it is we fight! They, who have oppressed our kind, they, who think us nothing but mindless brutes; they, who deny us our right to live as we choose! We are the predators, they are the prey, and they should best not forget it! We will not allow them to forget it!" The excitement of battle, along with the mares words, was enough to cause a great stirring.
Wings flared, bellows, shouts, roars, snarls, hisses rang out, and it was beautiful for the mare. Beautiful, knowing that this might very well be the last she saw of her great herd, of her great family. How many would die this battle? How many would fall? Their numbers were great, but they were not so great as to withstand a constant assault on their numbers.
"So I say to you -- let us see whether or not Kalona himself stands with us! Let us see whether or not he grants us his favor!" Another great cheer rose up, a new, frenzied sort of excitement overwhelming the herd. "So I say to you, Shaman, bring out the dead! Tell us of Kalona's favor, use your divination and tell us of our fates!"
So it was, a blood stained mare walked out from the shadows, the corpse of a freshly killed badger in her jaws. She dropped the bleeding carcass down and began to chant. It was slow at first, but the mare's words grew louder, stronger, more frantic as she wove words. The herd became strangely still, every eye focused on what this mare might say.
Even the great Alpha and Protector had given the blue mare their undivided attention. Finally, the mare dug her cloven hoof straight into the body of the dead, reaching in to rip at its body, to spill its entrails, ever chanting.
Finally, she gave a loud shriek, staring down at the bones and the blood. "The great spirit Kalona is indeed present, this day, and he has cast his judgement!"
The shaman's words had left the herd in anxious quiet. The great protector looked from his mate to the shaman, his lips curled in disgust. "Clearly, this is a test." He spoke, spreading his wings, tail swishing angrily behind him. Stepping up to the front, the large, beast of a kalona found words to turn the negative outcome to something of hope. "Kalona may not be with us this day, but we will overcome! Even if the spirit is not with us, we are stronger than the bones and blood of some animal; we are as strong as we believe ourselves to be, and I know what we can do. The great spirit may not bless this path, but we are too big to fail!" He all but roared the words, doing his best to revive the recently dulled excitement.
"This is our path. We are warriors, we are fighters, we are defenders. Our kind have been persecuted, and we will rise and show them that we are not to be forgotten; we are not to be so easily broken. This is our time, and I know we will persevere!"
It was not, perhaps, the fever-pitched excitement of earlier, but hope was once again renewed. Even if there were many who saw it as an omen to go against the shaman's words, to go in to battle without the blessing of Kalona, orders were orders. They would fight the good fight.
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Posted: Tue Nov 05, 2013 8:14 pm
It's Always Darkest Before the Dawn
So it was, the two groups prepared. Tensions ran high on both sides, for there was a sense of foreboding finality that hung thick over the lands. While not all in the Kawani cared to get involved in this fight over power and land and resources, while not every soquili wished to get between the opposing forces, there were enough to promise much bloodshed.
Who would live? Who would die? Which side would come out victorious?
It was entirely possible that no clear winner would be decided, even after the two groups separated. There was no guarantee for tomorrow, there was no certainty that either side would be left standing. Whatever the consequence, both sides knew that this fight would be bloody and result in many casualties. There were times for diplomacy, but this time was not one of them.
So, one quiet morning, at the edges of the kalona's stolen territory, the two sides allowed each other to meet. There were no great speeches, no posturing, no fronting for one another. This day, there was only a great battle cry, and a rush of hooves, leather, and feathers as the two sides were given orders to attack. This was not a thing of beauty, but of bloodshed, hate, and power. Some fought for justice, others simply for the thrill; some fought to reclaim their homes, while others fought to keep their land.
This was war.
[Giant Battle Here -- Kalona were doing very well. . .]
Fools!
The Kalona were doing well, and things seemed to be looking up. They were driving those that came to their land back, and the massacre was a thing of beauty to the Protector. To see their broken bodies only reinforced his prejudice, and gave him hope for the kalona race.
They would conquer. They would be feared. They would be remembered. Too many kalona had gone soft, in his opinion, too many had forgotten the true power of their race. They would not let the Kawani forget the foolishness of their ways.
They would fight, and they would win.
Unfortunately, though, things were not as they seemed. While the kalona were doing a good job on the front lines, a cry from his Second drew the stallions attention away from the battle.
"Sir!" The call came out, weak, desperate. Turning his gaze to the source, the Protector saw his Second in Command, wings shredded, his pale coat stained red with blood. It was difficult to discern whether it was his or the lessers, but the gaping wounds proved otherwise.
"Sir, we've been betrayed."
The stallions ears folded and his eyes narrowed. "Explain."
The Second coughed up some blood, completely and utterly bested. "My troupe. . . They came in from behind. Lessers ambushed us from behind, along with . . . Along with some of our own." He explained, drooping from where he stood.
". . . And your troupe?"
"Half dead, sir. Those that remain are trying to secure the heart of our herdlands. But . . . ." He couldn't say it. They were losing the fight. There was grief, anger, sadness, rage, and hate that flashed through the others eyes. The Protector said nothing. His Second was no fool, and looked close to death as it stood. He was no coward, and he knew that if they broke through from behind, their most vulnerable would be at their mercy.
"Then it is done." A small, crooked smile crossed the giant kalona's feature. "Give the signal. It is time."
The Second looked up, before he bowed his head. He would not question, he would not disagree. "Of course. Good hunting, my lord." And with that, the bleeding second pushed off and took once more to flight. His bellow was a strange sort of battle cry, a cry which was soon taken up by other kalona, a peculiar sort of rebel yell that echoed even among those fighting.
The Protector did not bother to return the cry. Instead, he turned and threw himself back in to the fray. The battle was not yet done, and he would buy his kin some time to make their final move.
He was a warrior, but he knew when the odds were against them; he could not have two battles in one. He would not sacrifice those that could or had been told not to fight this day. No. He would play his final card, and they would win.
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Posted: Tue Nov 05, 2013 8:17 pm
The Great Exodus
It was a strange sight. While the battle raged on the front lines, those with a perceptive eye were able to see many kalona taking up the retreat. They were beginning to pull back, and it only fueled the Kawani's resolve.
They were winning.
Rumor had it that not all the kalona were fighting for the enemy. In fact, it was obvious that an internal uprising was catching the blood thirsty warriors off guard. Unfortunately, though, within the chaos, it was difficult to know who to trust and who to depend upon; many kalona had fallen this day, but so had many of the Kawani natives. It was a bloody battle, and for what?
Power?
Fear?
Land?
Chaos?
The peace of the Kawani had been disturbed by this new herd, but it seemed as if justice would conquer. Unfortunately, though, all was not as it seemed. Some kalona appeared to be making aerial escapes, while others had taken to retreating by ground. Some fought their way through, while others retreated into the mountains. It seemed that the herd was making an exodus in pair or small groups.
Some were hunted down and killed, but others managed to slip through due to the chaotic nature of this sort of war. By land, by sky, by hoof, by wing. . . The young, the old, the sick, the healthy, the wounded. The strange, rebel cry had been some sort of signal -- a retreat? No. The great kalona herd was breaking itself apart, piece by piece.
In the end, after the last of the skirmishes had died; after the remaining kalona warrior had been defeated, broken, or driven off, an eerie, restless silence overcame the bloodied lands. Some enemies still lay broken -- but alive. Those of the Kawani could tend to their wounds, uncertain as to what this exodus might mean.
"We should hunt them down."
"We should leave them be."
"They could come back together anytime!" Roared a particularly riled up, blood splattered kelpi-corn. "We must find them, we must purge them from this land!"
"Silence, fool!" Snapped an armored laden regular. The Fresian stallion gave a snort, chest heaving. "This particular herd is broken. But we cannot -- must not -- turn on the innocent. They're not the only kalona in this land, and do not forget the kalona and kalona-mixses that have aided us this day." There was a grumbling from the crowd, some torn about this new uncertainty.
"But what if--"
"If they come togther again. If they continue to persecute, we will find them. Evil does not rule this land -- but spreading hate and mistrust is no better. This was but one faction. . . I suspect the kalona of these lands will have a difficult enough time without your added prejudice and hate. They are not all threats." He nodded behind him, to where a young kalona healer -- not of the Kawani -- was giving aid to a wounded wind. The wind watched with wariness, but the devil tailed stallion continued the treatment, words minced with soft spoken apology.
"If you persecute, I will find you." The fresian soquili stated, tail flicking with irritation.
The kelpiecorn said nothing, though his glower was unrelenting.
So it was, the great kalona herd had separated into smaller groups and single roamers. Whether or not they came back together would remain to be seen, but the Kawani was a large land. They were no longer stuck in one area, one herd that was too large to maintain. Thankfully, this meant freedom for many. . . .
No longer were they under the hoof and rule of the Alpha and Protector. They were free to live their own lives, make their own choices. Some might continue to be aggressive and cruel, while others could settle quietly, have families, or even create their own herds with their own style of living. It wouldn't be easy in the immediate days following, but to be born kalona often meant a life of hardship and mistrust. Only time, and the spirits, would tell what this new surge of kalona would mean for the Kawani and the resident soquili found within.
All the natives could do now was sit back and wait. . . .
[.fin.]
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