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The Kateri Herd Thread - important read

~NOTE: this herd thread was written many years ago and will need updating to eradicate the term "skinwalkers". Please bear with us as we work on updating things!



The Father:




Name: Viracocha
Role in Herd: The Second in Command - This is sort of a Protector-in-training position and is one more of learning than action. He sits in counsel with the Protector and Archangels as well as with the other side of the herd - the Alpha, Heiress, and Thrones - on a regular basis to learn the ins and outs of the herd and how it's run. This position is often held by a Son of the Alpha and Protector, or an adopted Son.
Personality: He is a leader, even if he doesn't really think of himself that way. In his mind he just sees what needs to be done and gets it done. He wants his brothers to be safe and happy and he would do anything to make that happen. In some way he feels he owes his life to them, as if in making sure they are safe and happy he somehow is atoning for the deaths of everyone else in the herd. Inside he carries a lot of guilt that so many died and he lived, so he is constantly trying to make it up to the world, to make his life worth the exchange that was made.

He doesn't place a lot of value on his own life and would sacrifice it in an instant to save another - even a stranger. Keeping his brothers together and safe is the only thing that holds him back even a little when it comes to danger. He has a lot of pain and anger built up from the loss of everything they knew, but he keeps it buried in order to lead the group. Every now and then he likes to sit in silence with Tahir and just let the emotions wash over him. Tahir was so affected by their traumatic past that it reminds Vira of the feelings he keeps suppressed, and so Tahir's company is soothing to him, a way to outlet his pain through another's.

Story: When the brothers found the remnants of the Old Herd Vira was able to take a step back with Abigail and Apocalypse in charge. For a while he tried to rest and heal, as Abigail suggested. But he couldn't stand being idle. He found a new role in leadership, helping to guide and protect the herd. He has dedicated himself wholly to the continuation and preservation of the herd and all those who seek its sanctuary. He was eager to increase their assets and with a fortuitous meeting of a strong mare he entered into an agreement for the betterment of both the Kateri and the herd from whence the mare had come. They had three children, two daughters who went with their mother and a son who stayed in the Kateri. While the alliance made was obtained as planned, the loss of his daughters took a toll on Vira. He and Tocapo could visit them during certain times of the year, but Vira always regretted not being able to know his daughters better.

There was a new loneliness inside him. In a swirl of uncertainty about his place in the world, in this herd, of what he wanted from life, he took to wandering to find answers. On one such adventure his life was forever changed when another mare came exploding into his life. He was struck by her immediately, drawn to the wildness of her spirit and the indomitable honesty of her soul. A rare jewel that brought him focus in his clouded mind. With her by his side he finally felt complete, whole. He realised what he was missing and knew that he could never be without her again.

And now she has given him the greatest gift he could ever receive - the chance to raise his own daughters.

The Mother:



Name: Leesa Meadows
Role in Herd: While it is not an official role, Leesa is a therapist of sorts, helping other members to accept change, face their fears and break out of their comfort zones.
Personality: Leesa is extremely out-going, wild, spirited and loves to spend time chatting and having fun with other soquili. It isn't unusual for her to make light of situations, never letting the tone become too serious. She doesn't tend to linger on the what if's knowing it does very little good to dwell on situations that could be considered regretful or diminishing in some way. She spent most of her life finding faults in her self after her former herd life and relationships turned sour and had to spend a momentous amount of time finding herself again and striving for change and personal betterment.

Story: Leesa fully expected Vira to vanish when she approached him having never seen such a beautiful creature in her lifetime. She blamed the vision of him on the adrenaline of just jumping off a cliff in to a body of water and almost drowning but the fantasy of him soon became a reality. Every day since then has never been dull and if there is even a hint of quiet Leesa finds something to help them loosen up and find fun to help distract from the responsibilities Vira bears for the herd and it's members; If it isn't Leesa making all the noise and entertainment then their kids certainly are!

The Only Brother:



Name: Tocapo
Role in Herd: Powers - Scouts are sent far and wide, bringing back information either themselves or via a swift or winged familiar that aids in the protection of the herd. They are the first line of defense for trouble, and are needed to be swift, silent, and able to think on their feet. They are solo workers and answer directly to the Day/Night Commanders in the chain of command. They are the reconnaissance, and are vitally important to the herd's secrecy and survival.
Personality: Toca is a stallion who is very talented as a scout and fighter, but less talented in social situations. He is dutiful to a fault and serves the herd and their beliefs with pride. Training, fighting, scouting, these are things that are second nature to him. He's stronger than his peers and with his claws and wings he has even more advantages that he can put to use for the herd. But the herd does not always see him as a member. Not really, not always. While the herd is making strides towards welcoming others - those who are not unicorn - too many of the members are still purists. While none would ever openly say or do anything against him for the sake of his father and for the alpha of the herd who had condoned the match between his parents, he still feels like an outcast. He feels bitterness towards his father for his own existence, for the deal Vira had made for something so impersonal as an alliance. He can't fathom any reason to give up a single child, let alone two. He mourns the loss of his sisters as if they were dead, since he is only allowed to see them once a year, if that. They are strangers to him when they should have been his first friends. For this reason Tocapo and his father do not quite get along, though they always treat each other with respect.

This emotional isolation took its toll on Toca in the form of him not knowing how to simply socialize with someone - a fact that became glaringly obvious when he met Lona. She was the first to look upon him not with fear or disgust or indifference, but as a stallion of worth. As a friend. And as so much more. The burden he had felt all of his life died away when he looked at her, but so too did his ability to form coherent sentences, or so it seemed. He realised how absolutely foreign simply conversing was and how he himself had never been complimented for anything other than doing a good job for the herd.

Slowly, he is learning what it is to truly belong, and to truly have a family.

Still, he's a quiet stallion and a bit awkward when it comes to being emotional.


Story:


One of the Sisters:



Name: Brigette Stone
Role in Herd: Principalities - Also called Princes and Princesses, these are the Warriors of the herd. They can be fearsome fighters, and can be difficult to control in a group environment. They tend to work alone and answer only to the Day/Night Commanders in the chain of command. They can sometimes be attached to Patrols as added muscle, or sent on specialized missions with Scouts when additional force is needed. In times of peace they tend to spend their time in training, honing their skills eternally. If and when jobs that require their strength or skill is needed they pitch in around the herdlands.
Personality: Brigette is strong in both body and mind and loves to hone her skills in her free time. She is extremely adept and talented but she is sometimes too careless. She's self-assured and confident, arrogant even. She clings to the invincibility of youth and believes herself peerless in her fighting abilities. She's sarcastic and sometimes caulous but never intentionally hurtful. She's brutally honest and can seem very hard on the outside, but she truly wants to protect the innocent at any cost. She keeps the horrible things a warrior must do hidden behind her mask of sarcastic wit.
Nothing phases her. Her bravery is legendary among the herd members even this early on into her life. She always leaps first without considering consequences. She seems to go looking for adventure at every turn, pushing the boundaries of her own physical limits constantly.

Story:

The Other Sister:



Name: Larissa Oceantide
Role in Herd: Dominion
Personality: Larissa is a lot like her mother in the sense she takes every opportunity to talk to her fellow herd members. Every time she spies someone in passing she will be the first to greet them and will make every effort to approach them and start off a conversation. Even if they try to edge away and escape, Larissa will find some reason to keep the conversation going until she is ready to let it go. She can be annoying in that sense but is a bug for gossip and has a need to know every little thing that's going on so she isn't left in the dark. While people know of her love to talk they can be sure that their secrets are safe with Larissa, she might know everyone's business but she isn't about to share and spread the important stuff when it isn't hers to tell.

Because of her sociability Larissa chose the role of dominion so that she could escape the watchful eyes of the ruling herd members. She may have a habit of causing scenes by being a little too playful and fun-loving and this tends to catch a lot of negative attention and reflects badly on her father so in order to respect his role, the leaders and other officiates, she now tries to act more restrained in these tendencies and waits until she is out of sight and out of the boundaries of the main herd grounds to be free of stigma.

Guaranteed she is the first to arrive at the edge of the herdlands and can be seen pacing back and forth restlessly for the others to arrive, eagerly awaiting the moment they depart to collect herbs and food for the herd. She often spends this time teasing and irritating the guards and more so when they set off as she sneaks out of sight to go explore on her own and will persuade others in the group to share in these deviations.

Story: Has yet to be written!

Their mother:

Your username: Juliette06
Pony name: Pachamama Breeze
Meaning (if any): Pachamama is, in one legend, the daughter of Viracocha, the Incan god of creation; she is personified essentially as a "Mother Earth" figure. Breeze is to keep with the theme of the other sisters/mothers' 2nd name.
Personality:

Pacha is not like her sisters. In fact, of her entire family, she's actually probably most like Tocapo, not that she would ever venture to say so out loud. She doesn't know if she's quiet naturally or if she's quiet because her sisters are so not, but either way, she got used to being as close to invisible as a daughter of the second-in-command can be.

She's not upset about it, not really. She knows her parents love her very much, and there's nothing she wouldn't do for her family. Pacha feels deeply, and is perfectly capable of carrying on conversation, but most of the time, people don't really want to converse, they just want to blabber about pointless frivolities, or worse yet, talk just to hear their own voice. Pacha's voice is quiet, but she shares it with those she deems worthy of her time. She knows, in her heart, that they're the ones who are missing out on something special, not she herself.

Pacha does not resent her sisters in the least. In fact, she's grateful for them; they want attention, Pacha does not, and that works fine for her. Pacha prefers to learn and to listen, and to do so with privacy, not with the eyes of others on her. She absorbs information like a sponge, and - while she's not anywhere near the level of her mother - when people do notice her, they notice that she's good at really listening, and when Pacha gives advice, it will be measured, reasoned, and practical.

She doesn't have any desire to leave the herd, most of the time. Why would she? There's plenty to do there, plenty to keep her busy. Plus, she could never leave her father. He dotes on all of them, and she knows it would break his heart if she were to turn her tail away from her family. Pacha may not know the full, horrifying background of her father's fierce protection, or the wariness behind her uncles' eyes, but she knows there is a hurt there, and when she can, she tries to be a balm for them. She doesn't perform antics, she doesn't proudly display her latest hunt; she's just...there. She'll sit or lay with them, and simply be there, and Pacha thinks this is one of the kindest things a being can do for another.

She does, at times, worry about the future. She has the sinking sensation that soon, one way or another, all eyes will be on her, and unlike her sisters, she hasn't had a lifetime of preparation for the moment. Maybe she'll keep hiding, or...

Sometimes, Pacha thinks about stepping out and being seen. Just a little. Only if it's something she's very, very good at and something that will help many, many people. Or something that makes her heart pound in the way she thinks it can, even though nothing has ever lit her up the way she knows her sisters have been. Maybe, she lets herself think, when she's alone with the stars and the moon and the sky, maybe she will be the remarkable one. Maybe she'll find her confidence and be able to move from the placid content that has been her life to...something like real happiness.

Maybe. Someday. If she's brave enough to try.

(Temper: Reserved)

Plot ideas:

- Sister RP!: Give it to me. Give me the girls growing up together, how they play off each other; do they resent Pacha for being so quiet and aloof? Do they try to drag her along on adventures? Does Pacha have to be the voice of reason? Now, as adults, are they close in spite of their differences?

- Where I Belong: Pacha is like, fine, where she's at, but she's never really experienced truly intense emotion, because she keeps everything at a hoof's length (ha ha). I'd love something to spur her, especially if it brings out her protective/fighterly instincts. She needs to find her place in the world, and in the tribe (not necessarily in that order).

- Parent RP: Duh. As middle child, and the quietest, do they overlook her? Do they pay her special attention? As grownups, what expectations do they have for her specifically, if any?

- Halp!: Maybe she decides to go with a Scout (or another leave-and-come-back member), and maybe she gets lost. Either as a child or a very sheltered adult. Could be fun!

- They've Got A Heart of Gold, Daddy, I Swear: I know it's expected and all but like...........imagine. Sweet little Pacha who never made waves in any manner whatsoever, accidentally falling for a 'Lona or 'Walker and being like "here's my significant other that I'm in love with! c:". The uproar. The drama. (Or, just, if she gets knocked up by Someone and won't say who and then oops her kids have fur/scales!)

Roll in herd: Probably just a member to start with. If she was forced to choose a role, she'd probably go with Caregiver, because children are easier than adults. She'd be an excellent young-child teacher, with her persistent calm and the ability to treat everyone like an adult, whether they're acting like it or not. Otherwise, I think I'd like to develop her a little bit before settling on a set-in-stone position :3c
Anything else? Did you know that in 1997 a University of Nebraska sophomore named Jeremy Sonnenfeld became the first person to "knock 900", meaning he had a perfect bowling score of 300, 3 times in a row? I didn't know that.

But seriously folks - I do love to RP. I'm just easily distracted. Never be afraid to poke me for replies or plots or what have you. Also, I love you, and thank you for this opportunity!

Your username: Melomar
Pony name: Pluvia Mist
Meaning (if any): Pluvia is Latin for "rain"
Personality:
- As a foal: Notoriously mischievous. Almost always comes home from a day out in the field smeared with grass stains and flower petals. She is an adorable amalgamation between grubby tomboy and wannabe healer.
- As a mare: The "perfect" image of a unicorn: horn, hooves, tail. Gentle but sprightly and energetic. Simple, sweet, practical. Pursues healing as a lifelong mission. Was slow to blossom but she is a gifted healer and devotes her life to the craft. She is fearless and if her studies bring her to an important or dangerous decision she moves forward with strength and confidence.
Plot ideas:
- Pesters her only brother and tries different ways to get him to play. Her big goal is to get him to smile. She knows his role is difficult and dangerous, and he is important to the herd, but everyone needs some joy in their lives.
- As a foal, discovers a new herb and brings it home to study. It is a dandelion and she gets pollen all over her chin.
- As an adult, discovers a new herb and brings it home to study. It has no name or distinction and she proceeds to test how it may work. She gets awfully sick when she consumes it but is not in mortal danger. She discovers that it is a numbing agent when she swallows it and tries it out on a wound. The wound ceases to cause pain.
- Always: cares deeply for her family and can become dangerously protective of them. This may become a plot point in the future? Maybe somebody is put in a perilous situation and needs saving. Suggestions: with a bear, with a cavern or ravine, with The Law.
Roll in herd: Seraphim
Anything else?
I like RP but I also love to plot, knowing that people may have very busy schedules... but if you ever want to chat about the possibilities for ANY plots ANYwhere/anywho, let me know. Melomar#7227. (Offer up to anyone reading this)

Your username: ~Kiana_Nala~
Pony name: Pallavi Spring
Meaning (if any): New Leaves | Spring
Personality: Pallavi has a deeply compassionate and kind heart that she freely shares with others. While many believed she would walk the path to become a Seraphim, Pallavi knew her place was with the foals of the herd. She also is keen at listening to others troubles like her mother and giving gentle guidance when needed. Her heart is as tender as a snowflake is delicate.

While Pallavi has always held deep affections for the herd and all that they hold dear, she has also seen how her family has become torn by some of the decisions and traditions of the elders in the herd. It's caused her great turmoil as she feels a duty to uphold those traditions, but like any youth, desire for some changes in terms of acceptance. Her sister Larissa being a perfect example of greater acceptance within the herd.

Coming from a family of very independent and strong-willed unicorns, Pallavi has always felt a little adrift in comparison and likely a reason as to why she clings to the traditions and ideals of the herd more than others. While her mother and sister Larissa are social butterflies, Pallavi is much more subdued and quiet in comparison, preferring to keep quiet unless it's with foals or members of her family.
Plot ideas:
Damsel in distress - Pallavi gets herself into a big pickle and needs her family/herds help. Would love if this could be a sisterly plot.
Mute - Whether as a result of the turmoil idea or something else, I think Pallavi would shut down and for a time, refuse to speak. After this though, I think she'd eventually have a healing arc and learn to use her voice again.
Heartbeats - How does one measure their actions? In a series of heartbeats. This is where Pallavi gets to shine and realize she's just as strong as her family, in her own way.
Roll in herd: Cherubim
Anything else? I'd love to RP and would definitely use the opportunity to flesh her out more. I love when my characters go through some turmoil, so would happily love to cause some chaos for Pallavi in the future to further herd and family plots! I know the plots are a bit vague, but with RP I'd definitely flesh her out more and discover those new plots.

Your username: Avid_RPer18
Pony name: Quenti Vale
Meaning (if any): Quenti - Incan meaning hummingbird ; Vale - English meaning wide river valley.
Personality: Quenti is a soft spoken ambivert who is perfectly capable of actively engaging with those around her, but she's also entirely comfortable listening to the buzz of conversations around her, spending quiet time alone pouring over records and gathered information or communing with spirits. Quenti's bookish, quiet, and understanding. She's not a shrinking violet however, and doesn't retreat from difficult situations or conversations that she may find herself a part of. Never when she's on duty, but when she's comfortable in the company of very dear ones or when she's alone (or thinks herself alone), Quenti has a surprising snarky streak. Not wanting to bother or worry others, Quenti may tend to keep her own worries or stresses to herself, until the issue becomes too big for her to mask or tend to on her own. She has a deep abiding love of history and tradition and gets a lot of fulfillment from her position as a Throne, especially in the preparing and performing the rites and rituals that the herd at large may require.
Plot ideas:
- Personal Rituals: Quenti has a deep belief that rituals can be healing and meaningful to those that need them. They don't need to be a big productions or involve lots of others. Whether it's something small, like to celebrate overcoming an illness, a safe return after a journey, or something bigger, like honoring the loss of a loved one, celebrating a birth, and so forth, she'd be happy to work with individuals or families to come up with a little something just for them.

- Can't pour from an empty cup: With her desire to be available and attentive to the spiritual (or historic/informational) needs of the herd's members, plus maintaining and retaining as much of the herd's records as she's able to, Quenti may well come to a point where she, getting caught up in giving and giving and giving, that she starts wearing herself thin, not paying mind to when her more introverted side needs the solace of solitude to recharge; or simply not letting herself have a break, feeling like if she isn't doing something, then she's not doing her job. An aside from her mom or dad, or any of her family potentially, would do well to get her to see that she needs to take some time for herself. Alternatively, she could reach a breaking point and need to withdraw in a more significant way or wanders away from the herd for a time to reflect and get to feeling more like herself before returning.

- Unexpected Favs: This could be from her foalhood and/or continue into adulthood, but Quenti could seemingly glom onto friends, family members, or other herd members that one wouldn't expect her to, be they drastically different in personality or demeanor; especially so if said favorites don't belong to the herd, are interesting/worrying hybrids ('lona or otherwise). She'll be wary of charmed walkers and would likely give them a wide berth unless they've done something significant to earn her trust, but it's not entirely out of the question! She will not be taking questions or comments at this time, thank you.

- Wait...You, we, I...what?: I picture Quenti as being rather oblivious in regards to romance, more subtle flirts and romantic signs will go sailing right over her head, potentially even oblivious if she herself is being flirty to someone that she may be interested in. Either the one who is showing interest in her, an outside observer, or a family member would likely have to bring it to her attention that yes XYZ is friendly behavior but there is deeper interest! Hullo! The evidence and chemistry are there! [Ex: I would like to court you, if I may.; Soooo, you've been flirting back and forth with ____ for almost three weeks now. Are y'all an item ooor?; Oh my goooosh, just kiss already!; etc ]
Roll in herd: Throne - Scholar/historian/record keeper/assistant in spiritual matters
Anything else? I love working with RP and plot partners to build backstories and plots together. I'm on Discord pretty much everyday and can be reached at TheTeaCoon#8729.

Your username: Uta
Pony name: Quilla Tundra
Meaning (if any): Quilla is taken after the Incan goddess "Mama Quilla" who was the goddess of the Moon--a nod to Dad since his name ties in with the Incan god. Tundra just felt right given how pale her coat is -- and given her sister's names are Stone and Oceantide, it reminded me of the hills and waters of the arctic.
Personality: Quilla isn't at all like either of her sisters. Where Larissa is talkative, and Brigette strong, this young mare has grown up to be more of a supporting character. Many hours she has spent listening to her sister, or conversing with her when there was no one else to talk to; she's also more than happy to support and encourage Brigette with all her ferocity. To say Quilla's will take on more of a support role would be accurate; she's more happy to step out of the light and give her sisters an even greater chance to shine.

That doesn't mean she isn't friendly, or strong in her own right. Quilla's best asset is her compassionate and empathic nature. She has a tender heart, and loves her family, and her herd. She would give anything to make sure they all are able to live happy, secure lives, and if she can sacrifice for the betterment of others, than so be it. Quilla can be, perhaps, a bit of a martyr. She'd rather find herself uncomfortable or put herself last so others might come before her. She doesn't do it consciously, but she's definitely a giver and anything she can do to leave others happier, or better off, is worth it to her. This means she can burn herself out, and not realize what she's doing. She may need her parents or sister's support more than she realizes -- and more than she allows herself to have.

I am intentionally leaving her personality with some room for growth through story and RP. She will always be a big homebody and needs some time and development to come into her own. But she will always be there to love and do whatever she can for the good of her family and the good of the herd.

Plot ideas: Admittedly, I like characters to tell me exactly what they want as I haven't had a chance to RP her... but here are a few general things I think might be interesting! All subject to change based on RP or other stories she gets involved with, of course!

1. Family Time -- I would be eager to better explore her relationships with her sisters, and her parents. Depending on her relationships with her siblings, or her parents, that might affect future stories or open new ones up.

2. Give A Little, Take A lot -- I could see her her compassion and support being taken advantage of -- if not by someone in the herd than an outsider. She's not very good at setting boundaries, especially if it's something she can do. If it's a fellow herdmate, it could be that neither are really aware of it and it obviously doesn't have to be malicious intent -- same if it was some outsider. But perhaps her family notices that she's giving more than she can and needs to intervene or help her to set some boundaries. This could tie in to another plot where she does learn to say no, or accept/learn that it is okay to not 'do it all'.

3. Homebodies -- As a prospective Seraphim, this empathic little mare is all about healing. But unlike some of her fellow Seraphim, she much prefers to stick closer to home. This might prove to be a source of conflict. Should she take after many of the other Seraphim who wander and heal those outside of it? Is it wrong to stay where she's most comfortable?

4. What Lies Beyond -- Quilla will likely eventually have to wander sometime in her life. While she's more than happy to heal her fellow herdmates, or teach others as she grows/matures, the call of helping those beyond the borders will eventually cause her to try to travel and roam. She could well encounter strangers. Depending on who she runs into and how those encounters go could have her stomping right back to the herd.

5. A Kalona In Need -- Given the great prejudice against kalona, it might be interesting to have her face a kalona or mix-kalona in need. She'd probably be very wary and cautious and test that prejudice. She couldn't rightfully leave one wounded... Depending on which kalona or kalona-mix, and the outcome, could make her more prejudice against them or less.

6. A New Struggle and a New Path -- This is a little more dramatic and not necessarily going to happen, but what would happen if a unicorn's horn broke? Perhaps in her age, something happens -- perhaps there's a landslide, perhaps she gets in some fight she can't get out of it, etc. But if her horn got chipped or even broken could she still heal? With such pride as a unicorn, or such pride in her healing, I feel this could give her some additional development. It's a little more dramatic than I usually go with my stories, but given she's expressing interest in both Seraphim and Cherubim roles, I wonder what would happen if she struggled as a healer? Perhaps, with her age, she would need to find a new path and instead would help care for others in another way.

OOCly, I am not necessarily saying the above plot will happen -- would want to talk to you guys both to see how you feel or see what stories we could come up with for her down the road. I'm 100% okay with that not happening... I'm also not sure if the Kateri herd would allow a character to change their path/role in case something does go amiss ICly. Can also nix this idea if it doesn't sit well with the family, but it's just there as a possibility for development for Quilla and her relationships with her sisters and family, as well as the herd overall. I like my happy-endings so I have no doubt, whether this plot actually happens, or it doesn't, Quilla will find her place in the herd and embrace it and settle with age.

7. A mentor / mentee -- As the herd expands I feel like, regardless of her position, she would share her knowledge and skills and experience with younger generations or new herdmates -- eagerly so! It would surprise her if someone took such an interest in her life and skills, especially given how highly she thinks of her siblings and parents. But it could help her realize she has more to offer than she believes.

Roll in herd: Seraphim -- She does have some interest in rearing foals as well, so Cherubim intrigued her as well. Possible if something happened
Anything else? Love the herd concept and love this couple! They're gorgeous and I can't wait to see it continue to grow. I'm always game for family RP and herd RP -- and other stories and plots. I'm a little bit of a slow RPer sometimes, but I love seeing how characters grow... and have always been a sucker for close-knight family and herds!

I suspect she'll be loyal to the Kateri and, when it does come time for romance, will probably look for fellow pure unicorns. She's way too young for that yet but... as side stories go I think I'd probably see her as a uni-purist for her own interests.

Thanks for running the contest!