Quests & Challenges

@WanderingTurtle
I know, I’m just writing up the different events first before submitting. I find it a little easier to keep the momentum going that way.
Thank you for checking in though. I appreciate it.

@AceChaser

Ah, okay! Makes sense then, good luck finishing any remaining entries! ^_^

Speed skating [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/38696415][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/350/386965/38696415_350.png[/img][/url] Mirrors were made for running. In Wilkes’ mind, What was speed skating, if not running but better! It was the perfect sport. Her sleek form was ideal for this. Wilkes glided around the turn. Weaving around her competitors. She could barely register the impact of the rink on her claws as the blades propelled her further, faster and faster. Each icy breathe, pumped a new cascade of adrenaline into her blood. Mirrors were made for running but in that moment Wilkes was made for skating.

Curling [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/80829743][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/350/808298/80829743_350.png[/img][/url] “Wait- it’s not about eating the rock?” Limniris Asked. Apate sighed and put a claw to her face. Rubbing her brow in an attempt to relieve the tension. “Earthshaker give me strength,” she muttered to herself. “No it’s not about eating the stone. Or licking the stone. In fact there is very minimal touching of the stone. One member will slide the stone down the rink, towards the other members, with the goal of landing on the target.” Basil looked up with sudden realization, “I get it! The other members need to correctly identify the identity and traits of the stone before it hits the target.” “Oh! That makes sense.” “No. That’s not-“ she groaned, “How fast do you think it will take me to teach a chicken to use a broom?”

[center][size=5][b]Saturday: Curling & Ice Hockey[/b][/size] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/14252425][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/350/142525/14252425_350.png[/img][/url][/center] The final day of this year's Winter Games was (at least for Sapphire) was saved for the team events. Normally Sapphire completed in the games all on her own, but this year she'd managed to convince some of her clanmates to join in on the fun. For curling, Sapphire was accompanied by her mate [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/14101968]Obsidian[/url], her half-sister [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/15117280]Dawnwing[/url], and the Clan of Roaring Waters's Ice representative [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/21200230]Belle[/url], who surprised everyone with how intensely focused the Tundra was when it came to sweeping the ice. Their team competed in ice hockey later in the day, joined by Dawnwing's brother and Sapphire's half-brother [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/15117282]Sunset[/url] (whose size and experience as a lair guard made him an excellent goalie) and [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/14696060]TwistedStorm[/url] (one of the clan's Exalt trainers). The two Spirals maintained an aggressive offense with their speed and erratic movements, while Dawnwing and Obsidian provided a solid defense using their bulk and Belle harried any opponent in possession of the puck like a wolf hunting down her prey. All in all, it was...fun. Really fun. Sapphire would definitely have to get more of her friends/clan mates to compete with her next year.

[center][b]Speed Skating[/b] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/92574646][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/350/925747/92574646_350.png[/img][/url][/center] The clan’s youngest member, a former Glacial Orphan that was adopted at the start of the Winter Games, had been watching his clan compete in awe. He followed all their events, cheering loudly for their success, and was already making training plans with [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/3309359/4#post_56075490]Apres[/url] for next year’s game. After all, it was too late for him to compete this year. Or so he thought, turns out there is one event that the clan hasn’t done, Speed Skating. Clan leader Eis had competed in that last year, so no one thought to go for it. While listening around, it seems no one wants to give it go. They just wanted to roam and enjoy the Gala stress-free. When he innocently asked Apres if he wanted compete in the last event, the Nocturne grinned, said he got a better idea, and dragged him off to see the clan leader. “Me?! You want me to compete?” He looked at the two dragons, wide-eyed. “You’re capable of going fast, and I bet you’re a natural on ice. You can sprint to a speed of up to 50 miles an hour!” Apres said. He can go that fast? “Um, but what if I’m not good at it? What if I fail?” Eis just shrugged. "If you can't accept losing, you can't never win. There’s only one winner after all. Do something because you like it, not because you have to prove yourself." They stared at him in silence after that, but they had such a calm, chill air about them that he felt relaxed by it. “Soooo,” Apres piped up, “do you want to compete or not? Remember, you got me cheering you on and you’ll get Eis as a coach! How about it?” He took a deep breath and nodded. “I’ll go for it! Sign me up coach!” “Good.” Eis smiled, but then the smile slowly faded. “You don’t have a name yet, do you?” They shrugged again. “We’ll just think of it along the way.”

***Event closed; no additional entries accepted***

[center][size=5][b]2024 Sornieth Winter Games Wrap-Up[/b][/size][/center] [columns] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=7165160][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/avatars/71652/7165160.png[/img][/url][nextcol][size=4] Thanks for joining us for the 2024 Sornieth Winter Games! Although the weather held out long enough for competitors to finish their events, medal ceremonies this year will be in a slightly different format to ensure clans can travel safely home before the worst of the weather hits.[/size] [/columns] [columns] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=8023219][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/avatars/80233/8023219.png[/img][/url][nextcol][size=4] If our clan is unable to provide winning clans with prizes prior to their departure from the Southern Icefield, prize distribution may be delayed until the weather calms down in a few weeks. [/size] [/columns] [columns] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=7165160][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/avatars/71652/7165160.png[/img][/url][nextcol][size=4] We do have two more survey winners to announce today. For Friday’s survey, @Disillusionist has won, and for Saturday’s survey, @Tues is the winner.[/size] [/columns] [columns] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=8023219][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/avatars/80233/8023219.png[/img][/url][nextcol][size=4] This year 33 clans participated in at least one Winter Games event - with two-thirds of them returning from a previous year. Surprisingly, Cross-Country Skiing edged out Figure Skating to be our most popular event this year, with 28 athletes entering that competition. Twenty-four clans completed six or more events to be eligible for the clan medals.[/size] [/columns] [columns] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=7165160][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/avatars/71652/7165160.png[/img][/url][nextcol][size=4] Participation increased steadily each day with Saturday being by far the busiest day again this year as has been the trend in recent years. We’re looking forward to seeing what happens next year, during the 10th anniversary bash, and hope you are too! Our initial batch of winners have been tabulated, so let’s move straight into the Medal Ceremonies. [/size][/columns] [img]https://imgur.com/WzanP6r.png[/img] [center][size=5][b]2024 Sornieth Winter Games Medal Ceremony[/b][/size][/center] [columns] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=7165160][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/avatars/71652/7165160.png[/img][/url][nextcol][size=4] As we mentioned, formatting is a bit different this year. We’re going to announce half of the individual event winners now and half in our next posting, along with any quick interesting facts and statistics from the competition. [/size] [/columns] [columns] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=8023219][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/avatars/80233/8023219.png[/img][/url][nextcol][size=4] First up, we'll be announcing the victors in Alpine Skiing - Slalom, Cross-Country Skiing, Curling, and Figure Skating. We have a mix of returning clans, longtime participants, and one newcomer on the podium this year.[/size] [/columns] [columns] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=7165160][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/avatars/71652/7165160.png[/img][/url][nextcol][size=4] Of note, WindSky Weyr claimed their 2nd medal in Alpine Skiing - Slalom, although with a different athlete this time. And, in their return this year, Clan Doozie won back to back golds in our first two events.[/size] [/columns] [columns] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=8023219][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/avatars/80233/8023219.png[/img][/url][nextcol][size=4] We actually have a number of clans that are repeat medalists in events - Clan Elemental Gems, our longest active competitors, has managed to claim their [i]fourth medal[/i] in Curling. No other clan has won that many medals in the same event. [/size] [/columns] [columns] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=7165160][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/avatars/71652/7165160.png[/img][/url][nextcol][size=4] Over in Figure Skating, both Ajgreelyfan3 and WhitePhoenix’s clans are making a return to the podium in those events. While we don’t have as much time to highlight individual dragon performances during this ceremony this year, we invite any medalist to share more about their clan and winning athlete(s).[/size] [/columns] [center][img]https://i.imgur.com/wvLUIY7.png[/img][img]https://i.imgur.com/NDun6xa.png[/img][img]https://i.imgur.com/NGSCtLx.png[/img] [/center] [b]Alpine Skiing - Slalom[/b] Gold: @Doozie - Nature Clan - Represented by GooglyMoogly, Lightning Flight Silver: @WhitePhoenix - Light Clan - Represented by Fachan, Wind Flight Bronze: @Deladria - Wind Clan - Represented by Mochimanth, Shadow Flight [b]Cross-Country Skiing[/b] Gold: @Doozie - Nature Clan - Represented by Atiqtalaaq, Ice Flight Silver: @Sylpheed - Nature Clan - Represented by Whitevale, Earth Flight Bronze: @ClockworkEclipse - Arcane Clan - Represented by Azula, Ice Flight [b]Curling[/b] Gold: @Tues - Light Clan - Represented by Nieva, Ice Flight Silver: @HawkMartian - Nature Clan - Represented by Lazuli, Ice Flight Bronze: @Canisa - Arcane Clan - Represented by Jasper, Plague Flight [b]Figure Skating[/b] Gold: @Magmish - Wind Clan - Represented by Eiswein, Wind Flight Silver: @WhitePhoenix - Light Clan - Represented by Saionji, Light Flight Bronze: @Ajgreelyfan3 - Water Clan - Represented by Nereida, Water Flight @pinglist-20160

[img]https://imgur.com/WzanP6r.png[/img] [center][size=5][b]2024 Sornieth Winter Games Medal Ceremony[/b][/size][/center] [columns] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=7165160][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/avatars/71652/7165160.png[/img][/url][nextcol][size=4] Hello - we’re back with the second half of the individual event winners! We’ll be taking a look at Ice Hockey, Luge (Sledding), Ski Jumping, and Speed Skating this time. There’s some [i]very[/i] exciting results in this mix. [/size] [/columns] [columns] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=8023219][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/avatars/80233/8023219.png[/img][/url][nextcol][size=4] Where do we even start? Over in Ice Hockey, we have a clan medaling for their [i]third[/i] time in the event. And the Bronze medalist clan turned around and won Bronze again in the very next event. An Ice clan secured the Gold there - it’s always n[i]ice[/i] to see our fellow flight members join in the Winter Games.[/size] [/columns] [columns] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=7165160][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/avatars/71652/7165160.png[/img][/url][nextcol][size=4] We’ll get to Luge in a second, but first, let’s take a look at Ski Jumping, where the Doozie clan for secured their third Gold medal of this year’s Winter Games. Impressive for a clan in their second year of competition here. I wonder if their outstanding performance in these individual events is enough to secure a spot on the overall clan podium.[/size] [/columns] [columns] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=8023219][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/avatars/80233/8023219.png[/img][/url][nextcol][size=4] In the other events, we see some familiar names represented on the podium, like the The Wild Oasis securing their second Speed Skating medal and Sylpheed picking up two more medals this year. The Lundlaevungar secured the Speed Skating Bronze medal, their first in that event. They are just one event (Curling) away from being the first clan to medal in every currently active Winter Games event, unless our clan adds a new one next year…[/size] [/columns] [columns] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=7165160][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/avatars/71652/7165160.png[/img][/url][nextcol][size=4] Now, you may wondering why we teased the Luge results earlier. Our Gold and Bronze medalists both did a fantastic job, but all eyes are on the Silver medalist, a certain Coatl who has shown grit and determination year after year to finally find her way onto the podium. Our clan would like to extend a heartfelt congratulations to Emerald and Clan Elemental Gems, who have competed in the Winter Games every year since its inception![/size] [/columns] [center][img]https://i.imgur.com/wvLUIY7.png[/img][img]https://i.imgur.com/NDun6xa.png[/img][img]https://i.imgur.com/NGSCtLx.png[/img] [/center] [b]Ice Hockey[/b] Gold: @Acechaser - Ice Clan - Represented by Valentine, Arcane Flight Silver: @ClockworkEclipse - Arcane Clan - Represented by Zerah, Light Flight Bronze: @TroubleinSevens - Shadow Clan - Represented by Odysseus, Shadow Flight [b]Luge (Sledding)[/b] Gold: @Magmish - Wind Clan - Represented by Mothra, Ice Flight Silver: @Canisa - Arcane Clan - Represented by Emerald, Ice Flight Bronze: @TroubleinSevens - Shadow Clan - Represented by Mineral, Wind Flight [b]Ski Jumping[/b] Gold: @Doozie - Nature Clan - Represented by ThingChildXXVII, Nature Flight Silver: @Undermom - Ice Clan - Represented by Janis, Ice Flight Bronze: @Sylpheed - Nature Clan - Represented by Horizon, Wind Flight [b]Speed Skating[/b] Gold: @Sylpheed - Nature Clan - Represented by Farstrider, Lightning Flight Silver: @Leopardmask - Nature Clan - Represented by Bowen, Lightning Flight Bronze: @Lundlaeva - Arcane Clan - Represented by Skald, Ice Flight @pinglist-20160

[center][img]https://imgur.com/WzanP6r.png[/img][/center] [center][size=5][b]Closing Ceremonies[/b][/size][/center] [columns] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=7165160][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/avatars/71652/7165160.png[/img][/url][nextcol][size=4] It’s the moment you all have been waiting for: the announcement of the overall clan medals. Let’s take a quick look again at the field of competitors: Thirty-three clans entered the game this year, and 24 of them entered enough events to be eligible for the overall medals. We did see less events entered this year with a total of 195 competitions vs. last year’s 242. [/size] [/columns] [columns] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=8023219][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/avatars/80233/8023219.png[/img][/url][nextcol][size=4] The competition was dominated by clans returning for another Winter Games with only one-third of participants first time competitors. Ten out of eleven flights sent representatives this year, but Nature clans rose to the top in this year’s competition with nine total medals.[/size] [/columns] [columns] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=7165160][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/avatars/71652/7165160.png[/img][/url][nextcol][size=4] We do have one new inductee into the Hall of Fame next year - congrats @Ajgreelyfan3! We’ll be in touch later with some additional details and to gather administrative data. We had five other clans who marked their fourth games this year; if they all return for the 10th anniversary next year, we will have another large batch of inductees the following year. [/size] [/columns] [columns] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=8023219][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/avatars/80233/8023219.png[/img][/url][nextcol][size=4] Whether this was your first time joining in or you’re a returning participant, our clan appreciates each and every one of you who came out and celebrated the Gala with us. All the athletes deserve a round of applause for their efforts this year! [/size] [/columns] [center][size=5][b]Clan Medalists[/b][/size][/center] [columns] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=7165160][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/avatars/71652/7165160.png[/img][/url][nextcol][size=4] Now we get to the fun part - the overall clan medal winners announcement! First, the bronze medal goes to @Disillusionist - a Light clan making their seventh trip to the Winter Games this year. Although no dragon individually medaled, strong performances across the board propelled this experienced clan to their first clan medal.[/size] [/columns] [columns] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=8023219][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/avatars/80233/8023219.png[/img][/url][nextcol][size=4] The silver medal spot was claimed by the clan who helped Nature top the medal count this year - @Doozie, competing in their second Winter Games. Their clan claimed three gold medals already this year, with this second place spot bringing their medal total to four. We’re excited to see how this clan performs in future Winter Games, given their stellar performance this year.[/size] [/columns] [columns] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=7165160][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/avatars/71652/7165160.png[/img][/url][nextcol][size=4] Well, this is a first for us! We’ve never had a clan repeat as the overall winner - until now. @givemeyourbones continued their strategy of waiting to enter all their events until the last day of the competition, and it paid off again this year, somehow. This is their fourth year of competition and third time on the overall medal podium, with the gold last year and a bronze medal in 2021. Definitely keep your eye on these dragons if they return to the Winter Games next year, as they will be the team to beat. Congratulations on your well-deserved gold medal and making history here this year![/size] [/columns] [center][size=4][b]Clan Medal Ceremony: [/size] [/b][/center] [center][img]https://i.imgur.com/wvLUIY7.png[/img] @givemeyourbones - Shadow Clan [img]https://i.imgur.com/NDun6xa.png[/img] @Doozie - Nature Clan [img]https://i.imgur.com/NGSCtLx.png[/img] @Disillusionist - Light Clan [/center] [columns] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=8023219][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/avatars/80233/8023219.png[/img][/url][nextcol][size=4] The gold, silver, and bronze medals were spread out over seven flights this year. For the first time, Nature led the medal counts, earning nine across all events. Home field advantage hasn’t been a factor in years, but it’s really nice to see Ice clans continue to pick up a few medals in the face of the strong competitors from across Sornieth.[/size] [/columns] [center][b]Medal Count:[/b] Nature - 9 (Gold: 4, Silver 4, Bronze: 1) Arcane - 5 (Silver: 2, Bronze: 3) Light - 4 (Gold: 1, Silver: 2, Bronze: 1) Shadow - 3 (Gold: 1, Bronze: 2) Wind - 3 (Gold: 2, Bronze: 1) Ice - 2 (Gold: 1, Silver: 1) Water - 1 (Bronze: 1) [/center] [columns] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=7165160][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/avatars/71652/7165160.png[/img][/url][nextcol][size=4] Although we didn’t have any clans join the Hall of Fame for [i]Clan Achievement[/i] this year, as mentioned, there will be a new inductee next year. Any clan* who has attended five Winter Games will be inducted during the opening ceremony the following year. It doesn’t have to be consecutive, so if you take a year or two off, your past participation will still count![/size] [/columns] [i]*Based on a comparison of usernames from past Winter Games entries; if you have changed your username or I simply missed you, please let me know!![/i] [columns] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=8023219][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/avatars/80233/8023219.png[/img][/url][nextcol][size=4] Prizes have already begun to be distributed. As long as the wind doesn’t pick up too much tonight, we hope to finish distribution today. If not, there will be a delay in the deliveries until conditions return to normal. Thank you again to all who participated and cheered from the sidelines! [/columns] [columns] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=7165160][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/avatars/71652/7165160.png[/img][/url][nextcol][size=4] For anyone who hasn’t made their way home yet, thank you for sticking with us and safe travels! It was nice to see longtime returning competitors, such as Sapphire and Fireclaw, even if they didn’t place this year. We hope to see [i]all[/i] of you back next year for our 10th Winter Games - if you’d like a ping then, please subscribe to the post on the bulletin board [front page post]. Please enjoy the rest of the Closing Ceremonies as we begin the hoisting of the flags and the parade of athletes, followed by an artistic performance, which showcases life here in the Southern Icefields.[/size] [/columns] [i]I suggest saving any medal earned to your computer/own photo hosting account, just in case.[/i] @pinglist-20160