Quests & Challenges

[url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/70818270][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/350/708183/70818270_350.png[/img][/url] Alessia sprung into action as soon as the Sunbeam Guards delivered their message. Years of training had taught her how to act in this kind of situation. Although not extremely prepared, she knew how to fight even weaponless. Her teeth and claws and skill would be enough. She barely gave a thought to the fact that she had won the crown for the time-being. Time was of the essence right now. Glancing around, she noticed that some dragons had frozen with terror and uncertainty. She quickly urged them to follow the dragons who were leading the crowd to safety. Some dragons were too terrified to move. Alessia was frustrated; her claws were itching to go fight to protect these dragons. But she couldn't show her frustration with them, lest they become even more uncooperative. As she was encouraging dragons to get moving, more dragons approached her anxiously. "What's happening?" "What do we do?" "The Luminax is back?" "What if we want to help fight?" Flaring her wings, she shouted over the commotion about the limited knowledge she had on the situation, and why they had to get to safety immediately. She said that she would go and fight, and whoever wanted to accompany her could come, as long as they were trained. Dragons around her were nodding. Alessia noted with some satisfaction that some looked less panicked now that she had stepped up and taken charge in the chaos. "Help the other dragons," were her parting words to the dragons staying behind. "Follow me," she said to the dragons who were willing to fight with her. With a mighty flap of her wings, she rose into the air. Some Crown Adventure participants were escorting dragons to safety amid the chaos, while others, like her, were flying up into the air towards Luminax. Determinedly, she flew towards the sound of the roaring, leading her small group of dragons into battle. [b]Daily Question:[/b] Alessia thinks that the hardest part of being a leader is gaining the support of the followers while also doing the right thing. Sometimes what the people want isn't what's best, and leaders need to be able to make the right decisions, even if they're hard to make.

[center][b]Day 3: Hewn City[/b] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/49886956][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/350/498870/49886956_350.png[/img][/url][/center] All was going smoothly with the presentations, Delta feeling rather good about how hers went, until a deafening roar shook the rubble. A wave of cold washed over Delta's wings, slithering down her back and claws. She recognized that sound from last year. It was the sound of an angry Luminax. Delta exhaled, ruffling her wings in order to keep herself focused. She whipped out her staff from its holster, ready to use it at any moment. She navigated through the crowd of dragons, who were aided by a few dragons escorting them to safety, until she found the party ready to fight Luminax. They were going to divide into three groups, one for each head. Delta nodded. That was the best way to distract the Emperor as well, and it would have a much greater chance of success than one big battle. Delta swiftly walked towards the Fire head, as she figured that was where her water magic would be of use the most. ----- [center][b]Daily Question[/b][/center] Delta thought for a minute before responding. "Personally, I think the most difficult part of being a leader is being able to consider [i]every[/i] point of view. There's so many moving parts in leadership and you need to be able to consider every single aspect of a problem and a solution and how that solution will impact so many facets of the population. For example, back at home, whenever I try to organize the meals, the hatchlings will have [i]very[/i] different opinions on what is satisfactory compared to the adult dragons. And you have to consider all of those opinions and try to think of the best possible compromise that will leave the most dragons happy."

[b]Day 3: Mirrorlight Promenade[/b] [center][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/534875][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/350/5349/534875_350.png[/img][/url][/center] Odin's frustration at not winning the crown from Turing was short-lived, for how oculd he remain annoyed when there was an Emperor waking so close by! His Seekers cawed in alarm as the beast started to roar. He hushed them quickly to listen to what the organisers were saying. The event was cancelled - not surprising, really. He could fully understand why Light could no longer continue with a frivolous festival event when Luminax was about to rampage through the Sunbeam Ruins. But he had so wanted to win the crown! Still, there might be a chance for him to prove himself worthy if he joined the task force. Perhaps if he showed himself to be a capable warrior and leader of dragons, Light might give him their crown anyway. He was sure he could convince them of such an outcome, if only he could impress them in the fight against Luminax. His Seekers saw the gleam in his single remaining eye and ruffled their feathers, croaking in agitation from their perches beside his pauldrons. 'Hush, hush, now: all will be well,' he promised them as he wove his way towards Napoleon to find out which way to go to join the task force. As he approached, he realised the Wildclaw was directing volunteers in three directons. He slowed his pace to confer with his familiars. 'Which should we face: Wind, Light or Fire?' Muninn clattered his beak against Odin's frills, reminding him of Frigga, Odin's mate and one of the few dragons in the clan who could habitually trounce him in combat. 'Yes, yes, you are quite right,' he murmured. The Light head, like Frigga, could deal him some serious damage with its radiance and illusions. In addition, the Wind head shared Odin's element, and might be wise to his abilities. That left only one choice. He marched up to Napoleon and declared himself a volunteer to fight the Fire head. ----- Napoleon sent him to join the correct task force, and as he departed the Mirrorlight Promenade, Odin found himself accosted by an eagre Coatl with the [b]Daily Question: What is the most difficult part about being a leader?[/b] 'What?' Odin spluttered. 'I thought the event was cancelled?' However, he was not willing to mess up his chances by failing to answer a simple question, no matter what else was going on. He ignored the distant roars and the crowds of panicked bystanders and determined warriors streaming past, and focussed on what he had been asked. 'I suppose the most difficult part is remaining calm in a crisis,' he said, raising his voice as Luminax bellowed from afar and dragon close by shreiked in terror. Odin did not flinch from either sound. 'As leaders, we must strive not to cause panic by panicking ourselves, and to reassure our followers - whether they are a Clan or a Kingdom or even just a family.' He turned towards the Emperor's Wake and took a breath. 'No matter how great our personal fear, we cannot show it, so that our followers know that we are strong enough to face whatever trials may come - even if they are an Emperor!' With that, Odin turned and hurried away with his back straigh and his head held high.

[center][b]Crown Adventures Hewn City - Day Three[/b] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/6704337][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/350/67044/6704337_350.png[/img][/url] As the sky's bright light is encompassed by the looming silhouette of the emperor, Prince launches from their perch, heading straight for the Emperor's Wake. Towards the most center head of light. On the way, they streak past Reginald, making one quick pass at the crown before they fly into peril. Prince has trained for battle. Are they prepared for this though? They're about to find out.

[url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/135938][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/350/1360/135938_350.png[/img][/url] [b]Day 3[/b] Reginald blinked. Stared. Blinked again. Somehow he had a crown now. He wasn't even sure how that had happened, or who'd he'd gotten the crown off of in the first place. He tried to remember, but his mind turned up blank. Huh. Oh well. If he didn't remember, it wasn't important in the first place. Some of the members in the crowd were asking some asinine questions about who knows what, and Reginald with the air of a gentle grandfather nodded and smiled benignly and acted as if he wasn't zoning out. It's not his fault he was zoning out, okay! He'd had a long day. Do you know how long it takes to [i]walk[/i] anywhere? He was a giant pink Snapper, he doesn't got no wings. Or well he does, but— Okay, you know, yeah, let's not go down that path. Wings + Snappers = Sadness. His wings fluttered in consternation, and Reginald sighed. And then there was a deafening roar, and everyone snapped into action around him. Reginald blinked. Stared. Blinked again. Huh, he was doing a lot of blinking today, wasn't he? Today was just full of surprises! Some other dragon—what was their name again? Mura? Muramana? Mural?—was gesturing to him and the other crown bearer that Reginald had totally been paying attention to earlier and totally knew their name. Totally. It wasn't like he was selectively blind and deaf to everything that didn't concern him. Definitely not. "Well, howdy," Reginald greeted, ambling over and tipping his hat in greeting to the other two dragons. It was kinda weird that Reginald was wearing the crown [i]on top[/i] of his top hat, but no one ever said Reginald was stylish. "I'll certainly help ya. Got nothin' better to do," he said, as if there wasn't a monster on the rampage that probably needed every able-bodied dragon to help contain. Plus, it wasn't as if Reginald was much of a combatant. The most he could do was act as an eyesore and potentially distract the Emperor. He was a lumbering giant, a pink mass that couldn't sneak up on a blind person, let alone a rampaging Emperor. He'd be as useful as a used up wad of gum. Though bubble gum could be very useful, thank you very much. Just maybe not in a fight. ------ [b]Daily Question[/b] Reginald doesn't think you need anything to be a good leader. Which either means that Reginald is the perfect leader without having any outstanding qualities, or he's a big fat liar and doesn't feel like telling anyone anything. Something tells me that it's the latter. But to him, being a leader is as easy as waking up in the morning. So no difficulties to be seen here. Except maybe in looking for a new hat... Reginald likes his hats. ----- @/Jeevas @/ClockworkEclipse Reginald will help out! I can't say he'll be useful, but at least he's there? xD

The hardest part of being a ruler is remaining impartial. To always consider what's best for the group, and not let personal relationships get in the way. To have fair dealings with those you do not like, to make choices you loath, to do things you would much rather not.

[b]Day 3[/b] @reFaux [columns][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/326267][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/portraits/3263/326267p.png[/img][/url][nextcol][quote]"I... Well, I mean, I should... That is to say, that..." Thor found himself unable to answer the grand wildclaw, his stuttering not likely to reach him as he moved to speak with a pearlcatcher nearby. Thor was furious. "Pshaw! These youngsters..." SpriteWish shook his head, his orb glowing once again. "He wasn't all that young, Thor. In fact, he presented you with a genuine question - why [i]should[/i] they trust you? Words and magic can only take you so far. What you must follow them with is action! Anyone can take to the stage and make promises, but to follow through with such promises shows true leadership. You could learn a lot from these 'youngsters', you know."[/quote][nextcol][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/57377814][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/portraits/573779/57377814p.png[/img][/url][/columns] It wasn't long before Thor would get his chance. As the chaos surged, the elderly wildclaw began to make his plans, with his familiar offering a good suggestion. [img]https://www1.flightrising.com/static/cms/familiar/art/18615.png[/img] "Thor! Now's your chance. Assist these dragons, and guide them to safety." The wildclaw glanced around, his eyes surveying the few calm dragons amidst the insanity. [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/326267][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/350/3263/326267_350.png[/img][/url] "No, they have that covered. Any action I take here will be dimmed by the others. We'll head to Emperor's Wake - the fire one - and take on the Luminax ourselves." SpriteWish grunted. "....'We'?" "Yes, we! Come along, Sprite! I'll show them that they can count on me!" The sparkling goblin hopped on his companion's back. "I think you may have missed my earlier point..." "Nonsense." Thor smirked, and he ascended. But not before he took a swipe at one of the crowns below... [b]Daily Question[/b] "Working out the best course of action for all, and, wherever possible, discovering the balance between those who agree, and those who do not." - Thor

[url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/52697045][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/350/526971/52697045_350.png[/img][/url] Hearing the news, Trophy immediately leaps into action. "[url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/59641751]Glister[/url]! [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/58884866]Sir Kitry[/url]!" His companions are at his side immediately, knowing what will be asked of them. "Follow the main attack force. Find the leaders of the Sunbeam Guards and follow them without question. I would join you but..." he looks grimly into his mate's eyes. She nods. As an Imperial, if he falls fighting Luminax, he might be absorbed and make the monster even stronger. It is not for his own safety, but the safety of the legions of Light that he flees. A Lightback Slink has been following him around all day. He turns to it. "Can you deliver a message for me?" Delighted at having been noticed by the shiny Imperial, the Slink wriggles all over. Clearly it would love to deliver a message for him. "Go to Clan Aquaurora and send word to Aoide and to the rest of my knights. [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/57677953]Sir Whiffle[/url] and [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/62693858]Sir Ciara[/url] must come and aid the battle--and any of the warriors of the clan that can be spared." He looks back to his mate and his foremost Knight. "I'll personally send a courier to the lair of [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/lair/496659/1662836/1]Alaglesia[/url]. He will not let the Sunbeam Guards fight unaided, and he has warriors enough and to spare." Glister smiles grimly. The lair of her birth is indeed renowned for its warriors. "Trophy...one more thing." She carefully slips a large and bulky bag from her back. The fabric is a loose weave, and several large glowing objects are visible inside. His expression softens as he takes it gently. "Of course." The reason they had come to the Light region in the first place--their annual clutch of eggs. He carefully settles the bag in between his wings. "Now go." Glister and Sir Kitry immediately follow the many warriors approaching the Sunbeam Guards. The Lightback Slink takes off in the direction of the Water flight. Trophy lifts himself into the air and uses the reflective surfaces of his scales to draw the attention of every dragon nearby. "Calm yourselves, my friends. We cannot escape Luminax if we panic. Arrange yourselves into orderly groups, and follow me." He looks around for any other dragons from his group that are doing the same. He spots [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/73617101]Marsala[/url], who apparently hasn't yet made up her mind, and flies over to her. "I know that [b]one of the hardest parts of being a leader is making difficult decisions on short notice[/b]," he says to her quietly, "but now is the time to prove yourself. Prove you deserve that crown you currently wear, or you will be challenged next time. Now I'm not taking advantage of the confusion, but I think you ought to be careful. Stay near me if you want, or seek out the Sunbeam Guards if that's what you think you should do. But be wary, be watchful, and think of the dragons you may rule someday more than you think of the crown. That is all." He banks away from her and continues to lead the groups of civilians away from the Emperor's Wake. ((@Magmish)) [b][LIST] [*]Escorting citizens [*]NOT challenging this round [*]open to RP; slow [/LIST][/b]

[center][b]Day 3[/b] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/51493094][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/350/514931/51493094_350.png[/img][/url] [size=1][s]If you've noticed that her wig keeps coming on and off, I can't figure out which look I like better for the life of me[/s][/center] [quote] Zicatela watched as dragons crowded around her, asking for her advice and support. It seemed her disability had no effect on these dragons, if anything, it seemed to make them more curious, a few asking her how to perform the rune magic she was using to portray her speech. She did her best to answer each question, Hakone at her side lending his voice when possible. Some of these dragons also took an interest in Nissi, asking her about what it was like to have such a role model as a mom. Zicatela couldn't help but blush. Then, a positively demonic roar split the air. Zicatela felt her stomach sink when she heard the synchronized trio of voices. She instinctively spread her wings out, ushering her daughter and the group of dragons around her behind her as the Sunbeam Guards came through bearing the news of Luminax's awakening. The event was canceled, homes were destroyed. Lives were in danger. For a moment, time froze for Zicatela. Their lives were in danger. She turned to look at her daughter. [i]Nissi was in danger.[/i] It was a secret she had never told anyone, not even Hakone, in fear that it would be used against her. Her daughter was her charge, which is why she couldn't bear to say no when Nissi insisted to come along. After all, what was a Guardian without her charge? How would she keep her safe if she couldn't look after her, even if for a week? But in doing so, she brought her to the danger. Shame, fear, and anger flowed through her veins, and she had to squeeze her eyes shut to avoid tears from escaping. No, she wouldn't cry, she wouldn't give it away. "Mom?" Nissi asked with an unsure voice. Time came back to Zicatela in that instance. Her daughter was looking to her for guidance, as were the crowd around her. She heard The commotion around them as dragons panicked to flee, the only reason the group around her themselves stayed was because her wings were currently shielding them from the mayhem. Zicatela took a deep breath. She looked to Hakone. [i]"Hakone, you must take Nissi and our new friends and run,"[/i] Zicatela linked him. [i]"Those imperials, Lilac (@GrayGriffin), Gild (@Airbuddy), and Trophy (@Bxy26) go with them, help them, and anyone along the way!"[/i] "Zicatela?" Hakone said in disbelief. "Wh-what are you going to do?" The dragons around them watched intently, knowing that Zicatela was linking Hakone privately. Zicatela's rune floated around her head. "I am going to fight, to give you all a chance to escape," Her runes said, before linking Hakone again [i]"It's about time I learned."[/i] With that, she gave her own roar in response, a primal war-cry that sounded ancient, and turned and ran towards the dragons that were gathering to fight. She was careful to avoid stepping on anyone as she bounded in the opposite direction than most of those who were fleeing. However, it was borderline impossible to miss crashing into at least someone, that someone being the Guardian that was the last heir before the event was canceled, Marsala (@Magmish). Zicatela tripped and almost crashed into a few other dragons, but quickly shook off the mistake. She threw her head over her shoulder and gave a small trill of apology, the best she could do given the circumstances, and continued running towards the frey. As she arrived, she found dragons gathering into squadrons. She had heard that they were to fight individual heads, but she wasn't sure what that entailed. She looked around, was there even time to ask? Her rune magic hardly ever wrote out her thoughts instantaneously, and who would want to read at a time like this? it would be easier if she could just speak. She growled, thinking for a split second that it would be easier with Hakone here, but then she shook the thought from her head. She refused to endanger him! Then another thought popped in her head. Telepathic communication came easily with a strong bond, typically with bonds such as between mates, but with enough magic and focus, she may be able to make a temporary connection with someone, at least that's what the scholars in her clan theorized. But who could she connect to? She hardly knew anyone around her, and there was no guarantee that anyone would let her into their mind willingly, it was a little intrusive after all! Her eyes scanned the crowd, but eventually settled on a familiar earthy obelisk, Bane (@styygian). She remembered him from the speeches yesterday, and something about him felt like a safe bet. She saw him giving instruction to some warriors, and she knew that he was just as concerned about the wellbeing of these dragons as she was for her daughter's. She took a deep breath, and gave a quick prayer that Hakone would forgive her if he ever found out. It's not like she was cheating on him anyways, there was no time for that! With some breathing and focus, Zicatela envisioned herself reaching out to him as you would reach out to a friend in need, with grace and respect. Nervously, she let her mind speak an invitation to a connection between them. [center][i]"Hello?"[/i][/center] [/quote] Note: Her bumping into Marsala was so I could do a crown roll at least once before we get too far into things. Lame, I know. Regardless of what happens, I'm going to face off the Fire head Also to everyone I pinged, I hope it was okay to do so! If not, I apologize! Just ping me back if you want to interract! [center][b]Daily Question - 3[/b] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/52934221][img]https://flightrising.com/rendern/coliseum/portraits/529343/52934221.png[/img] [/center] [quote]Hakone and Nissi lead the dragons towards where everyone was regrouping to flee. Many of the dragons murmured among themselves, many of them were scared but some of them were in awe about how the the contestants were taking the lead. So many dragons from all over Sorneith were leaping into action to help them! "Wow, I would never be able to run towards a battle like that," one commented. "I agree, the decision for me would be easy, I'd run away!" another said. "Well, that's why these dragons were chosen, they're natural leaders and protectors!" Another said. "This would have to be one of the tougher parts of being a leader, deciding to go into battle or help your people escape," said a fourth. "Though, that begs the question, what would be the hardest part of being a leader?" "Living with the past," Hakone said solemly. "Wondering if your decision was the right one, the what if's of it all. What if I had done something differently, what if a mistake could have been avoided, what if I had saved that life? Sometimes a dragon does things he regrets, like opening his mouth and trying to bargain for more time. Being a leader means living with those decisions for better or for worse, and if it's for worse, living with the consequences and trying to move on from them without breaking." The dragons exchanged glances at one another, realizing he was talking from personal experience. [/quote]

[center][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/portraits/781898/78189716p.png[/img] ----- [center][font=optima][color=354b64][size=5]DAILY QUESTION[/size] ----- The most difficult part about being a leader is when things don't go to plan, which they always do. We see far too many leaders who are more than content to lay the blame on others when things go wrong, rather than having the respect for the people they lead and owning up to their mistakes. It isn't easy to admit to any faults or wrongdoings - but it is important as a leader to do so. ----- [center][font=optima][color=354b64][size=5]DAY 3[/size] ----- [size=4][font=optima][color=354b64]Hearing that same whispering voice that had once warned against her working its way to her, Audora bristled at the sight of the busy Wildclaw. He certianly had words for everyone he met it seemed, and she got the feeling he thought himself above her. [color=7b9ec6]"Don't we all wish to reach our goals. That's the point of a goal. If you knew of my clan you would know none of us are against a little force in the right places. I care not for your goddess's forgiveness nor your own. What gives you the right to determine whether my actions are justified, hmm?" [color=354b64]She challenged him, openly, and without care for his response turned to her chosen crown-bearer, eager to try her hand for the crown again. ----- Having failed once again in her conquest, Audora squared away her frustrations and tried to remain positive, posture relaxed and faintly self-conscious as she jokes around. [color=7b9ec6]"No less to be expected from such a fine one as yourself, it was a pleasure to here your wisdom, and I'll reflect some on what you've said." [color=354b64]The rose gold imperial was indeed befitting of proper recognition, even Audora could admit that. [color=7b9ec6]"Best of luck keeping that crown, you'll not have challenge from me again." [color=354b64]And with that she turned away. Before she could make it much further though her gaze was caught by the only other dragon to challenge Zerah for the crown. The same vaguely familiar wildclaw, also resigned to loss. The niggling feeling that she knew him somehow was wearing at her compusure, so she was determined to get to the bottom of it. [color=7b9ec6]"Apoligies for approaching you out of the blue, but I couldn't help but feel a sense of familiarty from you. Do correct me if I'm wrong, but it wouldn't stop working at my mind." [color=354b64]But before she could waait for a response, a deafening roar split the sky and the peaceful air quickly devolved into chaos. Dragons fled in every direction, running over each other in an attempt to run. Audora quickly saught a vantage point, climbing atop a ruined building to address the situation. The emperor had risen, and already many dragons were rushing to subdue it. A few had attempted to gather the citizens away and evacuate the area. Audora filled her lungs, ready to lead a rallying cry when she caught sight of a young hatchling cowering undersome rubble and cursed. She dropped from her perch and scurried towards the little one, pulling her from her hideaway, scooping her up and carrying her away on her wings. She stopped whenever she could to pull others up from the ground, and direct others to safety, but the little one nestled on her shoulders became priority. She saw that several of the crown-bearers were acting similarly, guiding the citizens out of the danger zone, and she directed any citizens she could towards them for direction, darting through the rubble and quickly-forming battlefield to rescue any that had fallen. Her heart tugged her in two. She knew she could help the fight, but there was no point if others were placed in danger that she could have helped.[/color] ----- @ClockworkEclipse Audora has nothing but respect for Zerah now, and will help out with the evacuation job. Hopefully she isn't put off by her challenge. @Disillusionist Can't seem to get rid of me. Audora is as persistant as all my darling imperials. @ReFaux I hope you don't mind a bit of drama, Audora's getting a little offended at your narrowing down on her attentions, but she's not afraid to bite back. :) @Jeevas Is Audora going to take the momenrary confusion as an opening to try to swipe the crown while REginald is distracted. She may care for dragons, but she isn't that selfless. Watch your back. @Rosoidela Audora is here to help the evacuation process, please take care of her!