Quests & Challenges

@reFaux

(I’ll format this later. I’m on mobile atm)

Midori relaxed, but cocked his head to the side when he noticed the Wildclaw’s amusement. He sent the couple of civilians away with directions to safety and approached.

“That does sound like her, getting stuck in her own mind and getting wrapped up in principles. But hey, she keeps me straight. But she needs to worry more about herself first.”

Midori’s posture shifted when the Wildclaw mentioned how he sensed he was up to something. Deep within his eye sockets, pinpricks of light glowed - just for a second - at the mention of a stranger doing him a favor. The shade-like shadow vapors that escaped his sockets billowed every so slightly. He wished his bare skull held the Skydancer’s signature emotion-sensing gem at this moment. He took solace in the fact that others most likely have just as much trouble reading him.

“A competitor doing us a favor? Alas, there must be a catch…?”

[b]Day Four:[/b] [center][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/534875][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/350/5349/534875_350.png[/img][/url][/center] The heat of Luminax's conjured flames was almost unbearable. Odin's armour soon began to heat, and he was forced to sacrifice a thread of his Wind magic to cool the metal with a constant swirl of air. It was a waste of magic when they needed every scrap they could muster to fight the dread Emperor - but necessary to stop him cooking in his own breastplate! He was grateful that his pair of Seekers stuck close, fanning him with their wings and blowing the smoke clear from his face. As he swooped around the head they were tasked with fighting, he caught sight of [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/42588655]another Wind fae[/url], working hard to rally the rest of the fighters with their magic. He couldn't recall their name, but he heard their call clearly enough - encouraging all those who heard it to keep going, no matter that the battle seemed unwinnable. Odin wished he'd thought to take charge like that! A moment later, the Fae [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/3141488/36#post_51631614]fired a disorienting attack[/url] towards the Emperor's head - why had they done that? It would only draw the creature's anger back on them, and on dragons only recently healed and still recovering! Quickly, Odin drew on his faltering reserves of magic. Perhaps if they attacked together, it would be enough. They were both Wind dragons, after all, and he thought he recognised their spell attack. He hastily hurled a hurricaine of Wind magic towards Luminax, in the hopes of truly dazing its Fire head -- and perhaps buying them a brief moment to regroup? ---- Darting for shelter behind a pile of rocks to avoid a plume of flame, Odin found himself squashed beside the coatl who had accosted him yesterday. He seemed worryingly unconcerned about the battle raging around them as he asked the [b]Daily Question: Should a leader take risks, or should a leader play it safe in order to protect his or her team? Why? [/b] Odin glanced at the fire still pouring onto and around the rock that was their shelter, and decided he had time to answer. 'Risk always should be weighed carefully,' he said over the deafening roar, 'But I believe they are sometimes necessary. After all, safety is not guaranteed. You can walk the safest path through the Starwood Strand, and still fall prey to its dangers through no fault of your own - simply through ill forture.' The fire ended at last, and Odin readied himself. 'So in conclusion: no, I do not think a leader ought to play it safe, but nor should they take action without thoroughly considering the consequences. If they deem the risk worthy, then they ought to take it.' With that as his parting comment, he leapt out and back into the fray. ---- OOC: I hope it's okay to pull Ramses into this briefly, I'm enjoying Odin answering the daily questions in-character (and in-story) far too much. XD @shoydragon, I didn't mind the ping at all and I enjoyed reading your Day IV! :D You're very welcome to bring Odin into your posts if you like - I'm not very experienced with RP but I'm open to him being included if that works for you (and I'll do my best to respond to posts that mention him). :)

[center][font=Courier][size=4][b]DAY FOUR[/b][/size][/center] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/77327950][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/portraits/773280/77327950p.png[/img][/url] [font=Courier] Independent was holding herself back. It was hard to, with hot blood coursing through her veins, heart pounding against her ribcage, every muscle and instinct screaming, [i]KILL THAT THING![/i]——working from within an organic body was so damn [i]annoying[/i] sometimes. Independent's power sang in her bones, prickling out across her skin in waves and making her teeth [i]ache[/i] with the longing to just. Let go. Stretch a little. But [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/78497698]Decipher[/url] flew ever by her side, somehow able to divide their attention between muttering spells to knock away magical attacks from the fiery head and keep an eye on Independent. They snapped their teeth by her ear whenever she started twitching, skin jumping out at odd places in odder ways, and the harsh sound jolted the mirror back to awareness, focus. Duck to the side to dodge a flailing claw the size of a scythe. Swoop in to land a sharp-clawed strike against the head's face. Backflip away from Luminax's tossed head, narrowly avoiding being gouged by a horn. Bite back the roar building inside her chest, pressing insistently against the back of her throat, begging for release. [i]Slay it[/i], the instinct demanded, a hiss for Independent's ears alone, except it rebounded and echoed like bells, growing only ever more tempting. [i]Aren't you [b]hungry[/b]?[/i] And Independent's stomach (metaphorical) gurgled in want. [i]Snap[/i]. Decipher's teeth scraped down the metal side of Independent's helmet, the nasty shrill making her jump. "Sorry, sorry," she muttered, but within her helmet, she was grinning, biting her tongue, hard enough to bleed, letting that metal flow within her mouth and savoring its taste. Keep her here, keep her now. Slash, strike, dodge, catch a breath, dive back in. Only claws, only teeth, wing and tail. Body against body, flesh against flesh. That was fair, that was rules. Not the time to play with her food. [center][font=Courier][size=4][b]DAILY QUESTION 4[/b][/size][/center] [font=Courier]Independent takes risks [i]to[/i] protect her own. Cautious is hardly a word in her dictionary. She's a ride or die kinda gal.

[center][b]Day 4 - Daily Questions: Wednesday[/b] Should a leader take risks, or should a leader play it safe in order to protect his or her team? Why?[/center] "It depends on the team and the situation." Marsala knows it sounds like a cop-out, but it's true! "I tend to play it safe to protect others. I usually work with villagers: helping older dragons gather supplies, looking after hatchlings and searching for anything missing. In those cases, there's no need to take risks and potentially put innocents in danger. Sometimes I would join a group of travellers and protect them on their journey. If they are willing to take risks, and we have properly accessed the situation then I will go along with their plans." She thanks Ramses for his time. He's doing his best, but she worries about General Napoleon and the others that have been sent to fight Luminax. Not hearing from them for so long is concerning. Since everyone has been evacuated safely, she prepares to leave the area to see if anyone outside is in danger and needs to be escorted here. [center][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/73617101][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/350/736172/73617101_350.png[/img][/url] [b]Day 4 - Escorted citizens to safety[/b][/center] Marsala could only stare at the Imperial in shock. She could not forgive such careless actions. The audacity! Feeling a headache is coming on, she is grateful there are other leaders in this area. She's not sure if she can deal with this right now. Seems many of them have brought dragons from their previous locations here, Luminax affected all of them. Such a dangerous foe... whatever should she do with this irresponsible Imperial. Then one of the dragons she had spoke with approached her. The Guardian. She had suggested they should try Redworms to bond with their child, and she hopes they're not here to complain. [center]It's worse. Their child is missing![/center] "I'm on it," she assures the parent, that's the priority for her. She gives a whistle. “Lily!” She calls out for her Awakened Familiar, always lurking nearby. Due to Marsala’s large size, it would be much more difficult to find someone so tiny. In situations like this, she can rely on Lily’s tracking skills. “We’re looking for a [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/3141488/26#post_51621280]tiny Fae hatchling[/url]. Lead the way, I'll catch with you soon!” She turns back to the Imperial. For a dragon so large, he shrinks under so many furious stares. Reckless as his action was, it was brave of him to confess. Perhaps he can be redeemed. "Can anyone please keep a close watch on...I'm sorry, what is your name?" [center]"Lumi."[/center] Really, Lumi? She stares at Lumi and then the crowd warily. He does sound remorseful, but she can't simply let him go, fearing a riot. "Is there is a private room you can stay in Lumi, just for the time being?" Away from the angry crowd. She's angry as well, but some of their suggestions are...harsh. Best to separate him from the others until emotions subside. "If any of the leaders wants to guard him, that would be appreciated." She wants to see what the damage is like first before deciding what to do with the Imperial. The punishment should suit the crime. Maybe community service to repair all the lairs that had been destroyed? She's about to take flight, when a [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/3141488/37#post_51631912]Brilliant Psywurm[/url] runs towards her and a familiar dragon following after it. It's one of the crown contestants. She heard her yelling at Lumi, but they both believe no harm should come to the Imperial. "It's nice to meet you." She greets the two and does a quick curtsy. "I'm truly sorry, but I have to go and look for a missing hatchling. Is there something you need?" She spots Lily already sprinting towards Emperor’s Wake and resist the urge to fly towards her. She also sees the Guardian parent hugging a Tundra, both nearly in tears. A thought occurs to her. [center]"Are you also looking for someone?"[/center] —— Short shift at work so I had ample time to write this, but an extension would great for anyone who needs it!! Maybe Marsala can chat with some dragons, she’s on the way to make sure the hatchlings [u](Fae, Tundra, Guardian)[/u] are safe so if anyone wants to tag along just let me know which of the three areas you’re exploring! ??Since there’s no Explore decision, I’m keeping it vague. I made Lily good at playing tag and hide-and-seek, so she can help find the hatchling(s) under the [u]pile of bones (Fire), the marble column (Wind), or shade of a tree (Light).[/u] @Jeevas - Hihihi!! You saw how many stairs there are, it could happen! Although Luminax is HUGE. I don’t think that size on the map is accurate. If it is, I’m surprised they’re able to keep them in that spot for so long :o Maybe they’re not very coordinated and would struggle getting up there... I don't know much about Luminax, but I think we got to make them run laps or something (maybe use the Royal Races arena after clearing everyone out), that'll make them tired! I know they're like zombies, but apparently they do sleep? Also pinging @Bxy26 - not sure what Trophy will do, but feel free to hang out with Murasaki and Marsala! No worries if he wants to deal with the Imperial. Sidenote I wrote a lot, oh jeez.

@Lyncina

Oh hmm... the idea of Vallan dropping the crown works. They could have been in a hurry and the crown fell off and they didn't notice

[center][font=century gothic][size=5]continuation[/size][/font][/center] @jeevas [columns][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/7001491][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/portraits/70015/7001491p.png[/img][/url][nextcol][quote]A competitor doing us a favor? Alas, there must be a catch…?[/quote][/columns] [columns][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/57377814][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/portraits/573779/57377814p.png[/img][/url][nextcol][quote]Maybe there is a catch, maybe there isn’t one. It’s a decision befitting today’s question, don’t you think? Will you take the risk of accepting a stranger’s favor knowing you might [i]owe[/i] them or will you play it safe albeit … no risk, no fun, [i]hmm[/i]?[/quote][nextcol][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/7001491][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/portraits/70015/7001491p.png[/img][/url][/columns]

@Lyncina Sure! I was planning on having Alessia save the dragon but I don't mind adding some tweaks and making her the dragon in need of saving. ----- [center][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/70818270][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/350/708183/70818270_350.png[/img][/url][/center] Alessia wanted to fly at full speed toward the battle she could see that had already started, but she knew the importance of saving her energy. As her small group of dragons approached Luminax, she vaguely noticed that her crown was gone. Probably stolen in the chaos, but she couldn't spare too much thought about that right now. She had a battle to win. Roaring, Alessia plunged into the thick of the fighting, clawing and biting down on the neck of the wind head. However, Luminax was too large, and with just a swing of the neck, Alessia was thrown off. She frantically flapped her wings to regain her balance and she tumbled through the air. Maneuvering through the debris and other fighting dragons, Alessia launched herself at the great Emperor again. Luminax blows out a strong gust of wind that Alessia was only able to avoid by veering off course. Her eyes watered so she closed them and navigated purely on instinct and her other senses. When she opened them again, she studied Luminax. It was difficult to see how injured the dragon was, but the dragons fighting alongside Alessia were starting to get injured and worn out. She could tell that their movements had become more sluggish and weary. Alessia herself was starting to get a bit tired. This great beast was a tough opponent and she hadn't fought anything quite like it before. She dived back into the fighting but as her best moves were constantly ineffective against Luminax, she started to despair. [i]Is winning even a possible option for us?[/i] she wondered. She shook off the thought however; she needed all her energy and focus in the moment, fighting. Out of the corner of her eye, Alessia noticed Luminax about to slash a young dragon who was being thrown around in the wind. Without thinking, she launched herself in front of the dragon and took the blow for herself. Claws ran down Alessia's flank and hit her wing. She shrieked in agony and tried to fly away. However, without the full usage of one wing, she faltered and dipped lower to the ground. Gritting her teeth, she tried to fly farther up and away, but her wings couldn't support her and she fell to the ground. She was bleeding heavily, and through blurry eyes, she noted the Emperor stalking slowly toward her, eyes fixed on their prey. Staggering to her feet, Alessia tried to take a fighting stance, but her wing dragged on the ground and she was weak from blood loss and the energy she had spent fighting was gone. But she had a warrior's spirit, and she lifted her head determinedly, and vowed she would go down fighting. [b]Daily Question:[/b] A leader should take the necessary risks to show that they are not afraid to take a blow for the team. If a leader always sits back and lets others do the work, people may start to lose faith in the ability of the leader to actually take action.

[center][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?p=lair&id=30450&tab=dragon&did=2177898][img]https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/eojtxe9q91m67tz/lighttop.png[/img][/url] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/62799774][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/350/627998/62799774_350.png[/img][/url] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?p=lair&id=30450&tab=dragon&did=2177898][img]https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/p556sald781qozi/lightmid.png[/img][/url] [font=Fantasy][color=#7f4000][size=6][b]Day Four[/b][/size] [size=5][i]Relativity of Risk-Taking and Safety[/i][/size] [size=3][i]Daily Question[/i][/size] [size=4]Zerah is in the middle of helping yet another drake caught in the tumult when he hears it. One of his sons has let out a rather indignant cry, his eyes locked on the sky after [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/42588655]a rather small fae.[/url] He is in the middle of thinking about how, technically, all fae are small compared to imperials when he sees it. There is an heir's crown atop his head. A familiar crown. [i]His crown.[/i] The Fae was off before he could even cry out after them, clearly headed towards the Emperor. He cannot help but glower after him, listening as his sons curse after the drake for snatching something from someone being sensible. He needs to remain calm and help those in need. Let the reckless fae chase after glory with eyes of fire. They will show their integrity here by helping those in need. As he works, though, he cannot help but think about another question on leadership. Risk taking. The fae stole his crown, then raced off to face a very great risk in fighting an Emperor. He had tried to keep his own crown while helping others, seemingly a safer option. Which, in reality, it was. Three Imperials on the front lines, dancing with death... well, as he'd said before, the drakes of the Light Flight do not need another Emperor stomping about. And yet... playing it safe all the time isn't the best thing to do. He knows he was right this time. One only had to look at Luminax to know that. However, a king who sits in their castle and waits for safety while war rages outside looks insensitive to their citizens, if not downright uncaring. Sometimes, risks must be taken. A king must rule their people by example, and show they are willing to put their life on the line. It's why there are heirs, after all. In case the king, or in some cases queen, lost their life protecting their kingdom. He can still hear his sons griping to themselves, and sometimes each other, about what had happened as he finally comes to a conclusion. He approaches them, resting a wing against each one to quiet them. [b]"I understand why you would be upset. We did the right thing, but lost our crown because of it. However, that is the risk we took. We can hold our heads high knowing we did what was best for the drakes that live here. And that Fae is no different."[/b] The two look confused as he continues, peering at the Emperor rampaging in the distance. [b]"Unlike us, that fae will not become an Emperor if he falls on the front lines. If he fails, there will always be another soldier ready to fight. If we were to fall..."[/b] The two were quiet as they remembered his warning. Another Emperor. They didn't want to become one, and with the chaos of this, alongside the festivities... it'd be easy to miss three fallen imperials in the wake of an Emperor. [b]"It is best to only take great risks when it will not endanger those about you. If we had been, say, Guardians, or Wildclaws, I'd have given you orders to fight instead of flee."[/b] He can see the two are still disappointed, but it's better than griping in front of the dragons being evacuated. Knowing that they had at least heard his answer to their quarreling, Zerah leaves them to continue their own work as he moves to continue providing aid. He does not expect the imperial seen before to return, nor what he has to say to them all.[/size] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?p=lair&id=30450&tab=dragon&did=2177898][img]https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/4cwrijo741uf1jb/lightmidsmall.png[/img][/url] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=68405820][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/coliseum/battlesprites/684059/68405820.png[/img][/url][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=69984154][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/coliseum/battlesprites/699842/69984154.png[/img][/url] [size=5][i]The Stray[/i][/size] [size=4]The pale imperial stares at this imperial, the one his sons had pinned to be trouble from the start, and listens to what he has to say. His sons stand in the back, still pondering what [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/3141488/8#post_51558448]one of the other former heirs[/url] meant when she said she prayed for them. Well, that and everything else that has happened so far. He can see the disdain from other contestants, and even citizens evacuated to the area. His name, apparently Lumi, would elicit a chuckle from him if it weren't for the circumstances. Clearly a fanatic of the Emperor, even in name. But now he stands before the judgement of his peers, his almost fellow contestants, and even his conscience. At the same time, the Tundra from before approaches him, worry knit on her fuzzy brows. A concerned mother... and a missing hatchling. For a moment, Zerah recalls another face, so very similar to hers, frantically asking if he's seen [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/76976030]a young mirror[/url] in his lecture hall. [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/61101931]Pale feathers and deep green eyes,[/url] boring into his own as that sing-song voice, sharp in pitch with worry, rambles about how the young mirror so loved learning from him about magic... [i]"It's been almost a week! Surely he must be in some sort of trouble... You're sure you haven't seen him...?"[/i] He snaps out of it, motioning with a wing to his sons. [b]"Don't worry. Eosphoros will search for your hatchling. He has a keen eye, and a way with the young ones that'll lift spirits when they are found."[/b] He turns to [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/73617101]the guardian,[/url] who bears a crown from one of the other contestants. [b]"As for Lumi, I will keep an eye on him. I'd like to try and learn more about what drove him to try and become one of the undead heads of an Emperor when we are taught so young to never befall such a fate."[/b] Perhaps it would be wise not to mention that he himself is fascinated in what drives others to go to such extremes for power? Either way, he sends Eosphoros off to search, then settles next to Lumi. [i]"What about me?"[/i] Zerah looks at his remaining son, the image of patience itself down the last hair on his fluffy mane, the Starsweeper Dejah tucked under his wing. Zerah takes but a moment to reply. "Help search with your brother. Just don't go after the Emperor. We don't want you to succeed where this drake failed." He motions gently with his wing to Lumi, leading Hesperus to simply nod his head and take off. He trusts his sons to follow his orders. They always do, after all. He does not notice when Hesperus whispers to Dejan, causing the wisp to dart out of the orb at one of the current crown-bearers in the area. He will regain his father's glory for him, one way or another. Then he'll show the fae what a real battle looks like. Well, likely just show the fae what an imperial can truly do against an Emperor.[/size] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?p=lair&id=30450&tab=dragon&did=2177898][img]https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/4cwrijo741uf1jb/lightmidsmall.png[/img][/url] [size=4]@Jeevas Zerah is grateful for your help, and will remember to call on her if he needs aid. He questions her prayers for his sons, however (though not for long). @shoydragon Zerah uses missing's succesful grab of the crown as a lesson to his sons (and himself). He does not agree fully with the fae's assessment of foolishly standing aside, but believes it was right for them to go to the field of battle. One son, however, seems to have other plans... @Magmish Zerah is willing to step in to watch Lumi while the missing hatchlings are hunted down. His son, Eosphoros, is on the search for one from the Hewn City. Hesperus is supposed to be doing the same... As Zerah monitors Lumi, trying to find a fair punishment for literally unleashing an Emperor on the drakes of the Light Flight, and Eosphoros searches for a missing hatchling, Hesperus takes his father's familiar and goes for a crown. It seems his flight path is headed towards the fiery maw of the Emperor's Fire Head. But that can't be right, can it? He's supposed to be searching for a guardian hatchling... (I still ramble it seems. Feel free to roleplay with me!)[/size] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?p=lair&id=30450&tab=dragon&did=2177898][img]https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/zh57bc4xsa06f9p/lightbottom.png[/img][/url][/center]

@reFaux

Midori is torn, but his intrigue gets the better of him.

“I accept your terms. However, as you say, we live to serve. So let it be known…

You may not bring harm to Murasaki.

… it is unwise to cross an old shadow dragon.”

His voice changes and warps for a moment, and his eye sockets emit a ghastly glow from within. His sockets come to a roiling boil, then subside.

“Do we have a deal?”

@Magmish in my post I had Zeeks grab the Guardian hatchling in an attempt to save them if you want to play on that?

Zeeks doing a thing