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Post by M'kel on Jun 7, 2008 0:14:44 GMT -5
Eligibility: Blues and greens
Materials: Riding harness. No fire lizards may be used.
Activities: Rescue Dragon and Rider will fly a short distance from the shoreline, hovering over the ocean. Three volunteer dragons will fly above them. Randomly, one of the riders of the volunteer dragons will drop a sack of sand. The competitors will need to attempt to catch the bag of sand by any means possible (although a landing on the dragon’s back receives the most points, and the team will be disqualified if the dragon attempts to use his/her mouth). While all of this is occurring, random bunches of cooked noodles (emulating Thread) will come flying from the island, and the pair will need to dodge this threat.
The number of sand bags caught in a ten minute period will contribute to the team’s score. As well, the judges will be considering the number of noodle bunches dodged. Perfection is impossible! Injuries may occur!
Procedure: Everyone wishing to compete will have 3 days to post in this thread starting June 7th. At this point, the winners will be determined from those who have posted by dice rolling.
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Post by D'gellin on Jun 7, 2008 20:08:32 GMT -5
Noodles? Minth scoffed, her rich draconic voice rumbling with laughter. Oh this shall be interesting, my love, that is for certain. Q'tris frowned as he checked his green's harness over. Noodles. It was like a mockery. I think it's ingenious. Minth commented warmly, nudging her soft snout into Q'tris' stomach. It would actually be a fine substitute for thread. Imagine what the weyrlings could gain from this competition. Noodles are not thread. Q'tris growled, though he couldn't bring himself to push the lovely green head away. His hand rested on her nose, thumb rubbing it absentmindedly. I feel as though our time could be better spent preparing as opposed to...playing games. Games! Minth tilted her head and blinked one bright eye at him. Are your questioning your Weyrleaders' tactics?[/i] Q'tris blanched at the very idea. Certainly not! Then do stop worrying and let us fly![/color]
Still feeling ill at ease, Q'tris nimbly climbed up to Minth's back. Don't forget to breathe, dear. The green reminded him lightly. Q'tris took a breath as she unfurled her dainty wings and took to the skies. The man watched with wary eyes as the volunteer dragons circled over-head. The sand may be heavy. He warned Minth, but she simply flicked her tail, as though rolling her eyes. I'll manage. And then the first bag dropped...and Minth missed it. Oh my. She turned on a wingtip and dove, catching the bag in her foreclaws. Are you alright, love? Q'tris asked anxiously. Surely Minth could have handled catching a single bag on the first try! I appear to be a bit rusty. She replied almost sheepishly, tilting her head up at the volunteer dragons. But no matter. I'll be ready this time. She assured Q'tris with a mental wink. And sure enough, when the next bag fell she caught it squarely on her back. You have beautiful form, my heart! No time for praise yet, Mine![/color] Minth warned as she raced towards a falling bag. Oh! She did a quick back-flip, growling low in surprise. What's the matter? I'm very glad that wasn't thread. Minth replied, a little unnerved as she tried to shake some of the noodles off, leaving the sand bag to ploosh into the water below. The noodles stuck obstinately to her hide. Q'tris was surprised to find some on himself as well.
I'm sorry, I should have seen that. Q'tris was appalled by his lack of awareness. Perhaps this exercise wasn't as useless as he'd originally thought. Perhaps we are both a little rusty. Minth rumbled, amused, as she twirled around another patch of noodles. Now, if you keep an eye on that 'thread' I'll busy myself with the bags. Then allow me to cross boundaries for one moment and ask you turn to your left for the next one. The noodles flying right now won't reach us.[/i] Q'tris was surprised to find himself cracking a half smile. Working this way, Minth was able to catch two more on her back and one with some fancy work of her tail, though she missed the one that had quickly followed the tail catch. We'll have to be careful of the time...I'd say we should have another three-four minutes...Thread to your right! Minth tucked her wings, plummeted, then pulled out of the dive, darting below, up, and past the thread. She turned to face it, breathing in deep, and let out a mighty burp. Oh, excuse me. Minth tittered, looking around in embarrassment, as though hoping no one had heard. Q'tris quirked a brow, another smile tugging at his lips. And that was...? A force of habit, I suppose. That would have been much more impressive with fire-stone.[/color] She added, her eyes still whirling anxiously. Q'tris put a hand to his forehead, laughing. My heart, you - Minth! behind you! Minth's eyes widened and she turned away from Q'tris, facing the direction he'd pointed in, and watched as three bags fell simultaneously, each around a dragonslength apart. The grand finale? Minth tucked her wings, zipping down to arrange herself beneath the first sack. Thread to your left! The green snorted, glancing at the noodles before angling herself away; farther away from the sand bags! She climbed with quick wing beats over the noodles then dove again for the bag, both rider and dragon feeling a spike of adrenaline as the sack neared the water...and went in.
Hold your breath, please! Minth![/i] Q'tris was just able to gulp a lung-full of air before the green dove in, snagging the bag underwater in her fore claws. When she surfaced she was rumbling with draconic laughter. They never said I couldn't dive under. Q'tris sputtered, wiping sopping hair out of his eyes as she paddled through the water, wings laid across the surface for balance. His initial reaction was frustration. That was absolutely reckless! Minth you- "AH!" He started as the last sack fell right into his lap. Q'tris blinked in astonishment. His brows rose, incredulous, and then he found himself laughing deeply and honestly along with his dragon. Did you actually plan that? Is it so surprising? It's just a shame the time ran out before you caught the last one.
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Post by Journye on Jun 9, 2008 13:50:11 GMT -5
S'lem watched as the first pair made their run of this course and tapped his hand lightly against his thigh in thought. It looked difficult, but thankfully it wasn't live Thread and it was only sacks of sand being dropped. Beside him Griflith was quivering with anticipation, more then ready to play this game.
S'lem turned to his blue and looked him in the eye We do this Griflith, he said lovingly to the blue. Griflith nudged his rider gently It will be fun mine, but I know it is practice for when we really have to fly. I will be the best rescue dragon![/color] he said with as much enthusiasm as he had for everything.
S'lem grinned and scratched Griflith between the eyes before vaulting up into the straps, making sure he was strapped in before Griflith took to the air. They flew out past the shore and Griflith beat his wings steadily to hold their place as they wait for the signal.
Griflith watched the three dragons above him intently and S'lem kept an eye on the sky for flying noddles. S'lem let out a slightly yelp of surprise as Griflith dived suddenly, giving his rider no warning as he swooped to snatch a bag between his front legs. S'lem let out a cheer for his blue, but was suddenly smacked in the face with a clump of noddles.
Griflith turned to look at his rider I should have told you to duck mine,[/color] he said sadly. S'lem wiped the noddles out of his face with a shaky hand, knowing that if it had really been thread he would be dead or badly maimed and his death meant Griflith's death.
Its alright Griflith, we just need to communicate better so we can become the best rescue team in the sky he said reassuringly to his blue. He scanned the sky as Griflith swerved to miss another clump of noodles and S'lem pointed out another sack. Griflith cupped his wings to slow his speed as he caugth the sack, it landing squarely in his rider's lap.
The blue let out a squeak as he noted two sacks falling to the water. S'lem clutched the straps as Griflith dived. He caught one of the bags just before it hit the water. Then with the barest of warnings to S'lem he dived under the water to retrieve the final bag. He broke the surface and S'lem coughed up a mouthful of water, but patted Griflith on the shoulder as the blue made his way back to the shore. He thought they had done pretty good for a weyrling pair.
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Post by Flamewolf on Jun 9, 2008 16:32:01 GMT -5
K'ji didn't like the aspect of being the center of attention, so he was just a wee bit more than nervous at this. Though the idea of getting practice as search pair was enough to reel him in, he was now pacing nervously as the last pair finished. You're worrying too much, dear, Blancheurth spoke gently from the side as she squatted down to allow him up on her shoulders.
"Can you blame me?" he questioned, holding onto the straps and getting settled.
I guess not, she conceded with a sigh before lifting off the ground with one powerful thrust. She climbed slowly into the sky, near the middle from the ground to the volunteer dragons. Her gaze sweeped the area, noting the bags and where they were being held. We'll both keep an eye on the 'thread', but I'll worry about the bags, she stated. He nodded as the first bag was let go. She gently winged over and easily caught it on her shoulder. K'ji smiled slightly. Perhaps he wouldn't make an absolute fool of himself.
Then suddenly she gave a warning hiss and swerved out of the way. He grasped the straps, almost slipping. Careful! I don't want to actually be conducting a rescue here, she warned with slight concern whirling in her eyes. The rider nodded mutely. Her head suddenly snapped up and she barrel rolled off to the side, dodging some noddles.
"Bag!" K'ji said suddenly, and Blancheurth lifted her head to see it by her tail. She extended a leg and grasped it in her talons, then flipped right-side-up once again. "That was close," he muttered, then suddenly flinched as something landed on his shoulder. He glanced over and paled slightly, then whiped the noodles off stiffly. If that had been real...
But it wasn't. This is practice. Don't worry, K'ji, the green assured, then dove rather gently under another patch of falling noodles, headbutting a bag and tossing it into her rider's lap. He blinked in surprise, then smiled slightly as she flew to the right and caught another bag.
"One more bag," he remarked. The bag was dropped; and three large groups of noddles as well. Both dragon and rider glanced to each other. "For the love of Faranth!" he exclaimed.
Hold on, she said. He leaned over and grasped the harness as she dove down. She plunged into the water, waiting patiently. Finally, after he was about to gasp for air, she hurled herself out. The noddles fell around them harmlessly, all in the water now, and she caught the bag after it hit her shoulder, then rolled back onto her back.
"Nice," he said with a smile as she landed. "You did wonderfully."
So did you, dear, the gentle green responded with soft green eyes.
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Post by Journye on Jun 9, 2008 19:35:22 GMT -5
Journye chewed on her bottom lip nervously as she watched the competition, already astride Lucaith who was watching just as intently. Lucaith was usually very curious and full of questions, but he was a quick learner and he wanted to learn this very much. He was standing perfectly still and watching with determination and Journye couldn't help but smile as she lightly touched her blue's thoughts.
This looks challenging Journye, do you think we can do it?[/color] he asked, turning his head to look back at his rider. Journye smiled and patted his shoulder reassuringly "We will do our best, it will be good practice for later on. Maybe the Weyrleader will keep this course open for us to practice, we shoulder ask Weyrling Master B'kay about it," she said.
Lucaith thought about this for a long moment then nodded his head as the signal was given to them to take their place. Journye had braided her hair to keep it out of her face since they weren't wearing full riding gear, that would be another good thing to practice, flying in full gear. Lucaith looked up at the three dragons with the sacks of sand I will watch for the sacks if you will watch for the noddles mine, I think that might be the best option for this,[/color] the blue said thoughtfully. Journye nodded and looked toward the shore where the Strength competition was taking place Alright love, she said.
Sack to the left mine,[/color] Lucaith warned his rider just before swerving to the left to catch the sack on his back.
Journye grinned and patted his shoulder lovingly Good catch Lucaith! She said Two clumps of noddles to the right! she warned and Lucaith beat his wings steadily to gain height so that most of the noddles went under him, but some still stuck to his belly.
Journye frowned and Lucaith grumbled I'm glad that wasn't real Thread,[/color] he said somberly. He spun on his wing tip toward the right and grasped another sack from the air with his front feet and curled his tail about another to keep it in the air a moment longer so that he could get under it so that it landed on Journye's lap.
Lucaith tucked his wings to dive after the third, giving Journye just enough warning to take a deep breath as he plunged under the salty surf to go after another sack, but lost sight of it in the swirling water. He came up and grumbled to himself, they had missed that sack. Journye patted him lovingly on the shoulder Its alright love, we'll practice, she told him gently. Lucaith snorted and headed to shore, still upset with himself.
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Post by Shikai on Jun 9, 2008 19:52:03 GMT -5
If Myra had dragon eyes, they would surely be whirling with a multitude of emotions as she secured herself on Aglovth’s back, mentally running through the checks she had learned to ensure that there were no problems with the harness. On one hand, she was excited. This was a competition, after all, and it seemed to be meant in fun. Yet she knew it would also serve as a test of her abilities. She and Aglovth had only just learned to fly together, and most of that had been simple flights and glides. This would be the first time she would ride her dragon in a manner emulating threadfighting, clinging to his neck as he blue whirled and spun in the air, diving and wheeling to avoid the menace of falling thread.
What would it be like? What if she wasn’t good enough, what if she was too busy trying to hang on that she couldn’t watch out for her dragon? Yet then, the soothing voice of her dragon entered her mind. You trust me, don’t you? And I trust you. Don’t worry, we will do fine.[/color] The blue said, turning his head around to lock eyes with his rider. A soft smile brushed her lips as she felt her insecurity drain from her, lost in the bright, whirling facets of Aglovth’s eyes. Of course. We can do this, and besides, it’s only a competition. If we make a mistake, we’ll learn from it when we have to fight real thread. Exactly.[/color] The blue replied. And don’t worry. No one would dare to laugh at us![/color] Myra’s grin widened at the playful humor in his tone, and the honesty behind it. Aglovth was not the type of dragon one would laugh at, certainly. Now better prepared for the trial than any of her harness checking had done, Myra turned her gaze skyward, and as the signal was given, Aglovth pushed off the ground, and was airborne in one surge of power and grace.
Myra was still new to the sensation, but she doubted that the feeling of exhilaration accompanying the sudden breaking free of gravity’s hold would ever lessen, no matter how accustomed she became to flying. However, they had a competition to participate in, so she schooled herself, looking down at the ground below. They were nearing the shoreline, and she could see the volunteer dragons in the air ahead, at a much higher altitude. Ready, Aglovth? She asked, excitement mixed in her tone. Whenever you are![/color] He replied, and glided into place, ready to begin.
Left, left! There, do you see it? She exclaimed as a blur of tan caught her eye, and Aglovth immediately banked into a dive, cutting sideways through the air toward the falling bag of sand. He grabbed it neatly with his claws and pulled out of his dive, swooping back up to prepare for the next sandbag. Well, this isn’t so bad. Are you alright?[/color] He commented, and Myra’s eyes shown with pride for her dragon and exhilaration. You did wonderfully, Aglovth! That was fantastic! She exclaimed, but they had celebrated too soon. Both a little surprised at the ease with which Aglovth had pulled off the maneuver, neither saw the incoming noodles until it was too late.
With a cry of surprise, Aglovth abruptly turned into a tight barrel roll as a clump of noodles caught him across the side. The maneuver had it’s intended affect of sending them flying off his body, but the shock remained. I’m sorry! I…I need to pay attention. I’ll be more careful now. Myra said, shaking her head slightly to clear her head. If that had been real thread…no, she couldn’t think of that now. This was practice. She would learn, she would be more careful next time. She wouldn’t allow any thread to come near her beloved Aglovth, fake or not.
Down! She commanded, as she saw another clump headed for them, and Aglovth obliged, inverting into a steep dive. Myra looked down, confused, for the noodles didn’t necessitate that much of a dive! Yet then she saw it – a sandbag, now nearly level with them. Catch![/color] Aglovth called, and Myra pried her arms away from the harness as Aglovth passed just under the bag, and it landed neatly just in front of Myra. She placed a hand on it to hold it, and scanned the skies for any noodles coming their way. Fortunately, there were none nearby, so she joined Aglovth in looking for the next bag of sand. Over there! She exclaimed, and Aglovth surged toward the next bag, dangerously close to the water now. Aglovth, wait, I don’t think we can get that one. Myra cautioned, but the blue continued to dive toward it. Aglovth, it’s too late! She repeated, more forcefully. I can get this, mine![/color] He replied, and Myra’s breath was caught in her throat as they came closer and closer to the water. Too close! And then, Myra saw a flash of tan, not a large block that indicated a bag, but long strands. More noodles, shard it! AGLOVTH! She shouted, and the blue swerved at the last minute. The noodles narrowly avoided his wing, falling harmlessly just past his hide and vanishing into the water. The sandbag, too was lost.
That was close. Much too close… Myra said, fighting to regain her composure. I’m sorry. I should have listened to you. Had that been real, I would have put us in danger...[/color] Aglovth stated, solemn and apologetic. It’s alright. You would have had it if it weren’t for the noodles. She responded, and turned her attention back to the skies. We still have time, we can do this! She encouraged, and caught sight of two bags, falling nearly at the same rate, side by side in the air some distance apart. There! Aglovth beat his wings powerfully, so low to the water that his talons touched as he turned upward, and regained altitude. Right one first.[/color] Good thinking. Aglovth came up beneath the first bag and caught it, then dove toward the second, narrowly grabbing hold of it in time with his free forefoot.
Noodles! Myra alerted him, and he spun away from an oncoming clump, twisting in the air so that the imitation thread moved past him, while he simultaneously moved toward another sandbag. However, he came upon it too soon, and it bumped heavily against his head. Fortunately, it rolled down his outstretched neck, joining the other bags beside Myra. Good catch! She commented, only slightly teasing. You alright? Of course![/color] He replied, slightly indignant.
And then, their time was up. How do you think we did?[/color] Aglovth asked as they glided back toward the island. You did great, Aglovth! I think we learned a good deal from it, as well. And…well, it was fun, at times. She replied, but was nonetheless quite relieved as they descended to the ground.
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Post by M'kel on Jun 10, 2008 19:44:47 GMT -5
Annnnnnnnnnnnnnnnd.... The results are in! First Place: Myra and Aglovth (ability: 17, die: 6) Second Place: Q'tris and Minth (ability: 17, die: 5) Third Place: S'lem and Griflith (ability: 15, die: 6) Fourth Place: K'ji and Blancheurth (ability: 16, dice: 1, 5) Fifth Place: Journye and Lucaith (ability: 13, dice: 4, 4) There was a tie in the first round of rolling for fourth place. Congratulations to all winners and thanks to all competitors! May you think of this Competition every time you eat noodles.
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