Post by M'kel on Jul 28, 2009 13:53:46 GMT -5
Eligibility: All
Materials Available: Strong riding harness and helmet for rider.
Activities: This course takes place entirely over the ocean surrounding Araelen Weyr's island. The weather is rather overcast, and the ocean surface is choppy with waves proclaiming the approach of a storm. The wind will also be a factor in this challenge, for it is alternating between blustery periods and calm, sure to buffet any dragons striving for accuracy. Much of the course will bring dragon and rider uncomfortably close to the churning waves, adding an element of danger, for if the dragon brushes the water at all at such high speeds, they may lose control and find themselves suddenly under water.
The point of the Agility course is to clear the obstacles as quickly and as accurately as possible. A new addition to this year's challenge are the presence of flaming poles. Fire lizards will be holding poles at either end, and the poles have been coated with flammable material so that they will burn throughout the competition (although the holding areas near the flits are of course fire-free). These poles will be the ones that bring the dragons closest to the water, for they will need to fly under each of these poles without touching the ocean's surface.
The course follows a full loop around the island, and the competitors will need to complete the entire route in order to be eligible for a prize. First, the dragonriding team will take off from the edge of one of the cliffs overhanging the ocean. The first hoop, held horizontally aloft by fire lizards, is directly below the take-off point. Thus, the pair will need to dive through this first hoop and then gain altitude again quickly enough not to crash into the water below. After the first hoop, there are a series of flaming poles to fly under, interspersed with vertically held hoops that force the dragons to gain height. After this stage, the course leads the competitors to the shore, where large wooden poles have been pounded into the sand. The dragons will need to weave through these obstacles before heading out for the ocean again. Next, the dragons will need to pass through Araelen's busy port, being careful not to entangle themselves in the sails of ships. As well, Weyrbrats lining the docks will attempt to bombard the competitors with paint left over from the Search/Rescue competition, serving to disorient and distract the dragons. Finally, the pair will need to navigate another series of hoops and flaming poles, before heading straight for the cliff, turning at a 90 degree angle and shooting upward through the last (which is the same as the first) hoop to land on the cliff's edge again.
Be careful: if you spook the fire lizards, or if they get too excited, they may drop the hoops or poles. If the dragon and rider anticipate a collision, they are urged to escape between to a familiar and safe destination.
Procedure: Everyone wishing to compete will have 3 days to post in this thread starting July 29th. At this point, the winners will be determined from those who have posted by dice rolling.
Materials Available: Strong riding harness and helmet for rider.
Activities: This course takes place entirely over the ocean surrounding Araelen Weyr's island. The weather is rather overcast, and the ocean surface is choppy with waves proclaiming the approach of a storm. The wind will also be a factor in this challenge, for it is alternating between blustery periods and calm, sure to buffet any dragons striving for accuracy. Much of the course will bring dragon and rider uncomfortably close to the churning waves, adding an element of danger, for if the dragon brushes the water at all at such high speeds, they may lose control and find themselves suddenly under water.
The point of the Agility course is to clear the obstacles as quickly and as accurately as possible. A new addition to this year's challenge are the presence of flaming poles. Fire lizards will be holding poles at either end, and the poles have been coated with flammable material so that they will burn throughout the competition (although the holding areas near the flits are of course fire-free). These poles will be the ones that bring the dragons closest to the water, for they will need to fly under each of these poles without touching the ocean's surface.
The course follows a full loop around the island, and the competitors will need to complete the entire route in order to be eligible for a prize. First, the dragonriding team will take off from the edge of one of the cliffs overhanging the ocean. The first hoop, held horizontally aloft by fire lizards, is directly below the take-off point. Thus, the pair will need to dive through this first hoop and then gain altitude again quickly enough not to crash into the water below. After the first hoop, there are a series of flaming poles to fly under, interspersed with vertically held hoops that force the dragons to gain height. After this stage, the course leads the competitors to the shore, where large wooden poles have been pounded into the sand. The dragons will need to weave through these obstacles before heading out for the ocean again. Next, the dragons will need to pass through Araelen's busy port, being careful not to entangle themselves in the sails of ships. As well, Weyrbrats lining the docks will attempt to bombard the competitors with paint left over from the Search/Rescue competition, serving to disorient and distract the dragons. Finally, the pair will need to navigate another series of hoops and flaming poles, before heading straight for the cliff, turning at a 90 degree angle and shooting upward through the last (which is the same as the first) hoop to land on the cliff's edge again.
Be careful: if you spook the fire lizards, or if they get too excited, they may drop the hoops or poles. If the dragon and rider anticipate a collision, they are urged to escape between to a familiar and safe destination.
Procedure: Everyone wishing to compete will have 3 days to post in this thread starting July 29th. At this point, the winners will be determined from those who have posted by dice rolling.