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Post by Fiera Ferella on Nov 30, 2021 13:56:04 GMT -6
Fiera had seen the competition and frankly, she thought Arethusa was a step above the rest. Of course, she always thought that- it was time to put her money where her mouth was. After all, she had won this contest last year! She stepped out onto the hall floor, waving to the audience. "Ladies and gentlemen! Are you ready to see something truly terrifying? I'm sure you all think you know equillion- pretty, elegant creatures. Well, not today. Behold- Arethusa!" She said, gesturing behind her. The equillion looked up at the sound of her name, and carefully padded forward. Fiera had brushed her mane until its iridescence shone in the light, and those same spotlights glinted off of her scales... and fangs. Her pale, empty eyes scanned the crowd, unknowable and alien. She truly looked the part. "Follow me, Arethusa!" Fiera said, making her way around the show ring so everyone could observe her properly. Even as they passed through the parts of the stage that the lights did not touch, Arethusa didn't seem bothered at all, as if she belonged with them. Clearly she didn't spook at the dark like normal equillion. (Arethusa uses Name, Follow, and displays Shadow Immunity. The brush is used.)
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Post by Noa on Nov 30, 2021 16:58:11 GMT -6
Honestly Noa didn't want to be here. He had never liked contests very much, at least not compared to the thrill of fighting at the Pit, and the premise for this particular contest felt more like an insult than an invitation to accomplishment. He had taken Nightshade with him to register for this, since Nightshade had won the other contest last year and was no longer eligible for it. And, well, objectively speaking Nightshade was a pretty weird Wiurn. But he was hard pressed to think of a new routine that would demonstrate just how 'freaky' Nightshade was, that wasn't simply a repeat of their routine from last time. Watching the other displays hadn't given him any more ideas either. He had never been the kind to put on spectacles for the entertainment of others, and although horrifying people was a little more in his personal wheelhouse, he really had already done that last year. They were already here though, so he supposed he had to do something. Maybe just showing off Nightshade's abilities would be enough. {You can do it!} cheered Rhys, fluttering in excited circles. He ought to be preparing for his own showing a little later, but then maybe that was what all his excitement was for.
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Post by Noa on Nov 30, 2021 16:58:38 GMT -6
Noa sighed, and resisted the urge to roll his eyes.
He walked out onto the stage alone. Nightshade was watching him attentively from backstage. This part Noa had arranged with him beforehand; it would make for a more dramatic entrance if Noa didn't simply walk on with Nightshade in tow.
"Well," said Noa. "I'm sure you've already seen a lot of freaks tonight." He paused, gauging the audience. A bigger crowd than some events he'd been to, certainly. Maybe some of them recognized him, but if that was the case, then so be it. He didn't think audience opinion influenced the judging very much. "We'll have to work hard to impress, won't we, Nightshade?"
Noa gave him the command discreetly over the ribbon, and a moment later a laugh emanated from where the Wiurn was waiting. The acoustics of the arena weren't the best for this sort of thing, but it still had a somewhat ominous effect as the sound drifted through the space. And Nightshade's laughter was unnerving in and of itself, which was the point. A murmur went up through the crowd, possibly in anticipation.
With the stage thus set, Noa snapped his hands, muttering a key word under his breath.
(Nightshade uses Demoralizing Cackle)
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Post by Noa on Nov 30, 2021 16:58:50 GMT -6
Nightshade appeared in the middle of the show ring, and on Noa's signal, gave a roar to announce his arrival. This was more for the intimidation factor than anything else. Now that he was there, Noa gestured to him, presenting him to the crowd. "This is Nightshade. He's a Wiurn, but I'm sure you've never met one quite like him. Isn't that right, Nightshade?"
Nightshade gave another laugh, throwing his head back. It really was a little uncanny how he managed to do that. Even Noa didn't know what mechanism had modified his vocal chords to make it possible.
"I won't waste your time with more theatrics. Let's get down to business, shall we? Most creatures have whiskers, but Nightshade has tentacles that let him sense and avoid danger." Noa fired off a small bolt of lightning from his hand, which Nightshade dodged deftly.
Noa snapped his fingers, and the whole area went dark -- not a magical ability, or anything Nightshade did, but simply the lighting cue for their show. "He's capable of seeing in the dark, to better set up an ambush." Snapping his fingers again was the cue for the lights to come back on, but by now Nightshade was in position, behind some fake foliage set up around the ring.
(Collar of Bonding is used; Nightshade uses Roar, demonstrates Danger Sense and Nightvision)
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Post by Noa on Nov 30, 2021 16:59:00 GMT -6
On Noa's signal, Nightshade sprang out from behind cover, spitting poison. Noa sidestepped his attack, and fired off another bolt of lightning, which Nightshade twisted himself around to avoid. The tentacles framing his face writhed in the air as he turned, hissing at Noa as if in challenge, when in reality the whole thing was a somewhat hastily choreographed routine with Noa feeding Nightshade telepathic instructions.
"If that had hit me, it would have blinded me," Noa said in a detached, offhand tone. "Unlike most Wiurn, he has more than just his sting to immobilize opponents." On cue, the stakes around Nightshade's back floated forward, striking Noa in quick succession. He figured it would be easier to use himself as a target for a demonstration this time rather than trying to find a dummy -- and more dramatic. He had never experienced it for himself, but the sensation wasn't actually painful, despite the appearance of the stakes. He did feel weaker though, and moving was difficult.
Offstage, he could see Rhys hovering worriedly, but as usual the Faeron was worrying too much. "You can see that I can't move very well like this. And he can jet off a mist to make it even harder to get your bearings."
(Nightshade uses Projectile Poison, Shackle; demonstrates Refined Senses)
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Post by Noa on Nov 30, 2021 16:59:52 GMT -6
Now Nightshade breathed out a just barely visible vapor, which Noa allowed himself to breathe in. He'd never tested it on himself before, but the effect was almost alarmingly immediate. His vision blurred slightly, and he could feel a sense of euphoria taking over. It made it hard to concentrate, which made it hard to talk. "I don't know if you can feel this," he said to the crowd, "but I'm feeling pretty light-headed myself." His tongue felt too thick, and it was hard to get the words out.
He'd had about enough of it. He had to marshal the strength to be coherent, but he managed to call out to his familiar. {Rhys, I'm going to need some help.}
{You shouldn't be doing stuff like this in the first place,} Rhys said, but he must have done something; Noa felt his head clear. The stakes also receded, and he took a few steps forward, shaking his head to clear it. "I hear some people do this recreationally, but personally I think I'll pass on that. I need to stay sharp so Nightshade doesn't eat me in my sleep."
{I wouldn't eat you,} Nightshade pointed out.
{Well, yes, but I'm saying it for the audience,} Noa replied.
(Nightshade demonstrates Euphoric Vapors)
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Post by Noa on Nov 30, 2021 17:00:55 GMT -6
Noa considered ending their routine there, but a thought occurred to him just then, and on a whim, he said, "But you're here to see unusual things, aren't you? Then let's indulge that a little further. You've seen for yourself the fearsome predator we have here, but in fact he's even stranger than you would think.
"Nightshade, sit."
He issued this command aloud for more dramatic effect. Obligingly, Nightshade sat on his haunches, almost the way a dog would have done. "Good. Now, lay down. Roll over." In quick succession, Nightshade demonstrated the tricks that Noa called out. To the crowd, Noa said, "Sometimes I think he fancies himself a puppy. Not what I had in mind when I got him, but he seems to be having fun.
"Take a bow now, Nightshade," Noa said, and as the closing to their routine, Nightshade gave the audience a bow. Not a bad way to end things, Noa thought. He offered his own bow with a little flourish, then dismissed Nightshade back to the estate via the port stone, to save himself the trouble of transporting him all the way back the conventional way.
Now they just had the other contest to deal with, and then hopefully they'd be done with this place for a while.
(Nightshade demonstrates Sit, Lay Down, Roll Over and Bow; end)
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Post by Kristofor on Nov 30, 2021 19:57:53 GMT -6
Compared to some of the other freaky looking animals he's seen cross the stage during the show, Kristofor glances at the grumpy tailypo. She is much brighter and such but doesn't hold a candle to the moon colored tailypo that floated away. The giant dragon with tentacles sprouting from his head... creepy. The undead dragon? Also a bit off. But he's seen horses, and treats them with cautionary respect. A stupid fox can be badly injured with one kick of those big hooves. Finally, its his turn. YEET. And off goes his mask one more time. Yolko grins evilly like the feline hellion she is as she watches the fox retrieve his fake head. Before dipping his fingers in two off smelling things nearby and giving her a swipe along the edges of her cheeks down the neck to her shoulders in wiggly motions, then the other color on himself. They smell a bit like flowers, as he picks up the witchy bratty cat and enters the stage. A foreign acoustic strikes up, of wind and drums and a slow beat. "Greetings from a far away land. My people have long revered the magic folk with reverence, their pointed hats and flight on broom... imagine our surprise to find a cat who is magic such as them. This is Yolko." He announces with a wave of his hand, and puts the tailypo on the stage, her hat askew. "Say hello Yolko" he says to her. She looks at him and really considers which way to start yeeting his stuff. [decorates with shampoo and the fur paint] [Yolko reacts to her name]
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Post by Ashe on Nov 30, 2021 20:01:40 GMT -6
Level: 26.2 Loyalty: 26.2 Stamina: 13 Strength: 3 Resistance: 2 Dexterity: 2 Mentality: 0 Size Chart Reference: 5 Special Abilities: Assimilate, Adaptable, Endurance Moves: Claw, Crunch, Bone Shift, Devour
Trained: Name (1), Devour (4), Crunch (3), Danger Sense (10), Intimidation (7) Ashe had almost forgotten about the second contest he'd entered. He'd been so focused with Maverick in the Vai Min Mur, he hadn't planned what to do with Reoz. But he would do something! Corpse constructs were pretty incredible anyway. He had Inyala stay back "behind the scenes" but she was close enough to watch; however, he didn't trust Reoz enough to have her in close proximity with Ashe's attention divided. If the mindless corpse decided to munch on her as a snack... the crowd would see Ashe go absolutely bat shit. Corpse monster and human walked out together in front of the viewers in the stands. "Hey everyone! I'm Ashe and this is Reoz!"At the sound, or perhaps the smell, of living flesh - erm, people- the Corpse construct let out a low rumble Growl and gazed around with an excited light in his eye. This was the most perked up Ashe had seen him in a long time! If not ever! But this also meant he might be harder for Ashe to keep his focus. "Reoz!" Ashe snapped, suddenly aware the beast was moving toward the crowd. The Corpse looked back at him, then at the crowd, and back at Ashe. He snarled, revealing his teeth, and brought himself to his full height. Ashe stared him down. [Reoz responds to name and demonstrates intimidation]
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Post by Kristofor on Nov 30, 2021 20:10:24 GMT -6
"Not every cat is magical, as we found out over the years. The tailypo are not as cute and cuddly as they appear. Observe, a common rabbit." From his box of tricks, Kristofor releases a small black jackalope, found in the mansion. The black rabbit bounds to the floor, looking about, sniffing the air. It seems rather relaxed, despite the sudden change of location. "The tailypo uses a LURE to draw humans and animals alike into a cunning trap." he specifies a specific word. Crouched on the floor, the gleaming blue eyes fixated on the rabbit. She makes a strangely 'cute' mewing noise, like a hungry kitten. The rabbit pauses, looks at her, fixated on those big blue eyes that are so 'cute' you can't look away. Entralled, the bunny hops closer and closer, little mews of attention like a baby would. About a foot from her, the bunny pauses, sniffing the air. Flowers? Without warning, Yolko springs forwards and pounces on the bunny, slamming it into the ground with enough force to stun it. If this was in a real fight, she might've killed it. Or she might have... already. Hm. "A dangerous predator if you happen to be smaller then a housecat, despite her looks." [deceptive lure and uses the black jackalope]
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Post by Kristofor on Nov 30, 2021 20:30:15 GMT -6
"Yolko isn't very freakish looking, is she." he asks the audience. Murmurs. Well she wasn't exactly 'scary', aside from licking a bit of red off her face. "But, what if I told you... she is a psychic kitty cat." Curious glances. "I get it, I get it. the witch cat being a psychic isn't possible right. She's telekinetic-ouch." He winces as his mask gets thrown right off his head, skidding across the stage to the stairs. "And happy to show it off." He produces a yarn ball, and rolls it across the stage. The ball stops, shivers like it has come to life, and rockets across the stage. A gleeful yowl as the tailypo gives chase to her telekinetically charged toy. Kristofor sidesteps her a couple times. before he gets in her way and the ball stops dead. "How about chasing it in the sky a few times?" He asks her. The tailypo knows he got spooked when she first floated over the dog gates. So she does just that, letting her paws leave the floor, the little witch broom tied to her side fluttering as the hat sways and she yanks the ball out of his grip with her power and starts chasing it around again. A minute passes before she comes back down to the smell of a catnip treat. "Well done Yolko." the fox preens her with a treat, then a gentle brush across her spine. The cat arches her back because that does feel good... "This is my witchy cat, Yolko." A bow, and they are done. After he has to retrieve the mask. [Uses float and telekinetic powers with the yarn ball and Kristofor's mask, and finishes being brushed with the yellow brush.] +1 Yolko done
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Post by Fiera Ferella on Nov 30, 2021 21:14:17 GMT -6
"But surely there are some parts that must remain of the original pure equillion stock? Ah, I hate to disappoint, ladies and gentlemen-" Fiera said, holding up a chunk of steak. She tossed it to Arethusa and the beast snatched it out of the air, wolfing it down with the assistance of unnatural fangs. "But she doesn't quite work like that. And she has more tricks up her sleeve than that." She reached into the sleeve of her dress, voluminous and flowing, and pulled out a pumpkin headed little pocket pet. She set it on the ground and Arethusa immediately focused upon it, circling around. Fiera had tried this a couple times before- the creature wouldn't be harmed, it would just fall asleep. Fiera let her equillion hone in before she finally gave the command. "Arethusa- sleep!" She said, pointing at the pocketpet and she lunged forward, plunging her fangs into it. It shivered for a moment... before falling over. Fiera held it up to the gasping crowd. "Not to worry, everyone! Simply a dose of sleeping venom... but not something you see every day, eh?" She said with a laugh before tucking it away. If anything was going to impress these people, it would be that.
(Arethusa uses Sleeping Venom, meat and pocketpet are used.) (Done!)
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