[META-ORP] Learning from Experience [OPEN]

[Motoujamii Lands]

Rolling Game!
[Optional]

Randomly generate one number per post [1-40] to attempt and match my number. If successful, it might reveal a potentially interesting rumour.

Number to match: 37  

[Epine de Rose]

Strong, honourable, patient?

The two siblings exchanged glances as they considered this question, well they were certainly honourable and had the patience of saints... but that was generally down to how relaxed their culture was. Their home had always been a peaceful one and without any true threat, they had prospered without any real need to become warriors. That didn't necessarily mean that there weren't any, but the teenagers weren't entirely sure that their father saw the need to impress the importance of combat upon the young.

...But if Heti meant strength in other forms?

"Define Strength?" Shui asked at last and tilted his head to the side.

"Yeah, that can come in a variety of forms and lately we've been meeting a bundle of folks who think it means different things." Huo pointed out.

"Some think slavery is a big deal, some just pure violence, others...It's just a very strict life style with some sort of combat, so yeah..." Shui agreed gently.

"So which one are you after?" Huo finished.

Kimaria

 

[- Mynsed -]

Rangi shivered, eyeing the lions still nervously. They… really didn’t eat dogs, right? The sand was very hot under his feet, dirt shifting on his fur. He wanted a bath. How could people live out here like this?

Sighing, he attempted to shake out his coat but it was all in vain. He really would have to dip into water and hope to dislodge the grime… and not just make a paste out of it.

Still antsy about the company around him, his eyes began scanning the area. If something were to happen, where would be the best place to run? Could he outrun these lions? Probably not but he was hopeful.
 

[MangoMeow]

He could understand that. While he was never one to seek out a fight, he did used to be a Guardian for his pride, and he could see how fighting the same people wouldn't help one grow. You needed to be ready for whatever opponent may cross your path. He just hoped that whoever they sparred with out here in the roguelands, it wasn't someone who would overpower them....

Then again, they are a very big group. It would take a large war band to be able to challenge them, which he didn't see happening any time soon.

Harakhty nodded at Kimeti's next words. He hoped to find somewhere to call home soon too. It was interesting seeing so many new things, but at the end of the day... he just wasn't a rogue. Perhaps he was right and he would find a place at - what did he call it? The Firekin? - at their pride, but he'd see if that's the case later, if he ever did come across them. For now, he would keep wandering until he found a place to call home.

"It's no trouble at all. I enjoy getting pleasant conversation whenever I can, especially out here." He paused to nod again, and then turned his attention back to the water. He was close to it now, and a few pawsteps later, he was dipping his paws in and taking a couple gulps of it, relishing in the feel of it going down his throat.

Kimaria

(( As well as to anyone who might be by the water. :3 ))  

[Syrius Lionwing]

Haru once again shook his head, he was so amused by the two, perhaps they were travelling comedians, well he had certainly met some jokers in his time. "My young blue friend, I fear that you have not been taught the birds and the bees but even you must realise that mating with your sister or cousin is not good for you." He raised a brow, perhaps now the blue lion would get the idea. There were many relations on the sands and though he was lucky, he knew that should he and Uriah have cubs one day they would have to be careful as both of them had relations in the firekin even if they were both born outside of it.

Clearing his throat he thought that perhaps he should re-iterate about colour, taking a breath the blood red male crossed his forepaws "You would not be welcome in the firekin my young friend. Your fur is cold like the water." He raised both brows hoping this would put an end to that particular line of questioning. "They leave, because they are not welcome." Again a blunt statement. There was really no reason for him to go any further.

The blood red lion looked between the blue lion and his dog shaped companion and shook his head. If they chose to attack, nothing much could stop them. The young lion was foolish to think so, but he decided not to comment. If he thought he could protect the dog from the world, who was he to shatter those ideas? Rolling his shoulders he looked behind himself at the crowed, as much as he was enjoying this conversation he should really take a walk and check on others. Stretching out his limbs the pale maned male got to his paws. "A little advice my young friend, perhaps you should learn to bite your tongue sometimes, not everyone will be as welcoming of your questions." With that the blood red lion turned and started to walk away, he really needed to do his rounds "Look after that dog of yours, he might make a good snack for you!" Again a chuckle, he thought perhaps the dog wouldn't appreciate it but he couldn't help having one last dig at the hound before he left them to their own devices.

Porcelain Pinch

- Mynsed -

Kiahi'kripi watched as the cheetah rose from his hiding spot. She was actually amazed by how tall he was. He had looked small in his hiding place, tiny compared to the lions around him but that was not true, he was tall, or very long legged. Of course compared to a lion he seemed fragile, like he could be broken apart like a twig beneath a paw. It was certainly fascinating to her.

A bubble of excitement rose in her chest and she laughed happily at his agreement to have a race. She could tell just by looking at him that she couldn't possibly win in a foot race against him but just to watch him run, even from behind tickled her. "You're like a stick with legs!" It was a strange comment and as soon as she said it she laughed nervously "Sorry, I really havn't ever seen a cheetah before. My father told me about cheetahs and leopards and wild dogs and other things we just don't see on the sand but you really are very fragile looking."

She paused for a moment and flattened her ears "okay and now I have made a fool of myself, race?" She raised a brow and took a few steps away from him and the gathered lions, she could see a small tree not too far away. "How about to that tree and back?' She tilted her head, hopefully she hadn't offended him too much that he wouldn't want to race any more.

MangoMeow

 

[Porcelain Pinch]

-Hadithi post incoming-  

[Ctrl F Greenie]

The companion he'd picked up.. or rather had picked him up ..had grown a touch silent. The number of individuals that had become apparent was incredible. It seemed that he wasn't the only curious lion from the roguelands (well from the Myrksy Syntynt) that had come across this band of individuals from a sandy place.

The green lion didn't move though, deciding against rudely leaving a conversation. Instead he chose to simply listen and enjoy the chattering. The little pieces of information he might collect would be forever buried in his mind for later stories.

SilverLutz

 

[SilverLutz]

A leopard. Hm. Fascinating. Kuzimu took her time in sizing up the smaller female, taking in the differences between the two of them. While this leopard was small, she certainly wasn't lacking in physical strength. Her tail didn't end in a tuft, nor did she sport any on her head as some of the rogue females that joined the pride had.

"Do you live with other leopards?" she asked, completely monotone and unblinking still despite her genuine curiosity. This was why she had come out to the rogue lands, after all. She wanted to learn about the world outside of the Firekin. Perhaps the Nergui would be close by if all these strange creatures were out and about.

MangoMeow

---

"Ali. A pleasure," Ud said with a little bob of his head, still surveying the strangely toned lion before him. His mane was incredibly wavy as well, unlike the straight and thick manes that the males of the Firekin sported. In some cases it was quite helpful in keeping one's head cool during the heat of the day, but if a mane was much darker than his own with the streaks it had, then it could really be a nuisance.

"Our healers frequently carry bags like that to bring back plants and other things they may need from their outings," he explained, catching on to Ali's confusion. "Given your reaction I suppose you're not one, though. What do you carry?"

Ctrl F Greenie

---

Mez had to laugh good-naturedly at the question. "Well, my parents were a leopard and a lion. I am half of both," he explained, not at all put-off by the lioness. He had answered this very question countless times, even to his companion. Hybrids weren't common, that was for sure, and he enjoyed spreading the news of them to others as best he could.

"Stories my dear? We have countless," Mez added, giving Neci a wink. "We've only just begun traveling together, but I'm sure some of the things we've seen would be of interest to you. The Motoujamii desert...I can't say I'e ever been quite that far myself. Been to some deserts, but not that one in particular."

Kimaria

---

Mat continued to observe as the members of the pride mingled with the rogues that had been drawn in to their group. It made her a bit relieved to see everyone getting on so well. The last thing they needed was for a fight to break out - the Firekin would surely prevail thanks to their strength and number and she really didn't want her first venture as General to end up with the rogue lands and their inhabitants thinking they were anything similar to the Nergui. They weren't a pride that wreaked havoc wherever they went. They'd only do so if they were forced to or threatened.  

[Ctrl F Greenie]

“Pleasures mine.” He responded merrily. Ali`dido was quickly losing what concern he had for the group as he overheard the crowds. It seemed everyone was merely curious about the going ons. This was not alarming in the slightest. Especially considering the focus was primarily on his bags.

Without hesitation he popped the bags off his shoulder and promptly began to open it up. “I’ve collected a few things here and there.” ‘A few’ was perhaps not the best way to describe his hoarded collection. The primary article strewn about in his bags were bone articles. The bones were cleaned and almost appeared soft. They were clearly made for using with jewelry or other decorative pieces.

“Got some feathers from colorful birds, bones from those same birds. I also have some dried flowers and salves.” He shrugged slightly at the salves. “I was told the basics of healing, so I suppose I could heal?” He chuckled softly. “Not enough to work with a whole pride.” He mused softly.

“What do you do?”

SilverLutz

 

[Kimaria]

Define strength?

Well, that took Heti back a little. After all, despite being a rather modern-thinking Firekin, he had only ever truly thought of strength in a physical manner. After all, everyone in his pride were taught at least basic combat skills and it was a trait they looked for in any potential rogue looking to join.

It was clear that the question had perplexed him. Both in his expression and in how long it took for him to answer. After a moment, he looked up at the brothers and gave a soft sound of acknowledgement. "I would say in 'the traditional sense', but 'traditional' as in the Firekin standards, maybe. We take great pride in our military upbringing so physical strength plays a big part in our everyday lives. We value other qualities, of course, but perhaps not as much as we should." Maybe learning about such things might help them grow as a pride.

"What about your pride? Your people? What would their main strength be,
if they were to be asked?"

Epine de Rose

With a short nod, Kimeti moved back through the hustle and bustle of Firekin and rogue alike, taking the time to observe all that was going on around him.
Non-lions had come to gather and speak. There were others whose markings would mean they would never be welcomed as Firekin and others that would be.

He saw one of his own blood speaking with a pair of bizarre looking lions indeed.

There was so much going on. Too much, perhaps, to be able to absorb it and learn from it easily.

---

"A...leopard." She repeated, dumbstruck. She'd be lying if she said she knew what a leopard was, but did not question it - too ashamed to admit how naive she truly was. Neci was desperate to learn. Desperate to see more of the world and its workings. This pair, right here, seemed to be a good example of how diverse the lands outside of her own could be.

"Countless? I do not doubt it," she replied with a smile, making herself more comfortable. "So who would tell a story first?"

"Oh, I can, if you like," Laka chirped, "I could tell you something of my homeland up in the mountains?"

Neci blinked owlishly and so the little Ela continued. "Our pride lives near mountains so high that sometimes you cannot see the tops for the clouds. We tattoo our pelts with the story of the life we have lived, gaining more and more as we grow. My brother, once, took a journey to the top of the mountain when he was an adolescent - travelling with some friends of his. They were gone for a long time and, when they finally returned, they told me that, through the bitter wind and freezing temperatures, they saw a mystical creature at the top of the world. They called it a dragon and marked it upon their pelts."

Neci, again, gave a small nod, her mind racing to try and conjure images of what she had been told.

"Your turn!" Laka squeaked, "Then Mez!"

Neci nodded and tried to think of something equally as baffling to tell, "Long ago, my people were cruel and unmoving. They took slaves and gave no mercy. The world heard 'Firekin' and knew fear and tyranny. But then, the plague came, ripped our bloodlines apart and left us dwindling on the brink of extinction. A young lion saw the error of our ways and sought to change our future. He left the lands to seek worthy rogues to help bolster our numbers and, when he returned with his foreign mate - masquerading as a slave - his failed diplomacy turned to battle. He fought his father to the death and upon victory, discarded the monarchy and led our people out of civil war and into a new era."

Her story, she realised, was a little more bloodthirsty than perhaps they might have been expecting, but most of the more interesting tales involved fighting of some description...

SilverLutz

I'll be trying to get this RP wrapped up in the next week!  

[Epine de Rose]

"Diplomacy," Shui spoke without the slightest hesitation as he regarded Heti. It was true that the Bahari probably could take to battle if they had to, they were certainly large enough, and strong enough, to do so. However it had never been something they actively sought - they were not an antagonistic pride and saw no purpose in making enemies when it wasn't necessary. If anything, provided that individuals respected their rules then anyone could enter and enjoy what their home had to offer.

"Neutrality," Huo added with a shake of his head. "We might possess physical strength but where we come from there is really no need of it," he explained softly. In a way, he was rather homesick, they had been away for quite some time and he was beginning to miss the jovial demeanour of the lions there. The struggles out here for food and water made their home all the more appealing; their father hadn't been kidding when he said they were spoiled for choice.

"Our home is blessed I suppose, if you want a word for it," Shui mused with a wry smile. "Plenty of food, plenty of water, pleasant weather," he glanced briefly at his brother and then chuckled. "So much so that even the divine choose to explore the region, though what their significance is to you is something we don't know," he pointed out with a shrug.

"Fact of the matter is that it sounds like you folks need to be big, burly and a bit grumpy," Huo popped his lips. "We prefer to move at a more relaxed pace and have some fun. Less emphasis on breaking someone's nose and more emphasis on learning to surf, that sort of thing..."

"Can always come see it for yourself if you want," Shui offered, in much the same way as they'd offered Tapana and Azar before.

Kimaria

 

[Epine de Rose]

[Because I forgot to roll, I'm so sorry. ;o; ]  

[MangoMeow]

A stick with legs? He's never been called that before, and Rokusasu's response was to stand there for a second, flummoxed. He wasn't THAT skinny... was he? Now he was questioning himself.

No. No, he was pretty sure he was normal for a cheetah.

Huffing, his ears curled backwards and he gave her a dead-pan look. "Maybe next to a lion, but cheetahs are supposed to be less... bulky. Helps us run." He narrowed his eyes a bit, "And I'm not sure I'd call myself fragile'," and then shook himself back out, "though I guess we wouldn't really win in a fight...." He was a little indignant though - he wasn't fragile - and he briefly considered just leaving, but the prospect of a race was still too tantalizing to him.

So, turning his head to the aforementioned tree, he gave it a look up-and-down. Seemed far enough. He could get a pretty good running start from here. "Looks good to me." He crouched down, hindquarters shifting back and forth as he readied himself to sprint. "Go on the count of three?"

Syrius Lionwing

Pikku analyzed this lioness, still unsure over whether she was being fooled. Really though, leopards, while not super common, were still pretty commonplace. How does one not know what a leopard is? It made her wonder at where this pride came from. They must have varying species there. Or are really just only lion dominated, which is a tragedy. Perhaps she would track down where this place is, if only to rectify that.

Then again, who's to say the lions there wouldn't eat her? These were all pretty big, bulky lions. She'd rather not find out.

Taking a quick glance at the water - her goal, by the end of this - the leopard scoffed and said, "No. We typically don't travel together. You might find a few who prefer the company of groups, but I'm not one of them." She puffed herself almost proudly, "I have no need for constant company."

SilverLutz

 

[SilverLutz]

Ud stepped forward to peer into the bags, watching as Ali pulled item after item out. His eyes darted back and forth between the bones - such interesting ones he'd never seen before! - and colorful feathers that he saw within. He had promised a lioness back in the pride a souvenir from the trip into the rogue lands and everything in the bag was quite beautiful, but he wasn't sure it was up for trading or selling. That and Ud really didn't have anything to give Ali in exchange. It was still quite early in the expedition, after all. He was sure he could find something later.

"I...ah..." He frowned for a moment, trying to figure out the best way to describe what he did to Ali. The full job description was long and involved and he didn't wish to bore the green male at all.

"I'm...sort of...the head ambassador, if you will," he said, deciding to go with a less threatening description. The Legate was in charge of military operations outside of the Firekin desert, as well as friendly prides and those that were at odds with them. It was definitely a military position - most roles were within the pride - but he didn't want it to come off as this massive mobile mini-pride was out looking for a fight.

"Keeping tabs on friends and foe alike, seeing new places and reporting back, helping others of lower ranks do their jobs...things like that."

Ctrl F Greenie

---

Mez saw the look of confusion but let it slide. He could tell this was a group of all lions and it was very possible they'd never seen nor heard of leopards in their entire lives. This was why he enjoyed traveling so much - getting to learn new things and teach others something as well!

As Laka spoke of her home pride the leopon gave a fond grin. He hoped to one day see the Ela lands, although he knew from Laka's stories that it was far away and she didn't really plan on going back too soon. Her adventure had only just begun, after all. Then it was Neci's turn and her story was a bit darker, but just as pleasant to hear. Learning about new prides fascinated him to no end.

"I suppose I'll continue in the theme of prides and tell you of my home," he said, sticking to what he knew. "My pride is one of diversity and constant change. Hybrids, wild dogs, hyenas, cheetahs, leopards, and lions alike live together in peace and harmony. It wasn't always this way, of course, but we have found it is the best way to survive. You see, a sickness affects the lions in my home, and occasionally hyrbids born to lions. Fear not," he added, not wanting to cause alarm. "I am not ill. There are those that are immune and I, being one of them, travel far and wide to spread word to lions not to go near my homelands if they do not wish to run the risk of becoming infected. Despite the illness there, there is hope and love and happiness," he went on, a fond expression on his face. "Everyone co-exists, we help the ill and those that wish to simply live in peace, we welcome rogues who wish to join despite the risks...it's a very selfless place. Dangerous for some, certainly, but at its core, the only place I call home."

Kimaria

---

Kuzimu gave a little hum of interest and glanced around slowly. Indeed, others that were gathered didn't appear to be grouped up in more than ones or twos. Most were on their own, even the lions that had shown up. Was that normal in the rogue lands? Perhaps. That was good to know, then. She didn't want to stick out if she went off roaming on her own.

"Nor do I," she said as she turned her gaze back to the leopard. "At times it is nice, but more often than not I am alone." Thankfully she honestly didn't mind. It was a bit of her doing and others staying away from her as well. Having a father from a pride that was the sworn enemy of your homeland, and a mother who was a bit touched in the head, it was no wonder most of the pride didn't pay her much attention.

MangoMeow

---

With a yawn Mat slid off the rock finally and began to pace through the crowds, making sure none of the conversations were getting out of hand. She licked her muzzle a few times before moving over to the water to get a drink. Her dark pelt absorbed the sun and although they were used to the heat, it was impossible to stay cool while the sun was out, no matter the time of day.