Sanctuary
For years, horses and humans lived together, worked together. They formed friendships, they created bonds... but they also formed hateful relationships, suffered abuse and lived under an almost tyrannical rule. Some horses loved humans, others despised them.
But then one day, four years ago, the humans disappeared. No explosions, no awful diseases, no wars. They were just... gone.
Many horses perished, locked in stables, or tied up in inescapable positions.
But others survived. Escaping their tethers, jumping their pasture fences, it didn't matter. They got out. Instinct then took over. Those champion stallions who had been kept separate from mares suddenly felt a desperate need to make herds, those pet mares that had never felt freedom or companionship felt the need to travel the plains with others of their kind.
A number of horses found their way to this vast plains, the area large enough to hold a number of herds. Herds have formed, crumbled and died on these plains since the humans were last seen four years ago.
The horses that have survived, now safe with those of their own kind, no longer having to worry about keeping their humans happy, they felt that they had found paradise...
They found sanctuary.
Rules
All of wco's Rules apply!
Number One Most Important Rule:
My most important rule here is patience. Most of our players are busy with work/school, and so may not reply immediately to posts. Therefore, you are not allowed to move your characters away from another without the player's permission. If someone has not answered in a long time without explanation, they will be contacted to ensure they would still like to be part of the rp, but for the most part, people are just busy.
Power Playing/Control
Hopefully, this doesn't have to be said, but taking control of anyone else's characters will not be tolerated. All horses have weaknesses, so a stallion will not win every fight - animals get tired, just like we do. As well as this, not every blow will land, not every snaking will be successful.
Breeds
Any breeds, of all shapes and sizes, are allowed here! Wild mustangs, working Draft horses, champion warmbloods, family ponies - any of them can find sanctuary. All I ask is that their reference image is realistic - no art/unrealistic images please!
Ages
According to many different sources, horses in the wild can live up to 40 years, with an average lifespan of 25-30 years. That being said, please be realistic with this. The fertility of mares begins to decline after 15 years, after which there is an increased risk of foal loss. As well as this, stallions come into their 'prime' at about 13, where it is less likely that they will lose a fight. A four year old stallion is unlikely to beat a 14 year old stallion.
Twins
I will allow up to two pairs of foals to be born each year, but remember that it is extremely dangerous for a mare to have twins in the wild.
Players having twins this RP year (Year 1)-
Players having twins next RP year (Year 2)-
Seasons
The changes in seasons vary, depending on the season:
Spring and Summer: 25 Pages.
Autumn: 10 Pages.
Winter: 5 pages.
Literacy and Characters
I will allow everyone to have as many characters as they can handle, but please remember that I will be expecting
at least five full sentences per character per post. I understand writers' block, but it is not an excuse to give someone an answer that they can't work with. If you have WB, please wait until you have muse.
Signatures
Ensure that all signatures are disabled on this thread.
Starting Out/Herds
All horses will start out as loners! A group of horses will be called a 'herd' once there are 3 or more horses.
Forms
All forms will go on the
discussion thread. A sample form will be supplied for those who do not wish to make their own.
Strikes/Bans
The breaking of any of the above rules will result in a strike. Three strikes results in a ban.
Bans
None, let's keep it this way.
Strikes
None, let's keep it this way.
Horses
Stallions
Washington/11/American Warmblood/Me
Sweet/5/American Paint Horse/Fern
Riff/7/Lusitano/Me
Sombre/12/Arabian/Aleka
Mares
Mirror/9/Andalsuian/Aleka
Raven/4/Fell Pony/Cinnamoncookie
Thunder/6/Frisian Horse/Raven Hollow
Risky Chance/7/thourghbred/Koalabear360
Rizzo/12/Kathiawari/Me
Inez/4/Paint Horse/Me
Daae/6/Arabian/Me
Foals
Herds
Equine Body Language/Communication
Vocolizations
Whinny/Neigh
The most typical 'horse noise', whinnies can mean many different things. An anxious whinny may be more high-pitched, accompanied by a lowered tail or flicking ears. A neigh might also be used to announce a horse's arrival, or to catch the attention of another horse.
Nicker
A nicker is a soft, kind sound, often used as a "Hi!". However, a nicker could be used as a nervous 'uh oh, what should I do?'
Blowing/Snorting
A horse exhaling quickly might be a sign of excitement or a sound of annoyance, depending on the accompanying body language.
Groans
Just like in humans, groaning can mean that a horse is in extreme pain - or it could mean that they're doing something that requires a good bit of effort... Like standing up after a good nap!
Squeals
A squeal can be a sign of a threat - a stallion might squeal at a potential rival. However, it might also be a sign of playfulness in a younger horse.
Sighs
Much like in humans, a sigh is a sign that a horse is content.
Body Language
Ears
Pricked ears means that the horse is interested
Ears slightly forward means the horse is relaxed
Ears that are flattened back are a clear sign that a horse is upset
If one ear is back, then the horse is likely listening to something behind him
If a horse’s ears are to the side, that means that he is concentrating yet relaxed.
Ears that are flicking back and forth are a sign that the horse is in a heightened state of anxiety or alertness.
Legs
A horse will paw or stamp the ground with his front legs when he is feeling impatient, frustrated, or uncomfortable
Splayed front legs indicates that the horse is getting ready to run or bolt.
Lifting either one front leg or back leg is a threat that the horse might kick.
Cocking a back leg by resting the front edge of his hoof on the ground and lowering his hip indicates that the horse is relaxed
Head
A horse holding his head high shows that they are alert and curious.
If a horse is snaking their head, they are showing signs of aggression.
Tail
In addition to swatting away bothersome pests, tail swishing can also indicate agitation and can be a warning for other horses to keep their distance.
A horse will often raise their tail when they are feeling happy and alert.
A horse’s tail clamped down may mean that they are experiencing some discomfort.
Open!
We are open!
Please post all forms/questions on the Discussion Thread!
Information!
It is currently
spring of year
one!
The weather is
Cool, getting warmer.
All of the winter snows are melting, with the rivers and streams close to bursting with the pure force of the water coming from the mountains. The chance of rain is high. Any mares pregnant with last year's foals will be beginning to foal soon.