The Warlord skirted around the hot springs with his band of warriors. Making a beeline for the Redbud Nook. He had sent Marshal ahead to give Recluse the heads up, and the vulture was returning to him now. As the Warlord pulled to a stop just outside the borders, the heavy raptor landed on the Warlords shoulders. He turned, looking back at his wolves, taking them in.

They looked good, ready. He met the gaze of each wolf, and gave a nod, a smile playing on his lips. “Listen up! I’ll make this brief. Meet the energy of the wolf you face, fight with honour. The wolf that distinguishes themselves today will be looking at a promotion.” The Warlord barked. Giving them a permission to rise and meet any escalation the Habari wolves offered. “For the Armada!” he howled, and charged into Redbud Nook, his wolves behind him. Leaving the bear and healing supplies at the border line.

"Sirius"

Ruga waited behind Sirius with the others while they stood at Habari’s border prepared to fight. He didn’t know quite what to expect since this was his first real experience with fighting in a group like this, but Sirius had pulled him into a lot of new experiences thus far in their time together so perhaps this would be a favorable experience as well. Once the Warlord gave his instructions and directive for their raid and began the charge across the border Ruga followed suit, running in just behind their leader with sea foam eyes searching for an opponent.

"Ruga Amanto"

A raid was on todays schedule it seemed, one he wasnt waiting for, or not that he was aware of one coming. But he wasnt going to let any fear take over him, he was a Klein, a warrior and somone who was capable of doing what any other wolf could, gaining confidence had been one of his biggest struggles growing up, and it still was nowadays, looking his place, to fit in, to prove others who he could be, but in raids that became weaker, not at as strong. And as he marched to the battle ground, beside his deer rabbit, he called him as that due to his weird antlers, and huge size for a rabbit.

He was the first to arrive of his pack, seeing two huge wolves. Well, that was beyond possible but..would it really hurt to try against a larger wolf? Would he regret this later? He did want to prove Recluse, his pack and these wolves he wasnt a coward nor someone not willing to get into risk to obtain his dream. Taking a deep breath he would target Sirius, yes he was idiot and crazy but he wanted to atleast try. He was certain he would fail but atleast he would give his best and for that he attempted to use their size difference to lower himself attempting to wrap his jaws firmly into the man's back left leg, wanting to pull it out of him.

Sorcerer vs Sirius for Dominance(practice raid)
Round 1/2?
Age: +1 year
Size: Large
Build: Medium
Companion 1: Giant Checkered Rabbit with Antlers - Battle
Skills: Beginner Healer & Advanced Fighter

"talk"

Halo was nervous, but excited too. It was a friendly raid, after all. A practice raid. Halo would learn what this whole raiding thing was about, and she'd get to experience it first hand. Still, she wasn't accustomed to going on the offensive. It was strange... so strange to her, but she was going to face it head on. As Seer met her gaze Halo nodded right back, straightening her posture, allowing the shadow of a smile to flicker across her face too. Resolve. Excitement. The tenderhearted healer knows that the talk of promotion doesn't apply to her, but that doesn't matter-- it wasn't why she'd come out in the first place. No, Halo is here to grow, and here to learn. Maybe she'd surprise herself along the way.

For the Armada! His cry rang out, and the tenderhearted creature's heart pounded in her chest. Halo was bright eyed and ready as they crossed the border of Redbud Nook. She'd approach, she'd be ready. It was now or never, right?

"Halo"

Her mother had told the pack of the upcoming practice raid they were going to have with the Armada. They would have no idea when it was coming, much as a normal raid would be, and because of this, Kali had taken to having her companions and her battle accessories with her at all times. Thus, when Sirius’ call rang into the air she was spry and ready to respond. She took off at a run, her Nile Monitor lizard Abigor hot on her heels and her Black-necked Spitting Cobra, Abbadon, coiled loosely around her neck along for the ride. Her long legs ate away at the earth and, as she arrived on scene, her bi-colored gaze took in her surroundings. She noticed Sorcerer had arrived before her, a feeling of indignation at this settling in her chest but she pushed it aside. She scanned the area, her sight settling on a large, russet colored man. She made a bee-line toward him, using her incoming speed to zip just past him and snap her head to the left to try and grab his tail in her teeth and get him to fall back on his rump. Abbadon slid down from her neck and took up a space to the front right of the man, while Abigor took the front left, the trio forming a triangle and blocking in their opponent.

Kali vs Ruga for Dominance
Round 1/2
Age: over 1
Size: Large
Build: Light
Defensive Battle Accessory: Komodo Dragon Coat
Companion 1: Black-necked spitting cobra, Male - Battle
Companion 2: Nile monitor, Male - Battle
Skills: Expert Fighter & Advanced Navigator

Talking

To say Veigar was excited for a chance to prove himself would be an understatement. His sight was still beginning to fail him, though it seemed to be declining steadily enough that he was learning to make up for it in other ways. Much of his time was spent on his own these days, perfecting the art of his slowly growing disability being undetectable, and he hoped today would be a chance to prove to himself that he was compensating just fine. As the call initiating the raid began, Veigar was quick to respond, taking a familiar route through the redbud forest and slowing when the opponents began to trickle in.

Finding someone his own age would prove difficult, at least before getting a good close-up inspection in, and he didn't want to draw too much attention to himself. He focused his blurry sight in on a female that looked mostly white who appeared smaller than him, and he charged before spending too long trying to size her up or study what he was up against. It wouldn't do him much good anyway.

His fighting style was always a little reckless, diving in without regard for consequence, and this fight was no exception to that rule of his. Of course he knew it was a practice raid and he wasn't going for maximizing damage, but that didn't mean he was about to hold back either. He charged Halo straight on, aiming to lift him front limbs up at the last second and wrap them around Halo's shoulders and bear his weight down on the smaller wolf, hoping to take immediate control of the situation before striking.

Veigar vs Halo for Spar
Round 1 / ?
Age: Over 1 Year
Size: Large
Build: Light
Skills: Novice Fighter & Beginner Intellectual

A boy came rushing to meet her-- wait, a boy? A yearling, if she had to guess, though he stood taller than the tenderhearted creature. A boy, but he must be here to learn, just as the rest of them were. Halo isn't quite sure why she's so surprised, but it catches her off guard for a moment. What about his joints? Still, he was lighter in build than many of the Armada wolves that she worried about on the day to day, and that would be a saving grace. Oh right. Yes, they were sparring.

Halo is attentive as he charges, lavender gaze intent. He came in head on, and the pale girl took first one step to the side, and then two. She'd meet him where he stood, and where he attempted to leap upon her, but she couldn't stop moving. The Warlord's words from their lesson still ring in her head-- harrying. Halo would do her best to keep moving, trying to keep herself safe in a combat situation. If she slowed, if she stopped, then she'd be as good as beaten. No, this is different. Though he tries to leap and hold the pale creature, she doesn't stop moving. It would make her hard to hold, and the momentum would hopefully be enough to keep free of the boy's grasp.

For good measure, Halo snaked her head forward, snaked her head up, attempting to find purchase about his ruff or cheek with her teeth. It wouldn't be a hard bite, just enough to hopefully deter him from grabbing her again. Right, maybe, just maybe, she could go on the offensive too. This was a spar after all, and she was going to put herself to the test, even if it made her tender heart ache to do so.

"Halo"

Halo vs Veigar for spar
Round 1/2
Age: over 1 year
Size: Small
Build: Light
Skills: Expert Healer & Master Intellectual
Specialty: Professor

The day had come and as Sirius had led his wolves across the border of the Redbud Nook, Azure couldn't help but reminisce on his first (and last) raid as a young child. Not much older then his pups were now, he had accompanied his pack to Aerie territories where he had not only defended himself against a debilitating maim, but assisted the Armada in winning the battle overall. This was a friendly raid where Aerie's was not, though knowledge of that did not lessen the adrenaline pumping through his veins.

Today his goal was not to conquer in a display of strength as his first raid had been - he was here not only to win his own fights, but to keep a careful eye upon his wolves' own displays. Sirius and himself had decided to promote the wolf who distinguished themselves in their fights - a necessary leap of faith to fill the Armada's dwindling leadership ranks. Azure kept himself off to the side away from Sirius and the wolf who'd challenged him, roaming his gaze across both the attacking wolves to assess their initial reactions, and then back to the defending territories to ensure he wouldn't be caught unaware if an opponent came for him.


"Speech"

Recluse had made sure to keep her wolves aware of the raid, the last thing she wanted was to run the risk of her more... enthusiastic members getting too over zealous and harming the Armada wolves but she had made sure her wolves would not know when it would happen, there was no reason to practice knowing when an attack would arrive, most actual invaders did not announce their intentions ahead of time. Still there was little change to her lifestyle as a result of this. She didn't often wander without her companions or her equipment. So it wasn't weird that she arrived fully prepared to the fight. Recluse ran her gaze over the fighting that had broken out, noting who went after who and making a mental note of who to check up on after everything shook out. She spotted Azure as he approached and a wicked grin spread across the pale alpha's face. She sauntered over to him, confidence in her stride. "No need for foreplay today, let's see how you perform." She called before launching herself towards Azure. Recluse attempted to close the distance between herself and Azure, hoping to slide herself right up to his chest. If possible tucking herself in close so she could make a grab for the bottom of his throat. Recluse vs Azure for spar Round 1/? Age: Over 1 year Size: Large Build: Light Offensive Battle Accessory: Badger claw gauntlets Defensive Battle Accessory: Leather bracers Companion 1: Black-necked spitting cobra, Female - Attack Companion 2: Great Potoo, Male - Flying Disability: Light blindness - Moderate Skills: Advanced Intellectual & Master Fighter Specialty: Juggernaut speech think action

Art by Akage-Kitsu

Gossamer was alight with excitement and nerves. This was her first raid even if it was only a practice one. This was the sort of event she'd been training for and with that came the under current of pressure. She was eager to prove herself. She'd been missing her confidence for over a season now. She was desperate to get it back and not quite sure how. This was a chance. But should she fail? Gossamer tried not to think of that.

The arrived at the border of Habari and then Sirius led the charge into the pack territory. Around her the fights broke out one by one. She tensed and waited for her own opponent.

The Warlord charged across the territory, and spaced out. Ensuring there was room between him and his wolves for the fights that would be coming. His eyes snapped across the autumn field, anticipating the wolves that would be answering his howl. The first wolf to show was a grey yearling, a head shorter than the Warlord. Seer’s eyes glanced over him, waiting for Recluse or another senior wolf to show - and then he realised the yearling was charging right for him. He blinked in surprise, and then grinned, falling into his stance as he eyed the brave little wolf. "What's your name, kid?" he called on the other wolfs approach. The younger went around him, aiming for a back leg. Seer let him take it. Waiting until his teeth were clamped across Seer's leg, and then he spun. Attempting to drag the kid with him as he moved, in an attempt to compromise his balance as Seer twisted and aimed to grab the smaller wolf's scruff in his teeth. Careful not to do too much damage. Sirius vs Sorcerer for Dominance Round 1/2 Age: Over one Size: Dire wolf Build: Medium Offensive Battle Accessory: Front leg bracers with knife Defensive Battle Accessory: Back leg bracers Companion 1: Black Vulture, Male - Battle - Boosted Companion 2: Snow Leopard, Female - Battle - Boosted *Companion 3: Spectacled bear, Female - Battle Mutation 1: Cat claws - Offensive Mutation 2: Fangs - Offensive Mutation 3: Thicker fur - Defensive Skills: Master Fighter & Master Hunter Specialty: Bloodletter "Speech"

They were met with a group of Habari's wolves as they ran out to meet them where they were in the Redbud nook. The first to make real contact was surprisingly a smaller, young male that went right for the Warlord. He watched the fight kick off with a bit of a shrug, deciding that since it was just for practice there didn't need to be much preference or strategy for who attacked who—though it did still seem like an odd choice. Either way, he focused his attention on the rest of the wolves and his sea foam green gaze landed on a brown and gold woman that seemed to be bolting straight for him so he slowed a bit, bracing himself for the impact and getting his defenses in place with his head lowered, ears pinned back, lips pulled back in a snarl, and tail tucked under him to both keep it out of the way and protect some more sensitive parts of himself.

Instead of colliding with him like he thought she would, she ducked past him, making him blink in surprise for a moment. She seemed to reach around him and he heard the snapping of teeth—likely trying to go for his tail that wasn't accessible. He glanced down and spotted her reptilian companions that were now surrounding him along with her on the other side and at first he didn't really know how to react since it was a very different fighting style than he was used to. With a bit of a grin he decided to try throwing his hip into the smaller woman's shoulder to try and knock her over or at least get her off balance and right after that he did a quick kick with his hind leg to the opposite side, aiming to kick away the lizard that had blocked him in on the other side.

Ruga vs Kali for Dominance
Round 1/2
Age: Over 1 Year
Size: Dire wolf
Build: Medium
Skills: Advanced Fighter & Intermediate Intellectual

"Ruga Amanto"

He could feel his heart ricing under his skin, blood traveling fast across his veins, adrenaline rising like a fullmoon tide, pushing him to do his best. But he couldn't lie no one, this wolf was massive, larger than any wolf he had ever met, and not only that, he had long fangs and an expression leaving no room for weakness. That was the type of wolf he wanted to become, but he grew soft, harder to hide his emotions from others. Even now he struggled with keeping his own eyes blank, but the nervousness but also the will to fight were taking over his body, diving him in an automatic mode. Ears pinned, tail high in confidence but also balance. He remembered his time in the Ashen tournament, the one he won. He was ready to show them he could be better. Jaws clamped on the Warlord's leg, but as soon as he did, the older wolf spun and that dragged the Klein along, making him to almost fall. His heart beats faster, but he wouldn't let fear to mess up with his focused. Quickly he aimed to place his legs right under him, aiming to rise on his feet until he felt bigger man's jaws approaching. He would the jump upward attempting to smack the upper region of his neck against Sirius' open jaws wanting to use the momentum on his favor. "Sorcerer Vyle Klein.." he said before holding his breath if any impact came. Sorcerer vs Sirius for Dominance(practice raid) Round 2/2 Age: +1 year Size: Large Build: Medium Companion 1: Giant Checkered Rabbit with Antlers - Battle Skills: Beginner Healer & Advanced Fighter "talk"

Art by CloudyNight

The kid fell, dragging along for a short breath, and then the Klein wolf released the Warlord. Bouncing back to his feet in a heartbeat, and fending off the attack to his scruff. He did so by angling his head, and snapping the back of his neck against the Warlord's jaws. Seer felt his teeth scrape against coat and fail to find purchase. Even as his first attack failed, the Warlord moved in an attempt to wrap a paw about the smaller wolf. To use his superior size and weight to drag the wolf into his grasp, if he could. He was taking it easy, keeping the fight controlled and careful. He wasn’t here for himself, he was here for his wolves, and Recluse. He was here for Sorcerer, who identified himself as a Klein child, and likely in his first raid. Here to learn, and the Warlord was a patient teacher. Sirius vs Sorcerer for Dominance Round 2/2 Age: Over one Size: Dire wolf Build: Medium Offensive Battle Accessory: Front leg bracers with knife Defensive Battle Accessory: Back leg bracers Companion 1: Black Vulture, Male - Battle - Boosted Companion 2: Snow Leopard, Female - Battle - Boosted *Companion 3: Spectacled bear, Female - Battle Mutation 1: Cat claws - Offensive Mutation 2: Fangs - Offensive Mutation 3: Thicker fur - Defensive Skills: Master Fighter & Master Hunter Specialty: Bloodletter "Speech"

He was doing normal Ghoul things when an unfamiliar call rang out across the Nook. Both ears flicked forward as his head lifted up to scent the air. Mother had previously gone over what a raid was and if he and his siblings were ready, they'd be welcome to join. The sound of the howl echoing over the budding trees sounded just like that of an oncoming raid. Animals began to scatter as he watched various members of the pack begin racing toward the source. His skin tingled with excitement as he hurried over to the hole where he hid his armor. Slipping on the skull mask and large clawed gloves, Ghoul grumbled quietly under his breath for his group of caimans to follow.

As the burly young pup arrived on the scene, he watched as two other males from the pack engaged as well as his mother and older sister. His ruby eyes lit up with excitement as he searched for an open opponent. There, not far back, a slimmer and slightly taller dark-coated female stood waiting. Seeing his chance to prove himself to Recluse, Ghoul rushed forward with a playful grin on his face. Not a word was uttered from his lips as he charged at Gossamer with clawed gloves reaching out toward her. Hoping to get a good swipe at her shoulder before glancing by, he swiveled around to face her as his paws skidded in the dirt.

G H O U L

Ghoul vs Gossamer for Dominance
Round 1/2
Age: Under 1 Year
Size: Extra large
Build: Heavy
Offensive Battle Accessory: Claw gloves
Defensive Battle Accessory: Wolf skull mask
Companion 1: Albino dwarf caiman, Female - Battle
Companion 2: Albino dwarf caiman, Male - Battle
*Companion 3: Albino dwarf caiman, Male - Battle
Skills: Advanced Hunter & Expert Fighter

The nook seemed alive today. Thats what he could feel on the wind as news of a practice raid ran through them. Eraithus hadnt been able to show his packmates his fighting skill. Already it seemed tussles were happening and Eraithus saw many dire wolves. It must have run in the Armada family. Still the blue wolf felt his heart quicken. A screech above told him that Kespie was waiting for command. A grin crossed the bloodthirsty wolves features. His antlers were fashioned around his neck, time to also show habari his new toy.

It felt as if everyone was locked in combat though. The man stood on the battlefield with weary eyes. However there was challenge in him, squared shoulders a fluffed up, cooked ended, tail. His ears pushed against his skull as his smile turned into a snarl pulling his lips back. Come get him they said.

Azure could not help but raise a confused brow as a yearling somehow found the bravery to take on the Armada patriarch, but he could not watch long before a familiar voice and grin drew back his attention. Confidence was not something Recluse was ever lacking, and just the sight of her snake-like grin was enough to resurface very uncomfortable memories in the direwolf male. "That suits me fine, I'm not big on foreplay." He exchanged, watching the albino carefully as she sauntered forward.

On her move Azure's maw split into a snarl, rising up briefly on his hind limbs as she charged him to free his heavily mutated forepaws. As her head moved to his throat, he brought them down aiming to land heavy clawed paws upon her back to draw her into a tight embrace. With less room to maneuver freely, he'd hoped she'd struggle to secure hold upon his throat - though Azure did little to otherwise defend it in his focus on the attack. With her position below him he arched his head downwards, attempting to grasp the fur at the base of her skull to gain control of her head.

Azure vs Recluse for Dominance
Round 1/2
Age: over 1 year
Size: Dire wolf
Build: Medium
Offensive Battle Accessory: Bracers with knife
Defensive Battle Accessory: Condor body armor
Companion 1: Large flying fox, Male - Battle - Boosted
Companion 2: Clouded leopard, Female - Battle
*Companion 3: Fisher, Male - Battle
Mutation 1: Saber fangs - Offensive
Mutation 2: Bear paws - Offensive
Mutation 3: Bone spurs - Offensive
Skills: Master Fighter & Master Hunter
Specialty: Bloodletter


"Speech"

Her mother had informed them of an upcoming raid, though friendly Carnage was eager to get her paws dirty. Time had passed and she wondered when it would occur. Patrolling the borders like any other day she would hear a call echo through the lands. The lady wasted no time as her long limbs would carry her quickly towards the noise and towards the commotion, her mother and sister already on scene as they pick there target alongside their packmates,  it would seem there was no opposition left for the taking. Carnage would ready herself in defense, ready to take on anyone who 'threatens' the kingdom. It was time to see if Habari could hold there own. "text text text"

TABLE & CODE © SKELLE 2021
"Speech!"
It shouldn’t have been surprising that wherever Ghoul went, Mac was likely to be close by. When it came to the brothers, trouble came in twos - they were certainly no exception. They were tight, no doubt. Mac had been perfecting his craft - taxidermy on some poor squirrel he’d intended to catch for a meal but upon consuming the flesh decided he’d make use of its pelt too. Working as best as he could with non-opposable digits, which was quite difficult, but not impossible, the boy suddenly dropped his task as a runbling cry rang out throughout the Nook. Like his siblings, his mother had mentioned a raid..but he didn’t know when. He supposed the raid was now, then! Quickly slipping on his sharp bladed bracers, the speckled child was followed by his companions as he raced towards the source of the call, soon leaping into the sparring fray to search for Ghoul.

Upon finding his rose-pelted brother, the smaller boy grinned, flashing his toothy macabre smile that was rather half-crazed. His family found it endearing at least, but others might find it eerie. Without hesitation, Mac burst into the spar with Ghoul and the dark-pelted woman whom his sibling had charged towards. Heading towards Gossamer, he aimed to use Ghoul’s front swipe as a distraction to whirl himself around to the woman’s hind end, aiming to playfully nip at her ankles so as to give Ghoul a closer distance to gain purchase.

Macabre and Ghoul vs Gossamer for Spar
Round 1/2
Age: Under 1
Size: Medium
Build: Medium
Offensive Battle Accessory: Bracers with switchblades
Companion 1: Tasmanian Devil, Male - Battle
Companion 2: Fox with Antlers, Male - Battle
Skills: Expert Fighter & Intermediate Intellectual

Slinking along at the back end of the raiding group, the wraith clasped his blade neatly between his jaws. The weight of it was familiar, comforting. He'd always been adept with a dagger, and the heavier weapon was reassuring to wield. The dark furred macaque kept pace easily, clinging close to his master's flank in hopes that neither of them would be spotted by the titan that led the raid. It was still questionable to Nao whether or not he was going to be punished for having these two, despite the proper warriors being armed to the teeth with companions and weapons aplenty. By the time the sonorous howl of the Warlord rang out over the battlefield, the stench of adrenaline was overrun with the tang of anticipation from the rest of the raiding party. As the larger, higher ranked wolves dispersed to begin their "friendly" assault, he hung back. Adjusted his grip on the rabbit skin wrapping on the hilt of his blade, tucked the sharp edge closer to his own body to avoid nicking someone who rushed past. Sea foam gaze swept over the defending wolves, and found a pale fae standing amongst the rest with a familiar look in her eye. The way she held her shoulders, and the glint in her cerulean eyes, they were a beacon that invited him to launch forth at a steady lope towards her. Dark auds pinned towards his skull, pale green eyes narrowing and lips peeling back from gleaming fangs. His tail flagged out behind him in a rare display of confidence as he found himself in range to strike. With a swift jerk of his skull, the dainty male sought to swing the sharp edge of his sword out in a tight arc around his body, aiming to strike a shallow slice along the outer edge of the fae's left bicep, before tossing it aside with a tiny grin. His posture coiled, elbows and knees bent, he sought to hold off from launching into any further attacks and stand boldly before her. He'd taken the first shot, and now she was entitled to strike back. He wasn't much of an offensive player, anyways. Strike from the shadows and slip away unseen, those were his tactics. Here, in the open fray of battle, some unsavoury memories threatened to dislodge themselves from the back of his mind that he would prefer to keep ignoring with some rough and tumble. The macaque hung back from the brawl, waiting for a cue from his master to lash out with those obsidian claws. Nao vs Carnage for Dominance Round 1/2 Age: 1+ years Size: Medium Build: Light Offensive Battle Accessory: Wazikashi sword Companion 1: Melanistic Japanese Macaque, Male - Battle - Boosted Skills: Intermediate Fighter & Advanced Hunter ""