Basilisk led his wolves to the territory of the Syndicate. As Sirius had done so many times before him in raids against other packs. This was his chance to prove himself, and for his warriors to prove themselves. He intended to take this chance to see how they fought, both alone and as a unit.

When they arrived at the Polar Sound, he raised his head and let out a fierce battle cry. One that echoed across the deep walls of the territory. The behemoth of a wolf picked up speed, charging ahead as he led the way to see what challenge awaited them ahead.


"Basilisk"

Another day, another raid-- Hazel is accustomed to it by now. Winter hanging around her shoulders, biting and chilly. It makes her feel alive, more alive than most things these days. Drawing up on Bas's flank, shining emerald gaze scanning the surface before her. Carefully, sharply, scanning the stark cover the Polar Sound had to offer.

Tense. All of her is tense, coiled, a spring ready to let loose. A friendly raid, sure, but they'd take it no less seriously. No excess bloodshed today, or so they're supposed to. She'd keep reminding herself of it... control. Hazel is in control of herself. She swears by it. The General lifts her head to call alongside Basilisk. Tense. Ready.

"Speech"

The skinny white healer with polar bear attire followed the Warlord eagerly, keeping pace with the others easily. He had trained for this! His first raid! He never even thought he could get this far! Excitement and pride shivered through every fiber of his sinew. His pads itched over the snow as they grew closer and closer.

As Basilisk raised his head to call out his battle cry, Oleander, caught up in the energy, sang out as well! He wagged his white tail and he reached out his long legs to grip the snow as he charged behind his titanic leader. He was ready!

"Speech"

Wylan surged ahead with Basilisk and Hazel did. Caught up in the moment as his two alphas let out a synchronised howl. He let out a bark himself. Not joining in exactly, just too excited to contain himself. The yearling stretched out his wings and raced into Syndicate territory. Where were they?

He let out another bark, this time it was a little bit of a battle cry. His miniature polar bear raced along at his paws. Showing surprising speed for something so round. He could sense more than see that his brother and his father were near him. Among the many other wolves of the Armada that had come to this showing.

"Speech"

As his 'companion' Krakarak may enter any of Wylan's threads without warning

Tension radiated from Aurelia like heat from an inferno, each muscle in her lithe body strung taut with anticipation. Her cyan eyes were hard as stone, a frigid winter storm raged within them, fixed unblinkingly upon the approaching figures of the rival pack. The scent of impending conflict was a sharp tang in the air, mingling with the dank smell of lichen and the salty tang of seawater. Her pulse thrummed a wild rhythm in her ears, drowning out the sound of water crashing against the rocky shores.

With a swift movement, she clambered onto a rocky promontory jutting out over the inlet, her claws scraping against the slate as she sought traction. There, silhouetted against the harsh winter sky, the icy blue and charcoal of her coat stood out starkly against the swirling white. The wind howled around her, tugging at her fur and nipping at her skin beneath, yet she remained rooted in place until she saw her opportunity.

There was no hesitation, Aurelia lunged for the rosy-tinted woman. Jaws splayed ready to try and clamp down on Hazel's shoulder. Her morning sickness had made her feel weak and nauseous, but now, in this moment of adrenaline and necessity, she felt nothing sounded better than the taste of a little blood.

Aurelia vs Hazel for Dominance
Round: 1/1
Age: Over 1 Year
Size: Medium
Build: Light
Offensive Battle Accessory: Dagger
Companion 1: Eurasian Magpie, Female - Flying
Companion 2: 18" long, female Annellated Coral Snake - Battle
Skills: Master Intellectual & Master Healer
Specialty: N/A
"Aurelia Veratti"

They're quick to heed the call, she can appreciate that. Hazel comes to life, rushing to greet her first opponent. Not quite the land of giants she's used to, the grey and blue wolf that rushes her is more akin to picking on someone her own size. Pleasantly surprised by the development, a rakish grin spreading across her fine features.

Breaking from her place in the initial assault, she moves to greet Aurelia's assault head on. Teeth making contact with her shoulder, Hazel lunges forward. Aiming to knock into the girl, throwing her weight through her shoulders, jaw clacking all the while. Crystalline fangs shimmering in the cold winter sun, though she'd mediate just how hard the hit would come. They're reckless, disorganized, a diversion-- swinging for the dainty creature's face. All she needs to do is throw her opponent and move on, right? Can't let herself get too wrapped up in the fight.

Have to maintain control.

Control.

Fuck.

"Speech"

Hazel vs Aurelia for dominance
Round 1/1
Age: over 1
Size: Large
Build: Balanced
Offensive Battle Accessory: Porcupine quill cape
Defensive Battle Accessory: Leather Breastplate
Companion 1: Red Panda, Male - Battle
Companion 2: Hawk, Female - Battle
Mutation 1: Crystal fangs - Offensive
Skills: Master Intellectual & Master Fighter
Specialty: Bard

Mortis entered the pack territory at a gentle pace, letting himself fall a few steps from Basilisk, Hazel, and the other eager wolves of the raid. He took his time to look around this territory. Noting that he had been here before, though it had been a very long time ago. Some things had changed, but the layout was much the same. He watched Ollie and Wylan race ahead, letting a small smile land on his lips. They were enjoying himself, he could only hope that innocence wasn’t ripped from them today. He tore his eyes from his boys with some reluctance, and looked back to the territory. A fight was already breaking out with their leader Hazel. Would more wolves be coming in behind this one? "Speech"

Aresenn watched from the shadows as the Armada wolves entered Syndicate territory, his chilled amber gaze scanning over the group. Though he'd helped to arrange this raid, it was still enough to drive his adrenaline to spike. He immediately saw the behemoth warlord among those who had arrived first. Perhaps he would have the opportunity to have a conversation with the man before this was all said and done. But that was a fight for their Sultan. Not himself. He was a little surprised to see Aurelia already engaging someone- another woman. But he certainly wouldn’t complain. He described their group to the Armada as a bunch of hot-heads. He didn’t want to disappoint with false advertising.

His attention rotated to another big brute- one endowed with a set of wings no less. Where the hell they had come up with that thing, he wasn’t entirely sure. But he would take the challenge. Rolling his shoulders, he stepped out from the cover of the shrubs, his every step a calculated move of confidence and raw power. The field was alive, buzzing with the anticipation of the impending clash, a battle of wills that Aresenn was more than ready to participate in. His gaze locked onto Mortis, a grim smile tugging at the corners of his muzzle as he made his way towards the winged brute.

His voice was rich and deep when he spoke first, "Looks like a bloody circus came to town." And with that, Aresenn threw himself into the fight with a surge of energy, his muscles flexing as attempted to leverage an advantage out of his slightly smaller stature. With open splayed jaws, he lunged, aiming to clamp them onto Mortis's wing joint. He wasn’t entirely sure how sensitive of a spot that might be. But felt it was worth a shot.

Aresenn vs Mortis for Dominance.
Round: 1/1
Age: Over 1 Year
Size: Extra large
Build: Balanced
Offensive Battle Accessory: Dagger and Sheath
Defensive Battle Accessory: Bear Leather Bracers
Companion 1: Red-tailed Hawk, Male, Battle
Skills: Master Fighter & Master Intellectual
Specialty: Juggernaut

"Aresenn Praetor"

The raid is not unexpected for the Syndicate and Ezekiel had spent much of his time carefully oiling and readying his armor. When the booming challenge reaches his ears, a crazed grin splits his maw and he quickly slips on his chest piece before attaching the scabbard of his dagger to it. With long, distance devouring strides, he launches toward the battlefield, duel-toned eyes wild with excitement as he seeks an opponent.

A pale young male catches his eyes and he smirks to himself while aiming toward the softer looking man without slowing down. Snarling as he nears the wolf, Ezekiel aims to try and slam his bone-spiked chest into the other male’s chest, knowing it won’t do severe damage since this was what they were calling, a ‘friendly’ raid. To him, that still means spilling blood.

As they meet, Zeke also aims a bite toward the younger man’s face, seeking to try and open a small-ish wound upon his cheek. This was friendly… right?




Ezekiel vs Oleander for Dominance (Raid)
Round 1/?
Age: Over 1 year
Size: Large
Build: Balanced
Offensive Battle Accessory: Dagger with Scabbard
Defensive Battle Accessory: Leather Chest Armor
Skills: Expert Fighter & Expert Hunter
Specialty: N/A


"Ezekiel Saxe"

A red and orange wolf met his gaze, and Morits knew his opponent was found. He dipped his head politely to the brightly toned wolf, and his mule twitched in a slight smile at their words. He was well accustomed to awe or judgement where his wings were concerned. “Shall we dance, then?” He suggested, playing along with their jab. The other wolf surged forward, and Mortis stepped forward to absorb the brunt of it, flicking his wing furthest from Aresenn forward in an attempt to strike Aresenn with the sharpened tip of that one as he came for the joint of the closest one. At the same time, he wrapped the closest wing forward, attempting to block much of Aresenn’s view. Mortis vs Aresenn for dominance Round 1/1 Age: Over one Size: Dire wolf Build: Balanced Offensive Battle Accessory: Front leg bracers with knife Defensive Battle Accessory: Back leg bracers Companion 1: Snow leopard, Male - Battle - Boosted Companion 2: Kea, Female - Battle Mutation 1: Saber fangs - Offensive Mutation 2: Feline claws - Offensive Mutation 3: Wings - Defensive Skills: Master Fighter & Master Hunter Specialty: Marauder "Speech"

The raiding party struck out from the Armada, easily crossing the distance between them and the Syndicate. Andy effortlessly keeps up with Basilisk, the lavender woman’s long legs (which suddenly seem even longer as of late) easily traverse the distance. As they breach the borders of the pack, and Bas announces their arrival, the raiding party pick up speed and the woman’s eyes flash with delight.

Fights break out around her as Andromeda barrels forward, spying the familiar, fiery coat of Aresenn and she shoots him a cheeky grin as she passes. Her thorn wrappings are fitted comfortably over her horns and her dark black, leather chest piece has been oiled until it shines while the sapphire embedded in the Sirius constellation in the middle of her chest, sparkes with each movement.

Breaths are deep as she continues to charge, ready for an opponent to appear and make herself themselves known. Andy was definitely not looking for a familiar monochrome form on the horizon… nope.


"Andromeda Fatalis"

His white raven soared overhead and clacked her beak to alert the young white upstart of his impending opponent. Snarling ebony fur came crashing toward him, in a quick move Oleander shoved his shoulder forward so the bone studs could sink into the thick polar bear cape around his neck and shoulders. Then, he knocked his head forward into the other's bite at his face, the polar bear skull helmet could absorb the blow instead.
He reached up with his sharpened extended cat claws to rake the other's shoulder, no poison in their channels for this "friendly" fight. As he aimed to rake in his claws Ollie would snake his maw at the other's long nose in turn to bite hard enough to bruise, or maybe draw a little blood. Steel caps shining in the light. The skinny boy was all dangerous business when it came to a clash. 

Oleander vs (Ezekiel) for (Dominance)
Round 1/2
Age: over 1 year
Size: Large
Build: Light
Offensive Battle Accessory: Steel claw caps
Defensive Battle Accessory: Polar bear skull helm and cape
Companion 1: White Raven, female - flying
Companion 2: Leucistic Raccoon, male - battle
Skills: Expert Fighter & Expert Healer
Specialty: none

"Speech"

Ezekiel came to a thunderous halt, his body slamming into his opponent with enough force to rattle his own teeth. A smirk splits his maw as the boy presents the cape’s shoulder to absorb the blow of his spiked chest piece, and the pale male twists his head so that Zeke’s jaws hit the skull helmet. Huffing, he allows the claws to rake his shoulder and he revels in the pain, uses the adrenaline it causes to fuel his next movements as he spies the bite coming toward his face.

Neck turns, maw closing around the handle of his dagger as he quickly unsheathes it, flashing the obsidian dagger toward the jaws and nose that are coming toward him. At the same time, he flexes his toes, gripping the earth and he shoves his body into the other male in an attempt create pressure and force him back all while he continues to swing the dagger back and forth, in an attempt ward off any attacks by the boy’s mouth.

Continuing to try and press toward the boy, Ezekiel attempts to gain the upper paw and claim a victory in this battle by sheer strength alone.





Ezekiel vs Oleander for Dominance (Raid)
Round 2/2
Age: Over 1 year
Size: Large
Build: Balanced
Offensive Battle Accessory: Dagger with Scabbard
Defensive Battle Accessory: Leather Chest Armor
Skills: Expert Fighter & Expert Hunter
Specialty: N/A


"Ezekiel Saxe"

Raid. They all knew it would come soon, and oh what a thrill! Finally, action! About fucking time. She only wished she wasn’t nauseous. Probably a rancid pound of meat, bad luck for her; she was used to it.

Absinth moved with an impish spirit regardless, her monochromatic form blending into the shadows as she advanced. Her emerald eyes quickly zeroed in on Basilisk, the giant new Warlord she had a nice fight with before — The fae smirked at the brute, but he would not be her opponent today.

Absinth's gaze shifted, catching sight of Aresenn, the fiery brute coming to life as he battled a winged wolf who looked strikingly like Wylan. But she pushed the thought aside. A grin spread across Absinth’s face, appreciating her brute’s masculine form for a moment or two.

Then she saw her — Andromeda. Immediately a mischievous glint entered her eyes. Of course she would draw Absinth’s attention. She moved, a predatory sway in her hips which propelled her disciplined form forward. Each step had brought her closer to the chaos, but it was Andromeda who captivated her all the while. Absinth couldn’t resist making her presence known as she closed in. Target acquired, and a lovely one at that.

“I do hope you’re looking for me, my lovely Andromeda?” The monochromatic fae called out with a playful smirk, her tail lashing behind her. She dropped her skull down, leveling it with her shoulders as her pulse thrummed with excitement, a challenge plain on the gorgeous etch of her features. Then she pushed forward, coming to embrace Andy with a flirtatious laugh — which also doubled as a move to tackle and roll them if successful.

Absinth vs Andromeda for Dominance
Round 1/?
Age: Over 1
Size: Large
Build: Balanced
Offensive Battle Accessory: Knife bracers
Defensive Battle Accessory: leather armor
Companion 1: Raven, Female - Battle
Companion 2: Raven, Male - Battle
Skills: Master Fighter & Master Intellectual
Specialty: Juggernaut

wormwood

The heavy body slam rattles the boy's bones and pushes him backward a half step despite the polar bear padding. But he scored on the other's shoulder easily! He had no time to relish the fact as he went forward with his biting strike.
The dagger flashes with a deadly light as Oleander reaches forward, the blade nicks his upper lip as the other whips it around. He leaps backward from his foe, ignoring the cut, and circles him as the other pushes forward. In a flash, Ollie dives under the other male aiming to snake himself underneath his opponent to kick his legs out from under him and topple him over. He was trying to get the upper hand and hold the male down.



Oleander vs (Ezekiel) for (Dominance)
Round 2/2
Age: over 1 year
Size: Large
Build: Light
Offensive Battle Accessory: Steel claw caps
Defensive Battle Accessory: Polar bear skull helm and cape
Companion 1: White Raven, female - flying
Companion 2: Leucistic Raccoon, male - battle
Skills: Expert Fighter & Expert Healer
Specialty: none



"Speech"

Pale blue eyes scan the horizon, searching, hoping, seeking…. A monochrome form appears, all sexy swaying and oozing confidence that is intoxicating and a wonderful, playful smile pulls at purple lips. They square up, the others on the battlefield falling away the world dissolves until it is only them, two lithe predators seeking to best the other. Eyes dance with warmth and playfulness as the woman calls out to her and Absinth stalks toward her, muscles rippling under that wonderful coat, dangerous, powerful… lovely.

A flirtatious twinkle is in her eyes as purrs back, “Absinth, my love. I see you are as beautiful as always. Ready to dance?” Voice lifts at the end, the question more of tease than an actual query. Of course, Absinth is the first to move and Andy is quick to set her defense, toes splaying and gripping the earth as the monochrome woman charges and the lavender woman seeks to absorb the blow. Bodies collide, rattling bones and teeth and the playful laugh that sings from Absinth, has her grinning like a mad woman.

Lifting one foreleg off the ground, Andy seeks to try and wrap her slender leg around the woman’s shoulder as she snakes her mouth close Absinth’s ear and murmurs, voice dripping desire, “Oh my love, if you wanted a hug, all you had to do, was ask.” Breath softly brushes against the monochrome fur as a soft, musical laugh fills the space around them. Meanwhile, she seeks to try wrestle Absi to the ground… for fighting purposes, of course.





Andromeda vs Absinth for Dominance (Raid)
Round 1/2
Age: Over 1 year
Size: Extra large
Build: Light
Offensive Battle Accessory: Thorn Wrappings
Defensive Battle Accessory: Leather Armor
Companion 1: Eastern Chanting Goshawk, Female - Flying [Perception]
Companion 2: Snow Leopard, Male - Battle
*Companion 3: Female Snow Leopard, 23" - Battle
Mutation 1: Kudu horns - Offensive
Mutation 2: Grippy paw pads - Agility
Mutation 3: Denser Fur - Defensive
Skills: Master Fighter & Master Intellectual
Specialty: Weaponsmaster


"Andromeda Fatalis"

Absinth chuckled, the sound low and full of promise. “Oh Andy, you always know just how to make my heart race.” She leaned into Andy's attempt, savoring the closeness, but then attempted to shift her weight abruptly, using the momentum to twist and attempt to pin the lavender woman beneath her. The attempt only paused as her breath came hot and fast against Andy’s ear so she could whisper into the shell, “You know I prefer a more... hands-on approach.”

Their bodies entwined in a dance of strength and skill, Absinth’s tail lashed behind her with excitement. She could feel Andy’s muscles tensing, both of them straining for dominance, yet relishing the intimate struggle. She didn’t want the moment to end, not at all. With a sly grin, Absinth pressed closer, her voice a husky murmur as she tried to leverage the larger woman down, “Is this close enough for you, my lovely?”

Andy’s laughter filled her ears, and Absinth couldn't resist joining in, the sound a wild, joyous harmony amidst the chaos of the battlefield. The thrill of the fight, the feel of Andy’s body against hers, the electric tension between them – it was everything she hoped for. “Let’s see who falls first, shall we? Winner gets a nice long kiss, hmm?” She teased, her roguish voice purring seductively, her sultry body pushing against Andy with renewed vigor, their playful combat a dance of shadows and light, heat and challenge intertwined.

Absinth vs Andromeda for Dominance
Round 2/2
Age: Over 1
Size: Large
Build: Balanced
Offensive Battle Accessory: Knife bracers
Defensive Battle Accessory: leather armor
Companion 1: Raven, Female - Battle
Companion 2: Raven, Male - Battle
Skills: Master Fighter & Master Intellectual
Specialty: Juggernaut

wormwood

Bronze was eager to join another raid, especially after he'd been working hard on improving his skills and standing within the Armada. Impressing Basilisk had been a priority as of late, not for the sake of merit itself but rather to prove his worth. He'd been born a rogue, he hadn't been raised within any real pack structure, and yet still he was proving to be a capable warrior - he only wanted to continue to prove that to himself. He was as eager as the rest to make the journey, though his countenance was as impassive as usual. His features set in a stern expression once they arrived, watching the fights beginning to unfold around him. He settled into a defensive stance, either waiting for someone to pick him as a target or ready to pounce once he found an opponent of his own.

 Friendly raid.

These words created a bitter, odd taste in the Sultan’s maw. The concept of a neutral battle between two kingdoms was completely foreign to him; he’d witnessed kings rise and fall, blood was commonly split and the spirit of war was a driving factor. But a friendly raid? And with the Armada - a pack whose former Warlord attacked him and banished him from their packlands. No, this wasn’t how Sephiran envisioned their fight raid occurring- fantasies of devastation, being cloaked in the blood of his enemies, the tyranny of his reign spreading fear throughout the regions. That was his vision.

But Rhazien had drilled the importance of this raid into his head. Friendly. Friendly. Friendly. If he were to abide by Rhazien’s request, they could prevent becoming enemies with the new Warlord. Enemies. Enemies. Enemies. It seemed the entire world was at Sephiran’s back, blades drawn, seeking his throat and death. War. War. War. But Rhazien believed he could prolong an assault from Artorias and his empire, if he cooperated. This may not have been how he envisioned his first raid- but Sephiran trusted his Uncle. He did not question his motives. He did not trigger paranoia in his mind. He would follow his guidance until he was proven wrong. 

Absinth’s patrolling ravens alerted them of the Armada’s arrival, the Warlord marching his wolves into the Polar Sound. Sephiran had been in his den, carefully sharpening his blade, when one of the birds came barreling into his domain. He’s quickly on his feet, slinging his battle gear on and summoning his companions. Following the increasing foreign scents, he lopes across his territory, honing in on the Armada wolves. 

He arrives just as a few battles start to break out. But he pays them no mind; his eyes roved the area for the massive, bear-like wolf Rhazien described as the Warlord. He finds him easily, given he’s the largest wolf there. Shifting his attention to his remaining warriors, he issues orders and commands them into the fray. The drums of battle start echoing through the valley, Sephirans resolve driving him forward as he makes his way to his opponent. 

His companions follow behind him, his falcon taking to the sky, ready to fight any airborne adversary Basilisk may have. His panther veers off to Sephiran’s right, ready to intercept any ground companions. His serpent, coiled loosely around his neck and rattling its rattle, seeks to protect his master's nape and throat, ready to strike with pinpoint accuracy. And Sephiran, with bared fangs, a bristled pelt, and a fearless determination to prove himself, initiates a battle with the Warlord. 

He lunges at him, jaws splayed and aiming for the connection between the base of his throat and his right shoulder. In sync, he’s throwing his weight forward, trying to slam into Basilisk with all of his might, to disrupt his balance. He’s smaller than the male, lighter too. But he is vicious and fearless; a formidable foe, under the right circumstances. 

There was no need for introductions right now- he would make his status as Sultan known after the fight, whether he won or lost. Right now, he was going to enjoy this raid to the best of his ability. 

"Sephiran Saxe"

Sephiran vs Basilisk for Dominance (Raid) 
Round 1/1
Age: >1 year 
Size: Extra large
Build: Heavy
Offensive Battle Accessory: Obsidian Blade
Defensive Battle Accessory: Bear leather bracers
Companion 1: American Kestrel, Female - battle
Companion 2: Arizona Rattlesnake, male - battle
*Companion 3: Panther, female - battle - boosted
Mutation 1: Saber teeth (Offensive)
Skills: Master Fighter & Master Healer
Specialty: Juggernaut & Field Medic

Following his meeting with the Warlord, Rhazien presented his findings to Sephiran; informing him of the Armada's neutrality, and proposing a friendly raid between their kingdoms. Which, as expected, was not received well by the Sultan. A voluntary battle, where wolves held back and practiced their skills wasn’t appealing to him.  But Rhazien, being the manipulative tactician who flourished in the eye of a challenge, convinced Sephiran to oblige. He was young, temperamental, inexperienced; and this opportunity, given their current state in the world of politics - being enemies with an empire and all - was something they couldn't pass up. A learning opportunity, to maintain neutrality with a neighboring pack. Truly, Sephiran would have been a fool to decline.

Their warriors had been preparing for this day. So when the scent of multiple wolves suddenly appeared at the borders, the ravens scattering from the trees to alert them of intruders, they were prepared. Basilisk’s battle cry followed, beckoning their wolves forward. And Rhazien wouldn’t keep them waiting. Pulling his grizzly coat tightly over his shoulders, he instructs Medulla to wait in the den. His two serval companions follow him to the makeshift battlefield, just in time to see Sephiran barreling towards the Warlord. He’s a little disappointed he didn’t get to the beast first; he would have loved to dance with the bear of a man. Perhaps next time. Scanning through opponents, he sets his eyes on a true oddity. A boy with bird wings. He’s never seen anything like that before.

Commanding his girls to follow, he approaches the boy, noting that he looks quite young. Stopping at a conversational distance, he flashes the boy a suave, charming smile, interest shimmering in his bi-colored gaze as it roves across his wings. “Show me how you fight with those, kid.”  He says, lips pulling back tighter to reveal the serrated fangs in his maw. He waits for recognition to settle in the boy's mind before he rushes forward.

Rhazien attempts to barrel into him, throwing his weight forward to disrupt his balance. In sync, he snaps at the side of his neck- a warning shot, if anything. He just wants to see how he plans to use those wings in battle. Meanwhile, Zemir and Zemra, his companions, are rushing forward to attack the boy’s companions.

"Rhazien Saxe"

Rhazien vs Wylan for Dominance (Raid)
Round 1/1
Age: > 1 year 
Size: Extra large
Build: Heavy
Offensive Battle Accessory: Steel Fang Caps
Defensive Battle Accessory: Grizzly Cape
Companion 1: Female Black Serval, 22" - Battle
Companion 2: Female Black Serval, 22" - Battle
Skills: Master Fighter & Master Intellectual
Specialty: Knight & Gambler