Welcome to Tempered Calamity! For as long as horses can remember, this place has been their santucary far removed from the presence of any humans. Well protected and abundant in food and space, equines of all kinds have called these lands home. Over time, the original horses who settled here spread out to explore and established the territory boundaries known today.
On the surface things appear peaceful between the different bands as well as the free roaming horses, but all is not as it seems. The inhabitants here are under constant threat. Not only do they have to survive the elements and natural disasters and outwit predators, they must also face rival herds or individuals looking to steal land or other horses.
Tempered Calamity is a semi-realistic wild horse rpg inspired by old school play by post forums. Low word count and minimal activity requirements, come check us out or say hey on our discord!
a semi-realistic wild horse rpg
year 01
spring
updates
04.10
We're officially open to members! Check out some of the quick links above to get started on all the need-to-know information. If you find any issues, feel free to PM Oxy on here or discord!
DATE HERE
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Crystalline water flowed around the mare's pale hooves, a tense, puzzled expression staring back at her from the water. What was she doing here again? Was there any particular reason for coming to this place? Deirdre stared at her reflection as if expecting it to answer, but nothing came except the ambience of the world around her. Typical. Sighing with utter disappointment the splash mare stepped free of the water giving herself a shake to ward off the underlying chill. Despite the warming season it still felt chilly even with a blazing sun overhead. She didn't want to imagine how winters here were.
"Looks like I'll be continuing my journey...somewhere. Wherever that 'somewhere' may be." Deirdre began a slow shuffle along the course of the river, staring ahead yet seeing nothing. It had been a year already since leaving her birth herd in search of either a new one or even for a traveling companion. Neither of which she'd been successful in gaining. The mare wasn't one to give up easily if at all, but even she was beginning to feel a little dejected. Weren't horses herd animals? Why was it so hard finding others of her kind, then? Deirdre shook her head, ears pressed flat with irritation. She wouldn't give up, but loneliness was gradually beginning to weigh on her. Maybe, if luck was on her side, she'd finally see another horse today.
[attr="class","calamity-post-body"] The spring sun was smiling down upon The Overlook, waking up the trees and grasses from their winter slumber. If the bay stallion was the type to appreciate nature, he might've cared about the blooming flowers. Instead he looked upon them with almost boredom. Centurion had mulled over the decision to wander for several days. He was in no hurry. There was plenty of water provided by the mountain spring and the great falls. Plus he had the...other creatures for company. Soon enough though he grew tired of having only them around, and the stallion was left with little choice. Visit the watering hole, and by extension other horses, or die of boredom. It was with that resolution that he ventured away from the grey rocks and outcroppings he’d come to call home and toward the unknown.
Soon he came upon an open valley. The click of his hooves echoed off the stone as he moved across the rock formations that bordered one edge. Abruptly the rock gave way to lush green grass covered the ground in a thick carpet, cut in half by a large flowing river. The heavy stallion stepped forward, following the river until slowly the grass gave way to a golden sea. A slight breeze blew across the plains, the grasses before his eyes seemed to flow as they caught the light. Further ahead lay the watering hole of the plains. His eyes scanned the landscape carefully as he approached the water. He could smell the fresh aromas of horses who had recently been here and he snorted. Allowing a slight upward curl of his lips he sauntered to the bank and drank deeply.
Thirst satisfied, Centurion lifted his head and cocked one ear. Movement on the horizon caught his attention and he peered through the glaring sunlight. The smooth frame of another horse faded into his vision and he sighed. It was only natural that he would cross paths here in the open lands. Especially with how recent some of the scents here at the river's edge were. The stallion paused then, unsure if he should flee or stay and engage them in...a conversation at least.
On one hoof it had been awhile since he had seen any other horses, but on another hoof his loneliness was self-induced. It wasn't a complaint but he couldn't deny that he felt some amount of boredom. A king in his domain but with no subjects to rule, only the bugs or other small creatures to play with. Perhaps it was time and maybe it would be nice to have another around. Even if only temporarily, or if he had any intentions for them at all. No matter, he thought, he could always come up with something entertaining. Mind made up, he kicked forward into an easy trot and approached the horse. "Hello stranger," he said.
[attr="class","calamity-post-note"] lumi notes;; here
Deirdre's ears swiveled, locking into a forward facing position more so on instinct from a foreign noise rather than hearing the stallion's words. Her turquoise gaze flicked up, their dull appearance staring blankly for the span of what might've been several minutes, before her head snapped up realization settling over her mismatched face. That was another horse. A stallion. Someone was here? Had he been here for awhile? Deirdre blinked, her thoughts jumbled and knotted like hanging vines. Think! Use your head! He just spoke to you! She'd been wishing for company, but now that it had finally happened it was as if her mind had decided to take off like a flock of birds. She wasn't hallucinating, right? He was real?
"I haven't completely lost my senses have I? You actually exist, right?" Deirdre squinted at him as if it'd help decide if the stranger was physical or not, brow slightly furrowed in puzzled concentration. Surely if he was real she'd be able to touch him, no? If she really had lost her marbles then that was a whole new block she needed to process over. "You certainly look real." The mare stretched forward bumping her nose to his, studying him with intent curiosity. She didn't phase through him. Deirdre stepped closer circling, poking and prodding at various points of the stallion's frame with her nose until she stood before him once again.
"Well then." The mare spoke after a moment seeming to have made up her mind with whatever she'd been doing. "I suppose I've still got my wits about me yet. I'm terribly sorry for my...bold actions, I...well, as silly as it may sound I wanted to ensure you were actually here. You're the first horse I've seen in...awhile. I'd also just been thinking how nice it would've been to see another horse today and then poof here you are." Deirdre had enough sense to look and sound more than a little embarrassed, her ears flicking back briefly against her head. "Again, I apologize for such brazened behavior. I suppose I should've introduced myself properly first. My name's Deirdre. Lovely to meet you all things considered."
[attr="class","calamity-post-body"] It seemed that the stranger didn't quite recognise his presence. Was it deliberate? Their wish to remain disengaged, ignoring anyone around them until they were left alone? That was fine by him he decided, flicking his ears backward in annoyance. Before he could leave however, blue eyes rolled up and locked with his own brown. Slowly they cleared as comprehension blossomed across their face. And then they were talking to themselves. Questioning if he was real? Of course he was!
Naturally, the first horse he had to encounter in so long had to be completely out of their mind. If his vocal chords were capable, the stallion would have growled in his throat. Just great, he thought. Having no patience for the mentally insane, he briefly debated chasing them off. He could enjoy the cooler spring temperatures in peace and perhaps the next horse he crossed paths with would be slightly more agreeable. And then she was invading his personal space. Touching his nose with her own and Centurion bit back his squeal on indignation.
He snorted loudly instead, narrowing his eyes as he investigated her. Apology fell on his ears and he resisted the urge to roll his eyes. Bold actions? More like just plain rude. Even if she hadn't seen another horse in ages that was hardly an excuse in his opinion. Particularly since he too had been completely isolated for the past year and he didn't feel the need to question her appearance at all or touch her unwarranted. The consideration that he was more the exception than the rule when it came to loneliness did not cross his mind.
Feeling quite affronted at her actions, he decided then that he wasn't really looking for a fight. He could nip her shoulder, a reminder that he did not appreciate her actions, but without knowing whether she would fight or flee? No, perhaps words would service him better. For now. Chewing slowly, he considered his words, but instead she introduced herself. Fine, that was easy enough. Lovely to meet her though? He hadn't yet made up his mind.
"I'm called Centurion," he said, tone clipped. "How is it that you have not seen another horse in so long? Have you no home?"
[attr="class","calamity-post-note"] lumi notes;; here
Well she'd certainly screwed up. Cringing inwardly at his tone Deirdre bowed her head, looking sheepishly at the ground. She'd let her head take off running with her rationality and now the first impression done wasn't a positive one. There was a plethora of other ways she could've gone about this, but it was a moot point to regret it now. What was done was done and the mare could only hope she didn't make a fool of herself going forward.
"I left my birth herd around a year ago in hopes of finding a new home or simply a traveling companion." Opting to be honest in hopes of making up for her initial fumble, Deirdre quickly glanced up studying his face for a heartbeat before continuing. "At this current point in time I have no home or really a herd to return back to. My..." Her words trailed off into hesitation. Usually she was better equipped at handling conversation, but this stallion, Centurion, was more than a little intimidating and her earlier mess up had left her flustered and embarrassed. She needed to get a hold of herself and quickly.
"My father wouldn't welcome me back if I showed my face around the herd again. So I simply wander. Granted I hadn't anticipated how...difficult surviving on my own would be, but I'm doing well enough." Deirdre snorted raising her head to meet the stallion's gaze, tone carefully neutral. In no manner was she seeking any form of comfort or sympathy, but telling the truth to the questions he'd asked. Of course, her mother and sister would welcome her back no matter how much time had passed, but her father was a different story. If she hadn't left of her own accord he would've driven her out by force. Leaving when she did had been the best decision not only for her sake, but for her mother and sister as well.
"I take it you live around these parts?" Deirdre mentally shook off the cobwebs of her past trying to keep herself focused on the conversation at hand. "I haven't been here long, maybe a couple days give or take. I've smelled various other horses who've traveled around, but haven't seen anyone. I...hope I haven't trespassed or caused a terrible amount of trouble." The mare shifted her attention to stare at her hooves, studying them instead of looking at Centurion as she continued. "I'm sorry for my previous behavior. It was rude of me and I apologize for making you uncomfortable or upset in any way. I guess seeing another horse after so long overrode the usually rational part of my head. Not that it excuses it, but I felt I should give you an apology nonetheless."
[attr="class","calamity-post-body"] For a moment, Centurion felt a curiosity about the mare. Left her home land? Maybe that should just be taken at face value. Lots of horses, especially young, left their herds in search of adventure or a change. Or to start a herd of their own. Or perhaps it was nefarious and this stranger had poisoned her herd and had been banished. Poison was good. He liked the thought of that and he was too late to stop the corners of his lips from quirking upward into a tiny smirk. Catching it, he quickly returned to his deep frown.
Mentally shaking the thoughts from his mind, he paused to actually survey the mare in detail. Her coat was a little shabby, her mane long and unkempt. She was dirty, from her time on the road he supposed, but she wasn't thin and didn't look crazed. "Around about or so," he replied, unsure if he should disclose that he had a land of his own just yet. "I have also smelled the passing horses but you're the first I've seen in many months," he admitted. He did not think to mollify her apologies for trespassing. He found her slightly amusing and wasn't in a hurry to ruin the fun.
"No matter," he said, tone still somewhat gruff. Struggling slightly with his words, he turned then, angling his shoulder towards the open expanse that led away from the river in an invitation for her to walk with him. The stallion, though he was loathe to admit it, hoped that she would follow. Even if it was only temporary, he was determined to drag the enjoyment he felt out for a little longer. It had been a good decision to leave his lands after all. Slight awkwardness aside. It would seem to him that he had forgotten how one talks to someone else. Beyond staying isolated in the overlook for the past month or so, he had been alone for far longer. Other than his mentor, but that didn't count he decided. His mentor had not been...social.
[attr="class","calamity-post-note"] lumi notes;; here
Deirdre's turquoise gaze didn't miss the subtle smirk that danced and disappeared just as quickly from the stallion's lips. Just what had tickled that brain of his to earn such a reaction? Surely he didn't find her funny? Or her apology inadequate? Sure, she'd stumbled at first, but she wasn't crazed or held ill intent. Just...socially out of practice if one wanted to put a label on it. Regardless, the mare wasn't giving up on the chance to finally have a decent conversation with someone after being alone for what felt like a hundred seasons.
"I think you're just as out of practice with socializing as I." Accepting his silent invitation Deirdre stepped up until the two were matching paces, casting a quick sideways glance at the stallion. Despite his...gruff? Grumpy? Words he didn't seem to be a terrible companion. In an odd way he faintly reminded her of her father, if in nothing more than the way they spoke. It felt strange running across another who would ever remind her of him, but she was grateful for it somewhere deep down. Thoughts of her father only reminded her of her mother and sister and that, she managed to smile over.
"So, if you don't mind personal questions, what's brought you all the way out here? Or, well, I suppose you live out here? I'm guessing anyway." Mentally shaking away her past Deirdre shifted another sideways glance at Centurion, pausing to study his reaction before continuing. "You don't seem the type who accepts anyone all willy nilly into your space if you can help it. If anything I'd bet my right hoof you're more of a loner. Or, despite how grumpy you sound, you'd probably enjoy some small bit of company. Probably wouldn't ever admit it, but we are a social species after all. Wouldn't be terribly strange if you did." Deirdre flicked an ear back, head subtly tilting in his direction as her words faded and she awaited his response. Part of her warned her to watch how much she rambled while the other simply encouraged it. Her mother had warned her both growing up and on the day she left to watch her words as not everyone would be understanding of how she worked. Deirdre had certainly tried to keep herself in check, but today was turning into one where she certainly wasn't.
[attr="class","calamity-post-body"] Amber eyes narrowed considerably at her comment, his lips sinking into an even deeper frown. So what if he was socially inept? Technically he wasn't at all! Just...out of practice. He could charm anyone if he wanted to. Convince them to do his bidding, persuade even the most stubborn to bend to his will. He would prove it! Internally, he ran through several ideas. Should he appeal to her through a show of authority? Pride? No...perhaps softness was the way to tame this mare. Show her they were equals. His ears flicked backward slightly then in an attempt to convey embarassment. "Perhaps a little," he said.
Taking care to match his pace with hers, he stepped alongside her heading west back the way he had came. Secretly he was glad she had accepted the wordless invitation, even if he hadn't yet approached the topic of her joining him all the way home. Perhaps even to stay. He also found her somewhat peculiar. At first he had thought her nothing more than a crazed wildling. Mangled and shaggy as she was he thought she might be mad, driven only by her instincts to survive. Now though he saw that beneath it was a certain intelligence to her. It sparked his curiosity and he wanted to know more.
Until she opened her mouth and started to ramble a bit. Chuckling, his laugh throaty and deep, he eyed her with amusement. "Only a days travel from here. Around or about." He paused while she continued talking and then he halted abruptly at her words. It was only a moment and he quickly resumed his pace but what she had said had taken him aback. A keen intellect indeed. She had seen right through his attempts at pleasantries. Either that or he was just really bad at them. Was he really that out of practice? Damn.
"You speak as though you feel the same..." he said. The moment he spoke the words aloud he realised it was true. Somehow, someway they had connected, understanding each other on a level he hadn't expected. Truly he had never met anyone like her and now he genuinely wished to keep her. Unlock all her secrets and find out what exactly it was that made her tick. Before his rationality could stop him, he had opened his mouth. "Perhaps you would like to see my home," he blurted. Wait he hadn't explained anything yet, she didn't know he meant...well he supposed it could mean anything. He gazed at her expectantly, wondering how she would respond.
[attr="class","calamity-post-note"] lumi notes;; here
She noticed that, just as she had with his subtle reaction mere moments ago. He might be difficult to read overall, but sometimes he gave her a clue or two into the way he thought. Now it was certainly no different but, for the moment, she pretended not notice. He was a unique stallion, one who kept her guessing with what he may say next and admittedly it drew her into wanting to learn more about him. Was it strange? Perhaps. Should she be wary of telling too many of her secrets to a stranger she'd only just met? Certainly. Her mother hadn't raised a silly fool after all. Yet...Part of her didn't mind telling a few of those secrets.
"Here I was starting to think that frown of yours was the only expression you were able to make." Tone light and teasing Deirdre's lips curved upwards in the beginning of a bemused smile, once more mentally shaking off her thoughts. She couldn't help herself, when he left her an opening she ran with it. How he might react to such teasing the mare didn't know, but for now she carried on with their conversation lightly bumping her shoulder into his. "I have felt many things in the short expanse of my life. Probably the reason I learned to grow up far faster than what others would consider normal." The admittance felt strange leaving her lips, but soon as the words were out she knew they were true. "Not to say my life was terrible by any means. I still managed to have a loving mother and fantastic older sister." She was toying on the edge of a dangerous game now and she knew it. Deirdre attempted to brush over her recent response, plastering a smile upon her muzzle in hopes it would hide the somber feeling weighing over her like a heavy rain. She didn't need him questioning her shift in attitude. Time to redirect.
"Centurion are you asking little ol' me on a date?" Deirdre knew damn well that wasn't what he meant, but the temptation to tease him again couldn't be skipped over. Eyes twinkling with mirth the mare couldn't hold back the lighthearted chuckle that escaped her throat, her once somber attitude melting away. "I'm sorry I know you're being serious. I would love to see your home if your offer is still up after my silly shenanigans. It would be a nice change of pace after all the traveling I've done as of late."
[attr="class","calamity-post-body"] Underneath the mare's disheveled appearance, he could see that she held a certain fine quality that he hadn't expected or noticed at first. She would make for an excellent first herd mate, though whether his intentions for her role were great or small he didn't yet know. He could see her leading armies by his side but first he knew he had to win her loyalty. Unfortunately the only true way of doing that was to open himself up, if only a little. What he shared didn't have to be completely truthful he told himself. Not yet. He wasn't ready to expose that much of himself.
A perfectly crafted chuckle escaped his lips, a break from the frown that she had teased him about. If she thought him only capable of frowning, if only in jest, he would prove her wrong. "You don't know the half of it," he returned, his bemused tone a lilting melody. Amber eyes flicked in her direction to catch her reaction but he was unprepared for her to direct the conversation to a more somber tone. He found himself nodding along, being able to relate to the words that spilled from her lips. At least the part about growing up faster and younger than he had wanted to.
Most would probably disagree with his sentiment on that particular matter. He had been spoiled and pampered for far longer than the rest of the colts and fillies his age had been. While they had undergone the rituals and rites of passage to indicate the transition from young to adult, Centurion himself had skirted the responsibilities for as long as he pleased. However when that time had ended, it ended so abruptly and violently...well he was still bitter about it needless to say. One minute he had been the beloved prince and the next he had been an outcast who had to fend for himself. The stallion who had found and taken him in had not been gentle nor kind in his teachings either. It was kill or be killed.
Shaking his head he focused again on the present. It sounded like she too had secrets but he didn't really care what her history said. He liked what she was now and anything else was in the past. Same as it was for his own background. He whinnied in response to her teasing and tossed his head in a nod, the motion flicking his mane and forelock back into the wind. "Would you have said no if I was?" he teased back before replying in earnest. "I would enjoy your company. Come it's not far," he said and moved westward toward The Overlook.
[attr="class","calamity-post-note"] lumi notes;; here
His words entered her ears, but they didn't fully register in her head immediately. Her teasing she hadn't expected to be returned and the realization nearly made the mare stumble over her own hooves. It was subtle and Deirdre was quick to catch herself as Centurion moved westward, silently praying he hadn't noticed her little slip up. Releasing a short exhale the splash mare was quick to regain her composure. Now that she knew he wasn't all frowns and grumpiness it made for an even more fun conversation. "I think any sane mare would be outright silly to deny an offer like that." Despite her tone carrying the same teasing lilt as before, there was also some level of honesty to it. Deirdre knew little in the ways of what romance was, but she'd been raised to speak her mind and that's what she did.
Shaking her forelock out of her eyes the mare hurried her pace to once again match his now taking the time to further study their surroundings. It was so different from what she was used to back home, but it was oddly...comforting? Welcoming? The feeling this place gave her she couldn't quite place her hoof on it, but Deirdre could see herself fitting in. Could she dare hope that he might offer her a place to stay? The thought had her casting a sideways glance at the stallion, studying him silently for a few moments. "I'm honored to see your home, Centurion. Truly. I'm grateful you're extending such a kindness to one such as myself." Deirdre's lips upturned into a genuine smile her shoulder playfully bumping into his before she could stop herself. "Even if it's not a date I still enjoy the scenery and the company isn't bad either."
[attr="class","calamity-post-body"] Noticing the mare's slight stumble, the stallion made a mental note to ensure that the mare was returned to full health and vitality once they returned to his herd land. While she wasn't thin he couldn't be sure if she wasn't nursing some small injury somewhere. Sure it was hard to starve out here, the grass plentiful in the unclaimed territories, but that wasn't to say it wasn't unheard of. That wasn't to mention how dangerous the lands could be for a lone horse, particularly a mare.
His attention turned again to her mouth as she spoke and he couldn't stop the grin that spread across his own lips in response. "I'm glad you think so," he said.
Truly he was. When he had first decided to settle down and claim The Overlook for himself he had wondered what he was going to do with it. Did he want to simply live there alone? Or did he want to try and build a herd? A tightly knit group of horses that he could command as his own. Granted he hadn't yet decided if he wanted to use them for his own means...namely trying to conquer any neighbouring lands or if he was content with the territory he had.
Pursing his lips he pushed the thoughts into the recesses of his mind. They were questions for him to deal with later. Now he needed to focus on the mare in front of him. Her eyes captured his as she flicked the locks from her forehead and he tested the feeling of a gentle smile on his lips. "The honour is mine," he said. Centurion braced against her and returned her shoulder bump with one of his own. "The view from the top of the kingdom is breathtaking. Particularly at sunrise. I would be happy to show you."
[attr="class","calamity-post-note"] lumi notes;; here
