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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Quirks/Fun Facts: Estelle loves rolling in dirt or taking mud baths
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Estelle is a fiercely independent mare who's had little in the ways of other equine interactions. She has only ever known a show ring and being trapped within different stalls. Despite her upbringing it didn't diminish her inner fire and it's caused her trouble in the past and will no doubt cause her trouble in the future. Estelle is stubborn almost to a fault, rarely backing down from anything and showing no fear towards damn near anything. Any situation she meets head on, ready to fight or talk her way out of whatever comes her way, sometimes both. [break] [break] Even though Estelle exudes confidence, the mare doesn't believe herself to be 'beautiful' or worth the attention of others. A strong desire to be a mother lingers deep down, but she would never express such desires. She is used to being used then abandoned and wants to find someone who will cherish her -and her future foals- above anyone else.
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History
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Foalhood: Estelle was born to a prosperous breeding program who's goal was to create a 'new' breed of horse. Born to a half Arabian/half Friesian (sport horse) mother and Pintabian father, Estelle was whisked into the spotlight from the day of her birth onward. Adored for her unique coat, startling blue eyes, and more Arabian built frame the filly was given great lengths to ensure she stayed 'perfect.' Unable to frolic in the pastures with the others mares and their foals Estelle and her mother were forced to stay in a small dirt filled turnout connected to their stall or an indoor arena. This was the filly's life until she turned two and was taken away for training. [break]
[break] 2-4 years: Estelle's training started out rocky. Having little contact with other horses outside of her mother and being isolated, the filly balked at saddles and bridles touching her, even worse having a human sit upon her back. Every day she fought and fought until eventually, after a year of struggling with no success, her owners decided to switch her training to showing in halter classes and liberty. Estelle excelled in these. Combined with her beauty and intelligence the filly made headlines, brining home all sorts of ribbons and trophies and, lots of money. By the time Estelle was aged four, her owners had already booked her for a number of future shows and breeding opportunities. [break]
[break] 5 years-present: During her time in the showring Estelle was growing increasingly unhappy. Sure, she had fans, was pampered, but she wasn't living. There had to be something more for her out there that didn't revolve around going to a show then immediately being whisked back into her stall with a tiny turnout connected. She was lonely and depressed. She wanted fun, adventure, to stretch her legs. To make friends. That opportunity would come sooner than she'd anticipated. A careless stable hand, an unlocked stall door, and she was free. Estelle took her passage to freedom as quick as the wind fleeing from the only home she'd known and into the untamed wilds beyond. Since then Estelle has slowly worked her way farther and farther away from human settlements discovering things she didn't know existed outside of her stall. She doesn't know a lick about what it's like to live 'wild,' but it certainly feels better compared to being trapped for the rest of her life.
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OOC
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Is This Your First Character? No. Izadora, Deirdre, Luna, Clementine
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Notes Her mane and tail look a lot longer than they are in her art, but are a few inches shorter.
Quirks/Fun Facts: Clementine adores flowers and will usually try and have her sister put some in her mane or tail on their travels.
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Clementine is an incredibly shy, almost bashful young mare who doesn't hold herself in high regard. Skittish and terrified of most things in the world she is often the silent shadow of her sister, Cleo. Cleme comes off as unassuming, perhaps even dumb in a first initial meeting, but she's quite the latter. It just takes time for that part of her to rise and shine through. The mare is constantly on guard ready to bolt at the first sign of a threat or even aggression and her trust in anyone outside her sister is practically nonexistent. It would take a considerable amount of effort to clamber over the walls this mare has built around not only her heart, but also her mind. However, if trust is gained they'll find beneath the fearful layer is a kind, compassionate mare who is rather open minded and values family above all else.
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History
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Born from a line heavy with a long standing pedigree Clementine had pressure placed upon her shoulders long before she was ever born. Her parents were prized, famous Western working line horses who were both equally intelligent as they were beautiful. The two had produced many successful Western champions before and when Clementine was conceived there were high hopes for such a special foal. When her birth finally happened everyone was overjoyed at the splashed filly and she was showered in love and adoration. Yet, before long it became apparent that something wasn't quite right with the foal. She spooked more than a foal her age should and she was as skittish as a freshly caught mustang. Her mother tried to help ease whatever fears plagued her daughter, but it was to no avail. [break] [break] When she reached the age to begin training, it became all the more painfully clear the young filly would never be cut out for showmanship. Try as they might nothing could boost the young horses confidence or calm her enough to get over her fears. Eventually, after two years of struggling, her owners gave up on her as did her mother, thus abandoning Clementine in an overgrown field. For the next year Clementine stayed locked away, alone and forgotten by everyone who once showered her with love and adoration. It wasn't until the winter of her third year that she met her elder sister, Cleo. The mare was a stark contrast to Cleme and, desperate for any interaction she attached herself to her. Over the course of the next few weeks the two gradually got to know each other, Cleme eventually learning that they shared the same father, but different mothers. Cleo's mother was at a different stable and Cleo herself was deemed too 'wild' to be ridden and left in her own pasture much like Clementine was. Cleo told her stories of the wild horses and how they could end up like them one day instead of being trapped in a pasture to rot. Clementine was hesitant to even consider such a thing. Survive in the wild? Surely her sister was joking! Yet...as time wore on and Cleo became more serious and insistent Cleme realized her sister had sparked something in her she hadn't felt before: hope. Hope for a new life and a fresh start. It took some convincing, but eventually the two sisters hatched out a plan to escape and, one night they succeeded. Now the two travel the unknown searching for a place where they might belong and can finally call home.
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OOC
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Is This Your First Character? No (Izadora, Deirdre, Luna)
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."
Casting a bemused smile in her mate's direction Izadora lowered her head, gently bumping her son's shoulder with her nose. "We can go see the fish again and while we walk I can tell you a story about the stars." The mare agreed smiling warmly at the colt before shifting her focus to Cloudskipper. "Speaking of, I was thinking perhaps we can take Aurum a little farther out today once the sun has reached its highest point. The watering hole is exciting, but I want him to be able to explore a little more now that he's grown some." Izzy brushed her nose over Cloudskipper's cheek, nuzzling him with tender affection. "What do you think? Is our son big enough to handle seeing a little more beyond the watering hole?"
Izadora's ears swiveled, head immediately rising at her son's voice. A soft smile was quick to grace the mares features body turning so she could give the colt an affectionate nuzzle. "Hello my little light." Izzy nickered gently bumping her nose against Aurum's golden cheek only to turn and do the same to Cloudskipper. "Hello to you too my adoring other half." Looking at the two of them the mare felt her heart fill close to bursting with love and affection. How she could feel more love than she already did was beyond her, but she was both equally blessed and grateful she had them in her life. If only her mother could see how far she'd come now.
"Did you enjoy your nap Aurum?" Ruffling his curly mane with her chin Izzy carefully nibbled at a few stray blades of grass stuck to the colt's gold and white coat. "Are you wanting to see anything today? How are you feeling? Have you rested enough? Are you hungry?" The mare's gaze darted over her son a little anxiously part of her worried he was suddenly sick or feeling unwell in the short time he'd been asleep. Logically she knew he was fine, but deep down the constant worry something might happen plagued her thoughts. If it wasn't for Cloudskipper helping to keep her calm and ease her fears she likely would've started losing her mane or tail from stress.
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."
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.
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."
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."