The officials on site weren't sure how a cross-class race would go--the Federation never had aerial Pokémon and overland Pokémon in the same race for a reason. No matter the result, it would be a spectacle, though--when does anyone ever get to see four legendary Pokémon race, especially when three of them are so evenly matched?
The four Chosen assembled at the line, all geared up and just waiting for the signal. They stared at the scoreboard just past the line, waiting for the countdown, the three Beasts bragging to each other about how they were going to blow the other two out with their own strengths. There was a strong north wind blowing, too--the direction they were facing.
Three!
{I can feel the wind behind us. Beryl, we're going to leave them all behind once we pass the top of the hill!}
Two!
{The first turn goes on forever and is designed to wear everyone out, Billy. But it won't wear me out! They'll never have a chance!}
One!
{I don't know what they're even talking about. They're probably trying to scare us. I've demonstrated this dozens of times, and I will show it again. Nothing, and I mean nothing, will outrun me! Hang on tight, Josh--I'm not holding anything back!}
Go!
Articuno took to the air and the three Beasts darted off the line simultaneously, neck and neck with each other while fighting for the inside line.
Obstacle 1: Not holding anything back, Trinity Island's track begins with its namesake--an uphill, counterclockwise spiral that wraps above itself for 630 degrees. Designed to wear Pokémon out, very few can hold the long turn despite it being gentle.
Private Mod Note
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Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A mere ten days after the Mending, a young knight of Valeron and a young ranger of Eos made a discovery that would change Alara forever.
Obstacle 1: Not holding anything back, Trinity Island's track begins with its namesake--an uphill, counterclockwise spiral that wraps above itself for 630 degrees. Designed to wear Pokémon out, very few can hold the long turn despite it being gentle.
"Let's go, Suicune!" The Chosen and Beast accelerated at a steady and smooth pace, trying to go fast enough to keep up with the other Beasts -- even if just barely. Beryl wasn't concerned about taking an early lead, so much as avoiding wearing out Suicune. There would be time enough to catch up once the wind was at their back.
Swift wanted to go flying off the line, but Josh wanted to save his Beast's strength for later on, as well. As much as he wanted to just floor it the whole time, he knew he couldn't. These tracks were designed to be traversed at high speeds, but not those of the swiftest overland Pokémon in the world. He leaned left into the long turn, trying to keep as steady as possible and avoiding impact with either wall.
Josh flinched when Swift didn't slow down a bit going into the long, uphill turn. He leaned into it to keep control over the electric-type, but had to adjust his angle and slipped to the outside. Suicune took the opportunity to pass the yellow Pokémon, its sharp paw-claws allowing it to grip the track's uphill spiral and stay on the inside line the entire type. About halfway up, it started taking its toll on Beryl, the continued turn putting a lot of pressure on her body to keep balanced. Billy and Entei were forced to run along the outside of the large turn, its pace too sharp for the broad-pawed Beast. It looked ahead for the end of the spiral, feeling there was an opportunity to make up ground there.
The uphill spiral was tough on Articuno, too--the height of the flags and the arrows on them indicated the flight path aerial Pokémon needed to follow. Banking for the turn wasn't the issue--it was continuously gaining the height needed for minimum altitude to stay in course bounds. Each flap of its icy wings seemed to throw them a bit off course, Geoff needing some time to get used to changing altitude and turning at the same time.
Obstacle 2: This series of downhill, 45- to 60-degree turns is a place that could make or break racers early. If racers could travel from apex to apex easily, they could whip right past much of the field having trouble with the turns and gain a lot of position--or extend a lead.
POS NAME ENERGY TP
1 Suicune 109/109 90.000
2 Swift 92/ 92 81.500
3 Articuno 115/115 73.000
4 Entei 132/132 60.500
The steep inclination had Geoff's eyes closed tightly. He opened them, just in time to yell "LOOK OUT!" Articuno game a look of derision, though Geoff couldn't see it. "We can't fall off while we're flying, so you don't need to worry about that..."
Beryl's breathing was labored as Suicune crested the top of the hill, offering them a good view upon the twisting turns of the downhill slope. "The wind is at our back, Suicune. How are you holding up?"
{Hang on tight, Beryl!} was the Beast's reply. {Now you'll truly experience what it means to be a Knight of Winds!}
OOC: If it's possible, Billy and Entei will try to Breakthrough on this obstacle. If not, the two will continue Racing through this part Normally.
"Do you think you could make it though this easily if we were going faster!?" Billy said as he saw the upcoming obstacle. {There's only one way to find out! Hold on, this will be rough!} Entei's reply was tinged with excitement. Suddenly the Beast and its Chosen were covered in flames as Entei made to leap from part of the turning corner to the next.
Josh ignored Beryl and Suicune for the time being, staying focused on taking the straightest path possible. He knew they would be going fast down the hill, and a mistake at this speed could send him flying. He leaned into each small turn gently, trying not to swerve too much.
}Normal}
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---
Josh and Swift gently leaned into each curve, holding their ground and waiting patiently for a straight stretch to blast ahead on. Suicune and Beryl extended their lead as the two rode a gale-force wind through the curves, always being at their back despite the mild S-curves. It was so fast that Beryl felt like she was being abruptly yanked in one direction every time Suicune made even a mild turn.
Billy had it much worse--the fire-type's brown fur turned red with flames, the crowd on their feet cheering when Entei landed at the apex of the second turn, bouncing off the wall with such force that would have unseat anyone else and sent him flying over the wall. Yeow! His knuckles were a solid white from holding on for his life, Billy not even noticing he had passed his friend Josh.
Articuno was obviously frustrated from Geoff holding it back. They were not only still in last place, but even the lagging Swift was pulling out of sight. The ice bird respected Geoff's wishes, but he could tell there was discontent in its eyes.
Obstacle 3: After a series of long turns, this fairly straight stretch of track would be a great place to floor it if it weren't for the hills--there were large hills laid out in an alternating fashion on the sides of the track. The middle of the track was fairly flat, but the terrain there seemed to wave back and forth from the effects of flying past the hills on the left and right sides so rapidly. Overland Pokémon could attempt to jump from hilltop to hilltop on either side, but one bad landing could result in a horrible crash.
POS NAME ENERGY TP
1 Suicune 97/109 295.000
2 Entei 91/132 262.500
3 Swift 92/ 92 242.000
4 Articuno 115/115 174.000
Having gained a significant amount of ground with their gale-force charge, Beryl leaned low onto her mount and told Suicune to ease up a bit. Not wanting to risk wiping out from another series of sharp turns atop the hills, she steered Suicune into the center of the track, where the Beast could run in more or less a straight line.
"Don't get greedy," Josh said aloud to himself as the giant-sized moguls came into view. He leaned into the first turn and carefully lined Swift up with the center of the track, minimizing their effects...hopefully.
{NORMAL}
Dice Roller1 D20 rolled
12
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A mere ten days after the Mending, a young knight of Valeron and a young ranger of Eos made a discovery that would change Alara forever.
Articuno let out a sigh of relief, Geoff not holding it back any longer. One screech later, the bird's wings glowed a bright white, putting on bursts of Agility that sent the two lurching from side to side while gaining tremendous amounts of speed.
Entei struggled to find its balance, the mogul-like hills throwing its trajectory in seemingly random directions. This didn't do much good for Billy's hands, shaking just to keep a grip on Entei as the two caromed off wall after wall, Swift slowing down enough to keep its balance. Josh had to quickly jerk to one side to avoid a collision with his friend.
Suicune and Beryl eased up to maintain balance, Beryl especially paranoid of the water Pokémon twisting an ankle on the hills. They still had a comfortable lead, but Swift was determined to eat into that lead.
Obstacle 4: This long straightaway expands and narrows periodically, making passing difficult but a great place to let loose with speed techniques. The uphill nature of this straightaway makes seeing ahead for long distances difficult, and judging the end of it can be difficult as well.
POS NAME ENERGY TP
1 Suicune 97/109 428.000
2 Swift 92/ 92 382.000
3 Entei 73/132 320.500
4 Articuno 97/115 293.000
Josh, without thinking, slammed his heels into Swift's sides. "Extreme Speed!" he shouted, practically laying on the yellow Beast. The electric Pokémon charged up the shallow incline so rapidly that the Chosen could barely move and react to what was going on.
Dice Roller1 D20 rolled
10
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():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A mere ten days after the Mending, a young knight of Valeron and a young ranger of Eos made a discovery that would change Alara forever.
"We're not going to let them catch up, are we?" Now that she was no longer so dizzy, Beryl felt unafraid of whatever lay over the crest of the hill, since she had no doubt Suicune could clear any jump. She kicked her heels into the Beast's sides and kept them there, bracing for the sudden surge of wind at their backs.
Entei was still a bit winded from crashing off the walls on the last series of turns, holding back its strength to save for the closing stretch. Against his better judgment, Geoff allowed Articuno to press ahead hard, its wings still glowing blue and white every time they zigged and zagged as much as the couse bounds would let them. He was almost directly above the two now.
Suicune and Swift rushed up the hill, demonstrating the speed the two were known for. The crowd was on the edge of their seats, dumbfounded as to how fast these Pokémon were running. Josh knew he was in great position in the long straight stretch, as nothing could outrun Swift in a straight speed contest. He took advantage of the opportunity and passed up Suicune when the track went back to its normal width at the end, though he didn't notice right away because he was so focused on holding on.
Obstacle 5: Just over the crest of the gentle hill was a sharp, blind left turn that led to the closing stretch. Designed to punish overzealous racers, this is widely considered to be the most difficult curve on the Ageos circuit. Even racers who know it's coming find it difficult to judge due to not having any visual cues until it's probably too late.
POS NAME ENERGY TP
1 Swift 62/ 92 586.500
2 Suicune 79/109 575.500
3 Entei 73/132 398.500
4 Articuno 79/115 388.000
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Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A mere ten days after the Mending, a young knight of Valeron and a young ranger of Eos made a discovery that would change Alara forever.
Beryl leaned as hard to the left as she could on the blind turn, trusting in Suicune's natural agility to keep from colliding with the walls. "Let's do it... Extreme Speed!"
Action: Boost - Extreme Speed
Dice Roller1 D20 rolled
11
Time to get punished for misreading the obstacle, derp.
"Okay Entei, let's just try and recover to your normal pace. Then we'll go full force to the end." Billy said as Entei kept running forward towards the turn.
By the time Josh saw the sharp turn left, he couldn't react. He panicked and yanked hard on Swift's left, trying to get the Pokémon to slide around the turn, pulling back on the Beast with what strength he had left.
slow-24
Dice Roller1 D20 rolled
4
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Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A mere ten days after the Mending, a young knight of Valeron and a young ranger of Eos made a discovery that would change Alara forever.
Beryl slammed her heels into Suicune and leaned left as hard as she could, but her reaction to the sudden curve just wasn't quick enough. Having seen the track before meant she knew it was coming, but with Suicune charging at the speed of a strong tornado's winds, it would take a superhuman reaction time to nudge the water-type left in time. The two scraped the outer wall, guiding them toward the final straightaway a bit but leaving them both winded and Suicune with a large scrape on its right side.
Josh had it worse--Swift was going way too fast to even think about slowing down in time. The two banged into the outside wall before scraping along it. His efforts in pulling back were the only thing that saved him from a dangerous impact that could have easily yanked him over the wall and into the stands. Swift was visibly bleeding all over the right side but pressed on anyway, knowing there wasn't much to go.
Billy couldn't handle it, either--by the time he could see the turn coming, it was too late. The fire-type brushed the outer wall but not enough to completely destroy its speed, unlike with Swift and Suicune. It was more than a graze, though, and Billy could feel it on his right side as well. By the time the three Beasts recovered, Entei had closed the gap significantly, but Billy saw Articuno's shadow farther ahead. It appeared Geoff had leaned Articuno into the turn early enough and perfectly. Beryl and Josh were still a full four to five seconds ahead--probably not catchable at this rate even in their weakened state.
Swift and Suicune were neck and neck. Under normal circumstances, Swift would blast ahead of Suicune without a problem, but with both Beasts and Chosen in a weakened state, it was anyone's guess who would cross the finish line first.
Obstacle 6: Past the previous wicked curve, the finish line was in sight--a simple, straight stretch in front of the gallery. No tricks and no sudden curves--just a rush to the finish line that encouraged the Pokémon to gun for it as fast as possible.
POS NAME ENERGY TP
1 Swift 12/ 92 650.500
2 Suicune 28/109 648.500
3 Articuno 79/115 556.000
4 Entei 65/132 522.500
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A mere ten days after the Mending, a young knight of Valeron and a young ranger of Eos made a discovery that would change Alara forever.
The four Chosen assembled at the line, all geared up and just waiting for the signal. They stared at the scoreboard just past the line, waiting for the countdown, the three Beasts bragging to each other about how they were going to blow the other two out with their own strengths. There was a strong north wind blowing, too--the direction they were facing.
Three!
{I can feel the wind behind us. Beryl, we're going to leave them all behind once we pass the top of the hill!}
Two!
{The first turn goes on forever and is designed to wear everyone out, Billy. But it won't wear me out! They'll never have a chance!}
One!
{I don't know what they're even talking about. They're probably trying to scare us. I've demonstrated this dozens of times, and I will show it again. Nothing, and I mean nothing, will outrun me! Hang on tight, Josh--I'm not holding anything back!}
Go!
Articuno took to the air and the three Beasts darted off the line simultaneously, neck and neck with each other while fighting for the inside line.
Obstacle 1: Not holding anything back, Trinity Island's track begins with its namesake--an uphill, counterclockwise spiral that wraps above itself for 630 degrees. Designed to wear Pokémon out, very few can hold the long turn despite it being gentle.
Emille, Seven-Sting Dancer Shalin Nariya
"Let's go, Suicune!" The Chosen and Beast accelerated at a steady and smooth pace, trying to go fast enough to keep up with the other Beasts -- even if just barely. Beryl wasn't concerned about taking an early lead, so much as avoiding wearing out Suicune. There would be time enough to catch up once the wind was at their back.
Action: Normal
Avatar by Numotflame96 of Maelstrom Graphics
Sig banner thanks to DarkNightCavalier of Heroes of the Plane Studios!
Normal Action
The creator of Maro's Magic 8-Ball!
Emille, Seven-Sting Dancer Shalin Nariya
Normal
Come on and check it out. You know you want to.
The uphill spiral was tough on Articuno, too--the height of the flags and the arrows on them indicated the flight path aerial Pokémon needed to follow. Banking for the turn wasn't the issue--it was continuously gaining the height needed for minimum altitude to stay in course bounds. Each flap of its icy wings seemed to throw them a bit off course, Geoff needing some time to get used to changing altitude and turning at the same time.
Obstacle 2: This series of downhill, 45- to 60-degree turns is a place that could make or break racers early. If racers could travel from apex to apex easily, they could whip right past much of the field having trouble with the turns and gain a lot of position--or extend a lead.
Emille, Seven-Sting Dancer Shalin Nariya
The creator of Maro's Magic 8-Ball!
{Hang on tight, Beryl!} was the Beast's reply. {Now you'll truly experience what it means to be a Knight of Winds!}
Action: Boost - Tailwind
Avatar by Numotflame96 of Maelstrom Graphics
Sig banner thanks to DarkNightCavalier of Heroes of the Plane Studios!
"Do you think you could make it though this easily if we were going faster!?" Billy said as he saw the upcoming obstacle. {There's only one way to find out! Hold on, this will be rough!} Entei's reply was tinged with excitement. Suddenly the Beast and its Chosen were covered in flames as Entei made to leap from part of the turning corner to the next.
Breakthrough and Boost: Flare Blitz
Come on and check it out. You know you want to.
---
Josh and Swift gently leaned into each curve, holding their ground and waiting patiently for a straight stretch to blast ahead on. Suicune and Beryl extended their lead as the two rode a gale-force wind through the curves, always being at their back despite the mild S-curves. It was so fast that Beryl felt like she was being abruptly yanked in one direction every time Suicune made even a mild turn.
Billy had it much worse--the fire-type's brown fur turned red with flames, the crowd on their feet cheering when Entei landed at the apex of the second turn, bouncing off the wall with such force that would have unseat anyone else and sent him flying over the wall. Yeow! His knuckles were a solid white from holding on for his life, Billy not even noticing he had passed his friend Josh.
Articuno was obviously frustrated from Geoff holding it back. They were not only still in last place, but even the lagging Swift was pulling out of sight. The ice bird respected Geoff's wishes, but he could tell there was discontent in its eyes.
Obstacle 3: After a series of long turns, this fairly straight stretch of track would be a great place to floor it if it weren't for the hills--there were large hills laid out in an alternating fashion on the sides of the track. The middle of the track was fairly flat, but the terrain there seemed to wave back and forth from the effects of flying past the hills on the left and right sides so rapidly. Overland Pokémon could attempt to jump from hilltop to hilltop on either side, but one bad landing could result in a horrible crash.
Emille, Seven-Sting Dancer Shalin Nariya
Boost ahead
The creator of Maro's Magic 8-Ball!
Action: Normal
Avatar by Numotflame96 of Maelstrom Graphics
Sig banner thanks to DarkNightCavalier of Heroes of the Plane Studios!
Emille, Seven-Sting Dancer Shalin Nariya
Normal
Come on and check it out. You know you want to.
Entei struggled to find its balance, the mogul-like hills throwing its trajectory in seemingly random directions. This didn't do much good for Billy's hands, shaking just to keep a grip on Entei as the two caromed off wall after wall, Swift slowing down enough to keep its balance. Josh had to quickly jerk to one side to avoid a collision with his friend.
Suicune and Beryl eased up to maintain balance, Beryl especially paranoid of the water Pokémon twisting an ankle on the hills. They still had a comfortable lead, but Swift was determined to eat into that lead.
Obstacle 4: This long straightaway expands and narrows periodically, making passing difficult but a great place to let loose with speed techniques. The uphill nature of this straightaway makes seeing ahead for long distances difficult, and judging the end of it can be difficult as well.
Emille, Seven-Sting Dancer Shalin Nariya
Normal
EDIT: Man these rolls. This is what I get for all those crits.
Come on and check it out. You know you want to.
Push Ahead
The creator of Maro's Magic 8-Ball!
Emille, Seven-Sting Dancer Shalin Nariya
Action: Boost - Tailwind
Avatar by Numotflame96 of Maelstrom Graphics
Sig banner thanks to DarkNightCavalier of Heroes of the Plane Studios!
Suicune and Swift rushed up the hill, demonstrating the speed the two were known for. The crowd was on the edge of their seats, dumbfounded as to how fast these Pokémon were running. Josh knew he was in great position in the long straight stretch, as nothing could outrun Swift in a straight speed contest. He took advantage of the opportunity and passed up Suicune when the track went back to its normal width at the end, though he didn't notice right away because he was so focused on holding on.
Obstacle 5: Just over the crest of the gentle hill was a sharp, blind left turn that led to the closing stretch. Designed to punish overzealous racers, this is widely considered to be the most difficult curve on the Ageos circuit. Even racers who know it's coming find it difficult to judge due to not having any visual cues until it's probably too late.
Emille, Seven-Sting Dancer Shalin Nariya
Action: Boost - Extreme Speed
Time to get punished for misreading the obstacle, derp.
Avatar by Numotflame96 of Maelstrom Graphics
Sig banner thanks to DarkNightCavalier of Heroes of the Plane Studios!
Normal
Come on and check it out. You know you want to.
Emille, Seven-Sting Dancer Shalin Nariya
Normal pace
The creator of Maro's Magic 8-Ball!
Josh had it worse--Swift was going way too fast to even think about slowing down in time. The two banged into the outside wall before scraping along it. His efforts in pulling back were the only thing that saved him from a dangerous impact that could have easily yanked him over the wall and into the stands. Swift was visibly bleeding all over the right side but pressed on anyway, knowing there wasn't much to go.
Billy couldn't handle it, either--by the time he could see the turn coming, it was too late. The fire-type brushed the outer wall but not enough to completely destroy its speed, unlike with Swift and Suicune. It was more than a graze, though, and Billy could feel it on his right side as well. By the time the three Beasts recovered, Entei had closed the gap significantly, but Billy saw Articuno's shadow farther ahead. It appeared Geoff had leaned Articuno into the turn early enough and perfectly. Beryl and Josh were still a full four to five seconds ahead--probably not catchable at this rate even in their weakened state.
Swift and Suicune were neck and neck. Under normal circumstances, Swift would blast ahead of Suicune without a problem, but with both Beasts and Chosen in a weakened state, it was anyone's guess who would cross the finish line first.
Obstacle 6: Past the previous wicked curve, the finish line was in sight--a simple, straight stretch in front of the gallery. No tricks and no sudden curves--just a rush to the finish line that encouraged the Pokémon to gun for it as fast as possible.
Emille, Seven-Sting Dancer Shalin Nariya