---Nightmare in a Dream---

For many years, herds of wild horses roamed freely among the great plains of Earth, from the rolling hills to the ocean side. Each one was unique in its own way, whether it be by traditions and customs or by way of living. The most unique herd of all, however, was the Kingdom of Feor. It was a large herd, proud and strong. Proud and strong, that is, until one particularly horrific battle with a neighboring herd. Though the kingdom won, more than half of the herd had died, reducing its size to nothing. Their king and queen were dead, and there were no heirs. Chaos ensued.

A white stallion showed up on the very day. He was a mysterious being, almost like a phantom. Many viewed him as a sign of regrowth, and, in their mindset, he was to be king. Those who disagreed with this action left the herd. The stallion, Solembum, took over.

The strange new king we kind at first. He helped to rebuild the herd and calm everyone down. Things were peaceful again. Everybody loved him and believed that nothing bad would happen under his rule. Gradually, he began to implement new rules. His biggest addition to the herd was the Ceremony of Mates.

Generations passed and this became tradition in the herd annually. It kept the population growing. Last year, however, a small epidemic swept through the herd, right at the time when foals were being born. Their immune systems were weak and they could not fight off the illness. Every single foal from last year died. Many worry about the upcoming year. Furthermore, the latest king has just passed away, leaving his young son to take over.

Ceremony of Mates: This tradition was created to ensure a strong population within the herd. Every year, stallions gather around to vie for mares they find particularly alluring. Starting by highest rank, each stallion will choose one mare who they wish to court for the next year. The pair is required to produce a foal within the upcoming year to keep the herd strong and growing so that if a terrible battle ever happens again they will be more than strong enough to win without so many casualties. Often times stallions will get more than one mare, as there is a surplus. Mares are well taken care of, and harming them in any way is strictly forbidden.

Herd Rules:

- The King's word is law. He has authority over all, and any who disrespect him will be punished.
- Higher ranks must be showed proper respect at all times.
- Fighting with another herd mate could result in exile.
- A stallion may not physically harm his mare(s)

My Rules:
- Literacy is not optional. You must use proper grammar and spelling to the best of your ability. I understand typos happen and we all make mistake. If you consistently make mistakes, you will be warned. There is also a minimum of one paragraph per character per post, meaning at least five sentences each.
- Respect is also not optional. Characters in the roleplay may argue to their hearts' content, but arguing among fellow roleplayers will not be tolerated.
- In order for this roleplay to be successful I need everyone to be active. That means posting at least once a day. Suddenly leaving the roleplay without an excuse will mean you are kicked out.
- I want to see creative characters here; no Mary Sues or Gary Stues. Every character has flaws.
- For every stallion you make, you must make two or more mares. There is a maximum character limit of 6, and a minimum of 3 following the above guidelines. Basically we need more mares than stallions. Later on, more stallions will be added to even out the genders.
- No pictures. Few people know how to properly cite them (simply putting a link is not citing) so I'd rather just not allow them.
- One high rank per person.
- More rules may be added at any given time.
- By signing up, you hereby agree to every rule set above. Should any of these rules be violated I, Trumpet, have the right to remove you from this roleplay.

Ranks:

King: Dominant stallion in the herd. He has absolute power and authority. His word is law. [1-Taken]

Queen: The mate of the king. She has the most power next to him. If the King has more than one mate, he shall choose which of his mares will be the queen. [Chosen in roleplay]

Princes/Princesses: Children of the King and Queen. The eldest colt is next in line to be king. [None yet]

Duke: The Second in Command of the kingdom. He is in charge of breaking up arguments and making sure no one in the herd is ill. Any problems should be reported to the king. [1-- if you wish to play this part indicate so in the 'Desired Rank' portion of your sign up. I will choose who gets the part before the roleplay begins.]

Duchess: The Dukes mate. She has the same job as him. If the Duke has more than one mate, he will choose which one gets the rank of Duchess. [Chosen in roleplay]

Mistresses: Other mates of the King or Duke who were not selected as Queen or Duchess. They have no authority over anyone in the herd but are likely respected out of fear of angering the King or Duke. [Chosen in roleplay]

Adviser: Limited authority over those below his rank, this stallion is there to provide moral support to the king as well as offer up his opinion in difficult situations. Or, you know, in any situation. Kind of like the right-hand man. Right-hoof stallion? [1]

Healer: Horses who are skilled in the ways of herbology. They can cure illnesses and diseases, but physical injuries (broken bones and such) are out of their knowledge range. [2- either gender]

Lead Warrior: A strategic stallion who is not necessarily the strongest but is very well-skilled in battle and knows how to manipulate his surroundings. Also leads patrols around the herd territory to watch for any predators or rivals. [1- stallion]

Warriors: Any other stallion in the herd without a significant rank. 2 years or older. [Unlimited]

Mares: Exactly as the name says; any other mare in the herd without a significant rank. 2 years or older. [Unlimited]

Foals: Any horse who is younger than 2 years. [None to start]

Sign Ups:

Name:
Nickname:
Gender:
Age:
Rank: [the rank of Duke should not go in this spot. See bottom of sign up]
---
Five Words to Describe: [Just list off five traits (not four, not six) that best describe your character. No sentences or paragraphs.]
Description: [Pictures are not allowed, so describe what your character looks like here. Realistic descriptions only.]
History: [Optional]
---
Crush:
Family:
Friends:
Enemies:
Other: [This is where you should indicate if you want your stallion to be considered for the part of Duke. This is also where extra information about your character can be added.]

-----

Current Ranks:

King: Aristotle || Aristo || Trumpets

Queen: *chosen in rp*

Duke: Armel || Raven

Duchess: *chosen in rp*

Mistresses: *chosen in rp*

Adviser: Hollis || Holly || West

Healer: Crimson || Alexis

Lead Warrior: Shere Khan || Khan || jade

Warriors: [unlimited]
- Olek || prettyradcoolcat
- Enyalius || Alexis

Mares: [unlimited]
- Veltaira || Trumpets
- Callisto || jade
- Bella || jade
- Ebony || Eby || Rvette
- Irena || Rvette
- Lyrica || prettyradcoolcat
- Healani || prettyradcoolcat
- Lyra || Ra Ra || Raven
- Zaphirah || Alexis
- Natasha || Tasha || West
- Kilian || Lian || Shiba Keeba
- Lanadela || Shiba Keeba

Notes:
- West will be signing up third mare after roleplay starts

Note to Self:
- GET YOUR OTHER CHARACTER SIGNED UP