Witch Hunt [done]

Like a blanket of wool, thick and warm but almost suffocating, there's a tense silence that hauntingly resembles the calm before a storm. Lined up with the rest of your fellow competitors, back laden with gear and hearts racing with anticipation as you awaited your guide. What was taking so long? Surely it wasn't that dangerous to go into the forest.... right? Giving a soft gulp, you pause to collect your thoughts and psyche yourself up. There was no turning back.

A sudden cold wind dipped down from the jet stream, whipping around the human's and Dracul's hair and warning of the fast approaching Romanian winter. Already mounted the back of her own massive stallion, Acenith stood some distance away speaking with the co-owner of the stables, a tall Romanian man who spoke unusually softly compared to the intimidating image he naturally portrayed. He spoke urgently, though was seemingly unaffected by the sudden dip in temperature, and Acenith simply nodded to what he was saying. She gave a quick reply, then leaned down and softly touched her forehead to his before nudging her Dracul into motion to greet the gathering of hopeful owners. Her black dress waved gracefully in the wind as they moved, her striking grey eyes shining in the intermittent moonlight as they addressed the crowd.

"Blessed be, and welcome everyone to the first annual Witch Hunt for the Hoia Dracul! Many of you have come from very far away, and we more than appreciate your appearance here tonight." Riding bareback, her legs tucked neatly around his massive wings, Acenith leaned forward to run her hand along his refined neck. "My name is Acenith, and I co-own the stables with my husband, Silviu, and this handsome stallion is my partner. His name is Xanthium; think of him as the Alpha or the lead stallion of all of the Hoia Dracul within the Hoia Baciu. It's his duty to keep them all safe." Pausing for a moment, she reaches around her body to pull out a small bag. "Before we go any further, I'd like to discuss the rules of tonight's adventure:


         = There will be no sabotaging of other competitors.
                   [Do not critique others' work (unless they ask), put it down, etc., but compliments are always nice c: ]

         = This is annual, so don't feel down if you don't find your partner tonight.
                   [No whining, complaining, begging, etc. There will always be more.]

         = Don't be greedy; you may try to befriend two Dracul tonight, but you might only take one home.
                   [Please only apply for 2 max, but state which one matters more to you.]

         = Even if you're the only one to befriend it, the Dracul may still decide to stay wild.
                   [Just because a Dracul only has one entry doesn't mean you automatically win it; unless that entry proves they deserve it.]

         = Never tack a wild Dracul, nor use a lasso. That will ensure that you will never gain its trust.
                   [Absolutely NO tack, treats, or anything else that would attract the Dracul by any other means. You must gain its trust.]

         = Use your time wisely; once the sun rises, you must come back to the stables.
                   [No extensions, sorry guys!]

         = Stay on the path we've set; it's marked with luminescent blue arrows that point towards the stables.
                   [One image only, and adhere to the prompts. Human & Dracul must be at least 1/2 bodies.]

         = Stay on foot; it is too dangerous to take your own horse into the forest. While the charm protects you, it isn't strong enough to
            protect them as well. If you have a horse, one of my staff will take and turn them out into the guest pasture or find them a stall
            in the guest barn.
                   [No horses or other animals should be in the image, unless it's wildlife in the background, or something to that effect.)

         = Flares have been included in your gear. Don't be afraid to use them should you need help.
                   [Got a question? Don't be scared to ask!]

"Now I'm sure everyone knows the rumors about the Hoia Baciu forest; while getting lost and paranormal events are a worry for us, there is a different danger you probably don't know about that worries us more. He goes by the name of Harvey; he is a Hoia Dracul himself, but he's mentally unstable and known to be a cannibal. He is extremely dangerous and will not hesitate to kill you. For that reason, it is required that you carry these charms on you at all times. I apologize if you do not agree with Wiccanry and the practice, but this will keep you safe; it is made of partially burned sage and has been blessed with a simple protection charm. Harvey is known to absolutely despise the smell of sage, and will stay away from it; the smoking pillars that line the stable's perimeter are burning sage to keep him off the grounds. The smell will be somewhat strong at first, but you'll get used to it, and the protection charm will ward away any evil spirits that haunt the woods. So as you pass me, take your charm and you are free to begin your hunt."

         =There are two prompts for this year's Witch Hunt; you may choose either of them to draw.
                   - Prompt A) Connected! You've found a Dracul that's caught your eye. Draw you rider of choice gaining your chosen Dracul's trust.
                     They can be drawn approaching, reaching out, petting the Dracul, or attempting to mount them for the first time. Remember: the
                      Dracul usually only bond to one rider, so choose carefully. If you win the import, you have to register the same rider on their
                      reference.

                   - Prompt B) Danger! You've successfully mounted the Dracul for the first time, but your elation only lasts for so long. A predator lurks
                     amidst the dark trees; despite your charm, you're being pursued by the demon of the Hoia Baciu! You have to escape before he
                      catches you! Your rider must be mounted, and the two of you fleeing from Harvey. Harvey, Dracul, & rider must all be at least
                      1/2 bodies.
                      Here's Harvey! (Pun intended):
                     

         = Weather:
                   - Cold and partially cloudy. Chance of intermittent, small snow flurries closer to midnight/early morning, but the snow will not "stick".

         = Background Options: Suggested to look at images of the Hoia Baciu for inspiration.
                   - "The barren meadow": The treeless circle of the Hoia Baciu.
                   - "Amongst the trees": Within the thick foliage of the forest itself. Best place to see deer.
                   - "The waterfall": A wooded area near to a cliff; there is a waterfall and a small pond with lily pads.
                      Fireflies and cicada tend to hang around this area often.

As you take your charm and walk towards the beginning of the path, you can almost feel the aura of protection surrounding you. Your first few steps into the mysterious Hoia Baciu forest were strangely serene; for a moment, it feels as though you actually belong there. Confidence renewed, you and the other competitors begin to separate into the multiple paths in search of your hopeful partners.

         Here are the horses that are available for this year's Witch Hunt:
                   There are more on the way so keep an eye out!

         Naturals:
                   None currently.

         Mutations:
                   None currently.

         A little overview on judging, so you know what I'm looking for!
                   = Detail: [1 to 10]
                   = Effort: [1 to 10]
                   = Adherence to the prompts: [1 to 5]
                   = Amount of Dracul shown:
                        - 1/2 body [+3]
                        - 3/4 body [+4]
                        - Full body [+5]
                   = Amount of Rider shown:
                        - 1/2 body [+3]
                        - 3/4 body [+4]
                        - Full body [+5]
                   = Correct background/weather.: [+5]
                   = Correct information [+5]
                   = Charm drawn somewhere on the rider's body: (optional) [+5]
                   = Story: (Optional) [1,000 words or less]
                        - 100-500 [+5]
                        - 501-1000 [+10]
                   = Advertisement Journal (optional) [+5]

         Prompt-specific points:
                   =Correct interaction: [Prompt A only]
                        - Approach [+3]
                        - Reaching [+4]
                        - Touching/attempting to mount [+5]
                   = Amount of Harvey shown: [Prompt B only]
                        - 1/2 body [+3]
                        - 3/4 body [+4]
                        - Full body [+5]

Each number is in points; the person with the most points will win the import, as long as there are at least two entries.

         Here is the information you should have on your entries:

                   (Make sure you link/thumb back to the Witch Hunt at the top, for others wanting to join!)
                   Identification Number:
                   Dracul Name:
                   Dracul Age:
                   Dracul Gender:
                   Rider: (name/age/gender; species, if applicable. Riders DO NOT have to be human!)
                   Prompt: (A or B)
                   Story: (optional)