Fishing for Minnows [O] 3/3

Ripplesong is opening a small in-camp fishing event to help increase the stock of the freshkill pile. Healthy and injured warriors, as well as apprentices, are welcome to participate, up to 3 total for the patrol. After the slots are filled, other cats are welcome to join the thread to watch!

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After the ordeal in the medicine den with Littlesplash, Ripplesong finally got Weepingwillow's poppy seeds for her. As usual, the queen was napping soon after, giving the young mollie a chance to focus on other things. After the war with SkyClan, many of RiverClan's best warriors were confined to the medicine den with their injuries, or were only allowed to perform light duties while their wounds healed. Less warriors were able to go out on hunting patrols, and the freshkill pile was suffering as a result. She had noticed it on her way through the camp earlier; and now it was looking even lower.

Fishing was relaxing for Ripplesong, and she could do so from the comfort of the camp. Maybe some of the injured warriors will be able to participate, too, she pondered, looking around the clearing. It might be a good way to keep their senses sharp, and bodies in shape. Perhaps even some of the apprentices can contribute. She picked her way across camp, settling herself between the reeds that shielded the RiverClan camp from the river.

The ice had melted, and a light rain was sprinkling the camp. The mist began to lift as the sun made its way higher in the sky, leaving the camp in an overcast of whitewashed hues. Newleaf was on its way, which meant there would soon be a lot more prey for the river cats to bulk up on. Ripplesong ran her tongue over her lips in anticipation, looking down into the waters.

"Would anyone like to join me?" She meowed over her shoulder towards the cats in camp. "There's plenty of minnows today. It may not be much, but it will help feed the clan." Her blue eyes darted expectantly around camp, reaching for any cat who was up for the task.

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( credits )

Rookflight
T3 Warrior | RiverClan | they/he

A disturbance further down the swaths of reeds made all of them clatter, rustling against Rookflight's ears. Their whiskers twitched several times at the sensation, and though it bothered them, it was one they'd gotten used to. They were not the only one among their Clanmates who saw the growths as a decent shelter; they also could not stop those that wanted a brush into the river. Rookflight would have ignored the shifting if it weren't for the voice that rose up with it. Ears flicking back and forth, they lifted their head from their chest and squinted between the reedstalks. The idea of a hunt so near to their hiding place put the slightest crease in their muzzle, but it smoothed quickly. They couldn't deny that an extra hunt would do the Clan well. ...just as they couldn't ignore Lightpaw's appearance.

With some hesitance, Rookflight got to their paws. At the end of Lightpaw's greeting, he unfolded from the reeds to make his presence known. The drizzle collecting on his pelt was quick to make his ears lower. After shaking out his head, Rookflight blinked quietly to each cat in turn and flicked his tail-tip twice. "I would like to watch Lightpaw hunt," he said. Then, he looked toward the water: thick with snow-melt, but gentle today; racing with tiny, silver bodies, too. "I would like to participate as well. If I may."

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The patrol is full!
Others are now welcome to join the thread as spectators.
Each participant may fish a total of 3 attempts! Roll all 3 hunting dice at once and see what the outcome is!

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Ripplesong smiled down at the shy apprentice.
"Hello, Lightpaw," she greeted, with a warm touch of her tail to his flank. "You sure can join me. I'd love to fish with you." The second participant emerged from the reeds and startled the queen, causing her to jump at the sound of his voice, her deep blue eyes rounding. "Ah - yes, of course!" she stuttered. "Let's get to it, then!"

The pretty mollie turned back towards the river, the shadows of minnows beneath the surface causing her mouth to water. They wouldn't be much, but they could at least fill the bellies of the clan's kits and elders tonight, especially with the three of them fishing together. With a determined glance and a quick nod to her fellow fishers, Ripplesong's paws darted into the water...

Rolling...
1st attempt - 4 success!
2nd attempt - 1 success!
3rd attempt - 8 failure!

Quick as the river itself, Ripplesong picked two minnows from the surface, her third strike not landing. Her tail lashed once, then sat still. She had never been RiverClan's greatest fisher, but it was better than nothing. She quickly delivered the killing blow to her catch, and gently placed them beside her.

"That's two for me," she mewed, the glint of a challenge in her eyes. "What about you two?"

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( credits )

Rookflight
T3 Warrior | RiverClan | they/he

Ripplesong looked startled by his approach, though Rookflight didn't have it in him to feel apologetic in the moment. Lightpaw, at least, brightened at seeing him. At the nudge to his shoulder, Rookflight said, "Hello, Lightpaw," and issued a second nod; one that carried fondness in its acknowledgment. "You will do just fine. You cannot fail; only learn."

Soon enough, Ripplesong was moving closer to the water. While she settled, Rookflight glanced aside and noticed Swandive had settled nearby. They sent her a friendly blink before turning back to the rest of their fellows. Ripplesong made three passes at the water, successful at pulling two small, silver bodies from the depths. Rookflight nodded with quiet approval at the pile that was starting before looking toward Lightpaw. No grimace crossed his expression at the failed attempts. As they'd said, this was Lightpaw's opportunity to learn. And with a third attempt, he secured his own minnow-- nearly lost it in his excitement, but secured it nonetheless. Pride didn't break the permanent monotone of Rookflight's voice, but it reflected clearly in their eyes. "I did," they confirmed, moving closer to Lightpaw's side. Their tail gently brushed his flank and they went on, "Good job, Lightpaw. You will be a fine hunter with practice."

While speaking, they lowered into a crouch. Rookflight supposed it was their turn, now. "Just remember," they said, voice barely louder than the whispering reeds, "not to let overexcitement be your downfall. Fishing is often an exercise in patience." After that, Rookflight was still for several moments. Only when the minnows in the water slowed against the current did they strike out. A small school had stilled nearby. Twice in quick succession, Rookflight struck out. Before the school dispersed entirely, they were successful in pulling out two fish, just as Ripplesong had. When Rookflight bent to nip their necks and still their twitching, his eyes drifted just far enough to catch movement farther up the bank.

His head angled to the side. At first, he thought the writhing motion seen from his peripheral was a weasel, dancing it's aggression. But when he looked fully, he saw it wasn't writhing--it was slithering. A small brown snake crept towards them, its tongue darting out repeatedly. Rookflight went still and silent, one forepaw raised. They wouldn't strike, not when the snake had time still to delve into the water and cross out into the territory. But it approached closer, tempted either by the challenge of a party of cats or that of stealing their prey. Whatever it's motivation, it came in range of Rookflight's claws, and they immediately brought their paws down on its head.

Rookflight attempted to catch 3 minnows... two attempts were successful! -15 SP.
A snake was summoned on the third attempt! Serpentine Movement is active!
Rookflight attempted Front Paw Strike... attempt unsuccessful. -7 SP.

Rookflight
50/50 HP
98/120 (-15, -7) SP

Snake
15/15 HP
75/75 SP

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Honeydew jumped up with enthusiasm at Lightpaw's catch. The young apprentice was so proud of himself and seeking approval from Rookflight. The older cat's reassurances were so calm and constructive. Wow, Ripplesong admired, what a great mentor. She watched as the warrior concentrated, securing his own two minnows - a great display of the patience he had preached before.

"Great catch," she praised them both, but her attention was unfortunately torn away by the sudden chaos wriggling and writhing through the reeds.

Rookflight and Swandive both attacked the slithering creature, but its movements were too quick. Ears pinned back, Ripplesong hissed with fury and dove forward, claws extended.

Ripplesong lashes out at the snake with Front Paw Strike, dealing -8 damage and -7 SP!
Rolled a 6... miss!

Snake
15 / 15 HP
75 / 75 SP

Ripplesong
50/50 HP
73/80 SP (-7 SP)

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