Our tagged Gulltide takes to the air with a grace that defies the biting cold of winter. The sharp wind and icy ocean spray do little to hinder its flight, as if impervious to the elements. Rising above the rugged cliffs, Gulltide is drawn by an ancient, irresistible pull, ascending effortlessly on the winter winds. The coastline fades from view as it soars higher, navigating the frigid gusts with precision. Then, with a sudden pivot, it dives toward the ocean, unfazed by the freezing temperatures. The gull glides over the waves, wings cutting through the spray, undeterred by the cold, as the winds carry a distant, mysterious sound that tugs at its very core. Carried southward by the wind currents, it presses on, skimming the reserve’s edge, guided by this haunting call. As it ventures deeper into the vast, untamed sea, the pull grows stronger.
With a slow, deliberate glide, our Gulltide descends toward a small coastal sandbar, nestled against a remote island chain. As it approaches, the Animara’s heightened senses, honed through centuries of evolution and now coveted by human trainers, come to life. Among all water-flying Animara, it is the Gulltide’s exceptional senses that set it apart, making it invaluable in forging a well-rounded squad for the leagues. Each Animara is uniquely attuned to the world in ways beyond human comprehension, adapting and harnessing their natural instincts in ways we humans can barely understand. As Gulltide soars above the ocean, the winter winds carry a distant, mysterious sound that tugs at its consciousness, guiding it effortlessly. With a graceful ascent, it circles above the sandbars, sharp eyes scanning the patches of sparse vegetation below. Every shift of the wind and flicker of movement is noted as it searches intently for the source of the unseen force drawing it here, to this isolated stretch of sand and sea. Despite the powerful pull guiding our Gulltide, the journey has taken a heavy toll. In what seems like a short distance to some larger flying Animara, it has pushed itself to the brink, burning through nearly 90% of the calories stored within its small body.
As the cold night approaches, with little shelter in sight, the Gulltide faces a critical decision. To survive the frigid temperatures, it instinctively begins to convert around 15% of its remaining health and 30% of its overal calorie stores, a desperate measure to keep itself warm in the face of the relentless cold. Every ounce of energy is precious now, as the Gulltide battles against both the dwindling reserves and the unforgiving elements. This delicate balance of survival highlights the Animara’s remarkable adaptability, as it strives to endure the harsh conditions while continuing its journey into the vast, unforgiving ocean.
With little shelter on the sandbar, our Gulltide sets its sights on the nearest island in the chain, driven by the urgent need for refuge and sustenance. Battling the frigid winds, it soars toward the island, its keen eyes scanning for a safe haven. Finally, it locates a suitable tree, a lofty perch close to the coast but high enough to offer protection from most predatory Animara that may roam the island at night. Here, nestled among the branches, the Gulltide finds a temporary sanctuary. As the sun dips below the horizon, it settles into its new home for the night, sheltered from the harsh elements and potential threats, while the promise of a meal waits just beyond the trees, offering a glimmer of hope in the encroaching darkness.
As the new winter morning dawns, our tagged Gulltide awakens to a deep-seated hunger. With the sun barely touching the icy horizon, it spreads its wings and catches the early morning wind currents, gliding gracefully above the small islands and the surrounding sea in search of food. Below the surface, a much larger Animara has stirred the waters with its massive presence, agitating the waves and disorienting a school of fish. This turbulence makes the fish vulnerable and easy pickings for the massive predator's huge appetite. Fortuitously, this chaos also benefits our hungry Gulltide. Its keen eyes detect the disturbance and, with cautious precision, it glides closer. As it approaches the tumultuous waters, it prepares to capitalize on the opportunity, hoping to replenish its energy before the day’s further trials unfold.
As the Gulltide glides effortlessly on the icy currents, a majestic presence stirs beneath the frosted waves. The mighty Frostwhalor, a titan of the winter sea, breaks the surface with a graceful surge, sending ripples through the vast expanse of ice-blue water. The sudden disturbance scatters immense schools of krill, their shimmering bodies briefly illuminated in the pale light. High above, the Gulltide, ever attuned to the symphony of the wild, catches the resonant, primal call of its colossal counterpart. For a moment, hunger is forgotten, and the bird soars upward, wings beating with renewed purpose. It sends its own call into the frosty air, a silent yet potent invitation, bridging the chasm between sky and sea. As it waits, the Gulltide glides in a wide, graceful circle, its eyes scanning the horizon, patiently awaiting the response that will signal the rekindling of an ancient bond.
As the Gulltide glides in a graceful, wide circle, its wings beat rhythmically in a 20-meter sweep, the creature performs a delicate ballet against the icy sky. Each pass drains its dwindling energy reserves by a further 5%, a testament to the taxing nature of its call for a companion. The magnificent Frostwhalor below, engaged in a feeding frenzy, consumes vast swaths of krill, creating a shimmering spectacle beneath the surface. Meanwhile, the remaining krill serves as a feast for a gathering of oceanic and airborne water-type Animara, their presence adding a lively, animated touch to the scene. As the Gulltide completes its third orbit, fatigue visibly weighs on its wings, yet it persists with unwavering determination. Just as the last of its strength begins to ebb away, the long-awaited reply echoes through the frigid air, a beacon of connection amidst the vast, swirling wilderness.
As our tagged Gulltide succumbs to the relentless weight of fatigue, its once-majestic wings falter, struggling to maintain altitude. With each weary beat, its strength wanes, the once-proud aerial display now a desperate fight against gravity. The call it has so diligently pursued grows louder, tantalizingly close, yet the effort proves too great.
Stolen story; please report.
As its wings finally surrender, the Gulltide begins a slow, spiraling descent toward the frothy expanse below. The ocean’s surface, alive with a feeding frenzy, roils as the Frostwhalor’s immense jaws gape wide, poised to consume the remaining krill. In this dramatic plunge, the Gulltide’s journey arcs toward the jaws of nature’s colossal predator, a poignant reminder of the harsh realities of survival in the wild.
As the female Gulltide descends through the sky, a dazzling streak of teal and azure feathers blurs past—its partner, the very source of the resonant call that echoes through the air. The new Gulltide, with a grace befitting its kind, synchronizes its flight with that of the descending companion. The atmosphere is filled with the calming melody of the Heal Song, a rare and precious ability unique to female Gulltides. This melodic serenade, performed in moments of need, serves to heal and reinforce the bond between life partners, ensuring their connection remains steadfast. In the wild, when a female Gulltide performs Heal Song, it absorbs half of its partner's current XP in exchange for its aid. In a league battle however, the Gulltide absorbs half of its opponent's XP instead. As the song flows, it restores 25% of the target's maximum HP and replenishes its caloric intake. This powerful, enchanting ability allows the wounded Gulltide to recover and reunite with its partner. The harmonious convergence of their movements and the soothing melody transform a potentially chaotic descent into a serene, shared glide towards a hopeful future.
As the Gulltide pair plunges toward the oceanic feeding floor, the Heal Song's effects unfold with perfect timing. With a final, graceful flap, the tagged Gulltide tucks in its wings, preparing for the plunge. Together, they dive into the vast ocean, their synchronized descent a testament to their bond. Underwater, their wings transform into powerful oars, propelling them through the azure depths toward a rich krill feast. Their beaks deftly sift through the nutrient-rich swarm, each gulp a reward for their unity. This elegant ballet of flight and underwater foraging underscores the Gulltides’ deep connection.
As the pair of Gulltides plunges into the ocean’s embrace, their wings transform into efficient fins, guiding them gracefully through the depths. These remarkable birds can swim underwater for up to a minute at a time, reaching depths of around 60 meters with effortless elegance. Beneath the surface, they engage in a mesmerizing dance, circling and spiraling around each other in joyful synchronization. As they forage for krill and calorie-rich fish, each bite replenishes them with approximately 150 Calories. After consuming a total of around 609 Calories each, they are well-fueled for their journey.
With their bellies full, the pair ascends from the sea as if soaring out of the water and back into the sky. This ascent continues their mating spiral, a ritual of reconnecting and reaffirming their bond. Energized and nourished, they head back to the mainland of the nature reserve, ready for the next chapter of their lives together. As the reunited Gulltide pair glides back to the cliffs of the reserve, their journey pauses for a well-earned rest.
As the sun sinks below the rugged horizon, casting a golden glow over the churning sea, the pair of Gulltide glide gracefully above the waves. Their recent feast from the abundant waters has left them content, and they now steer toward the dramatic cliffs of the reserves coastline. These ancient, weather-beaten precipices, carved by centuries of relentless sea and wind, offer a timeworn haven. As the chill of a winter night begins to settle in, the gulls will find refuge among the crevices and ledges of these towering cliffs, where they will nestle in for a tranquil night, sheltered from the biting cold and roaring wind.
Tomorrow, they will continue their migration towards the northern fire side of the reserve, where warmer nesting grounds await. As they soar through the tranquil skies, we turn our gaze to our Gulltides stats. The next chapter of their journey beckons with promise and anticipation.
Animara Metrics
Name: Gulltide
Scientific Name: Larus Aquatilis
Height: 55cm (21.65 inches)
Weight: 1,750 grams (3.86 pounds)
Wingspan: 1.5 meters (4.92 feet)
Current HP Score
64.17%
Total Flight Time
8 Hours
Distanced Travelled
55 Miles
Calories Consumed
1,300 Cal
Current XP Score
2,650 XP
XP Needed For Next Level (LV3)
350 XP
System Notes
Rejoined with monogamous life partner - XP status in flux due to bond level being worked towards (Level 4)
Bond Level Data >>
As Gulltide reunites with its mate the pair work to strengthen their bond. When they hit the needed level 4 they instincutally share 15% of all experience points (XP) gained daily with each other from t hat point on. This unique ability is their Bond Level.
It is the final push before the mating season. This bond level boosts their growth and development, increasing their chances of successful breeding and survival.