So you've decided you want one of those mystical horses and you're wondering how to make it happen? Well, you've come to the right place. This is a quick explanation of how the entire process of bonding works!
Note: A character must be between the ages of 10 and 50 years to be a Hopeful. They must be in generally good health, so a frail 48 year old would not be accepted even though they are within age limits.
Did you think you could just walk up to a mare and ask if you can have one of her eggs? No...it's not quite so easy. In order to bond with a foal, you must first be chosen as a Hopeful, that is, a person who has been selected to be bonded. Not just anyone can have the chance at bonding. This dates back through tradition and was likely started due to the limited nature of foals available and the delicate abilities they have. Some of the mystical powers could be very dangerous if they fell into the wrong hands, so Hopefuls are chosen carefully. That's not to say no Hopefuls are without flaws! There just has to be something about a person that stands out enough to make them desired as a Rider.
Mid-ranked equines and Riders are often the ones who hand select Hopefuls, though low-ranked can assist as well. Once a person is selected, they must go through an interview with a titled pair. If they pass, they will be added to the list of Hopefuls and will move on to the next step. If they fail, they can request a re-interview with an Alpha or Beta of their town, or they can simply accept defeat. It's possible to be selected again...the needs of the Riders can be different for each Hopeful group.
In Character: If you want your character to become a Hopeful, you need to get them accepted. You can either find a Rider willing to choose them, or find a group-selection thread and drop into it. Once your character has been selected, you should post a Hopeful form. You do not have to have an official interview, however, you are welcome to do one if you'd like. If you want one, just find a titled Rider from the town who wants to host an interview with you. This can be done over normal threaded posts, or over chat/messenger for quicker response times. You can absolutely choose to have your character fail their interview, but they CANNOT be failed without your permission.
Once a Hopeful has passed their interview, they're officially titled as a Hopeful. Life goes on mostly as normal, with a few changes here and there. The main change is that Hopefuls are required to attend training sessions. Hopeful training is usually held on Saturdays, where all Hopefuls gather at the congregational house (or other areas as needed) to learn as much as they can about the mystical species before they actually bond them. When needed, instructors may choose to hold training at other times or places. Hopefuls are always required to attend and follow instructions while there. Getting into trouble or skipping lessons is a great way to get the boot - back to the life of the commoner you go!
There may be required IC lessons that you have to post in. If so, they will be noted in the Events part of the sidebar. If you want cause problems in them, that's totally fine. Just remember, IC actions have IC consequences. While we love mischief, our IC leaders do not. If you get kicked out, you can always reapply later.
Training topics can vary widely. Some will be directed at certain species of foals, while others are more general. Hopefuls will learn, at the very least, how to conduct themselves at a hatching. They will also learn how to actually bond a foal and how to feed and care for one once they have bonded it. Training may also sometimes be physical tasks designed both to get the Hopefuls in shape and begin taking stock of what their talents are. This is an early way for instructors to start thinking about what the Hopeful will struggle or excel with when they begin Weanling/Yearling training.
About a week or two before the nest is expected to hatch, the mother will decide it is time for Hopefuls to meet the eggs. This usually corresponds to when she and her Rider feel the eggs have hardened enough to be out of risk of damage. During this meeting event, Hopefuls are allowed to go around and talk to each of the eggs to get to know them. The foals inside may or may not talk back, but it is believed that they enjoy listening to the Hopefuls talk so they can think about who they might want to bond to.
It is acceptable to touch the eggs if, and only if, you are gentle and respectful. Some eggs may not want to be touched, so you should always ask permission before touching. Upsetting an egg can get you thrown out of the meeting! If they do allow you to touch, it is often a sign that they are either friendly or at least interested in you. Lingering with the egg is allowed to an extent, to allow you to get to know the foal inside, but you should still make sure to move along to allow others a chance. Anyone perceived to be "hogging" an egg may also be thrown out of the meeting.
In Character: Rules/format for meetings may vary depending upon the number of eggs, time allowed, and other circumstances. Specific instructions/rules will always be posted at the top of a meeting thread. Make sure you read them! However, the standard format is always that you post with your character and receieve an egg response via PM, which you can post reactions to in your next post.
The waiting process may seem like forever, but eventually all Hopefuls will be able to attend their first (perhaps of many) hatchings. They will be notified before a nest is expected to hatch and will be required to report to the nesting center. Eggs within a nest may not all hatch at exactly the same moment, or even within the same hour. Sometimes even once they start hatching it can be quite awhile before they are all out.
Above all else, it is important to remain quiet, calm, and respectful during a hatching. Do not get too close to eggs, their mother, or any other equines present. Do not yell, scream, or do anything that may startle a newborn foal. If danger arises (such as a violent newborn), get to safety but do so without causing chaos.
If you've managed to make it through the waiting without getting yourself escorted out for bad behavior, you have decent odds of being chosen by a foal. However, to be chosen, you must present a token to the foal to show your devotion to them. This can be anything and can be a very strategic choice. Do you want to offer them a gem? Gold? A piece of art? Maybe just a bottle of milk? Each foal has something different it is looking for, and though you are honoring them with a gift, they will ultimately choose the person who impresses them most.
Sometimes there will be far more Hopefuls than eggs, but other times there will barely be enough. If you happen to not be chosen, keep your head high and walk out with dignity. There's always next time! If you did bond...well, get ready! Your life is about to change drastically!
In order to be officially eligible to bond, you MUST have at least 10 IC posts with your Hopeful. Exceptions will only be given in special circumstances (such as our first hatching).