Post by The Salty Void on Jul 14, 2015 17:52:39 GMT
Creatures!
Formed from the void itself, these strange and varied creatures of imagination seem completely random and in some cases absurd. Perhaps more absurd is the fact that there are consistent and distinct species that can only breed with their own kind. Perhaps its the fact that all living organisms from the worlds on all sides do this that the void only thought it logical to implement it.
The creatures find themselves at a loss most of the time. Even the ones lacking much intelligence feel this pull to belong to someone or something more concrete. They seek people to imprint on, to trust and adore and assist. Or in some cases make their new companions lives a living hell.
How do you acquire creatures?
There's three ways to acquire creatures: Random events (Rare), Buying them, Impression events. Random events will occasionally be implemented by the staff and may bestow on you the opportunity to meet a creature. Creatures acquired this way are always created by the staff. Buying a creature gives you the option of asking the staff to write it for you or for you to create it yourself within the guidelines of the species. Impression events the creatures are written by the host(s) of the event.
They double as their own characters and can be played on their own if so chosen.
What is Imprinting/Impression?
The creatures will form tight mental bonds with those that they find worthy in some way or another. This is called Imprinting. Occasionally large groups of creatures (sometimes the same species, sometimes not), will all go seeking to find partners en mass, which is referred to as an Impression. Impression events aren't rare but are a big deal. Whom ever is hosting will role play out an event for all the creatures to pick out the person they're best suited for in some way or another. They will write the descriptions and the personalities for the creatures and role play each one until the imprint is finished. Once the creature has imprinted, control of the creature transfers to the player.
Mating
Creatures can and will mate occasionally, though only those of the same species can breed without intervention. Since all the creatures are hermaphrodites, purely because they are in a sense not traditional beings, there's no sexual disparity and everyone can technically mate with everyone.
A creature that wants to have a clutch will send out some sort of signal to alert others of their species in the area that the desire to be 'chased'. This normally involves a competition of some sort.
Once you reach 5 in-character posts you can host a chase with a currently owned creature. However, unless you buy a Nest the chase will not result in a clutch.
So whats the point of hosting a chase without a Nest?
Hosting, participating, and being picked as a mate during a chase will all earn you rewards and keys! A chase is much like a mini-quest event really and even though they may not be staff hosted they still require work.
Do I need to own a creature to participate in a chase?
You can create a temporary NPC creature just to participate in the chase! It's a great way to test out creatures you're unsure about owning. If you own a creature that can participate you still don't have to use it, you can still create an NPC.
Who gets to host Impressions?
Those who host a chase and buy a Nest or those who fill out applications that Staff will post for specific creatures. Nests will always result in a smaller amount of creatures than an application and the types that result will be chosen by staff.
Whats with the Rarity?
Some types of specific species are more rare than others. The basic types are Standard, Scarce, and Rare, with Standards being the most common and Rares being the, well, rarest. Scarce costs more than standard if bought in the store, and Rares cannot be bought at all. The only way to get a rare is through Impression events or (VERY RARELY) through Random events.
There is also the off the wall Mutation, which is even rarer. They can be bought, expensively, or earned. Mutation guidelines will be listed in each species profile.
Gender? Sex?
All creatures are officially bi-sexed, or hermaphrodites. However they will have pronouns they prefer, which could be anything on the scale. None of them can reproduce asexually. Whether or not they use the typical gendered pronouns, one who lays eggs will always be called 'mother' by their brood.