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Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2015 12:25 pm
WORLD
LOCATIONS
What does Tale look like exactly and how are the houses structured? Leaf earthlings live in the trees as well as on the ground. But, generally speaking, there are ladders that they use, rope ladders, or built into the trees. These trees are smaller than those in Jauhar, but still pretty gigantic. The trees in Jauhar average 100 ft+ while the trees in Tale can grow to 70-80 ft. The difference is the pocket formation that the trees grow in Tale. The forests grow on top of water pockets in the earth, so they only sprout up in clusters (making forests stretch only a few miles in diameter before it's exchanged for sandy plains). Not all of the housing is connected to one another, usually families string their houses together to form chains between the generations, but they would be connected by small rope bridges. The market and other large buildings such as inns are on the ground, typically near trees to help with the structure. Tale's markets are open air markets, so instead of buildings, it's stalls gathered together in a local place. Platforms are usually built into the trees, using the trunks as a support for their cantilever structures. The same is true for the living situation of shifters.
What do Zenan villages and housing look like? Their houses are typically built in sturdy dense wood to keep the cold out, and their villages have a touch of civilization like roads and porches, multi-floor designs (though typically not more than 3 floors), jobs like snow shovelers so their is usually a build up of snow against buildings to keep the roads clear. Busier roads have actual stone pavement, while most just stick to flat earth. Something similar to this.
Are there settlements outside of the official settlements in Tendaji? The vast majority of the people of Tendaji live in one of the official settlements. We don't limit owners to just living in those specified locations though so there is the possibility of random families living somewhere off on the outskirts somewhere, and we don't mind if there are other super small settlements created to fit with the character's story.
Is there anything noticeably different about the Yaeli people and their culture from the rest of mainland Tendaji? No, the yaeli are at the same cultural and technological level as the rest of Tendaji. They use the same means of travel and the same materials for buildings and cities as the rest of the mainland, and use the same methods for hunting, gathering, and cooking as everyone else.
HISTORY/MECHANICS
What is the cultural equivalent of Tendaji's technology in real history? Tendaji is purely fantasy-based and isn't set to a specific culture or era. Kan doesn't feel comfortable enough with any specific history to give a definite answer to this, but they can be seen as having similar technology to Ancient Rome… ish...
How long was Matori slave to the Obans? The enslavement goes way way back in their history. Roughly 200 years back, so there aren't any living people who were around before Matori became a slave nation, though it wasn't always a thing.
Do things like ghosts and spirits exist? Ghosts do not exist in Tendaji. While some religions in Tendaji believe in spirits, these are non-corporeal entities in concept, and not actual spirits that can be seen or communed with. Like in this world, there are those who want to believe, or do believe in spirits, but there is no actual proof of them, and most would believe anyone who would claim to know of spirits would be crazy or not in their right mind.
What happens on Mt. Xi’i? Zena is home to Mt. Xi'i, the largest mountain in Tendaji and permanently covered in snow. The journey to reach Mt. Xi'i is long and difficult, blocked by smaller rocky mountains, and cut off by cliffs so not many know of the going-ons there. The council in Zidel are the only people in contact with those on the mountain and stories leak through about prophets and oracles leading Zena from their permanent home on the mountain. When the council needs word on an issue from the Oracle of Mount Xi'i, a lone messenger is sent to make the dangerous journey and is only to speak directly to the council upon return and no one else. When the situation is grave, one of the men or women of Mt. Xi'i themselves will travel down to bring word of what the Oracle has seen. The celebration event in Zidel every year is the closest all Zenians get to Mt. Xi'i and is to celebrate Bergchi and her mysterious Oracle.
Is there monetary currency in Tendaji? A lot of it is bartering, but there is currency. It is widely used gold and silver pieces. The currency doesn't differ between earthlings and Alkidike, though Alkidike prefer to barter between Sisters and take gold from earthlings. There is much more currency exchange in Zena than in the rest of Tendaji.
Are there mines or areas where crystals can be found? Crystals can be mined from the forests of Jauhar where they grow naturally on the ground and in the trees, as well as in the mountains of Sauti and Xena to the north.
What materials can be used in Tendaji? Material that are found or made in Tendaji can be found here.
Do the yaeli remember far enough in their history to know that they were originally outcasts and criminals? It's been long enough that almost 20 generations have passed since the original people were sentenced to Yael. The people of Yael no longer know that their original ancestors to the island were criminals, somewhere along the lines deciding to omit that from their history.
Does anyone know IC that the toxins are the cause for the Yaeli eye glow and their darkened colors? Not as fact. There is speculation, and there are theories, but it hasn't been proven without a doubt. Usually people refer to the cause for their dark colors as more of a story, or attribute it to the Gods.
TRAVEL
Passage between Matori and the other territories are dangerous, is it impossible to get through? Not necessarily. Northern Matori is the base of the cliffs that cut it off from the rest of Tendaji, leaving Matori with a ton of waterfalls, and sharp ledges that make it difficult to get through. Southern Tale also has dense almost impassible forests overgrown with vegetation so that's also a problem, making the only safe passage through Oba and up into Jauhar (hence the war's route). But it is possible to get from Matori to the others territories through these obstacles, just not wise and not very often tried.
What are normal traveling times in Tendaji? It really depends on where the villages are located. For example, Yera to Sol would be less than two days journey on foot. By animal (whether riding it or using a cart) would shorten the time by probably 1/3. To go from Sulburi (Oba's capital) to Yera (which requires going west through Jauhar and then north) would take much much longer, around two to three weeks of traveling. To get from Matori to anywhere else besides Oba would require much much more traveling since Matori's only viable exit is through Oba. To reach Zena from Setal (Matori) would take at least 7 weeks of traveling.
How hard is it to get to or leave Yael? Yael is a large island off of the coast of Tendaji, but it is still very difficult to get there or back. The distance between the coasts of Tendaji and Yael is about 100 miles at the closest point (200 to the dearest dock). This means days at sea before being able to reach the other side. While the north end of Yael does have beaches, the closer to the volcano you get, the more rocky and impossible it is to dock. The distance is only the first problem, the seas are infested with large and dangerous fish, the size of the boats themselves, and many ships can get tossed onto any of the rocky outcroppings surrounding the island (even on the beach side of Yael).
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Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2015 3:14 pm
FLORA, FAUNA, AND FAMILIARS
FLORA/FAUNA/SPECIES
Can fauna be kept outside their natural habitat? Yes. Characters are not limited to Familiars from their native regions. Any character may acquire any and all familiar(s) that he/she desires and may ICly attain them by whatever creative means you can come up with... be that through travel or, perhaps, "traveling black market salesmen." Familiars can also be IC changed to better suit their environments (such as shaving down fur to survive heat, or covering up with blankets to survive cold).
Are there any other snake-like creatures in Tendaji besides the Keldari? Yes. None are detailed at the moment, but there would probably be snake-inspired creatures in areas like Oba, Matori, Jauhar, and Yael.
Would the toxins on Yael effect the other races? No. The Yaeli are the only species that is effected by the terrain and it took generations to accomplish. The others would not be effected.
Would the food on Yael cause any sort of illness to the other races? It's more like a funny tasting water sort of thing. The Yaeli have found ways to prep the food and drink to reduce any harm, it would just be a weird aftertaste to the other races. If they were to go out and forage for food themselves, there could be upset stomachs if the food is not prepped first.
Where would most of the grains in Tendaji be grown? Grains can be found mostly in Sauti, Oba, and Yael. While there are a lot of places that aren't conducive to growing grains, the people try to manage so even though it's not as common elsewhere, they can be found in most areas of Tendaji.
What is the life span of all of the species? They all have varied lifespans, listed below. This does not mean that you have to kill off your familiars after you grow to a certain point. This is just for those that are curious and want to use it in RP or something.
Earthling - 80-95 years Alkidike - 100-110 years
Nondwa - 10-15 years Spitorog - 5-10 years Radaku - 60-80 years Maglardilla - 7-10 years
Poscuta - 10-15 years Kinfa - 80-90 years Aldabuk - 40-50 years Scorra - 30-45 years
Capramel - 30-50 years Sailscale - 15-20 years Moracker - 15-20 years
Mammu - 120-150 years Roati - 20-25 years Raptrix - 60-70 years
Xaraan - 20-25 years Quhar - 30-40 years Janarim - 40-50 years Perzi - 15-20 years
Snapptrotter - 30-40 years Bushi - 100-120 years Alol - 10-15 years Xanteer - 20-25 years
Keldari - 7-10 years Limbara - 60-70 years Tintural - 40-50 years
Menk - 2-5 years Sprites - 10-15 years
BEHAVIOR
What are the familiars' levels of intelligence and what can they be trained to do? Familiars intelligence levels will be listed from least to most intelligent: Spitorog, Nondwa, Alol, Capramel, Quhar, Sail Scale, Zanteer, Moracker, Roati, Bushi, Xaraan, Aldabuk, Perzi, Poscuta, Snapptrotter, Kinfa, Sprites, Janarim, Mammu, Radaku, Raptrix. Familiars as low on the list as spitorog can follow their owners but aren't capable of learning anything, from there familiars start to understand loyalty (loosely) and territory, stealth and can be taught some basic commands. Familiars like the Kinfa can be taught elaborate commands for flight, Sprites are cunning and can understand emoting and learn loose meanings of some words, Mammu, radaku, and raptrix are the most intelligent and can understand complex commands, emoting, and notions of loyalty, territory, and emotional bonds.
What are Limbara like as mounts? Limbara are huge and very heavy animals. They do travel slowly for the most part, but can snap down pretty viciously and are fantastic for defense. They can rush an enemy for short distances to hurl their body weight at them, but tire easily. They're more made to be a tank than to be speedy. You do need a special saddle to ride a limbara. Their back is so humped (and plated) that you would need some sort of padded saddle in order to be comfortable riding one.
APPEARANCE
Do familiars have set colors per species? Familiars have colors that they are most commonly seen in IC, but when customing a familiar they can be any color.
ROLEPLAYING
Do familiars gain anything from RPing? RPs for familiars are only for fun. They cannot be used for anything in the shop.
What is the carrying limit for a scorra? A scorra can carry small things, all the way up to the weight of a youngling IC, but they are not mounts and cannot carry anything much heavier than that. (So a max of around 50lbs on its back if that helps).
Are sprites rare, is there lore surrounding them IC? There isn't really any lore surrounding them, they're considered to be like all the other animals in Tendaji. They just happen to be rare in the shop as familiars, but are not particularly rare IC. The winter sprites are almost exclusive to Zena, while the summer sprites are located in Tale and Jauhar.
MECHANICS
Can you quest for a familiar? In theory, you can quest for a familiar, but there isn't a big need to. In order to get art, you would still have to wait for a custom familiar slot to open, and since there is no discounted price, there's not really any reason to separately quest for them, since most, if not all, are accepted anyways. Unless you want to ask others for critique on them, then go for it.
Will there be familiar breeding? There is no familiar breeding and will probably never be familiar breeding.
How do kinfas grow with characters who are too old? Typically a kinfa's growth is based on the character’s growths. If a character gets a kinfa when they do not have enough growths left it will work one of two ways. If they are stage 4, their kinfa will grow when they reach legendary. If they are already legendary, then there will be a timer. That timer is TBD until the situation comes up.
Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2015 3:14 pm
HYBRIDS
CULTURE
Are Alkdike mixes allowed to live with Alkidike? Typically they can only live with them if they follow the way of the alkidike (choosing an alkidike class and alk culture, i.e. wearing dreads, alk clothes, etc).
How would Alkidike view a hybrid with dreads of a different color? The same as they would view most hybrids. They will not like them and will not accept them. They may tolerate them if they are female and largely resemble the Alkidike.
APPEARANCE
Do mixed breeds with Shifter in them shift? Halfbreeds and others with part shifter really depend on a case by case basis. Most half shifters do not inherit their changing colors and others only inherit part, like changing eyes or changing skin and not both. As an example, Rishima changes both skin and eye colors, but Aminah doesn't change at all. The odds of a mixed breed keeping their shifting appearance is about 1:4, and even less if there is less than half-shifter in them.
Would Alkidike hybrids be able to have black scleras and colored iris? No, this is not possible due to the biology of the eyes between earthlings and Alkidike.
Do Alkidike hybrids have the poor eyesight of the Alkidike, or the eyesight of earthlings? This is based on the physical choices the owner has made when creating the character. If the character has Alkidike eye anatomy then they will have the poorer eyesight that the anatomy of the eye comes with. If the character has earthling eye anatomy, then they will have and earthling's eyesight. Since this is a physiological trait difference passed on genetically there is no in between. The eyes of the earthlings and the Alkidike are quite different in makeup so it's either one or the other regardless of what color the eyes are.
MECHANICS
What are the chances an Alk hybrid would have reproductive organs? This is up to owners, though hybrids with less than 1/2 Alk blood almost always have reproductive organs.
Can characters have more diluted ancestry? Yes! Having mixed ancestry other than parents or even grandparents is definitely allowed and believable and gives even more variety to Tendaji. The only thing to note is that if a character is less than 1/4 a race, it will not show up in the cert. All subtle lineages should be noted when questing (and in their journals) Another thing to note is if the lineage changes the appearance from the norm of their main species, the character counts as a hybrid in the terms of our hybrid to pure ratio.
How many hybrids can you quest? You're allowed to quest 1 hybrid per 2 pure that you own.
Do bred hybrids count towards the quest count? No. Only hybrids that were quested/customed. The Owner's Availability thread in the OOC reflects the number of hybrids you currently have available to quest.
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Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2015 3:15 pm
ALKIDIKE AND ELARIA
CHIBALE/ZINRIS
Can earthlings go to Chibale or visit Aisha? NO. Earthlings cannot travel to Chibale or see Aisha, even if they're just waiting at the shore. It is considered insulting/rude/blasphemous and/or an attack, etc for earthlings to even touch Chibale soil. The only way an earthling can go to Aisha is to breed, and only when they are breeding. (They cannot go visit just because they've been there before.)
Do the Alkidike return to Chibale every year for a ritual? Do earthlings have the same thing? The Alkidike travel back to Chibale Island once a year. It is only available to the Alkidikes and possibly Half-breeds, depending on whether they were brought up as Alkidike children or earthling children. This event happens for a couple of weeks in the summer, around July. And yes, Earthlings also have an event to celebrate their species though it is not as secretive as the Alkidikes or as exclusive. In the early summer, around May and June, the earthlings throw a celebration, or a series of celebrations depending on if more than one location is holding the event.
Does the Alkidike ritual happen at a specific time? It only happens once a year and at the same time for all alkidike. The Alkidike gather under Aisha and pretty much celebrate her in all of her glory. These celebrations last days on end and after the ritual, the Alkidikes are free to return to their homes/previous locations.
Is being born from a lotus the only criteria to visit Aisha? Born from a lotus is not the only criteria to visiting Aisha. Only those who are following the path of the Alkidike are allowed to visit Aisha (so full alkidike and hybrids who are an alkidike class).
Do Aisha and Elzira look different in appearance? Elzira is still growing, so right now it is much smaller than Aisha and will be for quite a while, but Elzira, having grown from polluted soil has changed color to match the trees in Yael, as well as it's surface being more gnarled than Aisha's smoother bark.
CULTURE
How can the mystics tell which bloom belongs to which Alkidike mother? Just like the bloom of a mystic has a unique and distinct aura, the other blooms Aisha produces have their own feeling of familiarity. The mystics are able to tell which flower belongs to which mother by the aura that the flower emits during growth.
What are the roles of older Alkidike in their society? All are considered elders to an extent, only a few are given the role of Elder (as in part of a council). Alkidike are extremely battle inclined women, so once they are too old to fight, they pick up trades such as sewing, cooking, crafting, weapon work, training the younger generation, staying home with the younglings during battle, etc. The older generation are responsible for all of the societal work that does not include battle. This means that Alkidike that do not fight are incredibly rare. Incredibly rare and frowned upon unless they are unable to fight.
What is the current developmental environment for the Elaria on Yael? The Elaria are surrounded by a family of sisters, and are constantly being educated like any Alkidike youngling would. They are trained like a sister, and are being taught the faith of the Alkidikes and the history. There is little room for them to explore or learn otherwise, and most stories of outsiders are reflected in the eyes of the sisters. Elaria, being raised in this environment, develop with the understanding that the Alkidikes are their cousins and mothers, and see little difference between the two outside of their skin.
Because of this, it is nearly impossible for a first-generation Elaria to develop any views not typical of an Alkidike or any sort of sister-hating. This may change when they begin to explore the world, but right now they are restricted to the world painted by the Extremists.
How do the Elaria view the Matron and other Alkidike Elders? The current-generation Elaria have been carefully raised by the tribe, and have direct contact with the Matron. They understand that the Matron is the voice of Elzira, and see her as the current mystic before their own may bloom. They do not question the Matron, and have been primed by their mothers and sisters to fully embrace her words as law. Many Elaria understand that, soon enough, they will have their own mystic to take over, but for now they accept that the Matron is a solid leader for their tribe.
Can an Elaria grow up with different views than the typical one? This is a tough situation, but at this time we are going to strongly discourage any Alkidike-Hating or Matron-Dismissal behavior. This is because the Elaria are in a very specific situation and are being raised with very specific ideals. Right now, they are being molded by the Alkidikes from a very young age, and do not know any other word but that of their cousins. Of course, this type of situation will change once the Elaria are permitted to explore, and generations are born, but for now they are in a very specific, directed upbringing that limits any sort of thoughts like hatred or dismissal of their cousins.
Can any non-extremists approach the now open extremist camp? No. The extremists have chosen a life without the others of Tendaji in it. They will not allow outsiders (including Sisters who did not join them) into the camps. It is even more closely guarded than Chibale is and much more selective.
Does the rest of Tendaji know about the Elaria? Yes, while they are still secluded from the rest of the world as yonglings, the Elaria are now known to the rest of Tendaji.
Can Alkidike Extremists leave their new settlement now? Yes. They are no longer restricted to Zinris, they can travel as they wish excluding Chibale.
Are the identities of the Extremists well known? Technically no, but the essential demeanor of the extremists and their ideals is enough to show anyone that they are extremist and were banished. It wouldn't take long to figure out (not to mention the new choice of clothing style).
What happens if the Extremists try to go back to Chibale? Unfortunately the extremists will not be allowed back onto Chibale, even for the festivals. They have chosen their new mother Elzira, and cannot go back to Aisha at this point.
APPEARANCE
Do the Elaria have any physical or mental ailments from the toxins on Yael? No. Elzira, like Aisha works to purify the earth around it, so by the time the flowers began to grow the toxins were already absorbed and purified. Elzira wouldn't have started to bloom if it would have posed harm to the children inside.
MECHANICS
How do Alkidike eyes work? I'm not super informed on the science behind how animal and bug eyes work, but it's more like the eye of a jumping spider (but just one set of eyes obviously)
Does an Alkidike's vision go worse faster because of the light? The Alkidike are made to live in the bottom level of the rainforest, where not much light comes through (pretty much eternal night/dusk except for the edges of the forest) so their eyes register dimmer lights than the earthlings. They do come from the islands though, which have more light involved in their day to day and have developed an extra organ to filter the excess. Direct sunlight, while it doesn't physically hurt (for a while at least), takes its toll on the Alkidike eye and most who venture out from the forests tend to lose their vision as they age, eventually becoming blind by the time they're around 60-70 depending on what the prolonged exposure was like. The snow bouncing off of Zena for instance kills the organ helping with light absorption faster, so their eyes would go bad earlier on in their life. Since the characters aren't really played even into their 50s it's not such a big deal about the going blind part unless they want their characters to go blind. Alkidike do tend to have worse vision than earthlings, which the antennae compensate for some, it's just not really common knowledge.
Are a lot of Alkidike elders visually impaired? A lot of elders are visually impaired, but there are still many many many Alkidike that never leave the forests except when visiting Aisha (and then there are those who never leave the island so they might not ever get the full effect of sun on them). Once a year exposure is not enough to blind Alkidike even in their old old age.
If an Alkidike breeds from the new tree, will it be an Elaria/Alkidike hybrid? No. Elzira cannot support hybrids. The only children born from Elzira are pure Elaria. The extremists within the settlement can however plead to Elzira and receive an Elaria as their daughter.
Can non-Alkidikes breed at the new tree? Can hybrids? No. Please see above answer, but the tree cannot support anything other than Elaria. Earthlings and hybrids are also not allowed anywhere near the tree.
Do the Elaria have the same classes as the Alkidikes? Yes. The Elaria are being raised with Alkidike ideals, they will only be able to follow Alkidike classes.
If an Elaria and an Alkidike were to go to Chibale for a lotus, would they get a hybrid or just an Alkidike? Elaria and Alkidike extremists are not permitted on Chibale at all, so this would not be able to happen.
How sensitive are Elarian tendrils? Elaria tendrils are a fairly sensitive, more so than regular ears. They can feel, they are sensitive to pain, and can be used to sense vibrations. The tips are where most of the nerves are, so to pierce the tendrils would be very painful and limit the use of the tendrils, though some still opt to do so.
Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2015 3:16 pm
SPECIES BEHAVIOR / CULTURE
SOCIETY
What are the views on homosexuality, polygamy, cheating and marriage throughout Tenadji? Each group has its own set of religious and cultural beliefs (found in Species Info), but in general, polygamy and cheating would both be frowned upon. Loyalty is an important trait to have in societies that depend upon mutual, group support for survival, so marriage (although not given that name specifically) would be looked at as a life bond between two individuals. No group has ever (…yet?) come close enough to extinction to make fruitful child bearing more important than that loyalty. As far as sexuality is concerned, individuals may choose to be with whomever they desire. Some Earthlings may be disappointed to see a same-sex couple, simply for the fact that the couple would be unable to produce children without the help of a surrogate or donor, but it is certainly neither a taboo nor unheard of. Especially amongst the Alkidikes, same-sex relationships are incredibly common (after all, there are no men around). With them, it is more of the opposite, where it is strange to see an Alkidike woman with a man… especially because that means he is at least half-some other species.
What are the marriage rituals for all the tribes? All races and species of Tendaji have a marriage ceremony, though they can range from area to area. The Alkidike gather around Aisha and swear they're spirits to each other, usually in privacy, though in special occasions with guests. The Yaeli go to the Sanctum to officially seal their marriage to each other. The Shifters, Leaf, and Water earthlings all have large parties/celebrations where entire villages join in on the fun and dancing, drinking and partying late into the night surrounded by bonfires. The Wind and Ice earthlings celebrations can range from very small (in the case of wind nomads) to very large. It is a celebration in the same sense, though the wind earthlings seal their vows with a decorative wreath that each wear, connected by ribbons to one another. Oban weddings are probably by far the most formal, having the marriage ceremony, then a dinner with partying afterward (sort of like by today's standards) though their parties are still large and rambunctious with lots of drinking and fun.
Do same sex rituals differ from heterosexual relationships? Same sex celebrations are the same as heterosexual ones. No one is shunned from creating a bond with one another.
Are there rituals for surrogacy/donorship? Surrogacy and donorship are intimate choices in a couple's relationship and one does not require a ritual or any sort of announcement of the choice.
Are there customs/rituals for having children? Having children doesn’t really have a ceremony. Their villages of course will wish them good luck, and there will be gifts delivered to their houses from the rest of the village, but there is no official 'ceremony' of sorts to announce the child.
Do halfbreeds change the rituals at all? The only way a half breed would change the ritual at all would be if it were an Alkidike x Earthling relationship. This would cause more controversy and would have to be dealt with as to whether they share in Aisha's or Earthling's wedding rituals, both of which would probably be smaller than usual do to the unconventional circumstances. In mixed earthling marriages, there could also be some controversy, but not nearly enough to cause a stir or change in ceremony.
What are the death customs of Tendaji? A lot of it is just burials in cemetery like lots of land. The Alkidike take their Sisters back to the Islands where they have a night ceremony, bringing them back to Aisha, and then floating them off to sea on a pyre. The earthlings have funerals and bury their dead, leaving a stone marker in their place. They usually bury their deceased and pass their belongings down to kin during the ceremony. Each earthling tribe uses a specific burial blanket during their funerals.
When there is war, do people pay respects to the opponents' dead? When the opposing side falls, the side left will line the bodies up for their family to collect, but they don't really pay much more respect than that. They do not desecrate bodies or (typically) pillage after battle.
What makes a family wealthy, middle class, or poor in Tendaji? There is no hypothetical amount I can place on what a wealthy family would be since there is no standardized rate of exchange throughout Tendaji. Usually the key to discerning it is just how comfortable their daily life is. A lot of the areas of Tendaji still use bartering as a system, so monetary trading doesn't have much value to them, but they could have a plethora of nice belongings and be considered a wealthy family.
Do the people of Tendaji still have tournaments after The Tournament from the meta? It's a form of entertainment, but generally speaking they do. It's spread out and not very common, but every once in a while the call for fighters will go out for those who are interested. Like the one in the meta, it's all in good fun and usually comes with a burst of merchants and a fair-like celebration. Official tournaments run by staff will also be announced when the time comes.
Is there a school system in place for younglings, or are they all home schooled? The younglings of Tendaji are a mix of both. The Alkidike and Elaria tend to train and study together, taught by one of their elders until they are old enough to take on other responsibilities. The earthlings of Tendaji offer the same type of learning environment (without the more intensive training of the Alkidike), but there definitely are those who are home schooled. Usually those who live further away from the larger villages and cities are home schooled, or those lesser few who live in a city and parents choose to home school regardless.
What is the relationship between the Yaeli and the rest of Tendaji like currently? It has been enough time that while the Yaeli might still be wary of normal earthlings, or some might still be fearful, the majority would at this point be willing to accept that there are other civil people in the world and be open to interaction. The elaria and extemists would still pose a threat, so while they would still be fearful of them, the yaeli might not be so inclined to instantly flee and some might consider the idea of fighting back. The tension between the Yaeli and Elaria is noticeable, but at this point there wouldn't be a chance of a full blown attack from the Yaeli, if it came down to fighting it would be more defensive than anything else.
What is the education system on Belrea like? The entirety of education on Belrea is centered around the Academy and their Sectors. While the lectures directly from the Academy focus on the adults (and an idea that there is never an age to stop learning), there are classes for children within their Sectors. Usually it is groups of children much like a normal classroom where adults will help the children acquire the attitude and resources necessary to facilitate learning beyond normal schooling and encouraging them to take up personal projects in their own time. Essentially they are being taught skills to learn on their own rather than focusing on memorization of information. These classes are held by an adult within their sector, only teaching those who are from the same sector, and once the children are old enough (usually prentice stage) the children will become more of an apprentice and learn one on one from someone within their own sector rather than a classroom setting.
How do the yaeli deal with criminals? The yaeli deal with criminals in much of the same way as the rest of Tendaji. It really depends on the severity of the crime. If someone was caught stealing, they might be detained in what is basically a jail and made to pay essentially a fine. If someone is caught for murder, the result might be sentencing that person to death themselves.
RELIGION
What are the races views on heaven and hell? It would most definitely depend on the culture. The Alkidike don't believe in a heaven or hell, they accept the circle of life and know that the dead's life energy rejoins Aisha after death to feed the natural world. The same idea goes for the leaf earthlings, that their bodies will feed the earth. Most of the other earthlings have some sort of belief as to what their version of 'heaven' or 'hell' is like, but we'll leave it up to the owners to decide what their character calls it and envisions it as.
Does the Sanctum have an effect on normal Yaelis' daily lives? Or are they just an official form of government? The Yaeli are a deeply religious people, and there are churches in all cities and villages for the people to attend service and find guidance through the priests and priestesses that are stationed there. They follow the teachings of the Sanctum in their daily lives and it plays a fairly large role for them.
LANGUAGE
Do the earthlings and the alkidikes have a written language? Theoretically: yes. All of the members of Tendaji speak the same common language and it does have a written form, though specifics of what it looks like have not been decided as of yet due to lack of necessity for it. The Alkidikes, being a completely different species as opposed to a different race, also have a separate language called the Language of the Trees which is the Alkidike native tongue.
Would the races have different dialects? Canonically yes. The different races would have different dialects, some more than others. Yaeli would be the most different, being completely detached from the mainland.
ORPHANS
Who takes care of parentless lotus children? Though it isn't as frequent as lotuses that are pleaded for, Aisha does occasionally produce lotuses that are "parentless". These parentless children are first cared for by Eshe while they are still infants, but then handed off to volunteers. The Alkidike are a close knit sisterhood that don't shun the blessings of Aisha and willingly take in children as their own. "Parentless" children almost always don't even know about it, since their mother(s) raise them as if Aisha had granted them a gift they were always waiting for.
Are there earthling orphanages? It's rare, but there are homes for stranded children. The Alkidike have them also, where Eshe tends to them. The earthling version would more than likely be small, with 3-5 children per nation/area. It doesn't happen very often that children are left without a place to go.
How does adopting an orphan work in Tendaji? There's usually a house mother that looks after the children, and parents will come by and offer/ask to take one of the children. She will have to ask them questions, screen them as people and feel out their fit as a parent, and then they're off, hopefully for the better.
Is it reasonable to say that Matori would have a larger number of orphans due to the Oban slave trade? Not necessarily. Typically the Oban valued children as slaves as well to work inside the homes, and would take whole families when preparing them for market. While there would be some, it would not have been a large amount.
Would it be reasonable to have a village of smaller huts dedicated to orphans rather than one large home for them? Unfortunately no. There would be no reason for them to build small homes for children when they would be cared for by adults. They would all share the same space as their caretakers.
MECHANICS
Can earthlings be infertile? They can be born with ineffective organs or maybe have an accident when they were younger, so yeah, they can.
Are Yaeli glasses made of crystal or glass? Yaeli glasses are made of glass processed into a corrective lens.
Do the earthlings have any special features from their races? IE: Water earthlings having an affinity to water like larger lung capacity? No, the earthlings race names are purely aesthetic. Physically all earthlings are the same, there is no difference internally between the races. The names came to be as sort of nicknames in relation to the colors they developed over time and the locations they came from. (like the ice earthlings living in the mountains, the water earthlings having almost fish-like markings, the fire earthlings living in the desert.) Their real race names are things like Obans, Yaeli, Zenan, much like the location name they came from.
Can Crystals break, shatter, or fracture? Crystals growing from earthlings are incredibly hard and difficult to break, harder than any rock found in Tendaji. It would take a massive amount of strength or strong determination in order to break off an earthling's crystals. They are so hard, they would not split or fissure, only chip off of the surface.
Is it possible to file down a chipped crystal? It would take a metal file and someone who knew what they were doing like a healer, but they could be filed and in some extent polished.
Do crystals have nerves? Do they produce pain sensors? The crystals of an earthling does not have nerves, the crystals themselves can't emit pain. But crystals are grown from the bone and out through the flesh, all of which do have nerves, so the pain would come from the surrounding bones and tissues.
Is it possible to fill a crystal with metal or clay if it were split or cracked? The crystals would not split or crack, so they would not be able to be filled, only filed. There is also no means of something like this to happen in Tendaji with their level of technology.
Suhuba Captain
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Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2015 3:16 pm
SPECIES APPEARANCE
STANDARDS
What are the official crystal locations for each of the races? Here is a chart of where crystals can be located. For pure-earthlings, crystals will only be located on their individual locations on this chart. For hybrids, they can appear in either location.
What are the official heights of the races? If you're interested in what the canon heights are, then Alkidike are around 6 ft to almost 7 ft tall, and all races of earthling range from 4 ft to 5 1/2 ft tall. Earthlings were meant to be very small and undersized compared to even the shortest Alkidike.
What is the age range for each stage? Ages per stage are pretty flexible and can be bent to suit your character needs, but roughly: prentice is about 14-18, stage 2 is 18-22, stage 3 is 22-26, stage four and legendary can intermingle between 26 - 35. The time frame is pretty short and can be bent further to suit the needs of the character. If a character is advancing at a really fast pace, then they might be only 16 when they advance to Stage 2 if that helps with character personality and plotting.
Do all girls have to have long hair/certain hairstyles? It is most definitely not required at all. There are almost no restrictions to hairstyles in Tendaji, with some small exceptions (such as Alkidike having dreads, and hair color traits existing per race) And to eleborate: Alkidike have dreads as a sign of power. Because this is common knowledge in Tendaji, it would be really hard to find an earthling with dreads unless they were part Alkidike or Oban (who disregard Alkidike anger with them). This should be kept in mind when creating any character in Tendaji.
Can Alkidike wear their hair in something other than dreads? Alkidike wear their hair in dreads as a symbol of their strength as an Alkidike. It is the reason that earthlings do not wear their hair in dreads, and why Alkidike continue to wear the dreads. An Alkidike choosing to not wear dreads is the equivalent of saying they aren't proud of their heritage and being of Aisha. So... you can do with that as you wish, but it would be a monster change in their perception of their life.
Can other races eyes glow like the Yaeli? No. The Yaeli's eyes glow due to a combination of their biology and their diet on the island. There is no way for a different race to obtain the glow, and if a Yaeli were to move off of the island for an extended period of time their glow would fade and disappear since they were no longer eating the same diet as if they were on Yael.
How do the Alkidike feel about tattoos? Alkidike can have tattoos if they choose to. Culturally it would be frowned upon, mostly alks feeling that their body already came with all of the markings that their Mother wanted them to have. It would not be seen as a positive thing by other alkidike and they would be evaluated differently if they returned to Chibale with markings that aren't of Aisha.
Would Shifter infants be born off schedule with their shifting and eventually adjust? Personally, I think it would be really cute to see shifter babies that are off rhythm, so I'm going to say that shifter babies adjust to their shifts after about a year and from then on, they match the rest of the race.
DISORDERS
Is it possible to have a character with a deformity, disorder or disability of some sort? The short answer is yes. All are considered on a case by case basis, but we encourage owners to create unique characters with variety. When questing or creating the character, it would require some reason or explanation in their history/personality description.
Does the above question also include characters already won/finished questing? Yes! Any and all disorders and disabilities are subject to approval and is not limited to JUST when questing characters.
What would an Albino shifter look like? An albino shifter would consist of all of the light attributes of a normal shifter, such as light skin, (slightly-pinkish) light eyes, light hair, and even paler crystals, but strangely enough, they don't shift. Albinos are incredibly rare and because of the lack of pigmentation in the skin, they don't change as the others do and are constantly light skinned and prone to burning. They would be quite miserable and would require ample protection from the sun.
What would a melanistic Alkidike look like? A melanistic Alkidike... is an interesting question. Melanism in the humanoid races are even more rare than Albino, and I would think that they would have dark brown skin and incredibly dark blue/black markings.
Can Alkidike antennae regenerate? Alkidike antennae will not regenerate under any circumstances.
Is it possible for a water earthling to have different markings? No. The marking areas and shape are set for water earthlings. They would not be able to have anything abnormal.
Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2015 3:16 pm
OBTAINING A CHARACTER
QUESTING
Can an owner quest for more than one character at a time? Yes. For normal quests. Adoptables can only be quested for one at a time, but normal quests can be created as pleased. They will only be approved if you have character slots open for them though.
Do you have to mark a quest priority if you want it approved first? If there's a specific one you would like to get approved first, just let us know somehow. Either mark priority or quote us or something.
If you win a premade, can you get approval for it to be one of the player made adoptables? If you win a premade character in an event or successfully adopt them, but want them to be one of the player made adoptables in order to be related to a character, you can do this, and it will be an event character. But you must still get approval from the creator of the adoptable first. (you do not need to start an additional quest if it is won in an event, you can have the creator PM Suhuba with the ok.)
Can you quest for a youngling? Younglings are questable. They can't be obtained through a custom slot alone though, they must have an approved quest thread to receive art.
Is there a way to get an Alkidike Mystic? There is no way to get an Alkidike Mystic other than winner one in an event/auction.
Can characters be trans/androgynous/nongenderbinary? This kind of question is so much more than just are they allowed. We're not trying to discourage any kind of freedom with characters, but like with all other things a character could possibly be (gay, straight, hybrid, etc), it should be a part of who they are and something they might have to deal with on a daily basis and not just something to tag onto a character.
If you received a character related to another character, but that owner has retired, can you continue to make new family members? You cannot recreate the original character that was related to your character, but you can build off of your own character and create siblings for them if you so choose.
Can I quest for a custom baby? We really love our breeding system that helps to create unique kids from the traits from the parents. Unfortunately, any youngling wanting to be a blood-related offspring to a character needs to be bred through our system.
Can I quest to have a character be the child of a special character like a priest or mystic? No. These characters are offered through events only, so we do not allow a character to be quested as their child (or parent). The only way to associate yourself with a special character is to be bred by that character through Tendaji's breeding system, or to win a character like this through an event.
What happens if my character's name is too long to fit on the shop graphics? Unfortunately, if the name of your character cannot fit on the cert or thumbnail image without altering the design we will not allow the name. Reasonably speaking, our thumbnails fit up to 10 characters, it can be more depending on the width of certain letters (such as the width of an "i" compared to the width of a "w" ).
What are the rules about naming characters in Tendaji? Tendaji is pretty lenient when it comes to naming, but all names are subject to final staff approval. Typically we request no overly english or japanese sounding names. So names like Mitsuki, Tamake, Ichigo wouldn't be allowed, as well as names like Brian, Denise, Fiona, etc. If you have a specific question about a name feel free to ask, but a good rule of thumb is to use fantasy sounding names, or names with African roots. Staff is always here if an owner needs help with naming ideas!
CHARACTER LIMITS
Are character limits waived during events? No. Character limits are never waived unless they are specifically stated that they are. You can find it in the first post on the second page if it is. If it isn't being waived, it will not be stated so it should be assumed the character limit is in place unless you see otherwise.
Can I have more than one special character? All owners are only allowed to own one special character at a time. Once that character reaches stage 4, owners may obtain a new one if they happen to win one of our contests. "Special characters" are also called meta-level characters and include Yaeli priests, Alkidike/Elaria mystics, Zenan Oracles, and Belrean Academy Members.
PAYMENTS
Are adoptables free? Official adoptables do come with a price and it is listed in the adoptables thread. Player made adoptables are free to obtain. Of course, they still need approval, so you should still make a Quest Thread for an adoptable. Like with any "Quest Character", you won't automatically get art for player made adoptables, so you would have to pay for a custom art slot or win an event. However, Quest Characters get discounts in custom art, since so much work is put into creating them.
If you can't afford a custom, are there payment plans or other options? If they didn't have all of the funds immediately, they are most certainly welcome to contact Suhuba through PM to see if something else can be done instead. Though this will be handled on a case by case basis.
Suhuba Captain
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Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2015 3:17 pm
GROWING YOUR CHARACTERS
TIMER
When does the timer to submit another growth actually start? The growth timer starts only after receiving an official approval in the growth request post. Owners will be quoted within their original post with an approval and the date approved for future reference. (It does not
When does the timer for the meme character start after growth? The timer for a character to grow again starts after they've received art. So if they officially grew, they would be able to begin RPing as the next stage, but their timer wouldn't start until their art was dropped (whenever that is ready).
GROWTH REQS
When waiting for art for a growth can a character be RPed as their next stage? As long as the growth has been officially approved, you can begin to RP as the next stage.
Can extra RPs that take place in one stage be used in another's requirements? RPs that take place in one stage do not count as requirements for another. It is considered to be a new chapter in a character's life and cannot be used for character development. (This includes solos and prps.)
Do extra RP growth points have an alternative use besides growing? Extra growth points can be counted toward bonuses in the shop. 4 RP growth points that are not used for requirements can be traded in for one edit to character art in their next growth (but only for the current stage. ex: extra points in prentice stage can be used for stage two art edits, stage 2 points can be used for stage 3 edits, etc.). All RP-based edits are limited to 2 per stage art.
How do solos stack up exactly? Solos do not have to be related to each other in order to bunch together. They have to be at least 300 words each, and can be added together to create solo growth points. (ex: a 500 word solo and a 400 word solo can be added to make a total of 3 growth points)
Can solos count for youngling growth? Yes! With the new change in growth requirements, younglings can now use solor or RPs for growths.
Do RPs need to be completed before submitting for a growth request? We prefer that all RPs are wrapped up before submitting for a growth request, but there is no strict rule saying they need to be completed.
For stage 2 quested characters do reqs get rounded up or down? For stage 2 quested characters you can round down.
Is there a limit to how many meta or event points a character can use per growth? No. These points are still earned through participation with the character IC, so there is no limit to how many you can use. You cannot use a meta or event to replace required solos such as class choice and mount solos. (Staff have their own limitations, but those are listed within the staff threads.)
Do special characters like mystics and priests need a class solo? All prentices require a class solo to grow.
When you say that beast tamers need at least half of their EXP Growth Points to be beast battles, does that mean that they can all be beast battles? This is true! We hope owners will still want to have at least one regular battle, but it's no longer required technically speaking.
Why are they called EXP growth points? EXP growth points are growth points that are earned from using the various systems of Tendaji: battling, beast battling, and crafting. They are systems that when completed the character receives not only their growth point(s) but exp for their journal as well. They are considered a separate category of growth and vary depending on the class the character has chosen. EXP growth points cannot be accumulated until a character is Stage 2.
If a character has already written a class affinity solo but changes their mind before growing out of prentice stage, can they write a new affinity solo? Yes. As a prentice, a character can change their minds as many times as they need to, they just need to have a class affinity solo for whatever class they ultimately choose. Once they grow they are not able to switch classes.
WORLD EVENTS
Can younglings write solos for World Events and still use the growth points? Yes. The prompts are versatile points so regardless of how they're played out they could count as either of the options the prompt says it can count for. Keep an eye out though, because not all prompts are RP or solo oriented, and not all have the same options of how the points can be distributed.
Can a character complete a World Event prompt more than once even though only one would count towards growth? Unfortunately, no. A World Event prompt can only be completed once by a character.
CLASSES
Can a character switch classes? No. Once a character has reached stage 2 of a certain class they will follow the course to stage 4.
Can artisan classes become writers? Short answer: yes. The "Personal Title" Artisan class is basically for anything that doesn't fit in any of the other non-battle classes, including Writers, Crafters, Sculptors, Painters, etc. Even things like Masonry, Religious Devotion, etc, anything you can think of wanting your non-battle class character to do.
Are classes like Xi'i Oracle, Courier, Spy, Strategist, and Inventor available? Mount Xi'i is a very mysterious place and under normal circumstances, this class track will not be available. Spy and strategist are not available, courier is only available in the sense of normal mail deliver and not involving war. A character can become an inventor, but nothing they invented would become canon in any way.
Is a singer a Minstrel or would they be their own class? The minstrel class includes all musicians, so this would be those playing an instrument or using their voice.
What do the classes do? Like are the assassin class characters actually assassins? The battle class characters have titles assigned to their names, but their jobs in Tendaji are not the same as their titles. When designing the shop we had to come up with some way to differentiate their paths, but assassins don't actually go out and kill people for money, just like guards don't just stand around guarding things all day. They're noncommittal titles that can help you create stories and histories for your characters, but they're not limiting the character's lives for the most part. With this being said, assassin class character could potentially be actual assassins, but this line of work is considered dark and not at all normal within Tendaji.
MOUNTS/FAMILIARS
When a character becomes a rider, do they only get one mount? Mounts are a permanent thing. Riders train one mount and bond with one mount, they are not allowed more, thought they can own more familiars, they can only use that one mount in battle.
Is there a way to get a kinfa after stage 2 and use it as a mount? You would have to pick another mount. Technically, your stage 4 choice should have been declared in the growth from prentice to stage 2, so those wanting to be a Guardian/Rider would have known and been able to plan in advance. Riders and Guardians have to have a solo declaring their mount in Stage 2 in order to have their familiar with plenty of time to build a bond.
Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2015 3:17 pm
GROWTH ART
CHARACTERS
Do you still have to buy items if you want a character's outfit to change but want to leave it CC? If you know you want it to change, but don't know exactly what you want it to change to, you would still have to buy items to ensure that things change.
Do I need to purchase items to cover every single request for my growth? If you want it in the art, there should be an item to cover it. Anything not purchased for growth artists will have complete CC over it, so if you're wanting something in particular be sure to purchase the item equivalent from the shop! This also goes for younglings. If no items are purchased/won the growth will be totally CC.
What item do I need to give my character glasses? Glasses are only available through crafting. When a character successfully crafts glasses it will be listed in the custom items section of the Merchant's Alley. They are not available beyond this.
What is acceptable for Legendary traits? When working on the Legendary stage, owners will need to get approval from staff about their trait. Some things won't work in Tendaji, others would. Inspired features wouldn't be anything so drastic as a beak or wings, but smaller things like feathers growing out of bony spots (like collar bone, cheeks, something), or talons, scaled patches, etc would be more appropriate. It's really very case by case depending on what the owner is looking for. Additional limbs or wings/tails/etc are more along the lines of far fetched in Tendaji generally speaking.
Can the fairground item New Skin Elixir be used to get rid of a character's markings? No. New Skin Elixir can only remove scars or deformations of the skin. things a character is born with, such as markings, freckles, etc cannot be removed.
Do I have to buy a Display of Power each stage if I want magic to show up in my art? If you wanted to change the magic/power being shown in the art you would have to purchase a new one. If you are only looking to keep the same element, then another is not necessary.
Can Display of Power showcase special attacks? No. The Display of Power item can show off typical magic displays such as elements or sparkles of some sort or glows. It does not have to power to display something intricate as a special attack.
If a Shifter uses Eye of the Goddess will their eyes still shift? No, unfortunately if a shifter uses the Eye of the Goddess item their eyes will no longer shift.
What does Change of Clothes cover? Change of clothes covers a style change for one article of clothing, like a top or a bottom. It does not cover colors, patterns, designs, or accessories, so additional items should be purchased to cover these.
Can characters in Tendaji wear skulls? Generally speaking, no. Specifically, skulls cannot be worn on the head as headdresses/hats/helmets/etc. Smaller skulls, such as those of the keldari, are seen as good luck and can sometimes be seen on art on a belt/necklace/bracelet/etc.
WEAPONS
Can non-battle class characters have weapons in their art? If your character has chosen to go the route of a non-battle class, their only options are have their dagger/throwing knives in their art if they choose to and it is specified in the growth form. Non-battle class characters must have the weapon purchased for it to show in any art.
Can the sheath item add a weapon to art? The sheath item is to add a sheath only. It does not add an additional weapon to the character's art.
Is there any way to get additional weapons added to their art besides their main weapon? Unfortunately there is not. If an owner would like additional weapons in their art they would have to look to unofficial art from outside sources. Official art will only showcase the weapon associated with their class.
Do alkidike have different weapons than the earthlings? Will the extremists get different weapons? No, the weapons that are in the shop are the weapons that characters can purchase and denotes the physical appearance of each weapon. The alkidike and the earthlings have the same weapon selection depending on class choices available to them.
Why did my weapon go back to the stock colors when I grew? Buying the next stage to a weapon is buying a new weapon, so all edits made in the previous stage do not transfer over to the new weapon. You would have to buy new edits for the growth in order to change what the weapon looked like. This also includes any weapon accessories! If you want the weapon accessory colors to transfer over you do not need to buy another, but you need to let us know you want the colors again.
Can my characters have floating orbs like this? For a character to have something like that, they would need to be able to purchase enough weapon edits to make an already existing weapon look like that, or wait until stage 4 to get a fully customized weapon. The closest thing would be to follow the mystic class that uses runes and edit the runes to look similar to that (through items like tumbling jar or bone carving tool, etc depending on the material desired).
Do dyes count for weapon edits? No <3 You can edit the color through dyes with each stage. The weapon upgrade items are mostly items that edit the lines/look of the weapon. Like everything else for weapons though, the dye will not carry through to the next stage. It will have to be purchased again.
Can extra solos/RPs be used for weapon upgrades? Yes. If you have extra solos or RPs you can also use those as weapon upgrades. You cannot however receive extra upgrades than what you are allowed per stage. So if you are growing to stage 2 for example, only one change is allowed to the weapon whether it's from buying an item or using an extra requirement.
MOUNTS/FAMILIARS
Will Stage 4 Beast Masters have a companion in their art like the Riders/Guardians do? Yes. Beast Masters will be able to choose one of their familiars to appear with them in their art. They can only choose one though, and this particular one will also be portrayed in their legendary art so they cannot change their familiar between stages.
Can a stage 4 Beast Master have art of a baby familiar in their growth instead of an adult familiar? The familiar in any character art must be of a familiar that the owner has certed art for. If they would like it to be a baby version that is fine, but it must be something officially owned by the character/owner.
Suhuba Captain
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Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2015 3:17 pm
ACTIVITY
ACTIVITY
What constitutes as activity in reference to the activity rule? You have to be active at least once every three months to avoid receiving an activity warning. This means just post somewhere. It can be in the main thread, in the guild, an RP, just saying hi, whatever as long as we see your face.
Can characters be rehomed? Characters approved/won after the reopening are subject to the new rules in their entirety. Customs will not be rehomed, but event characters can if the owner is not active. Characters approved/won before the reopening are still subject to activity, but will not be rehomed, only retired if the owner is not active for an extended amount of time. As a shop policy we do not rehome characters that have surpassed the prentice stage.
How does a hiatus work with activity checks? If an owner comes to staff and announces a hiatus to us we will note that in the staff thread and you will not be sent anything regarding activity during the period that the hiatus encompasses. If the end time was not specified, we will just check in with an occasional PM seeing how you're doing but nothing serious.
RETIRING
What happens if I retire a character and how can I un-retire them? Retiring a character will open that slot back up for you as an owner. There is also a cool down between the time you retire a character to the time you can gain a new one in order to prevent this from being abused. Retiring a character should be done as a last resort because you just cannot continue on with whatever that character was doing or was as a person. If you would like to un-retire them, then you would need to open a slot back up first in order to make room for them.
What is the cool down when retiring a character? If you do choose to retire a character please note that the cool down is one month per character. The time can stack, so if you retire more than one your cool down will be whatever that time frame is. During this time you cannot breed, win, quest, or custom any new character.
Can retired characters come back? Yes! Retired characters are characters that are confirmed not active at the time. All an owner has to do is ask us anywhere they like if they can be reinstated and we will move them out of retirement.
If a character dies, is there a cool down like there is for retiring? Yes. Killing off a character is more permanent than retiring. There is the one month cool down as well as the character never being able to be pulled back into active status.
Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2015 3:17 pm
ROLEPLAYING
POSTING
Can I RP two characters I own as one post? All characters within an RP (normal or meta or otherwise) must have their own gaia posts in their own POV. You cannot combine characters together into one post. Posts such as these will not be counted toward the post count for any RP.
What does having one post per character mean technically? Having one post per character means that in their post it is only their POV, only their thoughts, and only their actions. Character B cannot have inner monologue within Character A's post. Character A cannot initiate the actions of Character B, etc.
So things like Aminah's post: "Aminah pushed Sathe's shoulder. Sathe returned the favor and Sathe couldn't believe how angry her sister was and was hurt by her actions." would not be allowed since it is voicing Sathe's inner monologue within Aminah's post.
Something acceptable would be like "Aminah's post: Aminah pushed Sathe's shoulder, her anger showing in her eyes." Sathe's post: "Sathe felt her sister's hands hit her shoulder before she was pushed hard. She could see how angry Aminah was, etc." because this shows Sathe reacting to Aminah's actions and not Aminah initiating Sathe's response in Aminah's post.
Is there any advice for what staff looks for when approving RP reqs for growth? Something to keep in mind when RPing with more than one of your own characters is - how would you RP with another owner? If you wouldn't write that way if you were RPing with someone else, then it's probably not allowed when RPing with yourself. Try to think of each of your characters belonging to a different person. Each person would put their own character in their own post and would have their own thoughts on what's going on.
Do AIM RPs have to be posted within a thread as separate posts a well? Yes. AIM RPs will have to be transcribed into a thread with a separate post per character, but one owner can do all the transcribing (so it's easier to transfer over).
Do the characters all have to stick to the same post order the whole RP? The order of the posts can be fluid - as long as all owners are on board and each character only gets one post per round. So ok: chara1 then chara2, then chara3, then chara2, then chara3, then chara1. Not ok: chara1, chara2, chara1, chara3, chara1. (etc)
Are minimum post counts for each person? Each person. Our counts right now are 10 posts per person for regular RPs and 7 per person for RPs with four or more people involved.
Can a world prompt between multiple characters belonging to one owner be written in solo format? I'm sorry, but they would still have to write out 7 posts each. The formats are non interchangeable since it is not a solo.
NPCS
Is it possible to have non-quest RPs with shop NPCs? It is indeed. We prefer interaction among other owners so we wouldn't advertise for RPs with NPCs, but you can request it, and sometimes it's necessary (such as with Kadriye).
If I use NPCs in my RP, do they also need to have a separate post? If NPCs are occasionally used in RPs it should be like hearing it from your character's perspective. So you wouldn't know what their internal thoughts were like as if they had their own post but your character can see what they're doing and hear what they're saying. They cannot have such a prominent part of the RP that they necessitate having their own post. Additionally, they cannot be used to RP with other owners outside of your own existing characters; for example, every post you make must include your character as a major player, and not the NPC.
TIMELINE
What are the rules on reminiscing RPs? This is a case by case basis. If a character started as a prentice, then most, if not all, RPs taking place when they are younglings will be for fun. But if you feel that the RP did something to greatly influence your character, then you can PM Suhuba to get approval for it to count towards growth, but only during the prentice stage if they did not have a youngling stage. Memory/reminiscing RPs of any other kind will not be allowed to count towards growth.
Can a character's RPs jump around in their timeline? Of course! As long as you know how your timeline goes, there's no issues. You can't go back in stages, like you can't RP as a prentice after they've grown to stage 2, but besides that there's no problems with jumping around.
CLASSES IC
What do the non battle classes do, mechanics/rp wise? Non battle classes apply only to the RPs. Artisans make things IC, gypsies dance, minstrels sing and play songs, and collectors search the world for treasures and valuables. These things can be utilized in journals and in RP with others, to give more depth to a character.
Can spells be used in RP without having to buy them? For RP purposes, most spells can be used without a problem. Spells involving anything that would be considered "dark" like demon summoning, cursing, or anything like that is not allowed, but spells involving nature and elements are perfectly fine.
Are prentices able to use their weapons in RP? Characters can RP using their weapons for practice purposes while in their prentice stage generally speaking. Store bought weapons are only necessary when a character grows so they can participate in the battle and beast battle systems.
Do characters unlock their magical abilities in stage 2, or can they know some as a prentice? That's a per owner type thing. Characters can have a natural talent for magic at a young age, unlock it somehow from an event in their lives, have to work really hard for anything to happen before stage 2, etc. There's no limit really to how a character finds out they can use magic, though there wouldn't really be younglings running around with an expert control of magic so things should be progressive to some degree.
Can healers sell their potions for others to take home and use themselves? Yes. Healers and magic users can create potions, remedies that can be used by the patient without the healer being there IC.
What is a Sacred Heart's magic like? Is it taught to them, does it have to do with their weapon, or is it just something that they realize they can do? Essentially they learn magic. The weapon isn't imbued with magic, but what they can do now is choose to cast spells or physically attack in battle since they're equally balanced in both once they reach Sacred Heart. During their training in their third stage they begin to harness magic. This is a super specialized class for the Alkidike and is taught to them directly from the residential Mystics. Alkidike are just as capable to learn the elemental magic that the earthlings use, but their society puts a much bigger emphasis on physical strength and they make sure that all Alkidike learn to use physical power before those who choose to use magic can branch out. The Alkidike as a society don't put as much stock in the magical arts as they do with pure physical prowess.
How are the magic classes different in RP? How does their magic look?
This is really very open to interpretation. The most concrete thing I can answer is about the summoner's elementals. These are golems made of the particular element but they do not have intelligence. They disperse after the magic has worn out and only follow the commands of their summoner.
The other magics are super duper open for whatever fits best with your character. I can come up with some examples, but how one person RPs might be completely different than how others RP their magic.
(I'm listing them from how I see it as most offensive to most defensive magic types)
Sorcerers cast destructive spells. They're the most offensive type of magic, using all elemental based and can cause pretty heavy destruction. I like to think that this is the class that their emotions can cause them to lose control and create damage.
Mystics use runes, though it's still offensive magic so it's along the same lines. I like to think that they're more in tune with themselves, but they can either carry pre-scribed runes with them, or even carve into the floor/tree/whatever with that they need to conjure.
Summoners use the elements and nature around them to do what they do. They're a mix of offensive and defensive, so they tend to use the elements to do both. Like use water to heal (or air or something), but can also cause damage. They use a staff so they're much like sorcerers in their casting, but they train toward summoning elementals.
Scholars use incantations to summon their spells. They have 'spell books' basically and verbalize their attacks. They're healers by trade, but can still use offensive magic, though it might be harder for them to learn/control. They're also the class I see as the most likely to use physical treatments for injuries, and not just straight magic. Like herbs and ointments.
Soul Linkers are like the most feely kind of magic. They are the kind to sense chakras, draw out the bad energy, spiritual types. They have sacred/enchanted beads as their weapons, but it's mostly a channeler or enhancer for their magic, which is more from their mind/soul (depending on how you want to use it).
SOLOS
What is a solo? A solo is an RP containing only your character. The solo can include familiars and wild animals (not owned by anyone else) or include characters that are NOT owned by anyone (including yourself) such as parents/random encounters/etc. Solos should not include the same NPC characters over and over again.
Can a solo be reserved for world event prompts? You may reserve a post for a solo, but the reserved post is only good for one month after the deadline is up. So if it's not completed and done after that one month we can't accept it as a versatile point. It must still be started within the allowed timeframe and have all necessary rolls.
Suhuba Captain
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Suhuba Captain
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Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2015 3:17 pm
SPECIAL CHARACTERS
ALKIDIKE/ELARIA MYSTICS
What can you tell us about Alkidike/Elaria Mystics?
Every so often, perhaps 30 or so years, a mystic is born. Mystics are born from a lotus like all other Alkidike, but are known to give off a small aura that sets them apart from the other lotus flowers around them. Eshe, as the current mystic of the Alkidike was taught by her predecessor what to expect from a mystic lotus. The appearance of the lotus is the same, but with the given aura of the flower it is watched over and cared for carefully until bloom. The Alkidike mystics, while most look exactly the same as normal Alkidike women, are known to sometimes be born with lighter markings, a sign of their potential to become in tune with Aisha.
Alkidike mystics are taught at a young age to speak three languages: the common language of Tendaji (that everyone speaks), the language of the trees (which only Alkidike know), and the language of the ancestors (known only to the mystics born into Tendaji). The Language of the Ancestors is a deeply rooted language used when performing rituals and addressing Mother Aisha and is something of a very close secret. Even the elders of the Alkidike do not know how to speak it and rarely anyone will hear it aloud. It is one of the main studies of the Alkidike mystic in training from a young age and is mastered around the age of 6 (it is one of their only studies until learned properly).
From the point that the Alkidike mystic learns to speak the Language of the Ancestors, they sit in on the current mystic’s rituals and duties and watch. When they reach their prentice age, typically 13-16, they will begin to join in on the rituals in small ways until they eventually participate more and more and handle it themselves.
Along with handling rituals, mystics learn to use magic in battle as well, such as water, fire, air, etc. They can choose to focus more on damaging or healing spells, though they learn to use some form of them all.
The mystic’s job duties include caring for lotus flowers, ‘birthing’ new Alkidike from the lotus, preparing the child to be received by the mother(s) (which includes checking the child for health, cleaning her, and swaddling her), speaking with Aisha and the ancestors/fates when the species face some sort of difficult time (doesn't happen often, but includes famine, war, natural disasters, etc.), sitting in on council meetings as the Voice of Aisha, and becoming a council for Alkidike sisters that require it (such as leading them to Aisha to plead for children, acting as medic for the Alkidike, and finding homes for children who have no family to go to).
When a mystic reaches around 30-40 years of age, a new lotus will begin to bloom with a replacement mystic and the cycle will begin again. There is a point of time when there will be two mystics on the island, sometimes even three. When there are three, typically the oldest has already stepped down from position and will live her days as an elder and Matron of the Alkidike. Two Alkidike mystics are uncommon, but not unheard of.
YAELI PRIESTS/PRIESTESSES
What can you tell us about priests and priestesses?
The people of Yaeli believe that their Gods handpick special individuals as their Chosen. These people are taken as children to the Sanctum where they are raised within the society of priests and priestesses to be groomed as the future priests and priestesses of Yael. These children show signs, as the yaeli see them. These signs are behavioral, typically something that the child does in habit and can't seem to help themselves from doing. (The closest comparison is modern earth's OCD.)
When a child is small, usually between the ages of 5-8, their signs develop, tipping off parents and the community to the notion that the child may be special. When this happens, parents usually take their children to the Sanctum for testing of their Habits, or a priest or priestess may come to them if the situation calls for it. Being seen as Chosen is a praised and coveted thing. Even though a parent may not see their child again, the honor of having a child Chosen by the Gods is something to carry with their family as a source of pride. Many parents bring their children to the Sanctum with false signs just in the hopes that they may see something more special with their son/daughter.
When a child is chosen, they start their training as a priest/priestess of Yael. Until the age of 18 they are taught and trained in the ways of the Sanctum and study not only the history of their people, but the duties they are to oversee and the way of life they are preparing themselves for. Once they are 18 (stage 2 for a character), they become pledged to the Sanctum, their position within the Sanctum having grown drastically.
These priests and priestesses learn to give the proper blessings for the proper god and occasion, and once considered properly mastered will complete missions within the island of Yael to help bless the people and pray for those who require assistance. One of the topics studied also includes sermons to the people to provide them with insight into the workings of the Gods.
The daily life of a priest/ess consists of regular prayer, with rituals to the God at sunrise and to the Goddess at sunset. If they show particular promise, they could be sent by the Sanctum to preside over a smaller church in the other cities and villages of Yael.
Can other people go into the Sanctum? The Sanctum consists of an 'Inner' and 'Outer' area. The Inner Sanctum is reserved only for those who have been Chosen and live out their lives as Priests and Priestesses. The Outer Sanctum is for those who require the assistance of the Sanctum and for the Chosen that choose to wed and can live with their families.
Would their spouse and children be allowed into the Sanctum? Once married they would live in the Outer Sanctum since normal folks aren't allowed into the Inner Sanctum.
How big is the Sanctum itself? Does it have multiple floors? The Sanctum is huge, spanning over a very large complex. It has three floors and would have their own courtyards and chambers, etc. The Inner Sanctum is reserved for priests only, the Outer Sanctum is reserved for family and the odds and ends like those needing immediate help. The Outer Sanctum rings around the Inner Sanctum, stretching almost into its own small village.
Are there more than one church in Yael? Are they all called Sanctums? There are more than one church, there is only one Sanctum. This is like their head of everything. The sanctum will send priests to live at these other churches in their name if they decide they are ready for the responsibility.
Are male and female separated within the Sanctum? Male and female are not strictly segregated, they would have their own rooms, but they're not kept apart in their daily lives.
Are there famous historical figures? For the most part it is open to owners to create any historical figureheads like past priests that became famous for their contributions to the Sanctum. There is a canon pair in history that started the whole thing. The very first High Priest, Yinzumin, and the High Priestess, Phirie, were a married couple that started the Sanctum and the religious teachings of those in Yael.
Does the Sanctum deal with money, or do they trade goods? They would follow with the rest of Yael and use coins.
What's the hierarchical structure of the Sanctum? Who handles organizing both all the church members and the money that comes in and paying for things like the cooks and cleaners and such? Their is a hierarchy, it's age based, so the more experienced are higher up. The higher ups would have duties split, some focusing on expenses, others on events, some on the workers that need bringing in, and those who organize the education of younger priests. So in a sense they have a board that heads the direction of the Sanctum.
Is there any symbol or set of symbols that's their central symbol (like cross, etc)? This is the official symbol of the Yaeli's religion and the Sanctum.
Do they associate animals to their gods and goddesses like the egyptians? No they don't associate animals. The Yaeli religion is all about dichotomies, like life and death, light and dark, female and male, etc.
Can a priest take in a person as a ward or adopted child? Unfortunately not. The customs of the Sanctum require that approval be granted before a priest can start a family, so they would not approve a priest or priestess to adopt someone or care for someone as if they are their parent/guardian.
ACADEMY MEMBERS
What can you tell us about the Academy Members?
The Belrean Earthlings have placed technology and knowledge on the highest of pedestals, focusing on knowledge growth as the utmost priority for their society. In their mind, technology is the foundation for nourishment, growth, and safety for their society, and thus it is the highest form of government. They feel that by improving technology, they can in turn improve society. They are the most technologically advanced race of any in Tendaji.
As a result of their drive, they have established the Academy of Steam, where the brightest minds gather together to discuss current needs and assign sectors for those roles. Anyone who has made a grand impact on society will most likely be extended an invitation to join the academy based on approval from the current members. Always, there is at least one member from each sector represented in the academy and only Lightning and Geian Earthlings will be extended an invitation.
Once an Earthling has received their invitation around the age of 16, they will be welcomed to the inner halls of the Academy to live and study with fellow members. They are permitted to leave, but the work they do within the chambers cannot be removed nor shared with members outside of the Academy. It is only the leaders who will determine when the information they have gathered can be 'presented' to the general population. Often, this will occur in a lecture made by the most seasoned and top minds of each sector.
Academy Members will also have a personal project they will work on, one grand enough to take a lifetime. This project may be an effort to improve the lifestyle of those around them, or a project that they eventually will lead development of. This study will be determined once they enter the Academy, and mentors will assist as needed.
The daily life of an Academy Member is a majority of study and lecture, working together to gather minds and improve the world around them. Outsiders are not permitted inside, but members are welcome to go outside and meet others as long as they finish their study and ensure they do not reveal information when they are gone.
Can other people go into the Academy? The Academy is private to only the Academy Members. However, there are specific halls in each sector that are used for public forums. These forums are lectures of sorts, where the top Academy Members will teach those who are interested on approved studies. This is often a tool to spread knowledge once it has been tested, confirmed, or otherwise approved to be used. There is no schedule for these talks, as it is up to the discretion of the leaders of each Academy Sector.
Would their spouse and children be allowed into the Academy? Unfortunately, unless the spouse was an Academy Member, they are not permitted inside. Most married Academy Members will have housing for their family outside of the structure.
How big is the Academy itself? Does it have multiple floors? The Academy is huge, spanning over a very large complex. It is divided into 8 wings. Each of these wings houses one of the eight sectors. There are walkways that allow travel between each sector, with the inner-most room being the general assembly hall. The Academy also is made up of three floors on each of the sector. A floor for study, a floor for research and projects, and a floor for housing. The inner-most room spirals up into five floors, allowing ample room for many of the cross-sector meetings that take place. Finally, each sector has an outer most lecture hall that they open for the public, each one designed like an amphitheater of sorts.
Are male and female separated within the Academy? Male and female are not strictly segregated, they would have their own rooms, but they're not kept apart in their daily lives.
What's the hierarchical structure of the Academy? Who handles organizing and managing the members? Their hierarchy is based on knowledge and experience, so the more experienced are higher up. The highest up, often the elders, are the ones who determine the major projects they work on and when to share knowledge with the public. New members are often assigned mentors of mid-tier, who help them acclimate to the new lifestyle and determine their life work. Each Sector runs their own organization, with the top leaders meeting together to communicate and organize overall duties and members.
Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2015 3:17 pm
MISCELLANEOUS
MISC
What time zone should I use when posting forms for events or growths in Tendaji? Tendaji runs in -5.00 EST. If something refreshes at midnight, it is EST midnight, if an event is noted to close at a certain time, the same rules apply (EST).
Why are older youngling art on different bases? They are discontinued bases used when the shop first started before the reopening. Some of those bases were relined to fit the new shop, but the others will not be used again.
Can I use two Scrolls of Souls on one character? You may use more than one Scroll of Souls on one character, but a non-magic battle class can only learn level one spells, even with the Scroll of Souls. So they would not be able to learn a level two spell, but could learn two level one spells.
Can an owner choose to change the name of their character? Typically no. Any and all name changes must be part of a plot and cleared by the appropriate staff before it can be approved.
Will Tendaji have more tournaments and games in the future? Yes! We have said it before and we'll say it again, we plan on having another tournament in the future along with other fun games. We're still only just reopening so bear with us while we try to catch up with ourselves.
STAFF
Who judges contests in Tendaji and how are they judged? Within Tendaji staff, the managers are the only ones who are able to judge in contests. First and foremost, all entries are judged based on their response to the prompt and the information asked for within the form. Judges do not judge based on writing ability, so a 'better' writer will not necessarily win, and judging does not discriminate against new owners vs established owners.
Are staff allowed to enter contests in Tendaji? While prior to 1/26/16 they were allowed to enter contests, all staff will no longer be allowed to enter. This includes artists and managers both in order to avoid any accusations that judging may be unfair. Staff are however still allowed to enter into contests that do not require judging. So auctions, raffles, and chance games are still open to everyone including staff unless otherwise stated.
But if staff aren't allowed to enter into contests or customs, how do they ever get new characters? Staff are allowed to quest for characters and receive them that way, without having to wait for customs to open so it doesn't detract from other owners' chances. Because we do know that it's very unfortunate that they can no longer enter into contests, staff are also given additional perks to make it easier for them to obtain a character without the access to shop events.
