Welcome to Gaia! ::

..General Rules

• Art Theft is a no-no.
  
• Follow all Gaia ToS.
  
• Please be Civil. (As well as civilized and somewhat mature.)
  
• You may not mentor another child until the previous one is self-sufficient.
  
• Concerning shop policy, Craftmaster's word is final.
  
  
  ..Sale Rules
  
• Send all trades promptly.
  
• Label your trades.
  
• Co-Owning is allowed (but Co-RP is not, except in the case of twins).
  
• No refunds
  
• In the case of prompts, you must write your own response because you will be the one RPing the child.
  
  ..Flatsale Rules
  
• The price is 10k unless otherwise specified.
  
• PM prompts to the mule (Loremaster Catspaw)
  
• You may enter for more than one child.
  
• Only send one entry for each child.
  
• As long as you submit the entry before the winners are decided, it's technically not late.
  
  ..RP Rules
  
• Literate 3rd person narrative style.
  
• Emphasis on literate.
  
• All RP will take place in the guild, or event threads designated by FactS. Any RP in the shop thread will not be counted towards requirements unless also posted in a proper thread.
  
• RP requirements will not be valid unless started after the child officially grows to that stage.
  
• RP politely. No god-modding, etc. Your character can be rude. YOU must be polite.
  
• Those who insist on RPing illiterately or otherwise improperly after 4 warnings on the same issue may have their child taken away and rehomed without compensation.

RP is somewhat required, because that's the point of the shop. we really do not like to take away pets, but we also don't want them to sit and rot forever. So, if we decide that you're never going to come back, (You have not RPed, posted in the shop, or let us know why you're gone for a year. Yes, a whole year.) your character will be rehomed. This goes for mods and admins too.

..Frequently Asked Questions..

May I have one?
Sure, but you need to obtain it in a legitimate way like everyone else.

Are these RP-required?
Definately. We even have specific growth requirements and forms and other fun things. However, whether they are RP-heavy is your choice, as your child will not be taken away unless we believe that you are never coming back.

But I dun wanna RP! I just like the prettyful art.
I suppose you could ask someone else to RP for you and just co-own, but you (not them) pay the fee and all you get is permission to display the art and your name on the cert. We'll discuss this on a case by case basis.

Do I have to keep a journal?
While you don't have to do any journal-RPing per say, please keep track of growth requirements. Please use the journal provided for you and don't create one of your own.

Can I have a cosplay?
No. This is slightly immoral and illegal.

Too pricey! *cries*
Don't worry. Since this shop is not really for profit, there will be lots of free events so just stick around.

May I have more than one?
Yes, but you'll have to wait until the first one completes all RP requirements for Child Stage.

T(-)15 shop 5UX0RS!
Yeah, it does, but does someone like you really have the authority to tell me that?

As far as the reqs go, do the RPs (PDs and other ones) have to be completely finished to count, or a certain number of posts, or what?
At least 7 posts from each person, or approximately one page. The journal RPs that you write on your own should be around 500 words in length. Journal entries are at least 100 words if the character is literate and of whatever length you feel fits if the character is still learning to read and write.

I have a question that isn't on here.
Post it in the thread or PM it to the shop mule. If your question is not answered within two weeks, please send/post it again. We do tend to lose things.

..Plot Related Questions..

What exactly is Faction S?
Faction S is a group of scientists working together to create living chimeric beasts. Naturally, this also means that caretakers are required for each of their subjects. Early research found that the chimeras were much less likely to go on violent rampages and kill everyone, and were much more easily trained, when the handlers were assigned early and allowed to bond with them.

FactS is not a humanitarian agency. Actually, it's pretty anti-humanitarian, but for the good of the planet. It is also not an adoption agency. It just happens to need kids with a certain type of genetic code. Once they have the kids, they need people to give them one on one parental care in a nice safe family environment, because kids who aren't raised that way don't develop properly.

Why are they born at --age?
They aren't, the scouts at Faction S just can't locate them until that age. FactS does not create the handlers, they visit orphanages and foster homes looking for potential candidates. If one is found, he or she is then adopted by FactS.

Which kinds of kids are handler candidates?
They need to have a certain amount of magic and a special genetic sequence. FactS won't take them unless they have the right genes. Usually, they also have an alternate gene expression somewhere, making them pretty easy to spot.

So what happens to them?
Generally, their parents will reject them, so they'll be sent to an orphanage or something until their magic develops and Spellmaster Vixeneye can find them. From there, someone (usually Loremaster Catspaw) goes to collect them.

Does everyone's magic mature at the same age?
Usually, yes, between 4 and 7, but we do get a few late bloomers and early starters. This will be pretty rare though (say..possibly customs and special events)

So..what's the history of Faction S?
Your child will learn the rudiments of it from the Loremaster, when classes begin, but the full history may be revealed in a metaplot.

What exactly is the Chimeric Beast?
It's a creature half summoned and half created by the scientists at Faction S. In order for it to be handle-able later in life, it must bond to a handler. Children usually work best.

What type should I chose?
Aa, about that. You don't. You can request, but that is ultimately the artist's decision.

What does the chimera look like?
The chimera always complements the handler's traits (well, actually it's the other way around, but it doesn't matter). Since they technically have the same genetic code, just activated in different places (93% of your DNA is junk that's good at getting itself replicated. There is quite possibly coding for a whole other creature in there.), the handler and chimera usually resemble each other in some way.

The types of chimera are fairly loosely defined by traits. A phoenix is not necessarily birdlike, but it will always be able to fly. A handler than can fly will not necessarily have a flying chimera. They complement each other. Chimera are always predatory though. Specifically, they prey on humans, although they can be fed pretty much anything the handler eats.

You mean FactS kills people?! That's terrible!!
They have their reasons. Also, handlers are genetically not human. They have human coding activated, but their base code isn't. So technically, this is not murder. This will also be explained by Catspaw.

My kid refuses to kill people!
Both the handler and chimera are predators, born specifically for that purpose. Even if you have a moral objection, your chimera most certainly doesn't, and you can feel whatever it feels. You can try to avoid killing missions if you want though. It's normally done by a team of warcrafters and one or two spellcrafters.

Do the mentors know about this?
Of course not. FactS likes to keep mentors in the dark about as much as possible. As far as they know, FactS is a special program for homeless children with special abilities. The handlers are told that they need to "restore the balance of energy", but unless they're taken on a killing mission, they don't find out about killing people until they're older and pretty much independent.

How big is it going to get?
Depends on the individual. Dragonspine Slyph is a bit larger than a horse, while Catspaw Quil is the size of a panther and Vixeneye Weaver is even smaller than a normal fox. All three are at full size.

Can the handler and chimera be separated?
The bond distance varies from unit to unit. It can be anywhere from two feet to two miles, although a range of 10-20 meters is most common. Pull any further and both the chimera and the handler will be subjected to fierce emotional pain. Pull too far and both will die. If they are properly bonded and the handler dies, the chimera will die too, but the handler can survive if the chimera dies. In these cases, a new chimera which uses the same genetic sequence as the previous one is made.

Is there some sort of naming system that I'm missing?
Faction S gives the child a file name when he or she is found. (Such as Catspaw, because he has a cat's paw instead of his hand). The given name is chosen by the parents or mentor. (So we have Marron Catspaw). Put the rank in front of that, if applicable. (Loremaster Marron Catspaw or Loremaster Catspaw) The chimera's name is chosen by the child, but is referred to with the child's file name (Catspaw Quil). Identical twins will have the same file name. The handler and chimera pair are referred to by the file name. Unless they have a personal relationship, people usually address each other by filename. (The exception is Dragonspine, who calls everyone by their given name because he's a goofball.)

Do the mentors have to be human?
Yes. One of the precepts of this world is that the human race has killed off all the mythical creatures that are supposed to be here, sometime during the middle ages. Therefore, FactS has to go get them from another dimension. Non-human mentors ruins the plot.

Can mentors have magical powers?
Yes, BUT they may not have any natural affiliation with elements or nature or whatever. Human to human and human to math abilities only. So yes on telepathy (humans only), sleight of hand, and telekinetics. No on plant growth, animal talking, watermages, freezing things, etc.

When does the child move in with the mentor?
They can choose to move in with the family right after the second visit, or not at all. The mentor is only there to provide for the kid's emotional needs. If they want, FactS can continue boarding the handler.

How are the Mentors chosen?
Well, Faction S wouldn't resort to blackmail, because mentors who don't want to be mentors probably wouldn't treat the kids very well. However, the system is pretty much the same. Technician R from the Social Research Dept. goes through his giant database of every person that has ever applied to any adoption agency or showed any desire for raising children and comes up with a list of potential people. Then Catspaw contacts them and offers. If they accept, they are lined up for a meeting to see if they get along with the kid (and if not, the techies go back to the list and try the next one).

FactS is very peculiar about making sure that the mentor suits the kid, rather than trying to get the kid to suit the mentor, since it's the kid that they need. While turning the handlers into well-socialized productive members of society is nice, FactS is mostly concerned about the handler's mental health. The mentors, of course, don't know about this either.

Where do the candidates live once they're 'adopted' but before a mentor is assigned to them?
They live at Faction S, where people like Technician L are assigned to take care of them. If the mentor doesn't think he or she can stand to live with the kid, they can continue boarding at Faction S. Basically, the Technicians provide the physical needs, but the mentors provide the kids' emotional needs.

I have a question for the prompts, the people that come out to find the potential candidates. What do they look like so I know how to describe them?
That would be Mr. Maron Catspaw specifically. There aren't a very large number of candidates at any one time, and the research department does the actual locating after they've been magically (meaning with magic, not spontaneously) identified. Kinda short, looks like the mule, right hand is a paw, gentle, but really persuasive.

You stole that name from the Goblin King!
..maybe...Well..sort of, but Catspaw in no way resembles Marek Catspaw in personality or history, and is clearly not a goblin. The 30% rule stands. Anyway, I tried to pin a different name on him when he was created, but Maron (which is a female name, btw) resisted so much that I gave up.

..Flatsale



..Auctions
- None

..Contests




Prompt 1
Wheatlion's nematocyst tenticles are not under her concious control. She has already killed her caretakers and her previous mentor on accident. Compose a short story written in third person from the point of view of a person she has killed, at the time of death.

Prompt 2
Each one of those tendrils is able to think and feel on it's own, yet all of them cooperate and are connected to one brain. Describe an everyday scene from Wheatlion's point of view, showing how she senses the world.

Prompt 3
What did the Fox say to the Little Prince? Compose a short scene involving Wheatlion, themed around those words "Look not with the eyes, but with the heart. Because I have met you, the color of wheat has meaning to me."

..Customs
One will be available each month.

Growth Slots
Currently Growing:
New Arrivals:
Next Selection:
Eligible for Growth

..Canidate 1 month - Age 4-6

The child's magic has strengthened enough to locate and transfer him or her into Faction S. Children at this age generally have no magical abilities beyond basic instincts, and may be hypersensitive due to maltreatment at whatever orphanage they were plucked from. Faction S will be looking for prospective mentors to care for them. This involves a somewhat lengthy interveiw process and meetings with the child to make sure they are compatible. Once a prospective mentor is chosen, he or she is required to meet with the child several times under Faction S supervision before being officially assigned.

..Trainee 2 months - Age 5- 10

Congradulations! You've been chosen as a mentor. Now's the time to make up for all the harsh treatment he/she has endured during early childhood and try to fix and psychological problems he or she may have developed. He or she may be extremely wary and distrustful at first (although the purpose of the visits before adoption are to ameliorate a bit of that) or act clingy and dependent. After some time to adjust, the child will be introduced to his or her chimera partner. The chimera is not fully grown yet, and cannot leave the lab. The child will be required to visit it several times as well as learn about the responsibilities that come with raising a chimera. At this stage, the mentor is responsible for the kid's basic education. They may be homeschooled, sent to a public school (not recommended), or sent to FactS to be taught by the techies.

..Trainee Handler and Young Chimera 4 months - Age 11-14

When the chimera is developed enough to leave the amniotic tank, it will become fully conscious and it's handler will feel the bond pull. If their first meeting goes well, the two will remain together at all times afterward. The child will be training and learning about the chimera, as well as getting the majority of his/her basic education. At this stage, all subjects will be studied. It is advised that he/she pays close attention to all fields because he/she will need to choose an area of specialization later.

..Jr. Handler and Trainee Chimera 4 months - Age 15-18

The pair will take advanced courses in their secondary fields and become understudied to a Master for training in their chosen specialty. Students may even help teach basic classes in their field, once they have enough experience. At the end of this stage, there will be cumulative exams to make sure the pair are competent in all areas, and secondary exams in their major field. Apprenticeships will be considered on a case by case basis with the Craftmaster.

..Handler and Chimera 4 months - Age 19-24

If the pair has been apprenticed, they will learn their specialty from a Master during this stage. The Master will give a final test to determine whether the apprentice has finished his or her studies and can be promoted to Master status.

If they have not been apprenticed, they will proceed straight into employment at Faction S and most likely join a Rookie Unit in preparation for their future tasks.

..Sr. Handler and Chimera Permanent -

Now adults, the two will be subjected to rigorous testing to gain more information about the chimera and its abilities. They will also be employed at Faction S and be given special assignments. Those who have achieved Master Status will become teachers and assist in training new students.



Class
The child/chimera will be taught specific things during this RP. This usually consists of a written lecture, a worksheet and/or a written reflection. See specific Crafter threads in the guild for instructions.

Group Expedition
Where a group of chimeras, students, a Craftmaster (and apprentice), and a few Faction S Techies all journey out into a specialized terrian and the kids are taught to survive, as well as given a chance to develop their special skills. Must stay for the duration of the trip for validity.

Journal RP
A post or group of posts in the journal, of a solo RP event. 500 words minimum required for validity.

Journal Entry
A standard diary entry. Will be from either child's or mentor's veiw.

Medical Checkup
Just a little update on your child's and chimera's condition in the form of a short RP with a techie.

PD Play Date
Must include interaction with another pair. 7 posts from each are required for validity.

Assignment
A special mission from Faction S given to either the individual chimera and handler pair, or an entire unit. Usually part of a metaplot.

The chimeras are beasts summoned from Sispira by magic. However, usually no more than a bit of DNA can be physically produced, so they must be recreated in test tubes. Faction S also often edits bits and pieces to make sure the chimera is capeble of surviving on Gaia. When bonded to a handler, there is a special kind of magic that grows within them and allows them passage back to Sispira. Faction S's reasons for traveling to and from Sispira are yet undisclosed. Most chimeras fall into the basic catergories listed below, although there are thousands of different individual species.

..Behemoth
Behemoth chimeras are usually very large and have fur. They are always land based, although some of them may have wings. Most Behemoth chimeras excel at combat and prefer open plains or forested areas, although some are adapted to very cold climates.

..Sprite
Sprite chimeras are generally very small in size, but quick-witted and excel at magic. They usually resembol common forest creatures, except for their small size and may be mistaken for young Behemoth types or young Phoenix types.

..Dragon
Dragon chimeras are usually scaled and may be able to fly. This type is moderately skilled in magic, but usually excel at combat. Dragon types usually come from hot areas such as a desert or rainforest and are easily recongized because of their resemblance to lizards or snakes.

..Leviathan
Leviathan chimeras are always aquatic. Their size tends to vary, although it tends towards the large end. Some Leviathan types may greatly resembol other types of chimeras, but they are biophysically different due to the Leviathan chimera's ability to stay submerged constantly.

..Phoenix
Phoenix chimeras are air based. They always have wings and may resembol large birds. Phoenix types tend to be moderatly skilled at combat but have a strong sense of magic. Some winged Behemoth types may be mistaken for Phoenix types, but true Phoenix Chimeras live in climates where there are strong winds and very little chance for landing, so they are able to stay in the air for long periods of time.

FILENAME ll Gender ll Name ll Mentor ll Chimera ll Rank
BRIGHTEYE ll M ll Nicodemus ll Faewynd ll n/a ll Candidate
BROKENWING ll M ll Aiglios ll Kokonotsu ll n/a ll Candidate
CALICOGRACE ll F ll Nora ll Seiji ll n/a ll Candidate
CALICOSENSE ll F ll Andora ll Bobbleboy ll n/a ll Candidate
FULLMOON ll M ll Lucious & Uri ll Rayne_Winner ll Eclipse ll Trainee Handler
GOLDFUR ll M ll Caleb ll Nikiana ll Rex ll Trainee Handler
SANDFOX ll M ll Iamie ll moonlit-raven ll n/a ll Candidate
SANDTHRESHER ll F ll Glaceu ll Jesecobe Homiko ll n/a ll Candidate
SNAKEFIN ll M ll Louis ll hostel_en_frunk ll Aolou ll Trainee Handler
SNAKETAIL ll M ll Ves ll naggeela ll Omarr ll Apprentice
STRIPESTEALTH ll M ll Elliot ll lady sin ll n/a ll Candidate
SWEETSCENT ll M ll Celadine ll Orpheus Solon ll Melody ll Apprentice
RAZORQUILL ll M ll Garret ll Nikiana ll Spike ll Apprentice
REDSKY ll F ll Aria ll Zactura ll n/a ll Candidate
WHITEHAWK ll F ll Fai ll CatCry ll n/a ll Trainee




WHEATLION ll F ll ??? ll ??? ll n/a ll Candidate
SUNWING ll ? ll ??? ll ??? ll n/a ll Candidate
SILVERMANE ll F ll ??? ll ??? ll n/a ll Candidate

..Shop Staff
naggeela - Overseer of Lorecraft (SNAKETAIL)
Nikiana - Overseer of Warcraft (RAZORQUIL)
Orpheus Solon - Overseer of Spellcraft (SWEETSCENT)

Loremaster Catspaw - Artist/NPC

..RP Demi-Staff

..Whitelist

..Blacklist

..Coupon Holders
Nikiana - Custom Coupon or FS Voucher
naggeela - Custom Coupon or FS Voucher
Orpheus Solon - Custom Coupon or FS Voucher
BobbleBoy - 50k Custom Coupon or FS Voucher.