So you're trying to make a character, eh?
We made this page because we understand it can be intimidating making a character for an RP that both requires (mostly) realism, and for characters to be logged.
But I do assure you're overthinking it! Even if there is an issue with your initial character log/application, the worst that will happen is we'll DM you about it and try to work out a resolution one on one. You're not gonna be "in trouble" for misunderstanding.
The end goal is to just have a plain ol' dog. Obviously for the RP scenario to take place, dogs must have higher abilities to survive and high intelligence, BUT generally try to keep within your breed's physical limitations.
- Colors and markings should be what can be seen on a real dog. This means that dogs aren't going to have tiger stripes, perfectly round spots, tattoo-like markings, etc. So even if you keep to browns, whites, etc, but your character has a dragon tattoo, it won't be accepted. The easiest way to think about what a pelt can look like here is to imagine what is only genetically possible. Even if it may require vitiligo or being mixed with a breed with unique markings; that's fine, as long as markings and colors are within the realm of possibility. We won't be picky with genetics usually as we know realism in itself is restricting.
(Color references. Eye colors may vary from shade to shade, there is a lot more freedom with eyes, as in blue eyes can be icey blue too, jade eyes can be emerald green as well. I am unsure of the source for the top image, please let me know if you have it. The second one is Child-of-Hades on deviantart. (: )
- There is a gray area with "capabilities" of dogs in the RP given the entire scenario is unrealistic, but, generally: No small dogs who have the strength to kill mastiffs, no poodles who conveniently never get mats or anything, no basset hounds that can run as fast as Usain Bolt. Just like. You can glorify their capabilities a little for their ability to survive, but no ninja dogs basically. There ARE ranks for small dog breeds or those who don't have fighting or hunting capabilities. Your dog does NOT need to be uber powerful and healthy to participate and have a story ark here.
- Backstories or upbringings should be feasible- just things that, even if really unlikely, could happen to a real dog. Keep in mind that "fight dog" backstories aren't something that occur with dogs with long fur, uncropped ears and tails, etc- they just aren't favored fighting dogs because there's too much to latch on to. That's why pitbulls, the common fighting dogs, were cropped. Wikipedia articles will usually tell you where your chosen breed (assuming you chose a specific breed) derives from and what they are usually used for. Kangal hounds for example being cattle guardians, fighting off wolves. Form a backstory around that, if you want! We've even had people do "imported" backstories in which a dog is imported from another country but gets lost during shipment. It doesn't need to be highly realistic at all, but like, maybe don't do a backstory about your dog fighting dragons in another realm.
- Avoid glorification of traumatic backstories and going into details of abuse. While yeah, abused dogs are more likely to end up on the street/abandoned on a desert highway than those that are well off, it still isn't appropriate to detail animal abuse even as part of the backstory. If your bio is teetering on glorifying traumatic realities, you will be asked to make it more vague or remove it entirely. Rape and sexual assault will never be tolerated as backstories here.
Once you feel your character is ready, you just have to log it to approve it. You will know it's approved by receiving a thumbs up from STAFF ONLY. Then, you can post a proper bio and begin roleplaying. If it isn't approved, a staff will work with you in DM's and detail why!
If you're having trouble developing a character, try adopting one. We have monthly adoptables that have lore-friendly story arks and unique but appropriate pelt designs. You may name the dog and add personality traits! Those are also found in the discord.
