Realm Contest (Judged!)

[Nathalia]

There are many undiscovered Realms around this world...along with Realms that people prefer not to speak of, and perhaps even those that might be considered "resorts".

Anyway, the point of this contest (as you may have guessed) is to design some Realms! Just fill out the form below and think really hard about what you'd like to see in regards to people, colors, patterns, and personalities. Have a blast!

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Just post your responses to these questions below in this thread, happy idea hunting! 83

Realm Name: (Think of something fun but try not to shoot for something that no one can pronounce XD)

Lay of the Land: (Describe the majority or the realm itself, what does it look like? What's the weather usually like? Is it a scary looking place, charming, dull? Describe away! <3)

Colors/Patterns: (What are the distinctive colors/patterns of this Realm? Are there any common mutations or deformities?)

History: (What's this place like? Do they have issues like the Josiggians vs. the Lowlanders? Are they tradesmen, laborers? What are they known for, and who do they normally deal with? How do they tend to treat others as well as each other?)

Location: (What Realms are located near this one?)

Feelings: (How do you think some of the other Realms feel about this place? Not all of them, but the ones that stand out.)

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Prizes:

There will be five new Realms chosen from the entries.

First place will receive semi-custom SD and a very shiny item.

Second place will receive a random SD and a rather nice item X3

Third place will receive a random SD.

The last two will receive pre-determined items/fertility awards <3

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This contest will open Friday 12/7/07 at 12 noon, board time. It will close on Monday 12/10/07 at 12 midnight board time. Have fun guys! I can't wait to see what you think of! 83

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[The Jenn]

Q & A

Q: If we have trouble explaining what we have in our head properly for description, would it be okay to include some kind of reference picture?
A: Yup 83 Just link it or stuff it in, it's no problem <3

Q: Is there a limit to the amount of times one can enter?
A: Nope, you can enter as many times as you would like. Everyone is also eligible for up to two prizes, you can only be picked once for the top slots (first, second, third) but the last two can be won by anyone, even people who have already won something <3

Q: If we're entering more than once, should we have a single post for all of our entries?
A: A separate post for each entry would be preferable, thanks!

[seraaches]

Realm Name: Edin Moors

Lay of the Land: A range of low, rolling hills and plains, bogged down by marshes, the area is painted in browns, deep greens, dark maroons, and navy blues.

Colors/Patterns: Residents tend to have a patchwork of fur in dull and muted tones, especially greys, maroon or fuchsia, and navy blue. Residents also flock towards bright colours and many question whether or not the creatures are colour blind with their habit of wearing things that clash or are outright gaudy.

History: The Moorsmen (and women) tend to be trades and craftsmen; they are nicknamed ‘the Recyclables’ as they can find a use for pretty much anything and will usually go far out of their way to do this. They tend to be a close-knit group and collect bits and things that their fellow Moorsmen might need, carrying things for months or even years until they meet up with someone who can use it.

Location: Edin Moors runs along Corvistowne and touches a short ways past the Villa en Miir.

Feelings: Moorsmen are generally understood to be as eccentric as the Corvistowneians, but often less well-accepted; a Moorsmen is useful as an underling but generally not seen on equal footing as the rest of the world. Because of their packrat natures and minds geared towards recycling things, however, many of their quirks will be overlooked for business purposes.

[Kari Muffin]

Realm Name: Esterberry

Lay of the Land: Esterberry is a region that isn't particularly lush or green. It's simply somewhere caught in the middle. Charming is used to describe the area, more often than not. The one special thing they seem to have is that even in winter, when the snow is thick, everything stays green. But there are very few trees to display the bright green leaves. Most of the architecture is fanciful to compensate for the "boring" surrounding area, but there are often brightly colored vines of flowers growing up some of the large buildings.

Colors/Patterns: Most residents have white and purple that form stripped or delicately patterened markings. They often have copper socks on their extremities. Their eyes are normally lavender.

History: Esterberry residents are notorious for their smarts. Everyone is intelligent to an outstanding degree, and if they aren't they're outcast. They are a cocky realm, and more than willing to flaunt their intelligence by constructing massive libraries, an academy and monuments. Beyond that they have no real direction. They may be smart, but they can't seem to focus on any particular direction like the residents of Corvistowne. More often than not, they are called upon for their creative ideas, and paired with someone who can apply them. That's the only way work ever gets done in the realm and outside of it if their services are called upon. They're often looked at as being eccentrics by other realms.

Esterberries often treat others with some degree of respect. People with high rank and intelligence are respected regardless of the realm. Many residents have a great respect for members of Corvistowne, even if they make them nervous to some degree.

Location: Esterberry is located next the Highlands and a very small part of Yarrow Gardens.

Feelings: Most realms think Esterberry is filled with crazy egotistical eccentrics. Corvistowneians respect the realm because of the overwhelming amount of scholarly information they can acquire from it. Their Yarrow Garden neighbors aren't particularly excited by the realm , and often avoid it as much as they can. The Highlands simply uses the realm for the ideas, and feels the need to remind them every so often how much better Highlanders are in comparison to the Esterberry residents.

[Spiderfly]

Edited to Slim down Colour Options so it's more in line with the other realms, and made the history not so wishy-washy. - Dec10/07

Realm Name: Candon Heights

Lay of the Land: The Candon Heights are a gorgeous, if dangerous place. The inhabitants tend to make their homes amongst the mountains, though not at the bases. They like to be able to see the land around have a decent population of prey animals for food. In the summer enough of the base of the mountains melt to gather plants and berries, though the peaks where they settle never melt. Winters are truly horrible and the fluff Heights residents are born with help to keep them alive. The sky always seems to be blue, as at the uppermost regions they are above the clouds. The most incredible sunsets and sunrises happen here. It is most beautiful when the hor-frost comes in the winter and every surface glimmers like diamonds.

Colors/Patterns: The inhabitants, like their surroundings are pale and icey like in colour. They are very cool mint green with bluish teal markings. Most have white tips on the edge of their fluff, some more than others.
getairo.com/luevesius/commissions/Thalron_Feb06/065M_Goldstone.gif

History: Heights inhabitants are truly proud of their heritage and location. They believe the snow and heights the most beautiful place to live in the entire world. However they are not uppity about it, and are extremely friendly towards other realms. They are a very un-warlike nation and prefer to help others in need without getting involved in conflict. They love their home so much that many who leave for bigger and better things make many visits back as often as they can.

Location: Sorgaire Range. I can see them bordering the southern edge of their mountains, though where they inhabit wouldn't be anywhere near Lowlands. Intentionally.

Feelings: I can see the Highlands not minding them too terribly bad. They are the average joes, in terms of personality, but their colourings are pleasing. Depending on the individual they could get along with most people, or rub everyone the wrong way. But all of them detest the lowlanders.

[Tigeress]

Realm Name: Vaseudan Plains

Lay of the Land: Vaseudan Plains can only be described as... something out of a fantasy painting. The land is long and flat, full of extremely lush blue-green tinted grass, and tall, willowy trees that lie around the edges like a border or gate. In the Plains it is always night, and the sky is always full with the most beautiful starscape you could ever imagine. Never is there a cloud in the sky, never is it overcast or rainy. It is one of the popular places for romantic couples to venture to, for the decoration is played up to make the plains even dreamier than it naturally is, with long man-made ponds that reflect the stars, and slender bridges of stunning architecture. Because of the stunning view of the sky, almost every building has at least one beautifully designed balcony.

Colors/Patterns: They are all brilliant shades of sapphire and turquoise, anything beautiful and blue, sometimes they will be marked with bright yellow or white bursts that represent the light of the stars which fills their land. These are normally higher ranked than those with the blends and swirling of indigo and other blues.

History: Everyone from the Plains are dreamers, simple as that. Unfortunately, this often means they get caught up in their fantasy worlds and reject certain aspects of reality. They are often sculpters or architects, trying to create palaces meant for fairy princes and princesses, as that is the world they've created for themselves. They're incredibly friendly to outsiders, as many people who visit the Plains just... have the overwhelming urge to stay. Forever. Whether this is the doing of the more... magically talented of the Vaseudans, or whether it is just another magical aspect of the land itself, we may never know.

Location: It is connected to Morganberry and the Villa.

Feelings: Morganberry and Villa residents both love and fear the Plains, they know all to well that the majority of people who leave for the Plains just... never come back. However, it is of their own accord, or so it seems, and the enchanting letters they write to family and friends forever has these two realms curious... is it Really as magical as everyone says? The Highlands feel the Plains were quick to realize the personality flaws of those from the Plains, and have been able to manipulate them very well into lending their talents as personal decorators to certain areas. Though they never stay too long from their home. Pretty much all marshlanders are an even mix of jealousy and distrust, it all sounds to creepy and unrealistic to them. Besides, they probably wouldn't like 'unpretty' realms visiting them anyway. Right?

[Tigeress]

Realm Name: Cromcallah

Lay of the Land: Cromcallah is placed inside a dormant volcano, the residents living in chiselled-out quarters of the interior of the mountainous rock. It is a spiraling wonder, all metal and rock and danger. Due to the sheer width of the volcano itself, the core is only about one third of the total constructed areas where Cromcallah residents live and work. In fact, in the recent years, it's been turned into an almost completely factory-like center, whereas the living and entertainment quarters have been moved to the outermost tunnels of the volcano.

Colors/Patterns: Black, red, orange, and grey often decorate the residents in striped or brindled, somtimes... mosaic patterns. Occasionally very, very dark blue will be seen, but it is rare. Almost all have an out of place patch of one colour over one eye, and this eye will often be a different colour than the other. This eye signifies their 'mood-ring' like eye. For the residents aren't very... expressive, and so the only way for outsiders to know when to run or approach them is by the slightly differing shades this eye will turn. Lighter is almost always better, darker... bad. As they work hard from birth, they are all considerably stronger and more built then the other realms. They also tend to be taller, though the spread of genders is fairly equal. Surprising, considering any children who do are deemed too weak, or who are attacked and either killed or almost killed (fighting and stabbings, jumpings, etc are very common here) are left for dead and disowned by their parents.

History: The Cromcallah aren't very expressive at all. In fact, they are almost eerily emotionless, and therefore they make excellent, incredibly hard-working workers. They have feelings and opinions, but they are often kept to themselves, and the residents can withstand an obscene amount of emotional stress, or harassment. They can be poked and prodded and tempted and teased and remain almost robotically calm. However, when one does finally snap, well, chances are, the person to harass them will 'snap' as well.

Location: I don't know exactly, I was thinking somewhere off behind Corvistowne in the 'empty' regions there?

Feelings: It's universally accepted: Cromcallah residents are scary. Nobody knows quite what they're thinking, ever, and their lack of emotion means the... nicer realms are often very put off by their presence. Lowlanders find them amusing, and respect them in a way, and the nastier marsh realms just often wonder what it would be like to go one on one with them in a fight. All the other realms generally steer clear of them, though their skills in blacksmithing and metal working are admired and sought after by any realm that can afford them and don't mind dealing with them. It's also heard that some have been employed as somewhat of assassins... though by who is unclear.

[carcinoGeneticist]

Realm Name: The Solandria Glacier

Lay of the Land: Unlike many other realms which have harsh seasons, the Glacier is a brutal land that has devoured many who tried to explore it without proper gear. In the center of the land is, as the name would imply, a huge glacier that acts as a sort of ice-box, ensuring that the entire realm is constantly frigid. Tall mountains decorate either side of the glacier, their peaks and cliffs dramatic because of the slow and constant movement of the massive block of ice. These mountains are absolutely covered in surprisingly tall and hearty evergreens, and it is within these somewhat protective growths of trees that villages or families of Solandrians can be found. The storms that cover the zone are almost constant, bringing a combination of rain, sleet, or snow down over the land.

Colors/Patterns:

One of the first notes that one can make about a Solandrian is that they are never without a long fur mutation. This mutation is most commonly seen in several select areas: as "feathers" on the limbs, a ridge along the spine, and fluffy tails or ears. The residents also tend to be fairly stocky and short, another defensive adaptation to the bitter cold that engulfs them year-round. In terms of coloration, they are seen as beautiful by many other realms (though not by their own, interestingly enough: they just don't have time to appreciate flashy colors). Their bodies are rich shades of brown with black spots and stripes, occasionally in tabby-like patternings. The longer growths of fur, however, are what really makes these individuals stand out: When it first sprouts, it is a dark blue, but through time it becomes white, giving them an almost gradient-like tone of blues across their relatively dull colors. Their eyes tend towards being an almost unnerving red, however.

Another interesting note is the species most commonly found there. Felines are most common, with mustelids being more common here than in most other realms. Reptiles, rare elsewhere, are almost completely unknown to the Solandrians, and there is not even a myth about insects in their frigid land.

History: Solandrians have little tolorance for carefree behavior, as the place they call home is much too harsh to allow the survival of one who does not work hard. As such, it is uncommon to find those with high ranking or high ambitions on the glacier, because they choose instead to leave to other realms to find greatness. Because of this, the average rank of the Solandrians who still reside at their natural home sits securely in the middle class, and tends to fluctuate very little. There tend to be a slightly higher percentage of higher-ranked Clubs in the area, as they tend to not be against the work that is required of them. In terms of personality, Solandrians are quiet (as they like to say, "don't waste your breath.") and tend to keep to themselves. Under that cool exterior is an icy cruelty, however, and Solandrians take a quiet sort of delight in watching others fail. They tend to be slightly xenophobic, and do not approve of outsiders even entering their lands. This is another reason why their lands are so dangerous: When an outsider arrives and becomes lost, Solandrians are more inclined to watch them freeze to death than to take them in.

In short, most Solandrians are very Not Nice, caring only for their own. As with all areas, there are several outstanding members of the society, but they are among those who chose to leave the "safety" of the glacier.

Location: The Glacier is located far to the north, above the Sorgaire Range.

Feelings: There is a certain fear about Solandrians, but businesses often snap up opportunities to employ them for tasks involving manual labor. They are hard workers who complain little, as long as they feel their pay is fair. Once their trust is gained, they are seen as an invaluable ally, but until that point... Most try to avoid them outside of a workplace, choosing instead to watch them from afar.

Due to their naturally quiet personalities, many realms consider them to be stupid or otherwise handicapped, and treat them as such. The Solandrians tend to take the abuse quietly for some time, slowly doing little things that make others feel less and less qualified even to live, bringing out their small insecurities - For example, a Solandrian who is called stupid will begin to set up their "enemy", letting them fail at little things at first while the stupid glacier-dweller continues to succeed, then giving them harder and harder tasks and watching them fall harder and harder. They have forced others out of jobs, broken relationships, and done horrible damage to the minds of other Cards. They are the masters of psychological terrorism, and they find a sick kind of pleasure in forcing others to endure it.

[seraaches]

Realm Name: The Mid-Range

Lay of the Land: Despite its name, the Mid-Range has the highest peaks in the land, though this does not define the entirety of the range. The highest mountains are located in the middle of the range and are surrounded by gradually shorter heights.

Colors/Patterns: Mid-Rangers tend to be of soft greys with a black mane. They often have darker grey or black swirl-like patterning on their fur. Each Mid-Ranger is given a cut at birth. Due to this and their upbringing, their pale coat can be stained pink or even crimson over time.

History: Mid-Rangers are extremely concerned with their personal honour and their standing within a community. They are basically taught from birth to be responsible for themselves through the magically caused cut given to every baby. This cut causes the person to bleed if they feel guilty about something, making it very easy for parents to tell when their children have done something wrong! As they grow older, they can gradually learn to control this bleeding, but they will only survive into adulthood if their caregivers teach them properly. Even adult Mid-Rangers continue the practice of bleeding their shame away; a habit that can cause other regions to cringe. Mid-Rangers will also practice suicide if they feel they have dishonoured themselves or their community too much; if the ‘sin’ was bad enough, sometimes their caregiver will also kill themselves under the belief that they didn’t raise the child correctly.

Location: The Mid-Range is located south of Sorgaire Range, expanded just slightly past Josiggy Marsh, and extending halfway to the Capital City.

Feelings: Most other Realms find the tendency to bleed out their shame a disgusting and unseemly habit, but other than this trait, Mid-Rangers are highly prized for their great sense of responsibility to their communities and jobs.

[Dark]

Realm Name: Bantam; named for the indigenous creatures living there

Lay of the Land: Nestled up against the Tulgey Woods, the difference isn’t entirely noticeable at first glance. The canopy is a near solid roof of vegetation, only letting in an inconsistent gleam of weak, filtered light. There’s very little ground cover, and no large game. The farther into the forest you go, the bigger the trees get—leaving one feeling small and insignificant—and the more closely together and wildly grown they become.

To see the really interesting part of the realm you need either a really tall ladder or climbing gear (or, like, the ability to fly). Because the canopy is so thick the majority of the nutrients never make it to the ground—they catch in the trees, creating levels within the canopy where vegetation grows and small animals and birds can thrive. The Bantam make there home somewhere in the middle zone, though they move freely between them. They seem antsy on the ground, however, maybe because sometimes things from Tulgey Woods wander too close to home.

Colors/Patterns: Diminutive stature. Goldish brown/brown/chocolate brown/reddish brown. Markings are usually black—stockings, and dipped ears. Common mane mutation—interwoven with a gazillion individual braids, each tied with various bits of ribbon and beads and feathers. The way the hair is knotted imparts important information about the individual (what family they belong to, parents, siblings, availability, skills, etc.) Other decorations include mud-painting, which they let dry into a hard outer layer and leave for months at a time. No real rhyme or reason behind it, besides that they find the effect pleasing—though it’s usually reserved for special occasions, as it can be rather time consuming.

History: They are a primitive race of pygmies. Large families, small, close-knit communities lead by a village elder. The elder is believed to have shamanic powers, and acts as a healer, village head, negotiator, and performer of important rituals concerning death and marriage and stuff. They are fun-loving people with a flare for adventure and story telling.

The main trade-staple is a variety of delicious and nutritious exotic fruits that only grow in the canopy.

Location: Between the capital and Tulgey Woods.

Feelings: They don’t seem to have had any previous contact with the other realms, mostly due to the stigma surrounding Tulgey Woods and its close proximity to it. They’re always eager to trade, however, and I don’t see any realm having any particular problem with them.