To celebrate the success of the Vanguard-Nombeko deal, King Ifrit and Overseer Rasiel have agreed to beautify the area around the Pit (as I think we all agree it needs it-). They are now calling upon both herds members to help in the construction!
This collaborative effort between the Nombeko Warren and the Shadow Vanguard will create and maintain a community built on mutual trade outside of the Pit. Being inside of the Nombeko territory, the Shadewind Pass and inhabitants; both permanent and migratory, will be under the rule of the Overseer and the Warren’s laws.
Current Phase: Phase Two - Infrastructure, Expansion, and Completion
Phase Duration: Spring-Summer 2005 / September 15th-October 31st, 2020
Current Description: A budding community, the area that will one day become the Shadewind Pass is beginning to take shape. With roads and makeshift dwellings, the air is electric with hope for what it will one day become. Water flows through creeks that criss-cross the terrain, and no longer do the would-be inhabitants need worry about the ground beneath them giving way. However the work is not yet done and construction continues at a quickened pace as the two herds work tirelessly to grow their market town.
Prompt: The Shadewind Pass
Your anomali has heard the call and sets off to the location described to them by their leader to help in the construction of this market town. Depict your character helping in the construction of the Shadewind Pass. Be sure to check the construction journal to see what Phase it is currently on!
  • Special Notes: At first-time prompt completion, everyone gets +1 Experience for “using skills in real life”. RP must have a skill shown.
  • Special Requirements: Character must be part of the Nombeko Warren, Shadow Vanguard, or from herds in good terms with the Warren. Must be set between Winter 2004 and Summer 2005 and within The Linx Foothills, Nombeko Territory.
  • Possible Drops: 100% Chance (Nombeko or Shadow Vanguard herd members) or 50% Chance (Other herd members) of Crystal Candy (Earth).
RPs must fulfil the minimum 350 words/Headshot with detailed backgrounds. Submit your RPs to the prompt folder, and make sure to remember to submit to the prompt request form!

Construction Information

The construction of the Shadewind Pass will take place in two phases. With the total construction taking 3 seasons/RL months, spanning Winter 2004 to Summer 2005 (in-game), or August 2020 to October 2020 (RL).
  • Characters that assist in both phases will receive a special, surprise reward as thanks once the Shadwind Pass is completed!
Phase One - The Hype is Real/Laying the Groundwork
Overseer Rasiel and King Ifrit will both put out a roleplay explaining the plans, calling on their herds and generally hyping it up. Workers of both herds begin laying the groundwork for all other projects. Included in this phase are things such as: clearing brush, leveling the ground, securing and/or rerouting nearby water sources to the community, and stabilizing the underground.
  • This phase will last 1 season (1 RL month). Winter 2004 (August 2020)
Phase Two - Infrastructure, Expansion, and Completion
After the land is ready, the most critical infrastructure can be built. Included in this phase are: constructing the main inn, permanent housing and shops, planting food sources, securing non-plant based food sources, and starting construction on the roads. Once the bulk of the building is complete, any decoration or finishing touches will also take place in this phase.
  • This phase will last 2 seasons (2 RL months). Spring 2005 to the end of Summer 2005. (September 2020 to October 2020)

The Shadewind Pass – Resources & Inspiration

Pinterest for overall theme: Link

The main building material will be clay, as customary for the Nombeko, with some stone and lumber being used as accent or foundational materials. There may be small dragon-like imagery and decoration as a nod to Shadow Vanguard’s "goddess", Astraek, found in subtle places such as wooden beams, lanterns, and tiles.
The town center will consist of a fountain, of which will surround a crystalline spire (9ft tall) grown by the skilled Earth mages of both herds. This will act as the main hub for the entire settlement. Around this fountain will be a mosaic pathway depicting Gaophos and Astraek. (for additional note, see Admin Info: The Divine Dance)
Surrounding that fountain, the rest of the Shadewind Pass will be built, consisting of a primary inn, permanent shops for vendors, and homes for residents. Other features will include space for growing some of their own food and small water features, places for gatherings and traveling merchants to hawk their wares.
  • Of course, the location may change/be affected by what your character does/builds!
That’s right, you heard me. It’s raffle time. All across the world, we’re going through a bit of a rough patch at the moment. So, we thought, why not do a small raffle to try to cheer people up?
Now, this isn’t your regular raffle, no no no. That would be boring. This is a special raffle. How is it special? Ah, well I am so glad you asked!
The specialness of this raffle is two-fold:
First of all, we’re bring back some old tokens that were exclusive to 2016-2018 events! Yes! Get your hands on the old tokens! Every day, we will be handing out a few old tokens to some lucky winners.
Secondly, we’re bringing out a new familiar. A familiar that you will be helping us create! Yes, you heard me right. Over the course of this 8-day raffle, we will be posting a different question you must respond to in order to claim that day’s raffle ticket. At the end of the event, we will combine your answers to create a brand new, aquatic-themed familiar! Shock! Horror! What an opportunity!
Anyone can participate, you do not need to be an existing member so call your friends!
Every day, we will be posting a new deviation to represent the progress of the familiar with that day's next question. To participate, all you have to do is respond to the featured comment on that deviation. Only one response per user! You will have until midnight PST to respond to that day’s question, after which the winners will be rolled and another aspect of the familiar will be decided.

Links to Raffle Deviations

  1. Raffle Day 1: You have unil August 14th, Midnight PST to respond! Question: What Aquatic Animal should this familiar be based off? Options: Dolphin, Crab/Lobster, Otter, Fish (Specify type!) Winner: Otter! Everyone who participated got an ocean-themed token.
  2. Raffle Day 2: You have until August 15th, Midnight PST to respond! Question: What should this familiar defining feature be? Options: Anything! For example, multiple ears, wings, fins, being slightly transparent, likes to hoard gold, scrolls, is an avid reader etc. We'll pick most popular/randomise 2/3 from comments. Winner: 6 limbs, layered carapace, tentacle whiskers, and obsessed with (shiny) items!
  3. Raffle Day 3: You have until August 16th, Midnight PST to respond! Question: What should this familiar's dominant color be? Options: Anything! We pick most popular/randomize from comments . Winner: Deep Sea Green/Blue
  4. Raffle Day 4: You have until August 17th, Midnight PST to respond! Question: Accent color time! Choose this familiar's first accent color. Options: Anything! We pick most popular/randomize from comments. Winner: Gold
  5. Raffle Day 5: You have until August 18th, Midnight PST to respond! Question: Should this creature be cute, scary, or somehow normal? Options: Cute, Scary, or Normal Winner: Cute and Scary
  6. Raffle Day 6: You have until August 19th, Midnight PST to respond! Question: Accent color part 2! Choose a second accent color for this familiar! Options: Anything! We pick most popular/randomize from comments. Winner: Cream
  7. Raffle Day 7: You have until August 20th, Midnight PST to respond! Question: Name this familiar! Options: Anything. We pick whatever we think is most suitable. Winner: Pyrate (@MidKnightxStar)
  8. Raffle Day 8: You have until August 21st, Midnight PST to respond! Question: Describe OR sketch this familiar! Do NOT include any mechanical notes in the description. Sketches do not need to be fully rendered, and designing the pelt is optional (aka a black and white loose sketch is fine)! Options: Anything. The moderators will pick the description, and use a sketch as the base for the official design.

Tokens being Raffled Off

  • A Whole Pumpkin (Halloween 2018) This uncarved beauty is just begging to be used - either as a pie or as a decorative piece! By making a pumpkin pie (or some other pumpkin-themed food item, we won't judge) and consuming it, you can earn your character a permanent +5 Strength Skill Cap Boost (Cannot exceed 115 Points max).
  • Ancient Shark Tooth (Finding Wakainga 2017) This large tooth clearly once belonged to one of the biggest sharks to ever swim the seas! Its serrated edge is quite a useful tool and can also be made into a weapon. Oddly enough, those who possess this item also seem to be able to pass by otherwise hostile wild creatures without so much as a sniff in their direction.
  • Autumnal Leaf Cloak (Thanksgiving 2018) This enchanted cloak is made from magically charmed autumn leaves that have been carefully sewn together into a regal robe of scarlet and gold. Thanks to the spells placed upon it, the leaves will never become brittle or break despite their season-inspired coloration!
  • Black Feather (The Battle Has Begun! 2017) Isn't this just a Raven feather? It seems to catch the light in a peculiar fashion though... It can be braided into a character's mane or added onto a piece of jewelry and seems to make the holder light of foot! All characters who carry a Black Feather charm get a +5 Agility Skill Cap boost (Skill level cap cannot exceed 130 Points).
  • Black Kitten (Halloween 2018) This little kitten is simply adorable, although where it came from you can't be sure! It is quite playful and already seems to be adept at hunting mice. What a cutie!
  • Candy Corn (Halloween 2016) If consumed, this candy can permanently gift your character with +10 Agility Skill Points.
  • Caramel-filled Nugget (Golden Anniversary 2017) If consumed, this candy can permanently gift your character with a Secondary Magic Strain (rolled per Rare Secondary Magic guidelines).
  • Cardinal Pearl (Finding Wakainga 2017) A beautiful pearl that can be used as a glamorous acessory! Some say, though, its true value lies not on its stunning appearance but rather something within. Those who possess this pearl are said to be immune to extreme temperatures!
  • Cherry-filled Nugget (Golden Anniversary 2017) If consumed, this candy allows you the opportunity to add one one Rare level mutation to your character - both new or those already existing!
  • Chocolate Bats (Halloween 2016/Halloween 2018) If consumed, this candy can permanently gift your character with +10 Strength Skill Points.
  • Chocolate Nugget (Golden Anniversary 2017) If consumed, this candy can permanently gift your character with +20 Point Boost to a skill of your choice.
  • Cursed Locket Necklace (Halloween 2018) This necklace is clearly an antique. While quite beautifully made, whoever wears it becomes quite restless and will feel an intense urge to travel the world in search of something... or is it someone?
  • Dark Scale (The Battle Has Begun! 2017) The Dark Scale is a single, rock-hard scale supposedly from the giant dragon's of old (SHH, it's just a scale-shaped shard of obsidian... or is it?)! It can be worn as jewelry or made into a charm but, regardless, it seems to bestow the strength of a true dragon to its owner. All characters who carry a Dark Scale charm get a +5 Strength Skill Cap boost (Skill level cap cannot exceed 130 Points).
  • Direwolf Pup (Halloween 2018) This pup seems to have lost its mother! It will grow quite large and be quite dangerous but, if well-trained, it could be an invaluable companion upon your character's travels!
  • Enchanted Gardening Sickle (Thanksgiving 2018) This sickle, while rustic in appearance, seems to have had a special spell cast upon it! Those who own this lucky item seem to be able to weild it with but a mere thought, making it an invaluable item to gardeners/herbalists who would otherwise have no ability to use such a useful tool.
  • Ever Ember (The Battle Has Begun! 2017) A strange little stone that gives off a warm glow and smells like smoke! The Ever Ember token, if worn as a charm or carried, appears to fill the holder with its resilience! All characters who carry an Ever Ember charm get a +5 Stamina Skill Cap boost (Skill level cap cannot exceed 130 Points).
  • Everlasting Spider Venom (Halloween 2018) This vial of spider venom never seems to empty, no matter how much you use! It can be used as both a powerful poison or form the base of an equally powerful anti-venom.
  • Fairy (Once Upon A Time 2018) The fairy you've captured is but a small orb of glowing light, with shimmering wings fluttering almost too quickly for the eyes to catch. In exchange for its freedom, it will grant you one wish! Wishes may add/remove one Basic Level mutation, gene, or add a +20 Skill Boost to any skill of choice. Congratulations on your exceptional luck!
  • Family Heirloom (July 2018 Prompt) Pick one- Talented to character under 3 OR +10 Skill Boost; Secondary/Tertiary Ability
  • Fertile, Triple Crossbred Starter (Halloween 2018) A fertile starter token to create a crossbred of up to three bloodlines!
  • Gummy Rats (Halloween 2016/Halloween 2018) If consumed, this candy can permanently gift your character with +10 Stamina Skill Points.
  • Horn of Plenty (Thanksgiving 2018) Filled to the brim with all manner of autumn-inspired foods, this horn of plenty is sure to fill the belly of even the most ravenous individual! The Horn of Plenty never seems to be truly empty and the foods that magically appear from within never spoil, making it a truly valuable item to those who live/travel in particularly barren areas.
  • Iridescent Scallop Shell (Finding Wakainga 2017) An attractive shell, not to be confused with the purple variety often used to cover certain female extremities! Nowadays, these shells are far more often used as a night light since, when exposed to the sun, they can give off a mild glow at night! Be careful, though. The solar light from these shells can't be turned off so, if you are trying to avoid detection, it might be wise to keep them in a pouch at night.
  • Lollipop Ghosts (Halloween 2016/Halloween 2018) If consumed, this candy can permanently gift your character with +10 Herbs/Medicine Skill Points.
  • Meteorite (Meteor Shower 2016) This space rock allows anyone who either wears it as a charm or eats it (hurrhurr, eat rocks nerds) gets a +5 Magic Skill Point Boost!
  • Moon Shard Charm (August Eclipse Giveaway 2017) This charm is a smooth, rounded black opal the size of a large pebble. By wearing this charm, your character will get a +5 boost to their Herb/Medicine skill CAP (ie, instead of 100, Medicine cap will be out of 105)! Skill cap boost only applicable as long as the charm is worn.
  • Nougat-filled Nugget (Golden Anniversary 2017) If consumed, this candy allows you the opportunity to add one Basic mutation to your character - both new or already existing!
  • Onyx Conch Shell (Finding Wakainga 2017) Legend has always said that if you put your ear to a conch, you can hear the ocean! They never said anything about those other voices though... Those who hold this item to their ear can hear the voices of nearby individuals, even if they are speaking in a whisper or are on the other side of a wall!
  • Peanut-filled Nugget (Golden Anniversary 2017) If consumed, this candy can permanently gift your character with a Secondary Ability of your choice. Can be used on Hihiri for a Tertiary Ability.
  • Plain Ol' Seaweed (Finding Wakainga 2017) It may not look very appetizing but, if consumed it can add +5 points to a character's lowest skill cap! Limited to one per character, cannot bring lowest skill cap to more than 100 points.
  • Sour Salamanders (Halloween 2016/Halloween 2018) If consumed, this candy can permanently gift your character with +10 Magic Skill Points.
  • Tattered Pirate Flag (Halloween 2018) This thing has seen better days but, despite its frayed edges, the skull-and-bones are still vibrant and clear, although it is odd that it seems to glow green at night... Use it to craft some sort of attire for your character and earn +1 Quest Item when completing dungeons/prompts!
  • Turkatrice (Thanksgiving 2018) Like a cockatrice, Thanksgiving edition! This bird-dragon hybrid is notoriously bad-tempered and the sound of its menacing call strikes fear into the hearts of all that hear it! This fabulously feathered creature will remain loyal to only its master and, once tamed, can use its fearsome gobble in battle to make even the most seasoned warriors quake in their boots (Levels down both battle participants to 0 Experience Points!).
  • Unbreakable Fish Bones (Finding Wakainga 2017) Looks like we found Nemo... Those in possession of this item seem to always be able to find their way home, no matter how lost they may be!
  • Wishbone (Thanksgiving 2018) Legends say that those who get the longer portion of a wishbone will have one wish come true! Feature your character in an RP breaking the wishbone to redeem one of these extra-special wishes: 1) Add/remove one Basic level mutation, 2) Add a single Laurel-inspired Magic Mutation, 3) Add Branching Tines mutation (regardless of bloodline!), 4) 20 Point Stat boost to skill of choice.

New Tokens!

  • A Dangerously Sharp Claw: Whoa! Imagine the size of the creature that dropped that! If turned into a necklace of sorts, you'll certainly impress your friends. Just make sure not to hurt yourself while wearing it! Wearing it gives a +10 skill boost to herbs/medicine, as long as it is worn!
  • A Lump of Clay: Your very first pet! Remember to feed it two times a day. (You must apply a tracker for this familiar, however it's a very lazy creature and will only provide you with a +1 Stamina bonus for putting up with it.)
  • Bubblefish: What a cute little fishie! An affectionate little bugger, it will follow you around of its own accord, even out of water! Some kind of magic keeps a protective floating bubble of water around this fish at all times, so it can swim through the air as well! If you decide to let your new friend be the leader for a while, you'll find that they'll lead you right back to the nearest source of water! Can be any fish no larger than a coconut.
  • Mantle of the Sea: Rippling like the surface of the water itself, this silk cloak can come in shades of sea-green to deep blue. Regardless of its color base, the pattern makes it seem like a piece of the ocean was cut out and placed on you!
  • Pyrate: Don't be fooled by this tiny pirate...I mean, pyrate. It might look cute, but nothing is safe from its high-level nabbing skills. While each pyrate seems to have it's own taste in what's worth nabbing or not, they generally prefer all things shiny. Will you ever get back what a pyrate has snatched away from you? Nobody truly knows, but maybe they can be persuaded to take trading into consideration. Come on buddy, I know you like this shiny bottle cap far more than that dirty gold coin! Featuring a fully-bonded Pyrate in an RP will grant you 1 extra prompt roll!
  • Star-Catcher: A small net intricately woven with thin strands of seaweed has been decorated with small shells and white gems that seem to be drops of the stars themselves. Folktale has it that hanging this star-catcher in your den will help you fulfil wishes made to the stars! Hanging it in your den gives a one time +5 magic skill boost!
  • Surprisingly Efficient Fishing Basket: Found in both Hihiri and Saevarg, these baskets are unusually good at attracting (and catching) fish! Customised to the owner and the type of fish they'd like to consume, place it in the water, wait a few hours, and you'll have some fish dinner. Gives a one time 5 point skill boost to stamina!
  • The Giant Crab: This crab is not only known for its whopping 2 sets of claws, but for reaching heights between 10 to 12hh! Peaceful by nature, these gentle giants love to forage for food and take care of young ones, making them popular nannies in Hihiri. They come in a range of warm colors with tiger-dun like markings on their shells.
----------------------------------------------------------------

Event Wrap-up!

After 8 days of careful studies and surveys, the new familiar roaming the lands has been identified as the Pyrate!
Pyrate Companion
They come in three colour variations (after all, coral and seafood came in high demand). Big shoutout to @Kindalo for the base sketch/design! We tried to combine elements of everyone's sketches into the final design, there were so many good concepts and art made by you all. Second shoutout to @DatNachtmaehre for the description, and again to @MidKnightxStar for the name, Pyrate.
Everyone who participated in Day 8 of the raffle will be finding one of these slippery creatures in their token pockets!
Not only that, there are two more water-based familiars that have been spotted in the wild! Those who participated in Day 8 will also find one of the two new familiars roaming their banks.
  • Bubblefish: What a cute little fishie! An affectionate little bugger, it will follow you around of its own accord, even out of water! Some kind of magic keeps a protective floating bubble of water around this fish at all times, so it can swim through the air as well! If you decide to let your new friend be the leader for a while, you'll find that they'll lead you right back to the nearest source of water! Can be any fish no larger than a coconut.
  • The Giant Crab: This crab is not only known for its whopping 2 sets of claws, but for reaching heights between 10 to 12hh! Peaceful by nature, these gentle giants love to forage for food and take care of young ones, making them popular nannies in Hihiri. They come in a range of warm colors with tiger-dun like markings on their shells. When fully bonded and featured in an RP, these creatures provide a +1 skill point bonus to all foals.
Big thank you to everyone for participating! Now go off and have fun with the familiar you all created!
As Summer 2004 came to a close, the results on both the Saraph and Nombeko end came in.

On the Nombeko side:

Screenshot 2020-07-01 at 6.16.25 p.m.

And on the Saraph side:

Screenshot 2020-07-01 at 6.16.54 p.m.
The deal passes!

From Autumn 2004, the following things have changed:

  • All Nombekos are immediately freed from slavery. They are free to return to the Warren, or stay in Saraph
  • New Leadership role: Nombeko Ambassador in Saraph (15+ Years Old, One Skill at Master) This is a leadership role – requiring to keep up with activity checks/challenges. The Nombeko Ambassador lives in the heart of Saraph, serving as a source of safety and security for Nombekos living and working in Saraph. Their main job is to make sure nothing criminal (breaking the terms of this deal) is happening. If Nombekos have issues with their employers or working conditions, they bring it up with the Ambassador. In turn, the Ambassador would report this to the Sultan. Should the Sultan do nothing, the Ambassador would then report the crime to the Overseer.
  • No more black markets
  • While in Nombeko, everyone is expected to behave and follow Warren rules. No unprovoked fights.
  • New roles for Slaveres out of a job: Messenger, Eagle Hunter, and Builder/Architect
  • New Annual event: Eagle Hunting Contest!

UPDATE

After some sneaking about of us Admins, Every character who voted has received a new quest item / Bonus "prize" in the Quest Item Bank!
  • Coin of Beryl Bay (Neutral) Forged in Saraph by the recently released Nombeko slaves, this coin commemorates the signing of the Second Treaty of Beryl Bay, marking the freedom of Nombeko bloodline slaves. Featuring a fox on one side and a bird on the other, turning this into a shrine can have... curious consequences.
Once turned into a shrine, this item will roll one of the following effects on the shrining character:
  • 49% chance of adding the Wings Mutation
  • 49% chance of adding the Multiples (Extra Rare) Mutation
  • 1% chance of adding the Pegasus Mutation
  • 1% chance of adding the Multiple Heads Mutation.
Enjoy your shrine gambling!`

June 2020 Updates & Reminders

With the census results in and lots of exciting in-game happenings afoot, it was about time we did a bulk update! Please read the below carefully, as you don’t want to miss out on the information that follows. Note that this journal is to serve as law until the applicable journals are updated appropriately.

In-Game Announcements

Nombeko/Saraph Slavery Vote

After some shenanigans that led to more shenanigans, Sultan Otrera and Overseer Rasiel went into talks about making a deal to free all Nombeko from Saraph slavery! You can read about the deal from both the Saraph and the Nombeko perspective with the links below.
Remember that, by replying to the Mass RPs with your characters, you will automatically get the +2 Collaborative Roleplay Skill Point bonus as well as the +1 Mini-Event Skill Point bonus in addition to your normal Word Count/Artwork Skill Point earnings!
There are only four days left to vote and, as a game where the character voices truly do drive Anomalous’s world plots, we highly suggest that if you have a Saraph/Nombeko who meets the voting requirements to do so! Voting closes at 11:59 PM Pacific time on June 30, 2020. As of July 1st, 2020 no more votes will be accepted.

Nombeko Clan Happenings

Speaking of Nombeko, Overseer Rasiel has also recently enacted the disbanding of the Kitskeeper Clan! With no current PC Kitskeeper Nombeko (and other various issues), any and all Nombeko that were a part of the Kitskeeper Clan must now find homes either in a different Nombeko Clan or hit the road.
Going forward, anyone wishing to create Nombeko that was formerly affiliated with the Kitskeeper Clan must address the disbanding of the clan (Summer, Year 2004 of the Dragon Era) in the character’s history. Please also remember that not all Kitskeepers were aware of the black market slave trading that the former Clan Matriarch, Angelyn, was taking part in!
You can read the lovely roleplay in which Overseer Rasiel puts the kibosh on the Kitskeeper Clan below!
With the disbanding of the Kitskeeper Clan, a lot of territory in the Plains has opened up! This means that Nombeko Clan submissions will be reopening. On July 1st, 2020 (or shortly thereafter) we will be releasing a form (courtesy of @tyeth) that can be used to submit your Clan ideas to the group for review. Keep your eyes peeled for this exciting update!

General Announcements

These are always the most painful announcements to read through, so let’s get them over with before we get the exciting census results!

Journal Coding Adjustments

It is an ongoing task to fix the journal formatting that has been bungled by Deviantart’s switch to Eclipse. We are actively pursuing off-site formatting that is also easier on the eyes for that wish to use that sort of resource but, in the meantime, we ask that you continue to be patient as we chip away at the tangled pile of coding spaghetti!

Don’t forget to vote for your OTM winners!

As always, we’ve had some really lovely roleplays coming into the group as of late. Don’t miss your chance to recognize our fantastic characters, members, and roleplays, as well as earn yourself some free Salamanders in the process!
Remember that previous winners from the past three months cannot be submitted as MOTM/COTM winners and that all roleplay submissions MUST have been submitted to the group in June 2020.

Breeding Updates

To prevent characters from being used exclusively as broodmares/studs, going forward both the sire and the dam in a breeding must have had at least one, non-breeding RP between breedings in addition to the ‘one RP before breeding’ rule. We don’t run into this issue too often, but please note the new activity requirement between breedings for any future breedings you may have planned!
Regarding Crossbred Breedings
Crossbreeding is fun, but we’ve noticed an imbalance in fertility percentages - especially when it comes to triple herd crosses. Henceforth, the following will apply to all future Anomalous crossbreedings.
  • All crosses including 3 bloodlines or more will get rolled for fertility, regardless of whether or not they are being bred back to a Purebred or Fertile Cross of a similar bloodline.
  • All 50 x 50 crosses will be rolled at a 50/50 chance when being bred to a purebred of similar bloodline (ie, Cross AxB bred to a Purebred A or B).
Note that, while the fertility percentages are changing, the cost of a crossbreeding itself will remain the same.

Saevarg Territory Locations

After much anticipation, the Saevarg territory locations have officially been added to the Anomalous Locations document! Be sure to check these out if you have a character currently residing within Saevarg territory.
(Also, for those actually reading these updates, keep an eye out in the near future for an exciting auction regarding the Seavargs!)

Leadership Position Updates

Please note that, while we have always had a standard of ensuring that all of our territory leaders/positions of import have had activity requirements, we haven’t been consistent in making sure these activity checks are met.
However, with an increase in world plots being delayed due to inactive leaders, we have made an important update to the leader positions.
  • Across the board, ALL leadership positions are now challengeable.
  • This includes previously unavailable positions, such as Austerian Queen or the Hihiri Holy One.
While these ‘permanent’ positions will likely require a different process/PC character input if a challenge is made, this new rule is being put in place to ensure that the group, as a whole, has a set of active leaders in play to keep world plots moving at a respectable pace.
Thank you in advance for your understanding!

Ancient Shrines, Dungeons, & Prompt Submissions

Thanks to @jouroo, our gallery has had a bit of an overhaul!
For future submissions, please submit prompts to the ‘Prompts’ gallery folder, dungeons to the ‘Dungeons’ gallery golder, and ancient shrine offerings to the ‘Shrine Offerings’ folder unless otherwise specified for special events.
Additionally, there are now subfolders for each of Anomalous’s Monthly Prompts/Events for anyone who would like to relive some of our former group shenanigans!
On that note, when sorting through the gallery folders it appears that several pieces fell out of the group so some of you may have received an ‘add’ request from us to get them back into the proper gallery folder. Apologies in advance for any inconveniences!
Lastly, we’d like to once again thank @tyeth for her coding prowess in providing a lot of behind-the-scenes efforts in getting our Prompt/Shrine rollers more automated. With the resources she’s been able to create for us, the process to getting Prompt/Shrine returns has been greatly streamlined. This, in turn, makes the game more enjoyable (and shorter wait times) for both members/staff. When you get a chance, go give her a hug to show appreciation for all her hard work!

Design/Reference Update Process

With lots of in-game items that allow changes to existing character designs, as well as our in-game born babies growing up, we have been getting quite a few design and reference updates coming into the group! As a reminder, please remember to note in any reference updates to the group using the following form so that we can confirm the update.
Reference Update Note Form:
  • Current Character Reference: [Provide a link to the currently accepted reference.]
  • New Character Reference: [Sta.sh link to the new reference.]
  • Design Sheet: [A link to the character’s design sheet.]
  • Reasons for Update: [List any new mutations, aging, fancy new art, etc!]
When adjusting a character design due to a new mutation/gene/etc, please use the following form in the artist’s comments of the new Design Sheet, as well as submit the new design for formal review using the link below AND to the ‘Updated Design’ gallery folder.
Design Update Artist’s Comments Form:
  • Accepted Profile: Link to your character's already accepted profile!
  • Previous Design: Link to your character's previous design sheet!
  • Designed By: Design credits for both the new AND the Original design sheet
  • Played By: Your Username
  • Name: The character's name of whose design is being updated
  • Gender: Biological sex of the character
  • Season, Year of Birth: The Year in which your character was born.
  • Season and Year of Design Change: In-game year and season the design change takes place.
  • Reason for Update: Mutate? Divine Blessing? Fairy? link to the proof here as well.
  • List of Design Changes: List out the gene additions or removals here!
  • New Phenotype: Updated Phenotype of the new design.
  • New Genotype: Updated Genotype of the new design.
  • Eye Color: Genetic eye color, in case new genes have changed it.
Additionally, please include links to both the old and the new design sheets on your character's profile, formatted as below, so that backdated artwork may be drawn/colored correctly!
  • Pre [Season, Year when the design change takes effect]: Link to Original Design
  • Post [Season, Year when the design change takes effect]: Link to Updated Design

Divine Submission Form

Thanks to our coding master, @tyeth, we also have a new Divine Submission form! This form will henceforth be used to expedite any Divine Blessing/Curse plots that may come into the group. We recommend using a separate document to plan your Divine Plot and then copy-pasting your answers into the form when you are ready to submit.
You may read more about Divine Plots and find the Divine Submission Link in the Divinity Journal!

Anomalous 2020 Census Results

Alright! Now that we have gone through the general/in-game announcements, it’s about time we reveal the results of the 2020 Character Census!

Anomalous 2020 Census Viewable Results

Want to see the breakdown of the Anomalous Census 2020 for yourself? Well you are in luck! Click the link below to view the handy-dandy, sparkling artwork that shows the breakdown of Anomalous's current inhabitants.

Austerian Character Price Change

Due to their high population/royalty count, the cost for Austerian characters has just increased!
  • Incoming Austerian Commoner characters will now be locked at one Basic Salamander Reward (or equivalent token).
  • Incoming Austerian Duke/Duchess characters will now be locked at one Rare Salamander Reward (or equivalent token).
  • Incoming Austerian Lord/Lady characters will now be locked at one Extra-Rare Salamander Reward (or equivalent token).
  • Incoming Austerian Prince/Princess characters will now be locked at one Legendary Salamander Reward (or equivalent token).
  • Esprit Magic will now cost one Legendary Salamander Reward (or equivalent token) for all Austerian/Austerian-blooded characters.
Please note that this also means that all Austerians, regardless of their actual herd rank, now require some level of Salamander Purchase. If you are creating an Austerian Guard or Gardener, you will need to deduce what herd rank the character hails from (Commoner, Duke/Duchess, Lord/Lady, Prince/Princess) in order to calculate the correct character unlock cost.

New Member Bonus

With the current locks and new locks that are coming into play, we are henceforth going to be offering New Members to the Anomalous group a ‘welcome to the family’ gift token! This New Member Rare Rank unlock will allow any of our new members to create a single character with a single reward up to Rare Level.
New members will need to note the group in order to claim this reward. Additionally, if they were referred New Members who state who exactly it was that got them to join will earn the referrer a 20 Point Skill Boost Token! Referring members must have at least one accepted Anomalous character reference in the group in order to be eligible for the Skill Boost bonus.
New Member Reward Claim Form:
  • How did you hear about us?: [If you were referred, enter the referrer’s username here.]
  • How would you like to use this reward?: [Please state what reward you’d like to claim using this Rare level reward; if undecided, that’s okay! Please remember this New Member Rare Rank Unlock is non-transferrable].

Wanted Positions

In the next week or two, keep an eye out for an updated list on the Wanted Positions journal to help fill some of our more neglected herds/herd roles. Remember that, when creating a new character that fulfills the Wanted Position rank requirement, you will get yourself a few fun, exclusive character creation boons!
However, due to the mass quantity of characters with the ‘Mage’ ability, no Wanted Position characters may be created with the ‘Mage’ Ability upon character creation. After the reference has been accepted, you are welcome to add the Mage ability with a Secondary Ability score with an appropriate Token, Quest Item or Salamander Reward.

Ability Bonuses

With the Mage ability being far and away the most popular ability to add onto a character, we wanted to emphasize the roleplay boons that the abilities themselves have to offer! While Skill Cap increases are, of course, beneficial, did you know that many of the abilities have traits that can benefit your character not only in roleplay, but also in dungeons and prompts?
While we work behind the scenes to figure out a system to highlight these ability boons (expect some ability-specific prompts in the near future!), here is a gentle reminder about the unique benefits that each ability trait has to offer!
Bloodhound Ability Highlights
Bloodhounds have the most sensitive sense of smell in all of Anomalous!
Those with this ability make fantastic trackers, capable of finding even the faintest trace of a living creature that has moved through an area. They may even be able to sniff out a particular object or plant if they have had contact with a similar item. Within a dungeon setting, this also means that Bloodhounds will have advantage on smell-related checks should they arise!
Bloodhounds are prized in the Linx herd (especially in the Delta - Tracker position).
Hawkeye Ability Highlights
Those blessed with this adaptation are said to have the best eyesight in Anomalous!
Those with this ability can see over far greater distances than those without the Hawkeye adaptation and see the world in far greater detail. Did you know that those with Hawkeye may also choose whether or not they would like their character to have a nictitating membrane? Within a dungeon setting, this also means that Hawkeyes will have advantage on perception checks should they arise!
Hawkeyes are particularly prized in the Nombeko Clans (especially in the Sentry position) and the Saraph Nation, where hawk-like vision from soaring heights can help them see the ground below in detail!
Fleetfoot Ability Highlights
Those with the Fleetfoot Ability are the most agile in Anomalous!
Fleetfoots can easily outspeed their less agile compatriots and it is a particularly useful gift for those who have to hunt or run for a living! Those who are fleet of foot also tend to have more durable hooves/paw pads that easily can keep up with the wear and tear that highspeed running can cause. Regardless of build, Fleetfoot characters may or may not be more lithe than their counterparts. Within a dungeon setting, this also means that Fleetfoots will have advantage on agility-based checks should they arise!
Fleetfoots within the Linx Pack are valued as Delta - Sprinters and across the board as messengers, scouts, hunters or even spies!
Those that have the Fleetfoot ability can also give advice to those who would like some tips on how to get from Point A to Point B faster! In roleplays that feature a Fleetfoot mentoring another character, the student will get a +2 Agility Skill Point Bonus while the mentor will get a +1 Agility Skill Point Bonus!
Fortitude Ability Highlights
If there were ever an endurance race across Anomalous, it would be more than likely that someone with the Fortitude ability would be the winner!
Those with this ability can travel the farthest distances without getting tired or fight the longest in battle before giving in. It is particularly useful for anyone who travels great distances on the daily or those who fight for a living. Did we mention that those with Fortitude also tend to be able to cast spells for longer durations that those without this ability? Within a dungeon setting, this also means that those with the Fortitude ability will have advantage on stamina/will-based checks should they arise!
Regardless of build, those with Fortitude often have larger chest cavities than others and may have large nostrils to allow space for more air to enter their larger-than-average lungs and to house their larger-than-average heart. Fortitude is a great all-around ability to add to a character in a position that requires a lot of stamina, such as a Saraph mercenary, an Austerian guard, or any position that puts the character in endurance situations, such as traveling merchants, fighters, or general laborers!
Those who know the great importance of pacing themselves to achieve their goals can offer advice to those who perhaps have less knowledge! In roleplays that feature a Fortitude character mentoring another character, the student will get a +2 Stamina Skill Point Bonus while the mentor will get a +1 Stamina Skill Point Bonus.
Mage Ability Highlights
The mage ability gifts the owner of this ability with a better understanding of magic!
Those with Mage seem to be able to sense when magic is being used around them, when an area is cursed with dark magic, pick up on magical lessons more quickly than others, and may even be able to detect the ‘aura’ of a particular type of magic within another character (they are particularly sensitive to detecting Devoro mages, as they can feel the pull of magic gravitating toward the individual). Within a dungeon setting, this also means that those with the Mage ability have advantage on magic-based checks should they arise!
With so many marvelous magic types in the world, it is little wonder why the Mage ability is the most popular choice when choosing an ability. Mages are highly prized within the Scybilline Order, where a Mage’s insight and innate abilities allow them to more quickly control the Psychic magics that the reptilian order is best known for.
Mages often make wonderful magic tutors, as they know how to better explain magic to their students. In roleplays that feature a Mage mentoring another character, the student will get a +2 Magic Skill Point Bonus while the mentor will get a +1 Magic Skill Point Bonus.
Medic Ability Highlights
Herbs and tinctures come easily to medics!
Medics naturally seem to understand the various uses of plants and learn what they do not know quickly. Medics are often master potion makers, capable of making strong healing concoctions and the best teas around. Those with this ability have an innate ability to detect whether or not a plant is poisonous. Within a dungeon setting, Medics have advantage on checks pertaining to flora or non-magical healing should they arise.
Medics are an integral part of Anomalous culture throughout all the territories. Without herbal healers, the death rate in a world as perilous as Anomalous would be much higher. Able to cure poisons and heal wounds that would otherwise fester, without medics Anomalous would be a much darker place.
Medics often make the best medical teachers, as they know how to better explain herbs and their properties to their students. In roleplays that feature a Medic mentoring another character, the student will get a +2 Herbs/Medicine Skill Point Bonus while the mentor will get a +1 Herbs/Medicine Skill Point Bonus.
Ranger Ability Highlights
In Anomalous, there is no one better acquainted with the flora and fauna of the land than a ranger!
Rangers typically have an unquenchable thirst to travel and are naturally talented at identifying a strange looking plant or animal with ease. Rangers are quite useful to have when it comes to scouting or hunting, as they have a knack for noting when terrain has been disturbed, and can usually tell the medicinal properties of a plant simply by its smell - even if they don't know it by name! Within a dungeon setting, this gives Rangers a great all-around advantage on plant/creature-based checks should they arise, as well as a general sense of the best direction to head in and which paths to avoid.
Rangers can be found through the Anomalous world, often living as Rogues or Renegades as their wanderlust urges them to visit places they’ve yet to see. Rangers excel in positions such as travel guides/guardians, healers, merchants, or other fields that require a level of stealth and general know-how!
Spellbound Ability Highlights
Those with the Spellbound ability are drawn to magical objects!
When in the presence of items bestowed with magical properties, they might experience any number of strange symptoms such as itchy skin, an unintentional twitch, or an unexpected change in voice pitch! Spellbound Anomalites appreciate the value of old spell scrolls and tomes; very often, they feel more at home surrounded by spell scrolls and magical knicknacks than by other Anomalites. For this reason, Spellbound individuals may sometimes be viewed as a bit odd or reclusive by others!
Within a dungeon setting, Spellbound characters may feel a physical pull in directions that lead toward magical items, as well as benefit from an increased percentage in finding items that have magical properties.
Spellbound characters can often find themselves in positions that require handling objects on a daily basis, such as merchants, or identifying the properties of a magical object. Even if they have never seen a given item before, by giving it a quick study they can get a feel for what consequences - good or bad - that possessing such an item might hold!
Stonewall Ability Highlights
The tanks of Anomalous, Stonewalls are the strongest of the strong!
Not many can best a Stonewall in battle… except maybe another Stonewall! Regardless of physical build, a character with this ability may feature more defined muscles beneath their coat, as without effort that are naturally more muscular than their counterparts. Within a dungeon setting, those with the Stonewall ability gain advantage on strength-based checks should they arise.
A veritable brick wall, those with this ability make excellent guards or warriors and excel in fields that require brute strength, such as Austerian guards, Scybilline Templars, Nombeko Brutes or Saraph mercenaries.
Gifted in the art of tank-hood, Stonewall characters may impart their knowledge on physical training to others if they so choose. In roleplays that feature a Stonewall mentoring another character, the student will get a +2 Strength Skill Point Bonus while the mentor will get a +1 Strength Skill Point Bonus.
Surefoot Ability Highlights
When it comes to being steady on their feet, a Surefooted character can't be bested!
While they may not always be graceful in their efforts, it is rare that a Surefoot trips over their own feet or loses their stance in a spar. They seem to always be aware of where their next step might land! For this reason, Surefoots excel in physical sports and sparring; most typically, you can find them on some sort of guard duty in another high-octane career!
Within a dungeon setting, Surefoot characters benefit from advantage on strength-based checks should they arise and may automatically avoid falling into unseen perils!
Surefoots excel in acting as guides through perilous terrain, of which there are many in Anomalous. Especially among the Linx - where the mountain paths may not always be clear - having a Surefoot guide around may be essential to one’s survival!
June Monthly Prompt: Humanomalous Contest 2020!
You heard it, it’s contest time! We’ve had a good streak of prompts, but while the world recovers from the Cerebreese and Egg chaos, we’re going to do something slightly different. Draw or write your anomalous character in their human form!
This event has no impact on world-plots or your IG character, this is purely for some fun and to try something different. So let those creative juices flow!
How do I enter?
In order to enter this event, all you have to do is draw or write a humanoid version of your Anomalous character! If you’re stuck on ideas or want a little more to go off of than just making a humanized design, you can try answering the prompt!
There are Three categories: art and literature, and a redraw of an already-accepted RP! This can be yours, someone else’s (with permission), and is open to both art and lit. There will be a winner for each category.
Prompt: Modern World AU
In an alternate universe a little more similar to our own, where all of our Anomali were human (at least partly), what would they do? Water mage lifeguards? Shrewd, lektor-wielding businessman? A supermodel Saraphem? The possibilities are endless!
Redrawing an already-accepted RP!:
Just as the title suggests, you can choose to take an existing RP and transform the characters into their humanoid forms. Spars, forest strolls, fights you can do it all! Note: Redraws of dungeon starts, monthly prompts, or shrine turn-ins do not count for their original purpose and can only be used for the contest.
Your humanized character can be strictly human in appearance or have more of an anthro theme (however, please make sure to keep characters clothed and respecting PG-13 rules, NSFW entries will NOT be accepted and will result in a warning).
You may enter with multiple characters/art-pieces and you will earn a reward for each entry you complete/submit before the deadline. You cannot enter with an existing piece - this piece must be drawn for this event.
HOWEVER, You may enter with a fan-art/lit piece of someone else's character!
In order to submit your entry, submit your entry to the “Contests” folder and reply to the Featured Comment below with the completed form below!
Link to the character's Accepted Anomalous Reference: Fav.me link is preferred!
Is this your character, or a fan-art entry?: If it is a fan-art entry, please tag the owner of the character! Also PLEASE ask for permission before doing a fan-art!
What category are you entering?: Art? Literature? Redraw?
Link to already-accepted RP (If Redraw Only!): fav.me link!
Link to your completed HumAnomalous Entry: Can either be a fav.me or sta.sh link!
What is your favourite memory over the last year in regards to Anomalous?: Spread the joy! A brief description will do!
This prompt will run until August 31st, 11:59 pm PST. Users will then get to vote for their favourite art and favourite literature piece until September 7th, 11:59 pm PST.
The requirements for this contest have been modified slightly to account for people not being as accustomed to drawing humans. All entries must meet the requirements of minimum 350-word literature RP, a minimum of Half-Body with simple/no BG art RP (waist up)!
Remember to add on that +1 Experience per character (On the first time prompt completion only), and the +1 mini-event response bonus as well! Skill point gains remain the same as regular anomalous art, with half-body being worth the same as headshots.
The winner of each prompt will get:
- 1 divine salamander
- The Mirror of Alternate Possibilities This token allows you to change the design of an existing character up to extra-rare design level. Please remember to submit a design update when using this token!
The Second Place of each prompt will get:
- 1 extra-rare salamander
- A Shard of Alternate Possibilities This token allows you to change the design of an existing character up to uncommon design level. Please remember to submit a design update when using this token!
The Third Place of each prompt will get:
- 1 rare salamander
- Any Carrier token up to Uncommon level
Everyone for participating will get, ONCE:
- 1 uncommon salamander
:hearts: Have fun and good luck to all! :hearts:

Recent Journal Entries

Its that time of the year! Get your Votes in for the ANOMALOUS NEW YEAR AWARDS!! 

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1 deviant said Voting at all gets you a bucket of tasty tasty slimy lads, so don't hesitate, and go each yourself some amphibian cash while showing your appreciation of your fellow mutants!
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1 deviant said Remember: You cannot vote for members or characters who won last year, so make sure to double check! Pssst: Just FYI: vex[Vexx-ing] won MOTY, and Riamh and Ashivon won COTY. >_>
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1 deviant said EXTENDED TO MARCH 18th!
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No deviants said docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAI…
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No deviants said ny RP posted in-game Year 2011 can be nominated here! Winners go into the Featured folder and receive a shipping container of Salamanders!

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