So, I recently went to a book fair and I got 4 books there, and I randomly decided that I would post my thoughts here as I read them. Mostly because I have trouble describing stories and what I like/dislike about them to other people, and I feel like putting my thoughts down in words will be good mental practice, but hopefully it’ll also be entertaining-ish to read (no promises). If you have any questions or comments somehow, feel free to post them, I like talking about stories.

The first book I’m reading is “A Wizard Alone” by Diane Duane (huh, that’s almost the same name twice), which has the following blurb:
“Becoming a wizard isn’t easy. In fact, it can kill you.
All first-time wizards must go through an initiation in magic called an Ordeal. Most only last a few days. So why has Darryl McAllister been on Ordeal for three months?
Or has he? Darryl hasn’t actually gone anywhere. His body is still here; it’s his mind that seems to have departed. And that’s where Kit and Nita come in. Only together can they unravel the mysteries around Darryl--who he is, what he is, and why the source of all death in the universe, the Lone Power, is desperately trying to destroy him.”

I chose this book almost entirely because of it's blurb. I read a lot of fantasy novels, and I like that this one seems to be based on figuring out something, solving mysteries, but it's really that last line that got me, especially the word "desperately". Like, the literal embodiment of death, being desperate to 'destroy' someone? And two relatively ordinary people (Kit and Nita) getting caught up in it? That hooks my interest. So I think I'll enjoy this book.

I'll probably post to this thread every few chapters, when it seems like i get to a good breaking point.

[Yes.]

Hey, I guess I'll make an adopts thread too since I have a handful left over that people never bought. These guys use the old TCPdex format, so the way they're presented might look a bit different from other adopts on this forum.

Just like other adopts, don't create any harmful content with them. Aside from that, do what you like!

(also most if not all of these guys are not-so-subtle references to media i enjoy)
 

Hello again, everyone. I’m writing this because once again, a holiday is upon us. Forge is a holiday celebrating the bonds between people, be they family, friends, partners, coworkers, or anything in between. This will be most of you’s first Forge, and we have taken it upon ourselves to ensure that you all learn more about this cultural event- after all, it’s an important part of your adjustment to society.

Forge is typically celebrated with games and special events, made with pairs in mind. For this holiday, we are offering the opportunity for people to host their own events through pocket dimension missions, with no limitations as to what those events may be- as long as they have the rule of people working in pairs. While games are common, you can also use this event to run more practical missions, or even dangerous ones, so long as you are upfront about the pairing rule and the potential dangers involved. 

Signup forms for this event  are enclosed. All participants in this event will receive Forge Tokens once a mission is completed- more information on that on the form itself. 

May you all have a happy Forge- I hope to see lots of event missions!
 

 

• Originated in Atelier
  
• Created by Calamine and Telomere as a collaborative effort in ????
  
• Considered Telomere’s species
  
• First morph: Canvas
  
• ????
  

• Make up a large percentage of Atelier’s population (though total population size is extremely small), uncommon but still prevalent in Idyth, fairly rare in other regions
  
• Generally there is preference towards chosen family more than anything else, though the ‘family’ definition can be very broad when it comes to amerveille (see Life Cycle/Family Structure)
  
• Worship is uncommon in Atelier as well as the closest region, Idyth
  
• Of those Amerveille that do participate in worship, Calamine is more common than Telomere
  
• Slightly higher prevalence of trauma-related disorders, especially in those with family history
  
• Most amerveille have specialized ‘pens’ and ‘erasers’ (usually sold together in kits) used to tattoo themselves (see Appearance section); they are cheap and very simple to use
  
• Colored lights, especially those that periodically shift in hue, often help with sleep
  
• This has the added effect that colored lights (such as neon shop signs or bright lights in nightclubs) can make them sleepy
  
• Predisposition for any sort of arts-related items, such as music albums, paintings, novels, and the like
  
• Often have difficulty getting rid of anything made by friends, family, or partners
  
• Even in those with focuses on non-artistic education (such as working towards a chemistry degree), having at least some classes or hobbies based around creative pursuits is immensely helpful
  
• As long as they have room for creative pursuits, almost any living situation is tolerable
  
• Painting/tattooing is seen as traditional and widespread, given how easy it is
  
• Tattoos can be very personal (used as mementos or things of high significance) or open (such as letting others sign their name or just free-form drawing) depending on the individual
  
• Can also be functional, such as writing down directions or to-do lists on their arms, or writing their pronouns on their cheeks
  
• Since tattoos are such a large part of their culture and physiology, not having any is seen as unorthodox, though not in a negative way
  
• Do not usually tend towards combat
  
• Tend towards entertainment that is creative in nature, such as watching TV dramas/comedies rather than science programs or gameshows
  
• Romance is typically highly-theatrical, with grand displays of affection being common
  
• Ex-partners usually remain close friends if their relationship ended on mutual terms
  
• ????
  

• All amerveille have fur which is very short and velvet-y soft (fleece blankets are a good comparison)
  
• Fur colors are almost always a single, solid monochromatic shade, with shades of gray being most common while pure white and black are rarer
  
• Fur colors in order of rarity:  grays, grays w/ slight color tint, pure white, pure black, silver, pearlescent white (white with a rainbow-like luster), and iridescent black (black with rainbow-like luster that appears to change colors depending on the angle; most rare variation)
  
• Natural markings are usually found at their extremities, as well as around their eyes, serving as natural eyeliner
  
• Markings may vary in shape and placement depending on morph
  
• These markings are often an opposing color of their main fur color; usually also monochromatic, though have a higher chance of appearing with color
  
• Their fur can be "tattooed" extremely easily with simple, specialized tools
  
• This process does not dye the fur or skin, but brings out natural color that all amerveille have
  
• The process is easy, painless, and can be done without help (depending on the location)
  
• It is also easy to reverse, as another specialized tool can apply pressure in such a way that will make the color quickly fade
  
• This process is called "painting", or just simply "tattooing"
  
• Markings cannot be tattooed
  
• The color that is brought out is almost always bright and vibrant, contrasting their monochrome fur color
  
• Usually the color of the skin underneath is a vertical gradient, going from one hue gradually to another, though just about anything is possible, even a rainbow array of colors
  
• A two-tone gradient is most common, though three-tone and subsequent gradients are possible, as well as solid colors, stripes, and other odd variations
  
• This is called an "undercolor", "gradient", or "ink"
  
• The undercolor also appears as their eye colors
  
• Voices can vary wildly depending on the morph, but common ones include:  brushes on canvas, typewriter sounds, string (harp, guitar, violin, etc) or percussion (marimba, drums, bells, etc.) instruments, and shutter clicks
  
• Paw pads can vary wildly by morph and are often not present at all
  
• Typically possess large muzzles and large, upright ears
  
• Tails are always large and heavy; they’re instinctively used for steadfast balance, making amerveille difficult to knock over
  
• Headhair is not as common as other species; when it does appear, it’s most often naturally short, with longer-haired amerveille being quite rare
  
• Range from 4-8 feet for "normal" adult height range, though the high and low ends are more uncommon
  
• Claws are common but not always present
  
• Plantigrade legs
  
• Possess simple circular eyebrows, often called "dot" eyebrows
  
• ????
  

• Amerveille have skeletons, muscles, nerves, organs, and blood
  
• Teeth shapes can vary between morphs, but are usually sharp
  
• Omnivorous, slight preference against meat
  
• Average energy levels
  
• Highly-expressive; usually with exaggerated body posture, ear movements, and facial expressions
  
• Despite their large size, their tails also wag when excited
  
• Ears are always large and usually upright, though this depends on the morph
  
• Eye shapes and patterns vary wildly between morphs, though they almost always possess two colors, usually the two extremes of their undercolor
  
• Some eye pattern examples:
  

• Eye patterns are not morph-based, making them entirely random
  
• Common eye patterns are:  crosses and large rings
  
• Having only rings (and many of them) in the eyes is very rare
  
• Some possess pouches, though they are uncommon
  
• Mental and physical health can deteriorate if left with absolutely no creative outlets for long stretches of time
  
• Baby amerveille have random line patterns from their undercolor that can shift around, but gradually fade in a few years
  
• Because of this, baby amerveille are called “scribbles”
  
• Lifespan of about 90 years, reaches maturity at age 18
  
• ????
  

• Reproduce sexually but are not dimorphic
  
• Traits that are often dimorphic are entirely random in amerveille; any individual can possess any combination of these, or may have none at all
  
• Amerveille give live birth and typically expect 1-3 scribbles
  
• Scribbles are very curious, requiring a large amount of stimulation, and will often cry if they become bored
  
• They are also notoriously dramatic, and can become upset easily, though they will usually pout and avoid eye contact rather than cry
  
• Family structure is often freeform, and can include neighbors, close friends, even close coworkers, etc.
  
• Family size can be difficult to determine because of this, though thinking of it as a large network of people rather than an actual family gives a better approximation
  
• This can make holidays and other celebrations into very large and often confusing affairs
  
• Casual and committed relationships are equally common
  
• Families are often chosen for amerveille, and leaving a family usually reflects poorly on the family itself, rather than the individual
  
• ????
  

• Morphs are based around creative arts or specific fields of such (ex: visual art and sculpting specifically would make two different morphs)
  
• Mixed morph children are called “Collages,” and usually possess a mix of traits between the two morphs (ex: film reel markings with a kangaroo-esque look for a Snapshot/Canvas hybrid) 
  
• "Canvases” were the first morph, based around Telomere’s personal favorite creative pursuit, painting
  
• Hybrid children typically inherit amerveille undercolor, eyes, and/or markings
  
• Animal basis for morphs is extremely flexible, and does not seem to follow any particular pattern
  
• Common horror mutations: bright colors for fur and markings, monochromatic undercolor, wild/uneven or animated eye patterns, rapidly-shifting tattoos, tatoos that respond to sound or light, general growth
  
• ????
  

• Based around visual arts, such as painting, drawing, etc.
  
• Animal inspiration is mostly kangaroos, with jackal-inspired ears
  
• Markings are splotchy, like paint drips
  
• Distinctive, heart-shaped noses
  
• Muzzle/mouth pattern is more rounded, and has two distinct "fang" shapes
  
• Sometimes have paintbrush-shaped tails, though they are very rare
  
• ???
  

• Based around music  and related arts, such as singing, playing instruments, etc.
  
• Animal inspirations are sharks and otters
  
• Markings are zig-zaggy
  
• Ears point backwards rather than entirely upright
  
• Muzzle pattern is zig-zaggy, without “fang” shapes
  
• ???
  

• Based around performative arts, such as theatre, dance, etc.
  
• Animal inspirations are servals and snow leopards
  
• Markings are round and simple, though their ‘eyeliner’ is thicker than other morphs, and they often have freckles
  
• Muzzle pattern is rounded, without "fang" shapes
  
• ???
  

• Based around written arts, such as poetry, written stories, etc.
  
• Animal inspirations are dragons and horned animals (like goats and deer)
  
• Markings have a few stripes radiating from them
  
• One of the only morphs that have don’t always have upright ears, as they can hang down instead (though upright ears are still more common)
  
• Muzzle pattern is zig-zaggy and "fanged"
  
• Horns can be just about any shape
  
• ???
  

• Based around arts involving cameras, specifically directing and photography
  
• Animal inspirations are aardvarks and armadillos
  
• Markings are shaped like film reel, and can sometimes involve a second marking color (which is usually very close in color to the first)
  
• Some possess thin ‘armor’ which covers their back, forehead, shoulders and sides, though marking patterns that simply emulate this feature are equally common
  
• Muzzle pattern is square-ish, an oddity among other morphs
  
• ???
  

• Keep it SFW!!!!