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I'm here! 0.34782608695652 34.8% [ 8 ]
*lurks* 0.52173913043478 52.2% [ 12 ]
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"In a time when the buffalo swept the plains in massive herds, and the lands went undisturbed by foreign laws, one territory prospered above them all. Let the winds carry their story to the farthest reaches of the outer herds..."

Welcome to Buffalo Roam, a shop that revolves around the american bison in a time when large herds still littered the great plains. In particular, we focus on one large herd that's been around long enough to hold its own rituals and beliefs that will be better explained in the following posts. They also have a rather unique relationship with surrounding native american tribes, but the complexities of it still keep them at ends with one another in times of The Hunt. More on that later.

[Contents]
Intro
Shop Rules
Guild Links
History
Stages
Buffalo Facts
Setting
Behavior
Interaction
Ceremonies
Herd Creation
Breeding
Items
Lists
Affiliates
Page 2 - Availability

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[General Rules]
(1)
First and foremost, no stealing of the art or graphics. Doing so is an automatic blacklisting and IC status of -outcast- for any buffalo you may own.
(2)
I'd rather not have fighting in my thread, if I deem its gone on long enough I'll have all parties take it to pm. Not doing so may wind up as a greylisting if serious enough. However, if you have a disagreement with someone in thread and it remains civil no actions may be taken against it. I understand a difference in opinion, just don't over do it. I'll let you know if you are.
(3)
Frankly speaking, if you won a pet from an event please pay for it. Not doing so within 48 hours may result in rehoming it. Unless you pm me beforehand about a particular situation that may keep you away from the computer for a prolonged period of time.
(4)
Treat others with the respect you wish to be treated with, we'll all have more fun that way.

[Specific Rules]
(1)
Rp is not required to keep your buffalo, but it is needed for growth. 1 rp will grow a calf into an adolescent, and another 2 rps will grow it into an adult.
(2)
Natural colors only! That means we won't have any blue buffalo running around, but considering this is a BC shop I'll allow some creativity with color choice. Acceptable colors in order of rarity are: browns, chestnuts, tans, grays (dark), grays (light), blacks, and the very rare white.
(3)
Patterns also need to stay reasonable in the sense its unlikely to see a buffalo with tiger stripes or leopard spots. Think horse or bovine for acceptable markings. Again this is done for the sheer fact that this is a breedables shop, and I will allow some creativity.

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It is said that long ago that when the great plains had first been created, only a few animals inhabited it. There was the wise and powerful bear, the cunning fox, and the ever patient hunter: the wolf. Along side these creatures roamed vast herds of small, delicate hooved animals. These animals were the deer and pronghorn. For many years the hooved animals were preyed upon by the larger, more powerful meat-eaters, with no means of defending themselves. For you see, the Great Spirits had created the hooved creatures for their beauty and grace, not for defending themselves against attacks.

So, when the animals made their plea to the Spirits, crying out for their lost loved ones, the Spirits took their sorrow and formed sharp horns to go upon their heads. Saying: "These will protect you." Although the fox, with its small body and delicate teeth, was no longer able to prey on the hooved creatures, the wolf and bear still held enough power to be unscathed by the deer and pronghorn's new weapons.

Again the animals pleaded their distress to the Spirits, and the Spirits turned that distress into the small creatures known as rodents and fish. Saying: "These creatures are much easier to catch than you. You will be spared because of their sacrifice." Although the bear soon discovered its love of fish and forgot about hunting the hooved creatures, the wolf found little pleasure or satsifaction in hunting rodents.

For the final time the hooved creatures made their desperate plea to the Spirits, saying the wolf is too powerful an enemy, and has grown far too skilled to ever be challenged in strength or wit. The Great Spirits rose up and snatched away the animal's desperation, using it to create the final creature of the plains. Deer and pronghorn alike were baffled when the Spirits placed bison before them. The new creature stood tall and bulky, with great, thick horns upon his heavy head and rolling shoulders. "Bison will challenge the wolves, and steal away their prideful boasting." Although the wolves were strong and worked well together, the bison held its ground and bore its horns to their necks. Soon the plains reached balance, where the hooved creatures were no longer unfairly matched against the meat-eaters.

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[-Calves-]
Hours after birth calves are able to stand and walk around, often times staying close to their mothers at all times possible. Within a herd, calves are seen as precious things that are valued above one's status and in some cases life. The herd will do everything in its power to keep calves safe from danger, as they can often be targeted by predators.
Growth occurs: after 1 completed rp.

[-Adolescents-]
Now that they've grown into their bodies some, adolescents can easily enjoy a good tussle with one another. As they often do, both male and female alike. The herd still protects them to the best of their ability, but an adolescent is far more mischevious and troublesome to deal with on a day to day basis. It seems all these youngsters care about is wrestling with one another in their boundless levels of energy.
Growth occurs: after 2 more completed rps.

[-Adults-]
As an adult a bison has learned the dynamics of herd life and is expected to partcipate in all herd dealings, and are now responsible for all of their choices and decisions. They now have the ability to gain status within the herd, and even challenge another bison for domancy. Though this doesn't happen often, an adult bison that gains domancy from the current herdleader instantly gains the herd's respect. And with that comes many perks, depending on the herd.

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Adult male buffalo, called a bull, stand to about six feet high at the shoulder. While a female buffalo, called a cow, stand at about five feet from her shoulder. Some can even be taller than the norms, but its rarer. Buffalo have been known to weigh between 900lbs and 2,250lbs; though some of the larger specimens are a bit heavier than that at around 2,300lbs-2,400lbs. Though this is again, rarer.

Buffalo also have poor eyesight when compared to some other creatures, but make up for it with an excellent set of ears and a fairly detectable sense of smell.

Despite their large and bulky size, adult buffalo can reach speeds of up to 35 miles per hour while running, and can make surprising leaps. Its been recorded than an adult buffalo jumped a four foot fence. Don't under estimate their physical capabilities just because of their appearance.

These creatures are grazers of grasses and plantlife, and don't usually stand still while they're eating. This helps prevent the over use of one particular area. In winter times they use their horns, hooves, and heads to scrape away at the snow to get at the tender but dry grasses beneath its surface.

Usually buffalo are more active in the early morning and late evening hours, spending most of the middle day either sleeping, grazing, or watching over their young.

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Our story takes place in the great plains grasslands near the midwest, abundant with rivers, lakes and a literal sea of tall prairie grass. Trees are somewhat scarce, but still you will see one here and there every once in awhile.

To the west of the buffalo are cliffs and a more abundant region of mountains, however the herd tends to stay away from them due to old tales of the trapped souls of their ancestors. To the east is the native american tribe that the herd refers to as 'flat feets', they don't particularly catch onto the name of the actual tribe. The flat feet territory is also avoided most of the time due to a complex respect on both ends and rituals held by the flat feets. Only adult buffalo ever get close to this territory, and they're usually wary of the bipeds. The buffalo avoid them at all costs in times of The Hunt, and move farther north while other herds take over their tradional territory. Its smart for them, but the remaining herds are often the ones caught by the Flat Feets.

Also, there are smaller herds that litter the area, but they are neither a threat nor dominant in interactions. Most of them stay in the area during the times our herd migrates, believing it is done too early and there is still plenty of grass to be had. Be this as it may, they are often the ones getting caught up in The Hunt.

Below is a detailed map of the terriorties and migration patterns of the buffalo herd.

*Map comping soon*

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Like most large mammals the american bison wallows in deep depressions of dust or mud. Several reasons for this include shedding of thick winter coats, being playful, and getting rid of insects and pests that other wise bite and irritate the skin.

Most adult buffalo do not need to worry about predators, excluding the Flat Feets, but on occasion they will need to be wary of lingering grizzly bears in the area. Although healthy adults have little to worry about, their calves are often targeted by wolf packs, bears, and other large predators that may be in the area. If threatened a calf will run to a nearby cow, and not necissarily its mother; although, if the mother is around it will likely run to her over anyone else. In other circumstances a calf may also run to a herd, run to the nearest bull, run in the front or center of a stampeding herd, and enter bodies of water such as lakes or rivers. However, when a whole herd flees from a predator, cows with calves and their offspring will run at the front of the herd, while nearby bulls take the rear and guard the cows escape. Typically if a wolf pack is not exhibiting hunting behavior, the herd will ignore them.

The buffalo herd is split into two smaller herds that are seperate, but remain close to one another. The main herd is mostly made up of cows, calves, and young bulls not yet ready for breeding: headed by a dominant cow. While the other is made up of sexually mature bulls that romp, graze, and spar with each other: headed by a dominate bull. These two herds only join each others company in the months of July through September, the breeding season. However, they migrate seasonally together.

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[With Herd Members: Cows]
Within their own section of the herd, cows typically treat each other as a sort of close-knit 'family', whether they like one another is a totally different story though. Like any family, some members may not like one another, or are not happy with their social standing. Typically they will travel together as a group, spreading gossip, grooming one another, or possibly creating tighter more exclusive groups within the herd as a whole. The cows take care of the young, but are by no means the weaker sex. They can be firm, demanding, comforting, and compassionate all in one round of conversation.

When they happen to meet face to face with a bull from the other section of the herd, they react according to how they feel about that particular individual. She may try to chase him away or discourage further interaction if she does not like him, or engage in fun and witty banter if she enjoys his company. Although the cows do see their bull counterparts as protectors, they are free to treat them as they wish.

[With Herd Members: Bulls]
Bulls are roudy, rambunctious, and over all male in particular. When they have energy, time and are not busy grazing they spar with one another to keep their status or improve it within the male ranks. The dominant bull is most likely the strongest, most aggressive of the bunch, although that does not mean he's a bad sort. He's just good at throwing his weight around. One pecular aspect of the bulls, is that homosexual relationships do spring up, and it happens often enough to the point its not considered strange or weird.

The bulls consider the cows as a respectable bunch in on their own, but nonetheless individuals that need to be protected. They are kind, and often times gentle with the cows and calves, but that's just a general rule. There are some instantces where they do not like an individual cow and will ignore her in peaceful times, or bump her around with butts from their snouts till she gets the picture and moves away. Likewise he may be disrespectful to anyone who behaves nastily to him.

[With Other Herds]
Other herds are rarely big enough to be considered a threat, and are usually ignored on most circumstances. However, if a neighboring bull decides he wants to try his luck at dominanting the area he'll often be met with aggression and unfriendly greeting parties from the bull section of our herd. Although the dominant female and some of her most trusted can accompany them if she so wishes to do so. It is unlikely they'll see any other herds as nothing more than lowly rivals. This includes a bull or cow that's broken off from the main body to create it own herd, although relations are often more stressed than normal since the parent herd normally will not try to use force against them. Since likely its made of individuals they use to know.

[With Flat Feets]
The buffalo have a strained relationship with the Flat feets most times of the year when The Hunt is not taking place. However, they can co-exist peacefully if both sides show no sign of aggression. Often an adult buffalo may wander close to the native territory, and if lucky enough will come trotting back to its herd sporting painted on decorations in bright colors or feathers tied into its thick mane or a horn. Only the bravest, or maybe even the stupidest, of buffalo tend to do this though, as most others are wary of the Flat Feets.

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[Season of Birth]
This is the spring season, the season where most of the calves are born into the wide world around them. An event of this stature is celebrated by the herd in the sense that good feelings run through the masses and everyone comes to greet the newborn calves. The first ceremony of their life begins when their mother gives them their name (naming consists of most native american name traditions). Only after a calf has received its name is the father allowed to see he or she with his own eyes and greet them for the first time.

[Coming of Age]
When a cow or bull has reached sexual maturity a herd wide celebration takes place. A cow partcipating in this event will circle the bull herd, usually as gracefully as she can at whatever gait she chooses. The goal is to show her traditional feminity, and often times she'll choose a slow or lingering trot with drawn out movements. In this time bulls are normally calm and silent, to show their respect for the new cow. Any roudy comments or gestures are often punished by the dominant bull.

In the same way the cow circles the bull herd, a sexually mature bull will circle the cow herd. Although he is more wild and powerful in his movements, shaking his head, lowering his horns, charging, and often unpredicatable in what he does. The cows are silent as well, although a bit more wary than their calm counterparts, as a wild bull is often more dangerous than a graceful cow and its likely he may run into an unsuspecting calf if he doesn't pay attention to where he's going.

[New Dominant Figures]
A cow or bull can only stay dominant for as long as they're able to hold the position away from rival bulls or cows of their herd. When a new dominant figure comes into play, the whole group seems be charged with a sense of electricity, and even the cows become rambunctious and spar with another. It is a sign of respect for the new leader, as if to demonstrate his or her struggle up the social later and the battle they had fought to get to the top position.

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Sometimes when a bull or cow is ambitious enough, they'll break away from the herd and start their own. This is seen as very disrespectful to the current dominants of the larger herd, and the branch off members are treated with indifference and in some instances disappointment. The dominants of the parent herd see the break offers as reckless and most of the time indignant, so they'll treat them as they would a calf.

Nonetheless, it can be done. Requirements for doing so are listed below.
  • A bull or cow looking to create its own herd must have a minimal of 10 completed RPs in the guild. A completed rp can be anywhere from 1-2 pages long, or longer if wanted. Links to the rp threads will need to be provided as evidence.
  • They must have at least four other members willing to join them to make it an official herd; although, more is reccomended.
  • As a dominate bull or cow of their own herd, they'll need at least one completed rp every two months. If not kept up, the herd will be dispersed.
  • Membership of their herd will only increase if they actively search out new members. This can be done by asking me to color cows or bulls for events for your specific herd, buying customs for your herd, or ICly seeking to 'steal' members from the parent herd.

When you have 10 completed rps, and 4 other members willing to join you, feel free to pm the mule (Buffalo Guide) with the name of the dominant bull or cow, and the names of the other members willing to join with them. You'll also need to provide 2.5k to create your sub-forum in the guild. From there you'll be free to set up your herd's information center, a members list, and then use that sub-forum to rp in.

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For shop purposes, breeding will most often take place in the spring months of march, april, and may. Although breeding will still be available through the rest of the year, it won't be as plentiful, and not as many offspring will be produced. Also keep in mind, buffalo do not mate for life, and often take on different partners every time, but not always. When a calf is born it will likely be taken care of by the mother and the cow portion of the herd, but fathers and other bulls are kind to calves if they happen to meet them. They are, after all, under their protection.

Buffalo may breed up to five times in their lifespan. In order to breed both parents need to have a minimal of three completed RPs, and will need to provide links to those threads as evidence. They do not; however, need to have an existing rp with that individual at the time of breeding, but will need to make one before the calf (calves) are posted. Likewise, if they already have an RP with each other, they will not need to make another. Unless you want to of course, that's totally up to you as owners. An owner may only keep 1 calf per breeding, and if not will need to decide if they give it away to a friend or event it off.

Summer and Fall: Fertile - 2k
A breeding will produce 1 offspring.

Winter: Not Fertile - N/A
No offspring or breedings available.

Spring: Very Fertile - 4k
A breeding will produce 2 offspring.

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The ways of the buffalo are unknown by most other plains creatures, and come off as mysterious and 'magical' in nature. And that's exactly how the buffalo want to keep it; making sure no one learns of their herbal secrets or spirtual rituals.

[Herbs]
These plants and their powers are common knowledge for just about any adult buffalo, and do not require any assistance from a speically trained buffalo to take or administer.

Coralberry - 1k
Unpleasant taste, small red berries that grow on plains bushes. Freezes the buffalo at whatever stage it happens to be at. Also unfreezes a frozen buffalo.
Sycamore Bark - 2k
The bark of a sycamore tree. Insures a female for a buffalo's next breeding.
Cottonwood Leaf - 2k
Leaves stripped off the cottonwood tree. Insures a male for a buffalo's next breeding.
Osage Orange - 5k
Stringy fruit that needs to be chewed thoroughly or a buffalo may choke on it. High chance of another buffalo being around for the same purpose. A breeding generated with a 'random' buffalo; essentially a one night stand with no chance of seeing that buffalo again. Hence, said random buffalo may not be rp'd out. Only 1 calf may be produced from a random breeding.
Cedar-Apple Rust - 8k
A fungus that grows on red cedar trees. Allows a buffalo to speak to other prairie animals and essentially allows both parties to understand what is being said. Ingrediant needed for the spirit guide quest.

[Spiritual Rituals]
Administered only by the spiritual leader of the herd, Miakoda. One must seek her out in hopes of accomplishing these goals. However, Miakoda may very well refuse, so its important to impress upon her how badly you'd like her help. Whether that's through intimidation, doting upon with special gifts and offerings, extreme politeness, fear at her very presence, or whatever else is your buffalo's choice. Also, just because something for works for one buffalo doesn't necissarily mean it will work for another. These require an rp with Miakoda.

Heart's Gift - 20k
Allows a buffalo couple (1 male and 1 female) who are planning on having calves together to have anywhere between 2 to 4 calves for that particular breeding. This is done through the blessing of departed ancestors, the Spirit-Bound that still roam the herdlands. There are some slight side-effects... what on earth could they be?
Spirit Guide Quest - 42k
Calls an individual buffalo's spirit guide to its side for the rest of its life. Also known as a 'familiar'. In order to take this quest, a buffalo needs to already have taken the Cedar-Apple Rust herb. Spirit guides have their own unique lineart from one another, even if they are of the same species.

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[Staff Members]

Owner: ropin and riden
Lineartist: ropin and riden
Colorist: ropin and riden
Certist: ropin and riden
Concept: ropin and riden

<.< As you can see I'm going to be very busy, so please be patient with me.

[The w00t People]
*awesome people*
faithgreenleaf- Spectacular person for offering to help me manage the rp in the guild.
Soldier of Song- Donated the awesome buffalo headdress for the mule, definatly needs to be put here.

[The Blah People]
*not so awesome people*

[The Ughs]
*banned*

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[url=http://www.gaiaonline.com/forum/breedable-changing-pets/buffalo-roam-grand-opening-soon/t.47741997/][IMG]http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a284/shadowrave/Buffalo/bufban16.jpg[/IMG][/url]

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PM the mule to affiliate, I will ignore requests posted in the thread.


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