Welcome to Gaia! ::

1. Previews (Ye bloody well better not be spreadin rumors!)

No previews for now - 2nd Flatsale chests will be added to the owners list soon! ^^;
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

2. Chest stages (Keep a close eye on that chest, mate!)
Here's the "preamble" so to speak that the chests go through before the pupfins they hold decide to come out!

-- First Stage: Fully glowing aura; this is the stage in which the chests are found, and that the D.O.A. are based off of (not the day when the Pupfin comes out!)
-- Second Stage: After a while, the aura dims, losing the brilliant luster it first had, but still noticeable! The time frame for this varies, but it's usually 4-7 days.
-- Third Stage: The aura completely disappears! It's at this point that you want to come here to the thread - your Pupfin is ready to come out! The time frame between the 2nd and 3rd stage is about the same, between 4 and 7 days.
-- Fourth Stage: VERY soon after the aura disappears, the chest will start shaking and moving around like mad! The treasure inside it slides and clinks around, and it sounds like the pup is digging through it!
--Fifth Stage: When the chest stops moving around and the digging noise stops, you wanna put a good distance between yourself and the chest, or look away, because a bright light comes from the keyhole. This is your pupfin taking a gander at you and what might be outside the chest it's been inhabiting! As soon as the light winks out, your pupfin will appear outside the chest somewhere! Beware, they tend to be abit mischevious about where they appear! whee

3. PupFacts(Only teh facts, mate!)

Properties Research:
I'm making notes on the properties of all the chests and information I've discovered based on this info compared with the pups that have come out so far! Hopefully this will let us better understand and predict what each chest holds. Below my notes is also a list info for each chest for reference, so you can see what I worked with to determine these facts!

Interesting facts so far...
idea Metal seems to determine gender (or vice versa?)
-- Chests with gold seem to yield male Pupfins (100% rate so far!)
-- Chests with silver seem to yield female Pupfins (100% rate so far!)
-- Chests with iron seem to be pretty rare for the area we're in. So far only two have been found, and the one that's opened had a male pup! It remains to be seen what the second holds.

idea Aura color seems to denote scale color (or vice versa?)
-- So far there's been a near perfect match when comparing the color of the aura when a chest is first found to the scales of the pupfin that inhabited it. (90%)
-- The scales always seem to be in the same color 'category' as the aura, however the hue or shade *can* differ. My chest had a dark grey aura, but Naraya is as black as obsidian!

idea Gems seem to denote eye color (attraction, perhaps?)
-- So far the eye color of the pupfins have been of the same color as the gems on the chest, i.e. if a trunk is inset with topaz, the pupfin inside will have eyes the same color! I predict this may not always be a perfect match, much like the aura, but perhaps the reason this seems to be, is that the pups are attracted to gems that match their eyes?

idea Attributes
-- Behavior: Males seem to be a lot more hyperactive and mischevious than the girls. They love rough-housing, too. That doesn't mean the gals don't have their fun and moments of horseplay too, but they tend to be more prim and proper, and definitely more laid back. Who knows, maybe they're just better at covering their inner child more than the guys. xd
-- Physical: Males have five prongs on the end of their tails, while females have four. Also, the spindly fins that run down the head and back of the neck run further down the back on males than they do on females. On the guys, they run all the way down to the tailbone, whereas with the gals, they stop around the shoulderblade area. This could change in adulthood, we don't know for sure yet!

exclaim Hopefully this will help you understand what the properties of each chest mean! I wouldn't rely on everything 100%, you never know what sort of oddities or differences we can see with future pups! Also, hopefully this will help us understand the Pupfins a wee bit more!

The images below are how the chests were first found. This way I can look for patterns! Please note, this is NOT necessarily the current state of the chests! If you're needing to keep track of chests/pups, look down in the owners list further down the page. ^^;

NOTE: These are NOT for sale, they have owners! Do not ask me for one!

Chest #1:
Gems: Rubies
Metal: Silver
Aura: Dark Grey
((Gender: Female))
Owner: Sinbari

Chest #2:
Gems: Emeralds
Metal: Gold
Aura: Blue-Violet
((Gender: Male))
Owner: Tabitha

Chest #3:
Gems: Topaz
Metal: Iron
Aura: Dark Red
((Gender: Male))
Owner: Raszith

Chest #4:
Gems: Aquamarine
Metal: Silver
Aura: Teal
((Gender: Female))
Owner: digidrago

Chest #5:
Gems: Emeralds
Metal: Silver
Aura: Goldenrod
Owner: Ameh

Chest #6:
Gems: Amethyst
Metal: Gold
Aura: Blue
((Gender: Male))
Owner: Vashtya

Chest #7:
Gems: Topaz
Metal: Iron
Aura: Dark Green
((Gender: Unknown))
Owner: dranco

Chest #8:
Gems: Amethyst
Metal: Gold
Aura: Silver
((Gender: Unknown))
Owner: away

Chest #9:
Gems: Diamonds
Metal: Gold
Aura: Red
((Gender: Unknown))
Owner: Ursah Bunny

Chest #10:
Gems: Sapphires
Metal: Silver
Aura: Orange
((Gender: Unknown))
Owner: Neith-Kia

exclaim Will work on this as stuff comes up ^^; exclaim

Summary Outline:
1. Investigation
2. The Wait
3. Another chest?! (extra notes have been added in green)
4. It finally opened!
5. More chests

Important info discovered..owners, please heed these notes!
exclaim The aura surrounding the chests seems to lessen after a bit of time.
exclaim When it disappears fully, it doesnt seem to be long before the pups decide to come out! So if you see the aura disappear, you should check back pretty quick unless you want to miss out! ^^


Note: I'll be describing the island (and perhaps the ship) mentioned below and the setting much more in detail in the future. For now, here's a rough sketch of the docks and the front of the main building on the island. It'll be in color sooner or later. ^^;



From the notes of Sin...

1. Investigation: Opening the bloody chest - Impossible!
(continued from above)

The crew took the odd glowin' chest inside where I directed 'em, and then left t'finish the unloading of the rest of the cargo they'd obtained as I went to investigate. Bein' as late as it was, none of those who usually helped with researching, being friends or those I hired for such things were around or awake, and me crew was likely headed to crash for the night themselves. That didn't mean I was about t'leave it fer the mornin', though. 'alf of bein' a pirate's curiosity and stubbornness, in me humble opinion. I never leave any sorta puzzle unsolved if'n I can help it.

As I took off the burlap that covered the glow of the chest beneath it, it seemed to grow some; the aura, as I call it now, covering a bit larger of an area around the chest. Though me hand touched it, I felt nothin' but a bit of tinglin'. It didn't burn, freeze, or otherwise harm me, oddly enough. Motivated anew, I looked it over, what a gorgeous chest it was, not seeming to be worn or dulled from its time below the ocean's surface. The dark brown chest had silver coated reinforcement straps, and ruby colored gems. The aura itself was a dark greyish black, as foreboding as the stormiest days on the sea.

The keyhole to the lock itself was larger than normal, and at first I thought t'was going to be easy pickins, even though I couldn't see very well inside. Retrievin' me lockpicking set, I went t'work without worry of the aura now. What I thought would take seconds, however, turned into minutes, way too many of them. I couldn't even get me picks or skeleton keys all the way into the lock! The aura, or at least I assume t'was that which kept me from doing so, kept giving a gentle yet firm resistance to me efforts, much to me chagrin and frustration.

Thwarted in opening it, or seeing inside, I put me ear to the keyhole to see if I could 'ear anythin' that might be inside, as me brain worked to try to search its archives for what it was I'd read about that these chests reminded me of. I hoped to find out if anything was inside, or if it were merely some sort of spell protecting the treasure. I hoped it was the former, as I doubted I had enough ability to open it with out completely destroying it, and I rather wanted to keep it intact. That, and professional mages are rather expensive to hire. whee

Though I had to strain, I did eventually hear a soft sound from within the trunk. It almost sounded like breathing, but with an aquatic type sound to it, if that makes any sense. Not the put-yer-ear-to-the-seashell type of crashing waves sound, but may'aps what's more accurate is the muted type of sounds ye'd hear if ye were submerged.

That settled it, there was naught this pirate could do until whatever was inside decided t'come out, fer better or worse. It was time for the hardest thing for a pirate to do... wait.

2. The Wait

T'be honest, I didn't leave that room very often for quite some time after, except to get food, or find books from me library on topics similar to the conundrum I was facin'. None of me other researchers that resided in my research complex could figure out the mystery either. I sent out word to me closest friends and confidants about the mysterious chest, those who I knew would be curious themselves and might be able to help. The first of me closest friends to respond was none other than me mate Tabitha.

It was only then I bothered leavin' the room, leaving a few trusted souls to keep an eye on the chest, and taking my notes and sketches with me to meet her at the pier. Due to both our curiosities we kept the greetings short, and I explained in further detail what had been found as we walked slowly down the docks to head inside. If it can be believed, her curiosity and interest most definitely rivaled mine, even with her more subdued personality. Her eyes lit up as she laid eyes upon me latest treasure, and I could tell she would be as hooked as I to it, until we discovered what lied within.

3. Another chest?!

A week had gone past, and still nothing. Talk about frustration at feeling helpless. Both Tabs and meself had stayed in the room mostly, both researching now. It's a good thing I had others t'take care of the other critters I keep on the isle, so we could focus our efforts on the mysterious chest.

On that eve, me crew came back from another expedition to the same area that I'd sent 'em on for any more clues. I wasn't waiting fer 'em on the docks this time, so as they came into the room Tabitha and meself were shocked to see that they hadn't found more clues, but we saw they were carrying another glowing chest! Oy but we were both thrilled and vexed at the same time...excited for another discovery, yet frustrated at the extra waiting we'd have to endure. In the meantime, we would at least get to investigate the new trunk, which I decided to let Tabitha lay claim to.

The main difference we noted right away as the covering was removed, was that the color of this aura wasn't the gloomy dark grey of my own chest, but a deep purplish blue hue. The plating of the reinforcements of this chest was a shiny gold, also oddly enough not tarnished nor affected from it's time on the seabed, and the gems beautiful emeralds. Upon further investigation, and much to our annoyance, we could no more unlock her chest than I could mine. It looked like more waiting was upon us.

Ahh, how could I have forgotten to write this down! I truly have been distracted, and this is likely important information. Not long after the second chest had been found, the aura around my own chest faded. It didn't disappear completely, but the strength of it seemed lessened. I attempted unlocking it again, only to find that although the stormy colors (or lack there of, with it's dark grey/nearly black aura) had faded, it's protective strength had not. I still could not defeat the lock or the magic, and frustrated anew, was made to wait further.

4. Finally!

Saturday, March 13...

Another of my notified friends had finally come to join Tabitha and myself on the island in the investigation of the mysterious chests that had come in our position. Digidrago, an occasional adventuring and business partner (nothing more profitable than a dragon anthro for a friend, I tell you!) lounged with us up on the deck of my ship, docked for the evening as the crew took a well-deserved night off and decided to stay on-isle for it (I like to think I have some good hospitality XD).

Both of us were doodling and listening to music, as we like to do, along with nekoluch, as I waited on Tabs to return from some errands. Pancakes was crashed out in his chained-to-chest-position, as usual, much to Digi's amusement.

Both Tabs and Vashtya showed up soon thereafter, and we waved 'em up to the ship. It was about the time they got settled that I noticed something about my chest - the aura around it had disappeared! Alerting the others, we watched, Digi and I moving for a closer look whilst the rest backed up a bit to watch. I went inside to get me lockpicks while Digi decided to sit on the chest to keep watch so to speak. Digidrago piped up as I debarked the ship to get my tools:

"Are you sure some kraken, kappa, or a distant relative to nessie isn't going to pop out and eat my braiiiiins?" sweatdrop xd

I shook my head as I heard Tabitha reply to her, "No, not really. But if one does, I'll love you just as much without your brains as I love you with them in." heart

Returning soon after I moved to remove dragonpancackes from the chest so I could work with the lock, opting to use my picks in liu of the hacksaw to get his chains off (aren't I a nice pirate?). Turning to the chest, digi moved a bit to the side though still remained seated on it, and it was about that time, the chest started shaking, the sound of gold sliding and clinking about, as if something was perhaps digging downwards...I fell back a bit as Digi thanked her Texan descent as she had a bit of a ride on my chest.(...err...) sweatdrop

After that subsided, digi kind of slid off the chest turning a rather interesting shade of vermillion (and that's a feat for a silver skinned dragon girl let me tell ya), and I finally crept up to take a closer peek at the keyhole. That is, until a glowing red light practically blinded me from said keyhole. This was not going very well so far! As I sat back again and rubbed my eyes I heard gasps behind me. Sitting in front of Vashtya was the most gorgeous creature I think I'd seen in some time, a sort of mer-canine.

It's scales were a beautiful shade of glossy black and it's eyes... that's what had blinded me so coming from the dark keyhole, it had to be, that glowy yet beautiful red - matching if not exceeding the rubies on the chest it'd come from. There were no whites in this critter's eyes, only the shiny ruby color itself. It was no wonder the others were just staring at it, amazement in their eyes.

Vash held a hand out, which the pup promptly licked, it showing more canine features, giving Vash the reassurance to pet it some. Unfortunately she had to leave and it was probably a good thing she got up to leave as a second later Digi snapped out of her reverie. A resounding yell of "PUPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPY" was all that warned the poor critter of her following tacklehug as she cuddled the thing heavily. whee

It squirmed free, immediately adopting a playful stance, and barking and odd sounding bark, as if you were underwater and hearing it. She (I had by that time determined gender by my knowledge of canines) swatted her mermaid-ish tail lightly at the dragongirl, who promptly returned the gesture with her own dragony one. I then saw the creature disappear right in front of my eyes briefly and reappear in the same spot, effectively avoiding digi's tail. eek

Well that explained to me how the pup must have gotten in the locked chest to begin with, and then out when it was ready enough to do so... I made a note to research the old stories some more to confirm that, as the pup went to investigate those who'd hung back to watch all of this. Digi asked me what I was gonna name her, then..and thinking quickly, I dubbed her Naraya...a variant on Narayan meaning "moving water". Even out of water, the pup had a shiny/watery look to her scales.

I could see then why the original author of the old stories and rumors called them Pupfins, and I figured that was as good of name as any to stick with. We can't wait to see what Tabitha's Pupfin turns out to be like, and I'm sure we're not alone in that anticipation. It seems to be more stubborn than Naraya, as even now has yet to come out. The aura has lessened, but still shows, and that's the only thing keeping me from thinking something's wrong.

5. More chests!(new)

More chests have come into our possession since Naraya deemed to show herself, and I decided to sell them, announcing the find to the public, this time. The sale went well, and four new owners find themselves wondering along with Tabitha what their Pups will be like. I hope to find more, so that the Pupfins start becoming a more well-known and loved creature, instead of one only read about in old books and research notes. I think we have a good beginning, at any rate!

(More coming soon!)

Under construction, more will be added as I think of stuff!

Q. Can I reserve a spot for a chest?
A. Nope, sorry, chests will be on a first come, first serve basis. You'll just have to wait for flatsales, auctions, raffles, etc.

Q. What about customs? Huh?
A. As of right now, we're not doing customs. We might in the future once we get settled and if things go smoothly enough though. Don't ask if you don't see a section for them though!

Q. But but but I really want one! *bribe*
A. >.> Gah, no no no...can't accept bribes, no matter how much me pirate nature comes out. Don't try it with Tabitha or myself, we won't give a Chest for 'em! If you start an unauthorized trade when Chests/Pups are not available, we might just consider it a donation. You have been warned!

Q. How can I get one?
A. You can get a treasure chest during a flatsale, auction, raffle, and in the future offspring from breeding pups. I might also put up a list of pets Tabitha or I might be willing to trade for. On occasion we also might give one out to a deserving soul. That doesn't mean you should ask me for one, however, or complain at me if I give one out randomly to someone. "Deserving soul" is something we'll be defining, mkay?. razz

Q. Can we have more than one Pupfin?
A. Yes, though we'd like the limit on Pups per owner to be two, the exceptions being offspring (More on offspring later). If you own one Pupfin, you can participate in another flatsale or auction, but I'll probably make at least SOME raffles for new owners only. If you own two, the only times you may try for another is if you are getting it for someone else.

Q. Will you be doing accessories?
A. We might, in the future. For now we're abit busy with getting settled down with the shop and testing out what our workloads are going to be with coloring etc.

Q. Then what's "Shinies" mean on the cert, huh?
A. Due to Pupfins' natural magnetism and preference towards gold, gems and other shiny things (I think it's either a klepto thing or something that calms their nerves XD), we plan on making a collection of items available for purchase for your Pup to have close to 'em. Sorta like toys, but not. As of now the shinies won't do anything but make a spiffy addition to your pup's cert and make it all the more shiny. ^^; This may change in the future!

Q. Ok so are you gonna have toys to go with the shinies, if not actual accessories yet?
A. We may very well make those too, depending on how much stuff we have to do. You'll just have to wait and see!

I will be adding info on selling/giving/auctioning chests you've obtained in the future. Need to iron out the details, still. We shouldn't have to worry about this until breeding though, I'd hope you wouldn't want to give your chest away just yet! If you've got a question/concern on this subject, just post here in the thread.

Greylist: none yet
Blacklist: none yet

Coming soon!