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Calliel

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Post: 1726073_1 created on Mon, 12 Apr 2004 05:04:35 +0000
Posted: Mon, 12 Apr 2004 05:04:35 +0000

[img:acc39466a8]http://img50.photobucket.com/albums/v153/astras/Banners/maintitle.jpg[/img:acc39466a8]

[quote:acc39466a8="Updates"]7/31/04 - There's an auction on, this month for Cancer! Also, a new thread should probably be coming soon. This one is giving me hell. >__<
7/18/04 - The flatsale is over! Please welcome Inukamen, SiyannaTwilight, Arach and slyabney, the four newest Astra owners!
Arach - Camelopardalis
slyabney - Apus
Inukamen - Eridani
SiyannaTwilight - Centaurus
7/15/04 - I've been trying to post this for days, but Gaia has been crazy. There will be a flatsale this Saturday, 7/17/04, at 9 P.M. Gaia (PST) time! Please check Availability for updates.
7/12/04 - Life stages updated! Adult stage changed, and two new stages added! Also, please check the poll/read the plea on page 55. Please, please please vote in the poll!
7/11/04 - Gemini is here, and Alchiba's a big kid now![/quote:acc39466a8]

[i:acc39466a8]Hello, ladies. My name’s Pavo, which I’m sure you all know means “love machine” in…err…German—[/i:acc39466a8]

Pavo, you useless bird, it means “peacock” in Latin.

[i:acc39466a8]Same difference, sugar. Anyway. I’m what Calliel calls an Astra—a constellation that’s fallen from the sky and taken on a humanoid shape. I know what you’re thinking, ladies, but please don’t touch the merchandise—Cal gets all jealous and possessive.[/i:acc39466a8]

You wish! Feel free to take him away, anyone.

[i:acc39466a8]Aww, come on. You know you love me.[/i:acc39466a8]

No comment. Anyway, welcome to the Astra Rehabilitation Center, where we take in fallen Astras and give them new homes. Ever seen a falling star? Well, that’s an Astra being born. The story of how I (Calliel) found my first Astra goes something like this:

[quote:acc39466a8="Backstory"]I’m a notorious insomniac, so usually I sleep outside in my hammock—the noises help me fall asleep, or at least they’re something to listen to if they don’t. Anyway, I was just beginning to drift off to sleep when I saw a huge flare of brilliant white light. I opened my eyes and sat up, and I realized that the light had come from a falling star—and it was so close! I’d always wondered what happened to stars after they fell, and this one didn’t seem to be even a mile away.
I walked in the direction I’d seen the light for a LONG time, and it got brighter and brighter as I walked. Finally it got so bright I could hardly see, and I reached out with my eyes closed—and my fingers brushed something warm. Amazed, I squinted against the light and realized that inside was some sort of creature. It didn’t seem happy; it was stirring around and making a soft noise, so I talked to it to calm it down.
“Hey, shh. It’s alright, I just want to look at you.”
The light seemed to fade away slowly and at last I could open my eyes. The creature I’d touched, to my shock, looked just like a child! He was absolutely tiny, no more than three pounds, and he peered out at me from under a mat of electric green hair. He had the most intelligent eyes I’d ever seen—even on a full-grown human—and I knew immediately that he wasn’t human (if the blue skin and green hair didn't tip me off). He was something else altogether. When he turned around, that thought was confirmed; he had actual feathers sticking out of his lower back, just like a tail!
I took the baby home and raised him like a human child. He was an absolutely remarkable boy—he was brilliant, very strong, and he grew at an amazing rate. Only a few months had passed before he was nearly full-grown, a handsome young man—my Pavo.[/quote:acc39466a8]

Now we’ve made it our personal mission to share these amazing creatures with the world. Every time a star falls, we get there immediately to find the child who came with it. There are many more constellations waiting to fall—will you adopt one?

[quote:acc39466a8="Staff"]Calliel - art, life stage updates, flatsales/auctions
BluesDriveMonster - RP Forum, Accessory Forums, questions
WoefulInfinity - guest artist[/quote:acc39466a8]

Calliel

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Post: 1726073_2 created on Mon, 12 Apr 2004 05:05:23 +0000
Posted: Mon, 12 Apr 2004 05:05:23 +0000

[img:8a64981ec6]http://img50.photobucket.com/albums/v153/astras/geninfo.jpg[/img:8a64981ec6]
Obviously, Astras are humanoid beings who were once falling stars. They're named for their constellations, even though each one is a separate star (only one star will fall from any given constellation), and each Astra takes the appearance of the object that the constellation is named for. For instance, Pavo is a constellation which is said to look like a peacock (hence the name Pavo). That's why he LOOKS like a peacock. xd

The gender of each Astra is determined by the constellation's surmised gender. If it doesn't have one, I'll make one depending on whether it seems like a boy constellation or a girl one xp

[b:8a64981ec6]NOW READ THIS[/b:8a64981ec6]. These pets take a TREMENDOUS amount of work for me--and for you. This is a very RP-heavy pet to own, so if you're not on Gaia often or don't want to RP, don't buy one. Simple as that. If you don't RP [b:8a64981ec6]once every two weeks[/b:8a64981ec6], I'll take your Astra away. That being said, each Astra gets its own private thread to use as a diary (thanks to Anya! for her brilliant ideer 3nodding ), and there will be a thread where the Astras can RP together as well. You'll be expected to make entries in the diary, again, at least once every two weeks, and please try to make them substantial--makes it more fun for everyone.

Your Astra will be basically nekkid when you get it. As it grows, you don't have to buy it clothes--it can stay in a loincloth or whatever, and occasionally it'll find things on its own--though you may not want it to wear those xp If you do want to buy it clothes, check the Shop Thread (coming soon).

Each Astra is individually drawn, and its poses can change during a life stage. I read every RP entry, and if I notice that an Astra is in a certain mood for an extended period of time, I'll change its expression and pose if I see fit. Your Astra will be automatically updated as long as you directlink it like I ask 3nodding

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Post: 1726073_3 created on Mon, 12 Apr 2004 05:06:23 +0000
Posted: Mon, 12 Apr 2004 05:06:23 +0000

[img:a970cda9c2]http://img50.photobucket.com/albums/v153/astras/Banners/lifestages.jpg[/img:a970cda9c2]
There are four life stages that each Astra goes through. Here they are:
[b:a970cda9c2]Star[/b:a970cda9c2]
This is the stage before your Astra has fallen, while they're still in the sky. Your Astra appears as a constellation, with the outline of their form behind them. Astras are completely insensate at this time; this stage lasts for only one day, and you cannot do anything with them except observe.
[b:a970cda9c2]Baby[/b:a970cda9c2]
Baby Astras are extremely dependent on their owners. They grow and learn quickly, though, and tend to be inquisitive. It normally takes Astras about one month to grow out of this phase.
[b:a970cda9c2]Child[/b:a970cda9c2]
Astra children don't depend so much on their owners. They are in the "I'll do it myself!" phase. They tend to be very curious about their environment and like to find things. Normally, Astras stay in this phase for about one month as well.
[b:a970cda9c2]Teen[/b:a970cda9c2]
Teenage Astras are a varied group. Their personality and attitude depends largely on their upbringing. Some will be distant and moody, some will be cheerful and extroverted. Most Astras become curious in the romance department at this age. It takes one month for teen Astras to grow up.
[b:a970cda9c2]Adult[/b:a970cda9c2]
Adult Astras are independent beings who are fully capable of taking care of themselves. Their personality, likes and dislikes are fully formed. At this point they can breed, or they can wait till the next stage. Adult Astras can breed only once, though in the next stage they can do it again.
[b:a970cda9c2]Legend[/b:a970cda9c2]
When an Astra becomes an adult, it will eventually receive a quest. These quests are shown to Pavo as visions, and he will visit the Astra he had the vision about and tell them what they must do. If the quest is successfully completed, the Astra will become what is known as a Legend. Astras at this point undergo a vast physical transformation. These forms are generally based upon the legend behind their constellation (try http://www.astronomical.org for an idea!). Legends are far more elaborate physically than the forms before, and may be barely recognizable! Legends may breed with adults or other Legends; a double-Legend breeding will result in very special offspring, though the chances of unsuccessful breeding are higher.

[img:a970cda9c2]http://img50.photobucket.com/albums/v153/astras/Banners/random_events.jpg[/img:a970cda9c2]
Every so often--most of the time, each week--every Astra will have a random event. Each Astra has statistics for eight different categories, and I will use Randomizer to choose from a list of events for each Astra. Some events will have higher odds than others, but ultimately whether or not the event takes place is entirely dependent on your Astra's stats. For instance:
Randomizer chooses "Win a contest!" Since this is for Pavo, it would be a beauty contest. Charisma is the statistic corresponding to this event.
Since Pavo has 90% charisma, Randomizer will choose a number 1-10. 1-9 are yes, 10 is no. Randomizer chooses 7, so Pavo wins the contest!
...and so on and so forth. Your Astra can find objects, learn abilities, win gold, sustain injuries, and even advance life stages prematurely. It's all random! ^__^

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Post: 1726073_4 created on Mon, 12 Apr 2004 05:07:22 +0000
Posted: Mon, 12 Apr 2004 05:07:22 +0000

[img:5a0d507310]http://img50.photobucket.com/albums/v153/astras/Banners/rules.jpg[/img:5a0d507310]
1. You [b:5a0d507310]MUST RP [/b:5a0d507310]at least once every two weeks. If that's a problem, this isn't the right pet for you.
2. Please write substantial and intelligent posts in your Astra's diary--'tis more fun for everyone.
3. You must RP in the personality given to your Astra on their cert. We spend a long time researching these things, so just do it! xp
4. Please be courteous to everyone in this thread and ESPECIALLY in the RP forum. If you aren't, your Astra will be taken away.
5. Do not, under any circumstances, post in another Astra's journal unless you are specifically asked to by its owner.
6. Please don't harass Calliel about when your next life stage will be complete. It'll be done when it's done, and if Cal is busy answering inane questions, she can't be working on your Astra, can she? 3nodding
7. Please don't harass ANYONE if you don't win the flatsale or auction. That's not their problem, and chances are you'll be able to try again.
8. Don't steal Calliel's art. It's just not very nice and she will kill you. 3nodding
9. You can own only two Astras at a time. It's recommended you only own one, as they're pretty intensive.
10. Have fun! That is, after all, why we're here. Enjoy your Astra.

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Post: 1726073_5 created on Mon, 12 Apr 2004 05:08:09 +0000
Posted: Mon, 12 Apr 2004 05:08:09 +0000

Flatsales currently running: None
Flatsales in the works: Keep watching...perhaps when at least 2 Astras advance to the child stage...*nods*
Flatsale Procedure (thanks to Puchiko of the Mendel Lab for letting me use this idea 3nodding ):
1. When a flatsale is going to be held, I'll give warning in advance.
2. At the start of the flatsale, I will post a scenario and anyone who wants to buy will write a paragraph about that scenario. This is to determine who would be the best roleplayers. I will choose slots depending on how many pets are for sale. The best roleplayers will be allowed to buy.
3. Pets will be flatsold for 10K. This is not negotiable!
4. Don't PM me asking to buy. You must post your paragraph in the sale thread and I will TELL you if you can buy it. 3nodding

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Post: 1726073_6 created on Mon, 12 Apr 2004 05:09:10 +0000
Posted: Mon, 12 Apr 2004 05:09:10 +0000

[img:e69d43cb57]http://img50.photobucket.com/albums/v153/astras/Banners/auction.jpg[/img:e69d43cb57]

This month's auction, for Gemini, will be held on Sunday, June 27 at 3PM Gaia time (PST). It will run, as always, until 24 hours after the final bid. Just like the other zodiac auctions thus far, Gemini will be custom--with a few restrictions. See the auction thread for details.

Here are the auction rules. Auctions will be held for custom Astras as well as major constellations (signs i.e. Libra, Cancer; important ones like [/size:e69d43cb57]Orion, Andromeda).
1. PLEASE keep in mind that these are RP-heavy pets. Winning a custom one does NOT exemplify you from RPing. In accordance, please judge your own writing skills and bid accordingly.
2. I will give notice at least 2 hours before the beginning of an auction so that people can get their funds together.
3. The starting bid of an auction will always be [b:e69d43cb57]15k[/b:e69d43cb57]. Bid increments are [b:e69d43cb57]500g[/b:e69d43cb57].
4. No harassment, of shop owners OR other bidders. If you don't win, that's because someone else can pay more, and that's not their/our problem.
5. Have fun! Chat. Auctions are meant to be fun experiences. 3nodding
6. All auctions will take place on a separate thread.

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Post: 1726073_7 created on Mon, 12 Apr 2004 05:09:58 +0000
Posted: Mon, 12 Apr 2004 05:09:58 +0000

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Post: 1726073_8 created on Mon, 12 Apr 2004 05:11:18 +0000
Posted: Mon, 12 Apr 2004 05:11:18 +0000

[img:28dd2fa102]http://img50.photobucket.com/albums/v153/astras/Banners/calendar.jpg[/img:28dd2fa102]
~7/11/04 - Gemini has arrived, and Alchiba is a child! Pavo gives Alchi a gift: a black collar.
~6/4/04 - The first Astra RP Event is announced!
~6/3/04 - Taurus is here!
~5/23/04 - The second auction begins, for Taurus! Plus, Lepus is an adolescent!
~5/20/04 - OMFG! Aries is a child! And so cuuuuute!
~5/16/04 - Random Event Day! Plus, Lyra is a child!
~5/15/04 - Alchiba is here! Congrats to RikProwley!
~5/10/04 - Lynx is a child! Plus, Pavo gives her a gift: purple slippers.
~4/27/04 - Lepus grows up! Plus, new certificates are introduced. ^__^
~4/25/04 - Cygni grows into a child!
~4/22/04 - The first-ever custom Astra auction is closed! Aries is auctioned. Brad-O-Mac wins.
~4/18/04 - The thread is re-vamped!
~4/16/04 - Pavo visits Lathen with a gift: a photo.
~4/15/04 - Pavo visits Uta with a gift: a blanket.
~4/14/04 - The first ever Astra flatsale is held! Lepus, Lynx and Cygni are auctioned. Uta, fluorescein, and Lathen win (respectively).
~4/11/04 - The ARC thread is up and running, though not complete.

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Post: 1726073_9 created on Mon, 12 Apr 2004 05:12:23 +0000
Posted: Mon, 12 Apr 2004 05:12:23 +0000

[img:cdf7f4e949]http://img50.photobucket.com/albums/v153/astras/Banners/affiliates.jpg[/img:cdf7f4e949]
[img:cdf7f4e949]http://www.waterbead.net/mendels/grphx/title.gif[/img:cdf7f4e949]
Mendel Pets! Quite possibly the most gorgeous pets on the entire Breedables forum. Go and look, and read their Scientific Logs!
[img:cdf7f4e949]http://img47.photobucket.com/albums/v145/aglairathefate/mylittleclone.jpg[/img:cdf7f4e949]
A nice little shop with affordable pets (member of GAP). ^__^
[img:cdf7f4e949]http://www.faintlyfeeling.net/codakrome/temp/banner.jpg[/img:cdf7f4e949][img:cdf7f4e949]http://faintlyfeeling.net/codakrome/temp/auctionbanner.jpg[/img:cdf7f4e949]
Our dear guest artist is having a contest and an auction! Go see, it's worth it!

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Post: 1726073_10 created on Mon, 12 Apr 2004 05:13:32 +0000
Posted: Mon, 12 Apr 2004 05:13:32 +0000

[img:69e84bb722]http://img50.photobucket.com/albums/v153/astras/Banners/resources.jpg[/img:69e84bb722]
Our main resource for constellation info can be found here. It's written by an astronomer from the University of Wisconsin. We also use Horoscope.com to find out when each star cycle ends. Legend info can be found at Wikipedia or at the Peoria Astronomical Institute (thanks to Em for those last two!).