Copyrighted Characters and Snakatoo
It's very important to note that Snakatoo are not allowed to be based off of existing characters for copyright reasons. This guide will hopefully help you to understand why we can't let you do this, and will provide an alternative for you to use if you're dead set on having a Snakatoo that reminds you of your favorite character.
But Why?
Without getting into specific legal details that not everyone will understand, the easiest way to put it is that it is against the law to create a Snakatoo that is an exact copy of another character. In the event that the person who owns the rights to the original character decides that they don't like you copying their character, they can turn this into a big deal. And not only does that spell trouble for us, that spells trouble for you specifically. It's for your safety, so that you won't end up fined real, actual money for making a silly little fox that looks like Pikachu.
What to Avoid
The easiest way to avoid creating an exact copy is to not reference from an image of the character, this generally leads to subconsciously trying to make your design look more like them. It's best not to think about what they look like much at all, in fact. Don't copy their clothes, don't make small changes like their hair color that stand out and don't fit with the design, and don't limit yourself to the colors and markings that the character already has. This will usually lead to a design that looks copied at best, and stolen at worst:
What to do Instead
Instead of basing your design on what the character looks like, try figuring out what aesthetic you like about the character and working from that. It's important that you find something that isn't directly tied to the character you're taking inspiration from. A food that's based on the character (such as a Pikachu martini) isn't going to cut it and these types of food aren't allowed. Try to find a food that reminds you of them, or even just make something new up.
For this, I'm going to use the Sanders Sides as an example, and explain how I designed each one.
"Cotton Candy Thunderstorm"
Virgil was the first design I started working with, mainly because I already had the idea that I wanted to do something related to storm clouds. I picked cotton candy and just went with it, adding in a few thunderbolts to really drive the idea home. He's also got fluffy fur, lop ears, and little horns to give off a bit of a sheep impression, due to his character being somewhat of a black sheep. All in all, his design came together rather nicely.
"Puppy Pattycake"
Patton came next, he's always given me a puppy sort of vibe and I really wanted that to show. I based his general design off of a golden retriever mix, with some spots for flavor. Originally he was going to have only blue blood, but I think having the combination of blue and brown really brings out the innocence of his character. And the name just wrote itself, of course. If I had to design him again without the dog aspect, I'd probably end up going with something pink and blue, just because of his personality.
"Loganberry"
Logan was the hardest to design, and I actually ended up looking at the quick design I had come up with for the example of what not to do for inspiration. The geometric patterns were what really hit me, they may be reminiscent of legos but it fits his logical personality quite nicely and bring some flavor into an otherwise plain design. I'm also glad I decided to keep the subtler markings in as well, the symmetry brings things back into order. And finally, a necktie, because neckties are for serious people.
"Knight in S'mores Armor"
I saved Roman for last because I knew his design was going to be the most fun, I really hinged on the knight aesthetic of it rather than a princely one, just to add an extra step of distance. I don't use natural color schemes too often, but I made an exception for this as I think the design (which was originally all white) really benefited from the addition of brown to add that "toasted" effect. I also decided to give all four of them different ears to differentiate them better, and I think round ears fit this design very well as it reminds me of the Redwall book series.
Conclusion
Inspired designs are generally okay so long as you're making an original design rather than copying an existing one. For this reason, these kinds of designs will be handled on a case-by-case basis and using a character as inspiration will count as an illegal trait. If you make a design specifically inspired by a character, it must be run by the species owner first and may need to be tweaked or changed entirely depending on the design.
Inspired designs will not be allowed in the ARPG due to copyright concerns later down the line.
Snakatia Species
Snakatoo are part of a larger genus, Snakatia.
Here, you can find information about all of the other residents of Evelyyan.
Organic Species
These species evolved naturally over time from Snakatia Snakatus. Each species mentioned is its own genus and has the ability to breed with other Snakatoo.
Dwarf Snakatoo - 'Snakatia Minimus'
Also called 'Tinytoo', Dwarf 'Toos are simply smaller than your average Snakatoo. They enjoy balancing on their tails to feel taller.
Physical:
- Smaller than most other Snakatoo.
- Commonly found on all fours.
- Tend to have more chibi-like proportions.
Social:
Dwarf 'Toos are generally still just as friendly as any other, though many have quick tempers and can get a bit grumpy at times. They're quite common in the Snakatoo community, and are generally employed as couriers or sometimes paid for delicate work with their small paws. Sometimes, they are the victim of bullying or harassment due to their statue, though this is an antiquated view and is generally frowned upon.
Goliath Snakatoo - 'Snakatia Goliath'
Goliath 'Toos are known as the gentle giants of the Snakatoo world. While they may look fearsome, most have a good heart and will often lend a hand with physical work when needed.
Physical:
- Identified by their huge front paws and large claws.
- Large upper body, small back legs and feet.
- At least one pair of visible fangs jutting from the bottom jaw.
Social:
While Goliath 'Toos are fairly rare compared to some other species, they can immediately be picked out of a crowd. They are quite hard workers, and are usually hired for construction purposes or as guards. Often, you'll see them accompanying travelers, either carrying things for them or protecting them from danger.
Microtoo - 'Snakatia Insectum'
Microtoo are a gift to Evelyyan, the smallest species of Snakatoo ever discovered. They are incredibly rare and some say they boast magical powers.
Physical:
- The smallest species of Snakatoo, only inches tall.
- Always found on all fours, and have shorter legs.
- Some may sport insectoid traits.
Social:
Somewhat like fae, they say wishing on a Microtoo will make it come true. Theoretically, there are tens of thousands of these little creatures, though it's rare to even see one - let alone multiple at the same time. However, some Microtoo have found employment in incredibly specialized work, such as clockwork repair.
Snakataur - 'Snakatia Centaurus'
Snakataurs are pretty self explanatory. As skittish as they tend to be, they are almost myths for normal Snakatoo. If you see one, consider yourself blessed.
Physical:
- Larger than any other species of Snakatoo.
- Have six limbs in total, and are capable of rearing up onto their hindmost legs.
- Generally have the same physical traits as other Snakatoo, aside from these.
Social:
Snakataurs are very rare to see around highly populated areas, as they are quite solitary creatures. They are extremely intelligent, but rather shy. They are much more easily found in the wild, such as running through plains or even sometimes climbing trees. This breed started as a mutation, but they have since stabilized into their own genus.
Tunneltoo - 'Snakatia Curriculum'
One of the wild species of Snakatoo, Tunneltoo are big, mole-like versions of their above-ground counterparts. They enjoy eating bugs and have developed for exactly that purpose.
Physical:
- Blind and sensitive to light, they cover their eyes with their ears when near bright light.
- Have a special mole-like nose, and their eyes are primarily closed though they can open.
- Huge, flat front paws with claws used for digging with speed and ease. Their pawpads let them feel vibrations through the earth.
- Always rather fat, the chunkiness keeps them warm under the cool, dark dirt.
Social:
Tunneltoo live underground, in caves or tunnel systems. They only feed on bugs, and have very little reason to come to the surface. They are rarely found anywhere near civilization, but will sometimes live together in small groups with sprawling underground cave systems. Unfortunately, due to their sensitivity to light and sound, they can never adapt to civilian life.
Snakagryph - 'Snakatia Gryphem'
Only found in Hullock, Snakagryphs are the perfect companion for any sky-loving Snakatoo. They are incredibly loyal and if you feed one once, you may find yourself with a half dozen new friends the next day.
Physical:
- Easily identified by beaks, hooves, and wings.
- Always have hooves on the back legs, though can sometimes have them in the front as well.
- Are usually on all fours, but can stand on two for short periods of time.
Social:
Snakagryphs are said to be blessed by Volucris herself! They are found exclusively in the sky city of Hullock, and are often kept as pets due to their childish nature and love for affection. They are prized by Royal 'Toos and Collectors alike, though they are also very helpful in building structures in the sky.
Artificial Species
These breeds of Snakatoo are direct results of human experimentation. Many are long-lived yet infertile, and others are capable of breeding but only with their own kind.
Munchkin Snakatoo - 'Snakatia Prolixus'
Affectionately referred to as 'Wienertoo', Munchkins are primarily used as a symbol of status amongst the better-off Royal 'Toos.
Physical:
- Always found on all fours, have longer bodies and short legs.
- Otherwise, mostly the same as normal Snakatoo.
Social:
Munchkin 'Toos are an artificial subspecies created by selective breeding by humans. Royal 'Toos with this breed as a companion are generally higher in both class and stature. It's mutually beneficial, as those without someone to care for them don't last long due to their inability to breed.
Toorarium - 'Snakatia Terraria'
Awoken from an endless dream and thrust into a world for which they are not prepared, Tooraria often stay away from the bustle of cities and instead take the path of nature. It soothes their minds and keeps them safe.
Physical:
- Each Toorarium has a hollow part of their body, which can be anywhere.
- Just about anything can be inside, including liquids, plants, or even sometimes insects.
- Can be almost any species of Snakatoo.
Social:
Tooraria are an artificial strain of Snakatoo, each one lab-grown. Most have been woken up by now, though there are rumors that some still remain frozen in time inside the abandoned research facility. Many have a hard time integrating themselves into a society, as their instincts are still wild, but they do their best. They are generally nature-oriented and don't live in larger cities. They can breed, but cannot pass on the Toorarium genes.
Clonetoo - 'Snakatia Multiplex'
Clonetoo are a curious sight, as they generally all look quite similar but never exactly the same. It's well-known where they come from, but not how they are created...
Physical:
- Groups of 2 to 4 'Toos that are all genetically identical, cloned from one of the bunch.
- They are never apart and can be found with nearly any species of Snakatia.
- Due to being clones, they always share the same theme.
Social:
Another lab-created species, Clonetoos often find their way out of the abandoned research facility from time to time. The machines in there spark to life sometimes, creating new groups of these interesting species. They cannot breed, and have a short lifespan as without guidance they are generally somewhat helpless. They tend to last much longer if adopted by a Collector. Some say if you can become the leader of one of these groups, you become a Royal 'Too.
Exclusive Species
These species are strictly regulated for lore reasons, but are well worth it for the secrets they keep. Each is important in its own way, and deserves a page all its own.
Tribal 'Toos
Snakatia Tribus
In the beginning, it is said that there was one being, Motoklo. It was the guardian of all things, and the land was peaceful. As Motoklo grew, so did its curiosity. It began to create. The beings it had brought life believed in it, and as such Motoklo gained an incredible power - the Knowledge of All. With such power, Motoklo split into the Great Beings, each given an important task to sustain life for the island. The small beings became the Meixtoo, paying tribute each day to the Great Beings for their service. And when one would fall, they would be birthed anew, spirit cycling into the world once again. Many times, outsiders would attempt to broach the waters of the island, but the Great Beings would always protect what was theirs. And so, the Meixtoo would remain undisturbed for many, many eons.
Physical:
- Their ears stand proud and tall, they have no irises or pupils, and they are immune to Corruption. The mane that extends down their back is to keep them warm in the winter, as is the longer fur on their hips and elbows. The long frills on their necks are purely decorative.
- They usually have animal bones, teeth, feathers, and fur decorating their bodies in some way. These are called ornaments and are specially crafted by 'Toos who follow the Wild religion to show they are now knowledgeable enough to teach their ways to others.
Social:
Tribal 'Toos speak their own ancient language, and follow the Wild religion. When a 'Too has trained hard in the ways of the warrior and their spirit is open, they are gifted the title of Priest or Priestess. This is when they bestow others with ornaments.
Snakatoo are sometimes allowed into the Tribe if they accept the religion of the Wild into their heart, and as a sign of being a follower will make their own ornament. These accessories are always handmade, and the items used have great significance.
They do not have food based themes. They also typically have an animal companion with them. Rarely if ever seen in or near cities. Sometimes will have positive relationships with small towns in exchange for food and goods. Very good at agriculture and farming.
Splicetoo
Snakatia Chimera
Basic Anatomy
Splicetoo are similar to normal Snakatoo, but have a few key differences. They're genetically engineered with spliced DNA from other species not native to the island, which makes them sterile. No individual Splicetoo may have their Genetic Components from the same Class. No two Splicetoo may have the same two species for their Genetic Components, though the same Class is fine. They are primarily feral but can stand and walk on their hind legs, it's just a bit awkward due to them being top-heavy. Each Splicetoo has two primary Genetic Components, which affects the way it looks and how it functions. All Splicetoo have vestigial limbs in the middle of their torso, related to one of their Genetic Components. Finally, every Splicetoo has been engineered with a living tail, which has a hindbrain. Severing the tail can mean death for the Splicetoo.
Blood Color
Because of the Snakatoo Component, certain body parts are still affected by the blood color, even on the parts comprised entirely of another species. I can't cover every single case, but I will try to list as many examples as possible, as well as provide a good base definition for what parts should show the blood color.
If it is composed of an organ, muscle, keratin, chitin, or bare skin that is not the majority of the body, it must show the blood color.
If it is composed of bone (not chitin or keratin), it must be white.
This includes but is not limited to the membrane in leather or chitin wings, the membrane in fins, horns, hooves, claws, avian legs, whiskers, antennae, cheek pouches, underbelly scales, beaks, mucous membranes, and chelipeds.
Snakatoo Component
The Snakatoo Component of the Splicetoo takes up a majority of the body, generally situated in the front half, arms, and primary head. It can be Worldly or Corrupt, and any traits that apply to those parts of the Snakatoo can usually be applied to a Splicetoo. Rarity still applies.
Genetic Component A
Genetic Component A is the DNA of another species unrelated to Snakatoo, which affects the hindquarters and secondary head. It is common for it to be mammalian; it is uncommon for it to be amphibious, reptilian, or avian; and it is rare for it to be anything else such as insectoid, fish, or invertebrate.
Genetic Component B
Genetic Component B is the DNA of another species unrelated to Snakatoo, which affects the vestigial limbs and tertiary head, as well as the species of the tail. It is common for it to be reptilian or avian, which will grant it a pair of feathered or leather wings; it is uncommon for it to be crustacean, mammalian, or insectoid, which will grant it chelipeds, vestigial clawlike appendages, or chitinous wings (respectively); and it is rare for it to be anything else with the secondary limbs fitting such a role, like fins on a fish component.
Please forgive that only the vestigial limbs have been changed for these examples. Your Splicetoo will need to have the entire Genetic Component B changed depending on the Class.
Heads
Splicetoo are the Snakatoo equivalent of the mythical Chimera, and as such it's ideal for them to have multiple heads. Only the Snakatoo head is sentient, any others have base animal instincts and knowledge. The species of the heads depends on the Splicetoo's Genetic Components. They may be situated all alongside one another, or one in the back and one in the front, or one with a longer neck that rests above the first head. It doesn't matter so long as the spines line up and can fuse seamlessly without seeming to break. Three heads is common, two heads is uncommon, one head is rare.
Living Tail
The living tail will always be of the same taxonomic class as Genetic Component B, though it does not necessarily have to be the same species. The tail itself, no matter the species, will always be venomous. It will also still be prehensile and able to support the Splicetoo's weight like a Snakatoo's tail would. There is no rarity system to tails as they follow the rarity of Genetic Component B, though the general idea is that the tail has a long, thick body or neck attached to the rump of the Splicetoo, with a head at the end. Reptiles may find themselves with a snake, avians may find themselves with a swan, fish could have an eel, mammals may end up with a giraffe. It's fairly open. One tail is common, two tails is uncommon, three tails are rare. (All tails must be the same species.)
Submitting Your Splicetoo
When you're finished designing your Splicetoo, upload it to DeviantART and submit it to the Snakatoo-Forest group with a list of traits used in the description, along with the phrase 'I Completed Project Chimera!'
This will be approved soon enough and you'll have a very special Splicetoo that will not be handed out again until another event. There is no time limit to complete your Splicetoo, but please keep in mind no two Splicetoo may use the same two species, so act fast. Remember, I will be checking that you did in fact participate in the event when approving your Splicetoo.
Mythictoo
Snakatia Fabulosa
Mythictoo are the rarest species to date. They come in a few different types and each type has specific traits to it, but what they all have in common is special magic. The title of Mythictoo can only be granted by one of the Great Beings, or so it is told. Mythictoo come in six breeds, each pertaining to the faction which they represent. All Mythictoo are praised as gods in the Snakatoo world. They are strictly regulated, and a user may only ever own one. From a lore standpoint, they are known to be generally benevolent and will often help 'Toos in need.
Foo Breeds have big upper bodies, big fangs pointing up or down, long curled claws, big horns, curled tails always close to the body, and wispy cloudy fur around the neck and feet.Maned Breeds have large upper bodies, broad faces, round ears, and slitted eyes. They have long, shaggy fur and a huge mane that encompasses most of the front of their body, as well as a tufted tail.Beast Breeds most noticeably have an extra pair of arms. They are stocky, built to lift the weight of the very earth. They usually have lots of fur and straight tails, as well as long snouts.Serpent Breeds have long, winding bodies that can shift into the proportions of a normal Snakatoo at will. They are often covered in fins and scales, and always have fins on the side of their head.Phoenix Breeds have feather crests on their heads, up to 6 wings on their backs, and a long winding tail that can have up to 2 sets of mini wings on it.Salamander Breeds do not have ears, and have smooth skin rather than fur. They also have cheek pouches that swell up when they breathe fire, as well as crests or horns on their head.
Royal 'Too
Snakatia Rex
Also known as Royal 'Too or Kingatoo, Snakatia Rex are the most infamous species of Snakatoo. They consist of one large 'Too, the eldest, and three smaller Snakatoo that follow the leader everywhere. These smaller Snakatoo can consist of nearly any other species, and are never apart. The way they sit upon their tails is reminiscent of a throne.
- Generally make up a good portion of the upper class.
- Only second to Collectors in social status.
- Rarely do any sort of work, but contribute to the economy by being supervisors, etc.
Snakatia Rex Corrumpere
Corrupted Royals are extremely rare. The eldest of the group shows signs of the Corruption, and one of the three smaller too is missing, consumed by the larger. These Kings never have more than 2 smaller 'Toos with them.
- Scorned by their peers and feared by the masses, they are solitary aside from their companions.
- Basically the entire reason Corrupt 'Toos are still somewhat feared.
- Some smaller groups of Corrupt 'Toos may be ruled by a Corrupt Royal 'Too.
Collector 'Too
Snakatia Rex Oratio
Collectors are Royal 'Too that have more than 3 smaller 'Toos with them, and often they collect a specific type of 'Too. Those with them were not created with them like other Royal 'Too, they were collected for a purpose. Collectors are thought to be the most dangerous species, they not only have the same deadly nature as those under the Corruption, but are highly intelligent - even moreso than normal Snakatoo. Collectors cannot be corrupt, but their smaller 'Toos can.
- Highest of upper class, Collectors basically make up the 1%.
- To be chosen by a Collector is a bit like being adopted or becoming an apprentice.
- Some say Collectors were chosen by the Mythictoo to create order and society. Really, they just have a higher level of intelligence.