[ Poll ] ((Hiccups)) :: Dangerous Demetri pg 636! Sale in post1

What would you like?

Holiday sale		11.5%	[ 3 ]
Theme sale		19.2%	[ 5 ]
Premade sale		11.5%	[ 3 ]
Newbie sale		30.8%	[ 8 ]
Contest		7.7%	[ 2 ]
Customs		3.8%	[ 1 ]
Gold		15.4%	[ 4 ]

Total Votes: 26

[quietsnooze]

There are spirits everywhere. That tickle across your skin, the smallest tap of wind chimes, the cool breath on your windowpane in autumn, and the movement that catches the corner of your eye. But no longer can we properly see or feel them as our ancestors may have been able to. Not until they regain corporeal form, that is..

They are the Hiccups, the naturally unnatural, those brought to new life through old magic. But not by their own accord, and not without a little help from a seemingly crazy, certainly eccentric shaman lady..

Welcome! And make yourself at home, darlings, you're bound to stay a while.

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2. Story
3. News
4. Rules
5. Hiccups
6. Stages
7. Seasonal Influences
8. Availability
9. RP/Growth Requirements
10. Spirits and Vessels
11. Headquarters
12. FAQ
13. Affiliates
14. Staff
15. Credit

Premade sale!!

[exipotic]

The story of spirits have been told for generations and generations, but their praise and worship have become mere whispers with "modern technology" muting their significance. It seems that in a fast and busy world, no longer can most manage to, never mind bother to stop to, hear and see their existence.

Perhaps that's why she did it, then. If there was reasoning behind it at all, then to cause us to listen would be the motivating factor.

Everywhere, there are remnants of spirits that echo off organic objects, in search of passage back into the corporeal world of the living. Their desperation to depart from a state of purgatory drives them to be willing to take any organic vessel, be it animal or plant and take on a new life. The process involves ancient magic and setting fire to the object, joining two spirits into one and creating, by mistake, a "hiccup" of genetics and spirits.

The hiccup occurs when the spirit tries to push the other spirit, the one still living in the now dying vessel, out of the way. It can't be done. Instead, in a genetic hiccup of sorts, they become one spirit, and the vessel, burned away, becomes a Hiccup. The human spirit no matter what is more dominant, so the child is more or less human, but will retain qualities reflective of the vessel. The magic involved in creating Hiccups is not perfected, by any means, and because of this weakness, Hiccups are always very young to begin with, as this age is easiest to replicate. Being that these children are mutants of sorts, they have superhuman abilities that reflect one or both of the spirits, or at least make sense in accordance to them. The spirit's influence can be extreme or mellow, depending on the individual. For example, the child may retain an accent from their spirit or a feral quality from their vessel. Memories from the spirit are mangled, but, over time and through hard work, can be recovered.

As organic as this magic is, it is in the lore of the earth that we find more influence on the Hiccup's life. They are influenced not by the stars above as astrology may tell, but by the season in which they were birthed, and are said to adopt qualities reflective of said season. Spring, summer, autumn, winter; all hold traits individual to their own weather and time of year, as can be discovered in later explanations. As true with astrology, not all qualities of the season will be bestowed upon the Hiccup, but it is true that knowing a Hiccup's birthing season will provide a good indication as to what you're dealing with.

But you ask, how does this process happen? Does a spirit have the ability of performing its own renewal? No, far from it. There is a woman, a fool meddling with nature, or so it seems, who is said to have the ability to shapeshift. Therefore, if one was to give a description of said woman, to warn of her presence in case of her forcing upon you a Hiccup of her creation, I am afraid it is not easily done, as rarely does she take on the same guise twice. She is said to hear and feel the echo of spirits and their potential desired vessels, and messes with fate by providing the means by which the two spirits are able to meld into one very wacky, though admittedly unique, genetic hiccup.

And if you're so lucky to have been the victim of the aforementioned forcing upon of a Hiccup.. good luck to you.

Is there rhyme or reason to this shamanistic meddling shapeshifter's ways? Does she really know what's best for spirit and for vessel, in tempting the nature of things by performing such rituals? One can't be sure, but I've heard of a woman who lives in a shack of a house down by the seaside who seems to have taken a DEEP interest in finding this out.. Perhaps you should go ask her!

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06-30-2009 : Exi is stronger. Her abilities allow her to draw the Earth's magic into older Hiccup creations. Thus, teen birthed Hiccups begin to be born. Meanwhile, there is a stir from her past.. and she may have to begin running again.
05-11-2009 : Exipotic raises red flags by desecrating many mythical beasties and changing them into Hiccups. Bad subtly move. Great results.
11-28-2008 : A Hiccup is rejected upon creation; Exi is surprised, for this has not happened since.. well, she doesn't like to remember those Hiccups. Heketoro is taken on as an apprentice of her work.
06-28-2008 : Exi makes her first mistakes; her process is reported on in a science magazine, and a tabloid magazine. Time to go underground for a while.
04-25-2008 : A festival is held, in disguise.
01-06-2008 : Taig, Exi's first official Hiccup, is birthed from fire, water, air, earth, and electricity. Many more will follow.
01-05-2008 : The first official stirrings of Exi's prowess.

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Old Threads:
- First Flatsale.
- Kite Flying Festival
- Cheshire Guest Auction
- HICRS Festival
- Hallow Hiccups
- Champagne Hiccups
- Mythical and Ridiculous Hiccups

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x. No drama in the thread, please! If you have a problem with someone or something, take it to PMs or notify someone within the shop staff to help mediate the issue. Hopefully your problem can be resolved swiftly and without conflict.

x. No stealing the artwork. This ought to go without saying, but STILL needs to be said. Don't be rude or disrespectful. Guardians are entitled to use shop images as they please for their journals and signatures, but keep credit where due.

x. Please use ((brackets)) of some kind when roleplay is in progress within the thread, otherwise it is not required that you use brackets at all times. We consider it a courtesy to those in the midst of a roleplay to not throw off their game, so to speak.

x. Bumping is truly unnecessary within this thread, though chatting and conversation in general is always encouraged!

x. Try not to stretch the page with posting of images. It's kind of rude and more than a bit troublesome for people who have smaller screen resolutions. Instead, please paste a link so we can enjoy it that way.

x. Keep the whining to a minimum. There shouldn't be a reason for this, but if you have a complaint or a problem, please just let us know. We encourage communication. And this counts doubly about growths and quests!!

x. If you have a question regarding this shop, please post your question to the thread. There should be someone about that can help! Do make sure you've read everything on the front page first! If you're embarrassed about your question, feel free to send me a PM instead.

x. What staff says goes! Guardians are and will be consulted on major issues, but please do not attempt to undermine authority.

x. Co-owning is discouraged because it creates disruptions in a character's continuity. Twin Hiccups will be very rare but feasible.

x. Please keep us informed of any possible, upcoming, or ongoing hiatuses. If a guardian will be away for a prolonged period of time, it is recommended that the Hiccup be given a temporary home appointed by guardian, and written IC-ly, such as a "vacation" for the Hiccup.

x. Users are allowed to have multiple Hiccups. However, effective immediately, it will be necessary that, upon getting a second, third, fourth, etc. Hiccup, that the last arrived Hiccup belonging to that person (regardless if you are using the same guardian or not) should be at least at child stage. Please understand that this is done to regulate the amount of people at each stage, and to assure that you are giving an adequate amount of time to each Hiccup's needs, and aren't just rushing into things because you have a lot of ideas. We respect your enthusiasm, but we would like to spread that love around a little! <3

x. Use the growth form when you have fulfilled your growth requirements, and PM it to the mule. Please read it carefully. You are allowed to suggest one (1) learning object or toy, as specified they gain through the requirements; this does not include living things or people. Growth art is of your Hiccup only. We have had several misunderstandings of this sort, so, to clarify, you can suggest a pose and or an object to help the artist better conceive of how to portray your child in the most accurate way. We still retain all artistic license and the ability to interpret your child in a way we think you would appreciate. Please avoid dictating to us what we should do; it will only lead to frustration on both ends. So, in short, read everything carefully when you fill it out!

x. If you are unhappy with how your Hiccup is developing, the PCM (post creation mutation) event runs every couple months to help remedy this. Pay attention to when it happens; you can get rid of that tail or add an extra set of arms, but everything MUST be in accordance to the vessel! No adding extra limbs if you have a four legged mammalian Hiccup! Otherwise, go crazy! We'll monitor to make sure you're not going TOO crazy, hehe.

x. Read quest prompts twice. If the prompt is not to your liking, you can discuss it with the mule. If you think that the quest is boring, that is up to you; a prompt is just a starting point. Do not rush through these quests. Quests are meant to be LONGER THAN a typical entry in the Hiccup's journal, for each post. Quests are ranged in difficulty according to the age of the Hiccup, but that does not mean that you are to spend five minutes completing a quest you were just given. We will, in the future, ask that you write more or expand on what you have written, if it is not to my or the artist's approval. A quest is a final landmark to earn the new artwork; if you spend ten minutes on it, we'll feel cheated having spent ten hours on your artwork. Hopefully everyone can agree that it is only fair that we feel you have put a fair amount of time and effort into your Hiccup as we have.

x. These rules are subject to modification as seen fit!

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[exipotic]

Spirits and Vessels
Abraham, Moltovic, Nathan, Evangeline, Krashack, Valeri.

Toddlers







Children




Teenagers




Adults
None at the moment.

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Newest Growth:

[exipotic]

Preparatory of Vessel meeting Spirit
Aww, look, there's a bunny in your yard, eating up your carrots! Never mind that one toothed hobo poking through your garbage, I'm sure if you don't feed him he'll go away.. What? A fire in your yard?! Oh well, at least that hobo is gone..

Toddler
Congrats, you're in charge of another human life other than your own! It cries. It isn't yet housebroken, but it certainly can break your house. Cater to your toddler's needs, and hopefully they won't get into your good china or baseball card collection any time soon.

Child
Little balls of energy! Try keeping up now that they know how to run! They can be sent to school now, and love to meet new friends. Watch out for their powers, though, they haven't yet grown into them.. So you might want to start, say, fireproofing your couch or something.

Adolescent
Who wishes they could just skip this awkward part of life all together? Hmm? Well, everyone has to face the music sometime, so you might as well make the best of it and dance your pretty little feet away. First loves, surging hormones, and rebellion! Need I say more?

Adult
Time for them to get out on their own! They have fully come into their self and accepted their spirit.. both of them! Powers are full fledged and able to be fully controlled by now. They can go off and lead their own lives as they see fit, and even raise their own families. Joy to the world, they're out of your hair! Hahaha.

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[exipotic]

The creation of a Hiccup takes great strength and influence from the earth, and, in doing so, reflects the current state of the earth itself. As we all understand, there are four seasons throughout the calendar year: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. And when a Hiccup is created, under which season they are birthed derives much from the earth's current state, as well. This is to say, a Hiccup born in Winter will reflect in personality, obvious or no, the traits of this birthing season.

Quote:

http://img123.imageshack.us/img123/5371/birthspringom3.jpgA Hiccup birthed in Spring can be.. impulsive, persistent, tentative, not quite self assured, servile, more emotionally unstable, clumsy, and adaptable.

Quote:

http://img292.imageshack.us/img292/5162/birthsummerft9.jpgA Hiccup birthed in Summer can be.. careless, hot-headed, outgoing, passionate, exuberant, overwhelming, high strung, temperamental, witty, restless.

Quote:

http://img244.imageshack.us/img244/6332/birthautumngk6.jpgA Hiccup birthed in Autumn can be.. reflective, fleeting, vibrant, not as emotionally "warm", evasive, open-minded, dynamic, brave, messy, scatterbrained.

Quote:

http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/4755/birthwinterfw0.jpgA Hiccup birthed in Winter can be.. withdrawn, laid back, patient, stubborn, methodical, detail-oriented, competitive, influential, loyal, generous, opinionated.

Just as people occasionally deviate from the mold of astrology, so too do Hiccups from their Season. Oftentimes, however, it still remains that a handful of traits associated with their Season can still be applied to the Hiccup, more so than those of other Seasons. For reasons of clarity and consistency, and also because we have friends in both the north and south hemispheres, the North American seasonal system will be adopted. This means:

* Winter (89 days) begins on 21-22 Dec, the winter solstice
* Spring (92 days) on 20-21 Mar, the vernal equinox
* Summer (93 days) on 20-21 June, the summer solstice
* Autumn (90 days) on 22-23 Sept, the autumnal equinox

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[exipotic]

When will the next Hiccups be available? See below for details!

Flatsale

Costs a solid 20k. None planned as of late

Auction

None planned as of late

Contest

Late July, beach party contest

Quester Events

None planned as of late

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[exipotic]

The factor of time is very weighty in determining growth of a Hiccup. That being said, activity plays a part in whether proper development has taken place and growth is warranted. Completion of the following requirements in most circumstances ensures such development has taken place.

Preparatory of Vessel meeting Spirit -> Toddler
A single journal documentation exhibiting the future guardian's reaction to either the vessel, or to the possibility of a spirit closeby. It must include - but not roleplay! - the shapeshifter lady in a guise of your choosing. This is why journal is recommended. Please do not explicitly describe her [or his, you can change her gender if her guise is such!] magic, but use to full extent the process or aftermath. That is to say, a plant or animal is on fire and there is chaos and wtf is happening?! The method by which your guardian finds/stumbles upon/owns/knows/etc. the vessel is up to you..

Toddler -> Child
Three documented roleplay sessions, three entries from guardian, one entry from Hiccup, and at least one toy or learning object introduced and gained.

Child -> Adolescent
Eight documented roleplay sessions with at least five different people, five entries from Hiccup, and at least three toys or learning objects introduced and gained.

Adolescent -> Adult
Sixteen documented roleplay sessions with at least five different people, seven entries from Hiccup, and at least three new possessions introduced or gained.

Complete this form and PM it to me when you feel all the requirements have been met, to be put on queue for a growth quest.

Quote:

Hiccup's name:
Hiccup's desired stage: [IE. What is the next stage of growth for them to reach.]
Most influential aspect of the Hiccup's life during his/her current stage of development: [Did their parental units divorce? Did they get a new sister? Did they meet new friends? Were they primarily happy, sad, disturbed, confused, etc.?]
Any changes in appearance? Why or why not?: [Haircut, different style of clothing, ear piercing..]
Any changes in personality? Why or why not? [Grumpier? Happy-go-lucky? More responsible? You tell me!]
Toy/Item: [What is your Hiccup's favourite toy or item? What is its use or purpose? What condition is it in? This is for what will appear in your official art, and should be kept in character.]
Anything else:

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[exipotic]

What is a spirit?

A spirit is an incorporeal energy that is present in every living thing. The ones we refer to, however, are those that have left the living body through death and have since been left to roam the earth without purpose, without direction, and, without a vessel, expressionless.

A spirit, as common amongst traditional peoples, is distinctly different than the concept of a soul, as it is developed and grows into an integral aspect of a living being. Therefore, when separated from life through death but there hence surviving the process of death, a spirit is left to wander, maintaining consciousness, but requiring a vessel like which it lost. Spirits are always humans, because human spirits are the only ones strong enough to possibly survive death.

Examples of a spirit: 80's rockstar who suffered an overdose, knight from the octagon table, the unfortunate tourist who fell victim to a tribe of cannibals..

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What is a vessel?

A vessel is a corporeal being that is living flesh and blood. In most cases, anyway. Vessels are organic beings that have spirits of their own, and can indeed be perfectly content and unknowing toward their fate as a passageway for a spirit back into the living world.

It is not known why vessels are chosen, as, usually, a spirit does not have a preexisting relationship with the vessel nor a particular preference toward said vessel. Vessels are never human, because the human spirit is far superior and the fuse cannot be with two dominant spirits fighting for control. A vessel is oftentimes not a willing subject to a carrier of a spirit, and therefore the existing spirit within the vessel fights the other that is pushing its way through back into existence. This is the method by which a vessel and a spirit fuse improperly into a Hiccup.

Examples of a vessel: cactus, a ten foot long python, lily pad, peregrine falcon, Belgian hare..

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[exipotic]

Exipotic's home is open to everyone, even when she's not around. It's located in a fairly wooded area, has its own pumpkin patch, and extends onto acres of land worth exploring. There is access via a cobblestone road, and an on call bus service that seems to know when you need it.

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[exipotic]

Q: How much do the kids resemble the vessels?
A: It varies. The human spirit is always the most dominant so the resulting Hiccup will be more human than vessel. But! I'm leaving it open for more feral Hiccups, for example, just not a wolf cub who happens to speak English or something.

Q: Do you take customs and pet trades?
A: I may take customs in the future, yes. Pet trades I'm very wary to engage in because I am certain I do not have the time or resources to dedicate to such a commitment. Sorry guys, I just don't want to feel like I'm abusing privileges or being neglectful to obligations! However, if you still wish to inquire about a custom or a bribe, please PM this mule account. Be aware that I will not take any Gaian amount lower than 500k 750k not applicable and will rise with every custom accepted. Real money customs start at $50 per Hiccup.

Q: Can I play up stereotypes?
A: Of course! There are plenty of opportunities for irony, and certainly stereotypes are more relatable than more obscure combinations. That's not to say that I fully support either way, it's just that if you find stereotypes work best for you, go for it! If you thrive with a challenge of obscurity, go for it!

Q: Could a vessel be a mythical creature [unicorn, phoenix, etc]?
A: In order for a vessel to be, well, a vessel, it has to exist. Lucky for us, Gaia's a magical place! I'd say since they'd be rare mythical creatures with an emphasis on rare, that auctions and or customs would be the way to go. Unfortunately unless you have a living dinosaur or something I don't think we can quite make excuses as to why you'd have one of them in your backyard, XD.

Q: Will twins be available through flatsale, contest, or auction?
A: First off, let's define the concept of twins as, either the vessels or the spirits are related and have a correlation prior to the magical Hiccuping process. Now, it will be uncommon, but not rare, to see twins with ordinary, found-everywhere-in-nature vessels. Related spirits as well as dissimilar vessels will be strictly opportunity auction only.

Q: How many of their memories from their past lives do the children retain?
A: Memories are very skewered. You have to realize that the process of Hiccuping is very strained, and any memories that are recovered from either spirit - that's right, memories can be from the vessel too! - will be choppy, unclear, and hazy. In no way would they be able to remember exactly who they were, their first grade teacher's name, the day that they learned to tie their shoelaces, or their last known address. But! They might remember something resembling a flashback, with bits and pieces unclear to them. Memories are recovered very slowly, so very rarely will toddlers and children experience them. They'll make for great quests, though! ;D

Q: What if my guardian does not have a house/lawn/isn't near wildlife? What is to be done about, say, large animal vessels or exotic plants?
A: The shapeshifting woman is far too eccentric to play up the same trick too often. And even in guises, as she'll be every time, the police will start paying attention to a supposed arsonist running around. That's why she'll have to be creative! >D Or rather, you will, since that's pretty much your requirement to receive your Hiccup. Determine under what situation your character'll be somewhere with the vessel animal or plant of your choosing and why it might be their responsibility to raise the kid when the shapeshifter performs her firey magic.

Q: Will multiple breeds of different species be allowed?
A: I'm not going to put restrictions on anything that might be common. There are plenty of breeds of dogs, so yes, perhaps poor Ms. Finnigan's poodle was taken to be a vessel and then so was the Bloor's rottweiler at a later date, :B. But if we're talking a rare one toed pelican imported from Timshalmdanfohganshoz, no, there will not be two of those, XDDD.

Have a question not answered here? PM quietsnooze or post it in the thread!

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[quietsnooze]

Meet the one and only.. shop owner and artist, Phoo!

Name: Phoenix "Phoo" Snooze.
Age: 21.
Occupation: Animation student.
Location: Oakville, ON.
Website: http://quietsnooze.com

Hey guys! I'm the hangs pulling all the strings back here. You can say I'm the man behind the curtain, ehehe. While a great deal of my time and energy will be dedicated to my studies, I'm here for you and the shop whenever necessary! Love and limes, darlings!

Meet the one and only.. character design consultant, Dee!

Name: Dee.
Age: 21.
Occupation: Animation student/ Design Slave Consultant.
Location: Canada.
Website: http://lunaticfrequency.blogspot.com

"I like rainbows and long walks on the beach. CALL ME NOW FOR YOUR FREE TAROT READIN'!"

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Artwork (c) quietsnooze 2008.
Story and concept (c) quietsnooze 2008.
Journal idea (c) Anya! XD.
Character concepts and personalities (c) their individual writers.

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