Character applications must meet the general word count minimum based on their age. Bios cannot exceed the overall word count maximum of 2500 words. The word count both acts as a logistical tool for staff readers and demonstrates substantial character development. 

Warriors/Prey-hunters/Stone-Guards + -- 700 - 2500

Apprentices/To-bes -- 600 - 2500

Kits -- 500 - 2500

The word count is an overall combined word count for the entire character application. Each section does not need to meet a specific word count requirement. Instead, each section will add up to the required general word count.

*Character bios must be written in narrative summary. This means that the objectives are easy to decipher and the history is written in chronological order. Bios can include narrative scenes and dialogue, but the entire bio cannot be written as a collection of scenes. There needs to be concrete details. Think of the bio as a summarized timeline.

Once your bio is completed. Tag a staff member in the discord or remove the WIP from the bio. The bio must then sit for 24 hours to ensure it receive a proper review from two staff members. If there are any issues with the bio, a staff member will reach out to you privately to make edits. Members are not allowed to dictate what is or is not acceptable in someone else's bio.

The dimensions of the biography images are 100 x 100 for the small image and 470 x 300 for the large image. Image urls must end in a picture format, such as .png or .jpeg, to work. If you need help entering a image into the application, contact a staff member for assistance.

Character images must be of real cats. While we love seeing artwork of your character, we ask for the sake of consistency, and to help other members visualize your character, to use real cat photos. You may display character artwork in the #art channel in the discord or in your personal OOC threads/trackers.

Face claims must be linked in the bio, so the original photographers can receive credit for their work. If the picture is merely from google, and you don't know the original source, we advise checking out flickr, instagram, deviantart, or pixabay for more traceable albums.

If you need help finding a face claim for your character, check out the #character-planning channel on the discord for assistance from another member or contact a staff member.

The appearance section must meet the section objectives in order to be accepted. All objectives must be written out in full sentences. There is no specific word or sentence count for the section. Instead, focus on meeting the objective requirements to describe a fully fleshed out character. Not all objective questions need to be answered. Questions are merely listed as prompts. Staff readers simply need to see that the objective was described in full sentences.

*Bullet points or lists are not allowed.

Character Stature -- Describe the stature of the cat. This relates to height, weight, length, or musculature. Is the cat bulky? small? lithe? Where do they build muscle? How does the cat compare to their clan-mantes? Use the clan and tribe information as a reference. Redwood cats are typically bulky and muscular, while some tribe cats have oriental lineage. However, the clans and tribe do exhibit some genetic diversity, so the clan and tribe information is not strict law.

Character Pelt -- Describe the coat of the cat. This relates to fur length, texture, color, and pattern. Does the cat have soft, downy fur? or is the coat short and sparse? Do they boast the typical tabby 'M'? or mimic leopard spots?  Thistcleclan cats are usually dark in color, while Lichenclan cats are often lighter to blend in with the caves. Redwood warriors have long-fur, while Thistle boasts short.

Character Face -- Describe the face of the cat. This relates to shape, ear size, muzzle length or size, and eye color. Does the cat have a narrow pointed muzzle? or a wide circular face? Are their eyes the color of amber? blue? Use this space to distinguish them from the rest. Whisker and nose color can be elaborated on here as well.

To make the character more realistic within the context of the island, and to allow members to win rare / special traits from contests or events, specific coat and eyes colors, deformities, disabilities, or other special features indicated in the list are not allowed on the site. Members can only redeem them if they win the rare / special trait prize in a contest or if the character is born in a litter roll.

Note: The official rare trait list and pure breed rule was not enacted until September 1, 2020, so characters created before this date are allowed to exhibit these traits, including previously made adopts. Characters created after September 1, 2020 cannot have any of these traits unless won or rolled.

RARE / SPECIAL TRAIT LIST

Curled Ears
Folded Ears
Polydactyl
Heterochromia in non-white or below 50% white spotting cats
Deafness
Muteness
Blindness
Missing/Deformed Limbs
Manx, bobbed tail, or tailless cats
Male Calico/Torties
Vitiligo
Underbite/Overbite
Black Fur or coat colors w/out white + Blue Eyes
Curly-coated cats
Hairless cats
Lykoi cat

Similarly, due to the isolation of the island and the severe lack of a two-leg presence on the island, pure breed cats are incredibly rare on the forum. This means that a character cannot be described or listed as a pure bred cat in their biography. However, members can use a pure bred cat, such as a Main Coon or a Siamese, as a face claim as these coloration and patterns can occur in mixed bred cats over time. Lastly, each clan does have a breed of cat that appears more regularly in their lineage than other clans. These cats are allowed to be described and claimed.

Note: If wanted, members can use their rare trait prize to create or claim their character as a specific pure bred cat.

ACCEPTED PURE BREED LIST

Turkish Angora/Van - RedwoodClan
Russian Blue - ThistleClan
Siamese - LichenClan
Oriental - Tribe of Floating Stones

If members have any questions about what is or is not allowed on the site, contact moony for more information and clarification.

The personality section must meet the section objectives in order to be accepted. All objectives must be written out in full sentences. There is no specific word or sentence count for the section. Instead, focus on meeting the objective requirements to describe a well-round and dynamic character. Not all objective questions need to be answered. Questions are merely listed as prompts. Staff writers simply need to see that the objective was described in full sentences.

*Bullet points or lists are not allowed.

Two Positive Traits -- Describe how the character exhibits two positive traits. This can be written out in sections, where the writer describes one positive character trait in depth and then moves onto the second, or it can be written simultaneously. If a staff member can easily distinguish the two positive traits, then it is fine.

Positive traits are typically traits that would be advantageous to the clan and other clan-mates. This means traits such as friendly, keen, caring, or determined are generally positive. However, traits such as confident, talkative, or resourceful are a bit more subjective. A confident cat can both be admirable or annoying. In this case, make sure how to describe the particular trait is positive or negative. Use your descriptions to reiterate to the reader how the trait positively or negatively impacts the character or clan.

Two Negative Traits -- Describe how the character exhibits two negative traits. Similar to the positive trait section, the writer can choose how they want to construct this section, as long as it is written in complete sentences and is obvious to staff readers.

Like positive traits, the negative traits are generally traits that hinder the character or clan. Traits such as callous, irritable, or apathetic are typically negative. However, similar to the positive traits, a trait, such as authoritative, could be both advantageous or disadvantageous depending on how the character shows this trait or the context. A strict domineering cat who is authoritative could be seen as a dictator, while a cat with admirable leadership qualities could also be considered authoritative. Use the section to explain how each trait helps or hinders the character.

Like the appearance, use the clan or tribe information as a reference for personality. While a snarky or sarcastic cat might be demonized in Lichenclan, they might be celebrated in Thistleclan. However, the clan or tribe information is not law. Characters can and will exhibit unusual clan characteristics - just make sure to explain how it is negative or positive.

*Characters can have more than two positive and negative traits. There just needs to be two in each category to be accepted by a staff reader.

The history section must meet the section objectives in order to be accepted. All objectives must be written out in full sentences. There is no specific word or sentence count for the section. Instead, focus on meeting the objective requirements to describe a the events and moments that created the character. Not all objective questions need to be answered. Questions are merely listed as prompts. Staff writers simply need to see that the objective was described in full sentences.

*Bullet points or lists are not allowed.

Kithood -- Describe the what happened to the character as kit. This includes lineage, parents, siblings, and any major and minor events. How did the parents fall in love? How many kits were in the litter? What events shaped their personality? Writers can devote in-depth sentences to this section or be as concise as possible. If the cat had a rather normal kithood, then say that and vise versa. Clan and tribe information can be utilized here as well. Redwood and Lichen have been at war for years, Thistle often deals with loner activity, and the tribe is incredibly familial.

Apprenticeship -- Describe what happened to the character as an apprentice or to-be. This includes mentor, den-mates, juvenile relationships or crushes, and major or minor events. Who was their mentor? How did they train? Who did they train with? Did they have any crushes? romances? friendships? Did family members die? coddle them? antagonize them? Did the character experience a traumatic event? happy event? How did this stage in life impact their personality? appearance? One more, history sections can be as concise or in-depth based on the character needs.

Warrior Status -- Describe what happened to the character as a warrior or fully fledged tribe member (prey-hunter or stone-guard). This includes warrior or tribe member ceremony, den-mates, impactful relationships, family members,  and major or minor events. When did they receive their warrior or tribe member ceremony? Why do they have their specific warrior name? Did they fall in love? have kits? suffer heartbreak? Did they experience major trauma? Did they lose friends? mates? family members? History sections can be as concise or in-depth based on the character needs or status.

*High rank characters must describe their leader, deputy, medicine cat, healer, or head tribe member ceremony. Also describe why or what led to their high rank status.

*Outsider cats still follow these objectives. Replace apprenticeship with juvenile moons, and replace warrior status with adult moons and/or season. Think about why this character is an outsider and what led to their outsider status.

*Characters that have not reached apprentice/to-be or warrior/tribe member status do not need to write about their apprenticeship or warrior status; since it did not happen yet. Base the objectives on their age.

*Family and friends do not have to die! Feel free to place these characters up for adoption. Otherwise, it is fine to make up family and friends for the character, and then to never mention them again. That is cool. We do it all the time.

*Clan and tribe cats cannot kill another clan or tribe cat within their own clan in their histories. For example, a Thistleclan cat cannot kill another Thistleclan cat for whatever reason. Killing cats in battle with another clan and/or rogue/loner is fine since it is sanctioned. Outsiders can kill other cats in their histories. This is fine.

*Characters can also use existing, accepted characters in their histories; however, make sure to grab permission from the member first. This can make each clan seem more cohesive. If members want to use deceased NPC characters in their bios or involve their character in a significant plot, please contact a staff member for permission first.