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+---- Thread: 02. Setting & Semi-Realism (/showthread.php?tid=47525)
02. Setting & Semi-Realism - WOLF - June 01, 2021
Wolf takes place in a fictional region of the Pacific Northwest called the Teekon Wilds. There is no human involvement, though characters may know of humans from their past lives, and the untouched wilds feature a diverse range of territories, flora, and fauna. As far as climate and general appearance go, the Teekon Wilds are loosely based on Glacier National Park.
More details on the setting (including species/subspecies resources) can be found within these help articles.
Wolves & Canids
Wolves in Teekon Wilds appear, for the most part, like wolves in real life. Coat colors, physical traits, and physical abilities need to follow realistic standards. Eye color can be anything, natural or unnatural. Coat patterns can vary some but need to be within reason.
We do understand that “within reason” is subjective! Never be afraid to reach out if you question whether a coat pattern is acceptable. Different CMs may have different standards, but we generally discuss and agree when we aren’t sure.
To fit in the continuity of the game, characters that are not born in-game will need to list some location outside of Teekon Wilds as their birthplace/previous home.
To summarize, the following will result in a deny on any application:
- “Manes”, horns, wings, and other features that other animals have but wolves do not.
- Stripes, spots, zig-zags, or overly complex and “perfect” markings. (Some shapes are okay but they should appear naturally feasible)
- Piebald, Merle, or brindle in wolves without direct dog ancestry.
- Coat colors that are outside of the natural range.
- Accessories not normally found in the wild or without clear (plausible) explanation within their backstory.
Characters must be a Canis species in order to join as a non-wild fauna. It is preferred that players choose subspecies native to North America and that characters are born in North America. If you decide to use a subspecies that is not native or your character originated outside North America, you will need to explain how they came to be in the Teekon Wilds within their profile history.
Wild Fauna
We do allow players to bring wild fauna characters into Wolf and play them alongside the wolves of Teekon Wilds. These wild fauna must be realistic depictions of their species and must naturally exist within the Pacific Northwest. We do not accept non-native wild fauna.
The following additional guidelines are specific to wild fauna:
- They cannot join pack ranks and/or officially count as pack members.
- You must have an approved canid character in order to play a wild fauna.
- Regardless of realism, wild fauna are subject to the same guidelines as canid characters. This includes metagaming and powerplay restrictions as well as pack trespassing policies.
Setting
Wolf takes place in a fictional region of the Pacific Northwest called the Teekon Wilds. There is no human involvement, though characters may know of humans from their past lives, and the untouched wilds feature a diverse range of territories, flora, and fauna. As far as climate and general appearance go, the Teekon Wilds are loosely based on Glacier National Park.
More details on the setting (including species/subspecies resources) can be found within these help articles.
Semi-Realism Explained
Because wolf is a community aimed at allowing a variety of writers to come together and create, we have a broad definition of what allows for semi-realism. In its broadest term, “semi” in semi realism is to account for the fact wolves speak, gesticulate, and behave in ways wolves in reality do not behave.
Wolves are fully welcome to be humanized representations. They can emote, think, problem solve, and construct packs and societies however you choose. Our version of realism dictates that the physics in this world are the same as our own. This includes morphological or anatomical limitations such as wolves not having thumbs. Physical appearances in this world are, for the most part, the same as our own with some exceptions for fur colors and patterns.
This subject is best approached in the following terms: If something is permissible on Wolf, it is the norm of the setting.
Examples of acceptable sliding of reality:
- An illness that kills one wolf may not kill another.
- Some wolves may have a concept of human terms - others may not.
- The various dialects across the site.
- Some wolves may interact with and understand wild fauna - others may not.
- Rustic pouches made of pelts.
- Simple items such as shells, stones, or naturally made objects.
- A collar put on by a human.
Examples of unacceptable “immersion breaking” choices:
- A wolf that can fly, backflip, (agilely) climb trees.
- A wolf that can use tools in a way that would require opposable thumbs.
- A subset of the rule above that requires clarification: A wolf creating or fabricating things that would require thumbs. Examples include metalworking, jewelry, and furniture.
- Accessories not normally found in the wild. Examples include armor, decorations, and metal goods.
- Purple, blue, or unnaturally colored wolves.
- Manipulation of fire, including to prepare food or drink.
Please note the above list is not exhaustive. If members have questions or need clarification, please open up a thread in Contact The Staff.