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Main Page / Shop / Nursery / Explore / Quests / MYO & Customs / NPCs / Archive / Artist Search / Discord

Welcome to the world of exploration! Us at Tides are thrilled to open the gates to endless adventures for your Hydrafelidae. Within this forum, you can weave tales of daring journeys, unravel the secrets of the deep and even connect with fellow explorers. Whether you're scavenging for rare treasures, braving encounters with mysterious creatures or simply sharing your Hydrafelis' story, the possibilities are endless!

As you dive into exploration, your Hydrafelis world can grow and evolve - from gathering resources and crating unique items to discovering new companions and uncovering hidden zones. With every journey, you'll unlock rewards, face peril and expand your collection of rare and extraordinary finds.

The seas are vast, and the tides are calling. Let your imagination guide you as you navigate the tides of the abyss. Who knows what wonders - or challenges - await just beneath the surface?

So, gather your courage, rally your Hydrafelidae, and dive in! The tides are yours to explore!

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Welcome to the Tides of the Abyss Exploration page! Below is everything you may need to get started!

BEGINNING YOUR ADVENTURE
To start, there are two forms in this post. One form is a 'Pod Introduction' form, where you will go ahead and fill that out, posting it on this page! Essentially this is for our writers to get to know your Hydrafelidae, their environment, their preferred prey... just about anything you can think of! We are open to any types of prey and dangers, so be as specific as you'd like!



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[center][b][color=#42ae9f][size=150]Welcome to my Pod![/size][/color][/b][/center]
[left][url=here][b]POD/STORAGE[/b][/url]

[list]text here! include any lore about your pod that our writers need to know about, including prey, threats, relationships, where they live, etc! please write as much as you'd like, honestly the more the better![/list][/left]



AFTER INTRODUCING US TO YOUR POD
Once you post your introductory post, one of our writers will claim your pod! Once your pod is claimed, you can write your first Adventure! Adventures consist of 4 different types: hunting, border, tidecombing and quick foraging. Make sure to read more about these in the post below this one! Each type of adventure offers different outcomes, some risky, some rewarding... some both! Your explore posts can also be about whatever you'd like in terms of content as long as it relates to this specific ARPG, and is following one of the 4 types of explore.

Once your pod is approved, go ahead and use this form for your explore posts:



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:3


You are 100% MORE than welcome to design your own form! We just need basics such as your storage link, a link to your last post, a link to the last writers response, your full pod list, your prey list and medicinal storage.

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As your community of hydrafelis grows, you'll need to gather resources for them. These resources can be acquired in a few different ways - Adventures. Adventures are types of exploration, similar to the patrol system of other ARPGs. There are three main types of adventure that you can send your hydra on:

HUNTING
Hunting is crucial for the survival of your pod, as your hydra will need food to sustain themselves! When you first begin, you have a grace period of (TBD) posts in which your hydra do not need to eat- this will allow you to stockpile food, for when the real challenge begins. For each explore that you post after that grace period is up, you will need to use 1 FP (food point) per hydra in your storage. You may create your own custom prey set to arrange your FP into, or you can use our standard prey set!

If you run low on FP, you can choose to not feed some hydra or distribute food to others, however fasting your hydra will cause them to begin to starve. If you let them starve for too long they will lose health, making them more vulnerable to the dangers that lurk within the deeps! Do beware the potential threats of predators or other encounters that your hydra may face while on the hunt.

BORDER
Your community of hydra need a safe place to live, whether that be a calm coral reef, a secluded cave or a tropical lagoon. To make sure that they are secure, you may choose to send your hydra on an adventure around your borders. Here you can encounter lost fry or roaming hydra from rival and allied bands that you could convince to join your group, as well as the threat of bandits and loners, severe weather events or even large predators that you might have to chase off. Swim wisely!

TIDECOMBING
Many hydra love to collect treasures of the deep, artifacts long since lost to mankind- or perhaps even the remains of great underwater civilizations. On your tidecombing adventure, you can send hydra searching far and wide to find rare treasures or mundane artifacts that might still spark some curiosity. I've even heard rumors that someone is willing to buy your more unique finds for seashells (Tides' bounty trading coming soon!). If you're very lucky, you may even find items that would normally only be for sale in the shop!

Writing for explore is the main mechanic through which your pod will level up, and you will gain EXP for the length and development of your posts! You will also recieve a detailed reply from a writer that will get very familiar with your individual story, and you must wait for a writer to reply before posting a new explore- writers will determine their own schedule for posting explore posts.

However, we realize that not everyone has the time to create a long explore post. That is where our Quick Foraging mechanic comes in!

QUICK FORAGING
In this short form of explore, you will fill out the form and select one of your hydra to go Foraging. You will write a short blurb to describe their experience Foraging and will recieve a flat rate of +50 EXP, as well as a randomly rolled amount of rewards in both seashells, FP and items, but no detailed writer's reply. Your hydra will not be at risk of losing health from starving and no FP need to be used during this form of explore, however there is still a risk of running into a predator attack. You are also not eligible to encounter lost fry or rogue hydrafelis.
This form of explore has a 1 week cooldown- a new form may only be submitted after rollover 7 days after your first form was submitted. However you do not need to wait for a reply to your first form if the archivist does not get to it within a week, as your rewards for previous Quick Foraging will still be calculated and added to the next post.

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BEACHCOMBING ZONE (unlocked at Level 0)
Setting:
A golden stretch of coastline with soft sand underfoot. This area is littered with treasures brought in by the tide; seashells, driftwood, even shards of sea glass. Large boulders scatter the shoreline, their surfaces slick with moss and saltwater spray. The air carries a crisp, salty tang with the faint cry of seagulls overhead.
Environment:
The beach eventually transitions into grassy dunes, where tufts of tall seagrass sway in the wind. When the tides are high, small tidal pools form between rocks, which then teem with tiny crabs, snails and even small, yet quick, fish. This zone feels calm and sunlit, though it harbors the occasional surprise from its natural inhabitants.
Unique Features:
- Sand sculpted by waves, creating intricate and unique patterns.
- Mysterious markings or trails left by other creatures.
- Hidden caves that might reveal rare finds during low tide.

SUNLIGHT ZONE (unlocked at Level 2)
Setting:
Here, the shallow, clear waters are warm and inviting, with sunlight streaming through the surface, giving this area its namesake. Coral reefs form a bustling underwater metropolis, home to a variety of marine life. Brightly colored fish dart between coral branches, their scales reflecting the sunlight in flashes of vibrant hues. The water is calm, making it easy to spot treasures scattered across the ocean floor.
Environment:
Gentle waves ripple across the sandy bottom, occasionally revealing buried shells or treasures. Anemones sway gently in the current, while schools of fish move in perfect synchronization in this peaceful, almost magical atmosphere.
Unique Features:
- Coral clusters
- Seaweed forests, providing shelter for small creatures
- The occasional glint of metal or stone on the floor.

TWILIGHT ZONE (unlocked at Level 5)
Setting:
Descend into a shadowy, otherworldly realm where sunlight fades, and the water takes on an ethereal blue haze. This zone feels mysterious, its beauty dark and enchanting. Bioluminescent organisms flash like underwater stars, their lights reflecting off the rocky seabed. The deeper you go, the quieter it becomes, aside from the hum of the currents and the echo of distant creatures.
Environment:
Strange, alien-like plants cling to the rocks, while glowing algae carpet the seabed, lighting the path forward. Streams of bubbles occasionally rise from underwater vents. The feeling here is both mesmerizing and eerie, as though the zone holds secrets that are waiting to be discovered.
Unique Features:
- Bioluminescent coral and algae
- Shadows that move in the distance
- Wreckage from long-forgotten ships/underwater ruins

MIDNIGHT ZONE (unlocked at Level 8)
Setting:
As the ocean's final frontier, this zone is dark, cold and seemingly endless. The pitch-black water feels oppressive, but occasional glimmers of light from bioluminescent creatures flash in the distance. Strange, angular rock formations rise from the depths, hinting at an ancient, untouched world. Time feels frozen here, the stillness interrupted only by the sound of your movements and the distant, haunting calls of unseen predators.
Environment:
The pressure is palpable, and the water is icy to the touch. Delicate, faintly glowing plants cling to the rocks, while translucent jellyfish drift lazily by. Every now and then there are flickers of movement, revealing a deep-sea creature, its strange anatomy perfectly adapted to this harsh environment. The zone feels as if it exists outside of reality, full of danger.
Unique Features:
- Ominous shadows hinting at colossal predators
- Hidden caves that may contain treasure... or threats
- Rare, shimmering gems embedded in rocky outcroppings

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BEACHCOMBING ZONE (unlocked at Level 0)
Land and Shallow Water
- Sunken Sinkholes: Unstable sands and hidden pockets of sinking mud can trap unsuspecting Hydrafelidae.
- Predatory Birds: Large seabirds, such as gulls and osprey-like creatures hunt small and young Hydrafelidae.
- Tide Changes: Strong tides and rogue waves can pull creatures into deeper waters unexpectedly.
- Stranded Predators: Deep-sea creatures wash ashore and become threats before they die or return to the water.
- Human Activity: Litter, fishing nets, and boats can pose indirect but serious dangers.

SUNLIGHT ZONE (unlocked at Level 2)
0-200m depth
- Fast, Agile Predators: Fish like barracuda-like species and reef sharks hunt in these waters.
- Poisonous Creatures: Brightly colored jellyfish, venomous fish, and toxic corals can cause harm.
- Deceptive Camouflage: Some creatures can mimic harmless fish or even rocks to ambush prey.
- Coral Labyrinths: Sharp, jagged coral formations can be hazardous to swim through.
- Fishing Nets and Lines: These are more common in this zone, posing entanglement risks.

TWILIGHT ZONE (unlocked at Level 5)
200-1000m depth
- Lurking Ambush Predators: Larger creatures and lurking eels wait in the dim light for prey to pass.
- Limited Visibility: The faint light can make it harder to detect threats.
- Sudden Updrafts and Downdrafts: Rapid water movements can push creatures into dangerous zones.
- Bioluminescent Lures: Some predators use glowing appendages to trick prey into swimming close.
- Pressure Sensitivity: Some Hydrafelidae may struggle to adapt to the increasing pressure here.

MIDNIGHT ZONE (unlocked at Level 8)
1000m+ depth
- Extreme Pressure: Only the strongest or most adapted Hydrafelidae can survive here w/o suffering damage.
- Apex Predators: Giant squid, deep-sea leviathans, and other massive creatures lurk in the darkness.
- No Light: Complete darkness makes navigation difficult, leaving creatures to rely on senses.
- Cold Temperatures: The frigid water makes survival difficult for those unadapted to the cold.
- Volcanic Activity: Deep-sea vents and fissures can release toxic chemicals and superheated water.

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BEACHCOMBING ZONE (unlocked at Level 0)
Land and Shallow Water
- Small Crustaceans: Hermit crabs, sand crabs, and shrimp-like creatures.
- Tide Pool Creatures: Tiny fish, sea snails, and anemones.
- Stranded Fish: Occasionally fish or other sea creatures get stuck in shallow pools.
- Insects: Beach-dwelling bugs like sand flies and betles.
- Eggs: Seabird eggs found in hidden nests.

SUNLIGHT ZONE (unlocked at Level 2)
0-200m depth
- Small Reef Fish: Colorful darting fish like clownfish, gobies, and wrasse.
- Cephalopods: Small squid and octopi hide in coral formations.
- Crustaceans: Larger shrimp, lobsters, and swimming crabs.
- Jellyfish: Some Hydrafelidae may consume non-toxic varieties.
- Eel-like Fish: Moray eels and ribbonfish that hide in crevices.

TWILIGHT ZONE (unlocked at Level 5)
200-1000m depth
- Deep-sea Fish: Lanternfish, hatchet fish, and viperfish with bioluminescence.
- Larger Cephalopods: Mid-sized squid and octopi species.
- Slow-moving Crustaceans: Deep-sea crabs and shrimp.
- Filter Feeders: Some creatures that consume planktonic organisms drifting from above.
- Bioluminescent Prey: Certain fish and jellyfish that glow in the dark waters.

MIDNIGHT ZONE (unlocked at Level 8)
1000m+ depth
- Giant Cephalopods: Enormous squid that only the strongest Hydrafelidae can hunt.
- Deep-sea Crustaceans: Large, armored crabs and deep-sea isopods.
- Whale Falls: Decomposing carcasses of large creatures provide a temporary feast.
- Abyssal Fish: Creatures like gulper eels and anglerfish.
- Hydrothermal Vent Creatures: Unique, heat-adapted organisms, though some may be toxic.

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the tides bounty (trading)

maybe another placeholder for an image and an introduction, like the first post here! then a little section underneath for the items you can trade!

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DEATH OPT-IN
Our death opt-in system allows players to choose whether their Hydrafelis can face permanent death during high-stakes events. It ensures that no character is forced into an untimely end without a user's consent, keeping the balance between thrilling danger and personal agency. Opting in adds tension and reward to perilous moments.


The Abyss' Grip
For those who embark in the risk of death... death doesn't always mean the end. The Abyss' Grip is a rare, unpredictable force - a 10% chance that a fallen Hydrafelis will claw their way back from the brink. However, returning from the Abyss comes at a cost: strange scars, fragmented memories, or even permanent bodily loses. The Abyss leaves its mark - no one returns unscathed.

Opt-in Form


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[size=85][b]I want to risk death![/b]
Username:
Storage Link:[/size]


Opt-out Form (this can only be used after 3 explore posts with death opted in!)


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[size=85][b]I don't want to lose my hydras![/b]
Username:
Storage Link:[/size]



REALISTIC DISABILITY OPT-IN
The disability opt-in system allows users to choose whether severe injuries or disabilities have a lasting impact on their Hydrafelis' abilities. Those who opt-in may find their characters adapting to life after a lost tail, a blinded eye, or a damaged limb. These impairments will affect posts, for example:


- A tailless Hydrafelis cannot venture into the depths due to impaired balance and swimming
- A blind Hydrafelis may struggle with hunting or exploration
- A limb injury might prevent participating in high-risk patrols.

Opted-out Hydrafelis can still get injured, but their wounds fully heal over time. This system allows for flexible storytelling.

Opt-in Form


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[size=85][b]I want my Hydrafelis to bear the scars of their journey![/b]
Username:
Storage Link:[/size]


Opt-out Form (this can only be used after 3 explore posts with disabilities opted in!)


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[size=85][b]I want my Hydrafelis to have a more relaxed exploration![/b]
Username:
Storage Link:[/size]

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writers

a section for 2-4 writers, maybe with an image placeholder? 50x50 is good at most!
include section for username and groups theyre writing for!

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faq

just a basic FAQ section haha