Zvers: [New thread, please lock]

[Metallic Dragon]

New Thread Zvers are now run by Demotivated_Bear

[Metallic Dragon]

Canis concolor
Excerpt from the journal of Metallic Dragon(Metta)

26 March 2790
Canis concolor was discovered aboard a wrecked UFO. No one knows exactly where the ship was coming from, but it was determined through their navigation system that they were on their way to an extermination planet in the next solar system over.
However, the captain and crew were all killed on impact, along with several of the beasts they were transporting. The remaining beasts were transported by truck to the nearby science labs for examination and testing. The dead of both the aliens and Canis concolor were taken to the labs as well, the autopsy room being their final destination.

28 March 2790
By the time the final Canis concolor entered the lab, it looked more like a kennel and sounded like a zoo. They were quickly nicknamed Zvers, a fitting name, due to their normally bloodthirsty nature. One Zver in particular, CC2117, was extremely feisty. She almost managed to escape her kennel at one point, having taken a fancy to one of the scientists who studied her, it appeared that she wanted to follow him home, though she was quickly stopped and taken to a more secure location.

1 April 2790
CC2117 escaped. The scientist that she had originally tried to follow is gone as well. He disappeared only minutes after CC2117 was found missing. There have been no signs of either of them since they disappeared, some assume the worst, figuring that the Zver attacked her handler and dragged him off. I am not completely sure what to think at this point.

3 April 2790
CC1021, CC1334, and CC7110 managed to escape their cages and are currently at large. CC2117 has been spotted a few times just outside a nearby city, though she disappeared quickly after we received the call yesterday. We sent some of our best agents out after her, but they haven’t found any signs that she was there at all; unless you count the still-warm ashes from a campfire that was found close to where CC2117 was spotted. I am hesitant to believe that CC2117 is hiding out with our missing scientist somewhere.

8 April 2790
More Zvers have escaped. We did manage to recapture CC1021 and CC7110 yesterday however. Neither seemed happy to return to the lab, but it is dangerous to have these aliens at large. Especially after CC2455 killed one of the night guards a few days ago. He is at large now as well, and the prospect of more Zvers escaping worries me.

15 April 2790
It is official; we have finally called upon the public to help us to recapture the missing Zvers. We have managed to bring back only 5 of the 16 that have escaped so far. We can only hope that those who volunteer to help us capture the Zvers are well trained. Canis concolor is more dangerous than we could have imagined; many of them growing more violent the longer we keep them confined.
There is a definite reason they were being taken to an extermination planet by the alien ship that crashed here less than a month ago. And yet, I’ve noticed that some of them have become docile when a lot of time is spent with them by a single person. Of course, this just brings us back to the CC2117 case. We cannot allow our scientists to get too close to these beasts. We can’t risk anyone else going missing.

CC2117

Excerpt from the journal of Tarrin Clephelski

28 March 2790
I have been studying CC2117 for two days now. When I first brought her into the lab, she seemed just as cautious and violent as the rest of the Canis concolor. However, the more I work with and study her alone, the calmer she seems to be. In fact, it almost seems as if she likes me. And to be honest, I am growing a bit attached to her as well. She is very gentle now that she has started to relax, and seeing this, makes me wonder if there is something more to the Zvers than we first thought. They seem much more intelligent than most carnivorous mammals.

29 March 2790
According to Metta, I am no longer allowed to interact with CC2117. They have stopped allowing only one scientist to study each Zver and instead change people each day. CC2117 apparently tried to escape her cage yesterday in an attempt to follow me home. It pains me to know that she has been placed in solitary confinement until further notice. Her mournful howls drift up the stairs to me, seeming to cut into my very soul. I wish I could go see her.

31 March 2790
I cannot stand hearing the pained howls from CC2117. I went home early yesterday, telling Metta that I was sick. I sneaked downstairs earlier during the lunch break and poor CC2117 hasn’t touched her food or water since she was placed down there. I am beginning to worry about her health, especially since she started snarling when I came into view, though she relaxed once my scent reached her sensors. I wish I could have stayed with her longer; she had quieted down so quickly while I was there.
I can hear her howling again now; one of my colleagues thinks that we should just put her down so that we can have some peace again.
I must do something before they kill her; it’s not her fault that she is upset.

1 April 2790
We had a meeting today to discuss what should be done with CC2117. Her life was to be put to a vote, one I knew she would lose. Rather than sticking around to see the condemning verdict, I crept downstairs again and broke the lock on her cage.
She seemed confused when I told her to stay for a few more minutes before coming out after me, but it appeared that she understood what I was asking and stayed in her cage.
I returned to the meeting to see that I had been correct in my assumption that they would sentence CC2117 to death. However, by the time they got downstairs with the lethal injection, she was gone.
She found me amidst the chaos that followed as everyone split into groups to hunt her down. We escaped together through the back door.

2 April 2790
I have renamed CC2117 Shailana. We are currently staying on the outskirts of the city within a small grove of trees. Shai is an awesome hunter, watching her lithe figure flow through the trees in complete silence is amazing. She brought back several rabbits rather than one of the many deer, seeming to realize that we didn’t want to leave a trail just in case we were being followed.
She acted a bit nervous when she returned earlier; I’m beginning to think that she was spotted by someone while she was hunting. We’re going to move on tomorrow morning just in case someone is really out looking for us.

3 April 2790
We had a close call today. I had been correct in assuming that someone would come for us. I had just finished drenching the ashes in water to be sure there would be nothing left to cause an accidental fire when Shai came rushing through the trees in a panic. She nearly knocked me to the ground as she shoved me into the brush. Knowing that it was time to disappear again, we hurried off, unwilling to allow the scientists to come between our bond again.

[Metallic Dragon]

Species Information

• Scientific name: Canis concolor
• Species name: Zver (Plural: Zvers)
• Average weight: 60-100 lbs
• Average height: 2-2.5 ft(at the shoulder)
• Average length: 5-9 ft(nose tip to tail tip)
• Long slender ears that seem to lie back on the head. They have very sharp hearing
• Large 3-toed paws with sharp retractable claws
• Long, thick tail. Used for balance and to help relay emotions
• Two large compound eyes give Canis concolor very sharp vision
• Four smaller sensors beside the eyes capture scents and relay them to the brain
• Thin slits on the end of the snout are used only for breathing. Scents in the air drawn into the lungs of Canis concolor are not relayed to the brain.
• Sharp claws and teeth make Canis concolor a deadly hunter.
• Contrary to popular belief, it has been discovered that Canis concolor can, in fact, climb trees

[Metallic Dragon]

1. No stealing anything relating to the Zvers.
2. These are free, do not try to bribe me in order to win, all bribes will be ignored.
3. Proper spelling and grammar is required in all forms. If I can't read/comprehend it, it will not be judged.
4. No complaining if you do not win. I rather dislike crybabies.
5. Art theft of any kind is prohibited. If I catch you stealing the Zvers or their concept(or any writing), I will not hesitate to report and blacklist you.
6. I will allow no more than 4 Zvers per person. (Not counting the one custom allowed to each person)
7. Be respectful to everyone.
8. Please remember that I have a life(as well as another adoption thread) and I can't spend all of my time making new designs.
9. No begging or anything related to begging.
10. Do not ask to be an artist, I will open applications only if/when I see the need.
11. Please, no spam. Questions are fine, but random off-topic chat is not.
12. You may only apply for one Zver per group.
13. In the event that you no longer want your Zver, you MUST return him/her here
14. You may NOT have them as your fursona or as a mate for your fursona.

Staff:
Creator: Metallic Dragon
Artist/Moderator/Archivist: Demotivated_Bear

Help us spread the word!

Code: Select all

[url=http://www.chickensmoothie.com/Forum/viewtopic.php?f=58&t=985373][img]http://i815.photobucket.com/albums/zz77/ilovedragons/stamp.png[/img][/url]

Code: Select all

[url=http://www.chickensmoothie.com/Forum/viewtopic.php?f=58&t=985373][img]http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc220/jessicahongphan/Zver.png[/img][/url]

Affiliates:

[Metallic Dragon]

Below you can find the Zvers that are currently missing. Please only choose one per set to try and hunt down. Good luck!

As a side note, if, in the event that there are less than two forms for any given Zver and/or the only form does not meet qualifications, I will be giving the Zver up as a lost cause and it will not be adopted out at all.

Last three winners:
None
<3Fenris<3
None

Sorry if the images are strange sizes when first put up, I can't resize them on my computer anymore so I'm forced to use photobucket which takes longer to register the change.

Escaped February 26th

Escaped Zver #CC7
Taken by Starmz I Female
Despite her darker appearance, CC7 is fairly gentle and has an almost shy disposition. She's not likely to attack, prefering flight over her fight instinct. However, when put in situations where she has no other options, she will fight tooth and claw to escape, leaving her attackers a mangled mess.

Escaped Zver #CC8
Available until March 10 I Male
CC8 is neither agressive or shy. His attitude is generally defined as curious, almost as if he were studying the scientists rather than being studied himself. Considered brilliant, it was only a matter of time before this male escaped. He seemed very intrigued by humans, however, and it's believed he headed for the nearby city to continue his... 'studies'...

Escaped Zver #CC9
Taken by .Arrow. I Female
Small, but feisty, CC9 is not one to mess around with. She does not take to humans easily and will not be seduced into partnership without a lot of patience. Wild to the core and energetic to boot, you'd be very lucky to be creative enough to charm her into befriending you.

Descriptive and detailed forms are a must. Remember, even if forms are completed for a Zver, if none of them appear to have effort put into them, the Zver will not be awarded and will go unclaimed. (Also, being really creative with your story helps a lot. You don't have to write about the escape, you can write about any time in the Zver's existance during or after escaping, even if it's a year or so after leaving the compound. Just saying

Code: Select all

Username:
Zver you want:
Name:
Reason you want it:
What will you do with it if you win?:
Personality:
Introduction/Story:


[Metallic Dragon]

Ahh, you come seeking a custom? Well now... this could be interesting.

I've decided to try something different for Zver customs. Normally payment of a CS pet is required, am I right? Well, currently I don't really want to take payment of that sort. Due to the fact that I'm going into the field of English Education, I am changing up a few requirements. Check out the rules and information below.

Custom Zver information:
Rather than the normal CS pet payment, I am going to require writing as payment for customs. To be honest, I'm really working on promoting good writing and a love to write in the members of CS, so what better way than to have it as custom payment? Now, rather than writing something for me, you'd be writing the story of your future custom. This means you would write a personality, introduction, and description of your proposed custom. I'd prefer if you proposed a new design for your custom rather than having me color him/her like a character your already own, but we'll see what happens I guess.

Rules:
1. You must write a personality and short introduction of your proposed custom design
2. All applications must be PM'd to me, NOT posted here
3. I'd prefer that designs be new and not just to be colored like a character/fursona
4. I will not do lineart edits. This means I will not add complicated items
5. Only send applications when customs are open
6. I will re-color your zver if it doesn't turn out the way you wanted(to a reasonable extent)
7. I will take on only two at a time(they may or may not be first come, first serve)
8. Each person is allowed one custom. Counting the one custom, each person can have a total of five Zvers.

Code: Select all

Username:
Zver Code #: #CC----
Name:
Gender:
Description:
Personality:
Short Introduction:

Waiting List:
1.
2.

REVAMPS
Ahh, you have a Zver in the old lineart and want it updated into the new one? Alrighty, just send one common dog or an uncommon well, anything, and I'll do that for ya!
Just make sure that revamps are open before you fill out the form

Code: Select all

[b]I want a revamp![/b]
Username:
Zver Name:
Old Zver:
Payment:


Currently being revamped:
1. Closed

[Metallic Dragon]

Want to know what I look for most in a form? Well you've definitely come to the right place if you want some tips! I'll be breaking down each piece of the form below and giving a bit more information about each section.
~~~~~~~~~
Username:
Well obviously just put your username here. Not too difficult right? Nope, simple and easy.
~~~~~~~~~
Zver you want:
Place the number(#CC----) here. If you'd like, you can also put the image here, just make sure that the number is on your form. That is how I find each form. If yours doesn't show up when I type in the number in the search box, it's really hard to get judged.
~~~~~~~~~
Name:
Give the Zver a name. No creature wants to be called by numbers and letters, so find a name that you think fits and put it here.
~~~~~~~~~
Reason you want it:
This is important. You have to convince me that you really would be the best person for the Zver. Convince me that you really do want it, not just because it is "Cool and really cute!" or something to that effect.
~~~~~~~~~
What will you do with it if you win?:
Do not go off about how you're going to write a novel about him/her, draw it every day, make him/her their own site, bla bla bla, unless you really are going to do what you say(and if you do, I wanna see!! I love seeing art/reading stories and things relating to adoptions I make)
~~~~~~~~~
Personality:
Alright, yes. I do put up a personality base. But this is just a base. I want you to expand on it. Don't just go with the information the science lab gives. What do they know about the true personality of each Zver? All they know is the dark side, the side in which the zver is living in constant fear and confusion. And that's what the base personality usually reflects, the only side the scientists have known. I want a fully developed personality. Spend some time on this, I want to see effort put into this. Make it good.
~~~~~~~~~
Introduction/Story:
This is probably the second most important part of your form. Be creative, don't just go with the generic: Zver escapes, meets a random human, is captured/bonds with the human instantly(which happened in most of the first round stories...), human calls science lab, etc.
No no no. I want creativity, description, insight into the Zver's mind. Make your story interesting and different, make it stand out! Take your time writing it as well, be sure to edit and read it aloud. Be sure that it makes sense, have someone else critique it if you'd like(I really recommend this). Also, I don't mind reading long stories. I actually encourage longer stories. Just don't try and write an entire novel for your form. And if you aren't good with longer stories, that's perfectly fine. Just write a shorter one with good detail.
Most importantly, remember the back story for the Zvers. They come from an alien planet. They know nothing about Earth and the way things work here. Though they are intelligent enough to understand what a human may be asking of them, they don't fully understand human speech. So take your time to develop the Zver's thoughts and emotions.
You don't have to write from the Zver's perspective either, if you want to write from the perspective of the human who applied to hunt down the Zver, do it! If you'd rather write in second or third person, be my guest! I absolutely adore creativity!
Oh yeah, and use paragraphing if possible. Walls of text are unbearably difficult and boring to read.
((Just sayin, you don't even have to mention the escape itself, you can start from anywhere in the Zver's story.))
~~~~~~~~

Alright, now that you know a bit of what I'm looking for in the actual writing, let's move on to form appearance. Find a way to make your form look interesting. I don't care how you do it(unless you make it a rainbow of colors, don't do that, it hurts my eyes) but make it both pleasing to the eye and to the mind.

As a side note, do not put any swearing in your story. I detest vulgar language.

[Metallic Dragon]

On the top of their hierarchy, what do they require or look for in a leader?
The requirements for a Zver alpha are set at a very high standard. Depending on the current alpha and the laws of the pack, those who seek after the position may have to kill the current alpha along with his mate and her cubs. In the more laid back packs, a potential alpha only has to prove himself by chasing out the current alpha and any of his male cubs.

How is their hierarchy set up?
The hierarchy of the Zvers works very much like a pride of lions. The largest and strongest male is the alpha so-to-speak and all other males are ranked above the females.

What do they call their leaders?
Like wolves, the leader would be called the alpha. The title of alpha, however, can only be held by a male in a Zver pack/pride. The alpha's mate is considered only slightly above the rest of the pack. She does not have an official title really, though in Zver language the other Zvers would probably call her 'm'lady' to be more formal when speaking to her.
In the case of the alpha, he is to be addressed as 'my alpha', or 'm'lord'.

Are there such things as princes and princesses?
There are not exactly princes and princesses in the Zver packs. Because most females are ranked below even the lowest males, female cubs born to the alpha and his mate are treated much like any other female cub. They recive no special treatment.
The same goes for the male cubs. The alpha's male cubs, however, are given first share of the meat that is brought back for the cubs in order to help them grow to be stronger than the others so that they can, one day, lead their own pack/pride.

Even if the alpha and the female has cubs, their female cubs are the lowest no matter their royal blood?
Well, their female cubs aren't the lowest, but they're at the same rank as all other females in the pack besides the alpha's mate.

What do normal members of the pack/pride call the alpha's male cubs?
The alpha's male cubs are usually referred to as amirs(amir singular) by other members of the pack.

How does royal blood play into the Zver hierarchy/Does it help determine the alpha?
The leaders aren't so much considered 'royalty'. The alpha is always the strongest male in the pack, which is why his male cubs are treated specially in order to be sure they'll be strong enough to carry on the family genes. Which means that if a rougue came and took over a pack, killed all the male cubs as well as the old alpha and his mate, then had cubs of his own, they would be treated in the same way as the past alpha's male cubs and would be prepared to go out and take or create a pack of their own.
An alpha can come from any line, though some Zver lines, like wolves or dogs, are more pure in blood and so may carry traits that could be considered 'royal'. They may be stronger and healthier than other Zvers, perhaps they carry themselves with more pride and confidence than others. It just depends on their line.
But, as stated, there isn't exactly royalty. As long as the alpha can hold control over his pack, his sons will be amirs.

What about like the fighters? What would you call those zvers who fight to protect the amirs and etc.? Or is it just none?
The entire pack works as one to protect the alpha, his mate, and all of the cubs in the pack(amirs, regular males, and all females).
When something threatens the safety of the amirs themselves, the older males and several of the females will band together to fight off the attackers. However, the moment the alpha is defeated, all of the pack members will back down and the amirs will be killed without resistance from the pack itself(though the amirs will do their best to fight, and some do manage to escape unharmed, though not often).
So, all in all, there aren't any specific pack members assigned to protect the amirs in an attack. If the alpha is killed or driven off, the amirs will be left unprotected to fend for themselves.

How large or small are average prides/packs?
The average amount of Zvers in a group would be 6-8. The largest known group is 12.

You mentioned they are similar to both wolves and big cats, are there any other animals they're similar to/which characteristics?
Zvers are similar to wolves and cougars mostly, though, as stated in my answer above, their hierarchy is closest to that of African lions.

What characteristics do they share with wolves?
They mostly communicate through barks and howls. They have a strong sense of smell and move with the more bouncy gait of a wolf rather than the smooth fluid motion of a feline. However, they can climb trees and some tend to scream like cougars when extremely angry or when fighting.

Can Zvers feel protective or enjoy the company of humans other than their own?
This really depends on the Zver in question. They are extremely loyal to the human they bond to and would do nothing to harm the human in question unless they had no other choice. However, in some cases they will protect friends of their companion, though most don't particularly enjoy the company of the other people.

What are their learning capabilities? Are they similar to canines in their ability to learn things, such as certain jobs? (ie. security, drug search, search & rescue, etc.?)
Yes, they are like canines in this sense. They can be taught and trained just like most canines. This ability varies depending on each Zver as well. Some are actually willing to learn, while others can be extremely stubborn and refuse to take the time to listen. And of course, a Zver can only be trained by its companion. He/she won't usually listen to anyone else.

How do they feel about other animals? Are they just food to them, or can they be friends/companions/etc.?
Zvers are very indifferent to most species. Due to the fact that they have been trapped in the lab, they don't know much, if anything, about the wildlife on Earth. They do seem to recognize rabbits and deer as food(perhaps there are species close to them on their planet?) but when it comes to creatures such as wolves, dogs, big cats, etc it would depend on the personality of a Zver. The more vicious zvers were probably rogues or strays on their original planet and don't seem to care for the company of the seemingly 'weaker' species on Earth. However, some of the gentler Zvers may enjoy the company of species close to theirs.

Did zvers know anything about technology? Did they use locks and keys?
Zvers themselves do not know about technology. They are pretty much just animals. Much more intelligent than the animals here, but they're still animals. Zvers go by instinct and pack laws(which are usually created by the current alpha, so they can change drastically with each new alpha).
So no, they didn't use locks and keys. The aliens who share their planet are highly advanced though, and have a great deal of technology.

[Horneddragon]

ah! i love the new lines!
glad you have opened once more, i may try for one of these three :B

[Metallic Dragon]

Yush, Bear came to me last night and asked if I was going to re-open, so, I threw together some new lines and bam, here we are ^^ I definitely like these lines better than the others I've used though, and the shading is much more detailed