[.Arrow.]

Alright guys and gals, this competition is now over!

I am impressed and surprised at the number of entries. You all did great and I liked all of your entries! ^-^

Now, on to what you've all been patiently awaiting!
(If the base lines were finished, entries were counted. Unfinished base lines won't place.)

And the winner is...
TeaParty!
You managed to include everything I asked for, and more, and I adore the lines! <3

Because there were a lot of entries, I've decided on three runner ups!
In no particular order, they are N i g h t s t a r, <3AndrewScott, and Midnightbird.
Your entries were all awesome! :)

TeaParty, I will be sending you a trade with the prize pets immediately.
All four of you will be receiving PMs from me with details about the other prizes (i.e. customs, artist/guest artist positions) ^-^

I'll be working on the thread at some point today, so keep an eye out for that :)

Thank you all again for entering, I really appreciate it! ^-^

Edit: If anyone wants to use their entry as gift lines, please let me know :)

Hello, and welcome!
I am looking for someone to create a lineart for my species the Finned Otter.

Prizes:

First Place:
This entire group of older rares and very rares ^-^
(Possible pet -> C$ swaps may be made depending on the winning artist's preference. eg. 20 C$ for the ponies.)
The winning lineart will be used.
Artist position, if desired.
Can create their own customs.

Runner Up(s):
This will depend on the number of entries I receive and will be determined closer to the end date.
I expect there will be anywhere from 1-3 runner ups, possibly up to 5 if there is a large number of entries.
Prize will consist of possible guest artist positions, customs, and a couple uncommon-rare or wishlist pets.

General Information:

First of all, this is my first contest so I may miss some things.
I'm holding this contest because I have an idea for an adoptable, but have no confidence in my ability to create the actual lines.
I welcome any and all PMs whether it be questions, comments, concerns, suggestions/ideas, et cetera.
There may be a lot of writing below, for that, I apologize.
Also, please make sure to look over the FAQ in case you have a question that's already been answered!

What I'm looking for:

~ Basically, I'm looking for someone to draw an otter with some specific changes. (Full species details can be found in the second post, instead of reading it all, you may just refer to the rest of this list, though.)

1. Physically, it would be preferred it was based on a North American river otter or sea otter (or both).
2. I'd like for this subspecies to have longer hair than other subspecies (think fluffy :D).
3. Small horns for males only (ie. fits body size without looking too big). Multiple horn types is also awesome.
-> 3.1. A realistically sized set of optional antlers would also be sweet, but is not necessary.
4. One dorsal fin running the length of the back sticking up out of the fur and a smaller one near the end of the tail. Preferably based on the dorsal fin of a walleye (ie. retractable, strong, and razor-sharp). Two versions would also be awesome: one for males, it would be larger and could be used for impressing females, and a female version which would be simpler and smaller.
5. The tail is 1/3 of the body's total length. (Length is anywhere from 5.3 - 6.0 feet for a male, slightly smaller for females. Weight is anywhere from 50 - 100 lbs (22 - 45 kg) for a male, slightly smaller for females.)
6. They have long, sensitive whiskers around their nose.
~ Pup lines would be sweet, definitely a big bonus. Dorsal fin and (if male) horns would be starting to develop preferably.
~ Shading and highlights would be another bonus, but are not necessary.
~ Please include a lock-alpha layer. Not a huge deal if you don't, as one can be added, but it would still be preferred.
~ It would be preferred if the pose was standing, not swimming.
~ Try to make sure they are design and artist friendly.
~ Effort ^-^

Some Rules:

- Any and all site rules apply of course.
- You may either keep the background or create your own, so long as there is some sort of background.
- Plagiarism is most definitely not allowed. Just don't do it.
- As this species idea is mine, it would be preferred if you did not use your entry beyond submitting it for this contest, unless used as gift lines. You will receive credit for the lines if you win, though.
- I'd prefer if there was only one entry per person, but if you choose to do more that is fine as well.
- Do your best to follow the guidelines.
- This should be a happy, fun place ^-^

The End Date:

I would prefer to end this in approximately a month. Therefore, the initial end date will be set for:

November 25, 2013

However, if I feel there are not enough entries, this may be extended.

FAQ:

(If a question has been asked here or via PM it will be placed here as well)

Is standing on all fours or upright preferred?
I would prefer on all four as I think designs would be easier to see that way. If you feel you could do a better job upright while still allowing for ease of design that is fine as well.
Will they be used as free adoptables or will they be sold?
They'd be free adoptables. I would consider offering customs on a more rare basis which would be either through an event or for a couple of common-uncommon pets, etc. However, if the winning artist would prefer that no profit come from their lines, I would respect that and anything offered would be free.
May I create a submission on a separate program and upload it to dA?
After a bit of thought, I'm going to allow it. You are more than welcome to do it that way.
All submissions done this way will be linked to the top of this post.
Is it okay if I upload my entry onto Photobucket instead of Deviantart?
So long as it can still be downloaded properly, sure.
Should the pup lines be made separate from the adult lines?
They may either be separate or together, this is entirely up to each artist. If the number of layers is getting crowded separate is preferred, but not mandatory.
Separate pup lines will be treated as part of the main entry, and there should still be only one main prize winner. If I am so torn between one person's main entry and another's separate pup entry then I may make an exception, but this will be handled if it comes to it.

Other:

More may be added later.

Species details can be found on the next post :)

[.Arrow.]

Reserve. Info will be added as I have time. I think this is done ^-^

You do not have to read this to enter! It may help get a feel for what I'm seeking though :)

Species name: Finned Otter (Pteronura marina)
Nickname(s): Finns
Length:

Male -> 5.3 - 6.0 feet
Female -> 5.1 - 5.9 feet
- Tail takes up 1/3 of the body's length

Weight: 50 - 100 lbs (22 - 45 kg) for a male. Slightly smaller for females.
Age: As a result of human tampering, they may live up to 15 years in the wild, 25 years in captivity.

About:
This species was created as a scientific experiment: Project River Wolf. The goal was to create a species that could be used to guard bodies of water in the same way people have guard dogs. This resulted in a species of otter that was physically similar to a sea otter, but had much of the mentality of a giant otter and was larger than both. Due to the variety of genes used they developed abnormalities including horns on males, razor-sharp dorsal fins, and odd pelt colours. The project was deemed a failure as the species retained their fun-loving spirit and ultimately failed in their guardian role. Instead of disposing of the species, a member of the group released them into the wild.

Habitat:
They can live in most places that have a body of water nearby. Preferred places thus far seem to be along coastal area, near lakes, and along larger rivers. Larger water bodies are preferred due to their large body size and food requirements. Due to the combination of genes the species as a whole does not have a preference between salt or fresh water. Each individual animal does have a preference though, which is often based on where they grew up. The smaller members of the species tend to prefer the smaller fresh water lakes as well. Despite these general preferences, it is still possible (though rare) to find them near small bodies of water like streams and ponds, wetland or marsh areas, or slow-flowing, brackish rivers. Their thick, long fur allows them to live nearly anywhere regardless of temperature so long as there is year round access to water.

Most prefer to avoid urbanized areas and humans, though some have learned that where there are humans there is food. As a result, a rare few have been taken into captivity. Due to their size and love of water they will never be found within a city. More likely, they will be found on farms or in rural areas near large bodies of water.

Diet:
- Their diet has a fairly wide range, though it is based greatly on their habitat. Overall, they tend to be opportunistic.
- Those that are inland prefer to prey on fish, water fowl, insects, crustaceans such as crabs or crayfish, small snakes, reptiles, and frogs. They've also been documented as eating small mammals such as muskrats, voles, hares, and rabbits.
- Those that live in coastal areas tend more towards sea invertebrates (sea urchins, clams, mussels, mollusks, snails, abalones, and crabs), though they will also prey on slow-moving fish and giant octopuses.
- If prey is scarce or it is opportune, they will prey on alligators, caimans, and large snakes such as anacondas. Large prey such as this is only taken down as a group. More often than not, they will prey on these in order to protect the group or the pups.
- They have also developed a love of citrus, possibly another result of the same genes that caused the horns.

Lifestyle:
- They are a mostly diurnal species, and are most active between sunrise and midnight. During winter and cold months they are almost entirely diurnal, rarely venturing out of their den after sunset. When summer reaches peak temperatures, though, they quickly become nocturnal. When there are pups, mother's tend to go out more often at night.
- Roughly 35% of their time is spent foraging for food. When prey is abundant, this number increases and vice versa.
- Most build their own dens, digging holes into riverbanks, shore lines, etc. These dens tend to be fairly large with multiple tunnels, usually including one that goes directly into the water. Dens are lined with moss, feathers, and hair.
- Fur is almost always clean and a good chunk of time is spent throughout the day grooming, especially right after meals.

Mutations:
- Horns: Only males grow horns. The horns themselves are fairly small so as to not hinder their swimming abilities. Strong horns tend to be a sign of good health. Young males have taken to butting heads when playing. In some circumstances they can be used as a weapon against intruders. Different horn variations have been observed within the species.
- Dorsal Fins: Possibly the most noticeable anomaly of the species are the two dorsal fins that they have. The first is quite large, stretching down the length of the back. The second is much smaller and is located near the end of the tail. Both are retractable, and can completely disappear among the thick fur along the back. Both are also razor sharp and strong if they're flared, making them dangerous. Males of the species have larger and flashier dorsal fins than females which have smaller, more muted fins. The scientists responsible theorized that the males could use their dorsal fins to attract females in much the same way as peacocks. Both males and females also flare their fins when they are feeling nervous, scared, or aggressive. They serve in both scaring predators or intruders and in fighting, especially under water.
- Colouration: Due to the genetic modifications, the species fur colour varies much more greatly than that of other otters. While most still have a more natural base coat, more exotic colourations have been observed. Various markings and patterns have been documented as well, including many that were once thought to be exclusive to other species'.
- Fur Length: During the experimentation process canine genes were used in the hopes that they could then be trained as guard dogs. While this did not work out the way they'd wanted, it did cause them to have longer than normal fur for otters. The fur is still as thick as it is among any otter species.

Behavior:
- They are an extremely playful species, especially among younger members.
- They are very territorial and react aggressively to non-otter intruders within their territory.
- Outside of playing, foraging for food, and sleeping, their time is spent relaxing in the sun with the group either on land or floating in the water.
- Very rarely do you find one alone, as there is usually at least one other not far off.

Communication:
They tend to be a very vocal species, communicating through a variety of noises.
- Quick barks and snorts are often used to express interest or danger
- Wavering screams may be used when charging intruders.
- Growls tend to be a sign of aggression.
- Hums, coos, and grunts are more commonly used when communicating within the group.
- Whistles may be used between separate groups to show they are not hostile.
- Newborn pups mostly squeak, especially when they desire attention.
- Younger members tend to whine and wail.

Social Structure:
- They live in extended family groups of 2-25 members referred to as 'families'. The average number per family is actually closer to 9 members.
- Sometimes different families interact and spend time together.
- Roles within the group tend to be shared among members and there is not a truly distinct hierarchy. However, there is a dominant male-female pair, generally referred to as the alpha pair.
- Members of the family sleep, eat, play, and travel together.
- All members of the family help to care for pups, though the first few weeks it is primarily the mother.
- Fighting within the species is rare, though not unheard of.

Pups:
-Typically there are 2-3 pups in a litter, however it can be anywhere from 1-5.
- Pups are born with their eyes open, some teeth, and a very thick coat of fluffy, downy fur.
- Pups are born inside the den where they remain for the first five weeks.
- Pups typically begin walking between 3-4 weeks, though they are usually quite clumsy.
- Pups begin playing between 4-5 weeks.
- Around week 6 pups begin following others out of the den to the water.
- A pup's thick fur retains so much air that they cannot sink or dive and are stuck on top of the water. At 12 weeks this baby hair is replaced by adult fur.
- Pups learn to swim between 6-12 weeks and start learning to dive after 12 weeks.
- At 8 weeks they begin consuming solid food.
- At 4 months they begin learning to hunt and forage. For the first month they mostly practice bringing up things such as crustaceans and pebbles.
- Pups are generally independent at 8 months, but remain with the family until at least a year and a half when they may decide to branch off and start a new family or join a different one.
- For the first three weeks, only the mother is around the pups and caring for them. After this period the entire family partakes in the rearing of the pups and finding food.

[Jade ishere]

This sounds cool.
I am definetly adopting one when the forum is made and when you have the lines

[Isis Wolf so Pure]

I'm entering! keep in mind i'm not good at drawing mammals.... dang computer.

[.Arrow.]

This sounds cool.
I am definetly adopting one when the forum is made and when you have the lines

Awesome, I'm glad to hear you're interested! ^-^

I'm entering! keep in mind i'm not good at drawing mammals.... dang computer.

Great! The only way to get better is practice


Edit: Added 'whiskers' to the list of things I'm looking for in the lines
Added a ton of info to the 'Species Information' post for anyone that's interested. Including more specific information on the mutations.

[claypigeon]

entering.
going to try very hard.
if i do not win i will use for gift lines XD
hope you like It!

[.Arrow.]

entering.
going to try very hard.
if i do not win i will use for gift lines XD
hope you like It!

Awesome, thank you!
I look forward to seeing it ^-^

[Warrdog]

would you prefer them standing on fours, or upright :3
I will be attempting an entry ^.^

[.Arrow.]

would you prefer them standing on fours, or upright :3
I will be attempting an entry ^.^

I would prefer on all four as I think designs would be easier to see that way. If you feel you could do a better job upright while still allowing for ease of design that is fine as well.
Awesome ^-^

[Silent Night]

Mark, I love otters! <3