Avoid copying existing characters and their markings as much as possible out of courtesy to others. Our rule of thumb for similar characters is as long as the two cannot easily be confused for one another, then they are acceptable.
Designs that are inspired by or based on popular media and concepts (such as food or animals) are acceptable, however, it is highly likely that there may be duplicates in terms of character themes and design elements. This needs to be expected and tolerated. No one is granted exclusivity for any concept ideas or color schemes.
Names
Using names shared by other StormCats is acceptable,
though encouraged to be avoided. Especially if your character has the same name as another; this can easily cause issues and may not be as well-received by others. We would appreciate you to reconsider your name choice in this case but it is not enforced. The only names not accepted are the ones very similar to "Shocky."
Guidelines for Creating Characters
Unwanted StormCats are recommended to be put up for adoption. Designing additional StormCats for adoption is limited to three (3) per month. Hybrids, taurs, and shape-shifters, of StormCats are not allowed. You are allowed to have multiple horns, spikes, and tails.
Complete guide to Adoptables coming soon.
Physical Traits
StormCats are an open, and regulated species. Every creature, real or fictional, has criteria that must be met in order to classify them all as the same 'Phenotype' species. Therefore in order to be considered a Stormcat, they are required to have all the following physical traits:
* Cheetah-like Anatomy
* Long ears
* Long Tail
* five phalanges (fingers/toes)
* Fur coats
* No Genitalia
Please review each sections under the Anatomy guide for more info. Notable features are the "digitigrade" stance on the back legs with five toed feet, and five fingered hand-like paws on the front limbs, and the long tail.
Many StormCats will also include whiskers, feathered wings, horns, spikes, and saber teeth, but these attributes are not required and are often included for functional reasons as dictated by their environment. Please review the species information for a full list of traits, abilities, and anatomy to further help you develop a StormCat.
* You are allowed to have wings, but they must meet the criteria
necessary to still be classified as the same 'phoenotype' species.
* Hybrids, Taurs, and Shape-Shifters of StormCats are not allowed.
It is acceptable to see the species represented in very cute, chibi, cartoony, or otherwise stylized variations that do not necessarily reflect the Cheetah-like elements of their design, for the sake of artistic liberties. Just keep in mind that when drawn realistically, the Cheetah-like elements to their anatomy should be clearly communicated in order to properly represent the species.
It is also appropriate to draw them in an anthropomorphic form (bipedal with more human-like bodies) but as sexual dimorphism doesn't exist, the ideal StormCat is preferred to not include those kinds of human features (such as female breasts) as they do not have any reproductive organs in anthro form either.
* The species is entirely sexless but not genderless.
so gender pronouns (He/She, Him/Her) are acceptable, for ease of communication and are chosen based on the creator’s preference.
Markings
StormCats do not have the ability to change their markings throughout their lives. They are often based on colors and patterns that are most appealing. They are permitted to have coats that change during different seasons or other environmental effects, such as day and night. Sections of the markings are allowed to glow or change colors with mood, but they cannot change their coat design on command or overall (like a chameleon) without reincarnation.
The StormCat species was inspired by the modern African Cheetah, who possess the unique trademark of black tear markings on the face, that reduce light glare from the sun. There are many different types of Tear markings a StormCat can have, such as Single, Double or Triple Tears. the Tears can be connected or broken by the eyes, nose, and edges of the mouth.
StormCats do not have to possess tear markings necessarily, the guide below is a reference of various styles of tear markings and which ones are ok to use.
