Known Information
Cloudsprites as a Species:
Cloudsprites are an odd, fairy-like species. They have solid bodies, much like any other animal, but certain extremities fade into a wispy, cloud-like mist that is soft and fluffy to touch. Males and females are approximately the same size (the size of a small dog or large house cat), and the only physical difference is the set of antlers males have larger horns. Perhaps most curiously about these strange animals, kits are born with solid gems on their bodies one gem shines above each eye, and three are embedded in the abundant chest fluff. The legs of the cloudsprite are solid, but long, wispy fur similar to the ears and tail drift around the feet.
Their eyes always match the color of their gemstones - however there have been cases seen of dichromia and technicolor, but these are extremely rare and likely a mutation.
Cloudsprite Coat Coloration:
Cloudsprites are unique in more way than just one: there is likely no coat coloration or pattern that will never be observed in cloudsprites. Unlike most mammalian animals, cloudsprites can bear nearly any color in their eyes and gems (which are always the same hue, but differs from individual to individual). A cloudsprite kit's coat coloration depends its parents, just like any other animal.
Abnormalities:
Various mutations occur in cloudsprites. Some are commonly seen in other animals, such as blindness or lack of horns, but others are specific to the species. Such abnormalities include varying weather formations such as ice, rain, and fog. Another peculiar mutation is of frozen growth; occasionally, a kit will be born that does not physically grow very much at all throughout its life.
But perhaps the most serious abnormality, however, is the form dubbed cloudless. It is exceedingly rare, but a kit born without its species signature clouds carries a stigmatic shame throughout its entire life. Naturally born smaller and weaker than their normal kin, many cloudless cloudsprites turn at some point to forbidden magic in an attempt to correct their bodies, but instead lose themselves and become Fallen.
We cannot say exactly what the Fallen form is, but we do know they are extremely powerful a result of the forbidden magic now flowing through their bodies. Perhaps the best way to explain a Fallen cloudsprite is that if a regular cloudsprite is the sky, a Fallen cloudsprite is the earth. In the way that the sky represents freedom and boundlessness, the earth in this analogy represents the exact opposite. Fallen cloudsprites are bound to the earth, losing their ability to drift like a cloud. Their gems change, overgrowing the cloudsprites body and becoming a sort of plate armor that covers the forehead, the chest and neck, and cuffs around the legs. In exchange for power, they have given up what makes them the sky.
There is currently no known way to revert from the Fallen form, but the key may lie in the pitch-dark keyhole in the Fallen cloudsprites chest armor, where the largest gemstone used to be.
Very few cloudsprites have ever returned from the Fallen form, and these individuals have lost their magic entirely; along with the gems on their bodies.
Cloudsprite Magic:
All cloudsprites are able to perform limited enchantments, most of which are harmless or beneficial in nature. The source of a cloudsprites magic is in its gems, and if the gems are cracked or smashed, all magic is lost.
Cloudsprites have the ability to use two types of magic, generally defined as white-type or wind-type. White-type magic is not uncommon among magical creatures, but cloudsprites have limited use of white-type magic, as they generally are more skilled in wind-type magic.
Social Stratification:
Cloudsprites usually form small groups comprised of individuals with close bonds and their young offspring. When a kit grows up, it sometimes chooses to stay with its parent group, or it will leave and join or start a new one. Cloudsprites stratify themselves according to gem color - multicolor or pale gemstones such as diamond, pearl, moonstone, and opal are the most highly regarded among the sprites (and the rarest). Dichromatic or patterned gems such as tourmaline, fluorite, and tiger's eye are the secondary class, with monochromatic gems such as ruby and sapphire being the most common and the lowest class.
Cloudsprite Creation:
The miracle of birth is a mysterious thing, especially so in cloudsprites. Mated cloudsprites are usually bonded pairs, however polyamorous bonded groups of 3-4 have been observed. These pairs or groups will mate amongst themselves, and several months later, a litter of 1-3 kits will be born.
Egg-like crystals are also occasionally found, and these crystals, when fed the white-type magic of a bonded pair or group, will shatter and reveal a baby cloudsprite. These cloudsprites have been given the label First Generation, and are exceedingly rare. The exact method through which these crystals form is unknown, but it likely has something to do, again, with cloudsprite magic.
Technical Information
About Cloudsprites:
Cloudsprites are a closed species created by me, known most commonly as "Fen", but here as "Shrike", on Deviantart as d-n-seito, and Lioden as #53317. Cloudsprites currently have two growth stages, kit and adult. There are currently 11 known mutations, 0 of which currently exist on a living cloudsprite. There are currently 0 Fallen cloudsprites existing. Cloudsprites are a closed species and may not be reproduced without my permission.
Obtaining a First Generation Cloudsprite:
On average, two new cloudsprite crystals will be created every 1-2 weeks. This is temporary and will be discontinued in the near future. Methods of distribution will include: flatsale, auction, raffle, and possibly others.
Obtaining a Cloudsprite Offspring:
Baby stages woohoo! On occasion, two cloudsprites will have a litter of kits. Litters most commonly consist of 1-2 kits, however 3-kit litters have occurred. The owners of the parent sprites will have first pick of the litter, then any extra kits will be put up for auction. If both of the parents are owned by me, the entire litter will go up for auction.
Trading/Selling:
Cloudsprites may be sold or traded to other users for anything EXCEPT real life currency. However, please don't buy cloudsprites if you only intend to sell them for a profit.
Cloudsprites 1.0:
This is Project Cloudsprite 2.0. If you know me on Deviantart, Lioden, or Mycena Cave, then you may have seen the original cloudsprite lineart. This new set of lineart is an updated version, and was drawn by LadyHawkwing, and myself.
Hiring:
I am currently seeking art/design helpers! Please PM me if interested, I will send you a transparent cloudsprite lineart and ask you to design and color a certain theme for it as a test of sorts. If hired, you will receive 50 percent of profit from cloudsprites designed by you, and discounts on buying cloudsprites from me. Currently hired: Miakokins
Cloudsprite Market located here.
Cloudsprite Registry will be updated shortly. Thanks for your patience! |
