A breeding project is when a Handler or a group of Handlers get together with the intent to develop a new breed. This means that they are intending to put time and money towards breeding traits of their Wyrms (and the Wyrms of others) to create something new. In order to make it an official new breed of Wyrm, the Farm needs to be able to produce three unrelated individuals with the same traits as their defined breed to show that they have created a viable line.
Please note, developing a breed requires time, money, and the ability to communicate well with other handlers. This is not something for everyone, but for those who are interested, it is something where /you/ can make something entirely new for the game. We expect that people will be breeding towards their project regularly. If you do not at least request a breeding towards your project at least twice a year, we may inactivate your project.
What do I get if I create a breed?
The Handlers involved in developing the new breed with be credited on the wiki, and allowed to write up the story of their particular new breed of Wyrms (with approval from HopefulMonster). They will also get six months where the breed is exclusive to them. This means that they can request HopefulMonster to make new individuals of their breed at the regular price of a bred baby, which can then be adopted out from the Farm at an additional fee (which may be up to 3x the base cost of the Wyrm). After the six months, the breed will become part of the standard blind-draw Wyrms, but will likely remain relatively rare and getting them from the Farm will still be the easiest way to acquire them.
In addition, handlers who have an approved breed plan (see below), will receive access to the Spring/Fall Equinox Farm seasons, which are very limited breeding seasons to help people who are developing new breeds. During these seasons, Wyrmhandlers who are representatives of breeding projects can request breedings that are aimed directly at developing their breeds in order to help them be able to move their breed forward without the long wait between the existing public seasons. Slots for these seasons will be quite limited, and will be divvy-ed up evenly between the various projects which request breedings (so you may not get all the breedings you request, make sure you and your assistants prioritize your breedings).
Please note: The extra Spring/Fall Equinox Farm seasons are only to be used for cross-breeds working directly towards traits outlined in the approved breeding project. You may not use these slots for pure-breds to build farm 'stock' (ie. pure-bred parent Wyrms for future crossbreedings). Any pure-breedings must be done during the Summer/Winter open seasons.
So how do I register my Farm/Breeding Project?
Well, first, come up with a name for your Farm. Second, come up with an idea for a breed that you want to create. Please keep in mind the traits that exist in the game. You will not be able to create new traits. Third, consider your breeding stock. If there are only two or three Wyrms of a specific breed out there, you may have trouble with a project that depends on their traits. Figure out who is going to help you (if anyone), and design (sketch) up an image of what you think your new Wyrm breed will look like. Define what traits it should have, etc.
Once you have compiled all of this information, create a thread here in this forum with the following title:
(FARM NAME HERE) - (BREED NAME HERE) Project
Example: Some Test Farm - Test Breed Project
Within your thread, make sure you include the following information:
1. Artwork: Artwork which shows a 'regular' individual of your new breed. This should be what you are aiming for as the end result of your breeding project. It should have all of your required traits. Please do not make your artwork an 'alpha'/'omega' or have it include optional traits as we will use the image as a comparison to determine if an individual is considered a valid individual of your new breed.
2. Required Traits: List all required traits clearly. Anything shown on your image cannot be an optional trait.
3. Denied Traits: List any traits that the breed CANNOT have, period.
4. Omega Traits: List any additional traits that are 'okay', but not ideal (there should not be many of these and they should not detract from the overall look of your creature). If you would like to provide an image reference of an omega, please do it in this section. (Optional)
5. Alpha Traits: List any traits that are ideal/alpha but are not generally seen on a regular individual (again, this should not detract from the overall look of your creature). If you would like to provide an image of an alpha, please do it in this section. (Optional)
6. Farm Members: List all members of your farm. Owner and assistants.
Okay, I did that, now what?
When she has time, HopefulMonster will review the threads here. She will then okay the project as something do-able, or will let you know what aspects of your breed plan need changing. Some things are going to be difficult to do, others may be impossible, and we want to let you know ahead of time if what you're aiming for is something that can be done.
Once she has approved your plan, then it's up to you and your assistants to invest the time and money into developing your breed. You may need to go out and ask other handlers for breedings, or purchase some new Wyrms for yourself. Remember, developing a breed takes a long time, and a lot of effort.
Are there any restrictions to how many Farms I can be part of?
No individual handler may be involved in (either as an owner or an assistant) any more than two Farm projects.
People who are listed as owners/assistants should be actively contributing members, and people should probably focus on the projects that they like best. Obviously, you are more than welcome to help out a project, but you may only be listed as a receiving member of two projects..
You may have no more than five total members as part of any project. That means you can have 1 Owner and 4 Assistants. These are the /ONLY/ people able to get clutchmates from the project during Farm Seasons, so choose wisely. These should be people you know are going to be active members and you know will help you breed towards your goals and keep the clutchmates in the project.
If you have not made at least some progress in your first Farm project, we are unlikely to approve a second. Having more than one farm does not increase the number of Wyrms a single handler may get during a Farm Breeding Season, which is two. If you have multiple Farms, you may still only receive two hatchlings per Farm Season, split however you wish.
Other things to Note:
- - Non-card traits may be requirements of a new breed, but keep in mind that you cannot trait charm them and it is up to a roll of the dice if the offspring has or does not have this trait.
- - Your design should have specific traits set in stone. You cannot have variations on the design that include other traits that are not breed specific. Alpha/omega traits you list will not be allowed on Wyrms that you are looking to use to establish your breed.
- - Do not include two-toned bodies, manes, or other traits which require extra work in creating the Wyrm's body as part of your breed standard. These may be part of an Alpha trait, but we will not approve breeds with these as part of their standard. They are also ridiculously hard to breed for, so it is counterproductive.
This is so exciting! Thanks again!