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Post by Sahret on Apr 13, 2021 13:36:33 GMT -5
Welcome to the Heb~Bastet! the Sphinx TeamMr. Pooka - manager, colourist, co-owner PookaWitch - creator, main artist, colourist, templater, co-owner SweetIntoxikation - colourist Jeanstarwind - colourist Operetta - Invaluable Organizer, colourist Heb-Bastet means 'Bastet Festival' The end of the season of Peret quickly approaches and the month of Renwet is nearly here.
On the 4th day of Renwet (or April the 15th to those who follow the Greco-Roman calendar) we hold a festival to the nefer netjer Bastet.
All are invited to attend the Heb-Bastet, sphinx or human, noble or peasant. It shall be a time of merriment, selling of wares, jokes, eating, drinking, and of course the reverence towards the nefer netjer (good goddess) Bastet!  Sahret: Hey hekenmess! (Hello Friends!) Ii-wy, welcome to the Fourteenth Annual Heb~Bastet Sphinx Celebration! Those of you who attended the previous festivals may remember me, and for the newcomers I shall introduce myself: I am Sahret and a hostesses of the festival. *Sahret motions towards her clowster of cats* As always I have brought along my little darlings to participate, but I do have a new love to add to my collection of cats. Say 'hello' Kamau  Kamau: Meow.Kamau is from a breed of cats sent here by the arriving Empress of the distant Hanashima. They are said to bring good fortune to their owners.  Selene IV: Sadly I have to note that my closet is empty this year due to my temporary insanity back at Yule.
Lilting music could be heard in the distance, soft, but growing louder as it neared Ahket. A runner hurried up to the priestesses. He huffed for air as he tried to relate the news to Sahret and Selene IV. Runner: "There is a large group of sphinxes marching towards Ahket." Sahret: "Ah, this must be the envoy from the far East that the Pharaoh warned us would be arriving soon." Selene IV: "Hmmm, I'm curious about the timing, it's not as if anything ever goes awry during the Heb Bastet." she noted sarcastically Sahret: "Well, I'm ready for anything, come what may." Sahret noted with a battle-ready gleam in her eyes Selene IV: "Right. Well, let's see what single males this envoy has brought along." Selene donned a pith helmet she had acquired from the STEAM ship and pulled out a comically large butterfly net
Selene IV: Let's see if I can restock my closet! Things to look forward to during the Heb-Bastet are....~ Contests! ~ Giveaways ~ Stray Cats ~ The Temple of Bastet accepting new recruits ~ job upgrade/change opportunities ~ New classes/costumes ~ New traits ~ Lots of opportunities to casually roleplay your sphinxes ~ More new templates then any previous Heb~Bastet~ A regal parade ~ Adventure in a new country ~ Samurai, Geisha and all sorts of foreign classes ~ Cherry Blossom Viewing ~ Foxes? ~ Higher Education ~ Mandatory Uniforms ~ Average High School Students ~ Power Scaling ~ Cutie Heart Transformations! ~ Gotta Catch 'em All ~ Delinquent Girls ~ and much, MUCH more!!! |
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Post by Sahret on Apr 13, 2021 13:36:38 GMT -5
Index1 - Festival Introduction2 - Index, Links and Rules3 - Traditional Long Running Contests4 - Games and Stray Cats5 - Anime Points and Gatchapon6 - Hanashima Parade7 - Pooka's Playground8 - The Wardens9 - Eiko's Pokegym10 - Yama Sugi Golden11 - Mr. Pooka12 - Mr. Ito13 - Jeanstarwind14 - Pharaoh Adjo15 - Priestess ZeldaPage 2 16 - Sweetintoxikation's Base of Operations17 - Tox 218 - Julian's Adventures19 - Nen's Corner20 - Games in Progress21 - Finished Games22 - the 'go ahead' to post 23 - First to post... sanguinedragon Rules~ Site Wide RulesContests, Games and Auctions
~ No editing contest/auction posts for any reason. (If you think you made a mistake try and repost!) ~ The end time of auctions and timed contests are the very last possible second on the minute posted. For example if a contest/auction ends at 2:30 PI time then the very last post that can be accepted is 2:30:59. (a few more detailed auction rules are always posted with auctions to make everything easy to understand and very clear!) ~ Sometimes a game rule will break the regular rules for fun but should be very clear (such as a contest for the first post with a specific time or a note about being able to edit until the contest ends). ~ ALL of our contests and games are meant to provide fun and enjoyment! Don't worry or stress about a certain type of game, there will be lots of variety and something for everyone, (-8 ~ ALL times listed for contests and auctions are in EST! If you have your time settings on a different timezone here is a handy clock! EST ClockA Request and ReminderWe would ask that you please think of the Heb threads as a fun party and try not to bring down the mood. It's meant to be a safe/fun place where we can leave the stress of real life behind. (Think of it like going into a birthday party, everybody is singing 'happy birthday', they're about to cut the cake... and you bring up something sad/upsetting and ruin the mood.) A lot people people come to these threads to escape real life and have fun, and tend to leave when they see the mood being dragged down. It's not that we don't care! We do care and know that this is a good community to confide in for help/support, but if you do need this please post in a different thread in the Sphinxes General Forums, that's what it's there for. ^_^ Payments
USD payment is completed with paypal, and due within 24 hours after getting the final, agreed upon custom price or winning auction bid. Send the full amount for Pookawitch customs. For all other artists please send payments split 50/50 to Pookawitch and the other artist.
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Post by Sahret on Apr 13, 2021 13:36:42 GMT -5
3. Traditional Long Running Contests When it comes to judging: Please realize that we are not art critics and that we shall try our best. It's difficult to choose between so many wonderful entries, and we already feel like villains for not being able to choose everybody that will enter. So please do realize that if we choose one piece over another we're doing our best and probably will strain, stress and worry as we're even figuring out the top finalists, and usually we just go by what caught our attention the most. (also we never pick fast and put off judging because is soooo hard to pick!) There can only be one entry, per contest, per person (not account). PM your entries to Mr. Pooka with the message titled with the name of the contest (ie. if you are entering the art contest send a pm with the title 'Art Contest') (...also I don't always look at contest entries until we set up for judging so if you have a question feel free to either post it in this thread or PM it.) Some years we don't have enough entries for all of the prizes, so don't be shy, go ahead and enter!Entries must be in by May 15th (12 am EST)
Art Contest
Art of any medium, with the theme of the Sphinxes adoptable and Hanashima and/or Anime.Sometimes judging comes down to 'does it look like it could be from the Sphinxes adoptable or does it look like an anthro cat"? Its a trixy fine line! Pencil drawings, digital work, sculpture, whatever your ready to try! You MUST have made it yourself and it must have been made for this contest. Make sure to sign your picture. 1rst Place Prize - Winner: Moophles
2nd Place Prize - Winner: Siopilos
3rd Place Prize - Winner: MelodysAngel
Bonus Prize - Minkey55 Cooking/Baking Contest Bake/cook some wonderful treat! Something themed with Hanashima and/or Anime. To enter show a picture of your final entry with a card/paper in the image with your username, 2021, and a tiny doodle of a cat. :3 (As detailed or as quickly done as you wish. ) If you think it's needed, feel free to describe your choices and reasons for what you made and why you made it. You might wish to check out previous Heb contests to see what Mr. Pooka and I tend to lean towards for choices... nothing set in stone but I think we are usually more impressed with flashy/pretty things,  (ie. would prob. pick a cake shaped like a Sphinx over a traditional Egyptian bowl of hummus... although we are often surprised with the types of entries so you never know!) Only enter your own work created for this contest. Pictures of the steps is awesome and helpful, but not required. 1rst Place Prize - Winner: Siopilos
2nd Place Prize - Winner: MelodysAngel
3rd Place Prize - Winner: Rayvin_Kittiy
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Post by Sahret on Apr 13, 2021 13:36:49 GMT -5
4. Games
First to post on pg 1,100 - wins a valhalleon
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Completed GamesFirst to PostThe first person to post after the team's initial posts wins... Winner: sanguinedragon First to Post on pg 50 - Wins an Ashigaru upgrade for one sphinx - Winner: Wolfrysk! First to Post on pg 100 - wins a kimono - Winner: Wolfrysk! First to post on page 150 - a sake set - winner: Phoenix Stardancer! First to post on page 200 - A maiko upgrade! - winner: Moophles! First to post on pg 250 - wins the sphinx in the spoiler - winner Wolfrysk! First to post on pg 300 - wins a samurai upgrade! - Winner: Sanguinedragon! First to post on pg 350 - a wig coupon - Winner - Sanguinedragon First to post on pg 400 - a kineticist energy upgrade - Winner: Ninjawoo First to post on pg 450 - a martial artist upgrade - winner: Sanguine_Dragon First to post on pg 500 - a scholarship! (ie: a student upgrade) - Winner: Ninjawoo! First to post on pg 550 - a lvl 3 job upgrade - Winner: Ninjawoo! First to post on pg 600 - Winner: Sanguine_Dragon First to post on pg 650 - a maid upgrade (hey, that rhymes!) - Winner: Ninjawoo! First to post on pg 666 - a demon tail and succubus/incubus wings added to a sphinx of choice. (As long as it fits.) - Winner: AoM! First to post on pg 700 - a panda cub - Winner: Sanguine Dragon First to post on pg 750 - a slime - Winner: Wolfrysk! First to post on pg 800 - a terrorbird chick - Winner: Dementia! First to post on pg 850 - a pre-coloured terrorbird - Winner: Wolfrysk! First to post on pg 900 - Winner: sanquine dragon First to post on pg 950 - Winner: ?Rayvn_kittiy! First to post on pg 1,000 - a $25 custom sphinx! - Winner: Cameron! First to post on pg 1,050 - wins a celesteon - Winner: Wolfrysk! Notice me Sempai - Winner: Operetta Notice Me Sempai!
 (His alt cert) See this smexy crio? He's an exchange student at Yama Sugi Golden, and an upper classman (ie. Sempai)! He's a bit of a bad boy (if you can't tell by his untucked shirt) and a little aloof. Many a sphinx student swoons as he walks by and try with all their might to get him to notice them. (There's even rumour that a few sphinxes started a Crio Appreciation Club due to him.) So far none of these attempts have been very productive. Somebody needs to tame this bad boy and win his heart. To get sempai to notice you, whenever you see him appear in the thread post a picture of one of your sphinxes (any type, this is just for RP) along with the words 'Notice me Sempai!' bolded and made larger (size doesn't matter, just larger so he notices you) along with a love confession (ie. a declaration of how and why you (ie. your sphinx posted) love him). You don't need to use the same sphinx every time. Love Confession - TV TropesWhoever is the first to post correctly will gain an anime point and be added to a list (you may get your name on the list multiple times) for a random draw to win him on May 10th. (Or as soon as I have a chance after May 10th. But this ends on May 10th.) (ETA) You have up until 5 minutes after Sempai appears to make your post.Here is the catch, you cannot have the same love confession as you posted before, successful or not. You can get creative with pictures, art drawn of him, prose, etc... but it must be a love confession of how your sphinx adores him. You cannot just edit a few words from a previous love confession either or it doesn't count. If he didn't notice you before, well he's not going to notice you trying with the same attempt.  Exceptionally creative entries (successful or not) may potentially win an anime point.
The winner of this crio may also have the option of him marrying the sphinx who got his attention. (Or one of them if you were able to get your name on the list with multiple sphinxes.) ((Special thanks to Tierasa for coming up with the game. ^_^ Although I had to change one part due to lack of older cert numbers.)) Note: Due to two spellings you may also use 'Senpai' for the spelling with the code title. ^_^ Just due to some people who may spell it with the alternate.Noticed Love Confessions
MA - Lotus
Demential - Kyrie
ninjawoo - Babsy
Phoenix Stardancer - Seki
Aholland - Leoparda
Phoenix Stardancer - Seki
Operetta - Tiye
Phoenix Stardancer - Seki
ninjawoo - Babsy
Phoenix Stardancer - Seki
Operetta - Tiye
Operetta - Kemat
Tierasa - Anai
Stray Cats
Sahret: Hey hekenmess, hello friends. Bastet has deemed to bless us with sacred cats who are roaming around Ahket.
They look much like my new darling Kamau here.
Kamau: mewPerhaps Bastet will take notice of you and bless you with one of her cats.
~*~
About the Stray Cats
During the Heb~Bastet, at the Temple of Bastet, stray cats are seen to wander around. These cats already have a name, and if they hear their name said they will come forth to be with the person who 'called' them. If there are stray cats in an event there will be a warning at the top of the thread letting you know. Ie: *Stray cats have been seen around this event/thread* If there are stray cats in a thread, and you happen to say their name (sometimes they're in another language and their meaning will pull them out) during your posting, the cat will respond and come to you. It can be made a pet for your sphinx, or kept to wait for when you have a sphinx to care for it. Basically it is a 'secret word' game. (A word search to check the threads that have stray cats in them.) Stray Cat Rules~ It will be announced in a thread when a certain artist's stray cats are around, and another note posted when that artist has finished their game (ie. not watching the thread any longer). ~ Only 1 stray cat from each artist can be won per person for the 'secret word' games. (this does not include cats won from other events, just the 'secret word' stray cat game.) ~ Spelling matters! Since a program is being used to find the word posted, if the word is miss-spelled it will be overlooked. So, to be fair - spelling counts. ~ Please note that this is supposed to be in the event of a 'normal post'. So no posts of just name lists in an attempt to call over a cat. ~ Editing posts is fine, but no going back to edit a post after cats have been won in an attempt to make it seem as if you had posted that word first. After the page has the word search completed and winners announced, any edits just to make it seem as if you said the winning name/word before the page was searched will disqualify you. ~ There are other artists with stray cats, and another list of names - with each of us not pre-knowing the names the other was using. So there could be repeats of words/names ~Although some names have many meanings, there is a pre-chosen, exact word that is being used for the cats in this game. (Ie. A cat could be named 'Sebyet', which is Khemetic for 'teacher', and the word 'teacher' would bring out that cat.) |
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Post by Sahret on Apr 13, 2021 13:36:55 GMT -5
5. Anime Points
Please mail Mr. Pooka with your Anime Point purchases before the end of Sunday June 20th!)(if you miss the deadline due to unforeseen circumstance, PM Mr. Pooka and we'll see what we can do, but some prizes will be moved to other projects on Monday and no longer be available.) The infusion of energy from another dimension, with potent abilities for heroes, has started to seep into this world. From this energy comes power! Some learn to jump through the trees like they're flying, some become super strong, have incredible chi elemental ninjutsu, excel at cooking to a degree that they blow people's clothes off, or even go super saiyan! The possibilities are unlimited!! This doesn't affect every person in the world though, mostly those with potential to harness this energy. (ie. characters, not your average sphinx on the street.) This will be represented by both roleplaying, and anime points. For RP go ahead and get 'all anime' with your characters, don't worry, things will balance out later on and you don't need to keep them in such a state (or you can! It's up to you.). Currently though 'anime energy' is infusing this world and causing many a power, and trope, to happen. Anime points will be rewarded at times for prizes in games or roleplaying and each person gains a 'pool' of points that can be spent on rewards. Anime Points can be spent to purchase (one from the category). PM Mr. Pooka to spend your points.
(If more items are templated, there may be more options added in the future)
(Trait upgrades need to be possible with the sphinx. Something that would typically be on Rosemary's list.)
1 point
gatchapon token
sarashi (body or foreleg)
re-name a sphinx
2 points
simple wig re-colour
fan
shinobi headband
alternate cert
3 points
sake set
tea set
wig upgrade
student upgrade
fox mask
4 points
lvl 2 job upgrade
simple clothing re-colour (templated only)
shamisen
parasol
daisho
deck of cards (regular or long)
panda cub
slime (wobble, wobble)
5 points
trait $1
yumi bow
yari spear
naginata
terror bird chick
maiko upgrade
miko upgrade
Sukeban upgrade
Bosozoku upgrade
6 points
kimono
hakama
kamishimo (needs kimono and hakama, male only)
7 points
lvl 3 job upgrade
8 points
terror bird
tatsu dragon (simple colouring)
trait $5
geisha upgrade
oiran upgrade
9 points
visit to the cat cafe
10 points
cherry blossom animation
kineticist element
15 points
magic girl upgrade (w/ buyer's palate and artist's choice of clothing )
trait $10
Current Anime Points
aholland - 9
Angel_of_Music - 2
Cameron - 9
Cryptic - 0
Dementia - 9
Hotaru - 16
kaats711 - 7
melodysangel - 21
Minkey55 - 0
Moonlit_Arcane - 3
Moophles - 15
ninjawoo - 2
Operetta - 11
Phoenix Stardancer - 2
Rayvin_Kittiy - 16
sanguinedragon - 2
Siopilos - 3
springacres - 1
tierasa - 9
Tox - 3
wolfrysk - 2
Gatchapon
| Gatchapon are a variety of vending machine-dispensed capsule toys which give out random prizes. When you use a Gatchapon Token you visit the Gatchapon Thread
There you may spend your token on the machine and make a random roll to get a random, listed, prize. There is more information in the Gatchapon Machine Thread. |
Nekospresso
(the Cat Cafe)
There is a secretive little nook that has been opened up in Ahket.
It's difficult to find but if you do it's a little slice of paradise for cat lovers.
When you are invited to the cat cafe you will be given it's secret location
where you can go, have a nice tea or coffee, play with the cats...
and take one home.
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Post by Sahret on Apr 13, 2021 13:37:02 GMT -5
6. The Hanashima Parade
Beautiful music announced the coming parade. It was so unlike the local sound and there seemed to be no rhythm, rather a each song was a collection of beautiful sounds placed in a pleasing order. Flute music danced in the air accompanied by plucked stringed instruments and lead by the heavy beat of drums. The guards of Ahket needed to keep sphinxes from climbing the walls to get a better look at the approaching procession of foreign sphinxes and sometimes they succeeded. Many a sphinx climbed to higher viewpoints, sitting upon their rooftops or lifted cubs onto shoulders to better see over the bustle of the excited locals. The first of the curious sphinxes to emerge from the front gates were wearing fanciful painted masks and seemed as if they had impossibly thick, long hair. They capered and danced erratically through the streets to the sound of the instruments behind them.   Next marched a pair of unarmed but dangerous seeming Sphinxes, who paused at intervals to do the occasional flip, tumble, or acrobatic feat to entertain the crowd!   A second pair of Sphinxes marched closely behind the Marital Artists also pausing to strike curious arcane poses which conjured some unknown elemental magic. Swirls of fire and water danced around the pair in a wild display!   There was barely time to even take in the magnificent physical arts of the previous sphinxes as a long procession of sphinxes who seemed to be porters of sorts moved through the streets. Some carried wicker baskets while others helf aloft larger, heavier boxes between them with poles. Among them were more entertainers playing music or dancing to keep the mood high.   As the train of porters passed it gave way to the delicate beauty of the next group of sphinxes who gracefully and elegantly moved down the streets. They paused here and there lifting onto their hind legs to wave, spin or flip their artistically painted fans or strike entrancing poses. These skilled entertainers had their own guard and attendants but they may as well have been invisible as most could not pull their eyes from the Geisha and Maiko.   It would take something spectacular to pull eyes away from the painted fan twirling Sphinxes... and something fantastic appeared! Serpentine, draconic looking creatures on leashes dashed to and fro, their small legs skittered on the stones of the streets. While they may have seemed dangerous, the dragon handlers encouraged local children to pet their furry manes leading to many squeals of happiness.   Striding with confidence and swagger came a proficient group of armed warriors who must have been some sort of knights dressed in beautiful lacquered armor.   Following the warriors were standard bearers hefting tall vertical flags that danced in the wind. Locals without magic may not have been able to read the names or proclamations but the artfulness of the writing alone would be the inspiration for many an ill thought out tattoo. Upon the most elegant and ornate of liters was a vision of beauty, surrounded by flowers and valuable trinkets. Her many dresses trailed to the edge of her liter as she sat quietly upon it, her blossom pink hair pooled around her paws. Upon the brow above her painted face she wore a golden insignia. Any sphinx with a hint of wisdom could recognize what was most likely the Empress that the local gossips had been chatting about. For those who recognised it, the confidence in her gaze proclaimed that her power and skill easily matched her beauty. Surrounding the Empress were her imposing elite, personal guard, dressed in black and white lacquered armour.      Less extravagant liters were carried behind the regal sphinx holding an array of females who seemed to have an air of import. Right behind them were what seemed to be more common guards with spears watching the backs of the regal sphinxes.  Nearing the end of the parade were what seemed to be religious figures who were blessing the area with some sort of staff covered in zigzagging strips of white paper. They were followed by many sphinxes carrying a heavy looking, highly decorated box upon poles. They shook the box gently as they moved, chanting merrily.  At the very rear of the group were more common warriors with very tall bows at the ready, prepared to guard the box on the liter before them.  The eyes of Ahket were focused on the parade as it led past the walls of the palace for the Empress to meet with Pharaoh Adjo. As the gates closed there was an audible sigh from the scores of onlooking Sphinxes. The entourage could no longer be seen and as the music faded the gossip began. |
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Post by PookaWitch on Apr 13, 2021 13:37:30 GMT -5
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Post by Katsumi on Apr 13, 2021 13:40:05 GMT -5
8. the Wardens
(Bosozoku/Sukeban)
"Fight Like a Girl."
The Wardens are a bosozoku (Japanese bikers) and a Sukeban (girl gang) who roams the roads looking for trouble to get into. Mostly a vigilante group they spend much of their time finding and punishing those who they believe 'have it coming', typically men. The Wardens have their own set of rules, rituals and punishments that they perform within their gang.
Katsumi is the leader of the Wardens (along with co-leader of the YSO), seconded by Usagi.
On the back of their tokku-fuku (a style of jacket that bosozoku wear) they have the patch of the YSO bonsai tree with 'Yama Sugi Outlaws' in kanji above and 'WARDENS' (in English) and 'Fight Like a Girl' (in kanji) below. The rest of the kanji embroidered on their jackets are personalized and vary from member to member.
Warden Rules
~ Listen to the boss with everything unless there is a unanimous vote against her
~ We take care of our own
~ Never go alone
~ Once you are in, you are in for life
~ Causing dissention in the group will be punished by and depending on severity
~ Take no slight from a male
~ Know how to fight
~ New gang prospects must be sponsored by a Warden and accepted by the Boss
~ No cheating on your significant other
Sukeban/Warden Greetings
Squat crouch towards your opponent, putting your hand forward, palm up. (if in response start with 'I hear your introduction') ~ Say where you are from
~ Describe something badass about yourself that you've done
~ Give your name, and nickname (if any) ('This is why they call me ______ the _____')In a full gang introduction to another gang all crouch, but the introduction is done by the Boss alone. |
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Post by Eiko on Apr 13, 2021 13:40:34 GMT -5
9. Eiko's Pokegym
 | Located near the Yama Sugi Golden school is the YSG Pokegym. It's not based on any particular pokemon-type and will change the line-up to properly match the skill level of the challenger. The leader is Eiko, a kimono girl from Ecruteak, Jhoto. Trainers who defeat her receive a Blossom Badge. Her elite level pokemon are an umbreon, ninetales, and alolan ninetales which are only brought out for the most difficult of challengers. |
Who's that Sphinx? A game played in Eiko's homeland where the shadowed out form of a creature is presented and the viewer needs to quickly and correctly guess what that creature is. She has an Ahket version of the game where from time to time Eiko will show up with the image of a shadowed in sphinx and the first person to guess correctly that sphinx's name will win a prize from Eiko (most likely a pet/monster of some sort or another). The shadowed out image will always include the full sphinx and their wardrobe, but not nessicarily their pets or other items, so they need to be guessed by the sphinx alone. Evolution
Eiko has learned that an ability she learned in her homeland works on sphinxes! It takes time and training, but if a sphinx lets her put them in a special 'monster capture ball' she can spend some time 'evolving' them into a new form. After the evolution is complete she releases the sphinx back into freedom. She always releases them afterwards... promise. Occasionally if Eiko is busy this may be performed by her friend, another monster trainer, Cinnamon. When Cinnamon gets her paws on a sphinx there is a good chance they'll wind up with fiery traits, colours and abilities. ie. Pookawitch will take your sphinx and change them by adding traits, markings, possibly items, etc to get a different sphinx. This could be minor to huge depending on randomness. CinnamonA great place to learn about Geisha: Geisha of Japan |
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Post by Mr. Pooka on Apr 13, 2021 13:41:17 GMT -5
Yamasugi Golden School for HeroesShortly after the S.T.E.A.M. ship sailed off on its next adventure diplomats from another place began exploring and making contacts in Ahket and it's surrounding area. While these first contacts were mostly private and wholly not unusual, only those involved with these visitors were aware of their plans. It was only in the last few months that their presence became much more obvious. With permission from the Pharaoh himself, they took possession of a large piece of farmland on a smaller tributary of Khemet's greatest river. The request was reasonable as the surrounding area had been decimated a few years back during Nebet's undead invasion and even if anyone wanted to move back there no crops would grow. Right on the border of this claimed land was also the Ruins of Hawara, a tiny village poisoned with mysterious disappearances and dark rumors which had been ransacked further last year in a quest by several brave Sphinxes to locate the missing crew of a flying ship called the Brass Swallow. Once the right location was found and the deals of land rehabilitation where laid out construction and magic began. In a few short months the land began to grow green again as several impressive buildings were built... with some appearing to simply spring into existence overnight. While out of site of the city of Ahket it's frantic activity still drew much curiosity from the adventuresome and gossipy of the city proper. The Pharaoh toured the place first followed by several entourages of nobles, priests and priestess and other locals of importance. Open tours were offered after these visits and the locals finally got to see what was going on. Yamasugi Golden School for Heroes was nearly ready to open it's doors and take on new students. The grounds were fairly large and the architecture was intriguing to the locals but compounds of this scale and size where not unheard of in Khemet. What was in some of the buildings was a different story. It seemed that there were places to provide education in every skill known to the people of Ahket as well as ten times as many that were unheard of. Great craftspeople from around the world were present to instruct in diverse skills and working shops filled with exotic materials boggled the mind of many a visiting Sphinx. Huge fields were set aside for all sorts of animal training and riding while others were sectioned off to teach advanced agriculture. Gyms and exercise rooms, comfortable classrooms were found all over with a scattering of other places designed for the most specialized of training. One building held a massive indoor pool along with several smaller specialized aquatic features such as heated or cooled water baths. Garden paths between buildings and areas offered a treat to the senses and were filled with both local and exotic flora. Any Sphinx given a tour had the name of the school explained as it did not roll of the local tongue well but was named in the tradition of the original school which this was a satellite of. Yama meant mountain and Sugi meant cedar and the word Golden was added as a symbol of luck and prosperity as well as a nod to it's founder. To the excitement of many locals, a great number of Cedar trees were planted on the campus and seemed to be flourishing. Cedar was a well loved wood but it was usually not able to grow in the local conditions... and the same could be said of the diverse and growing orchard. Places like the orchard were functional as well as educational and would, in future years, provide the locals with a whole new market of exotic nuts and fruits, apples in particular. Shrines to deities both local and from abroad were also tastefully scattered around the campus allowing for the worship of many goodly gods, goddesses and spirits. Religions which had specific worship requirements were provided for students, such as private dancing clearings or sacred bonfires. Many local Priests and Priestess had been invited to teach at the school or had made deals with the school to have students come to there temples as part of their educations. The main campus was sorted into to educational tiers, sorted a bit differently then was traditional locally. There was a High School for teens and young adults and a College for older and more advanced students. Each had a pair of dormitories for students to live in, separated by gender. They were small but comfortable and usually two students shared a room. While private accommodations were separate there were many other amenities that where shared by all students such as a huge dinning hall, growing library and several free use/play rooms for all sorts of activities from dancing and games to clubs and other extra curriculars. It was rumored that the school was very expensive to join, but it did offer a great number of scholarships based on the faculties discretion and occasionally some competition. Included was all training supplies, educational materials and uniforms. School Recruitment would be starting Soon! 
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Post by Mr. Pooka on Apr 13, 2021 13:41:24 GMT -5
Mr. Pooka EntertainmentWho knows what'll end up here... really does someone know? That would be super helpful! real life example of Mr. Pooka hard at work on this event. ------------------------------------------ some contests going on now that might get lost in the thread! Torii TourA wolf Miko goes on a spiritual adventure!  Finally things were getting back to normal at the Inari Shrine. Ranko and her minions had all either escaped or been rooted out. While it may take some time for the shrines image to be restored, at least all of those in the know were content that the shrine was a pure and safe haven again. The Shogun herself had dispatched a small group of Samurai to help as well... and while their presence was appreciated for what it was, sadly a rumor that they were there just to keep an eye on the Miko and Priests didn't exactly lend the Shrine any extra trust. Due to all of the activity over the last while visitors were also way down. There were several people working on getting things back to normal, but, our wolf Miko figured that this was a good time to help the Temple but not helping the Temple. Funds were stretched thin and even feeding all of the faithful was become burdensome. The wolf declared that she was going to travel upon a classic wandering path of the faithful. Similar to a Yamabushi pilgrimage, but her destinations were spread far and wide, not just the mysteries hidden on mountaintops. With only a small wicker box on a straps to hold her spiritual items she set out on her tour. Trusting in her faith that the gods would provide and the good will of people she met, the wolf set out to adventure! ------------------------------------------------- Torii Sightseeing Game!This contest starts now and goes until page 949. Anyone may try to post an image of a Torii Gate as the top post of any page. Each entry image must be different. (the same Torii may be used, but the image must not be the same... diff angles, time of day, whatnot is all good.) Every successful post will get you on a draw list for our Wolf Miko. You may get on the list a maximum of five times. -------------------------------------------------- Some games that are over, below. Kineticist Training and TestsAirThe Air Kineticists at the Dojo were drawn from mountain folk, primarily. Living in the highest places they shared their territories with Yamabushi and xenophobic Kami, honing their arts while being exposed to the element of their nature. While some focus on pure air manipulation, this particular tradition merged their powers with archery. Focused winds to extend their shots, subtle manipulation to steer arrows to their targets, even around corners it was rumored. Natural winds were their ally and they could fire true inside a hurricane. It was also believed that some of them spoke to the spirits of the air, or perhaps used gusts of wind to carry messages to one another... but these were the kinds of secrets that were not shared without membership or reason. ------------------------------------------- Air GameOne must show true mastery of the air in combination with a perfect strike. Post an image of a Sphinx you own (regular posed Egyptian) along with a d20 roll at the top of any page, along with the code word of AIR. Only the top posts count as contest entries. The first person to roll a natural 20 on their dice roll will win an Air Kineticist job upgrade. The costume looks like this, and I have a male and female version. (the female version is very similar, just don't have a sample ready!)  ------------------------------------------- FireFire was the enemy of everyone in Hanashima. Narrow forested valleys, volcanic eruptions and most importantly, tightly build cities made of wood, straw and paper made everyone wary of fire. Of all the of most recognised elements, fire was the most destructive and was the cause of the most ruin. One careless flame could erase a village from history. Some Fire Kineticists carried this constant threat with pride and swagger, bullying all in their path. You would not find any of those types in this dojo. Fire also brought safety. It provided food and warmth and cleared diseased fields. Without fire life would not exist in many parts of Hanashima. While obviously a deadly combat tool, many local kineticists work hard to maintain their community image by participating in events, festivals and rituals and helped with local duties, such as prescribed burns or containing wildfires. This did not mean that they did not lend their power to battle and a fire kineticist on any field was to be feared. -------------------------------------------- Fire GameControl and Balance. Two traits not naturally attributed to fire but skills that were important to train for Fire Kineticists of the Empire to differentiate themselves from their wilder kin. On any page that ends in the number 5 you must post 5 images in successive order. The first two images must be of fire, the third image must be the Sphinx you wish to upgrade, and the last 2 images must also be fire. All of the fire images must be different. All of your posts must be uninterrupted by any other posts. The first person to pull this off successfully will win the upgrade. I currently only have a male Fire Kineticist costume set up, which looks like this.  -------------------------------------------- EarthThere were two branches of Earth schools currently active in this dojo. The first were completely unsubtle earth shakers. With their hammers they could cause rifts in the earth or crack sturdy castle walls. Earth whirled around them in seemingly random trajectories, especially when they're ki was fully focused. Smash, break, crush and move was almost a mantra for them. The second group combined more subtle earth manipulations to influence battlefields, often in unexpected ways. While a wild hammer blast might knock over some soldiers, one subtle tiny six inch tall wall at just the right time can devastate a whole army's cavalry charge. A distracting earth rumble might be just enough to distract another duelist for a finishing blow. Of course, every once in a while, just throwing a bunch of rocks as someone works too... not subtle but there was no rule that said the two groups couldn't learn from each other! ------------------------------------------------ Earth GamePatience of the mountain... This contest begins immediately after there has been a winner for all three of the other contests in this post, AIR, WATER and FIRE. You may only enter this contest once. You may post your entry before I announce the winners officially if you feel confident! The first person to post an image of a Mountain with the code phrase "I feel the earth and now is the time." will win this Earth contest. I currently have a male and female Earth Kineticist costume set up, which looks like this.  For this contest you may instead choose a Female Earth Samurai like pictured above, with the makeup included if desired for a human faced Sphinx. ----------------------------------------------- WaterLike flowing water itself, Water Kineticists came in a plethora of varieties! Schools of so many varieties came and went that it was difficult to keep track. Divers, sailors, river dwellers, healers, farmers, rain callers and so many more! Several groups did stand the test of time though... at this particular dojo trained a group of Kineticists who aimed to master the art of the flow in their physical moves. A martial art that caused their bodies to move in unexpected ways and with the force to erode mountains and tear ships asunder. Much of this training involved exposure to their chosen element, the colder the better as it was believed that cold water contained more Ki. Waterfall meditations and icy plunges hardened the spirit and built power! ------------------------------------------------- Water gameThis contest starts when anyone posts an image of a waterfall on the top of any page that ends in the number 5. When this situation happens, anyone may post an image of a Sphinx they own who would like this upgrade with the code word WATER. If any person posts an image of a waterfall on the last post of any page that ends in the number 5, all of the successful entries will be added to a random list to determine a winner. If either waterfalls are not posted all entries on that page are not valid. The first page where these conditions are met will be the only page that counts for entries. I currently have a costume for females only that looks like this. 
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Post by Mr. Ito on Apr 13, 2021 13:41:44 GMT -5
Adventures with Mr. Ito!!!Yuichi will keep this post both tidy and well defended!  -------------------------------------------------------------- While most of the Sphinxes of Ahket were assisting in the main cause of the deposed Empress, Mr. Ito was being Mr. Ito, which loosely translated into going his own way. Knowing Eiko and Tanoshii were busy working with the local Geisha and Oiran, he figured that it was a good time for a day trip! If anything dangerous happened, he knew Junko or Mayolin would pick him up, so tossing caution to the wind he figured he'd investigate a fun area he'd heard of farther away from the city of Teien.
On the northern coast of Hanashima's main island there was a village of pearl divers. Specifically female pearl divers, so he'd heard. Apparently only women were considered hardy and hale enough to handle the deep cold water where the fished for local seafood and hunted pearls. In full tourist mode, he made his way to the out of the way village and was very happy to meet a local willing to show him around!
She was curious about his curiosity which Mr. Ito found endearing. Why would anyone travel all the way up here just to watch a bunch of women fishing she wondered?!
Mr. Ito explained he was simply interested in the ways and styles of other peoples, but also had a heavy purse of ryu and was prepared to buy as much fancy seafood as they would sell him, along with a healthy amount of pearls! This would make some nice gifts he though to himself... He liked picking up things with interesting stories, especially for Eiko. Pearl One, Neat Two - a game! Simply share an image (that you have taken yourself) of some pearls (or a single pearl) with your username in this thread, with the title of this contest in your post to be entered into a draw for the Pearl Diver above! All posts must be made by 18:00 EST, April 19th. The pearls do not have to be real of course, just anything that looks like a nice pearl or pile of pearls! EDIT: I adjusted the time a bit (I put the wrong timezone...) There is also a clock on the bottom of our homepage synced to this particular timezone!
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Post by jeanstarwind on Apr 14, 2021 10:31:01 GMT -5
(Limit two wins per player!)  Be the first to post a picture of catnip in this thread on June 8, 2021 at 12:13pm forum time! Winner: wolfrysk -------------------  Correctly answer these questions (PM answers to jeanstarwind) to be entered into a raffle for this boy. Deadline is June 9, 2021 at 10:00am forum time. 1. Who is the Egyptian god of grain? 2. Who is the Egyptian god of wind? 3. Who is the Egyptian goddess of the sky and stars? 4. Who is the Egyptian god of the moon? 5. Who is the Egyptian goddess of justice? Winner: springacres -------------------  Take a picture of something shiny and silver (or just metal) and be sure to include your username, and message jeanstarwind, to be entered into a raffle for this girl! Deadline is June 9, 2021 at 10:00am forum time. Winner: Cameron -------------------  Be the first to post a picture of a piece of jade in this thread on June 8, 2021 at 3:48pm forum time! Winner: Operetta -------------------  Can only be adopted by a child! Post the image of the potential adopter with the phrase "Such a cute kitty!" in bold and PURPLE to be entered in a raffle to win her. Deadline for entries is June 8, 2021 at 8:13pm forum time. Winner: aholland -------------------  Draw and connect the dots of your favorite constellation (include which constellation it is along with your username) and send to jeanstarwind to be entered into a raffle for this kitty! Deadline is June 9, 2021 at 10:31am forum time. Winner: hotaru13 -------------------  Take a picture of something green and growing and be sure to include your username, and message jeanstarwind, to be entered into a raffle! Deadline is June 8, 2021 at 9:11pm forum time. Winner: Rayvin_Kittiy -------------------  First to post a picture of a sunny summer beach in this thread on June 9, 2021 at 11:46am forum time wins this boy! Winner: Moonlit_Arcane ------------------- |
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Post by Pharaoh Adjo on Apr 14, 2021 10:31:26 GMT -5
Claim
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Post by Priestess Zelda on Apr 14, 2021 10:31:42 GMT -5
Last one
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(ie. would prob. pick a cake shaped like a Sphinx over a traditional Egyptian bowl of hummus... although we are often surprised with the types of entries so you never know!)
Exceptionally creative entries (successful or not) may potentially win an anime point.
