Companion Progression System

Astrofel are special animals that usually feature in their bonded's posts as secondary/supporting characters, though they can occasionally be posted individually.

What are Astrofel / how have they changed?

Astrofel are magical beings that were native to Old Ognos. There were three known subspecies: Spirits, who Bonded with Valka; Shades, who Bonded with Humans; and Hesper, Shade x Spirit hybrids who bonded with Amalgam (Human x Valka hybrids). However, the Astrofel relied on the unique conditions of the island; when their connection with the island was severed by Ognos' destruction, they experienced severe magical backlash that warped their bodies and minds. This not only changed the traits of Astrofel born after the disaster, but also any and all pre-existing Astrofel.

Physical Traits:

• With the collapse of their home island, the distinctions between the subspecies of Astrofel have blurred, merged them back into a single species.
• Astrofel may take the form of a single living Earth animal.
  • Species may include hybrids as long as there is documented proof (ex: donkeys, ligers, coywolves).
  • Species can be vague or specific, ex: "domestic dog" or "Great Dane", "bird of prey" or "Bald Eagle" but it is important to maintain consistency.
    • An Astrofel always played with the form of a large dog shouldn't suddenly be written as a chihuahua unless the appropriate Marketplace item is used.
• Aside from a minor appearance feature related to their Affliction, all Astrofel will initially have appearances typical for their species.
  • Naturally occurring appearance differences (ex: melanism, piebaldism, or leucism) can be applied for free, as long as it is known to exist in the species.
  • Appearance changes can be purchased from the Marketplace, found during events/mini-games, or unlocked through level progression.
• All Astrofel all have an Affliction, a powerful and dangerous effect caused by the corruption of their magical connection.
  • Astrofel can gain control of their Affliction over time by consuming certain foods with stabilizing properties.

Mental Traits:

• The traumatic upheaval has caused many Astrofel to regress to more primal, feral versions of themselves as they struggle to adapt.
• Bonding an Astrofel is now a more difficult and delicate process.
  • The creatures are wary and slow to trust after the devastation they endured.
  • Establishing a bond requires patience, care, and mutual respect.
• Communication with Astrofel is limited at first. As trust builds over time, the Astrofel will gradually become more receptive and verbal.
  • Early level Astrofel communicate predominantly through emotions, body language, and simple verbal cues.

Why have an Astrofel?

• Having an Astrofel means there is always someone to "bounce" off of in your posts.
  • Your character always has someone to talk to, look at, etc. even without other players involved.
  • Astrofel can help balance a character's personality, ex: force an introvert to interact, act as the voice of reason for an impulsive character, etc.
  • Astrofel can be great motivators for character development/goal planning, ex: strengthening the bond, finding their Astrofel, etc.
• They are common in society, allowing characters to blend in with their fellow Ognoshu.
• Astrofel can be extremely useful in character -- they might be magically adept, physically powerful, able to be used as a mount, etc.
• They can also come in handy during mini-games and events, augmenting or increasing your rewards.
• Astrofel level separately from their Ognoshu.
  • This means there will be a little more for you to manage, but don't worry -- having an Astrofel is optional!
  • Characters may find theirs at any time; there's no rush or pressure to have one, though they can be quite beneficial.

Progression

Earning Essence Shards

• Each post you write that includes or mentions your Astrofel's Affliction will net you some Essence Shards that are automatically absorbed from ambient magic; the amount is randomized per post with the range determined by their current level.
  • At higher levels, Astrofel might also produce tangible Shards that can be sold or used for other purposes.
• When you use the #posts channel, a form will appear under the #claims prompt for your post; please use the form to confirm if your post contained any special aspects you should get goodies/progression for. Once you've made your selections, staff will create a thread dropping your rewards for you.
• Points are tallied by the support team at the end of the month and announced on the #announcements channel; you can manually update your Astrofel's Level & Collected Shards from your end, or ask staff to update for you.
• You may also gain Essence Shards during events, Seasons, or mini-games.

Current RNG Rates:

These may be adjusted as needed to ensure a balanced challenge that helps player set stretch goals, but don't feel unattainable. If you have feedback to this effect please contact Signe via DM!

• Astrofel is currently Level 0: Generates RNG 5 - 10 Shards per post
• Astrofel is currently Level I: Generates RNG 6 - 12 Shards per post
• Astrofel is currently Level II: Generates RNG 7 - 14 Shards per post
• Astrofel is currently Level III: Generates RNG 8 - 16 Shards per post
• Astrofel is currently Level IV: Generates RNG 9 - 18 Shards per post
• Astrofel is currently Level V: Generates RNG 10 - 20 Shards per post
• Astrofel is currently Level VI: Generates RNG 11 - 22 Shards per post
• Astrofel is currently Level VII (or Beyond): Generates RNG 12 - 24 Shards per post

Afflictions

• The magical corruption that created Afflictions initially has had an uncontrolled, chaotic effect on all Astrofel.
  • The Affliction's associated element or energy often overrides the Astrofel's natural behaviors and instincts.
• An Astrofel can gradually gain control over their Affliction by finding the right sustenance.
  • Ingesting Essence Shards that match an Astrofel's Affliction helps them reforge their lost connection and stabilize the chaotic effects.
  • The shards essentially act as a conduit, allowing Afflicted Astrofel to safely interact with the magic once more.
• Once an Astrofel has consistently consumed the appropriate shards, their Ognoshu can help them train to master their Affliction, turning a weakness into a strength.
• Each Affliction has its own progression path; most of these will have similar requirements, however, Affliction difficulty/rarity will influence the amount of Essence Shards required to level.
  • We allow players some flexibility in how their Astrofel's Affliction affects them on an individual basis, however, Astrofel should generally align with the capabilities and difficulties described for each level.
• The road to mastery is long, but with patience and care, even the most unstable Afflictions can be tamed!

Known Afflictions

• Blood Affliction: Astrofel must consume Blood Shards to stabilize their Affliction.
  • Difficulty/Rarity Level: ★★★★☆ (medium-high, rare)
• Crystal Affliction: Astrofel must consume Crystal Shards to stabilize their Affliction.
  • Difficulty/Rarity Level: ★★☆☆☆ (easy, common)
• Fire Affliction: Astrofel must consumer Fire Shards to stabilize their Affliction.
  • Difficulty/Rarity Level: ★★★☆☆ (medium, uncommon)
• Frost Affliction: Astrofel must consume Frost Shards to stabilize their Affliction.
  • Difficulty/Rarity Level: ★★★☆☆ (medium, uncommon)
• Plant Affliction: Astrofel must consume Plant Shards to stabilize their Affliction.
  • Difficulty/Rarity Level: ★☆☆☆☆ (easy, common)

Additional Afflictions

We have a bank of 59 additional Afflictions we would like to add in the future -- we are also always open to player suggestions!

New Afflictions will be released periodically; they can also be discovered during mini-game participation.

Unlocking Next...

The following Afflictions have been discovered, but will need to be researched further to be unlocked!

• Light Affliction: May be unlocked through events and mini-games. Players can unlock early by donating 10 Light Shards.
• Water Affliction: May be unlocked through events and mini-games. Players can unlock early by donating 10 Water Shards.