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 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.

★ Restrictions/Options

This section was added June 3rd, 2024.

• You can purchase your Astrofel for 250c, or complete a 300+ word introductory post and receive them for free.
  • You can also select a Bonded Animal from any of the Five Faction areas or a custom animal species, however, they are more expensive. They will gain an Affliction and level up exactly like an Astrofel.

• Each character may have up to three Bonded in total. A separate Bonding form should be submitted for each Bonded.
  • Characters will need to experience a drawback that becomes more powerful the more creatures are added to the Bond, for example, your character may have difficulty sorting through which emotions/sensations are being experienced by their own mind/body and which come from their Bonded. See more examples at the bottom of this page!
  • Multiple bonds including Five Faction Animal Partners are typically very unstable/produce more intense drawbacks, except for Zephfluff; these animals have evolved to produce multiple harmonious bonds due to low Zenoxi birthrates, so characters may bond with up to two Zephfluff without any drawbacks.

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

★ Essence Shards

This section was updated April 10th, 2024.

• The presence of the Primordial Ones was so potent that the latent magic energies within the island began to fracture and crystallize into physical form. These fragments are now known as Essence Shards.
  • The type of shard corresponds to the different magics that once flowed freely across Old Ognos.
    • Fire Shards contain the remnants of fire magic, Ice Shards hold fractured ice magic, and so on for other magic types.
• Essence Shards can be found naturally in the world as actual physical items, or summoned/condensed from ambient energies by Astrofel of the appropriate Affliction, level, and experience.
  • In character:
    • Astrofel can eat natural shards or absorb them from the environment.
    • Essence Shards may cause disruptions in the natural environment, meaning collecting them is a priority; they often sell for a high price.
    • Ognoshu can also absorb Grand Essence Shards, which are created by combining a specific number of Essence Shards.
    • The concentrated energy within Essence Shards also grant them great alchemical and enchanting potential. This makes the shards highly sought after for crafting potions, talismans, and other magical implements.
  • Out of character:
    • Astrofel will earn a specific quantity of shards whenever they are included in a post (including solo posts).
    • Essence Shards and Grand Essence Shards can be found through mini-games, as event rewards, etc.; they will usually be automatically used to grant a Talent or specialized reward, rather than stored as something else you have to track!

★ Earning Essence Shards

This section was added February 9, 2024.

• Each post you write that includes or mentions your Astrofel's Affliction will net you +25 Essence Shards that are automatically absorbed from ambient magic.
  • Astrofel might also produce tangible Shards that can be sold or used for other purposes through participation in Mini-Games.
• An Astrofel's point balance is automatically updated when you create a new post with the Astrofel Progression option selected.
  • Please notify Support using your private support channel if you incorrectly mark a post, so we can add/remove points as needed.
• Level progression is tracked on an Astrofel's profile.
• You may also gain Essence Shards during events, Seasons, or mini-games.

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 consume 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)
• Light Affliction: Astrofel must consume Light 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!

• Water Affliction: May be unlocked through events and mini-games.

★ Suggested Drawbacks for Multi-Bonded Experiences

This section was added June 3rd, 2024.

Here are some suggestions for drawbacks characters may experience when they take on more than one Bonded. Players are also welcome to explore alternate ideas, of course! :)

1. Physical Strain: The character experiences physical exhaustion or even pain as a result of maintaining connections with multiple Bonded. This strain could manifest as headaches, fatigue, or even physical injuries over time.
2. Mental Fragmentation: The character's mind becomes fragmented or disjointed, making it difficult for them to focus or maintain coherent thoughts. They may struggle with memory loss, confusion, or even moments of dissociation.
3. Emotional Instability: The character's emotions become volatile and unpredictable due to the influence of their Bonded. They may experience intense mood swings, uncontrollable outbursts of emotion, or difficulty regulating their feelings.
4. Social Isolation: The character becomes isolated from others as a result of their Bonded, either by choice or because their companions find their presence unsettling or disruptive. This could lead to loneliness or even ostracization from society.
5. Loss of Control: The character struggles to control their own actions and impulses, as the desires and instincts of their Bonded start to overpower their own will. This could lead to reckless behavior or even dangerous situations for both the character and those around them.
6. Spiritual Corruption: The character's connection with their Bonded starts to corrupt their spiritual or magical/nanite essence, leading to weakened control over their magic/nanites, spiritual degradation, or even possession by malevolent forces.
7. Diminished Identity: The character's sense of self becomes blurred or diminished, as they start to identify more with their Bonded than with their own individuality. They may lose touch with their own goals, values, and sense of purpose.
8. Psychic Feedback: The character experiences psychic feedback or interference from their Bonded, resulting in intrusive thoughts, hallucinations, or psychic trauma.
9. Accelerated Aging: The character's lifespan is shortened as a result of the strain placed on their body and mind by their Bonded. They may age prematurely or suffer from accelerated deterioration of their physical and mental faculties.
10. Existential Crisis: The character begins to question their own existence and purpose in the world, as they struggle to reconcile their own identity with the collective consciousness of their Bonded.