"Bloomies'' were originally named ''Blooms'' as a reference to my own original character, named Bloom, that I had created in 2015. This new name refers to a mix between ''Blooms'' and ''Corgis''. They are creatures of mixed origins, meant to be a fusion of different animal species together to make these wonderfully cute or robust characters. Some also literally bloom, with their flowers for tails.
It all began when a monstrous meteorite collision scattered over many parts of the planet. Some terrifying and aggressive creatures were born from this, while other newborn species were rather elusive or shy. It seemed as though this material allowed some sort of genetic merging between species that would normally be absurd, and its seeping purple magic has yet to show all its colors and abilities.
The creatures born from the meteorites properties protected those mounds aggressively, but most were never seen actively leaving them either, as though confined to it. Being impossible for the humans to gather much or stay even remotely close to these mounds of meteorite material- in which they call Alterite- they had to abandon settlements and homes to avoid being in those dangerous areas, which grew in notoriety as centuries passed by.
But while many left practically everything behind in fear of being devoured by nightmarish fiends, one species seemed to show distinct differences.
They called this species "Bloomies". Unlike other mutated creatures, they were not bound by staying near the Alterite stones and gems and seemed to show friendly interest towards other species. It is the first species born from the meteorites strange properties that provided hope to humans in grim times; these creatures were believed to be a Blessing, which brought luck and protection to those who had one by their side. This friendly, yet foreign creature was quickly adopted into society.
How such species could survive or come to be after such an disaster is still a mystery.
Some believe that they are not even living beings to begin with and are only a manifestation of creatures that once lived, forged by the magic infused stones and gems from the meteorite.
While others believe that the creatures are very well alive and simply have been mutated by the Alterite to different levels and intensities depending on how close they were when it impacted. No one really knows for sure.
With time, Bloomies became trusted companions and had multi purposes. With their acute senses to Alterite, many Bloomies could scavenge pieces safely and could even detect when their Alterite-kin were nearby. It brought a sense of security to most. Others wanted them as they believed that they could eventually repel or vanquish the fiends which caused much terror to the humankind. And some simply enjoyed the thought of having these loyal companions by their side. Bloomies that formed strong bonds with others provided protection and guidance while some even manifested their powers against their Alterite-kin, in efforts to protect their chosen companions.
After some time however, most of the fiends dissipated from the land, leaving only highly concentrated Alterite sites with them, where a few traces of other mutated creatures were found. The mounds of meteorite pieces that were left unguarded stand in an eerie state, as though something is dormant deep within the wounds of the craters created by its crash. The stones and gems brim with magic still and many still need to be found but no one knows how and why. Bloomies were still very present after the mysterious disappearance of their kin and believe it is because of their distinct differences, as well as the fact that most Bloomies were kept far away from the Alterite itself. Because of the eeriness, very few dare to venture in the chilling wastes of Alterite deposits.
Some are braver than others; beings and human adventurers along with Bloomies alike have begun searching for what is left of the Alterite, as though naturally drawn to it. While some are gathering their strength quietly, others are brazenly out there seeking. With most Bloomies having found their place on earth with companions by their side, other more wild versions of them keep safe in packs. They too, on the lookout for their missing kin and magic infused material.
It's time to gather your things, adventurer, what will you do now ?
Many see them as the perfect animal companions as they are intelligent beings and can be quite expressive when it comes to their emotions. They can even learn to read and although they cannot speak the human tongue(with the exception of Bloominids), they can learn to understand them. This makes communicating with other species much easier too as they can convey what they want to say through their very expressive body language, facial expressions and sound mimicking.
Unlike the looks they sport and while they can bark or growl, they may also; chirp, sing, squeak and hiss. Their fluffy and soft fur are one of their best attributes; they are adorned by a beautiful crest of fur on each side of their neck, which flay out making a butterfly-like split. This neck fur will most often times be paler than the rest of their coat and those that sport a darker or same colored mane are usually rare attributes for this species.
Lastly, their beak-like feature permits them to rip and pick meat from bones easily, to crush hard-shelled nuts or fruits and easily pick out smaller items to carry in their mouth. However, it is in their nature to nip at things when excited or displeased and they will use their beak to warn off others with a bite if aggravated. With the combination of a hard curved pointy beak and teeth(canines), they have a good jaw-locking mechanism that eases them to crush or cut food among other things but they can also inflict serious damage if they dive beak first.
Lastly, It is not uncommon to still see wild Bloomies, but because of their lax nature, they tend to easily befriend companions, whether human or creature.
Typically, Bloomies are social creatures that tend to prefer the company of others rather than being alone. They are tame in nature but can prove difficult to handle if wild.
Though not impossible to see lone or stray Bloomies, most simply prefer the company of humans or other beings as they often like showing loyalty to their chosen companions as well as feel a sense of security for themselves.
If some are found to be surrounded by many companions, there will always be one to which they will be most loyal in the end. This however, does not stop them from showing loyalty to more than one at once.
Bloomies are usually docile creatures, whether they are tamed or wild. But the characteristics differ from one another in some aspects.
Wild Bloomies are a little more cautious than others and tend to stay away from humans or any other species that direct their interest towards them, they often form packs with their own kind as a way to increase their survival and this also eases them to hunt larger prey when food is scarce. They will very rarely be seen mingling with other species if they are part of a large pack.
This doesn't mean they are not tameable, but simply less approachable as they tend to stick to their pack very closely. If one abandons their pack, they will not be accepted back and could be seen getting chased out as a way to exile them. Since they are social creatures, they would need to either find a new pack in this situation or find a place amongst society which revolves around a more tamed life. One could also become a Renegade but chances of survival are a lot harder for those who take this path.
Tamed Bloomies are often friendlier and very loyal. Their pack mentality here is set much differently than a wild Bloomie; they welcome the presence of multiple species as their temperament is a lot more mellow and accepting. Unlike in a wild pack, they don't need to be surrounded by pack members all the time and will rather prefer the presence of the one(s) that they are most loyal to.
Their often charming nature makes them easy to approach and so their allure makes other species less likely attack or disturb them. This doesn't always work on top predators, but it can sometimes tip their instincts to avert aggression towards them and even sometimes induce the other party to care for them momentarily. This is often more applicable to lone/stray/renegade Bloomies and works less the more numerous they are.
There are two alignments to choose from, under which both have a deity to follow under.
The Amber Alignment worship the Deity Shaa, said to be a gentle God that breathes life all around it. It is a vigorous and ambitious Deity. Shaa boasts luck, fairness, happiness, creation, grace, discipline and tranquility.
The Spirit Alignment worship the Deity Rin, said to be a sly God that lead the misguided when times are hard. It is a savvy and dominant Deity. Rin boasts fate, mischief, liberation, leadership, playfulness, turmoil and tenacity.
Companionship :
Companions are like pact-partners and this companionship is born from loyalty and dedication to stay by one's side to protect them, more than any other. Bloomies most often chose a companion that is not of their species, as the spiritual connection with them is a lot different and gives them a lot more benefits.
A Bloomie can only have one Companion at a time and even if that companion is magic-less, a Bloomie will inherit their natural energy or abilities and convert it into a skill. For example, having a deer as a companion would benefit an increase in their jumping height or even a keen sense of alertness. Abilities of the sort is natural to Bloomies and they always reflect the actual nature of the companion itself.
In return, their counterpart benefit the Bloomie's blessing, which grants them luck, health and slowing of the aging process. That Blessing disappears if the companionship is broken or if the Bloomie dies.
In cases where Bloomies do chose a companion that is another Bloomie, it will often resemble a romantic partnership(where the romance is not mandatory), they would become inseparable and it can impact their mood and health if separated for too long. In cases like these, they are simply loyalty-bound. However, because they are the same species, they do not gain any special skills but instead see an increase in their own magical abilities.
It is in their nature to be devoted and extremely loyal and protecting to those they care for, so the desire to form a pact is strong in most, but it is not uncommon to see Bloomies that have yet to find a companion.
You are free to chose which companion(s) your Bloomie has and free to change them as you wish. You are also free to choose whichever natural ability your Bloomie would be most fitting with (ex: physical strength attributes, smartness, better swimming, etc.) You can simply keep this lore in mind when designing or working on your Bloomie's story and/or artworks!
Romance :
Bloomies may have relationships, whether friendly or romantic.
They tend to choose one mate for life and so polyamorous cases or even multiple temporary partners, while not impossible, are rather a rare sight.
Platonic relationships are also possible, whereas some simply don't seek any romance whatsoever but can still seek a caring or nurturing kind of relationship based on friendship or family.
Once partnered for life, Bloomies become practically inseparable and may show signs of depression, anxiousness, stress and anger if forcefully kept apart from one another for too long.