Whenever you submit an image/story to the group which features your lead stallion/mare you not only get rolled for gemstones but also for random 'events'. There are two types of random events: Side quests and Encounters. Side quests are short missions you may choose to embark on. Side quests are very short, usually only taking 1-2 submissions to complete but can sometimes lead you to rare rewards like Dragon Scales, bonus gemstones or in-game items!
Should you roll for a side quest, its information will be included in admin comments that include your gemstone earnings. The tricky thing about side quests is they have to be taken up immediately as in, the next piece you submit should have your character taking on the quest or ignoring it.
Ignoring a side quest does not bare any negative effect on the player so should you get one, but already have your next 3 pieces drawn/written feel free to ignore it.
When taking on a side quest, players will notice that these missions will come with 3-4 potential options for players to pick from. When replying to a side quest players should be clear in which of the available options they are choosing! If you're worried that your submission doesn't clearly illustrate it, players are free to copy the original mod reply and bold/underline which the options they are choosing. Players may also add a simple comment in the artist description stating which option their player is going with.
The types of side quests your unicorns may be offered depends on the area they are in so yes, you have the chance of stumbling upon a variety of possible scenarios. You may find a wounded Forest Cat in the Blooming Territories or perhaps find a newly awoken fire magicker seeking help in the Flame Expanse. Whatever the case, your location does play a role in what you discover!
The second type of random event you may receive is an 'Encounter roll'. Encounter rolls are specifically events where your written/drawn character comes face to face with another wild unicorn! These unicorns may be of any age, gender or in any condition so how you handle them may vary. Wounded or sick unicorns may need care before they join you while encountering a rival stallion may lead to a fight.
Wild horses are all pre-designed and can be found in the design pool. When you encounter one you will be linked to their design. Should you encounter one of our claimable Invasive Dragon Species players will be given their stats (color and genes) and their current state of health (Healthy, sick, pregnant, etc). These playable dragons are to be designed by players assuming they claim them.
Encountered claimable characters (be it unicorns or dragons) have many options when it comes to responding to them. Do you attempt to add them to your herd? Are they rival who has to be battled? It's totally up to you!
How do I get an Encounter Roll?
Encounter rolls are a little tricky as, like everything else in the group, they are factored in by RNG. Each time a player submits a piece to the group, we roll not only their gemstones but if they get a wild encounter as well.
Certain in game items (like the Luring Trumpet) will guarantee you an encounter on your next piece if you find that you are having a bad bought of luck.
Players may also take on a Seeking Quest if they still aren't finding what they are looking for. These quests will guarantee an encounter for a mare or stallion depending on which you choose. Specifics on this can be found at the bottom of this page.
Eww, I don't like my encountered horse, what do I do?
You can ignore them if you really don't like them. Encountered horses don't HAVE to be claimed but keep in mind too that there is never a guarantee that a claim will succeed. Additionally, a horse you may not like, may be the dream horse of someone else! Trading herd members is allowed between players so perhaps that horse you encountered is one your DA bff really wants! Try and snag it so you can trade them to your friend! :D
Players are also welcome to battle encountered NPC's for some nice exp and stat points. But be mindful! We never encourage picking a fight you can't win!
Soo...wooing these wild encounters?
Wild horses have to be convinced that joining up with you is in their best interest so sometimes claiming them isn't the easiest feat. All wild horses who are in the pool come with a secret 'catch rate' that the mods can see. Similar to catch rates in Pokemon, some horses are really easy to convince while others may be more skeptical.
The tricky part is convincing the stubborn ones to stick around! Wild horses you encounter always have the option of running away (again, similar to Pokemon). If they flee from you, you'll have to use your tracking skills to find them again!
Typically, horses who have rarer genes or even special magic potential will be more difficult to catch. You can find more information about this HERE.
Claimable dragons can also be tricky. Depending on the species, they may be more interested in making you their lunch than joining you. Others may be willing to provide a helping claw should you call on them while others may simply pass you by.
Players are welcome to back date pieces and stories about their horses for any number of reasons. Perhaps real life caught you up and you weren't able to submit anything for awhile. Or perhaps you choose to go back and illustrate something you wrote about previously. Regardless of reason, players are always welcome to write about their characters during any point in their journey.
However, back dated submissions are not eligible for Side Quests or Encounters. This is mostly to protect the continuity of player stories. If you're writing about the tragic day your character was separated from their birth herd, it wouldn't make sense for them to suddenly encounter a monster that you (the player) didn't account for. Back dated submissions will ALWAYS be rolled for gemstones however as well as items.