Chimerism

Mutation

This mutation is not hereditary and occurs randomly through breeding.

Chimeras are rare individuals that occur when twin embryos fuse in the womb.

The two embryos often carry different colors and markings, and those two distinct genotypes can only show on separate sections of the body.

This results in some very unique and intriguing patterns.

Embryo A + Embryo B = AB Chimeric Animal

Chimera Inheritance

As with real chimeras, chimeric Rukaans will only pass on genes from the embryo which formed its reproductive cell line. In Rukaans, this is the genotype that is listed on the import, though this can be changed with a Coinflip Potion if the Rukaan has not yet been bred. See Breeding journal for more information.

Chimera Varieties

There are three expressions for chimerism in Rukaans: Patched, Marbled and Brindled.

Patched Chimera

Patched Chimeras display both sides of their genetic code in solid patches that extend down from the spine/center line of the body.

This Chimera type should have reasonably straight and clean edges and not be overly complex. It is the most common type for split face designs.

Marbled Chimera

Marbled Chimera creates random spotting/patching across the body that can become quite intricate. These patches are rarely straight-edged but should never mimic striping or tabby/tribal markings.

Brindled Chimera

Brindled Chimera works slightly differently to the Patched and Marbled varieties. Brindle Chimeras only display one side of their genetic code fully, while the other side is suppressed to black OR white brindle that can cover the entire body. Brindle can become quite textured, but the stripes must always be obvious in shape and color. Brindle stripes should never mimic Wilde or tribal markings.

Coverage

At minimum, one of the chimera types must cover the size of the red area.

Examples

Let's use this chimera for our examples:

White with Black Accents and Points // Black with Roan, Points and Pangare

All markings (on both sides of the design) must follow the normal marking rules on their appropriate half of the chimera.

The resulting chimeras from different chimera varieties:

Patched Chimera (Far Left) | Marbled Chimera (Mid Left) | Black Brindle on Side A base (Mid Right) | White Brindle on Side B base (Far Right)

Skin/Eye Color Effects

R-0024 Grimm, King of the North

Each area of the genotype may affect the flesh and eye color of the flesh depending on the markings and modifiers present in that side of the genotype. See the flesh color guide. They will impact only the flesh or eye that they sit over.

Element Effects

R-0171 Minuet

Effect on Metal and Gemstone elements: None

Effect on Ancient element: Causes patches on the hooves and antlers based on the colors of the two genotypes. See elements guide.

Interactions With Other Genes

All markings (on both sides of the design) must follow the normal marking rules on their appropriate half of the chimera.

Chimera is not a marking, and does not follow marking layering rules. Because it is not a marking, it cannot be affected by Tint. Chimera, including brindle, goes "over" all markings.

Track Marks will show across both sides of the design if present as these are not caused by genes but are a stain on the fur.