What is the Ceremony of Unity?
Completing the Ceremony of Unity grants a Shi'vali their trained status, showing that they are one with the Empire. While Shi'vali are not required to be of trained status to take part in activities, rogue bonding or most other group events, they must complete their Ceremony of Unity in order to be able to breed and advance their Imperial Status.
Requirements
- 75% of each Shi'vali and 50% of each rider must be visible.- Illustrations must be lined and colored with a simple background, and 500x500 pixels or larger.
- Literature must be a minimum of 1200 words with Shi and rider mentioned fluidly throughout (approx. every 200-300 words).
- Up to 3 Shi'vali may participate in a single CoU, and each Shi'vali present must have a rider.*
- All three trials may be included in one image so long as they still meet the requirements.
- Literature must be a minimum of 1200 words with Shi and rider mentioned fluidly throughout (approx. every 200-300 words).
- Up to 3 Shi'vali may participate in a single CoU, and each Shi'vali present must have a rider.*
- All three trials may be included in one image so long as they still meet the requirements.
Form
The following form must be visible on any Ceremony of Unity submission:
Shi'vali Import(s):
Rider Name(s):
Trial and Prompt:
Word Count: (if applicable)
Shi'vali Import(s):
Rider Name(s):
Trial and Prompt:
Word Count: (if applicable)
The Dawn
** Hinshu & Feral Traditional Prompt: It is important for Shi'vali and rider to build their relationship if they are going to be a successful pair. Depict the two performing the time-honored act of saddling in preparation for their first ride together.
** Hinshu & Feral Modern Prompt: Trust is an important part of establishing solidarity between two beings, particularly trust in each other to reach a goal. Depict your handler and mount leaving home for the first time to set off towards an unfamiliar location of your choice.
Ko'kumai Prompt: Ko'kumai are bred for show; they are born to be in the spotlight and most of them truly enjoy it. Depict your Ko'kumai displaying their prominence among the community and showing off their best side doing a job that they love.
Rag'oran Rider Prompt: In order to properly unite with a rider, a Rag'oran must first break down the most important barrier—language. Depict your Rag'oran and their chosen mount figuring how to effectively communicate with one another through any means necessary.
Rag'oran Riderless Prompt: Perhaps your Rag'oran doesn't trust people, or prefers to sit back and watch. Depict your Ra’goran handling a new found discovery, whether it’s an encounter with another Shi’vali, quietly observing this changed world or something else entirely.
The Peak
** Hinshu & Feral Traditional Prompt: Properly bonded, a Shi'vali and their rider are now ready to head out into the world together. Depict your Shi'vali and their rider exploring a nearby location for the first time before making their way to the place of the final trial.
** Hinshu & Feral Modern Prompt: Now that rider and Shi'vali have taken to the unfamiliar wilds, anything could happen. Depict the pair using their best judgement to overcome a hindrance of some kind that is preventing them from moving forward on their journey.
Ko'kumai Prompt: A Ko'kumai's prestige should not be their only defining trait; they should also exhibit charm and refinement in their every day. Depict your Ko’kumai displaying grace and poise whether it's through a show, event or other important ceremony.
Rag'oran Rider Prompt: Dragon and rider have at last learned how to communicate and it is time they also create an alliance with one another. Depict your Rag'oran and rider going on their first adventure together and what they may discover.
Rag'oran Riderless Prompt: Whether or not a Rag'oran chooses to embrace the humans and the transformations that have befallen Shimora they must still discover a place for themselves in the world. Depict your Rag'oran finding somewhere that they can see themselves settling down and calling their own.
The Crown
** Hinshu & Feral Traditional Prompt: Rider and Shi'vali have finally reached the end of the road and the eye of Des'malion shines down on them. Depict rider and mount conquering the mountain pass by collecting all 20 ribbons scattered along the path or taking on an obstacle which stands in their way.
** Hinshu & Feral Modern Prompt: At last handler and mount have made it to the location of their choosing, using faith and intuition along the way. Now it is time for them to show their tenacity. Depict your Shi'vali and rider hunting or fishing together for the first time.
Ko'kumai Prompt: It is easy for a Ko'kumai to feel pride over their achievements or abilities, but they should just as easily be willing to work hard and show a gentler side. Depict your Ko'kumai illustrating strength of character and patience with an individual or crowd.
Rag'oran Rider Prompt: Only after their long journey together can dragon and rider finally become one. Depict your rider and Rag'oran thanking Mikolai and Des'malion for their new found friendship, perhaps through prayer, making an offering at the temple or another ritual.
Rag'oran Riderless Prompt: Having finally found some place to call home, a Rag'oran may look toward the sky and seek out their god or goddess. Depict your Rag'oran praying to or showing gratitude for Mikolai or Des'malion in a manner which is important to them.
* Riders can be human, humanoid, anthro or feral (within reason) so long as they can hold reins. Riders cannot be group royals or NPCs.
** Traditional and Modern prompts cannot be mixed. You must use either all Traditional or all Modern prompts for your CoUs.
Images © GoroJourney, Runandwine & Charlie-Fox-Trot
edits © Kissing