This Festival is a celebration of life, where Faunids focus on a species they share the earth with and celebrate their existence as part of a greater ecosystem. The timing of this celebration is meant to bring a spark of color, glimmers of hope, in the heart of winter to remind one another that hardships will pass. Life will persevere.

Since this is our first year hosting Hues of Lifesource, we still wanted to recognize the year of the Horse with a Faunids twist.

Introducing: Bolters! 

Bolters are the evolutionary descendants of draft horses. They are hardy, stocky creatures who have adapted well to the mountaneous climates found near the settlement of Vinnde, and may even have herds deeper in the Cold North.

While they are highly social herd animals, their lack of exposure to Faunids mean that they are generally wary of them, though it's not impossible to gain their trust with dedication and persistence. "Bolter" is an accurate description of both their high endurance and ability to escape danger unscathed, with Bolters being capable of quick thinking and navigational awareness to use the terrain to their advantage.

Bolters are much more familiar with the presence of Minodae, and herds are more commonly present in areas inhabited by Minodae. They are willing workers when faced with a challenge, and they display an impressive stamina to travel great distances at consistent speeds. This makes them exceptionally beneficial for farm work that includes logging, plowing, and hauling even in unpredictable weather conditions.

[Read more about Bolters on their Fauna page here!]

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New Trait category: lifesource aspects

A disruption of Lifesource has bled out from the initial shock of the meteor in the deep sea, spanning all across Atalav.

Many signs are as subtle as a strange chill in the air where there never was before. The Spirits are restless. Strange phenomena trickle in from the coasts, passing through waterways and falling with the rain. Herne's presence feels closer than ever, seemingly keen on protecting life on Atalav from unpredictable hardships.

Stories travel fast. Two tales emerge of lives touched by Herne's will, undeniable evidence of potent magic woven into the very bones beneath their skin. Lifesource Aspects are not mutations or traits. They are explosive interactions between a living soul, the forces of nature, and the manifestation of Herne's connection to Lifesource. As such, the way they may possibly present themselves is as unique as the narrative we all possess inside us. Our story. Due to this, they do not pass from parent to Fawn.

As for those twin rumors shared across Atalav, you can see for yourself.

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Auction Faunids

These auctions will end on Friday, January 23rd at 8PM CST. You can view their sales post [HERE] or bid within the Discord!

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Loch Revival 

By GoryTeeth and MUTT. 

"This Faunid may appear unsettling to many, yet all who know them describe a truly unique character full of warmth, kindness, and grace.

Often seen guiding wayward Fauns through a mazelike series of freshwater channels, they possess a deep understanding of the life in nature around them. Frequently, they are seen teaching travelers about the local wildlife and how to respect the waters they tread.

Following the meteor's impact, changing tides led to flooding channels and perilous currents. Still, they persisted, putting their own life in peril to protect all who needed guidance.

Nature's claim to the water became unforgiving. One fateful day, this Faunid helped a boat that had fallen off-course avoid a channel full of sharp rocks and torrential water. Unable to fight the currents, they were swept up and battered by the rocks along the riverbed. In an act of strength, fortitude, and hope, they used the only limb they could still feel to pull themself up to the nearest bank.

In an act of grace befitting the life this Faunid led, Herne used the source of their devotion– the very waters that turned against them– to repair what was possible to recover, granting  them another chance to continue their work."

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Forged in Flames

By pebb and Necrologia. 

"This unusual Minodae's conviction and spirit were so strong as to catch the attention of Herne himself.

When the meteor crashed into the deep sea, a shock wave spread outwards, disturbing the flow of lifesource as far as the Cold North and beyond. This triggered a dormant volcano's eruption in the heart of the Bolter's herd lands.

While others fled, this soul stayed behind, defying the wrath of nature to save all they could. As molten heat spread behind them, the last life they saved came at a cost; heat spreading, burning down to the bone, consumed by smoke and ash. Yet they kept running, fighting, and pulled their way out of the debris all to protect another life. By the time they both reached safety, they were different in ways they could barely comprehend."

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