Post by Coldfoot on Feb 17, 2008 2:05:28 GMT -5
We all know that getting into the best bio category is an honor and rewards us with karma and more cats, but many of us can't get to a best bio standard, for we don't know how our format should go. In personality, we just put down a few words (in most cases) that are best represented for our cat, but where is the depth? With depth, other characters can understand our cats and we could know our own character better. So, for many of you who yearn for a best bio so badly, here is a guide to help with it.
Other Accounts
This is an easy category to fill in. Just put in all the cats you play. If this is your first cat, just put None
Name
Although this is only a semi-literate forum (meaning be realistic in descriptions) it is still nice to have names that might have appeared in the books, save for Erin's poor name creations. Meaning, think about what cats know about. They know herbs (though some have other names in the books), they know trees, they know coat patterns, they know forest animals. They don't know about planes, they don't know about jaguars (leopards, lions, and tigers only), they don't know about bears, etc. Think about anything that has been mentioned in the books.
A few first name parts can be used as endings, such as breeze, dove, thorn, heather, feather, etc. Be original with your names and you don't always have to describe your cat (e.g. Birchfall, Ferncloud, Squirrelflight, Brambleclaw, Onewhisker, Reedwhisker, etc).
Age
So many people make their warriors/deputies/leaders/ extremely young. A deputy can't be 20 moons old. That's barely two years. A good age for a deputy is somewhere between thirty to fifty moons. For warriors (unless previously role played as apprentices) should be from 24 (two years) to 72 moons (six years). Remember, feral cats can live to nine years old (108 moons) and 60 moons is only five years old. Also, leaders do have nine lives so they could be living for a very long time. Think about it. On some sites they say elders start being elders around 50 moons (four years and two months), but that's barely a lifetime. Cats don't start feeling the effects of being old until around seven years (84 moons). Erin Hunter just had to find a way to get rid of cats and prevent overflows.
Rank
Yet another simple category. Just make sure you put a rank that is available or isn't crowded (make sure that if you want to be an apprentice that you make sure their's a warrior that doesn't have an apprentice). Make sure you change it if your cat changes rank.
Gender
Currently (due my post about the matter) she-cats are banned. As many of will say when you read this: "WHY?!". Almost all the clans (GhostClan and RiverClan are the only ones that don't have this problem) are overrun with she-cats. It doesn't say this, yet, but it is true. Many of us are female (me included) and prefer role playing she-cats, but you may find that you like role playing toms, too.
Appearance
This is where it is very important to put effort into. This is also where "sub-categories" begin and become important for neatness and a better bio.
Fur
Here you will describe your character's pelt (it's easier if have a picture picked out). Include texture, base, markings, and length. You can divide this into sub-categories labeled: Fur Color, Fur Length, Fur Texture. It's up to you. This is a very important category. Aim for 6 sentences (in total only if you have it as one category, otherwise make four sentences for each section).
Eyes
This one will be a little bit harder, considering there really isn't much you can't put down just for eyes alone. Try describing their color using similes or maybe add a quirk, like for Coldfoot I said there was a silver under layer to his yellow eyes, making them a pale golden color. Or, go into deep detail about their rimming. Do they have different shade/color flecks? Are their pupils an odd color? It's also a good idea to describe how big their eyes are--are they large, small? Are their eyes sunken in (it be a good idea to put that if they are out in the sun often). Try for five sentences at least.
Build
Sometimes combined with fur, this describes your cats size, weight, and height. It's always important to list their size. Some are small and some are large. No matter how your cat is, you have to try to have it comply with their clan. WindClan cats are lean with strong legs. ThunderClan has muscular shoulders. ShadowClan are a bit bigger than some. RiverClan has strong legs and partially webbed feet. It is very important to say if they're muscular or not, or if they are short. Try for at least six sentences.
Other
This can be divided in many sub-categories, but it's easier to just have it be one sub-category. Put information about their teeth, claws, paw size, whiskers, tail length, etc in here. Though highly recommended, this isn't as important as the other sub-categories for appearance.
Nightly Appearance
Describe how your cat looks at night in the moonlight. Does their fur shine a significant color? What do their eyes look like? This is very good for gatherings. Try at least three sentences.
Short Description
This is completely optional, though I prefer it. It's simply a one sentence description of your cat that you'd find in the books. It's a good reference for when some people are too lazy too lazy to read your whole appearance.
Personality
Another category with sub-categories. When you are writing this category, it's important to be your character. It's important to back up the reasons for their personality in history. Be aware that their personality may change due to a new view of your character or a life changing event (if they have a life changing event, make sure you put it in their history.
Kits
How does your character act around the young, buoyant kits? Do they like them, hate them, fear them? Give at least five sentences for these little buggers.
Apprentices
If your cat is a warrior, try to remember their first apprentice. Did they like the apprentice? Hate them? What effect did their first apprentice have on them? Give at least five sentences.
Warriors
Most cats are social with warriors, but is your cat? Are they anti-social or prefer to stay away from these cats? Do they appreciate their hard work or find them all disloyal? Try to have six sentences about 'em.
Medicine Cats
The healers of the clan. Sometimes looked down upon for their "inferior" rank. How does your cat act around them? Do they feel that they are useless, annoying, bossy, great, etc? Give five sentences about these curious cats.
Leaders and Deputies
The higher ranked cats always have a cat that hates them and always contradict their words. Does your cat admire their leadership and support their decisions? Maybe your cat hates them and secretly plots against. Give seven sentences about these noble warriors.
Elders
They are either wise and listened to, or annoying and ignored. Every cat behaves differently around these cats, but what is your cat like? This sub-category is completely option since WGOTF has none. If you do post this, aim for three sentences.
Cats From Other Clans
There's alway tension between the clans, and some either make it or shake it off. Is your cat easy going or will they insult the other cats for not being in their clan? Are they attracted to some?
Cats Without Clans
Kittypets, loners, and rogues all have a different effect on some cats. Some despise them, others are curious. How does your cat react to them?
Overall Personality
Here you need to write a few sentences about your cats overall personality. Are they generally kind, mean, aggressive? What are their manners like? Try to have at least three sentences.
History
This category varies more than any other. Sometimes it's just short gists and then posts of the current time (see: Silverthorn) or it's a story that doesn't go into much detail (see: Clayhip). Be original and really think about their history and how it affected their personality. Don't just have rogues dropping them off or their parents dieing odd deaths. Be very original about this part.
Picture
This optional, but all you have to do is put a picture of cat.
Other
This isn't an actual field, but it's good for very serious role players; post the color that you role play your cat in. They may also have a different color/font when they, also. It isn't required, but isn't bad to add.
On another note, all of your sentences have to be complete sentences and not choppy. Make your posts neat and appealing to the eyes. It always helps.
Thank you for reading and I hope I helped out.
This is an easy category to fill in. Just put in all the cats you play. If this is your first cat, just put None
Name
Although this is only a semi-literate forum (meaning be realistic in descriptions) it is still nice to have names that might have appeared in the books, save for Erin's poor name creations. Meaning, think about what cats know about. They know herbs (though some have other names in the books), they know trees, they know coat patterns, they know forest animals. They don't know about planes, they don't know about jaguars (leopards, lions, and tigers only), they don't know about bears, etc. Think about anything that has been mentioned in the books.
A few first name parts can be used as endings, such as breeze, dove, thorn, heather, feather, etc. Be original with your names and you don't always have to describe your cat (e.g. Birchfall, Ferncloud, Squirrelflight, Brambleclaw, Onewhisker, Reedwhisker, etc).
Age
So many people make their warriors/deputies/leaders/ extremely young. A deputy can't be 20 moons old. That's barely two years. A good age for a deputy is somewhere between thirty to fifty moons. For warriors (unless previously role played as apprentices) should be from 24 (two years) to 72 moons (six years). Remember, feral cats can live to nine years old (108 moons) and 60 moons is only five years old. Also, leaders do have nine lives so they could be living for a very long time. Think about it. On some sites they say elders start being elders around 50 moons (four years and two months), but that's barely a lifetime. Cats don't start feeling the effects of being old until around seven years (84 moons). Erin Hunter just had to find a way to get rid of cats and prevent overflows.
Rank
Yet another simple category. Just make sure you put a rank that is available or isn't crowded (make sure that if you want to be an apprentice that you make sure their's a warrior that doesn't have an apprentice). Make sure you change it if your cat changes rank.
Gender
Currently (due my post about the matter) she-cats are banned. As many of will say when you read this: "WHY?!". Almost all the clans (GhostClan and RiverClan are the only ones that don't have this problem) are overrun with she-cats. It doesn't say this, yet, but it is true. Many of us are female (me included) and prefer role playing she-cats, but you may find that you like role playing toms, too.
Appearance
This is where it is very important to put effort into. This is also where "sub-categories" begin and become important for neatness and a better bio.
Fur
Here you will describe your character's pelt (it's easier if have a picture picked out). Include texture, base, markings, and length. You can divide this into sub-categories labeled: Fur Color, Fur Length, Fur Texture. It's up to you. This is a very important category. Aim for 6 sentences (in total only if you have it as one category, otherwise make four sentences for each section).
Eyes
This one will be a little bit harder, considering there really isn't much you can't put down just for eyes alone. Try describing their color using similes or maybe add a quirk, like for Coldfoot I said there was a silver under layer to his yellow eyes, making them a pale golden color. Or, go into deep detail about their rimming. Do they have different shade/color flecks? Are their pupils an odd color? It's also a good idea to describe how big their eyes are--are they large, small? Are their eyes sunken in (it be a good idea to put that if they are out in the sun often). Try for five sentences at least.
Build
Sometimes combined with fur, this describes your cats size, weight, and height. It's always important to list their size. Some are small and some are large. No matter how your cat is, you have to try to have it comply with their clan. WindClan cats are lean with strong legs. ThunderClan has muscular shoulders. ShadowClan are a bit bigger than some. RiverClan has strong legs and partially webbed feet. It is very important to say if they're muscular or not, or if they are short. Try for at least six sentences.
Other
This can be divided in many sub-categories, but it's easier to just have it be one sub-category. Put information about their teeth, claws, paw size, whiskers, tail length, etc in here. Though highly recommended, this isn't as important as the other sub-categories for appearance.
Nightly Appearance
Describe how your cat looks at night in the moonlight. Does their fur shine a significant color? What do their eyes look like? This is very good for gatherings. Try at least three sentences.
Short Description
This is completely optional, though I prefer it. It's simply a one sentence description of your cat that you'd find in the books. It's a good reference for when some people are too lazy too lazy to read your whole appearance.
Personality
Another category with sub-categories. When you are writing this category, it's important to be your character. It's important to back up the reasons for their personality in history. Be aware that their personality may change due to a new view of your character or a life changing event (if they have a life changing event, make sure you put it in their history.
Kits
How does your character act around the young, buoyant kits? Do they like them, hate them, fear them? Give at least five sentences for these little buggers.
Apprentices
If your cat is a warrior, try to remember their first apprentice. Did they like the apprentice? Hate them? What effect did their first apprentice have on them? Give at least five sentences.
Warriors
Most cats are social with warriors, but is your cat? Are they anti-social or prefer to stay away from these cats? Do they appreciate their hard work or find them all disloyal? Try to have six sentences about 'em.
Medicine Cats
The healers of the clan. Sometimes looked down upon for their "inferior" rank. How does your cat act around them? Do they feel that they are useless, annoying, bossy, great, etc? Give five sentences about these curious cats.
Leaders and Deputies
The higher ranked cats always have a cat that hates them and always contradict their words. Does your cat admire their leadership and support their decisions? Maybe your cat hates them and secretly plots against. Give seven sentences about these noble warriors.
Elders
They are either wise and listened to, or annoying and ignored. Every cat behaves differently around these cats, but what is your cat like? This sub-category is completely option since WGOTF has none. If you do post this, aim for three sentences.
Cats From Other Clans
There's alway tension between the clans, and some either make it or shake it off. Is your cat easy going or will they insult the other cats for not being in their clan? Are they attracted to some?
Cats Without Clans
Kittypets, loners, and rogues all have a different effect on some cats. Some despise them, others are curious. How does your cat react to them?
Overall Personality
Here you need to write a few sentences about your cats overall personality. Are they generally kind, mean, aggressive? What are their manners like? Try to have at least three sentences.
History
This category varies more than any other. Sometimes it's just short gists and then posts of the current time (see: Silverthorn) or it's a story that doesn't go into much detail (see: Clayhip). Be original and really think about their history and how it affected their personality. Don't just have rogues dropping them off or their parents dieing odd deaths. Be very original about this part.
Picture
This optional, but all you have to do is put a picture of cat.
Other
This isn't an actual field, but it's good for very serious role players; post the color that you role play your cat in. They may also have a different color/font when they, also. It isn't required, but isn't bad to add.
On another note, all of your sentences have to be complete sentences and not choppy. Make your posts neat and appealing to the eyes. It always helps.
Thank you for reading and I hope I helped out.