MARCH NEWSLETTER

Posted 8 months ago :: Last edited 6 months ago by ansible

Greetlyngs, interstellar wanderers! 

So, we meet again! And this time, we're already marching straight into the third month of the year! Can you believe it?

Unlike February, there's not as March to talk about, so here's to hoping for a newsletter that's "in like a lion, and out like a lamb"! 

TABLE OF CONTENTS


PAGE-A-PALOOZA: SITE GUIDE, USER GUIDE, TERMS OF SERVICE CHANGES
 
SYSTEM OVERLOAD: NEW PROMPTS & CRITERIA, OBSERVATION JOURNAL, WRITING CRITERIA, SERVER BOOST REWARDS

EVENT HORIZON: RELAUNCH EVENT, SEASONAL PROMPT

LUCK OF THE DRAW: RAFFLE SOME FEATHERS, APRIL STARDUST ADOPTABLES LOTTERY

UNIVERSE EXPANSION: NEW TRAITS, "RARITY"

SHOP 'TIL YOU DROP: MAGIMART, VERMYL, VERMYLION PAVILION, KO-FI, APRIL PRICE CHANGES

WHAT ELSE? OH, RIGHT: PERMANENT FEEDBACK FORM, NEW THEMES

LORE CHANGELOG

THE ROAD AHEAD: FACTION DELAYS, RESOURCE PROMPT APPLICATIONS

PAGE-A-PALOOZA: USER GUIDE, SITE GUIDE, TERMS OF service UPDATED

Surprise, surprise--we just couldn't keep our hands off the boring pages! Aside from some minor improvements to readability, formatting, verbage across the board, here's what changed individually:

Honestly, we're always giving these pages some attention. I wish someone tended to me this thoroughly.

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system overload: new prompts & CRITERIA, OBSERVATION JOURNAL, writing criteria, server boost rewards

NEW PROMPTS & criteria: FLORA FIELD RESEARCH, VOIDING/UNVOIDING, PIXEL BANISHMENT

We thought, "Oh, we really should add that," and thus two new Prompts were (quite grotesquely) born: a Flora Field Research Prompt (Gallery) and a Voiding/Unvoiding Prompt (see: Site Guide). Further information can be read about on their respective Prompt pages. Anyone else heartlessly banishing their Starlyngs to the depthless abyss? 

Oort and Boötes now have their own criteria rewards separate from the Starlyng criteria rewards. This means they can now be submitted by themselves (must be mostly a fullbody at minimum) OR alongside other pets, Non-lyngs, and and Starlyngs. In the lattermost case, just remember to include them when submitting criteria rewards for Misc. Prompts! 

Lastly, due to its subjectivity, we've removed Pixel grading criteria from the Misc. Art Prompts. You can, of course, still submit pixelated artwork; it simply falls under the Sketch/Lined/Lineless umbrella now.

(There is NO active Festive Prompts for the month of March.)

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new observation journal

Moving on, the Observation Journal reward for completing a Trait Observation (Gallery) Prompt also received a makeover! It now allows for the Rarity of a preexisting Starlyng to be changed to Rare during a design update, thus granting it access to all Traits Rare and below. (Formerly, this Item granted the application of up to 5 Uncommon or Rare Traits). 

Please see this section on the Site Guide for how to use an Observation Journal.

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NEW WRITING CRITERIA

We reworked the way we evaluate and reward both written Prompts! Further information and requirements can be found in the descriptions of the Misc., Seasonal (Gallery), and Trait Observation (Gallery) Prompts.

The following summaries were detailed in a Discord announcement earlier this month, but to reiterate:

WRITTEN MISC. PROMPTS
  • There is now a minimum requirement of 200 words (proofread: 35 SD; not proofread: 25 SD).

  • For every 50 words after 200 (rounded down), Authorlyngs will receive a flat rate of 6.25 Stardust for unproofread works (totals will still round up, like all Prompts).

  • There is now a 1.4x multiplier for proofread works.

  • Other multipliers, such as the Gift and Festive bonuses, remain intact.
WRITTEN SEASONAL PROMPTS
  • There is now a minimum requirement of 800 words (formerly 3000).

WRITTEN TRAIT OBSERVATION PROMPTS:

  • There is now a minimum requirement of 1000 words (formerly 3000).
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NEW SERVER BOOST REWARDS

You know the drill: new month, new server rewards! However, March'll have a little spin on the usual formula. Going forward, Server Boost rewards will now be Vermyl, which will touched more upon in its respective newsletter section.

Vermyl can be gained through the Server Boost rewards Prompt twice a month. That is, so long as you verifiably boost the server twice in one month, you can redeem the Prompt just as many times per month! We'll know if you lie, by the way. Don't be naughty. 

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EVENT HORIZON: RELAUNCH EVENT, NEW SEASONAL PROMPT

The Relaunch Event detailed in the former newsletter has concluded, and we're beyond thrilled at the turnout! Floored, even! In fact, we're so floored we may as well be in the house like carpet! (And, floor the record, the relaunch rewards will remain, so you're more than welcome to continue to invite your friends!)

Truly, to members both new and old, we extend our heartfelt thanks. We hope you continue to shine like stars across the Starlyng Night Sky! We have so much more in store for you all. 

Also, since it's now March, and since we follow the meteorological calendar, the Seasonal Prompt has shifted from Winter/Summer to Spring/Autumn. Likewise, the site's season is now Spring and will exhibit related weather. Can't wait to see what ideas spring to your minds!

There is no active Festive Prompt for the month of March.

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LUCK OF THE DRAW: raffle SOME FEATHERS, APRIL STARDUST ADOPTABLES LOTTERY

RAFFLE SOME FEATHERS

The Relaunch Raffles detailed in the former newsletter have concluded. We have checked to see if the winners followed all directions and will transfer the two Starlyngs to their new owners! If a winner did not follow the directions, the results were rerolled (and proof was retained).

Starting today, we will also be raffling the remaining Valentine's Day Gachalyng as per Maheylis's very gracious wishes as well as Sagittariuslyng by palm! These raffles will end on March 8. Click on the images below to enter!

Mark my words: If I don't win any of these, the higher-ups will hear from me. Yes, that means you, Lycoris. 

STAR-477
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APRIL STARDUST ADOPTABLES LOTTERY

Last month, we introduced Stardust-based adoptables to the system. You should see March's adorable, spring-based designs on the Sales page! Those interested in these designs can purchase them for 500 Stardust each.

Continuing the trend, we'll be hosting our April Stardust Adoptable lottery.

  • THREE users be chosen as winners.

  • Winners will be asked to EACH create ONE "April Showers"-themed Starlyng. ("April Showers" can include things like sunshowers, rainbows, so on.)

  • These adoptables can use any Common, Uncommon, and Rare Traits. The Raindrop [L] Trait is also available for use.

  • These Starlyngs will be classified as Rare MYOs, and so said Traits can be used freely without the need for Items.

  • These adoptables will be sold for 500 Stardust each. 

The deadline for these designs will be at the end of the month, with designers being picked one week from today (March 8). Failure to complete a design will disqualify users from participating in the future. 

Please make sure you have joined the Starlyng Discord server before entering, as we will be using it to contact winners!

— ENTER HERE TO BECOME A STARDUST ADOPTABLE ARTIST FOR APRIL — 


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UNIVERSE EXPANSION: NEW TRAITS, "RARITY"

NEW TRAITS: ELF [C], PIXIE [R], PAWS [M]

Three new Traits have been released: Elf [C], Pixie [R], and Paws [M]! Elf applies to ears, while the latter two apply to the body. Be sure to check them out by clicking said links or the images below!

Yes, we did mention Elf [C] earlier this month via our Discord announcements, but it never hurts to note a new Trait twice! Actually, here it is thrice: We added the Elf [C] Trait. Elf [C] not only applies to "standard elven" ears, but also ears positioned around the halfway point of the head. Ergo, it can be used concurrently with other ear Traits to denote their placement! (We had some trouble with that grey area, hence the rush on putting it out.)

If you happened to have missed that announcement and feel that your Starlyng's ears may benefit from the Elf [C] Trait, feel free to submit a redesign! The Trait's Common, so there's no need for Items. 

We also reformatted many Traits and expanded on some of their descriptions (including Elf [C]; Droop [C], Aquatic [R], and Mutated [R] are other notable ones). 

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NEW "RARITY": EARLY ACCESS TRAITS

Noseylyngs (or, erm, I guess noseless-lyngs?) may have also noticed the introduction of Early Access [EA] Traits!

Early Access Traits are Traits that are unavailable for general use until they are officially released. They are, in other words, for your viewing pleasure!  [EA] Trait Rarity will be corrected upon release.

Early Access Traits are currently only usable by purchasing an Early Access Ticket through our Starlyngs Ko-fi Shop, which can be read more about in its respective newsletter section.

As of this newsletter, the Early Access Traits list includes: 

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SHOP 'TIL YOU DROP: MAGIMART, VERMYL, VERMYLLION PAVILION, KO-FI, APRIL PRICE CHANGES

MAGIMART: MYTHICAL TRAIT RESTOCK

Mythical Traits are once again in stock at Magimy's Magical Mythical Moving Market and Motley Menagerie! They can be purchased for 2000 Stardust.

A MIRACULOUS MELANGE OF MACROCOSMIC MERCHANDISE!

"Like usual, I've only five Mythical Tomes for sale. Once they're all snatched up, I'll be heading out to collect more. Don't miss me too much!"

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NEW CURRENCY: VERMYL (MYL)

What's that jingling in our coin pouches? Oh, you mean... this?

Why, we're so glad you asked! That, my Dearlyng, is our newest currency: Vermyl!

Vermyl (MYL; from "vermeil") is a premium currency obtained through purchases or memberships at the Starlyngs Ko-fi Shop, or through Server Boost Rewards, and can be spent at the Vermyllion Pavilion! Unlike other currently usable currencies, Vermyl may NOT be directly transferred from user to user. More information on the Starlyngs Ko-Fi Shop can be read about in its respective newsletter section.

I can see you're curious about the Vermyllion Pavilion... Well, you wouldn't believe what's in the next section! (Not even if I told you.)

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NEW SHOP: VERMYLLION PAVILION

In addition to revamping our litany of shop descriptions to have a little more pizzazz, we're also added an entirely new shop: the Vermyllion Pavilion! 

The Vermyllion Pavilion is devoted to the new currency, Vermyl (MYL). Its wares include the paid equivalents of Starlyng/Pet MYO (Make-Your-Own) Items, Trait Items, Transformation Items, and yet another new face, Stardust Vials! Stardust Vials can be resold to earn 10 Stardust each. 

The value of Items sold by the Vermyllion Pavilion is not balanced with the value of Stardust; we suggest only patronizing it and the Ko-fi Shop if you would like to support the development of this species.

RESPLENDENT RICHES AND GILDED GOODS! 

"Are you looking for how to make lots and lots of Vermyl?"

 

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NEW SHOP: STARLYNGS KO-FI

We've set up a Ko-fi, the link to which can be found in a few places, such as at the bottom of our Lorekeeper website, in the description of the Vermyllion Pavilion, and in our Discord server #directory! 

The Starlyngs Ko-fi Shop serves as an easy way for users to help sustain the maintenance and development of the Starlyng ARPG. Memberships can be redeemed for our premium currency, Vermyl, and then exchanged for Items through the Vermyllion Pavilion. One-time payments will be considered donations! (Vermyl can be read about here, and the Vermyllion Pavilion can be read about here.)

Among the selection of illustrious Ko-Fi Items to purchase is the very special Early Access Ticket, which will allow for the usage of Early Access Traits! (These two things took the stage a bit earlier in the newsletter.) The Early Access Ticket is exclusive to two membership tiers: Sterlyng Silver and Vermyllion Pavilion. 

Items purchased through the Starlyngs Ko-fi Shop need to redeemed via the Ko-fi Item Purchase Claim Prompt.

There are also four available memberships to join:

RENOWNED
STARDUST SUPERSTARS
  • Grants 5 Vermyl per month

  • "Superstar" rank on our website and Discord server

  • Exclusive early access to lore updates, concept art, and plans as they are made

STERLYNG SYLVER
  • Grants 10 Vermyl per month

  • Early access to purchasing unreleased Traits at a single price through Ko-fi

  • "Superstar" rank on our website and Discord server

  • Exclusive early access to lore updates, concept art, and plans as they are made

VERMYLLIONAIRE'S CLUB
  • Grants 20 Vermyl per month

  • 25% discount on nearly all Ko-fi shop purchases (sans Vermyl)

  • Early access to purchasing unreleased Traits at a single price through Ko-fi

  • "Superstar" rank on our website and Discord server

  • Exclusive early access to lore updates, concept art, and plans as they are made

Please note that all members will need to claim their Vermyl rewards through their corresponding Prompts! These Prompts can be redeemed once a month.

— STARLYNGS KO-FI SHOP — 


Thank you for considering supporting Starlyngs!

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NOTICE IN ADVANCE OF PRICE CHANGES

When April rolls around, we'll also be rolling... out a handful of price changes to better balance our economy! Here's what'll face the magic of a fairy king:

Personally, it were up to me, I'd rather everyone just send me their Stardust. I don't think there's anything wrong with this. 

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WHAT ELSE? OH, RIGHT: PERMANENT FEEDBACK FORM, NEW THEMES

PERMANENT FEEDBACK FORM

We've added a permanent feedback form to the website! It's located on the right side of the navigation bar at the bottom of the "Submit" dropdown. This form will always be open, and we'll always be open to your feedback! Do give it a gander when you've the chance. (You are still welcome to leave us #suggestions!)

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NEW SITE THEMES

Three new themes have also graced our site:

  • "UNICORN GARDEN" BANNER by joonghyuk; BACKGROUND by solaria

  • "A PAGE FROM YOUR BOOK" BANNER and BACKGROUND by solaria

  • "ENDLESS BLUE" BANNER and BACKGROUND by lycoris

If you want to know how/where to play dress-up with your themes, head on over to the Site Guide! (The credits for other themes can be read here.)

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LORE CHANGELOG

Here's a changelog of everything that's been added or modified! 

(All locations, fauna, etc. are allowed to be drawn or written about. Feel free to engage the lore in your creative endeavors!)

VIEW LORE CHANGELOG
NEW FIGURES
NEW FAUNA CATEGORIES
NEW UNKNOWN
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The Road Ahead: faction delays, resource prompt applications

Drum roll, please! ...Please!

🥁

...Okay, thanks! The newsletter's over now! 

Just kidding, we have two more things to mention:

  • Factions will be delayed. We've got a lot on our plate, but we'll do our best to get them to you when we can!

  • Resource assistance. We'd love to receive help with the creation of faction gearsets (in preparation for our future faction quest system), Item resources, and... (gasps) the remaining Firstborn designs?! If you wish to assist with any of these, please fill out the form below! If you're recruited, you'll be handsomely rewarded for your (surely lovely) contributions!

— PERMANENT RESOURCE PROMPT APPLICATION — 


And with that...

Have a goort one!  
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4 Comments

Comments

denpayo Avatar
denpayo
Featured by Owner

UEE UEE I was so excited to read through this today!! I'm elated that you guys have set up a ko-fi so I can support this species more--it's been a boon to my artistic skill! I appreciate your hard work >:]

2024-03-01 20:08:07 (Edited 2024-03-01 22:12:11)

universe Avatar
universe Staff Member

delighted to hear that both the newsletter and the ko-fi are being received well! EXTRA delighted to hear such words from you!!! thank you! it really means a lot. 

1-image.png

2024-03-01 22:12:02

joonghyuk Avatar
joonghyuk
Featured by Owner

NEW UPDATE!!!! [runs to ko-fi to support]

2024-03-01 10:30:58 (Edited 2024-03-01 10:41:04)

universe Avatar
universe Staff Member

7-image.png

thank you!!! your enthusiasm (and patronage!) means a lot!!!

2024-03-01 10:40:53 (Edited 2024-03-01 10:40:59)

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