Every character needs to have their own account, with the name properly capitalized. Characters of any gender, gender identity, or even intersex may join the site, there are no limitations on this. Even in the traditional male/female roles typical to these types of sites, such as claiming rights are to be dictated by the founders of the pride and not by admins, the only exception being that adult males cannot be claimed. For more information on intersex characters and litters please see the breeding page. Aesseldar does employ some dimorphism (designated as male/female) between characters when it comes to sizes, details are below and you will need to indicate on your application under which your character falls. This dimorphism (male/female) should align with how your character will reproduce and is not a reflection on their identity or gender. We, the staff, recognize life is not as simple as this binary.

Characters may be of any age above 6 months old when they join. There are some benefits to older characters which are located in the skills section of the guidebook, any characters under six months of age will not be allowed unless born on site or obtained via perks by donation or advertising (please see extras page for information on this). We also allow characters to have accessories, which can be purchased with feathers from the shop. Please refer to the accessories page for more details.

To mirror an element of reality Aesseldar does employ a dimorphic sizing system based around real life sizing differences between lions. Sizes on the site vary greatly, and each size will have different advantages or disadvantages when it comes to certain aspects of the site. Dwarf, Micro, and Goliath are only purchasable as mutations. While we stay rigid to the heights ranges marked here for the selected group, the weight is flexible. We do not care if you have a lion that is slightly heavier, or lighter, than what the categories listed here for each build have, however keep in mind that if the character is much thinner, or much heavier than the category puts them into they may start to suffer battle penalties.

Characters may have as many or as few markings as they want, so long as the markings do not excessively clash in color (see above about problematic visuals) and are generally found on real animals, they are allowed. We welcome the use of real life photographs as references for markings. Any markings utilizing a premium color is subject to a small fee, but once purchased that color may be used in any number of markings on the character. Mutations come in two categories: Free, or premium. Premium mutations may be purchased with feathers, whereas free mutations have no limitations or requirements. If you do not see a mutation listed but think it should be added, please reach out via messages or discord for the suggestion, we love any feedback. Currently we allow the following mutations:

Some mutations do have restrictions or certain characteristics that cannot be changed. Microscopic lions are very proportionately small lions, whereas dwarf lions have small, stubby legs much like munchkin cats but are still full body size. Characters with vitiligo should start with relatively little of one color on their body, and it is expected that these areas grow and expand as they age. Polydactyly will have a higher chance of occuring randomly in incest-born litters (even if the cubs are custom staff will perform a roll). While we also allow small horns or bony protrusions from heads, see below for what isn't allowed. Further pros and cons on mutations will be most relevant to combat so please refer to the fighting page, mutations with * denote no advantage or disadvantage during battle.

The life cycle of characters is to give you a general idea of how they age and mature in real life, we also allow to fluid time within the cub ranges so that they're more fun to play. We do not strictly adhere to this, but rather want to help give any ideas for character development if you need them!
0-6 Months

• The cubs are just born! Eyes and ears are completely closed at this time. Speech is non-existence and should be nothing more then random sounds. Cubs spots should be easily visible at this point.
• Around 10 days their eyes and ears will begin to open. Soon after they will begin attempts to walk around. They should still remain in the safety of the den only.
• Milk teeth will begin to show around the 3 week point with canines coming in a week or so later.
• Beginning at 1 month their speech should begin to develop further to form some sentences. Cubs may begin to venture just outside the safety of the den.
• Solid foods may begin to be introduced around 2 months of age. Eye color may begin to change to their permanent color from their birth blue tone. May begin to venture out in to the pride land.
• Near 4 months they begin to transition to solely solid food as mothers stop producing milk. May begin to learn simple skills. May be allowed outside of their pride lands. (Keep in mind there may be risks due to their age/vulnerability).
• At 5 months they may begin to grow their 'adult' coats. Tail tufts begin to develop. Should still be under the care of a guardian or parent.

6-12 Months

• Lions are more capable of survivability without a guardian or parent. May begin training from others.
• At 6 months males begin to show signs of a mane at their throat or top of their head and nearing their 7th month of age begin to put on more weight and become 'stockier' than females.
• 8 months their tail tufts are completely formed. Pride participation increases.

1-2 Years

• Now considered a full member of the pride. Able to take and hold rank, including the leadership of a pride.
• Males have more visible mane growth, but still lack the length and thickness of maturity. Some males may choose to leave their pride, while females can not with out permission.
• Permanent canines replacements grow in. Become 3/4 of their adult weight, yet may reach their full height.

2-8 Years

• Sexual maturity is reached and procreation may begin. Their full height and length have been reached.
• Will continue to put on weight until near 4 years of age.
• Manes will continue to grow and thicken until close to 5 years of age. Considered in their prime years.

8-14 Years

• Are now reaching their older age. May begin to feel the effects of age.
• Will begin to show signs of greying from age around 10 years of age. Are seen as 'elders'.
• Senses will begin to dull. Movement will become slower and less agile. Accuracy lessens.
• More prone to sickness.
• Death from old age at 14 years of life.

If you are brand new to the site your first two characters will have some more creative liberties, not only as a thank you for joining but also to help you create a character that you love! You may create a character with any pelt color, including premium pelts, and they may have up to one premium color for markings. All other markings and base colors are limitless, if you wish to add additional premium marking colors they do need to be paid for. The only restriction is that the character cannot be under six months of age (unless you have donated or advertised to claim a reward). They may also have up to two premium mutations at no cost, with the exception of goliath. Our discord is also host to completely free designs (first character or not) and you may reference the pinned message in the free design channel for guidelines on how to claim a design.

Currently there is a very small list of things that are not allowed on site. Anything not listed can be assumed not allowed, but always feel free to reach out to staff for confirmation.

• Wings
• Long Horns/Antlers
• Curling Horns/Antlers
• Magic