Symphony


Species Name: Symphony
"The Musical Amphibians"

Symphony | Symphonies | Choir > Orchestra
singular — plural — collective

Summary

Symphonies are a small amphibian species with a resemblance to animals like frogs and newts. They are a highly social species that prefer living in groups and are very protective of each other and of their home. They are not a violent species, rarely fighting with each other and preferring to run from conflict than confront it.

They are equipped with a large sac filled with air that allows them to produce loud beeping noises when threatened. This sac is also what allows the species to “sing.” Even if the sound might not be the most melodious thing you’ve heard a Symphony’s song will be, in most cases, pleasing to hear by their fellow species members.

A group of Symphonies is called a choir while a collection of choirs is called an orchestra. Choirs will usually look for places where there’s both a source of clean water as well as a bit of dry land to reside. Being amphibians they can be both on land and water, being able to breathe through their skin, but should always make sure to be able to hydrate their delicate skin.

An orchestra is always under the protection of a Mythical, a subspecies that morphed into a stronger version of the average Symphony. It is said that a Mythical’s song creates a protective barrier around the area where an orchestra is settled, this allows for the water sources to remain clean and not dry and repel threats from their home.

Despite their appearance and how their lives begin Symphonies are not particularly attuned to magic. The only magic related to them is the protective barrier created by Mythicals and the very rare mutation some experience that allows them to create items that may appear out of nowhere or float. Their traits might appear “magical” but, again, this is just their appearance probably meant to scare off potential enemies.

Anatomy

✦ Body
Symphonies appear to be squishy but they do possess bones and organs in their bodies; they are just very flexible and resilient. They come in many different shapes and sizes, which will be described in a later section.

✦ Head
A Symphony’s head is somewhat large and very round. They have a small rounded snout with two fang-like barbs that help them tear their food. This species doesn’t have teeth — with a few exceptions — but can have lower “fangs,” as well. They don’t have nostrils on their snouts, as they breathe through their skin, and they possess a very long sticky tongue like frogs and chameleons. At least one ear or head appendage is found in every Symphony, as that is how they hear or process vibrations.

✦ Pouch
A key, defining feature of a Symphony is their pouch! Every Symphony has either a neck pouch or two cheek pouches, though some variations have been seen. This sac fills with air and allows them to produce their distinctive sounds. It cannot be deflated under normal circumstances, as it is very resistant to any sort of damage. Should the pouch be scratched or popped, the Symphony would be seriously wounded.

✦ Tail
Most Symphonies possess at least one tail which can have any shape.

Design Guidelines

- Symphonies have five body types, which are described in the following section.
- Their body texture is most commonly matte, though variations do occur.
- Growths can also sprout from or embed themselves into their skin.
- All Symphonies have at least one head appendage, which can be ears, nubs, hair, etc.
- Their eyes usually sport a horizontal pupil, though other shapes are possible.
- They have short, flat snouts with no visible nostrils.
- From their upper lip sprouts two, fanglike points in lieu of actual teeth.
- Symphonies must have a pair of cheek pouches or one neck pouch; they come in a variety of styles.
- In some rare cases, these pouches are found on other parts of the body.
- Their feet tend to be gecko or frog-like, though some have paws.
- They usually have at least one tail, which can be any size and style.

Body Type

The following body type guidelines are in addition to the general guidelines above, and do not completely override them unless explicitly stated. Those marked with an asterisk (*) require the Scissors of Redesign item to create on top of an MYO Playable Species Ticket.

✦ Soprano
- They are the smallest body type.
- They have chibi-like proportions, with large heads and small bodies.
- Their bodies are around one head (maybe one and a half heads) tall, not including their tail.

✦ Alto
- They are an average body type.
- Their bodies are more proportionate than Sopranos, making them typically less chibi-like.
- Otherwise, Altos exhibit typical design aspects.

✦ Tenor*
- They are the longest body type, and typically appear slender due to this length.
- The length between their arms and legs should be elongated.
- If a Symphony has a very long tail, it may be considered a Tenor.

✦ Bass*
- The largest body type out of all Symphonies, and typically the roundest due to girth.
- Their bodies are large enough that their legs look short in comparison.
- Basses tend to have large pouches, so they are more proportionate to their bodies.

✦ Flat*
- Their body is similar to an Alto, with the exception of their mantles.
- Their mantles encase their arms, attach to their sides, and may go down the length of their tail.
- While Flats do not have visible arms, their fingers still protrude from the tips of their mantles.
- Flats cannot have cheek pouches because their cheek fins take that spot.

Subspecies

The following subspecies guidelines are in addition to the general guidelines above, and do not completely override them unless explicitly stated. Those marked with an asterisk (*) require an additional subspecies item to create on top of an MYO Playable Species Ticket.

✦ Natural
- The most common subspecies of Symphonies.
- They follow all the general design requirements.
- They should not have features that closely mimic other subspecies.

✦ Sharp*
- These Symphonies are dragon-esque in appearance.
- Their skin is covered in hard rock, gem, or metal retractable spikes that resemble scales.
- They have long claws.

✦ Treble*
- These Symphonies are one mind split into three smaller individuals.
- Each split can look different from the other two.
- They are the smallest of the subspecies, comparable in size to Notes.

✦ Monster*
- Monster Symphonies somewhat resemble crocodiles or alligators.
- They are a larger mutation that can temporarily override the original subspecies.
- They have long snouts with visible nostrils and jagged teeth-like points all along their mouth.
- Their back becomes hunched.
- A Monster Symphony’s underbelly is covered in hardened scales.
- Their arms are long, strong, and also scaled.
- Their fingers and toes elongate into smooth claw-like appendages.

✦ Falsetto⁂
- They are typically ethereal in appearance, with one or several halos around their head or tail.
- Falsetto Symphonies have double-walled pouches filled with royal jelly.
- They all have three pairs of wings or one pair of wings that are 50%+ the size of their body.

✦ Oktavist⁂
- They usually look intimidating, with one or several thorned crowns around their head or tail.
- Oktavist Symphonies have pouches filled with venom that can be released via their quills.
- They all have three pairs of wings or one pair of wings that are 50%+ the size of their body.

Subspecies

✦ Naturals
Your average Symphony, Naturals make up most of the choir or orchestra. They do not possess any defining characteristics, but are the most adaptable type and can display any of the existing body types previously mentioned. They are the only subspecies with the ability to ascend into a Mythical, but for this to happen, the Natural must go through a series of quests and personal growth. Wings and other extra appendages/limbs should not exceed 50% the size of the Symphony's body. May not have more than 1 pair of wings.


✦ Sharps
Sharps are one of the sturdier subspecies. They have a preference of living in rocky, underwater caves, therefore, their bodies have evolved accordingly. They are covered in hard rocks, gems, and retractable spikes that look like scales and are visible on their skin regardless of its texture; their pouches have also developed a metallic casing over it to prevent popping. Their fingers are tipped with long claws, making them dragon-esque in appearance; they also resemble dragons in that they have an obsession with shiny objects and like to hoard them. Like Naturals, they are also omnivorous, but greatly prefer protein-filled snacks like insects and fish. Wings and other extra appendages/limbs should not exceed 100% the size of the Symphony's body. May not have more than 2 pairs of wings.


✦ Trebles
Trebles are a tiny subspecies that evolved to never appear like one individual. They are incredibly small, even in comparison to a Natural Soprano, about the size of a Note (baby Symphony). Their song is similar to an echoed buzzing and they are largely vegetarian. They don’t appear to have any specific traits other than being split into three, with each of them being able to look somewhat different from the other two. They possess a hivemind, so shouldn’t be considered individuals but three parts of a whole. Because of this, if one of the parts gets separated, the one part will go into “hibernation mode” until found by the other two. If all three are separated, there is a high risk of the Symphony never moving again, unless assisted. Wings and other extra appendages/limbs should not exceed 100% the size of the Symphony's body. May not have more than 2 pairs of wings.


✦ Monsters
This is a temporary condition that overrides a Symphony’s normal subspecies. This means that a Symphony can be both a Natural and a Monster by transforming between the two. A result of this transformation is that the Symphony’s size and strength increases by quite a bit! In this state, Symphonies tend to prefer some fresh meat over vegetables, and are prone to losing control.


✦ Falsettos
One of the two Mythical subspecies, Falsettos are known as the protectors of a choir or orchestra. They typically have an ethereal look to them and possess a calming aura and the ability to create barriers with their song. Their double-walled pouches are filled with a nutritious jelly that can nourish and heal injured Symphonies, which is released via gill-like orifices on the outer wall. Their song can reach an unusually high pitch and they have a soft spot for Notes; it is said that babies that listen to their song will grow faster and healthier! Wings and other extra appendages/limbs may be any size. May have 3 or more pairs of wings.




✦ Oktavists
The second of the Mythicals, Oktavists are the guardians of the choir or orchestra. In contrast to their Falsetto counterparts, they tend to look intimidating, often sporting sharp quills and other protrusions. They have incredible strength and highly-intuitive defense mechanisms, one of these being their venom-filled pouch; their quills are tipped with this venom and they can also spit it out. The substance can cause serious rashes, burns, and even blindness upon contact with the eyes. Fortunately, Symphonies under the Oktavist’s protection are resistant to the venom, so the worst that’ll happen is that they’re itchy for a bit! It is said that their song makes the ground vibrate enough to purify bodies of water, making them suitable for Symphonies to live in. Wings and other extra appendages/limbs may be any size. May have 3 or more pairs of wings.

Body Types




✦ Soprano
As previously mentioned, Symphonies come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The first and smallest body type is the Soprano. They tend to feature rounded shapes and a head that is notoriously big in comparison to its body.

✦ Alto
The most common body type is the Alto. They are very similar to Sopranos, except their bodies are longer, making their head more proportionate.

✦ Tenor
This is a rare body type. Tenors have noodle-like bodies that are quite long and flexible, able to twist into convoluted shapes.

✦ Bass
Another rare type, Basses are the largest. They tend to be quite heavyset. This, coupled with their shorter legs make them look more like toads than geckos.

✦ Flat
The final rare body type, Flats are specialized to live near oceans or rivers with strong currents. Their bodies are similar to that of manta ray, with a connected mantle instead of actual arms. They have fingers embedded in the tips of their mantle and usually sport cheek fins; as a result, most have neck pouches instead of cheek pouches.

Baby Information



Baby Symphonies are known as Notes and are very small. They may or may not show physical traits inherited from their parents, though most will have a pair of nubs atop their skull. Once a Note is independent enough, they will find a song or melody that resonates with them; this will trigger their metamorphosis into an adult! As they grow, their body tends to undergo drastic changes in terms of colors, patterns, and structure.

Design Guidelines
- Notes must have a pair of nubs on their head that may disappear with age.
- Their ears may or may not be present at this stage.
- They have four limbs, a number that may increase or decrease.
- Notes have a tadpole-like tail.
- They need to bond to a song to grow.

To grow your baby Symphony, you'll need to complete their Origin Story Quest!

Origin Tale

Myziqa

When Igroven appeared on the head of the first Lilipeep, the naturally-occuring leylines pulsed to life and instantly began to infuse the realm with music and magic. Aquatic beings revelled in this environment, and built their own identities and societies around leylines across the giant lilypad.

Eventually some of these beings evolved into Axomaurs and the rest evolved into the more musically-inclined Symphonies.

Origin Quest

Young Symphonies, also called Notes, are those that have not yet found their bonded song. Though one’s song may change throughout their life, the process of finding their first song is still considered an important right of passage toward adulthood.

Upon bonding with their first song, a Note’s appearance may change; their colors or physical features shifting to match the mood of the music. As they grow, they also begin to lose some of their tadpole-esque features and gain their adult appearance.

How does your Symphony find their bonded song? Do they hear it in the wind, learn it from Meero (the deity of Igroven), or discover/create it some other way? Please portray your Symphony using their baby design or an adolescent design that’s not quite their adult form yet.

See more information about origin story quests on the Origin Stories page.

✦ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drastically change the design when growing my Note into a Symphony?
You can, as long as you have the required redesign items and/or subspecies items.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use [song] for my Symphony?
You may use any song you want; it doesn’t matter if someone else used the same song, as long as your design is not a copy of theirs. Though if your song has mature language or topics, you’ll have to add a warning before linking to it.

Can I change a Symphony’s Bonded Song?
Yes! You can do this by editing their profile.