🌿 Rules 🌿
🌱 All keke types have this ability by default, provided they have not had their pouches removed via upgrade. This includes subspecies like Ewes
🌱 Some subspecies have different "pouches", such as an Exo's ear bands. These function the same and they're fine to do pouch training
🌱 PCs, even those with imitation cheek pouches, cannot participate in pouch training. They don't have this ability! They can, however, telepathically speak with a keke if the keke starts
🌱 Some things can increase a keke's pouch ability, such as upgrades or morphs that add more pouches
🌱 Some things can decrease a keke's pouch ability, such as upgrades that remove pouches like half-pouch
🌱 If a keke has their pouches totally removed (for example, with shaped pouch) they will be unable to use this ability or learn higher levels of it
🌱 Pouch training is restricted by age. Base level is learnable by hatchlings and up, useable is young and up, and refined is adult and up
🌱 In order to learn a level of pouch training, you must draw/write 400 words about the keke learning it. Drawn works must be a minimum of halfbody with a background with everything colored
🌱 Note that a piece is required for all 3 levels of training, including the base level! Without base level, they can't use this ability within the group
🌱 Pouch training pieces go in the Talking Class folder!
🌿 Castoff 🌿
Cheek pouches produce something called a "castoff" when they are used to commune with animals. This is generally a visual effect, such as glowing wisps. Some castoffs are available by default, some must be earned, and some may be locked. Castoff matches the color of the pouch it comes from unless upgraded otherwise
✨ 1: > Glow trail - Unlocked by default: A trail of light that lingers behind the cheek pouch
✨ 2: > Glow - Unlocked by default: A glow that covers the cheek pouch itself
✨ 3: > Cheese trail - Unlocked by default: Identical to glow trail, except for the fact it has little holes of regular light cut out of it
✨ 4: > Wisp - Requires a keke to have 100+ stars: A swirling glow with a "windy" appearance
✨ 5: > Runny - Requires a keke to have 200+ stars: Glowing goop appears to drip from the cheek pouch
✨ 6: > Bubbles - Requires a keke to have 300+ stars: Glowing bubbles float away from the cheek pouch. These can look like bubbles or be solid circles of color
✨ 1: > War paint - Requires a keke to have 400+ stars: Glowing markings that fade the further they get from the cheek pouch. Stay in the face, neck, and shoulder area. Pouch may also glow lightly
✨ 2: > Flames - Requires a keke to have participated in at least 10 adventures: Glowing flames flow from the pouch (usually upwards)
✨ 3: > Broken - Requires a keke to have an upgrade their type should not (Includes non-EA peculiar upgrades. Must be accessible, does not have to be applied): Glitch-like glowing squares come off the pouch
✨ 4: > Beams - Requires a keke to know at least 1 magic spell: Bright, sunbeam-like rays of light coming off the pouch. May show motes of dust
✨ 5: > Tendrils - Requires a keke with at least 3 applied youth upgrades: Tentacle-like glowing appendages in any number
✨ 6: > Charming - Requires a keke to have at least 1 offspring: A lightly glowing haze decorated with small "charms" such as hearts or swirls
✨ 1: > Vineyard - Requires a keke to have participated in at least 2 events: Glowing lines that commonly resemble leafy vines, but can take on the looks of any plant
✨ 2: > Twinkle - Requires a keke to have at least 5 ascended upgrades (must be accessible, do not have to be applied): Small stars that float behind the pouch
✨ 3: > Overcast - Requires a keke to have learned the special spell in at least one magic category: Thick glowing clouds coming off the pouch
🌿 Levels 🌿
🍃 Base: When born, every keke has a base level of pouch ability (provided they weren't born without any pouches at all). However, they might not "find" it so to speak without learning how it works. Or they may be able to activate their ability once or twice at random and not know how to do it at will. After adult Snakekey rediscovered how to use their pouches, pouch training became a basic subject taught in schools. At their young age, hatchlings are able to put their own thoughts in an animal's head, but probably won't be able to tell what the animal itself is thinking. Also, if a baby hasn't learned how to speak, they won't be able to project anything other than...babbles
🍂 Useable: Once they reach young or youth phase, a keke will be able to further refine their pouch ability, allowing them to both send and receive thoughts from animals. This kind of communication is great for both parties and is enough for most to get along just fine. With a more developed vocabulary at this age, keke should be able to speak without confusing an animal. However, younger kids may still hear a word from an animal they don't understand. Some animals know how to swear. Be careful, kids.
🍁 Refined: The final level of pouch training, accessible by adults and elders, allows for transfer of more emotion between messages. Instead of saying "I'm sad", an animal may be able to simply know without the keke saying anything, as they're projecting the emotion telepathically. In some cases, a keke and an animal may be on such a level of understanding that they feel as if they are the other, like they're one being instead of two. This is fantastic if a keke can use this to, say, deter an animal attack. However, the animal may be able to turn this ability on the keke. If a creature in enraged and a keke tries to communicate with them on too high a level, they may also be overcome by said rage. Keke should be sure they know when to back off to a more simple level or completely to not become overwhelmed