Entering Albia in a Myriad of Grand Styles

After I was satisfied with the setup of a new, glitch-free Albia, it was time to peer into the eyes of a familiar Grendel, Arianllyn. Overjoyed with such a beautiful world, she did the first thing that came to mind: Raiding the refrigerator! She was courteous enough to leave the carrot, yet her taste buds could not resist the cheese and honey. Satisfied with her meal, Arianllyn set off to explore this new world. Naturally, it was very familiar to her. Still, she set off to try to find something new to uncover. Perhaps there was something new on the desert island? Or maybe the deathcap mushroom had a different taste… Arianllyn had many ideas in mind!

Never far from the most important Grendel in his life, Adaon made his way to Albia in a hurry! He immediately set to following the fresh footsteps in the garden dirt, but he abruptly stopped to admire the beautiful pink flowers around him. Something else caught his eye: A trumpet! Many may recall how Adaon teleported through the wall next to the incubator at birth, and spent almost his entire childhood growing up in the music room. I had to laugh when he decided to announce his entrance in the most fitting way! Arianllyn was sure to hear Adaon’s song from anywhere in the world… Even if she was asleep

As the two Grendels left the incubator, there was one object left behind: A Norn egg. Little Astrapia ushered in the fourth generation with a look of sheer terror. Poor thing! Her cozy quarters cracked open in an instant, and it took her a few seconds to find the courage to move her little legs for the first time. Her parents were Coll and Eilonwy. In fact, she was the only child from her father. He was a bit too preoccupied during his life, but Astrapia was ready to take on the challenge of keeping her parents alive! Her genetics were fairly stable, with a single mutation. Although I love seeing mutations pop up, this generation will include a few Norns with seemingly “boring” genomes. Once we start to meet them, it will become clear why a few of these genetically bland Norns were hatched! Astrapia was not totally boring on a genetic level, though! Her one mutation had the potential to change her life in a few ways. It’s been some time since the last genetic analysis… Time to whip out those DNA gloves!

Receptors

Chemical receptors define parameters for a certain chemical. When these parameters are met, an element in the Creature is affected. These genes can increase drives, define life stages, control fertility, and more.

Default: 52 Emb B MutDupCut Creature, Drive Levels Crowdedness, chem=Crowdedness, thresh=0, nom=0, gain=255, features=Analogue
Mutation: 52 Emb B MutDupCut Creature, Drive Levels Crowdedness, chem=SexDrive, thresh=0, nom=0, gain=255, features=Analogue

This gene is fairly straightforward: In the standard genome, it says that any level of the crowdedness chemical will increase the crowdedness drive. All drive levels are controlled in this way through similar receptors. Astrapia’s mutation has two effects. First, she will never feel crowded from the crowdedness chemical. Second, she will equate an increase in sex drive with crowdedness. It all seems simple, but there are many implications! She likely will be able to stay around Norns and Grendels longer without needing to retreat. During her peak fertility, however, she may attempt to set off on her own. Not exactly conducive to breeding! This mutation will be something to take a look at later in Astrapia’s life. Through adolescence, she should be fine… Maybe just a little more clingy!

In no time at all, Astrapia was parked in front of the learning computer with all her attention on learning. She was one of the better Norn students I had the pleasure of teaching! If there was a record for quickest learner, Astrapia likely beat it with time to spare. It was easy to notice her sprite and body data issues, particularly her arm in this pose, but her energy and love of knowledge overshadowed any image issues. As she looked upon her bright new world, Astrapia had the feeling that she would not be alone for long. Perhaps another egg was waiting just around the bend…

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