Establishing Canon

[Elric Vlarintos]

Wait, what?

Okay, on a serious note this thread is built around the idea that we should discuss things that creep and hide in the shadows around the story and try and establish some solid canon around them. Some things have already been established in story and bringing them up here might be a useful little trick to help us keep track of what has been decided and what has not.

First and foremost thing on my mind is the economics of Wonderland. At some point or another Kim [Naelona] and I discussed the need to establish a hard monetary system. The origins of the system? She made an out-of-character joke about earning a few shekels off of a show involving Elric. I looked up ancient monetary systems involving shekels, and discovered the Babylonian system of currency. For those of you in the know, Babylon is kind of ancient as far as human civilizations go. Meaning it was PERFECT as a corollary for Boogie money.

Hence, we have three units of currency with the exchange rates as follows.

60 SELQU : 1 MIJN
60 MIJN : 1 QJILN
3600 SELQU : 1 QJILN

One qjiln has been roughly calculated out to something around $1000 USD. That being said, a selqu ends up being a little more valuable than a quarter ($0.27-28) and a mijn being about $16.66-67. That's just if you want real-world analogy though.

Also of particular interest to me is the idea of language and pronunciations of particularly difficult names. For those of you who are very interested in the harder names I'm aware of...

Shaehern Azhrarn is SHAY-hern AZJ-rawrn (tricky Boogie tongue XD)
Naelona Ezel is NAY-loh-nah EZ-el

and for all of those of you who are wondering about Elric's last name... it was from an artificial language I was trying to produce when I was younger and has a strange pronunciation. The proper rendering of Vlarintos is probably VAY-lar-in-toz. The idea was that the double consonant at the beginning of the word automatically should denote a hard A sound separating the two consonants. As it is... the 'Vl' sound just gives him a slight Romanian feel instead.

Have fun.

[Ryan Cardwell]

Very good idea there, we really do need to get some of this stuff hammered out. It makes it significantly easier when we know what we're telling with starting out instead of having to improv everything or figure it out along the way.

I think perhaps one of the biggest things that needs figuring out, is the differences between not just humans and boogies, but boogies and other boogies. It goes without saying that no two boogies are exactly alike, and in most cases are nothing alike. Though I'm no genius, I'd have to say that such special variations aren't exactly commonplace, even in Wonderland. Therefor I've cooked up one of my many out there theories with a bit of help from the DOOM movie, and of course our dear Kimmy. :3

It seems to me that the simplest solution is a rather logical one (to my mind at least); that boogies simply have a different chromosomal structure from humans. Added pairs of chromosomes could of course provide them with the things humans lack, e.g. the vastly enhanced strength and sensory perception. Of course this could also render them with certain intolerances for things that humans have adapted to to the point that it barely affects them, this of course being the stronger light from the human world. In addition, if their chromosomal structure is genetically unstable, say... they possess unpaired chromosomes in their gene map, that would explain why they are so vastly different, and also why their bodies tend to age or form differently. For example, the fact that Kazn looks as he'd be at least several thousand even though he's only several hundred, and yet Jasmine is over eight thousand and doesn't even look as though she's twenty. Then of course there are the way the bodies are formed, some boogies being huge and bestial, others smaller and virtually indistinguishable from humans, and others that appear human yet have appendages or bodily traits that are decidedly inhuman.

As for naming pronunciation.... I suppose I could toss in a bit of that as well, although the majority of my characters have rather easily understood names. The odd one out is probably ole Alphy, seeing as his is just a mess. =w=;; The way it gets said in my head is Al-fai-nas O-meh-guy-un. Hmm, simpler than I thought. Dropping down to the next is Cara, who technicall has one name, that latter two being her parent's surnames and a linking attachment. Car-all-e-an In-see-own-tey Vey Ooon-dough-me-el <<;; Now that ones a mess. Then there's the demon twins, Char and Serenity. The latter of course has an easily understood first name, though the second is a bit off. Deh-zeh-ron[/i] Char is a bit more difficult, as I've yet to figure out her name. Its either Kay-row-uh Fay-eel or Char-uh Fay-eel[/i] Either way, their last name comes out as Uh-vah-ree. Hope that helps though I'm not sure if it would. ^^ -salutes and exits stage left-

[Shaehern Azhrarn]

Ah.... yes... the messed up thing that is the Genome of the Boogie.

As an anthropologist I've done quite a bit of study in regards to evolutionary biology. So much that I'd dare to say that the only people who really know more about it than I do are biologists. My focus lets me explain potential origins of the Boogie, but that is material I am more than willing to allocate to the realm of Wild Mass Guessing instead of canon.

If we stick with hard and concrete stuff, however... Boogies are supernatural beings that live in a very supernatural world. If there is not as much sun, perhaps they don't get hit with as much radiation which damages/mutates their genes. Just food for thought there.

By definition a species is a community of individuals that can breed with one another. Assuming that all Boogies are capable of producing viable offspring and we are assuming genetic explanation, that would mean that they all are built from the same mold. So from whence comes the physiological differences?

I'd like to talk about the whole nature vs. nurture argument in regards to these differences. Perhaps they are all genetically similar, but environmental conditions cause similar genotypes to produce drastically different phenotypes. We're assuming that these are supernatural beings living in a supernatural world... the forces that warp and change them probably don't necessarily make sense to us.

Purely Genetic Explanation: Environmental conditioning results in different phenotypic expressions of genotype based on the individual's history.

Genetic-Supernatural Explanation: Boogies come from a similar template as their parents with individual variation expressed and focused on from magical/supernatural phenomenon. Perhaps it has something to do with personal expression/feeling. Example: Kazn appears much older than other Boogies because he feels older than other Boogies. I shy away from saying it's personal choice only because Jasmine probably would love to look a little bit older XD

We got anything else here?

[Jasmine Krisp]

Jazz: Anything else? Here's something. STOP MENTIONING MY HEIGHT, DAMMIT!!!!!

[Doctor Nationis]

Midgets aside, I do have another thing I'd like to address. I've always been curious as to what sort of beasties and creepy crawlies wander the land as well as what sort of lands exist beyond the palace and nearby area.

As for beasts we at least know there are black dogs and Christmas elves, but what does that exactly mean? For creatures and beings we do know exist I propose we set up Beast Profiles that way information on the monsters could be archived and displayed easily without having to just remember that a black dog is as big as a calf or a swarm of elves could devour X pounds of flesh in Y minutes.

That aside, I also want to know what else is out there. Are there cows? Horses? Twisted versions of most the human animals? More importantly, what is a labby beast and what does it look like? I've heard people assume that a labby beast is just a familiar that has gone rogue after their master's death and naturally wander to the maze. Does this imply that 'labby beast' is just a turned, twisted familiar? What changes take place? Does this imply that the original labby beasts are actually the familiars of the very first boogies?

Speaking of the labyrinth, I don't wanna ruin any plots points that may come up, but what is in the center? I've personally thought that perhaps, besides the rumors of the door to the human world, that there would be ruins from when Alice was around, crumbled bits and pieces of a castle?

The story of Alice is another matter, I suppose. I believe someone mentioned sometime about something involving the first Alice already having come around. I think it would be nice if we got a plot to work around that, perhaps a prophecy?

And finally (unless I come up with more questions as this rant continues) the landscape. I'm sure the land of boogies extends past just one beach, a market, a single woods, and the palace. If no one knows of such things IC, like Naelona, for example, remaining in the castle most of the time to ensure that nothing breaks down, may not be aware of the Elves from the North. Boogies that are more carefree and love to see new things and toys, much like Garland, would have taken some time to go out and see what the world has to offer and what kingdoms may lay outside out of reach of the palace. Could this mean that there could be other boogie cities, leaving the palace as some sort of capital or something?

Also, as for names, Iugo's name is pronounced E-YOU-go Nation-iss, a short hiss sound would work just fine.

I think that's all I got from the top of my head. I'll be sure to post it. : P

[Doctor Nationis]

An addition and hope to revive! What sort of religion do the boogies have?

That one wasn't too bad. : D

[Garland Von Clossen]

Trying to revive it!

But I also would like to see if we can come together and draw out these Elders that are mentioned from time to time. Such as who is one, what makes one eligible, past Elders perhaps, current ones for sure, etc.

C'mon, peeps! Anyone can answer and help out! : D

[Jasmine Krisp]

Well as far as I know, being an elder seems to be passed down through a family. Jouhnin became an elder after the *accidental* death of his father. If that's the case, maybe you need to be in an important family like the Takanami's or the Ezel's to qualify.

[Naelona Ezel]

My thoughts on Elders:

I 2nd a lot with what Jazz said actually - methinks you do need to be from an old, prominent family. Wonderland is a bit of an Oligarchy. I'm.. not actually aware of the Takanami line being Elders before though. o.O *pokes Jou* I wouldn't be surprised if it became hereditary, though I'd expect the family would still need to maintain x-level of important status.

Another trait: these are probably some of the (if not the) oldest lines/names in Wonderland to achieve such a position. No way the Ezels would make it in atm. Hence Nae trying to marry Anolean to Aiko is such a social move. They're too young. ...for now. Maybe in another 2000 years or so.

Religion.. hmmm... *points at Luther* go ask him.

I'll add more later. xD

[Zeke Suzushima]

Wouldn't it be odd if the Krisp name was one if those old families...? Considering they've all-but-one been wiped out, and Jazz is eight thousand years old and is one of the youngest in the family, it's pretty possible. :3

*schemes*

[Kristopher Roberts]

So, I figured I would throw in my two cents now.

Originally, I figured the boogiemen's appearance, when entering the human world, was based on what a child could create in their mind, which makes them terrifying to a child. Most children can't put one image to a being and often mix them with the fear a parent gives. Like say, "If your bad and keep breaking moms dishes, the boogieman will come for you." So he/she pictures the creature with plats or something that goes with it.

Boogie's the tale at least, originated in Scotland where they are also known was boggarts, a creature that can make things disappear be it humans or normal objects suck as milk or medicines. They also follow families where ever they might flee too.

Which brought the idea of boogies taking humans away and stalking families, an example would be the Roberts family.

My theory though, is that the Labyrinth acts as a catalysis for this area of the palace, in other areas outside the palace, it might be something different and protected. The labby, though dangerous, could be a central point in which Boogiemen can take children away and where children may return, of course that's all rumors.

Also, the familiars I pictured to be part of the boogie. Such as a crow is part of a witch. It has either been tamed, created, or born/picked to be with a certain individual and so share a physic link with its master. When the master dies, it too dies or simple wonders off, if it can decide to live without its one master. I figure each boogie may only have one boogie their whole life seeing as it becomes a piece of them.

The Elders, as other suggested, are freakishly old boogies and probably the most powerful kind. I have been approached a few times about this but never really had an answer lol.

Furthermore, time in boogie land, I often do wonder, what does keep the humans for aging and what makes a boogie the way they are, other then feeding from the childs mind and fear. Because in reality, Fear is the biggest thing for a boogie to keep a human in line.

But now I have my own question for everyone, what is the Obsession some boogies have with humans and how does it work? They naturally can't have children with them because of genetics, yet some form feelings for humans. Why does it cause them to go insane to a certain extent or become overly possessive?

And yes, there are animals in wonderland, horses and cows...but I am certain they look---different like a horse might be what a Nightmare is and etc.


Side note: The board was also based on the song: Hitobashira Alice
(Human Sacrifice Alice) So maybe that will shed some light?

[different layout]

I do appreciate the suggestion of a bestiary. It might be something I have to work on at some point. More or less, I just assumed that if there was a human legend in regards to some kind of monster that it existed in Wonderland. I have not referenced any in character, but I imagine kelpies are just one of many of Wonderland's water creatures (though, I did actually base Shaehern's child-stealing methods off of the kelpie and the will-o-the-wisp).

In-character, I have mentioned other beasts--my personal favorite being the Wendigo.

*snorts at Naelona tossing questions in regards to religion*

In the beginning, there was naught but the Blood and the Earth. The Blood flowed separate from the Earth, but when the Earth was wounded it did scream and the Blood did flow. And with the blood flowing so was the world flooded and with the scream so was born the first breath of life.

... I could go on making up an entire Genesis story from the top of my head if I wanted... and it would be good.

I forgot if I put it in his profile, but Luther is the son of a 'priest' of some religion or another. I imagine that the 'religion' has historical significance to the Boogies (as most religions do). If we were to canonize the story of the Four Alices, it would probably be included in there somewhere. There might be an Apocalypse story involved somewhere too. I guess it all depends on what sort of 'religious details' you're looking for.

I guarantee blood plays a crucial role in the religion. Especially after the Devil's Ball sacrifice it would be hard to deny (even if the ritualized sacrifice was a failure, the Boogies still got their blood that evening).

And as for Elders... I always imagined the oldest Boogie families had to relate to cardinal elements of the human psyche... pure embodiments of the concepts like fear and madness. Such families and Boogies represent things far older than humanity itself.

I would also like to propose that there is a way for humans meeting particular physical/mental requirements to become Boogies. I wrote that into my own personal cosmology for the board a long time ago.

[Luther Verhulst]

Meh, stupid proboards signed me out. *eats it*