Rite of Merit

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This is the first rite of three in the Rites of Fertility, which you must pass in order to breed your Tokota. This event will be judged regularly as the moderators schedule allows.

The Rite of Merit is an event put on by the Tokota Cultural Association to examine and test your Tokota in order to see if they are fit to be bred. The event will start with a medical and basic conformation evaluation (though you are not required to draw this), followed by a wide variety of different tasks specialized to fit individual talents. You will pick the one best suited to your Tokota, to fully showcase their talents.

**It is advisable to read up on the traits and their benefits before choosing which class to participate in. You can read more about traits here.**

To enter this event, you will pick one of the classes below from the appropriate set of rites, depending on if your tokota has dwarfism or not. You will draw an image, or write a story depicting your Tokota taking part in said event.
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## Rules and Regulations

* Up to three Tokotas and handlers may be present in one image/story.
* In classes where handlers or starters are required, there must be a handler or starter for each depicted Tokota.
* Handlers or starters must be 50% visible in the image when they are required.
* Images must be coloured
* Backgrounds are required, and it must be a fullbody image. (At least 80% of the Tokota visible)
* If an entry looks rushed, sketchy or very quickly done, we can deny it. They don't have to be masterpieces, but if it looks like it took two minutes, it will not be accepted.
* Commissioned/collaborated entries are accepted.
* Original artwork only, no tracing another artists work, or templates allowed.
* An entry can only count once, once it is judged you cannot edit it and resubmit for another Tokota.
* Images must be at least 300x300 px in size.

## Literature Entries

As an alternative to drawing an image, you can write a story. Entries must be at least 2000 words, and be entirely focused upon the task. These must follow the same rules as above, each Tokota should play a role in the story, not just casually mentioned. Same goes for the handlers.

# Normal and Dire-Built Tokota Rites

## Wild Trait

Awarded to the Tokotas who aren't afraid to walk on the wild side.

#### Ice Fishing

The Tokota will collect as many fish as possible within the time span of an hour and a half, and deposit them, intact, into a large bucket. Eating the fish will result in an immediate fail. This event takes place on a frozen lake.

* Handler/starter is not required for this class.
* Tack is not required

#### Hunting

The Tokota will go and bring down a single prey animal in the allotted time, in the Alaskan wilderness. Handler may not assist in the hunting process in any way.

* Handler/starter is required
* Tack is required. A saddle at minimum, it can be off to the side by your rider if you like, just as long as it is visible.
* Choice of prey: Bears, Moose, Deer, Walrus, Lynx, Geese, Seals and Caribou
* Prey animal must be visible somewhere in the picture (At least 50%) being stalked, brought down, chased or observed from afar.

## Partnership Trait

This trait is awarded to Tokotas whose bond with their handlers is unwavering.

#### Livestock Cutting

The Tokota is required to herd at least one livestock animal to its pen, on the Alaskan farmland. Animals may not be harmed in the process, doing so will result in an immediate fail.

* No handler/starter required
* Collar required around the Tokotas neck.
* At least one livestock animal must be visible (at least 50%)
* Animals to choose from: Sheep, cow, or pig

#### Endurance

Your Tokota and handler will start at the base of a mountain trail, and return to the finish line in a time limit of three hours.

* Handler/starter is required
* Tack required, at least a saddle

## Honor Trait

Awarded to the proud and noble, and exceptional examples of the breed.

#### Free Jumping

The Tokota will clear a round of obstacles without hesitation, in a fenced in ring. Can be anything from logs to water jumps. Refusal of a jump will result in an immediate fail.

* No handler/starter required
* Collar required around Tokotas neck.

#### Halter

The Tokota will stand erect in the middle of the ring, with handler at their side for the judges. Conformation and temperament are very important in this class.

* Handler/starter is required
* Collar or halter required

# Toki (Dwarfism) Rites

## Wily Trait

#### Ice Fishing

The Toki will collect as many fish as possible within the time span of an hour and a half, and deposit them, intact, into a large bucket. Eating the fish will result in an immediate fail. This event takes place on a frozen lake.

* Handler/starter is not required for this class

#### Marmot Hunting

The Toki will go out to a large snowy field, and try to catch as many marmots hiding under the snow in the allotted time.

* Handler/starter is required

## Tracker Trait

#### Livestock Herding

The Toki is required to herd at least one livestock animal to its pen, on the Alaskan farmland. Animals may not be harmed in the process, doing so will result in an immediate fail.

* No handler/starter required
* At least one livestock animal must be visible (at least 50%)
* Animals to choose from: Sheep, cow, or pig

#### Search and Rescue

The Toki is required to find his hidden handler, or starter in a vast area of arctic tundra, within the allotted time. Handlers/starters may not give hints to their Toki.

* Handler/starter is required

## Obedient Trait

#### Obstacle Course

The Toki will clear a round of obstacles without hesitation, in a fenced in ring. Can be anything from logs to water jumps, hoops, tunnels, etc. Refusal of an obstacle will result in an immediate fail.

* No handler/starter required

#### Halter

The Tokota will stand erect in the middle of the ring, with handler at their side for the judges. Conformation and temperament are very important in this class.

* Handler/starter is required

# Judging Rubric

* 1-40 RNG score
* 1-40 unbiased effort score, this will be compared to your own gallery
* 10+ for correct background
* Optional: +5 for one training image of your Tokota and handler
* Optional: +5 for a fullbody image of your Tokota
* Optional: +5 for a fullbody image of your Tokota
* Optional: +5 for a short story of at least 100 words (does not apply to literature entries)

# How to Submit an Entry

Fill out the following form and paste it into the description of your entry:

**Link or thumbnail of import sheet:** **Registered name and ID number:** **Prestige breeder or Pack leader?:** **Handler name:** **Class you are entering:** **Supplementary Items:** (If your Tokota's parent has a genetic trait or anAippaq Sprite Companion that will alter the score, include this here) **Training images and/or bonus images:** **Inbred:** (yes/no)

Then submit your entry to the "Rite of Merit entries" folder of the group gallery.