' PLOT !

s e t t i n g
Instinct takes place in a present day fictional city that somewhat resembles New York. The city region has a human population of about eight million people, and about one million dogs. It used to be the cat population that overran the city streets and alleyways, but ever since the humans utilized their new non-lethal method of "trap-neuter-release," the feral cat population is finally stabilized and decreasing ever so slowly. Dogs, on the other hand, pose a new threat. While strays have always been common in the city, feral dogs were a rare sight... Until now.

Feral dogs are being sighted within the city limits. Not only does this pose a threat to the safety of the human residents, but also to the domestic animals who reside in the city as well. As if the strays are not already struggling with starvation and parasites, now they have to worry about the increased risk of catching diseases such as parvovirus, canine distemper, bordatella, leptospirosis, and rabies. Not to mention the ever-alert Animal Control officers who frequently hunt down stray animals in the city. Healthy dogs with friendly dispositions are lucky. If captured, they're likely to be examined by a veterinarian and put up for adoption. However, the more wild ones are more likely to never been seen again. One attempt to defend yourself, and they'll have you on the euthanasia list in no time.

Not all humans are bad, though. Some dogs even swear loyalty to them. Feral dogs usually keep their distance from the abominable two-legged monstrosities, but it's difficult to share space in a territory that is primarily dominated by them. In a world where humans rule, who do you trust? Do you try to find safety among your own kind, or is it possible that life may be easier alongside the humans? To survive, you'll have to trust your instincts...

p l o t
Think of your favorite movies like Homeward Bound, Lady and the Tramp, Oliver and Company, The Adventures of Milo and Otis, All Dogs Go to Heaven, Benji, Cats & Dogs, and Marley & Me. Instinct is a semi-realistic (meaning no magic, elements, light vs. dark) canine rpg based in a fictional city where dogs have to trust their instincts in order to survive. Members may roleplay as a domestic, stray, or feral dog. Life for each is unique. Domestic dogs are typically vaccinated and less likely to be affected by common illnesses that kill hundreds of untreated strays and feral dogs each year. However, they usually lack the survival techniques that strays and feral dogs have developed over years and years of experience. Despite the knowledge they've acquired, no stray stands a chance against Animal Control if captured. Feral dogs are more likely to be humanely euthanized than strays who are less wild. Stray dogs have a chance at an opportunity to start over.

Will these city dogs choose a life among humans, or will they find strength in numbers among their own kind? Most feral dogs can't fathom the idea of living beneath humans, and are not likely to accept domestic dogs in their presence. Strays have a better chance to unite with feral dogs, but there are always risks involved when groups of dogs form packs among themselves. Rivalries are more common than alliances, and problems can arise quickly. Will the humans get caught in the middle of a dog war? Only the strongest will survive.

r o l e p l a y
We hope to provide an enjoyable, laid back community where roleplayers are not restricted by oppressive regulations that prevent them from using their imaginations. While we do expect roleplayers to keep amid the semi-realistic theme (no magic, elements, light vs. dark) they are allowed the freedom to roleplay as they wish. Our community shall be run by its unique members and the stories they create here. What could be more exciting than that?