The Sending of Stars: An In-Character Holiday Exchange event for the Pokemon Askblog (And adjacent blogs) community.
art: @ask-shiny-umbreon
writing: @askthepaldeanpassenger @askshinyglaceon
Signal boosts appreciated and welcome. More information to come.
My Star Sending piece for @absolasks!! I was so happy I got you as my Star Sending partner. :D I know we don't talk much, but I think you're a pretty cool person, and Ari and the mystery around them is really intriguing to me. đź‘€ I hope you enjoy it! I certainly did drawing it. <3
PS: sorry for the delay in posting this. :'3
PPS: the fact that you wrote "no Hoopa rings near Ari" in your guidelines and you somehow got me as a sender killed me. it was so funny LOL
PPPS: don't worry about there being a new character shh it's ok
A strange ship arrives, clad in steel and so low to the sea that the waves just barely reach the deck. Massive in length, it trudges through the waters with a trailing billow of steam flowing from it's chimney. As odd as it was imposing, it flanked the smaller boat in an attempt to line up it's ramp to the doorway. An arcanine and umbreon were waiting on the other side, flanked by sailors who were carrying gift-wrapped cargo.
"Permission to board?" Asked the Umbreon...
Star Sending Part 1/2!!
This is part of my exchange to the blog @ask-shiny-umbreon! Featuring the trio of Percy, Twilight, and Adelaide!
Happy Holidays and Happy Star Sending to all of y'all! I was so excited to work on this and was itching to show this off!!
It seems Lucifer pulled Nat from @asktheisle for the Star Sending Event! Nat seems glad for the company and the sentiment, though how he managed to get two gifts is anyone's guess. Apparently it wasn't too difficult? Transform's a useful move.
Nat was given a book on constellations ("Atlas of the Stars")! It's a decent read that both gives a good rundown on astronomy, as well as illustrations of the constellations and a general guide on how to find them at night.
In the smaller gift box is a Reshiram-themed pendant! Apparently dragon-type themed accessories and apparel are pretty popular right now. Something about Mystery Dungeons and Dragons...
Little mod note below:
Heyo! First let me say that i REALLY dig your blog, and watching the current arc (mega stone at the time of drafting this post) has been a blast (the emotional tension... the payoff that solidifies the trust that's been built and their potential to grow even further... chef's kiss). You've got really cool ideas and you seem like a real chill person.
I also hope you like this! I really like Nat's vibes and was glad to get an opportunity to draw them đź‘€ Wishing you happy holidays and a great new year! o/))
Dreams of sweetness, allures of the Skitty's very soul come into fruition. Tidings of joy, a peaceful life of treats, sleeps, and joy play in comfy scenes within the dreamscape.
Diane sleeps comfortably, playful and filled with all sorts of glee. Its soft and pink, home in a way only the heart could whisper. Her true desires danced in her slumbering mind.
It was all so... peaceful.
"Oh your eyes are open. Cool."
The surprise of a Hoopa, stained forever with a casual smirk upon her half revealed face peered down over Diane, far too close for anyone's comfort. Her announcement, quiet yet pressing, was revealed with the discomfort of the rude awakening.
"You're, like, the guy right?"
No one ever knew what she meant, let alone who she thought this 'guy' was.
Reaching behind her back, revealing a piece of fabric. "Take this."
Without much prompt, the Hoopa managed to get the costume on Diane...
With gift bestowed, the Hoopa floats off and vanishes, ring appearing in the aether as she returns back to the void. She doesn't really understand what the purpose of this was, but enjoyed the journey.
“First, a bat for Neo-Ka! Auncle Morphy helped me a bit with the stitching and cutting, but I drew on the face and got the stuffing. Note to self, cattails are not as good for stuffing as they seem.
“I turned the Holly into a little accessory for Wesn! It can be tied around just about anything, like an ear or a tail, or even attached to the bow he already has to give it a little flair.
“For Hope, a bouquet of my own design! I think hellebores look a little bit like gracideas. I really like daphne because it looks kinda like hydrangeas but wintery, and the winter jasmine adds a little extra color. I even asked my dad to do a little magic so they’ll stay fresh super long!
“And finally, a hand bag for Shadow! I’m extra proud of this one cuz I did most of the weaving myself. I pressed the pansies myself too!”
Guitar pick, bonus points if it's been custom made or painted
Books on Earth or legendary / mythical Pokemon
Brochures to fancy restaurants
Guidebooks to relatively unknown, but incredible sights on the planet that are local to the gift sender that Kyurem may not know about.
Gemstones of interest
"I'm Kyurem. Yes. THAT Kyurem. I like music, to eat good food and travelling. You don't have to spend any money on me - I have plenty. So just go to your local information place, tour guide style, and get me some books. I ain't hard to please if you put in the effort. Whatever YOU want, I can probably get you."
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Omni: (submit to @omniandco )
If you paint, a painting of something you love
If you write, a written story of something you love
A bouquet of your favourite flowers
A selection of your favourite foods
"My name is Omni. I'm a Mew. I want to know about what it is you love the most in the world. Please show me so I may share in what you love, too."
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Savel: (submit here @asksavel )
SWEETS!
Something that can be split in two (like a best friends necklace) to give to Levas.
"I'm Savel! I'm a Gengar and I love, love, LOVE sweets! :D I can't wait to join in and send out a wonderful gift to someone. For me? I just want something fun to give Levas, as well, please!"
Welcome to the Pokeask community’s first Star Sending Event. Basically, this is a Holiday Exchange (AKA, Secret Santa) with a little twist: It’s in-character! Write up a wishlist for your characters and in exchange receive another blog’s character’s wishlist - one which you either draw or write your character completing their gift as best they can.
This is not a full fledged event with a location your characters must attend, interact with others, etc. You only need to do three things: Write your character's wishlist, fill the sign-up form, and do your piece for who you get!
Continue reading for info on how to participate!
Important Links
Intro P.1 | Intro P.2 | Info Tag | Wishlist Template | Contact Info
SIGNUP FORM TO PARTICIPATE
Continue reading for rules and other necessary info!
BASIC INFO
These are limited to Pokemon OC blogs or ask blogs!
One entry per PERSON.
The form to apply is found above, just make sure you read the full document first.
Do not expect to send or receive more than one gift (But you can choose to provide more than one should you be inspired)!
As part of your entry, you can submit multiple Wishlists for your characters, with one list each. This gives your Sender multiple options to choose from. More lists does not guarantee more gifts to receive.Â
Senders may do as much or as little as they like with their submission, as long as it meets the minimum requirements for the post.
Feel free to reply to your Sender’s submission as well, and use it to kickstart an interaction!
You MUST keep your Recipient a secret.
Do not share with anybody that is also participating in the event.Â
This event focuses around character interactions.
Politely, I ask you don’t join with the sole intent of getting free art or writing pieces. While I ask for effort in submissions, the main goal is to spark little interactions between the characters from different blogs!
TIMELINE
Assume all dates are done under the Eastern Standard Time Zone. We do not have exact times because our team is doing this within our availability and have life priorities outside of the event.
Our application period starts from now, and runs until the 3rd of November.Â
Wishlists will be distributed on the 4th or the 5th, depending on availability and any extra organisation needed.Â
You may start working on your submission as soon as you receive your Wishlist!
We will be checking in on submission progress on two separate WIP dates; the 25th of November and the 15th of December. This will be to make sure you’re on track with your submission.
 A verbal update is sufficient for the first Checkup, but we expect something more substantial by the second Checkup.Â
If no update is received a backup entrant will be assigned to your Recipient. We will have one final Checkup on the 10th of January for unsubmitted posts.
As part of the above, PLEASE keep a line of communication open with us! We will be understanding if you find you cannot complete your gift and there is no judgement towards you should that occur. We want the event to be as fun as possible!
WISHLIST INFO
Wishlist Template | Example 1 | Example 2 | Example 3 | Example 4
Wishlist Due Date: November 3rd
Five Wishlist items per character, max.
As part of submitting your Wishlist, you MUST make sure to include some kind of visual reference for the characters that you are submitting lists for.
Wishlists may be posted publicly, and posting them is even encouraged! Tag them under #pokestarsending2023.Â
Wishlists are allowed to be farfetched, abstract, or even impossible to complete in-canon if it is in-character for your OCs to request such a thing.
If you’re unsure what this qualifies as, check the list examples or confirm with a mod!
In the case something your character would ask for is something you as the blog owner does not want to be completed for plot or story reasons, please leave a note written OOC stating so!
Lists can be written in-character, out-of-character, by a different character on the blog, or just a simple bullet pointed list.
As everything is completed in-character, do not expect the Sender to complete any wishes in a proper manner if it doesn’t seem fit for them!Â
SUBMISSION INFO
The period for posting for submissions will start on the 24th of December and ends on the 31st of January.
We ask that you send your submission to be checked over with us to make sure it meets all requirements. Once approved, you may post!
If you require more character info about your Recipient, you may ask us to ask for you while keeping you anonymous!
Remember: It is your character that is completing what is requested on the Wishlist.Â
Your character does not need to be able to fully complete a gift item from your Recipient’s list, if it isn’t realistic for them (i.e. their Wishlist asks for Technology and your character is a Wild Pokemon, which may be unrealistic or abstract). HOWEVER, there should still be effort put forth by your character in providing the gift.
Try to keep the tone positive and heartwarming, unless you receive permission from the character owners for your submission to take on a different tone.
Post by @-ing your Recipient, and include the tag #pokestarsending2023! We will be reblogging all submissions.
If you are unavailable to post your piece during the submission period, please let us know! We can post it for you on our blog.
Writing minimum: 600 of words minimum.
600 words is the minimum we ask of a writing submission to make sure enough is put into describing the gift and/or gift giving process. If you find yourself struggling to meet the minimum, please reach out to us with your WIP so we can can help review it with you.
In the case you plan to write the Recipient as part of your submission, we will inform you if the person receiving would prefer you not to write their character in your submission.Â
Instead, try focusing on other details: How would your character prepare the gift? What process do they take in doing so? To what lengths do they go? Also, make sure you describe the gift itself and how it’s delivered to its Recipient.
Art Minimum: Either a coloured full-body, or a half-body with a background (at least three props).
Must include the character of the Wishlist. Including your own character is encouraged.
Comic Minimum: Clean sketch, 3 panels.
Must include character of the Wishlist. Including your own character is encouraged.
The minimum requirements may change if we feel they need to be adjusted. We will announce any changes, and by the submissions drawing period, we will have finalised them.
Final Notes.
Questions and constructive feedback are always welcome and never stupid! We are happy to clarify anything. Be it through the messaging system, or ask. You can also contact us on discord for any further communication; please see the contact page on the Star Sending blog for more info!
If you are stumped in any way of participating, you are free to ask for help or feedback from the team!
To make sure you have read everything, I have included a little passcode requirement in the form. What was your first pokemon game? (Non-mainline games are valid)
Make sure to reference examples and templates to aid in your submission!
Thank you for your consideration in participating! I am just one person with some friends, hoping to run something nice for this community, and I sincerely hope I can do my best for you. Every effort to make this as great as can be is hugely and humbly cherished.