Darksage: Hey guys, Darksage95 and Marc Ello here with a bonus content for LNoW. This isn't a chapter, but it's a little something we wanted to show you guys.
Marc: Below is the program Prehistoric Park is introducing in the next book (basically what was mentioned in the last couple chapters of Long Night of Winter). The "flyer" says it all, but we wanted to make a quick mention about it.
Darksage: Not only are these Auditions going to play a role in the next book, but they are also for you guys. For the first time ever, we're offering you the chance to be included in the story. More specifically, any OCs you want to add.
Marc: That's right! If you guys are interested, we can have your OCs be included within the park roster as well as any rescue mission the story will cover. DaPPA will still circulate around the main characters, but your characters will have more notoriety in the character roster. That means they'll get more mentions and be a part of the action. If you guys want to have your characters added, there are a few things we want to cover first.
Darksage: The Park partners (not the staff members) must already be in the park (they can't be some Park Resident that popped out of the blue. In other words, if you're wanting your character to be paired with let's say a Velociraptor and the park doesn't have any of those, they will not be counted. However, if it were a Resident that was already in the park and they're not part of the list we created below, then they can be used). If the requested partner is a recent rescue that is done as the story goes along (one of them is on reserve and a couple more are coming that may be added to the exceptions list but we won't reveal who they are), they are fair game. Remember, the partner must already be a part of the park and must adhere to the guidelines below. Also, Nigel Marven does as he pleases and thus he cannot be made to pair up with an OC. The same goes for Bob Arthur, Suzanne Mcnabbe, and Marcus Rey (unless Marc Ello says otherwise).
Marc: For the character qualifications, we only need their name, their origins, any characteristics you want to mention, their age, how long they've been with the park, and the partners they want or are in the process of being paired with, as well as their likes and dislikes. Please also include any backstories on the characters as well as their personalities. You can have more than one character as long as they adhere to the guidelines below (as much as possible, please limit the OCs to 2-4). Short stories/chapters are very welcome!
Darksage: When you are done making your characters, please PM myself and Marc so that we can archive them and figure out a way for them to be added. Make sure to indicate in the subject line that it's for the Rescue Program Auditions. Arts of the characters are welcome too! Just please make sure to send us links to the arts. We'll also be sending out messages to you on approvals or if the partner has already been chosen by someone else. Also, please let us know if the partner is one of our OCs that's not part of the list below or if you want your characters to do some specific event (we'll need to figure out a way to incorporate that into our story). Please don't do anything crazy or obnoxious like anything that's considered inappropriate (There's a term for that and I'd rather not say it. There are young readers that read this series). Marc and I will also post this on our Deviantart pages (RvB-DESTROYER and Darksage951) as an additional place to view this "flyer". So tell your friends! :D
Marc: Thanks everybody for helping to make this series grow! We look forward to hearing from you! For each character you make, we'll give out disclaimers in the beginning of the chapters so you'll get credit.
Darksage: Also, the next book is currently in the works. We're going to take a little break for a bit so we can rest up but updates for Book 5 will come out soon.
Marc: Until then, see you next time!
Darksage: Later!
Prehistoric Park's Rescue Program "Auditions"
In lieu of the dangers encountered in prehistory, the leaders of Prehistoric Park (including Hazel and her Crew) have decided to create a series of tests that will determine whether a potential candidate is eligible to join prehistoric rescues.
The test consists of 4 goals. Below are the prerequisites. Candidates must show they are:
* Physically fit and have good reflexes (can prove that by doing chores around the park)
* Have an exceptional understanding of an average amount of prehistoric creatures (best ways to do that is to study up on the park's Residents and do their own research. They must also know how to approach a prehistoric denizen). Candidates can ask their peers and their superiors on how to engage with a prehistoric denizen. Knowledge on caring for modern day creatures is required too.
* Have knowledge on basic survival skills. Knowledge over a certain weapon is a plus.
* Know how each of the park equipment works as well as how to perform diagnostics and preparations
If the candidate successfully achieves these 4 goals, they are eligible for the final test. These tests will be given by the park leaders and will vary from person to person. Each test will encompass all the 4 requirements.
If they are proficient in a weapon, they must know the rules of defense when doing a rescue.
* Never kill a prehistoric denizen unless their actions prove to be hostile and/or their intentions are impure, especially towards a potential rescue. Always try to find a more peaceful solution. If that doesn't work, run!
* GET THE WHOLE STORY! Why are they attacking?
* Use the weapon only in self defense unless you have no choice
The park will hold these "auditions" every year. Time periods for these auditions are dependent on the start dates of the attendees, and thus vary. Set dates for the "Finals" of each test will be decided by the Park's leaders. Each Candidate will have their own set date.
If the candidate shows exceptional promise in these tests, the park leaders may consider a Partner recommendation. Partners are in regards to Park Residents. If chosen and are interested, Candidates will need to speak to their superiors about a potential partner. Candidates will start off with one Resident to accompany them. Note that there are certain Residents that are considered exceptions. See the list of exceptions in the next section.
Below is a list of Residents that are not viable choices due to either already been assigned to a staff member or choose not to partake in the program for specific reasons. Please note that while certain Residents listed below are not options for partner pairing, they can still assist in rescues if they are called upon. The only exceptions will be the notes made in ().
1. Aladar
2. Neera
3. Flia
4. Kerato
5. Espantos
6. Prima, Beta, Territia, Quara
7. Aeros (for reasons he didn't want to disclose. Subject to change)
8. Woodstock and/or Clearwater (subject to change as Clearwater is still undergoing leg treatment)
9. Scowler (subject to change as he is currently indisposed and is undergoing leg treatment)
10. Yar
11. Plio
12. Suri (Plio is prohibiting her from joining missions until she's more comfortable with the idea)
13. Patchi (he's still thinking about it)
14. Juniper
15. Scar (he feels he isn't ready yet)
16. Nolan and Rowyn
17. Mikiya (take our advice on this one. Mujaji will stomp you flat if you try it)
18. Any other elephant calf
19. Diablo (while his behavior has improved over the course of his stay in the park, he is still undergoing observation. This is subject to change)
20. Bruno's Tribe (they're currently nesting)
21. Rascal (due to instances of abhorrent behavior, Rascal is not a viable choice until further notice)
22. Eema
23. Url
24. Baylene
25. Ilana (unless she says otherwise)
26. The Giant Bugs (they cannot survive in most oxygen conditions. Unless the mission is to the Carboniferous Period, candidates will need to speak to their superior for permission)
27. Modern day crocodilians (at this time, they're too unpredictable. Relations with them are a WIP)
28. Any Resident that is pregnant or rearing children
29. Nigel's pets
30. Any youngling under the age of 5 years unless they are not dinosaurs. Each Resident is different. Speak to your superiors for additional information.
31. Any Resident that has a lifelong medical condition or disability that prevents them from operating properly (speak to Suzanne, Daisy, or any vet for questions or concerns. Also, both Big Al and Broken Jaw insisted they do not be added on the exceptions list so they are still viable choices)
32. Residents that were recently rescued (at least three weeks in the park is recommended for them to acclimate unless they have a medical condition)
Candidates and Partners can only be permanently assigned if they show exceptional bonds and teamwork during their first few rescues. If such prerequisites are met, the Resident's name will be added to the Exceptions List above. Candidates and their Partners choose each other. Permanent assignments are only decided between both individuals. It is possible to have a second partner. Again, speak to your superiors for more information.
To choose a Partner, Candidates must get permission from their potential partner. Or vice versa. The decision must be mutual and cannot be forced. Do not be discouraged if a partner request is denied. Once chosen, Candidates must speak to their superiors to have their names listed down. This must be completed at least three days before their first (or next) mission.
***To all staff: You are prohibited from telling any new employee of the test details. Doing so will result in serious consequences. The Residents will be informed of the test and will be told not to spread the details. The details of the test will change every year to prevent possibilities of cheating***
How a candidate can fail the test:
* They lack physical prowess
* They harm and/or endanger a Resident(s)/any other employee (whether it was intentional or an accident)
* They break very expensive Park equipment or use them without the park leaders' consent (this includes the Time Poles)
* They don't possess the necessary survival skills
* They don't possess adequate knowledge of prehistory
* They do not show the right attitude. Judgement will ultimately fall on the Park's leaders
* And finally, there will absolutely be NO CHEATING! If a Candidate or current rescue team member is caught cheating or manages to spread information about the test or prior tests, they will be disqualified from future rescues or their candidacy will be revoked. Depending on the severity of the situation, they may either be suspended for a certain time period or banned permanently.
There shall be no discussing the tests outside of the Park. Remember the park's rules!
Good luck and stay sharp! And remember, if you fail the tests, there is always next time.