A Stumble for Every Success!

 First I want to take the time as always to thank my Patreon (And Substar: There aren't any yet and I'll discuss it further below) supporters. You guys mean more to me than you'll ever know, and I really appreciate your continued support.

PARISHIONERS

Karakuri

Sypher597

Dr.Portal 455

Ver min

JustCallMeFaux

Unformed

FluffyWolf117

Vulpinator

BovineMage

Warwolf416

DuskyLycanroc

AmanCalledDominik

YFC

C. Archive

FOLLOWERS

Mariusz Lewandowski

Martin Nilsson

Eric Johnson

EkhonACT9

So where to begin? I guess we'll start with health stuff first. Mostly cause it's the most pressing issue that spreads out into all the other projects that are in motion. Around the middle of the month, I met with my heart doctor, and they put me on propranolol. And much to my surprise, it made a huge, positive difference in my day-to-day health. It's absolutely insane how much more awake and alive I've felt in general for the last two weeks. That said, I'm also terrified of getting ahead of myself...as I've had the experience before and...well...I'm trying to stay positive here, and take this as 'the one that will stick'. But old fears die hard, you know?

With that said, despite my Mom telling my to slow roll into stuff as to not over-work myself while trying this whole thing out, I really couldn't help myself in the drawing department. Thankfully, somehow by the grace of god I got my offshoot fic written before I got the meds, but It was like swimming through jello the entire time trying to get it written and it took longer to write than it should of because of that. Thankfully, my editor was surprised the first fifteen pages needed very little editing...hope the remaining twenty-five don't force him to take that compliment back.

So that was a positive...so here's a negative. Naturally, you've all heard about the Gumroad situation. But my Etsy store was recently pinged and one of my prints was taken down. I had to double-check Etsy's rules and apparently, you can't sell work depicting sexual activities. I'm not sure if this was always here, or if Etsy added it due to the whole payment processor crusade, but I'm not ready to call this one a Mandella Effect moment and merely chalk it up to bad memory. From the rules I knew I had to put a 'mature' tag on my items, but I assumed it was all I had to do. Turns out it seems like only pin-ups are okay for now.

The print that got pinged for breaking TOS was "Pressed Mutton", which was up for almost a year before this happened. To be safe now that I knew the hard rule on pornography, I also had to take down "Lamb Sauce, Pressed Mutton, Rockin' With Cherry, and Popping the Cork." You can still request prints of these works through DM's and other contact venues, but for the time being, I have no marketplace to pitch them with Gumroad is mostly dead. I'm honestly unsure where to go in that regard...from here I mean. As Etsy was good at getting eyes on my stuff. Now my store went from around a thousand views a week to barely two hundred. I do still want to work on keychains and standees myself, and those will probably do well. I am considering reaching out to furry product producers to make them if I can't do it myself...but honestly, I don't think I'm a big enough name to garner that sort of interest.

Also in response to the payment processor crusade, I've been revising my commission stuff, and actually making a commission rate sheet to post on my various sites. I've also invested in a Patreon backup, Subscribestar, in case they crack down there...not that it matters...what with it being a payment processor issue, they'd probably come for both at once, but I'm doing my best to spread myself out into multiple redundancies. 

Here's my Subscribestar.

https://subscribestar.adult/wastedtimeee

And I've also got a new Newgrounds account, though there's nothing uploaded yet.

https://wastedtimeee.newgrounds.com/

So what's on the docket work-wise? I'm working on a big color commission that's slow going. I've got a one-shot fic in the editing bay. Two more commissions lined up that are simpler projects. And I've got a desktop filled with sheep gals looking to get cell shaded, and the backdrop fully colored for Spring. I've also got two Mother's Day projects that I'll be cranking out next month. One is a pinup, the other a sticker. I've also got a slew of asks to do for the blog. After that...ideally, I'd like to take a break...by that I mean put everything on ice save for commission work so I can actually start work in my 'art school' program in order to improve. I've been sitting on it since January and I meant to start months ago. I don't want to stagnate, but that of course means I've got to actually set time aside to delve into the schooling. I think I can come out of the other side vastly improving, but a lot of that 'practice' probably won't be super interesting to you guys.

I'd like to end this update I guess...mainly looking for an Etsy alternative for adult print work, and I guess maybe more. I don't want to simply give up on that, as my prints do sell well...but I need a place where folks can search for stuff to actually buy, and despite my best efforts, I don't think my art galleries have enough visibility for that sort of thing.

I guess that's all for now. I'll try to keep everyone posted with smaller updates going forward. That way you all will know if my health tanks again or not. Thanks again everyone...Please check out my Etsy store, Patreon, and Etsy if you haven't already. Patreon and substar folks get a 20% discount on merch, among other perks depending on tiers.

My Etsy Shop

https://www.etsy.com/shop/WastedTimesArtShoppe

My Patreon.

https://www.patreon.com/wastedtimeee

My Substar.

https://subscribestar.adult/wastedtimeee

-Wasty

Perpetually Behind At All Times

 Little late with this one, but not over the line that were into April so were good to go. I'd like to start by thanking my Patreon backers. As always, you guys really help me out, and I only hope that I'm proving to be worth the investment.

 PARISHIONERS

Unformed

AmanCalledDominik

Vulpinator

FluffyWolf117

Sypher597

Dr.Portal 455

YFC

BovineMage

JustCallMeFaux

Ver min

Karakuri

Warwolf416

DuskyLycanroc

C. Archive

FOLLOWERS

EkhonACT9

Eric Johnson

Martin Nilsson

Mariusz Lewandowski

So let's start with the controversial stuff. By that I mean the aggressive crackdown by payment processors of NSFW content. Between Gumroad and Pixvi flat-out banning all NSFW content, and Patreon instituting that ridiculous 'visual confirmed consent' rule, things are looking dicey for sticking around on Patreon. I mean, it's insane to have, (And correct me if I've misinterpreted this), but to need to go as far as having something like text bubbles above characters who are clearly of age and into what's going on stating 'they consent'. Next thing you know the characters will be required to be holding up driver's licenses too. This isn't Patreon's first stupid kowtow to payment processors being puritanical, but unlike Gumroad they've clearly been taking the 'slow boil' approach instead of pulling the rug out from under everyone with little warning. More than likely to avoid the uproar and mass exodus places like Tumblr and Onlyfans (Although Onlyfans backtracked hard) suffered when they pulled the same blanket ban tactic.

That said, I set up a substar a long while back as sort of a backup should Patreon become too much of a pain in the ass. While I won't be closing my Patreon at present, I will be opening my substar back up alongside it for exit strategy purposes in preparation for whatever stupid shit Patreon pulls next. It's not a long-term solution I guess, seeing as this is coming down from payment processors, they'd eventually come for substar too...but at least that would more than likely prolong things. I can get a few more breaths of oxygen in while they continue to slowly strangle a good chunk of online artists' livelihoods to death. And here I thought AI was the biggest threat to the art community. Anyway, the substar will be functioning in a few weeks, probably mid-April. Although god knows I'm always about a week behind my estimates. When it does go live I will post an announcement along with the active link to it.

Moving away from the looming gloom and doom for the artistic community, let's talk about my current work schedule.

Right now I'm having sort of a slow week. By that, I mean my focus is purely on getting the rough draft of my Gus and Melly side-fic done and ready to send off to my editor. As with the previous fics, I'll be sharing about two pages of the rough for backers once it's finished. Of course, this puts me behind in wanting to get more asks done as well as work on an Easter/Spring project for everyone to enjoy (spoilers; it's sheep-themed). Ideally, I'll also be getting my last commission on deck done and can spend a little time preparing a public pricing sheet to post around before I've got to get a Mother's Day picture or sticker set out for Etsy.

After that, things finally start to loosen up, and I can get back to some long pending projects. Character sheets, Savage Love Pages, that Ellie and Cameron comic, and whatever else I can think of to toy around with until fall starts closing in. Might come back to some of my OCs who've only gone as far as the sketch stage. Might make some new ones. The skies the limit really. At least, fingers crossed on that anyway. I'm still sitting on my 'Art School' program I've been waiting to start, and I'd like to before next year. I can't afford to stagnate especially with AI breathing down everyone's necks like a hypersonic missile.

Lastly, life stuff. There's not much to say here as not too much has changed. I had to postpone my heart doctor appointment for another month due to a surprise storm. So I'm basically just doing my best to press on while I wait for my appointment. Hopefully, there won't be another storm in mid-April, but I live in the high Rockies, so the chances are higher than most places. My mother has been doing well with physical therapy, and fingers crossed she'll be walking unassisted by June. Which will take a decent-sized portion of weight off my back. Even thinking about that possibility feels like such a relief, at least before I remind myself we aren't there yet.

I think that's about all I have to say for now. If I think of anything else I'll be sure to supply you all with a mini-update!

Thanks again to my Patreon backers! As well as all the folks following, faving, and commenting on my works. (And buying stuff in my Etsy store) It's always appreciated.

My Etsy Shop

https://www.etsy.com/shop/WastedTimesArtShoppe

My Patreon

https://patreon.com/wastedtimeee?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

-Wasty

Ask Zach and Vanna; Wyatt's Mischievous Side

 

Ask Nick and Judy; Hopps Holiday Feasts

 

Not 20 Years Later Ask; Val's Expecting?

 

(WT: Just a reminder; before anyone asks. The black ewe Clover is holding is "Cassie Vulpes", The daughter Cameron and Clover go on to adopt after the fic in progress. She's only appeared in one strip so far, and like Ellie I haven't had enough opportunities to show her off.)

Ask the Ruminerds; Royal Blue Book 1

 

Broomie: I don't really go for westerns...

Gus: *Laughs* Then you aren't gonna like the next campaign I'm cooking up...as it's set in the Royal Blue universe...

Joel: *Tch!* Dude, can you at least wait until the guy finishes his trilogy series before dropping us in the setting based on his books?  I'm not looking forward to mid-arc plot adjustments to account when the next book in the series drops!

Gus: It's not like we're playing mains! *Laughs*

Dawn: Honestly, it was super flattering to hear the author of the series had loosely based two of his titular characters on Vernon and myself...

Vernon: Less so that he made the fella based on me help a vixen commit adultery...even if he wasn't 'with' his mate at that point...

Dawn: *Snickers* Puppy... I did use the phrase 'Loosely based on' for a reason.

Melanie: *Chuckles* I actually low-key love Widow Farrowfaighle. And it's not like Rowan cheated on Dolly...he was trying to run away from her so Dolly could have the life he thought she deserved. 

Gus: But all she wanted was him.

Melanie: And no matter how hard he tried to push himself away from her, no one else could ever be her. It's actually very sweet.

Joel: I'm kinda low-key hoping Dolly gets 'the consumption' too so Rowan ends up with Widow Farrowfaighle...

Vernon: JOEL!

Joel: *Shrugs* What? They have better chemistry. They'd make a badass bounty Hunter power couple. Besides, she's already having his kit! *laughs* I can totally picture her with a hybrid wolf pup in one arm and a double-barrel shot gun in the other. *Joel mimes the pose he's describing, pretending to let off a round.*

Melanie: Funny, I'm hoping O'dran dies. I hate that character archetype. Even if they keep hinting at his o' so tragic puphood.

Megumi: Rut you! I love O'dran. I've been shipping him and Allana since that whole bit with the illusion beer!

Gus: You'll have to excuse Melly, she's not a fan of any character in the series who dumps on her precious wooby widdle owl boy Garret...

Melanie: Garret is a precious little wooby boy, and I'm not ashamed to admit I love him.

Gus: I gotta admit, I do love Garret and Rowan's buddy cop movie dynamic. *Laughs*

Dawn: I'd be lying if I said I didn't like the O'dran and Allana ship myself *Giggling* There's something kinda cute about the tough little bunny taming a burly, prideful, fancies himself a ladies mam' type of fella who thinks he's untamable...even if he's a little speciest...*Giggles* And for the record, I also think Dolly and Rowan's dynamic is adorable...

Joel: That's bias right there...*Laughs*

Vernon: I mean, look at the end of the day I ain't gonna get all twisted over somethin' fictional....I am flattered. But the fact the fella really did a great deal of research on me and Dawn a'fore building Rowan and Dolly up...Like it makes it a little to...uncomfortably close to the genuine articles in a way that I guess makes me take the the affair thang a lil' personally.

Gus: What, he read 'Predator seeking Prey'?

Vernon: Not just that, he dug into our family histories all over the place...includin' The Blackwool's in Scotram, The Norwulff Düclaws, and a whole bunch of Hunter relatives scattered all over North Mammalia. *Chuckles* Even my Pa's study is mostly made up o' stuff that came over from Norwulff, and stuff that was written by those who stayed in Zootopia, with a stray series of letters here and there from the Hunter's that spread out. I actually learned more about the Hunter's that settled down in the Mesa Valley Federation durin' the actual Wild West era through one of the author's interviews than I ever learned about it from my folks.

Dawn: The same interview where he explained that Rowan and Dolly are sort of a mash-up of not only us, but Lady Blackwool and Erik...as well as several other ancient Hunter relatives rumored to have kept sheep wives?

Vernon: *Shakes head* We can thank Ulric fer that' one I guess...Once he blew the lid off of Lady Blackwool and Erik's little pack, Norwulff dropped a whole lot of...censored history once the cat was out of the bag...that's how I found out it seems like there's always a Hunter er' Düclaw, at least in every three generations, that has a cravin' fer mutton over a she-wolf. And...I ain't proud to admit that not every one o' them stories were examples of a star-crossed lovers sorta thang...

Dawn: Between the much earlier ancestor in the Düclaw's lineage who couldn't bear pups due to an injury early in life deciding to take on a harem of captured ewe wives, each taken from every invasion of Scotram he was a part of. To the sheriff of 'Tumbleweed Flats' in the Mesa Valley Federation who for all intents and purposes was an honored and beloved sheriff, but was also rumored to be frequenting the local ewe brothel fairly regularly late into the evenings...and the rumors made it very clear he had a favorite ewe...but yes, not every tale from the Hunter/Düclaw lineage was...well...'wholesome'.

Joel: Oh yeah, I remember that guy...Ur? Or Fjor? Wait...no, Fenrir...named after the god. Yeah, the most hilarious part of that story was that the ewe's quickly grew attached to him, and accepted all being his wives...And the rest of the pack looked the other way because he was their best warrior.

Melanie: Hilarious...if not a little messed up.

Vernon: Knowin' that I'm part of that character's DNA, along with the other more questionable Hunter's...I....well I don't love it...

Dawn: *Chuckles, giving Vernon an affection pet on his paw.* Oh Puppy, it's not like my widespread family history was much better...and I'm sure that extends to everyone here's history if you dig far enough back...besides, it's all made for very compelling characters. At the end of the day, we aren't Rowan and Dolly.

Kodi: Good thing too, otherwise you'd have to worry about that 'only She-wolves can really keep a male wolf' thing. *Laughs* The gods know we're sexual tyrannosaurs!  

Val: Hey, you know that's true Fluff...granted, foxes are even worse...hence how I can keep up with you. *Laughs*

Vernon: *Scoffs* Tell me the author of the story ain't a wolf without tellin' me he ain't a wolf directly.

Melanie: *Giggles* Oh come on, it's treated as a stereotype in the books anyway. No need to get your hackles up Vernon.

Gus: Jeeze, if I knew you were gonna get this twisted over fictional characters that were more or less inspired by you and your mate because he was such a fan of yours, I wouldn't have started crafting a campaign in the setting.

Dawn: Incidentally...I should point out he probably listens to our podcast Vernon...he's more than likely going to hear this...

Vernon: *Tenses up, his ears sagging sharply* I uh...I mean, I'm sorry! It's really flatterin'! Honest! 

Joel: Excellent save...*Chuckles* Not clumsy in the slightest.

Dawn: Please get in touch with us, we'd love to talk to you, and maybe I could send you a signed copy of our book? At least until the Roaropean book tour gets off the ground and we could meet in person!

Joel: Farrowell....Howellofaighle?

Vernon: Joel...*The wolf grumbles*

Joel: Okay, okay, how about we take a page from ol' Fenrir then? Farrowellpard? Shepowefaighle?

Vernon: Sweet sawgrass Joel enough!

Joel: At least give me a catfight in book two, that's all I'm asking for! For Kuzco's sake...maybe I should ship O'dran and Farrahfaighle...have the ol' buff blaggart step up to the plate a-.

Vernon: NO!

*Vernon's sharp exclamation draws the gaze of the entire group, Dawn tilting her head as she squints up at her mate with suspicion. Vernon starts sweating, rubbing the back of his neck in clear discomfort as he averts his gaze.*

Vernon: I mean...er...look...that fella is the last character who should be rasin' a pup...let alone Rowan's pup...i-it's a parentin' thang...not a...er...stakin' claim thing...

Joel: *Snickers* Shepowefaighle it is eh Fenrir?

Vernon: *Growls* Shut up Joel...er' I'll make y'all eat yer hat...

Ask the Ruminerds; Teenage mutant Ninja Turtle Incarnations

 

Gus: Original.

Joel: Original.

Vernon: I wasn't into it...

Broomie: Original.

Gus: I can't believe you didn't like any of them Vern!

Vernon: I mean, I missed the boat in terms of 'em airin'...I was born in 1990...I missed out on even most o' them reruns of the eighties shows...I'm surprised y'all got into that when all of y'all were born around the time I was...

Dawn: I guess it depends on what you had access to...?

Vernon: I mean I wasn't into a lot o' them 'action shows' I guess...I didn't get inta He-mammal, er' G.I. Jowl...er' none of that stuff...Oh course, we never exactly had premium cable...

Gus: There's the explanation...

Vernon: Well Lah-Dee-Dah...Y'know just cause my family had its own land fer over a century er' two don't mean we was exactly the wealthiest family in the North Meadowlands...*Vernon scratches his chin thoughtfully* I mean, look...I ain't sayin' we lived hand to paw...but my Mah and Pa was supportin' seven pups. Different thangs were prioritized when we was real little. Lotta hand me-down old Looney Tunes tapes, and whatever VHS tapes our parents picked up at the store...we didn't get exposed to most of them more...broad cartoon channels till they went basic in the late 90s...

Joel: My Aunt had the full package since I was a Cria, even the smutty channels...though they were locked behind a password. It had everything! Even imported Animalme...in fact, you can say that's how I got started.

Gus: We had expanded channels at my house...

Broomie: Same...so we got the old stuff, and the reruns...

Vernon: Also...me and my brothers missed out on a lotta...Saturday mornin' cartoons...just by virtue of bein' wolf pups...

Gus: *Chuckles* Yeah, whenever I slept over I remember you and your brothers would sleep till like, one in the afternoon...

Vernon: Can y'all blame us!? We're nocturnal mammals who had school and helpin' Ma with the farmin' and housework all week...o'course we slept like wolves on the weekend!

Dawn: *Giggles* That hasn't changed...any day you aren't working, we both sleep in...that is if you can keep me from slipping out of your paws...

Vernon: *Smirks* Again, can ya blame me...nuzzlin' up to you is the coziest, most comfy way to sleep I think I've ever experienced. It's like sleepin' curled up with a lil' slice o' heaven...

Dawn: *Leans up, smooching Vernon on the side of his muzzle* I could say the same about you Puppy Love. *Laughs* Why do you think I give in nine times out of ten?

Broomie: Actually, to get back on track...I really loved the OG comics. Though the 87' show was pretty fun. Granted I discovered the old-school comics later in life...I mean, after the show aired.

Gus: I think we can probably agree that the old movies were also good...well the first one was anyway, with diminishing returns on each sequel.

Joel: And that we blew off the Micheal Bay movies entirely...

Broomie: Hey we gave him a chance with Transfurmers, that ship has sailed.

Joel: Ugh, yeah, nah...those were rank...almost as bad as the Ruminant Evil film adaptations! *Spits in disgust*

Gus: Ugh! Don't get me started! We'll be at this all night and I actually want to get to playing tonight's campaign!

Ask The Ruminerds; Couples Songs Part 2

 

Gus: It's kinda corny but... you guys know that song from Goatsbusters 2?

Joel: "On Our Own" by Bobby B'aahrwn?

Gus: No! Not that one!

Vernon: Wait...that one...the one about love liftin' ya?

Gus: Yes! 'Higher and Higher' by 'Howard Huntsburro'!

Vernon: Yeah, I remember that one....y'all snuck it into the playlist o' songs fer our tithe iffin' I remember correctly. *Chuckles* That's yer song?

Gus: *Taps his hooves together nervously.* I-I mean we played it at our wedding too...It's a good dancing song! And it-.

Melanie: It may be a little more light and upbeat than I'm sure most of you guy's couples songs are going to be. But the lyrics I think are...pretty fitting for us.

Gus: Well, I think you do more of the heavy lifting in this relationship Mellowmar...*Chuckles*

Joel: Dude, Goatsbusters 2 is so lame compared to the first one...and that song is so 80s it's practically 'pizzle music'.

Gus: Hey! Goatsbusters 2 is an underrated classic! It may not be as great as the first, but it's a damn fine entry into the series!

Broomie: Especially compared to Goatsbusters 2016...

Gus: *Narrows his gaze at Broomie* We don't talk about 2016. Nobody does.

Joel: The memory hole runs deep...shame, they missed a real opportunity to canonize "Extreme GoatsBusters"

Vernon: My favorite bit is the bit with the Taurtanic pullin' up to the dock. *Chuckles*

Dawn: That, and when they turn the Statue of Lipurrty into what is essentially a golem.

Joel: Speaking of, considering how much you dug that movie Gus, I'm surprised you never statted a Statue of Lipurrty Golem for a campaign.

Gus: *Chuckles evilly* Who says I haven't? Both it and Mount Rushmoose, the problem is crafting a campaign that would be fitting to deploy them in.

Vernon: *Chuckles* We've gone purty far off track here...much as I'm lookin' forward to whatever campaign y'all can cram them into. Since y'all protested so much about Gus and Mel's song, what's yer and Megumi's song Joel?

Megumi: The 'Wolf Whistling Song' by Ringo Baahori.

Gus: *Chuckles* An Animalme intro song, color me shocked.

Joel: It's a very pretty piece. 

Vernon: Y'all pick that 'cause y'all see Megumi as a wild, untamed wolf goddess? *Chuckles*

Megumi: *Laughs* More so that I see Joel as my Prince. In song, the Prince is specifically referred to as golden swan...even if the prince is actually a fox. Regardless, my Joel does has the neck of a swan. *Snickers*

Joel: And Megumi is pretty close to a feral wolf-girl who eats like a little gremlin. And she loves Apples.

Megumi: *Swats joel playfully* Baaaaaka! *Laughs, then clears her throat as best as she can as she adjusts her glasses.* I-It's true, I do love apples though...*Snickers*

Dawn: Not to...judge, but I am wondering if we'll get an answer sufficiently as exotic from Dylan and Talia.

Talia: Звёздное Лето, K Алла Пугачёва.

Joel: *Laughs* What was that!? Did you just hex us!?

*Talia growls at Joel, and Broomie places a hoof on her forearm, gently petting it to calm her down.*

Broomie: Animanglish please Babe...

Talia: *Huffs* 'Starry Summer', by 'Alla Pawacheva'...

Vernon: I ain't really...I mean...I wasn't familiar with Joel's choice neither, but...I'm really lost when it comes to Grussian chart toppers...

Talia: It is song about the beauty of summer...which as you imagine is very short....how you say 'fleeting',  time in Grussia...but it makes me think of Dylan because...he is my starry summer...

*The girls in the group, aside from Val, let out a collective 'Awww...'*

Dawn: That's so sweet...

Talia: He is summer that doesn't end, and he is always with me...also...his wool is soft and warm like caress of meadow grass on breezy summer day...Я люблю тебя, милая, Dylan.

Broomie: я тоже тебя любл Talia...

*The group looks at Broomie with a mixture of skepticism and confusion.*

Broomie: *Shrugs* What? I'm taking Duolamgo courses...

Joel: Duuuude...do Roesetta Stone, or actual classes...Duolamgo is terrible!

*Vernon now turns his attention to Kodi, who's tail is already wagging furiously. The older wolf rolls his eyes, as does Val.*

Vernon: So I guess that leaves y'all t-.

Kodi: *Cuts Vernon Off* "I can't fight this feeling anymore!" By REO Speedwaggin'!

Val: Uggh...

Dawn: Val sounds like she's disagreeing with you there Kodi. *Snickers*

Val: *The vixen huffs, causing her fur tuft to bounce on the tip of her snout. She turns away from the others, crossing her arms.* L-Look, I didn't...I...Uggh...*shakes head* my Damn Dad...

Joel: What, that's you and your Dad's song? *Chuckles* I knew wolves had that stereotype about inbreeding, but foxes too?

*Val stares daggers at Joel, her muzzle curled into a snarl. Vernon simply sighs.*

Kodi: Hey, not all wo-!

Vernon: *Now cuts Kodi off.* YOU DON'T GET TO TALK SISTER RUTTER! *Shakes head* Yer part o' the damn problem!

*Kodi's ears flatten, the wolf letting out a soft whine. Surprisingly, Val pulls Kodi's head into her arms, snuggling it and petting the top of his head gingerly.*

Val: Hey, give the guy a break...he's a Marshmellow. *Val loll's here head as if she's weighing over something* And kind of an idiot...

Kodi: *Perks up an ear* HEeeeeyyy...

Val: A cute idiot.

Kodi: Thank you. *Chuckles*

Val: I get like...half of my musical tastes from my Dad...and he likes a bunch of real cheesers...ones that found their way onto my phone in some form or another.

Kodi: And the night I said 'I love you' for the first time, "I can't fight this Feeling" was playing on my trucks bluefang from my little Velvet S'more's phone.

Val: *Shakes head* Yeah, talk about atmosphere...sadly, that cheeser really stuck though...

Dawn: Well, I happen to think it's a lovely song, surprisingly lovely coming from...er...well...

*Val furrows her brow at Dawn* Watch yourself puffball...or else I'm gonna call up Dad and ask what's his favorite slow jam to rut your Mom to...

Dawn: *Rolls eyes* Oh please, like that's going to-.

*Val pulls her Carrot phone from her pocket, tapping a few buttons before revealing she's brought up her father's contact info. The vixen hovers a single claw over the call button. In response, Dawn holds out her hooves in desperate protest*

Dawn: OKAY! OKAY! Lamb Sakes! *Dawn crosses her arms and huffs* No need to hit under the wool, please...

*Val smiles smugly*

Ask Wasty; Pawaii and the San Furnando Territory.

 

WT: Pawaii I think would be technically its own region, due to distance making it financially prohibitive (At least when it was 'founded') to have an easy system to share resources and wealth with the Sanfurnando and Mesa Valley Regions. I also imagine that the natives of the area would want to retain some form of independent autonomy like many of the other regions in the NMU. As I've mentioned before the NMU is sort of a hodgepodge of...cultural enclaves thanks to the spread of different dominant native and non-native species. So aside from state-level autonomy of legislation, which is akin to the modern American state dynamic, you also have a different priority of legislation in regard to regions, as well as vast cultural differences.

Not to say that any region is culturally, or societally backward, they all hold advanced, contemporary cities that are on par with what one would expect of a modern, civilized society. But obviously the 'Bison Territories' are going to prioritize different laws and rights, as well as have a distinct cultural flavor baked into everything when compared to say 'United New Kingland".

As for the San Furnando Territories, for all intents and purposes, it is primarily the very densely populated Southern California region including San Francisgoat, Los Angoralis, and Howlywood. One could argue it includes a bit of Arizona, but in terms of Zoning in this universe, it would all be considered Southern Cowlifornia, or rather, we'll just refer to it as 'Cowlifornia', whereas what would be 'Northern Cowlifornia' in the Mesa Valley Region would be called 'Jeffurson' after the very real proposed partition of California that was once proposed.

-WT

Ask Dawn and Vern; Cross Political Party Allegiances

 

Dawn: Oh, actually it's not all that uncommon...the issue at hoof is which party the candidate is representing the majority of....which usually tends to whittle down to Preygressive or Preditionalist.

Vernon: Granted a few third, forth and fifth party folks will run from a purely outsider position, but usually it'll break down to maybe two er' three candidates total to pick from....er' at least the ones ya know got a real shot at winnin'...

Dawn: As the candidates sort of whittle down, the parties whose representatives didn't make the cut will often choose to endorse one of the leading candidates who align most with their own interests. And if said candidates agree with those endorsements, they'll often take on the party title as a...well 'sub' party.

Vernon: Naturally, the Tundratown candidate would have a vested interest in also supportin' the Pachyderm Party...considerin' she's a member of the elephant and general Megafauna family.  Even if the Pachy Party has less chance of winnin' over a more general public candidate. But a Preygressive candidate who also understands and wants to help Megafauna would overlap interests with both.

Dawn: Technically there's no limit to the number of parties you can associate with...which can make it pretty confusing, but on the other hoof it does require you to pick a candidate that you feel most represents your values, and what values you feel Zootopia should have...which means doing research.

Vernon: Somethin' most folks hate doin' when it comes to votin'...*Chuckles*

Dawn: That's how you get a Lionheart...*Giggles* well that, and lots of financial backing from the 'right mammals'.