We dance as we remember. Sometimes we cry. Sometimes we scream. But there is a constant there - a musical Big Brother. Always with us, throughout the places we go. Music is Life - and here at CoS, that idiom is undeniably true.
 My name is Ai - and appropriately, I come from a song entitled "Memories" [Within Temptation].
I am from a world that died. Gods that don't exist anymore. Memories that faded. But music brought me back, as it's brought back everyone here.
My world was called Juridia. We were a foolish planet. Five races, many wars, many gods, and so many, many mistakes. When the Great Plague came, the Gods rolled all the souls on the planet into a giant ball {for lack of a better term} and threw all of us into the vastness of space.
I was called back. By a song that called to a part of me I did not know I had forgotten. Brought into physical being by the lyrics and notes of a song. Who would have thought that music had such power?
Questions Of The Curious
Why Don't You Have a Face, Ai?
Because I haven't completely remembered myself yet. All CoS start off like this, although some may have eyes, or a more defined nose, or something like that. Pretty much, all of us start off without everything intact. Like waking up from a dream, and you're trying to remember it, but you're not entirely sure that what you remember is right. This might be my form, but I don't have all my ducks in a row, so to speak.
Hey, You're Wearing The Same Colors As "Poison"...
Yeah. Kylir was my bandmate. Lead Singer for us. Black and green was sort of our 'thing'. CoS that are ordered at different times, by different people, sometimes will be related to one another, or know one another. It all depends on where we were in our lives when we died, or were taken or whatever. Songs don't necessarily have to be by the same artist, or even the same genre, to bring back to life CoS that knew each other, or were related to each other. It's a roll of the die.
How Big Are CoS, Ai?
Well, in the stage I'm at now, my head just about hits the top of one of those water-bottles everyone's carrying around. Not much bigger than that. I could probably sit in your hand comfortably. But when we get the rest of our memories, it's kinda like a steroids shot to the growth spurt. We become normal size during the second stage of development... As for the third and fourth and fifth? I dunno.
Why Are All Of You Male?
That's an easy one. On our planet, the population was about... eighty-seven percent male, give or take .1 or .2 of a percent or something. Long time ago, this wizard pitched a hissy fit about getting dumped, and wished that all women on the planet would cease to exist. Some mean god heard his wish, and... 'helped' him with it. All women - except the preggers ones - just vanished. Disappeared. You do get a girl every now and again, but for the most part, we're all guys.
Why Are You Glowing?
Oh hell. I am? Really? ... Oh, right. I can't see it. I've been told that us CoS glow to you Tris types. Something about the color of our souls, supposed to identify us, make us easier to find in the dark or something. I'm not really sure why, but we all glow to you guys.
Why The Song "Memories"?
That's a tough once, since it kinda hurts us to remember things. But I think it has to do with the fact that, before I joined Kylir and the rest of the band, I had a boyfriend... He died. Just up and died one day. Some stupid illness they didn't even know about until he died from it. I guess I sort of had a mental breakdown after that. I kept acting like he was alive, trying to keep his memory from leaving me by dwelling on them, remembering what he'd say and do... I sort of... lost myself in his memories, until Kylir snapped me out of it. But it was a big part of my life. That's the thing about the songs. They call to a part of us, awaken that part, and let us pull ourselves out of nothingness. It's the same for all of us. Either something in our lives, how we died, something like that - it'll call us back. Although some of us aren't too happy to be called back. Those are the ones you want to watch out for.
So, Anna - What if I don't want to RP my CoS?
That's just fine. Be sure to tell me, however, WHEN you are ordering one, that you don't plan to RP it. I make non-RP CoS smaller - so they fit in signatures - and won't make an attempt to grow them unless you want them grown. There are a few exceptions [for example, if I'm feeling extraordinarily nice, or the song gets stuck in my head and I'm feeling creative {The case with Kylir and the others I've shown WIPs for}] Non-RPs that you expect to grow will also cost slightly more, since I do love to see my creations used, not just displayed. BUT you can still just do that.
Why did you not let me use 'Insert Song Name Here'?
It just didn't call to me. The way I make these things is kinda complicated, but it amounts to putting said song on repeat, and paying attention to the music style, lyrics, and tempo to pull someone from the song, and give them form [this is why I don't allow songs in another language, except for VERY few examples - I need to be able to understand the lyrics as I'm hearing them]. And some songs I just can't stand to have on repeat that long. For example: I will never again allow ANY Sufjan Stevens songs, because his work both freaks me out and irritates me. I can't have that on repeat for hours at a time, because I will want to bite someone.
Wait, that doesn't look like your work...
Occasionally, I will give the CoS to Rinni to do. Why? Either I know what comes from it, and it's a woman, the song simply doesn't do anything for me [or does, but my muse is dead], or I simply feel Rinni would do a better job. The only example of her work so far is from the song "Bloody Mary" - because this is a woman, a Goddess, AND I felt Rinni would do a more accurate portrayal.
Some of the CoS are kinda... not the same size...
RP-wise, they ARE the same size. Most of them were drawn very tiny, however, because I was still getting back into doing these. When they hit their next stages [or if the person who ordered them asks for a redraw] they will be approximately the same size.
Hey! You owe me 'Insert Song Here'!
I'm very sorry about that. Things get shuffled around, and lists get lost, so if it has been an inordinate amount of time [give me a week, people. XD] please do remind me that I owe something to you. I DO forget, because I DO have other things to think about, and it really ticks me off when I get chewed out for things I don't remember. Mostly? Just give me a gentle poke, and I'll get to work on what I owe as soon as possible.
My name isn't on the owner's list...
Sorry! Sorry! If you ordered a CoS, and I forgot to put you on the list, PLEASE let me know. Again, I do tend to forget things, and I may have skipped one or two pages when looking for orders. Or simply forgot to add you when you ordered. PLEASE let me know if you have ordered a CoS, and don't have your name up!
There's nowhere to RP?
Working on that. For the time being, CoS RP will happen either in-shop, or in a thread I will create in the Roleplaying section on the forums. This might take me a bit, so if you really do want to put your CoS in other RPs, please feel free.
When will my CoS grow?
I don't have a set time-frame for them to go to the next stage - but generally when I see that a CoS has been shown love and attention... being displayed in sigs, used in RPs, or some other activity with them... I will grow them. Generally, it's a surprise, but I will always contact you when your CoS is either grown, or something about them comes to light.
Why can't I name them on my own?
You can CALL them anything you want. But because of the storyline, they already have names and backgrounds - some of which I will start putting in PMs when I finish their first stages. IF they are RP CoS, this information will be presented in a slightly different manner than if they are simply sig-pets. Half of the fun of CoS is seeing what you get! Think of it as adopting a teenager from an orphanage.
How much are CoS to order?
They can be anywhere from 2K to 10K - but no more than that. It depends on the song, whether you plan to RP them, and how long I think it will take to finish them. The 'easier' the song is to get into, the cheaper it will be. For lower-cost CoS, try more contemporary songs I might have heard on the radio at some point.
Can I Skype you to discuss my CoS?
Of course! My Skype is Arrikanez@gmail.com - which is also my e-mail. I don't check it, so if you want to PM me, the best place to do it would be here.
My CoS is a god... what does that mean for me?
Lucky you! There are 10 gods, and a host of demi-gods that are floating out there somewhere. What this means for you is that Gods are RP-REQUIRED-TO-GROW. I tend to take much more time on Gods. IF, and this is a big IF, you cannot, or do not, want to RP your God, you are free to give it to someone else who will, and PM me another choice of song. I will generally tell you if a song is a God when you order, so you may make the decision then.
But I already had a God before you wrote these rules...
That's fine. The gods [2] that are currently [as of the time of this FAQ] out, are exempt from that rule. If they are needed in RP, I will contact you to see if you want to play them. If you say no, they will be NPCed by me until such a time as they are no longer needed.
I have a question you haven't answered here...
Please ask in-thread! Myself, or my Co-Owner, Rinni, will be glad to answer any questions you may have that I haven't answered. And both your question and the answer will be added to this FAQ for anyone who might have the same question.
Contest Announcement!
Okay, this is rare, because usually I'll let the owner of the CoS choose the song, but there are a couple of boys here that really, really want to be drawn, and have no owner!
So how am I going to decide who they go to? A contest!
There's also a background story to this contest:
I was batting around playlists of music with some friends, when someone put on a beastie boys tune, and I commented that it would be great music if they'd sing in English [meaning in non-slang] - so someone challenged me to do better.
Challenge Accepted!
I 'translated' the lyrics into 'proper' English, and laughs were had by all.
Your job? Give me the songs that I'm 'translating' the lyrics from to earn points. Each point acts as a raffle ticket - which goes toward a drawing during the month of June.
This contest will continue until JUNE 5th, with my posting between three and six new 'translations' a day. First to get the name of the song, the artist, and what the lyrics I've translated really say is the one that gets the point / ticket.
YOU DO NOT HAVE TO OWN A COS TO PARTICIPATE. But if you do, other prizes are on the line, such as the first Breeding in the shop, a chance to roll over your CoS to the next level, and so on.
The boys that refuse to get out of my head come from varying songs, and will be posted as I finish them. If you take a liking to any of them, feel free to enter! But remember there are other prizes too! And a nice chunk of change and some runes [between 10 to 20] for referrals, at 1 point per referral [for people that actually participate] We need more people here and talking!
"Example Song"
Baby One More Time - Britney Spears
"Oh, diminuative child, small being,
In what manner was I to understand the knowledge of,
A thing that was not in essence correct in this place,
Oh small child, tiny child,
It was not wise for me to allow you to leave,
And at this moment, you are in such a location as I cannot see you at present, yes"
"Oh baby, baby,
How was I suppose to know?
That something wasn't right here?
Oh baby, baby,
I shouldn't have let you go,
And now you're out of sight, yeah
4. [First Verse]
One more past the previous task which is assigned to me, that which I know to be stronger than I, has beckoned for my attention elsewhere,
Once again, it is currently the proper course of action to undertake the hoisting of chromatic essences,
What drives me, something I have sworn to do as though my life depended on it, I have undertaken in order to provide assistance against an attack,
In order to succeed in securing the courageous victory that I may again move toward that which is my accustomed place of dwelling,
Not giving a reason for such, will not make any difference at such a time as the activity we are undertaking has made a start,
Do open up for yourself, as with a key, a deeper hued individual whom enjoys unmaking that which others have built, which is interred beneath that which is here,
My calling of greater power, and at present time, the massively unlucky acquaintance that is mine,
A thoughtful idea will come to light of an altercation that doesn't appear to bode well for you..."
1. Won By Rinni
1. [Chorus]
"Us, as in a group, do not have the condition of being a singular entity,
The group that is us, has experienced the sensation of a passionate feeling that is unable to be glimpsed with the eyes,
We are the male children of the family, and do inherit that which is generally referred to as the singular of graces,
We are the offspring of a phenomenon of illumination that does not fade away gradually,
A passionate feeling that does not expire for eternity,
Raise and continue to raise your head, young human being,
And remove the salt-water editions that denote a sadness, from that which you use to see."
2. Won By Suzerain of Sheol
"Myself, That which is me, is in the process of operation a car, ebony to onyx, having just received the ability to operate a vehicle - which had hence been taken,
I believe I have a sensation within that which my blood runs through, that the locomotive will be in the process of crashing,
I shall inquire in such a way as to not be offensive, if the Lord of Darkness would be desirable of joining me in my endeavors of operating my vehicle,
For in the certain matter of things, that voice of conscience that I happen to keep close to my right side, isn't present during this particular evening..."
3. Won By Asasiah
"Would you please move back, the entity that is myself, shall endeavor to show you aggression in such a way as to intimidate you,
In the act of being staunch of will, in order to prove my aggressive tendencies to whomever I desire,
I am under the impression that the information you have give to me is false,
Oh yes, we have strong wills, we are possessed of extremely strong wills,
If you would please move aside, I will attempt to unveil my aggression toward you,
I am of the act of staunch will, in order to see my own aggressive will done to whomever I so please,
I do so believe that you, my friend, have gotten the wrong information,
Furthermore, I do not believe that this location is appropriate for you at this time."
5. Won By Rinni
"The action of enjoying one's leisure in such a manner as to be fruitful is exceedingly difficult,
Applying oil liberally in a skyward direction, directly upon that which you have placed in order to secure a monetary victory - as well as those who will indeed oppose you,
And keeping a sharp eye for the presence of words that are not appropriate to be said in public company,
When having intercourse and attempting to passionately embrace you with my lips in a simultaneous fashion,
A stench similar to that of an item which has been neglected by myself,
It has attained a fetal position in the posture of one that has ceased to exist - and began to putrify,
I do not consider myself a thug whom extorts others for monetary gain as well as fame and land ownership, at this present juncture during the evening,
And I do not wish to be that whom you despise, as someone that is diametrically opposed to your beliefs in a violent and sometimes unfortunately hostile manner,
I am in the act of being a solitary existence within myself, dear young child,
But you have succeeded in the act of being in such a position as to make it impossible for me to move forward in my current plans in this situation...."
7. Won By Rinni
8. Won By Suzerain of Sheol
6. Won By Asasiah
"In such a case of the act of ex-sanguination will occur when the material that encompasses the innermost parts of us, and the earthly alloy of mineral and man-made machinery do become a singular entity,
Which, as it reverts to an inert state, attains the hue of a giant star beginning to sink into the horizon as the world turns in such a way as to avert its light,
The downpour of a later time, perhaps somewhat in the future, will attempt to cleanse the semi-permanent soiling of such substance,
However, there is a certain thing that within that which is used to think and reason, may or may not remain indefinitely,
It is not a stretch of imagination to believe that an event such as the one being shown, can dissolve an altercation that has plagued us since we were as of yet children,
Which states that there is no point to aggressive action that forms physical consequences, nor would it be a correct assumption to think that these actions ever would aid you in any way,
In order to reach out to individuals that have found themselves coming into being slightly below the watchful gaze of a body of gas and molecules that is not happy with our behavior,
In such a case as we are in the act of neglecting to remember that we are capable of easily being broken..."
9. Won By Rinni
"You appear to be mesmerizing me in such a way that I am being forced to do your will,
Is is possible that you are the incarnation of the Lord of Evil, or perhaps one of those host of Heaven that spread wings?
The brushing of the skin that belongs to you, against my own, positively charges my negative ions in such a way as to make them more attractive,
Leaves me under the impression that my body has left the pull of what we call gravity,
And allows me to attain a state of lumination,
Those who are in the know, tell me that it would be prudent to show fear,
You are not the same as those who walk around in everyday life,
One who has intimate relations with me - from a time far removed into the forward direction,
One who's very chemical makeup is altered from the norm,
Unfortunately, others do not appear to believe you make any sense..."
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