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Moo Info and FAQ
16 years ago
I've been asked some questions lately about Moo, so I thought I would post a little background and information so it's here for those interested.
Moo
Age: 30-something
Height: 5'7" - 6'0"ish
Weight: 220ish lbs
Sexual Orientation: Pansexual
Personality: Friendly and a bit of a playboy. I'd say he's a bit vain, too, but not narcissistic; he's concerned about his appearance and his reputation, and yes, he thinks he's sexy. But he's also a nice guy, defensive of friends, and loyal. In sexual situations he tends to be dominant with women, submissive with men, but he'll switch easily for either. Moo's a self-made man, with a strong will and independent spirit. He does things his own way, but he's always game for a little company. And there's a definite nerdish aspect to him, though carefully concealed at times, let's not forget that!
Piercings:
Moo has rather a bevy of piercings, but despite being numerous they remain rather tame. The inside ear ridges have numerous silver loops each, ending near the tips with a single barbell. The outside ear ridges have only one or two single silver loops each, placed close to where the ear meets the rest of his head. Both ears mirror each other. His tongue has a single straight silver barbell, and he's got a circular barbell septum piercing.
Because ostensibly Moo could take them out from time to time, not all of his piercings show up all the time. This is to say, really, they needn't be specific.
Markings (aka "Tattoos"):
Moo's markings are up to the individual artist drawing him to determine. All I ask is that the placement and general style remains the same. On his upper body they look like tribals running from his shoulder to his wrist. On his lower, they can stretch either from hip to knee or hip to ankle. His facial markings should more closely follow the references, but again, there's a lot of leniency. He does not have any other set markings.
Headhair, Horns, and Hooves:
Moo has no headhair save for a tuft at the top, and maybe just some fluff at the back to keep him from looking like he's been shaved bald. His horns and hooves are all a uniform light brown. Just like human fingernails, the keratinous nature of these parts makes them paintable. Moo may choose to add some polish for flair, or just dab his hooves in black for a refined look.
Teeth:
Yeah, a little strange to give such a mundane aspect a whole section of it's own, but I thought it was worth nothing out especially. Neither sheep nor goats have front upper teeth. Crazy, right? Instead they have a hard gum pad that apparently serves their need. This little guy helpfully demonstrates. Thus, Moo has no frontal upper teeth.
Wardrobe:
Fur seems like clothing enough, and covers up the necessary bits, so usually Moo appears skyclad. That's not to say he can't look sharp in a suit, or even chill in jeans and a t-shirt. I also have a thing for seeing him in ancient historical clothing and settings, especially for societies that had goat deities. While he loves the color red, he wears it only infrequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is he a goat, a sheep, or what?
Moo is a plausible chimera of a Wiltshire sheep and a Saanen goat. Wiltshires are hair sheep – rather than wool – raised for meat, and both rams and ewes have horns. Saanens are a plain while dairy breed, with upright ears, dished faces, with an itty bitty bit of beard. While hybrid crosses between sheep and goats are uncommon, they're not impossible; however, natural matings usually result in stillborn offspring. Chimeras are laboratory creations made by fusing the embryos of two different species. Combining sheep and goat genetic material will create an adorable critter called a "geep." Since Moo is alive and kicking, he's likely one such test-tube baby, but I tend to refer to him as a hybrid anyway because it's easier.
Moo's body structure in feral form is most similar to a meat goat breed such as a Boer. He has a compact body with thick muscling and a short neck. His tail is quintessentially goat, right down to a paintbrush tip. His ears take after both his parents, and are stocky and upright. Finally, his horns are entirely sheepish, resembling most closely those of a Bighorn. This is a reasonable outcome of a stocky meat-breed parent mixing with a more elegant and finely-boned dairy parent, with a little bit of furry magic mixed in.
Then why isn't his name "Baa" or something goaty?
Moo is Moo because it fits. It started when I stuck the word "Moo" on an icon. I meant it as a sound effect, assuming that a punk creature would not be pigeonholed into using typical sheep language. Somehow it evolved into a name, and there we go. He'll happily answer to "μ" as well!
Does Moo have specific tattoos?
Yes and no. Moo has tribal markings on his arms and legs, as well as a splash on his head, but the exact patterns are up to the artist drawing him.
How do you justify the fact that his markings keep changing, then?
Realistically? Because it would be cruel and unusual punishment to make artists carefully copy out a specific pattern. Enough of his body is covered with them already without me being anal about it.
On a character-explanation level, it's a cosmetic virus. In whatever futuristic or alternative reality Moo inhabits, science or perhaps even nature has created a pathogen that causes his skin and fur to darken in ropelike patterns that just happen to resemble super-clichéd tribal tattoos. Because the infection affects his blood chemistry and possibly actual genetic makeup, these markings are constantly in flux. They could stay the same for a short while, or things could flare up and alter more quickly. Like a growing plant, you can't just sit and watch them move, but if perhaps you used a time-lapse camera you could speed things up and see them gradually change.
Does Moo have a significant other?
Nope, not as such. He does, however, have a tendency to show up with certain other characters, a reality easily explained by the fact that these other characters belong to my friends. A million pictures of my own character just isn't as fun as half as much art of my character with others! In Moo's increasing age (i.e. when he gets "old") I do see him ending up in a committed monogamous relationship with Hazel, but this is fiction, nothing is set in stone, yadda yadda yadda.
Wait, your character is male but you're female. What's up with that?
Yep, and I am perfectly happy with my femaleness. Furry is a fandom of make-believe, and I enjoy that particular aspect. Thus, Moo is not my fursona, even if he serves as one from time to time. More importantly, however, he was never purposefully created, at least not by me. He just evolved. I like to think he ended up who he was by his own volition.
Furthermore, Moo isn't me in a number of obvious ways besides gender. Comically, I actually detest tattoos. Don't like them, don't want one, prefer to mock them than to ogle them. And yet Moo is covered with them, and really cheesy ones to boot. We have some piercings in common, I'll grant you, but we're really rather different otherwise. Again, this is fantasy, folks.
Why does Moo have a female form, then?
Because it's fun, that's why!
Can I draw Moo, or commission art that includes Moo?
Lordy, I'm never going to say no to giftart! And while I can't stop you, I do ask that if the content is going to involve something you haven't seen in art I've posted myself, maybe check with me first? I'd prefer never to involve Moo with sexualized cub art, scat, or rape. Most of the others are fine, frankly, including gore, vore, group sex, and kink. Oh, and please send me a link? I'd love to see it! If you're paying for a commission involving Moo, please check with me first; most likely I'll give it a hearty approval.
Will you commission art involving Moo and my character?
Eh, maybe. Pitch me an idea and I'll think about it - seriously. The reality of it depends on how much I like the idea, what my commission budget looks like at the moment, and pure whim. But I'm always open to the possibility.
Okay, I think that about covers it. If you have any other questions, or think there's something relevant that I forgot to list, let me know and I'll see about adding it.
Moo
Age: 30-something
Height: 5'7" - 6'0"ish
Weight: 220ish lbs
Sexual Orientation: Pansexual
Personality: Friendly and a bit of a playboy. I'd say he's a bit vain, too, but not narcissistic; he's concerned about his appearance and his reputation, and yes, he thinks he's sexy. But he's also a nice guy, defensive of friends, and loyal. In sexual situations he tends to be dominant with women, submissive with men, but he'll switch easily for either. Moo's a self-made man, with a strong will and independent spirit. He does things his own way, but he's always game for a little company. And there's a definite nerdish aspect to him, though carefully concealed at times, let's not forget that!
Piercings:
Moo has rather a bevy of piercings, but despite being numerous they remain rather tame. The inside ear ridges have numerous silver loops each, ending near the tips with a single barbell. The outside ear ridges have only one or two single silver loops each, placed close to where the ear meets the rest of his head. Both ears mirror each other. His tongue has a single straight silver barbell, and he's got a circular barbell septum piercing.
Because ostensibly Moo could take them out from time to time, not all of his piercings show up all the time. This is to say, really, they needn't be specific.
Markings (aka "Tattoos"):
Moo's markings are up to the individual artist drawing him to determine. All I ask is that the placement and general style remains the same. On his upper body they look like tribals running from his shoulder to his wrist. On his lower, they can stretch either from hip to knee or hip to ankle. His facial markings should more closely follow the references, but again, there's a lot of leniency. He does not have any other set markings.
Headhair, Horns, and Hooves:
Moo has no headhair save for a tuft at the top, and maybe just some fluff at the back to keep him from looking like he's been shaved bald. His horns and hooves are all a uniform light brown. Just like human fingernails, the keratinous nature of these parts makes them paintable. Moo may choose to add some polish for flair, or just dab his hooves in black for a refined look.
Teeth:
Yeah, a little strange to give such a mundane aspect a whole section of it's own, but I thought it was worth nothing out especially. Neither sheep nor goats have front upper teeth. Crazy, right? Instead they have a hard gum pad that apparently serves their need. This little guy helpfully demonstrates. Thus, Moo has no frontal upper teeth.
Wardrobe:
Fur seems like clothing enough, and covers up the necessary bits, so usually Moo appears skyclad. That's not to say he can't look sharp in a suit, or even chill in jeans and a t-shirt. I also have a thing for seeing him in ancient historical clothing and settings, especially for societies that had goat deities. While he loves the color red, he wears it only infrequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is he a goat, a sheep, or what?
Moo is a plausible chimera of a Wiltshire sheep and a Saanen goat. Wiltshires are hair sheep – rather than wool – raised for meat, and both rams and ewes have horns. Saanens are a plain while dairy breed, with upright ears, dished faces, with an itty bitty bit of beard. While hybrid crosses between sheep and goats are uncommon, they're not impossible; however, natural matings usually result in stillborn offspring. Chimeras are laboratory creations made by fusing the embryos of two different species. Combining sheep and goat genetic material will create an adorable critter called a "geep." Since Moo is alive and kicking, he's likely one such test-tube baby, but I tend to refer to him as a hybrid anyway because it's easier.
Moo's body structure in feral form is most similar to a meat goat breed such as a Boer. He has a compact body with thick muscling and a short neck. His tail is quintessentially goat, right down to a paintbrush tip. His ears take after both his parents, and are stocky and upright. Finally, his horns are entirely sheepish, resembling most closely those of a Bighorn. This is a reasonable outcome of a stocky meat-breed parent mixing with a more elegant and finely-boned dairy parent, with a little bit of furry magic mixed in.
Then why isn't his name "Baa" or something goaty?
Moo is Moo because it fits. It started when I stuck the word "Moo" on an icon. I meant it as a sound effect, assuming that a punk creature would not be pigeonholed into using typical sheep language. Somehow it evolved into a name, and there we go. He'll happily answer to "μ" as well!
Does Moo have specific tattoos?
Yes and no. Moo has tribal markings on his arms and legs, as well as a splash on his head, but the exact patterns are up to the artist drawing him.
How do you justify the fact that his markings keep changing, then?
Realistically? Because it would be cruel and unusual punishment to make artists carefully copy out a specific pattern. Enough of his body is covered with them already without me being anal about it.
On a character-explanation level, it's a cosmetic virus. In whatever futuristic or alternative reality Moo inhabits, science or perhaps even nature has created a pathogen that causes his skin and fur to darken in ropelike patterns that just happen to resemble super-clichéd tribal tattoos. Because the infection affects his blood chemistry and possibly actual genetic makeup, these markings are constantly in flux. They could stay the same for a short while, or things could flare up and alter more quickly. Like a growing plant, you can't just sit and watch them move, but if perhaps you used a time-lapse camera you could speed things up and see them gradually change.
Does Moo have a significant other?
Nope, not as such. He does, however, have a tendency to show up with certain other characters, a reality easily explained by the fact that these other characters belong to my friends. A million pictures of my own character just isn't as fun as half as much art of my character with others! In Moo's increasing age (i.e. when he gets "old") I do see him ending up in a committed monogamous relationship with Hazel, but this is fiction, nothing is set in stone, yadda yadda yadda.
Wait, your character is male but you're female. What's up with that?
Yep, and I am perfectly happy with my femaleness. Furry is a fandom of make-believe, and I enjoy that particular aspect. Thus, Moo is not my fursona, even if he serves as one from time to time. More importantly, however, he was never purposefully created, at least not by me. He just evolved. I like to think he ended up who he was by his own volition.
Furthermore, Moo isn't me in a number of obvious ways besides gender. Comically, I actually detest tattoos. Don't like them, don't want one, prefer to mock them than to ogle them. And yet Moo is covered with them, and really cheesy ones to boot. We have some piercings in common, I'll grant you, but we're really rather different otherwise. Again, this is fantasy, folks.
Why does Moo have a female form, then?
Because it's fun, that's why!
Can I draw Moo, or commission art that includes Moo?
Lordy, I'm never going to say no to giftart! And while I can't stop you, I do ask that if the content is going to involve something you haven't seen in art I've posted myself, maybe check with me first? I'd prefer never to involve Moo with sexualized cub art, scat, or rape. Most of the others are fine, frankly, including gore, vore, group sex, and kink. Oh, and please send me a link? I'd love to see it! If you're paying for a commission involving Moo, please check with me first; most likely I'll give it a hearty approval.
Will you commission art involving Moo and my character?
Eh, maybe. Pitch me an idea and I'll think about it - seriously. The reality of it depends on how much I like the idea, what my commission budget looks like at the moment, and pure whim. But I'm always open to the possibility.
Okay, I think that about covers it. If you have any other questions, or think there's something relevant that I forgot to list, let me know and I'll see about adding it.
... but where's the references? There's so many variants in your gallery I don't know which are more correct either :D. I'm really curious if there is an actual reference sheet somewhere...
He is a variable creature, so while there's an actual reference, it's not "hard and fast." I think it's fun to let artists adapt him to more fit their style and how they interpret him - thankfully he seems to remain fairly distinctive even with quite a bit of artistic liberty!
MUAAHAHAHA
I love that there is a Moo FAQ. XD
FAQ was totally prompted by a few notes and comments I've gotten recently, so I stole the format from someone else and adapted it to suit my own nefarious purposes. Also makes it easy when sending people information for commissions! Which was really my main motivation, I admit.
Yeah, a little strange to give such a mundane aspect a whole section of it's own, but I thought it was worth nothing out especially. Neither sheep nor goats have front upper teeth. Crazy, right? Instead they have a hard gum pad that apparently serves their need. This little guy helpfully demonstrates."
Wow, I didn't know that about sheep and goats! Ya' learn something new every day. lol