Dilution & Double-Dilution

_Dilution & Double-Dilution

Dilution and Double-dilution both are two separate genetic traits which perform very similarly on riardi's fur marking colors. Both traits work on a riardi's marking color by lightening the color to its next paler expression. Double-dilution is stronger- regular dilution allows for a -1 step lightening effect, but double-dilution allows for a -2 step lightening effect to be applied. A riardi's fur pattern dictates how many colors manifest in their coat's markings. Dilution and double dilution do not affect their main body coloration- the 'ground'. Main body coloration is not considered a 'marking', despite being included in fur patterns' descriptions for functional purposes.

Should both riardi parents have the dilution gene, all of their offspring will inherit it and display/carry it, carry it without displaying it, or flat-out not have it if other genetic factors interfere with its transmission. In instances of mixed-heritage lines where only one parent possesses the dilution gene, the offspring have a 50% chance of inheriting the trait. The offspring will either display the dilution, carry it recessively, or not inherit the gene at all. In cases of mixed ancestry, other inherited traits may manifest, potentially masking the presence of the dilution gene.

The presence of a pale color does not always confirm the presence of dilution genes. The proof is with the riardi parents' offspring at birth. If the offspring is born with traits from their grandparent/s, that can also complicate knowing versus not-knowing. Riardi can both have dilution and double-dilution, and can also have pale colors from their parents passing it on to them without any diluting traits occurring. Dilution and double-dilution provides no adverse health impacts. Riardi who have dilution or double-dilution genes do not have pink, red, nor blue eyes, and they may have other colors on their bodies which are unaffected by dilution genetics.

Riardi recognize that there is no 'triple' or 'quadruple' dilution genes. They instead discovered the Ultra-Bright mutation.

By using dilution and double-dilution when making riardi characters, a great variety of color flexibility can be enjoyed. Colors available for offspring is determined as a pool from the character's parentage, and these resulting colors chosen go into the offspring's markings how the player chooses for creative flexibility and choice.

Immunity: Some riardi are immune to these two genes (dilution and double dilution). If this happens, any main body coloration which would be paler remain unmodified. This immunity emerged through a few nuria families, and shows up at random in other riardi who do not have dilution or double dilution and who are of blended heritage. Dilution immunity and the dilution genes cancel one another out. Any individuals who would have inherited both cannot be born.

_Dilution Modification Reference Points

  • Dilution & Double-Dilution: These traits modify one to all marking slots only. The main body coloration remains the unmodified base.

  • Ultra-Bright Mutation: The only trait that applies globally to all parts of the riardi's fur pattern, including the riardi's main body coloration.

  • Uniform Application: When a Riardi has the Dilution gene, it does not pick and choose which marking to lighten. It applies the "scrubber" effect to all active marking slots simultaneously.

  • The "Same" Expression: If a Riardi has a 4-color pattern (1 Body + 3 Markings), the Dilution trait takes those 3 marking slots and shifts their current color value by exactly -1 step.

  • No Slot-Quantity Dependency: It does not matter if the Riardi has one marking slot or four; the rule remains constant. The trait detects all "non-body" slots and applies the -1 (Dilution) or -2 (Double-Dilution) shift across that entire set.

The Process for Dilution & Double-Dilution

The following is the process for using dilution and double-dilution on your character:

  1. Selection: Choose the riardi's fur pattern, then select four base colors from the parental gene pool.
  2. Body Modification: Apply Dilution (-1 step) or Double-Dilution (-2 steps) to one through four markings, depending on how many markings the fur pattern dictates.
  3. Global Mutation: If Ultra-Bright is present, the riardi's markings and main fur coloration drop by -2 steps. Disregard step 2.
  4. Final Outcome: Any color shifted into the pastel range by the Ultra-Bright mutation is converted to pure white (#FFFFFF).

Note: Dilution immunity cancels the effects of Dilution and Double-Dilution genes; individuals cannot possess both immunity and the dilution genes.