How do I get traits?

There are a few ways to get traits on Beqanna. The most common way to get traits is through quests. Quests are held periodically on the Quests board. You cannot ask for a quest, but can join one when one appears. Quests can be anything, including writing based quests, march madness brackets, trivia, easter egg hunts, etc.

You can also get traits by breeding. There are two types of breeding. The traditional method, in which a certain number rolled by the breeding fairy can lead to traits (see our Foal Stats Calculator for details). Also, you can ask for a genetic trait breeding if you have the trait genetics of both parents. In this case, the fairy will determine if you foal inherits any of the traits present in the parent’s trait genomes. You can learn more about trait genetics if you want by going here, but don’t worry, you don’t have to understand the mechanics in order to request a genetic breeding.

Sometimes, players will put characters up on the PMP (Play me Please) board that have traits. If you are interested in playing a character available on the PMP board, reply and let the player know!

How do I get trait genetics?

You can go to the Trait Genetics board located under OOC -->Character Resources to request trait genetics. Currently, players may ask for the trait genetics for up to 3 of their characters per month. Make sure you read the rules on how to request trait genetics before posting. You cannot determine trait genetics for your own characters, even if you understand the process. An officer will let you know what your character’s trait genetics code is, and will update your character’s profile with this information for you.

What if I don’t have/don’t want traits?

This is totally okay, and pretty cool. ‘Normal’ horses, or even horses with simply wings/horns/etc. are pretty rare on BQ, and could make for some fun characters to have. Not having crazy, outlandish traits isn’t necessarily a bad. The best characters are known for their personalities and their impact on the game, and not necessarily the traits that helped them along.

What exactly can my trait do?

Beqanna has a Trait Database, which lists all the traits in Beqanna, their associated spaces, and abilities. If something is not listed as an ability in the Trait Database, you can't do it. If you aren't sure, ask an owner/officer. We'll be happy to help you out. If your trait isn't listed in the Database, please let an officer/owner know, and we'll update the Database.

What are trait spaces?

Every horse has 6 expressed and genetic trait spaces. Each trait is worth a certain number of spaces, and horses can only have a total of 8 spaces worth of traits, whether they be genetic or non-genetic, at any given time. So if your horse has Fire Manipulation (4 spaces) and Color Changing (2 spaces), they cannot have any more expressed and genetic traits (they can carry an unlimited amount of traits in their genetic code, however). If your horse enters a quest and earns Mind Reading (2 spaces) they can choose to keep it as expressed and non-genetic. However, if your horse enters a quest and earns Bone Bending (3 spaces), they would have to choose between two of the three traits, as having all three would take up more than the 8 allotted spaces for expressed traits.