NON-HUMAN AVATARS
As of June 12, 2011 Romanum is revising their non-human avatar policy. This change is based on two surveys sent out where the majority of respondants indicated they were in favor of trying ancient Roman era mythological characters in Romanum. Although some players prefer purely human avatars in order to ensure a more historically realistic feel for roleplay in Romanum, Romanum will now allow specified mythological characters also. If this new policy is grossly abused, it may be terminated.
Only the specified ancient Roman era mythological characters will be allowed in Romanum. Any other non-human avatar will not be allowed with these exceptions:
1. Inside a privately owned home in Romanum (they cannot be seen from a public viewing point) any avatar is allowed.
2. Animal avatars are allowed in public if they look like realistic animals, not furries, for example.
3. Public clubs (no restrictions on the type of avatar, except nude female avatars)
REGARDING MYTHOLOGICAL CHARACTERS
Mythological Creatures found in Greek and Roman mythology that are appropriate for Romanum
Satyr & Faun (Satyr is the Greek name and Faun is the Roman name): The Satyr/Faun is a popular creature in both Greek and Roman writings and art. They were horny and handsome! Children of Pan, they were playful and handsome, half male and half goat/deer. Certainly one would see them around the forests of Romanum.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satyr
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faun
Verified: Oxford Classical Dictionary
Mermaid/Merman: The Merman and Mermaid were spotted and tales told on land in ancient Greece. One particular story that is referenced in the references below is in relation to the Great Alexander. Again, they were believed to exist, so one might occasionally see one of these beautiful creatures in our rivers or on the coast.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merman
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mermaid
Mermaids and Ikons: A Greek Summer (1978) page 73 by Gwendolyn MacEwen ISBN 978-0-88784-062-3
Folktales from Greece Page 96 ISBN 1-56308-908-4
Centaur: The Centaur is found in both Greek and Roman literature. He is a horse's body with a male upper portion. Absolutely every reason to believe any Roman would believe in them, thus they would be seen periodically in Romanum.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centaur
Verified: Oxford Classical Dictionary
Minotaur: The Minotaur is a creature with the head of a bull on the body of a man or, as described by Roman poet Ovid, "part man and part bull". Nowhere has the essence of the myth been expressed more succinctly than in the Heroides attributed to Ovid, where Pasiphaë's daughter complains of the curse of her unrequited love: "the bull's form disguised the god, Pasiphaë, my mother, a victim of the deluded bull, brought forth in travail her reproach and burden."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minotaur
Faery/Pixie/Sylph: Though not directly called faeries, many scholars argue the nymphs, sirens, and such from the Odyssey and the Iliad were forms of the fae. They certainly fit some of the traits later assigned to the fae. Some scholars would agree one could very "generally" make this leap.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faery
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pixie
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sylph
Wolf: According to the Roman tradition, a wolf was responsible for the childhood survival of the future founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus. The twin babies were ordered to be killed by their great uncle Amulius. The servant ordered to kill them, however, relented and placed the two on the banks of the Tiber river. The river, which was in flood, rose and gently carried the cradle and the twins downstream, where under the protection of the river deity Tiberinus, they would be adopted by a she-wolf known as Lupa in Latin, an animal sacred to Mars.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lupercalia
REGARDING BESTIALITY
Under no circumstances is sexual play between an animal looking avatar or animal looking bot and a human avatar permitted. If such acts are seen the participants will be given one warning. On the second occasion, they will be banned from Romanum.
REPORTING VIOLATIONS
We ask the citizens and friends of Romanum to help us enforce this policy. If a non-authorized non-human avatar is seen in public outside those areas excepted above, we ask you to contact an Estate Manager or Proconsul . If none respond within 24 hours, please escalate to Emperor Galtier. Please take down the violating avatar's full name and create a snapshot of the violation.