A new challenger approaches!
Haha, seems like we have around the same idea Scal pfft. Granted I've been sitting on what I've had in mind for, what, maybe almost a year? But recently I've picked it back up and started working on it again. Ironic this comes up around that time lmao
Anyhow, here's this;
Name ideas?
Seeing the theme you're going for here, I would suggest something that sounds open and inviting. If you want, you can even just use FeralHerat's name, "Feral Hearts". To me, that name gives the impression that you're wild, open and free. Generally, just think of different names that give off a open feeling.
Preset friendly? Mapped or mapless?
Preset friendly definitely. Allowing presets gives members more freedom of customization. If they weren't allowed, that would turn off a lot of players who already have presets for their characters, and or use preset sync. What's the point in having it if you can't use it?
As for a map, having it solely based inside of one, I give it a no. That would take away from being able to see groups around the public maps RPing and doing what FeralHeart does best. Now, if you want a map that's optional for players if they want a more private area, then you can add that. But keep in mind that can still take away from having the group together.
Basically speaking, having the group's main home be a public map, but giving the members freedom to go to other maps is good. It allows for more exploration and more areas to spice up their RPs.
Custom markings?
It depends on what you mean by custom markings. If it means being able to use any marking they want from their marking pack, then yes.
If you talking about being able to use any marking pack they want right off the bat, then no. Different marking packs cause confusion and frustration that someone's character isn't being seen correctly by others, especially if they don't have a preset for it.
Personally, I always want players to be able to have creative freedom, so I would mix the two. Urge players to get the most recent pack, then if someone joins who has a different pack and doesn't want to change it out, then that's fine. Same goes for members who can't/don't know how to download them.
Custom items?
Essentially the same answer from above.
Closed/open/already existing species?
Personally, I would allow most species as long as it runs with the general theme. Mainly a wolf RP? Then allow wolf-type species. Mainly a lion RP? Allow lion-type species, and so forth. Allowing other species into the group would be an outlet that players can use to experience their character and enjoy them.
Do we want a discord server? A website?
Having a discord server works wonders. It allows for players to keep in touch with the group if they cannot be online at that very moment but still wish to talk, or if for some reason they are restricted from getting online for a long period of time they can notify everyone of the issue and still be able to talk while the problem is resolved.
As for a website, I say why not. It was always a neat little feature groups had that I adored. It allowed for the group's own space to do what they want in regards of expressing the theme of the group, being able to have their own area for presets, biographies, and so forth. That doesn't mean all things related to the group are restricted to that site. Everything that is put on the group's site that can go here on the FeralHeart site can be put here as well.
Roleplay samples? Are they needed?
If you're really buckling down on the family oriented bit of this group and having it open, then no. Just as long as they have a basic understanding of the English language, they'll be fine. If their RP skills are an issue for others, then just talk it out with them. I don't think anyone with unpracticed skills should be left out just because of that, or that they are a bit younger. They still want to be apart of the group, and they shouldn't be denied that.
Certain colours - should neon be allowed?
Personally I say it's fine as long as it's not overkill. Like, maybe it's just a small marking like a couple tiger stripes on their character's leg or tail that's neon. I don't think that's too much. Like I said, just as long as it's not overboard, some should be allowed. That allows for some creative freedom.
Rivals & allies - do we want them? How will we open them up to other groups?
Personally when it comes to rivals and allies, it depends on what kind of group this is and what kind of rivals and allies. Is this group structured on a Fighter, Guard, Hunter, Medic base where they train in those branches or similar? Or is this simply just a group players get together to chat and RP? If this is just a group where they get together to chat and RP, then having rivals wouldn't really work, unless it's a planned rivalry, such as tension or simple IC disliking of one another. As for allies, I can see having other friendly groups to RP with would be nice.
How regular should activity checks be?
If you really want activity checks, I say make it once a month at the start of each month.
Should there be a deviantArt group?
I don't see why not. I would hold off on making one right off the bat though. Just see how things run if/when you launch it, ask member's opinions and make a decision then.