Almicia

I’ve fleshed out most of the major landforms and waterways (aside from some rivers) for the planet. This doesn’t show anything other than what is land and what is water. I’m still working on figuring out where I want mountains, deserts, forests, etc which I hope to finish figuring out this week. The climate is gonna mostly follow how Earth’s climate works, more tropical areas towards the equator and colder as you go up or down.

Oyrthirn (oh-we-ear-th-urn*)

*the ‘oh-we-ear’ is said with the ‘oh’ into ‘we’ quickly like combining ‘oh’ and ‘we are’ (’ohweare’), ‘ohweare-thurn’. Sometimes spelled as O’yrthirn.

Large, snake-like creatures that primarily inhabit forested areas on Almicia. There are documented sightings of what may be subspecies in non-forest locations such as underground and near the ocean. However, due to their highly aggressive nature research expeditions into finding these subspecies are rare.

Unlike other animals, Oyrthirn, as far as has been observed, do not have a set size. It has been theorized that they grow to a size that fits the location they inhabit. Areas with smaller trees and flora usually have smaller Oyrthirn, while large forests have much larger ones.

It is also postulated they live for at least 50 years on average.

These monsters are exlusively carnivorous, feeding on anything that comes into view. They have even been known to attack animals much larger than themselves and often win those battles due to their strong bodies.

Young and juveniles are born with teeth more similar to human teeth including molars that eventually fall out with age as the front teeth grow large and sturdy. If a tooth is lost it does not regrow.

They have also been known to exhibit familial behaviors the younger they are. Juvenile and young Oyrthirn will typically stay near each other until they are large enough to fend for themselves safely . Oftentimes, an older Oyrthrin will stay by younger ones to keep them safe until they are old enough. However, many young are often easy prey for larger predators, including other Oyrthirn.

Female Oyrthirn are more aggressive than their male counterparts and are the ones to dictate which males they will mate with. They will lay about 10 - 20 eggs in a clutch as most of the young will not survive until adulthood.

Other Notes:

They have earned the nickname ‘Delighted Death’ due to how they almost always appear to be smiling.

There is another Almician animal called the ‘Grinner’ that are also often found in the same forests are Oyrthirn, and has a similar tooth structure. Research is being conducted to see if there is an evolutionary connection between the two.

Teeth are used to make various tools, medicines, and trinkets. It is not uncommon to find market stalls that specifically sell Oyrthrin tooth products. These can get pricey though.

Had some rare free time at work today and started doodling Praezard. Most of the clothes they wear are loose fitting as to not constrain their movement (and also it’s easier when you have a tail), so robes are very popular.

Working with a more medieval-esque robe design as a base. Most of the ornamentation include dark grey/off-white stripes, and the colors in most clothing are earthy tones with brighter accents. That’s not to say there aren’t non-robe and non-earth tone clothes to be found, but it’s a cultural staple due to the simplicity and versatility. Polished gemstones are also a popular accent no matter social standing, age, or type of clothing being worn. These stones are common in the Praezard homeland (still unnamed) and are used in many decorations as well.

How many planets exist in your world’s solar system? How many of these do the inhabitants of your world know about?

There’s like 4 primary inhabitable planets. Almicia’s the primary hub for all of them since it was more thoroughly colonized and developed before the other 3. 

Pretty much Almicia invented space travel.

Also, one of those planets is more like a very big moon with life. They also all orbit not super close to each other, but not far enough that it’s a chore (at this point) to travel back and forth to each planet. Magic definitely helps with that.

Almidraks

Literally 'Almician Dragons'. 

Out of all other sentients Almidraks are the least cohesive in terms of biology and relation. While they are all dragons their appearances widely vary.

The most 'supernatural' of all the primary sentients. 

The Almidraks are not a set species on their own. They are a collective of dragons from around the planet that help in setting the balance between the industrialized and natural world during meeting with other countries. For example: If a town wants to expand the Almidraks will put forth suggestions on where and how to expand as not to upset the natural world.

While most sentients respect and even fear the Almidraks there are those who feel the dragons will attempt to seize control of various countries. 

Not all Almidraks are benevolent and there are some who probably will start some shit.

Almidraks make their homes wherever they see fit. Most do not know where Almidraks come from or if they breed like other creatures at all. This has lead to many cultures holding Almidraks as being messengers from divine being if not divine beings themselves.

Almidraks have their own language but not all can physically speak other languages. Some are easier than others, it is dependent on the Almidrak.

Notable Almidraks*

Noctivaygus

Synk

The Behemoth

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Kim's Notes:

*As you can see I will be reusing some characters/designs that have not been used in a while.

Synk (original name 'Sync') will be redesigned to be integrated into Almicia.

The Behemoth will be getting a minimal redesign.

Noctivaygus is a perfect baby and is staying the way he is.

Almician Sentients, Flora, and Fauna - Part 1

These will be various sketch and design posts. They will be designs that are still in the process of being fully realized as well as sketches and designs for already realized beings.

Praezard diplomat

Wild, tundra-based pig-like animal

Quilled Wolf

variety of wild Drake

unnamed carnivorous tree fungus

Scorpion Hound

original Grinner sketch

plains variety of Crested Dragon

domesticated mammal

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Kim's Notes: 

The Scorpion Hound was a creature I came up with back in high school for an AP Art project. It became a character that was the only one of it's kind that I'd draw every once in a while. I have decided to make it it's own species within Almicia. They are incredibly rare and are loner animals. The design will be tweaked to suit it's new Almician home.

I realize I forgot to mention in the about section that I will be tagging every post. If there is anything like gore or blood or spiders, etc, it will be tagged as such so do not fret too much about that. There won't be too much of that sort of content (at least right now).

Also, these non-Almicia-based text posts will be tagged as 'Notes from Almicia Artist'. 

Almicia-based text posts will be tagged 'Almicia Journals'.

Art posts will be tagged 'Almicia Art'.

Oyrthirn

( oy-ee-r-th-urn )

Oyrthirn are reptiles that inhabit all types of environments, each adapted to their specific habitat. They are long, snake-like monsters begin life eating whatever is around them and grow into almost exclusive carnivores.

The young and juvenile have blunted teeth that gradually become jagged due to wear and tear. However, they will lose these teeth around 3 years of age as their sharper adult teeth grow in. These teeth are not constantly replaced and oftentimes one will see an adult Oyrthirn missing a few teeth.

Female Oyrthirn are usually more aggressive than males and dictate which males they mate with. They will lay a clutch of 30 eggs. Depending on the sub-species they may lay their eggs at the base of a tree, in a rock crevice, or a specially dug hole in the ground. Females stay near their nests but will wander away to hunt. Eggs typically hatch after 2 months. The young are left to fend for themselves and many are eaten by larger predators during the first few weeks of life.

Arboreal Oyrthirn often make a large tree that can support their massive frames their home for life. Adults grow to be 300 pounds and 26 feet long. They do not move quickly but are renowned for their camouflage and ambush capabilities. They are also quick to cannibalize on their own species.

The spines, a constant on all species, are mostly vestigial, a remnant from the originally underground-only species, do help somewhat in gripping branches. This particular sub-species have begun to evolve so that their spines lay flat on their bodies, turning into hardened scales that do indeed help them maneuver better.

A false eye is also present on their lower jaws. It is a light colored scale that is used to confuse potential predators (such as certain species of drakes and Grinners) into attacking that spot instead of their actual eyes. This Oyrthirn will lay perfectly still when a predator is nearby and turn it's head upside down to expose the false eye. When a predator approaches, if it attacks the false eye the Oyrthirn will snap it's jaws with astounding speed as it makes an attempt to bite back. This is also one of their hunting methods.

They live in temperate climates (tropical varieties also exist, however, they are exclusively called 'Jungle Oyrthirn' and vary from their temperate climate brethren in color, spine structures, skull structure).

Subterranean Oyrthirn live in tunnels deep within the earth. They are primarily found in caves near mountains inland. They weigh up to 250 pounds and grow to around 15 feet long.

Unlike their tree-faring kin, Sub Oyrthirns are active hunters. There have also been no reported cases of them eating their own kind. The rock-like protrusions on their backs helped them blend in while they move. Due to this they are often mistaken for the landscape and many a traveler has met a grisly end at the teeth of this creature.

They do not have many other natural predators besides a few species of drake.

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Almician Notes:

Oyrthirn have earned the nickname 'Delighted Death' due to how they always appear to be smiling.

There is another creature with a smiling grin named 'Grinner' that also frequents the same forest Arboreal Oyrthirns do. Evolution seems to like smiling predators in it's forests.

Teeth are used to make various tools, medicines, and trinkets. It is not uncommon to find market stalls that specifically sell Oyrthirn tooth products.

Oyrthirn have never been domesticated. There are a few cases of these beasts that have wandered into towns and villages and not attacked, merely slithered through or basked on a roof.

Kim's Notes:

This is one of the most difficult to pronounce things I've ever thought of. I still have trouble saying it.

The original spelling had an apostrophe. I don't remember where. Probably spelled it like Oy'rthirn. Oh wait yeah that was it. I think it helps with remembering where to put the correct stresses on each vowel and consonant in the beginning. 

I swear this will be the first thing in the next pronunciation guide audio.

Originally post -> [ X ]

Drake

Used as a mode of transportation in many coastal towns and cities. They are primarily used for lightweight postal deliveries as their bodies are not as sturdy as one might think a drake's to be.

The breed depicted here is a domesticated Drake.

Almician Rex

Also used for transportation in coastal regions. They are powerful creatures that are able to cover distances quickly and can clamber over most rocky terrain. Like the Drake they are used for postal services both lightweight and heavy. They are also commonly used as racing animals.

The breed depicted here is a domesticated Almician Rex.

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Almician Notes: