#kitarts

The Baleens have a few varieties of houses, but in the areas where good sand is plentiful, along with the other supplies needed, you can't beat a good solid glass dome.

Some expressions for the Baleens. Trying to make expressions that aren't too human but are still readable is a fun challenge.

And resisting the urge to borrow too much from horses as well

Playing with the idea that showing their nostrils is a big sign of comfort/discomfort. Mainly because it's tucked behind the muzzle/nose skin, so it takes effort to have them actually be visible.

For years I've been a fan of speculative evolution, but I've never quite found a setting I myself wanted to play with- until I remembered things like mist deserts exist. I actually started with the plants, and moved out from there.

The "Baleen" are so called for the bristles on their middle toe and smaller middle limbs. Omnivorous, they filter food out of both water and sand using the bristles. They also farm the mist plants, and the symbiotic pill shrimp are considered valuable delicacies and are carefully tended.

Their habitat is a costal mist desert. Mist rolls in during the cooler mornings, and burns off before noon. Many plants and species have evolved to survive off the morning dew that collects on the surfaces of their bodies or things in the environment around them.

So my idea for the Baleens is that, humans are observing them, but really, really trying hard to not be noticed or disturb them in any way.

Unfortunately they aren't always successful in not being noticed by the locals despite their best efforts.