I've had these sketches done for the past week, but I wanted to include some worldbuilding with it that I haven't had time to sit down and write until now. So here we go!
Scattered around this world known as Vitaliera are crystals that illuminate the night as a guide to weary travelers. They are imbued with immense magic comes from the deities who keep the lands alive. They have become a source of energy for the Firima, humanoid creatures with the abilities to shapeshift into beasts.
It is said that many millennia ago, when the last dragon perished, from them the firima were born, carrying the features of dragons and were considered powerful creatures who could maintain their magic without the need for the crystals. However, as centuries passed, many became enamored with the qualities of these crystals, and through exposure, they evolved and split into four subspecies: The Haikin, Florakin, Perlekin, and Allokin.
The Haikin were considered the original Firima, keeping their draconic qualities while not having much interest in the crystals nor the need to use them. They have the ability to communicate with speak with monsters, and their magic is considered unrivaled. Unfortunately, it is rare to see them roaming the lands nowadays as their numbers are dwindling.
The Florakin were allured by the beauty of nature, especially in the night were the trees and flowers became illuminated by the crystals, and sought to become one with it. They shed their draconic features and instead took on those of plants and insects. Their ability to easily maintain their magic became lost, and as such, they soaked in the light of the crystals for energy, a form of photosynthesis to them.
The Perlekin lived in the harshest winters where food was scarce, and where there was nowhere else to turn, they depended on the crystals. As time passed, crystals began growing on their bodies while their draconic features were lost as they became dependent on them for their magic. They learned how to adapt to the land, which crops could survive the winters, and remained grateful to the deities for giving them a chance at survival.
The Allokin saw potential in the crystals and upon discovery different kinds of metals hidden in the volcanic region they reside, began testing the limits of both together. They built up machines and weapons powered by lava and combined with the crystals, and eventually began testing this on themselves until they too became half machine. Allokin are the only ones of the four who are created in labs and are kept alive by the crystal's magic powering them.
Although there is a lot of dependency on the crystals, all three subspecies have agreed to only take what they need. Overtime, they grow back thanks to the deities, and as long as they don't take too much, there is always enough for everyone and the lands continue to thrive.
And there you have it! I was looking through my worldbuilding doc to see what I should and shouldn't include for this, and I think this is a good place to start. I'll make another post in the future talking about the design conventions for these guys, and to also show the Haikin since there isn't one here. Bris and Astalda are both Florakin, Fea is a Perlekin, and Macil is a Allokin. I put a lot of thought into what these guys are over the years, so I'm happy to finally start sharing it!
