As an avid creature, character, and world designer. Theres a method behind mine divining of design. I prefer to focus on the world first, work out its ideas its themes. What does it look like and rationalize it. This can come from one single question- ‘What would life look like on an extremely dangerous planet?’
One section of the planet
How does one create a world alive and moving? How does one contruct a world not made for a story, but a story made for a world?
A completely alien world, a project where one of the main focuses lays in speculative evolution amidst fantasy. The story being told takes place in the Region Casaderea. A vast desert hellscape, where temperatures commonly soar into the triple digits. The inhabitants, sophonts, are resilient and wild. Intelligent they have technology that far surpasses what we have on earth. Yet due to environmental hazards and the general political state of the world. They prefer to use such technology as a fallback rather than a main source of entertainment and work.
Casaderea is one of eight main regions. The story within the world takes place in the frontiers of Casaderea. Speculative evolution and biology is essential to understanding how to properly design creatures and habitats for this story. With high temperatures, two suns, three moons, and many dangerous storms and conditions. Animals prey or predator, insect or beast, must show markers of their complexity.
I start by establishing the animal's habitat, evolutionary history, and ecological niche. Considering how natural selection might shape its anatomy, physiology, and behavior to suit its environment. Throughout the process, I use scientific principles as guide, ensuring that the creature's design remains plausible within the context of its fictional world. Next, I think about the animal's anatomy. Use real-world examples as inspiration, adapting features to fit the creature's function and environment. Consider how its skeletal structure, musculature, and organs would support its lifestyle. Incorporate elements from existing animals while allowing for creative twists. Finally, explore the creature's behavior and social structure. Consider factors like communication, mating rituals, and territoriality. Develop realistic interactions between individuals and their environment, reflecting their evolutionary history and ecological pressures.
Blackaxe, a story concerning war in a high fantasy/scifi world. Every design holds massive symbolic reverence. Characters and scenes are tailored to their impact in the story. Wether it be cold objective gaze, or a wishful flower in a sea of blood.
