The Alethi Concept

Joined : 31 Jul 2008 Posts : 7

Going to post sketches in here...

SO FUCK YOU!

Joined : 31 Jul 2008 Posts : 7

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Admin Joined : 29 Jul 2008 Posts : 30

Those are really cool, have you done one of a whole body?

A little too green I think, but other than that they are great. Maybe a bit more silvery. There is less difference between males and females, they don't have breasts like humans. And their upper bodies are thick - very powerful. A bit more dolphin like - I know that is easy to say and harder to draw. Maybe a slight snout or dolphin style beak and no lips.

But seriously dude that is like 90% on. You rock!

Joined : 31 Jul 2008 Posts : 7

I wanted to get a faces done first. Faces have the most detail out of the entire body. And provide the largest amount of information to a character. You never mention dolphins or lips. Or males or females. I'm filling in the gaps in your description as I go. I haven't attempted the body yet, or the jewellery or the 'harnesses' made out of silcrete. It would be helpful if you describe 'silcrete'. Is it like a bone design? Is it like metal? As in straight sharp and angular? Do you want the head less human shaped? You mention 'ears' but don't describe them. I designed simple 'holes' like on whales, because there is no need for flappy lobes underwater. What do their jewellery look like? Is it big and blinging? Or tiny and intricate? Size will not matter underwater. You write a lot about what they get up to and their history. But I need a more physical description. Drawing and redrawing pictures in my spare time isn't very rewarding when I go straight back to square one.[img]

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I did that one first but I didn't like the facial expression. I'll try and get another one done tomorrow night.

Admin Joined : 29 Jul 2008 Posts : 30

In the email I sent the info over with I said think dolphin-like people. Never mind. What you've done is great so far. I realise you don't want to draw the same thing over and over again. So in the hopes of saving you some time here are more physical tips.

No ear lobes. Ear holes.
The eyes are great.
No lips. Maybe slight beaks or snouts.
The first pic in this topic is great as a basis by the way.
More silvery/grey/blue skin. The colouring on the second pic you posted is closer.
Less gender difference.
Soft (slightly pale) areas under arms, down sides of body and on inner side of legs.
Less of a segmented dorsal fin, more smooth.
I love the gill structure on the first pic. That male version is soooo close.
Webbed fingers, leathery hands.
No feet, fins on the end of muscular legs.

Silcrete.

It is excreted by microscopic organisms so is malleable and can form most shapes. It is strong like a metal when it is 'set' and has a dull tan colouring. It is not shiny or blinging, but is mostly smooth. They have a tradition/style of making parts of their tech look like coral or rock, normally around the parts of devices that have the main workings or power. This coral effect is made from the silcrete so smooth areas flow into coral like ones on most devices giving a very organic feel to their tech.

Frames

They have solid silcrete armoured sections around the groin, joints, chest, shoulders and back. The rest of the suit is made of a transparent polymer that is very resilient. The suit is filled with water and allows the Alethi to move around out of water. The heads of the frames are transparent elongated bubble like shells that attach to the main chestplate. The leg sections strap tightly to the lower leg and have large mechanical feet that allow the Alethi to walk.

Harnesses

These look like smooth, stream lined versions of frames that cover the 'vulnerable parts' of their anatomy (groin). They consist of only silcrete sections and straps that allow the storing or attachment of devices and pouches etc. Holsters for weapons attach to such harnesses on their belt. These are for use underwater only.

Jewellery

Some is silcrete designs of smooth fluid shapes (abstract water forms) some is actual coral or shell material used to adorn the body. Whatever it may be personal adornment is kept to a minimum. Necklaces or bracelets are common as are adornments of harnesses/frames.

They are great so far and I hope this helps.

Didn't realise they would be so 'finished' with all the colour. They look great! Cheers dude.

Joined : 31 Jul 2008 Posts : 7

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Latest sketches
Obviously I need to tidy them up and fill all the details in. But as sketches and structure go... am I on the right track?

And which colour is best for the skin?

Admin Joined : 29 Jul 2008 Posts : 30

These are great. Is that dorsal hair? Or just a darker colour? The fin on the head is a solid fin, just doesn't have ridges.

I like colours 1 and 4, so maybe a bit of both?

I like the harness, maybe just a few more smooth portions on it. But the rock/coral effect is great and should definitely stay like that.

The harness they wear underwater doesn't have a helmet section.

If they wear a frame/harness on land it has a helmet section and 'feet'. The leg/foot section clamps around the lower leg. This allows the Alethi to 'walk' like land dwelling creatures.

But dude, this is excellent stuff so close it is brilliant!

Joined : 31 Jul 2008 Posts : 7

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Another. Let me know when I get close enough to produce some more finished designs.

Joined : 31 Jul 2008 Posts : 7

Or if you could post some of your designs up and I can follow a bit closer that way.

Admin Joined : 29 Jul 2008 Posts : 30

That is great. Go with that look for the body it is brilliant. Excellent!