u/HyperActiveMaineCoon

The world I'm working on features anthropomorphic animals as the characters. It's about the age of industrialization, and how the people adapt. If they're not building neat stuff or fighting among themselves, they're fighting the eldritch spawn of Yaldabaoth (not the actual Gnostic Demiurge, just horrors from beyond the stars).

Introduction

Just trying to draw new stuff. The image depicts one of the aforementioned 'horrors from the stars.' Just to give an idea of the vibe; they can look like many things as their form varies. They're basically abominations.

No one knows what they are, exactly, or where they came from. But their purpose is simple: consume everything and spread.

They spread by creating zombies that will eventually become eldritch horrors, themselves.

Background

They first appeared on the planet millions of years ago, turning dinosaurs and other prehistoric life into zombies, then hid in the earth when the temperature dropped. They emerged later at some point in the distant past but were driven back into the earth by ice age civilizations, and sealed away. This resulted in over 10,000 years free from eldritch horrors.

When they emerged again, it was during the age of industrialization. They didn't make the world's problems disappear... they complicated them. The bad actors of the world seek to control them to use as weapons, while a predator supremacist cult believes they are the ultimate predator sent by Yaldabaoth to cleanse the world.

Powers and Abilities

The horrors have a variety of abilities. At the basic level, they can mutate their flesh to enhance their capabilities or form weapons and armor. Over time, they gain the ability to channel a mysterious power from another realm, for a variety of supernatural effects (such as telekinesis and generating radiation).

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The following map may provide additional insight on the world: Anthropomorphic Animals, Amazing Powers, and the Age of the Machine : r/worldbuilding

The world I'm working on features anthropomorphic animals as the characters. It's about the age of industrialization, and how the people adapt. If they're not building neat stuff or fighting among themselves, they're fighting the eldritch spawn of Yaldabaoth (not the actual Gnostic Demiurge, just horrors from beyond the stars).

This is the second version of the Salamander rifle, more refined and with feedback from the community implemented.

Background

Alshenzia is a young nation, which recently transitioned to democratic republic. The population is generally educated, aspiring for a place among the developed nations of the world. However, Alshenzia faces the threat invasion by its neighbor, the empire of Aldrakhania. Aldrakhania seeks to capture Alshenzia's oil fields as the regime revitalizes imperial ambitions.

The development of the Salamander assault rifle is part of Alshenzia's effort to defend itself, as it struggles to secure allies. It's designed to be cheaper to manufacture than contemporary indigenous rifles, and rugged for the desert environment. It's inspired by the Barkleit rifle (the setting's equivalent of the AK type rifle), but uses a short stroke gas piston system instead, and is striker-fired. It also features a side folding stock.

...

Thoughts are appreciated, as I'm still figuring things out!

The following map may provide additional insight on the world: Anthropomorphic Animals, Amazing Powers, and the Age of the Machine : r/worldbuilding

My goal is to build an interconnected lore book, as most of what happens in the world is connected (story has been in discussion for a decade now): Karl Imran | Substack

There's a story, but I'm not 100% confident in writing it, and I think worldbuilding is my strength so I'm focusing on that aspect for now!

The world I'm working on features anthropomorphic animals as the characters. It's about the age of industrialization, and how the people adapt. The first to industrialize were the Lyonesseans, sometimes called Pantherans, a group of big cats.

Depicted is the battle rifle, "Taiga", developed by Falenjal (a nation of the Northlands region). The Northlandic states were familiar with repeating firearms as they had revolving cannons (hand crank operated), but had not developed automatic small arms due to reliance on artillery. The Taiga represents modernization efforts to catch up with Lyonessean designs.

The Taiga was designed with larger animals in mind, such as deer or reindeer. Nevertheless, smaller animals (like wolves), can still handle it if needed. Most importantly, it features gas-operated reloading, detachable magazine and selective fire, to replace older bolt-action rifles.

Background

The Taiga was developed in response to a messy situation due to growing distrust, wars of greater scale, and the rise of ultranationalism.

The Northlands had just endured the first war of industrial scale, the Fall war, as it was caught between two rival Lyonessean powers racing for the arctic. The Northlands repelled the invaders at great cost, and realized the need for modernization. However, the Fall War had shaken up the region. In the aftermath, military dictatorship arose and took over the Seramvia region in the south, poised to invade the Northlands.

The Lyonesseans sold weapons to the dictatorship in Seramvia, and so the Northlands began developing their own versions as war loomed on the horizon.

...

Thoughts are appreciated, as I'm still figuring stuff out!

The following map may provide additional insight on the world: Anthropomorphic Animals, Amazing Powers, and the Age of the Machine : r/worldbuilding

Lyonessean firearms include this rifle and submachine gun.

A firearm from the Seramvia region includes this wolf's rifle.

My goal is to build an interconnected lore book, as most of what happens in the world is connected (story has been in discussion for a decade now): Karl Imran | Substack

There's a story, but I'm not 100% confident in writing it, and I think worldbuilding is my strength so I'm focusing on that aspect for now!

The world I'm working on features anthropomorphic animals as the characters. It's about the age of industrialization, and how the people adapt. The first to industrialize were the Lyonesseans, sometimes called Pantherans, a group of big cats.

Depicted in the image is a bolt-action rifle developed by the wolves of the Middle South region. It represents their attempts to modernize their weapons to keep up with the Lyonesseans. Previously, the wolves' bolt-action rifles had integral magazines with low capacity (usually 5-8 rounds). In contrast, Lyonessean firearms featured detachable magazines with high capacity, and full-auto capability.

This rifle features a detachable magazine as one of its improvements. The style of the grip was also designed to be more modern. Aside from this example, there were other designs being developed, as the wolves are industrious and quick to adapt.

The bayonet featured has popular design for wolf blades in the Middle South. The wave-blade is believed to cause greater internal trauma, intended for defense against the barbarians in the region, such as the deer in the deep forests.

Extra Context

The Middle South is a messy region because it was mostly isolated by mountains. As such, unique cultures developed, and the place was never unified under central authority. The wolves in the region are the most civilized, as they are in the north in proximity with trade routes. When the Lyonesseans came to the region with superior tech, the wolves got wary, resulting in modernization efforts.

...

Thoughts are appreciated!

The following map may provide additional insight on the world: Anthropomorphic Animals, Amazing Powers, and the Age of the Machine : r/worldbuilding

Lyonessean firearms include this rifle and submachine gun.

My goal is to build an interconnected lore book, as most of what happens in the world is connected (story has been in discussion for a decade now): Karl Imran | Substack

There's a story, but I'm not 100% confident in writing it, and I think worldbuilding is my strength so I'm focusing on that aspect for now!

The world I'm working on features anthropomorphic animals as the characters. It's about the age of industrialization and how the people adapt. The Lyonesseans, sometimes called Pantherans, are a group of big cats that were the first to industrialize.

The weapon depicted is the "Lucifer" rifle, developed by the Luisante Group, intended to be a multi-role rifle. It's a product of its time, heavy and cumbersome in some aspects, but that was the trend among Lyonessean guns at the time.

The thing about Lyonessean small arms is that they aren't optimized in weight, simplicity, and cost-efficiency. This is because they had no real competition with peer powers, instead competing among themselves as business rivals. The reason being that everyone else was behind in automatic small arms design, so warlords would pay through the nose to acquire Lyonessean firearms. Moreover, the Lyonesseans were averse to direct involvement in wars, instead relying on proxy groups or subterfuge to exert influence. Thus, they lacked a soldier's-eye-view on things.

As such, this created an "echo chamber" in which designs became more expensive for profit and flaws were amplified. They became more like status symbols. In terms of performance, they worked well enough, albeit with the aforementioned flaws.

Later, the Barkleit rifle, paved the way forward for modern firearm design, because it was simpler, cheaper, and needed less maintenance.

Extra Context

The Luisante Group was a "trading company". It was originally sent by the capital of Lyonesse to establish trade in the Southern Isles but went rogue and conquered the region. Weapons such as the Lucifer rifle facilitated this conquest, as they dominated in pitched battles against less advanced forces, or were sold to local warlords to destabilize the region.

...

Thoughts are appreciated! I've gotten interesting feedback for the other weapon designs I've posted, and will implement them in future.

The following map may provide additional insight on the world: Anthropomorphic Animals, Amazing Powers, and the Age of the Machine : r/worldbuilding

My goal is to build an interconnected lore book, as most of what happens in the world is connected (story has been in discussion for a decade now): Karl Imran | Substack

There's a story, but I'm not 100% confident in writing it, and I think worldbuilding is my strength so I'm focusing on that aspect for now!

The world I'm working on features anthropomorphic animals as the characters. It's about the dawn of the industrial age and how the people adapt.

Here's my impression of a Seramvian statue and a Seramvian goat.

If you're walking along one of Seramvia's many valleys, you'll notice great, imposing statues, watching over the land. They were carved by the Seramvian goats, out of the largest boulders deposited there by glaciers. Stone is a significant aspect of Seramvian goat culture, so they celebrated these mysterious stones by shaping them into the likeness of ancestors or ancient kings.

The Seramvian goats mainly live among the native mountains, amid bitter winds and harsh storms. Stone serves as their defense and shelter, and so they became masters at working with it. They are perhaps best known for their massive sculptures but are also skilled in working with precious stones and metal.

Seramvia is a region in the Middle South, a continent. It has been mostly isolated by nearly impassable mountains, and so the people developed unique cultures. The Seramvian goats are one of the notable peoples in the region.

The following map may provide additional insight on the world: Anthropomorphic Animals, Amazing Powers, and the Age of the Machine : r/worldbuilding

Another notable people in the region are the wolves: Wolf of the Middle South : r/worldbuilding

Lore dumping and trying to draw new stuff.

The world I'm working on features anthropomorphic animals. It's about the dawn of the industrial age and how the people adapt.

More than 10,000 years before the story, there were ice age civilizations that built massive stone structures. Depicted in the image is a wolf explorer (Sea Wolf) looking upon such a structure, a megalithic wall. They exist around the world, in varying degrees of sophistication, but most have been lost to time or destroyed in war. Others were found by nomadic people, who preserved them and settled in the area, deeming those structures sacred or absorbing them into their culture.

Peoples of the ice age include the mammoths, who utilized their great strength to move these massive stones into place. However, these peoples disappeared due to climate change, and inability to compete with the nomadic peoples who were growing in number.

Understandably, very little is known about the civilizations of the ice age. Nevertheless, their stone structures helped some nomadic people start their own civilizations, as they served as defensive walls and shelter.

A notable example is the kingdom of Jershia, built upon grand ice age ruins. The founders of the kingdom built upon the existing megalithic walls, using them to defend the realm, allowing it to flourish. As such, the capital became known as the greatest city built by mortals. Jershia was later conquered, and the ruins there were destroyed by cannons and the capital razed. Only the most massive ruins remained.

Later, the city of High Aldrakhania, capital of the Aldrakhanian empire, was built upon the ruins of Jershia, and inherited the title of "greatest city built by mortals."

For extra context, Aldrakhania is located in a mostly arid region, though the climate was different during the ice age. It's ruled by a lion dynasty.

The following map may provide additional insight on the world: Anthropomorphic Animals, Amazing Powers, and the Age of the Machine : r/worldbuilding

The world I'm working on features anthropomorphic animals. It's about the dawn of the industrial age and how the people adapt.

This lore isn't really connected to the main story, but more for the vibe.

Intro

When the Sea Wolves ventured to north Amaru (continent) and met the coyotes, they learned of their myths about their ancestors and the land.

Conqueror of Amaru

The Sea Wolves once asked a local about the land, and he took them to a crumbling watchtower by the ocean. The coyote said that in a bygone era, Amaru was conquered by a tyrant king who wielded a shard of the First Flame. Crumbling ruins, such as the watchtower, are all that remains of the tyrant's presence, as his reign ended long ago.

The First Flame is an element from a myth, common to the people of the continent.

The Sea Wolves noted that the ruins may have been constructed by an ice age civilization. In world, ice age civilizations did exist, but there's not a lot known about them.

Ancestors and Mythical Places

Spending time with the coyotes, the Sea Wolves learned of stories about amazing places found by their ancestors. However, these stories have been embellished to the point of myth. The coyotes knew that and just told them for entertainment and social glue.

Listening to such stories, the Sea Wolves recorded all manner of amazing places. Once, someone had journeyed past the Edge of the World to the Middle of Nowhere, encountering a crystal lake. Someone journeyed into the Foundation of the World, into a realm with no sky above and dark aurorae. Other stories include all manner of wastelands in the far west, such as the Arcane Waste where a star fell and witches practice their magic. Others spoke of a Veiled Den beyond the Arcane Waste, where a wise sage contemplates the mysteries of the world.

Ice Age Relics

While those aforementioned places are just stories, it is true that the coyotes love exploring their land and its mysteries. In doing so, they often find relics from the ice age, which become family heirlooms with their own embellished stories; fancy stuff which the coyotes like displaying in their dens.

Such relics include the Sovereign Talon of the Northern Skies (a spear with a wavy blade), the Ghoul's Reach (a set of gauntlets said to have been worn by the conqueror of Amaru), and the Helm of Atonement (just some helm). The names and stories associated with those relics are just the creation of the coyotes, though the artifacts are genuine examples of ice age craftsmanship.

...

The following map may provide additional insight on the world: Anthropomorphic Animals, Amazing Powers, and the Age of the Machine : r/worldbuilding

The world I'm working on features anthropomorphic animals as the characters. It's about the dawn of the industrial age and how the people adapt. A big part of the conflict is the Lyonesseans, a big cat group that industrialized first, gaining a tech advantage over everyone else.

I want a theme to be about becoming better as a person, as a reminder to myself to strive for the same, even if it's difficult.

Character

This illustration was inspired by one of the focus characters, a coyote who is finding his place in the world. He is insecure because his father is kind of a big cheese and he wonders if he'll live up to that reputation. His mother told him that insecurity is a symptom of the spirit seeking growth and purpose, so he should be curious about the world and keep on learning.

He reflects on the myth of the cycle of destruction and creation that the world is trapped in. Basically, the most powerful groups destroy the world, and from the ashes, new people arise to continue the cycle. He sees the same pattern in the age of the machine and wonders if it will repeat.

He goes to the republic of Alshenzia to serve as a peacekeeper. To make a long story short, the empire of Aldrakhania wants to invade Alshenzia for oil, and this could be the first domino that could lead to a bigger conflict. However, not everyone is sure about this, so Alshenzia is becoming isolated.

What It's About

People think that machines will solve all of the world's problems, but it seems that they bring a promise of greater destruction.

Supernatural powers also exist in this world, and people can potentially become as powerful as demigods. People have thought that power will solve all of the world's problems, but that hasn't happened thus far.

It's not about solving all of the world's problems.

On his journey, the coyote realizes that it's about breaking the cycle, not by changing the world, but changing oneself. That's the first step, for he who wishes to change the world must first change himself. If not, they become trapped in the cycle.

Power and machines aren't necessarily bad, but without wisdom they lead to ruin, contributing to the cycle of destruction.

In his youth, the coyote honed his powers on the shores of his homeland and asked a wolf fisher for his opinion on power. The wolf told him that power was just like his fishing line. If you pull too hard, it snaps. You've got to let it guide you if it must.

Let me know what you think!

My goal is to write down the lore in Substack: Karl Imran | Substack

The wolves of the Middle South are at the forefront of civilization in a dark and dangerous region. While their neighbors are mostly barbarians, they are highly industrious and organized. As a means of defense, martial spirit is ingrained in their society. Like most wolves, they follow the example of the Sea Wolves, finding ways to punch above their weight class with technology, grit, and strategy.

Defense is a priority for these wolves because of their barbarian neighbors, such as the deer, bears, and other folk of the deep forests in the south. In addition to firearms, these wolves often wield wave-bladed swords and daggers, believing they cause greater internal trauma. The design of such weapons also exhibits the wolves’ sophisticated metalworking skills.

Background

The wolf kings of old unified their territories into a cohesive realm for mutual defense.

The wolves of this region are more civilized than their neighbors, due to their proximity with trade routes in the north. Also, they understand the need for organization and security as a means of survival.

The wolves cooperated with the Kjaran Empire during its reign, in matters of trade and development of technology, like cannons. Later, they formed an alliance with the independent states of the north. However, when the Fall War (the first war of industrial scale) broke out, the alliance was put under great pressure and ultimately fell apart. Thus, the wolves, like everyone else, needed to find the way forward in thee changing world.

Context

The world I’m working on is about anthropomorphic animals, the dawn of the industrial age, and how the people adapt.

The Middle South is a complicated region, as it has been isolated by a mountain range in the west. This has been both a blessing and curse, as it shielded the region from invasion, but also cut it off from major trade routes. Furthermore, the diverse peoples of the region have never been unified under central authority, leaving the future of the region uncertain in a rapidly changing world. Another notable people in the region are the Seramvian Goats.

Further complicating the region is the arrival of the Lyonesseans, establishing a foothold in the south. They are a big cat group that industrialized before the rest of the world, giving them a tech advantage over everyone else. They’re also known as Pantherans.

The wolves see the Lyonesseans as a threat, due to their superior technology (notably aircraft), and the great destruction their ilk caused in the Fall War. Thus, the distrust is turning the Middle South into a powder keg. Furthermore, this situation makes the wolf community susceptible to the spread of ultranationalism.

For extra context, the Fall War was caused by two Lyonessean powers racing to the arctic for supremacy over the world’s oceans. These were the Luisante Group and the empire of Aldrakhan, ruled by a lion dynasty.

The following map may provide additional insight on the world: Anthropomorphic Animals, Amazing Powers, and the Age of the Machine : r/worldbuilding

My goal is to build an interconnected lore book, as most of what happens in the world is connected (story has been in discussion for a decade now): Karl Imran | Substack

There's a story, but I'm not 100% confident in writing it, and I think worldbuilding is my strength so I'm focusing on that aspect for now!

An Alshenzian lizard ranger armed with a bolt-action rifle, either serving as a guard for her clan or as a mercenary.

Neck length is a beauty standard among female Alshenzian lizards, as their necks are longer than the males'. Thus, they are also taller than them.

Additionally, their height became associated with better sniping skills at some point, due to a variety of rationales, true or not. The idea probably came about when bows and crossbows were still in use, as being taller supposedly gave one an advantage in the matter. Furthermore, lizards are considered exotic and mysterious in many places, so people were inclined to propagate stories. The reputation stuck, and so female Alshenzian lizards became reputed as among the best snipers.

Background

When the House of Alshanza (a hyena dynasty) came to power in the region, the Alshenzian lizard clans became their subjects. Like the other people in the borderlands, they were given much autonomy, as their lands were mainly a buffer zone against the expansionist Aldrakhania in the east.

'Alshenzian lizard' is an exonym. People associated them with Alshenzia, so the name stuck and they just went with it.

Context

The world I'm working on is about anthropomorphic animals, the dawn of the industrial age, and how the people adapt to the changing time.

Alshenzia was an empire founded by the House of Alshanza, a hyena dynasty. Their rival was Aldrakhania, an empire ruled by a lion dynasty (the House of Aldrakhan).

Alshenzia became a democracy in order to survive in the new era. However, Aldrakhania is poised to invade, as its regime seeks war as a way of holding on to power.

The following map may provide additional insight on the world: Anthropomorphic Animals, Amazing Powers, and the Age of the Machine : r/worldbuilding

My goal is to build an interconnected lore book, as most of what happens in the world is connected (story has been in discussion for a decade now): Karl Imran | Substack

There's a story, but I'm not 100% confident in writing it, and I think worldbuilding is my strength so I'm focusing on that aspect for now!

A Seramvian goat defender from the Middle South (continent), armed with a traditional war hammer.

These hammers are as heavy as sledgehammers, and yet the Sermavian goats leap across the mountain as if they were as light as feathers. They are equally swift in combat, with strikes like hail.

They are reputed for their craftsmanship, especially in metalwork, stonework, and ornamental work. They carve boulders into the likeness of ancient kings and figures from myth. Their valleys are also guarded by tall stone watchtowers.

Defense of the realm and the family is an important concept in their culture. The males are expected to be capable of fighting, and make journey to the mountaintop alone as a rite of passage into adulthood.

The native mountains are culturally significant to the Seramvian Rams, as they provide shelter and defense.

Background

The Seramvian goats are indigenous to the Middle South and parts of the Northlands. Those of the Middle South are known as Southern Rams, while their northern cousins are known as... Northern Rams. They were once united under the kingdom of Seramvia, but that fell apart due to climate change.

The Northern Rams were conquered by the Kjara clan, while the Southern Rams remained mostly independent in the mountains. There, they held on to their unique culture but were slow to adopt modern weapons or technologies. Furthermore, they are divided into different clans.

The Middle South is an interesting region, because its mountains have been both a blessing and a curse. They have shielded the land from invasion but also isolated it from major trade routes. Some notable groups in this region include the wolves, the deer, and the goats.

The wolves are perhaps the most industrious, located in the north where they trade with the more developed Northlands (continent). The deer mostly keep to themselves in the forests, and are considered barbarians. The Seramvian goats kind of occupy middle ground. They inhabit the mountains but trade with outsiders and can be friendly with them. If you befriend them, you get a sort of brooch that shows you are a friend of the goats.

Unfortunately, the Middle South is kind of a powder keg in the industrial age, because of the different groups that were never unified. It is inevitable that a spark will fall.

Context

The world I'm working on features anthropomorphic animals, the dawn of the industrial age, and how the people adapt to the changing time.

The following map may provide additional insight on the world: Anthropomorphic Animals, Amazing Powers, and the Age of the Machine : r/worldbuilding

My goal is to build an interconnected lore book, as most of what happens in the world is connected (story has been in discussion for a decade now): Karl Imran | Substack

There's a story, but I'm not 100% confident in writing it, and I think worldbuilding is my strength so I'm focusing on that aspect for now!

Hi, here are some illustrations I did for my worldbuilding project which features anthropomorphic animals as the characters. I made these illustrations to accompany lore posts on the worldbuilding subreddit.

I'm looking for suggestions for where I could share my art to raise awareness about my project. Any places you have in mind that might appreciate this kind of content?

The project revolves around a story which has been in discussion for a decade, and I felt that it was time to start somewhere. While there is a story, I'm not 100% confident about writing it and I think worldbuilding is my strength, so that's what I'm focusing on for now. I'll share on the internet, as I'm not sure local gatekeepers would be interested in what I'm working on.

The story is about geopolitics, spheres of influence, and the dawn of the industrial age.

Also, I'd be interested to hear what you think about the designs, or if you have feedback. Thank you!

A nomadic reindeer of the Kjara Clan, with an early firearm and armor for raiding.

Background

Much like the hyena clans in the lands now known as Alshenzia, the Kjara Clan thrived on raiding.

Originally, they migrated from the northwest to find more habitable lands during a time of climate change, some time after the start of the new calendar. This brought them into contact with settled populations and traders in the Northlands (a continent). They adopted the use of firearms, acquired through trade. Later, they decided to conquer the settled populations as well as the other reindeer clans.

Thus, they established the Kjaran Empire, unifying and ruling much of the Northlands. This resulted in a period of stability.

Note that wars with raiders affected the evolution of firearms in the Northlands. Small arms developed slower, as early firearms weren't effective against mobile raiders. Instead, cannons and artillery were the focus. After conquering the region, the Kjaran Empire continued to develop cannons for warfare.

Most notably, the Kjaran Empire was a major rival of Aldrakhania, an empire in the west. Both had imperial ambitions that resulted in a long series of wars against one another. The Kjaran Empire eventually collapsed due to a number of factors, such as wars of independence.

During its decline, the Kjaran state was invaded by Aldrakhania in the first war of industrial scale, the Fall War. Aldrakhania was racing to the arctic for supremacy over the world's oceans and sought to destroy Kjara in the process, partly for revenge. Kjara ultimately repelled Aldrakhania, then formed an alliance, one of the spheres of influence dividing the world.

Context

The world I'm working on features anthropomorphic animals, the dawn of the industrial age, and how the people adapt to the changing time. The first war of industrial scale created a lot of distrust, resulting in the world being divided into three spheres of influence.

Khaibarat was an empire in antiquity that was a center of trade. It facilitated stability and the spread of technology, notably gunpowder. It fell due to a nearby volcanic eruption, which marked the start of the new calendar.

Alshenzia is a country in the west, and a neighbor of Aldrakhania. It was founded by a hyena dynasty and is now a democratic republic.

Aldrakhania is an empire, past its prime, and plagued with corruption, social injustice, and civil war. It is ruled by the House of Aldrakhan, a lion dynasty, clinging on to relevancy in a changing world.

The following map may provide additional insight on the world: Anthropomorphic Animals, Amazing Powers, and the Age of the Machine : r/worldbuilding

My goal is to build an interconnected lore book, as most of what happens in the world is connected (story has been in discussion for a decade now): Karl Imran | Substack

It's a hyena for a worldbuilding project that features anthropomorphic animals as the characters. This character represents a kind of police force in world.

A prince of Aldrakhania (a lion), during the Aldrakhania-Alshenzia war.

Fancy regalia, aside from the sword, has been ditched for practical, drab fatigues. His sword is both a weapon and symbol of legitimacy.

Doubt and war-weariness are creeping in as the war drags on, and he does not know if the cause is just. However, he does know that he has a duty to his homeland.

The world expected Alshenzia to fall within weeks, but it has been resisting. Nonetheless, there is no end in sight, as Alshenzia is striking Aldrakhanian territory with missiles, while Aldrakhania occupies a chunk of its territory.

He's no stranger to war, as he's been fighting in an ongoing civil war, against his Dad's cousin. Nonetheless, the war with Alshenzia is pushing Aldrakhania to the breaking point, but his Dad is committed to keep fighting, because he thinks victory is around the corner and wants to drag allies into the war.

Background

Aldrakhania's an empire past its prime, plagued with corruption, social injustice, and ongoing civil war. It is ruled by the House of Aldrakhan, a lion dynasty, clinging on to relevancy in a changing world. The regime seeks war as a way of holding on to power, with its prime target being its weaker neighbor, Alshenzia.

Alshenzia is mostly barren, but has vast oil reserves, which Aldrakhania wants to capture to fuel its war machine. Furthermore, Alshenzia is a democratic republic, and Aldrakhania feels threatened by the spread of democracy in the region. Thus, they want to bring Alshenzia into their orbit.

Context

The world I'm working on features anthropomorphic animals, the dawn of the industrial age, and how the people adapt to the changing time.

Extra context: Curved swords are native to the region but the House of Aldrakhan, and other elites of the realm, use straight swords as symbols of legitimacy and authority. Their weapons are modeled to resemble an artifact wielded by the kings of Aldrakhania (they call it the Dragon Rider's Spear). The House of Aldrakhan made up a story about the First Lion giving it to them as a symbol of divine right to rule, because they're obsessed with legitimacy.

Here are the characters I've illustrated thus far!

The project is about a world of anthropomorphic animals and the age of industrialization. The characters featured are from different time periods around their world. I have illustrated them to accompany lore posts and articles. Their attire and equipment reflect their respective time periods, societies, challenges, and environments.

Let me know what you think! I'm open to feedback and advice on how I can improve, as I'm still figuring out these designs. I'm still a little new to illustration, so I aim to build my skills for my project.

A fighter from the Aldrakhanian Royal Guard Corps, a zebra in this case.

The Royal Guards are considered the elite and most loyal units of the Aldrakhanian military. While they are trained to use firearms, most carry swords both as weapons and status symbols.

As enforcers of the repressive House of Aldrakhan, the Royal Guards are seen as oppressors by the common folk.

Background

In order to regulate the power of the Aldrakhanian military nobility, the regime restructured the class into the Aldrakhanian Royal Guard Corps. This was also done as part of wider modernization efforts.

Though curved swords are native to the region, the House of Aldrakhan and other elite units, wield straight swords as symbols of legitimacy and authority. This practice stems from the House of Aldrakhan's capture of an artifact they call the Dragon Rider's Spear, which has a straight blade. The kings of Aldrakhania wield this artifact, with the House of Aldrakhan claiming that it was given to them by the First Lion, symbolizing divine right to rule. In reality, the weapon was looted from a conquered city.

The Royal Guards were mainly of noble origin, though one could join their ranks through feats of heroism. Their counterpart, the Aldrakhanian Inquisitors, are recruited mainly from the working class, acting as an elite police unit. As such, the royal guards tend to look down on them, resulting in tension between the two branches.

Context

The world I'm working on features anthropomorphic animals, the dawn of the industrial age, and how the people adapt to the changing time.

Aldrakhania is an empire, past its prime and clinging onto relevancy in a changing world. It is ruled by the House of Aldrakhan, a lion dynasty. Its imperial ambitions make it one of the primary antagonists of the story, as the regime seeks war as a way of holding onto power. The empire is plagued with civil war and corruption.

For extra context, the First Lion mentioned is part of a common myth on the continent (Amaru), about the First Animals. These entities were created by the Old Gods, and initially traveled the land as brothers, but grew distant over time, resulting in different realms and rivalries. It's just a myth, though, and not meant to be taken literally.

The following map may provide additional insight on the world: Anthropomorphic Animals, Amazing Powers, and the Age of the Machine : r/worldbuilding

My goal is to build an interconnected lore book, as most of what happens in the world is connected (story has been in discussion for a decade now): Karl Imran | Substack