#biology inspired art

[msdanigart]

Cytoskeletal- By Ms. Dani G Art- 2022

Another one of my earlier pieces. It honestly started out as a bit of a mess, because this paper DRANK up water like it just got dragged out of the desert, but I made it work!

Beautiful artwork if I do say so myself!

Support my art || Watch me create || Connect

[dokupine]

dreaming of the flutter kick

[styllwaters]

KNIGHT ETHNIC GROUPS, ORDERS AND CULTURES: A GUIDE

MAP OF ETTERA (Knight Homeplanet)

Standard map [continents shown]

Regional map [territories shown]

✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦

I have here a weeks worth of writing and art because I for some reason enjoy torturing myself! I've been slaving away at this for so long but it's finally done and polished. So! As promised, I'm gonna talk a bit about the different Knight cultures/ethnicities, territories and general social structure.

Knights are one of my alien sophont civilisations from my Vivere 44 headworld. Here are more links from my previous posts:

Introductory post

Knight deities

Knight languages and names

With that being said, worldbuilding textwalls below the cut!

____

First, an explanation of the maps.

CONTINENTS

There are three main continents on Ettera. The two polar landmasses are Thannoeh in the northern end and Nahrui in the southern end. Thannoeh is divided by east and west, and is home to the two major Polar Knight nations. Nahrui is not occupied by any, aside from explorers or scientists. For many Knights, it is a strange, enigmatic land and a topic of great curiosity. In the middle is Val-srat; the central continent inhabited by Mountain and Plains Knights. The landmass is named as such because it is often represented in folklore as a Knight, with Valazear (the ‘Host’) being the southern Plains territories and Srati (the ‘Helmet’) being the northern Mountain territories. The Ihmna Stretch is the section of land connecting the two countries - ‘Ihmna’ is the Ferhahti word for the Integrator organ which joins the host and helmet’s consciousness.

Plant life on Ettera takes on hues of red and orange.

____

Before I get into the different ethnicities, I should elaborate more on how Knight Orders are structured and the different titles; some of the clothing articles are specific to status.

SOCIAL STRUCTURE

Most Knights live in groups called ‘Orders’, which I talked more about in this ask.

The standard roles for an Order are as follows:

Commander - Makes decisions, protects and supports the group. Commanders lead the Order across difficult terrain, plan out hunts, and take care of their members. A Commander might be chosen based on generational succession, experience, or strength. Depending on the rules of the Order, a Commander might be challenged by a Knight who desires their position, although only an elite or lieutenant would be permitted to do this. In more traditional and conservative orders Commanders are always Pike-forts.

Lieutenant - Second in command. The Lieutenant is the Commander’s primary advisor and runs the Order when they are unable to. A Commander may train their lieutenant to one day take their place as leader, or a lieutenant might serve multiple generations of Commanders without ever challenging them.

Elites - A selection of Knight soldiers who are exceptionally experienced, strong and fast. Highly respected by the rest of the Order and carry out important duties such as organisation. They have the highest chance of being the next lieutenant or Commander. 

Soldiers - The main body of the Order, fully grown Knights who are proficient in all the skills necessary for survival. Soldiers are tasked with a variety of jobs to keep the Order healthy and running: they are also farmers, medics, entertainers, strategists, builders, etc. 

Scouts - Scouts are Knights who make reconnaissance trips for the Order. Their job is to gather information about a potential area to settle or travel through. Scouts also have a range of other responsibilities, such as acting as lookouts, messengers, and taking care of Pages.

There are two types of Scouts - temporary and permanent. Temporary scouts are Squires (16-17 years) who have completed their training and are performing Expeditions, which they are required to do before becoming a full soldier. On Expeditions two or three Scouts will travel a certain distance away from the Order, sometimes miles away, to deliver goods to other Orders or to simply evaluate an area/route. Permanent scouts are lower-ranked Knights who are unable to become Soldiers, prefer a caretaker role, or have been relegated to the position.

Squires - Knights in training. Squires learn from a Soldier assigned to teach them. They may be tutored one-on-one, or taught in a group. They learn the ways of the Order and the world around them. Squires will often be assigned small hunting trips with their tutor, or cleaning jobs. Typically aged 7-15 years.

Pages - The youth of the Order, Knights aged 0-6 years. The pages are fiercely protected by every member of the Order. A newborn Helmet or Host will stay with their birth parent/s until they have assimilated, in which care duty is passed on to a permanent Scout. The Scout raises the Pages alongside several others until they are ready to become Squires.

This structure originated from Mountain Orders and spread to Plains and Polar regions a long time ago. Of course, not every Order follows this plan exactly, and there are countless variations. Some Knights don't live in Orders at all, and may live in pairs (which is common for travelling merchants and explorers) or small groups. Very rarely, a Knight may travel alone. This is the case for exiles.

____

You may already be familiar with the Mountain, Plains and Polar Knight regional varieties, but within these subspecies are various ethnic groups.

THE ETHNICITIES

✦ MOUNTAIN ✦

✦ Ferhahti [Ferhaht]

The Ferhahti Knights are an ethnic group located in the Ferhaht territory of Srati. Their thick fur is of various shades of grey and grey-blue. Their clothing styles are typically beige and tan, often complete with rectangular tassels and red accents. The Ferhahti have a ‘New Years’ festival called Khulaam in which they call upon Etteran spirits to bless them with good harvests, hunting and rain. During these festivals there is music, food, dancing and socialising with others. Allied Orders, usually 2-5, will come together to celebrate. Celebrations last five days. Alliances may be temporary or long-lasting, but the Orders will go on a hunt on the final day to bring down a large quarry. Oftentimes there will be a ‘Herald’ dancer who bears a flag on their horn, depicting glyphs of good fortune. 

Since the Ferhahti and Kaata territories are neighbouring, and have no physical borders, Orders from both lands will often meet to trade goods and information. Many Plains-Mountain hybrids are of Ferhahti and Kaata descent due to the close proximity of the nations. 

NOTE: Plains and Mountain Knights are capable of producing hybrid offspring, although they will be infertile. Neither Plains nor Mountain Knights can produce viable hybrids with Polar Knights.

✦ Fejga [Fejg]

Fejga Knights (pronounced Fej-ya) make their home in the Fejg archipelago. They are generally of a bulkier physique than other Mountain Knights, have a coat of thick fur and are well adjusted to chillier climates. They also sport a ‘saddle’ marking on their backs and are likely to have mottled/freckled patterns and blue eyes. Their Orders are partially seafaring, with many sailing from island to island in magnificent ships. Fishing is a large part of their lifestyles as the sea provides a stable source of food. 

Their clothes are frequently made from leather and wool from domesticated animals. It is deceptively thin, as their pelts already provide natural insulation from the cold. Fejga Commanders wear three silver piercings on their Helmets.

✦ Svunacht [Svun]

Svunacht Knights live within the mountain-bordered territory of Svun and the island of Naahek. Orders have a special ceremony for choosing their Commander. The next in line, usually a chosen Host and Helmet born of the previous Commander and their partner, must journey across the Asall mountain range which borders Svun. It is a treacherous, long passage, and requires the Knight to wear a mask to block out the searing winds. They must also wear a spiked collar as a traditional accessory and safety measure to deter larger predators which roam the mountains. They are forbidden from carrying firearms, only armed with a knife, their wits, and natural defences. Ceremonial garments are required, passed down through generations, and three slips of fabric are worn on their horn for good luck: representing strength, wisdom and tenacity. The journey, called the Meha, is the final step in a long series of rigorous training for future successors. 

The painting of Helmets is also a large part of Svunacht culture. It is typically only reserved for Commanders, Lieutenants or Elites. 

★ PLAINS ★

★ Kaata [Kaat]

Kaata Knight Orders inhabit the deserts of Kaat. They are perfectly suited to desert life, their tan coats reducing heat absorbed from the sun. Kaata Knights make their clothing from woven fibres of plants that are garnished with gold pigments derived from a natural mineral found in the sands. They are especially known for their proficiency in fine crafts, and often trade jewellery to Ferhahti Orders across the Ihmna Stretch connecting Kaat and Ferhaht. Kaata clothing tends to be highly detailed and ornamental, with shiny beads adorning arm cuffs, necklaces, mandible rings and horn sleeves. The many gemstone and fossil deposits in Kaat are also incorporated into their styles. Like the Svunacht Knights, Kaata also paint their Helmets, although the practice is not restricted to any particular titles.

★ Saisala [Saisal]

Saisala Knights live in and around the deltas and rivers of Saisal, the southernmost territory of Val-srat. The area is filled with marshlands and everglades, and the weather is more wet and humid than the dry plains of Kaat. Saisala forts sport a dark reddish mane that grows right down their backs and bears some resemblance to maned wolves. Their pikes have hooked horns and sloping spines, as well as more ‘splotchy’ red stripes. Their Helmet eyes also have a pale ring around their pupils.

Saisala clothing styles are characterised by draping, ovular shapes and translucent sections of fabric. The green and gold drapes in the drawing are traditional wedding garments, complete with rounded tassels and a horn extension for pikes. The hanging ‘coins’ have engravings which tell a short but sweet poem.

★ Yaemioui [Yaemiou]

Yaemioui Orders live in a similar environment to Saisala Knights, in the wetland territories of Yaemiou. Their coats are pale like Kaata, but come in a greater combination of hues such as orange, grey and vermilion. Fun fact: all Plains Host pups are born with faint spots to help them camouflage, like lion cubs. Most lose these markings as they grow older, but Yaemioui hosts retain them even in adulthood. Their patterns are similar to painted dogs. The Yaemioui have a rich storytelling culture and have records dating back thousands of years.

Their clothing styles utilise dusky, non-bright colours that are usually two-piece. The outfit in the picture is worn by an elder Pike-fort who has carried and sired many offspring. The spine extensions are an indicator of age and experience, and a mark of high respect. The scarf around their neck depicts circles symbolising their Helmet children, and the circles on the larger cloth represent their Host progeny. 

★ Balkzaiinu [Balkzaii]

On the island of Balkzaii reside the Balkzaiinu Knights, who have dark stripes on both their Hosts and Helmets and short curly fur. Unlike other Orders, Balkzaiinu communities rarely ever hunt - they were one of the first countries to develop farming and agriculture, and import a lot of domesticated animals to Saisal and Yaemiou. They are also the only country that has no Commanders in their Orders, and decisions are made by a council of higher-ups. They live in a tropical climate which receives lots of rainfall and cyclones. They are also masters in boat making and sailing, and contacted the mainland several centuries ago. Balkzaiinu have different decency standards than other Plains Knights, and in their culture it is considered proper to cover the neck area. Their clothing is generally layered and contains colourful, square designs.

✧ POLAR ✧

✧ Aikka [Ehtte Thannoeh]

Aikka Knights have domain over the Eastern section of Thannoeh. The polar word for East is Ehtte, and West Uesse. Since the country is so close to the Fegj archipelago, the two have been in contact for a long time.

Aikka have pristine white fur and a slightly bluish tinge to their Helmets. As with all Polar Knights, they are much smaller than their Plains or Mountain relatives, but are incredibly tough and hardy as a result of surviving in one of the harshest biomes. Ehtte Thannoeh is associated with scientific prowess, discovery and knowledge, and many famous Knight explorers are from Thannoeh. There are several research stations on Nahrui that are run and managed by Aikka; they have no difficulty working in the icy environment. Aikka Knights are also experts in carving, sculpting figurines and charms from the ivory tusks of marine animals. The outfit depicted in the drawing shows an Aikka Scout wearing a pendant with a carved basilosaurus-like animal for spiritual protection. These pendants are often given by parents to children. Their coat has six pockets for navigational instruments, goggles, knives, a spyglass, medical equipment and more. 

✧ Myet [Uesse Thannoeh]

Myet Orders have less contact with other regions than Aikka. Residing in Uesse Thannoeh, Many of them live further inland. Myet Hosts have a more yellowish tinge to their fur and their Pike Helmets have a tan stripe. The Helmets also have a more rounded 'snout'. They have managed to domesticate a large predator which defends their camps and is used as a mount/companion. Like the Balkzaiinu, Myet Orders have a different structure than most, having two Commanders, usually a mated pair, and no lieutenants or elites.

Myet clothing is more minimal than Aikka styles. They usually cover the back with a ‘saddle’ and manipulators with gloves. The outfit drawn is of a Commander, distinguished by the ring of fabric around their horn and eye makeup. In their backpack they carry hunting weapons, and wear a knife sheathed at their side.

_________________

And that's a wrap! Thank you for reading, this project is truly a delight to work on. I leave you with some messy concept art I did a while ago for Mountain Knight clothing styles.

[rosewoodroad]

I had a HC that Aurene in Tyrian form would probably take after the Commander (+Caithe for sylvari), and I took it as an excuse to test out my new tablet--

But also, expanding on the HC with more Thoughts...

I imagine she would actually be hilariously bad at shapeshifting at first, like a slippery slope down uncanny valley.

She'd pass the "looks ok from across the room" test, but get too close and you notice all the little imperfections (or lack thereof). She never blinks, her skin is too flawless, she has too many teeth, her hair glows whenever she laughs??

Sometimes, she forgets that Asura only have 4 fingers, or that Sylvari aren't supposed to glow all the time, or that other races aren't supposed to glow at all.

[the-dragon-girl-27]

edgy ass sketch i never posted, I have a lot of drawings that are just anime person holding or standing next to a big intimidating dragon looking creature now that i think about it probably because that is the thing of all time

Feraligatr is fun to draw lol

[mirwx]

ever since i read BTTS winged pebbles has been stuck in my mind

i was going to make a quick sketch but then I rendered the metal. so here.

[imanomnidragon]

I have a test tomorrow... I haven't even opened my notebook 🫡

[thestarsmakemedream-art]

ART MASTERPOST: Rebirth by thisisapaige

In the Woods somewhere there is a creature. A creature that lures people deep in the forest. Sam Winchester, Dean's ill, little brother follows the temptation and it changes his and his brother's life forever. If you want to see what happens with the brothers later and also reading about one of the most interesting entity in the forest, than you should definitely check out Rebirth from @thisisapaige on AO3.

Not just the brothers but I was also lured in by this mysterious creature of the woods. I loved everything about it/him (?) and loved the idea of it being actually the forest. As someone who lives in the northern hemisfere and saw these kinda forests it was fascinating to learn how diverse they could be depending on the exact location. I was looking for plants, animals and fungi and chosen a lot of them to build up Castiel's character. One of the first reason to claim this fic, beside obviously the awesome story, was the opportunity to draw Castiel with flowers and moss. :D On the second art you can see one of my favourite characters of this fic, the little will'o'wisp.

@thisisapaige

@hoziernaturalevents

[forestd0ll]

₊˚⊹ ཐིཋྀ⋆𝚜𝚔𝚎𝚝𝚌𝚑𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚛𝚢⋆𓆣ִ ࣪⋆⭒˚｡

𝙼𝚊𝚛𝚋𝚕𝚎𝚍 𝙴𝚖𝚙𝚎𝚛𝚘𝚛 𝙼𝚘𝚝𝚑 (𝙷𝚎𝚗𝚒𝚘𝚌𝚑𝚊 𝚍𝚢𝚘𝚙𝚜)

𝚂𝚌𝚊𝚛𝚊𝚋 𝙱𝚎𝚎𝚝𝚕𝚎 (𝚂𝚌𝚊𝚛𝚊𝚋𝚊𝚎𝚒𝚍𝚊𝚎)

[buggbuzz]

sorry pookies i forgot i had these xoxo

[etchif]

Carnorhinocerus, the Carnivorous Rhinocerus

[wolfsbaneandthistle]

Some of the sapient species that aren't represented by the crew of the Little Bird. The majority of these guys are affiliated with the galactic governance founded by Enith, but a few of them are allied with Teth Tias, or their own governments. Also none of these are to scale :)

+ the plain lineart with some funny notes.

[mebis-art-dump]

The Gunslinger spider

Name pending

Species: Temnoceran

My first ever monster hunter monster oc! inspired by boleadora spiders, this large monster keeps a herd of common prey monsters (such as aptonoth) within its territory in order to attract the flying wyverns it preys upon (and as livestock in case of emergency); extremely territorial about its herd, will not just attack its preferred prey but also anything that threatens them.

The boulders it stacks in its back and webbed bag act both as natural armor and camouflage as well as its ammo, as it attaches the rocks to threads of silk in order to hurl them at its prey both to knock it down and to entangle and pull at it.

Around its mouth there are pores that produce threads of silk which help detect vibrations in the air, and also can be combined with the sticky substance produced by its fangs (gets more viscuous when in contact with air) to quickly weave threads in the middle of a fight. There are accounts of older and more experienced individuals using smaller, ignitable stones with its front limbs to directly engage opponents in close combat, causing burns and concussions from the blasts (an action very reminiscent of one of Qurupeco's abilities, perhaps these older individuals have engaged in fights with them? to predate them or to take advantage of their call?)

[frankidacre]

IT’s GREGORRRR MENDELLLLL!!! (Posting this drawing I made because guess who passed their bio finals!!!!) Anyways I think about how this guy really loved his bees 😭 but the monastery wouldn’t let him study the reproduction of bees as opposed to peas sjfjsjfjj. The bees and the peas.

[dailymothanon]

imagine if New Jersey was notoriously terrible at taking care of plants to the point New York felt bad and would properly take care of them when NJ wasn’t looking so when a plant would survive for over a week with NJ he’d be so ecstatic; eventually NJ probably learnt how to care for them properly I’m sure tho

I have a really old plant (I forget what kind) but she’s named Queen. She’s really chill and I practically grew up with her ✌︎('ω')✌︎

[cuteniaarts]

Hey 🗑️🔥 gang (@katkastrofa @rokurookajima @shadelorde)…

Heard you guys like feral women 😏😏😏