Fantasy Creatures - Tumblr Posts

Ismaire here - *reposted because something borked the first time

This is Airis, my lovely vicious bird-dog spook~

He's from a story that I won't be rolling out for a while but I'm sometimes compelled to draw things for as warm-ups and whatnot.

As hinted in the image notes, he does not look this way all the time. I'll draw his normal body eventually.

Secret (Sketchtember 2024 - Day 4)

[The Judge]

Ismaire: The trio sleep soundly in their most recent safe house, charms and wards hung, painted and strewn around to hopefully keep any wandering monsters from taking an interest in their spot.

Eden and Bradie share a handful of secrets by this point in the story, but the most important one is Matthew. When they first met Matt, he was a huge and terrifying monster… that acted like a human. He learned from them, imprinted on them, and even put himself in harm's way to save them - an act of sacrifice they thought had ended him at first.

Matt survived, though he now has to regenerate from the very small piece of himself that was left. He will devote himself to being their big, fierce guardian again someday, but for now they're the ones guarding him, teaching him to be a human, and keeping him a precious secret.

Their world might be ready someday to accept a good-hearted man like Matt who just happens to look like a beast. But for now…

Target Sighted (Sketchtember 2024 - Day 6)

[RED]

Ismaire: This sketch prompt turned into a 3-panel sketch comic about how dragons in this world go just non-functionally feral around cats. In particular the dragons' young leader-to-be, Celine, loses her composure the first time she travels to a human town where they keep cats to hunt the mice, and… this.

Yep. Celine and I are one and the same in this regard. God I love cats a/sldfjdljafd;k

Morning Routine (Sketchtember 2024 - Day 8)

[Hollow Hearts]

Ismaire:

This is Samak and Cole again, although you'll notice that just in the few days since the last HH post, Casting Director Choi has changed their designs a bit, lol.

Being a honey rancher is not an easy job by any means, and this alien desert doesn't provide any easy conditions. But sometimes there are cool moments, like when you get to pet the giant fluffy bees and wake them up for the morning. (Getting covered in their scent puts the rest of the bees at ease so you can go harvest the produce. Also, it's fun~)

Worst Fear (Sketchtember 2024 - Day 13)

[The Judge]

Ismaire: Matthew's worst fear is losing Eden and Bradie. And much to his own horror, especially as he continues regenerating toward his previous full size, he realizes one of the things most likely to cause that to happen is… his own monstrous instincts.

When he was injured, Matt's body had undergone a hard-restart. Growing back to full size was like growing up all over again, and just recently he had started experiencing these insanely strong hunting urges, as if for the first time. It had caught him off guard, and Eden had… he didn't know, maybe just moved the wrong way at the wrong moment, and something in Matthew had screamed--

-- 'PREY.'

Guarding Eden's bedside that night, Matt promised himself he'd ensure this never happened again, or he would leave.

Kirosk (KEE-rohsk)-equivalent to turtle

General Description:

The Kirosk is a formidable terrestrial creature indigenous to the planet Mandalore. Known for its formidable shell and assertive territorial nature, the Kirosk bears a striking resemblance to Earth’s turtles but boasts unique attributes that set it apart as one of the most esteemed and intimidating species on Mandalore. Revered and feared, this creature symbolizes the enduring spirit of Mandalorian culture.

Physical Characteristics:

Size and Structure:

Length: Up to 4 meters

Height: Up to 2 meters

Body: The Kirosk possesses a broad, muscular build, covered by a segmented shell composed of hard, resilient plates. These plates are made from a material akin to beskar, the legendary Mandalorian metal, known for its exceptional strength. The shell’s coloration ranges from dark gray to muted green and blue, aiding in camouflage against Mandalore’s rugged terrain.

Head and Limbs:

Head: The Kirosk features a wide, flattened head with small, piercing eyes that emit an amber glow. Its robust jaw is equipped with razor-sharp teeth designed for breaking rocks and extracting valuable minerals and metals.

Limbs: Short but powerful, the Kirosk’s limbs end in formidable claws. These claws are adept at digging through the earth and defending against potential threats.

Tail:

Structure: The Kirosk’s tail is long, thick, and armored with spiked protrusions. It serves dual purposes: as a defensive weapon and as a tool for attacking. The tail can knock over small trees and deliver significant damage to adversaries during combat.

Behavior and Habits:

Territoriality:

Marking: The Kirosk is highly territorial, using deep scratches on rocks and soil to demarcate its domain. Preferring rocky and mountainous environments, it uses these areas for shelter and strategic observation of potential threats.

Diet:

Feeding Habits: Omnivorous by nature, the Kirosk’s diet includes tough vegetation, small fauna, and minerals embedded in rocks. Notably, the consumption of beskar deposits contributes to the robustness and durability of its shell.

Activity Patterns:

Behavior: Generally solitary, the Kirosk is active during the cooler hours of dawn and dusk, seeking food and defending its territory. Its behavior reflects a blend of cautious observation and aggressive defense.

Cultural Significance:

Mandalorian Symbolism:

Cultural Role: The Kirosk is revered in Mandalorian culture as a symbol of strength, resilience, and perseverance. Its image is often depicted in art, monuments, and armor, representing the enduring spirit of the Mandalorian people.

Ritual Significance: In Mandalorian tradition, confronting a Kirosk is considered a rite of passage for warriors, serving as a test of bravery and skill. The challenge of facing such a formidable creature is seen as a mark of honor and capability.

Utilitarian Value: The Kirosk’s shell, when found naturally, is highly prized. It is often repurposed into armor and shields, enhancing their protective properties with the strength of beskar-like material.

Conservation Status:

Population: The Kirosk is a rare and respected species, with populations concentrated in specific rocky regions of Mandalore. Its rarity contributes to its status as a formidable and coveted creature within Mandalorian society.

Threats: Natural predators and environmental changes pose threats to the Kirosk’s habitat. Conservation efforts focus on protecting these creatures and their ecosystems to ensure their continued presence on Mandalore.

Ecological Role:

Ecosystem Impact: As a keystone species, the Kirosk plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of Mandalore’s rocky environments. Its feeding habits help control mineral deposits and promote the health of the ecosystem.

Curiosity:

"In our extensive studies of the diverse flora and fauna across the galaxy, one particularly fascinating specimen from the remote world of Mandalore has come to our attention: the Kirosk. This remarkable creature, with its formidable shell and elusive nature, has revealed an intriguing biological phenomenon concerning the formation of a rare crystal known as the Mado'a Kyeber. The Mado'a Kyeber, or 'Ka'ra Manda' as it is known in the native tongue, forms within the Kirosk’s digestive system in a manner reminiscent of the pearls produced by the Krayt dragon. As the Kirosk consumes various minerals, some of these are not fully digested and instead accumulate within the stomach. Over time, these undigested mineral fibers crystallize, resulting in the formation of the Mado'a Kyeber. This process mirrors the creation of Krayt dragon pearls, which develop from the irritation caused by foreign objects within the dragon’s digestive tract. The resulting Mado'a Kyeber is a striking black crystal with a pulsating resonance akin to a heartbeat. Its unique formation and properties make it a valuable and symbolically significant substance within Mandalorian culture. The comparison to Krayt dragon pearls underscores its rarity and the complex interplay between the creature's biology and the environment of Mandalore. Such discoveries not only enhance our understanding of the natural world but also deepen our appreciation for the intricate ways in which life adapts and evolves in different corners of the galaxy." — Archivist Nerron, Jedi Archives, circa 1017 ABY

Had my fun with making this. Zevanth and her babbeh Volund. She does not like intruders in her home especially when she has her baby around.

Fantasy Biology Masterlist

It was about time I made a simple list of all the Fantasy Biology posts I’ve done so far, collected in one place. Some of the oldest ones are a different format, before I started doing them regularly, but I’ve included them anyway.

The species for these posts have been chosen by my wonderful Patreon supporters, from as little as $1 a month.

Mermaid Biology

Octopus Mermaid

Stingray Mermaid

Jellyfish Mermaid

Amphibious Mermaid

Monotreme Mermaid

Pegasus

Wyvern

Werewolf

Infectious Vampirism

Phoenix

Pixies

Unicorn

Cerberus

Naga

Griffin

Centaur

Satyr & Glastig Ecology

Manticore

Winged Humanoid (feathers)

Kelpie (water horse)

Cockatrice

Chinese Dragon

Winged Dogs & Cats

Banshee

Disembodied Hand Monster

Hurrok

Gorgons & Medusa

Porcine Orc

Owlbear

Dryad

I've been trying to draw a dragon all day, how do you do it???

REFERENCES my friend!

my dragons are an amalgamation of mostly cats (as in MOSTLY cats….I just know how cats move realllyyyyy welll so I like using that body plan), horses, crocodiles, and the occasional random lizard (and of course, bat wings.)

So, breaking down the morphology of these various animals, I can get a nice well-rounded dragon:

The legs are mostly catlike, with the larger/longer crock/lizard foot, the head is variable for various characters but it’s mostly a shorter, more stylized lizard/horse-like head, then the tail is a combo of cats/crocks/and lizards.

Then the wings, which I place up above the shoulder, high enough that the shoulder blades of the four upper limbs don’t seem to conflict.

Then it’s just up to fleshing things out:

The best thing about dragons is that they’re fictional creatures! So you can draw them however you want!!

Resources For Fantasy & Mythology Writers

Designing A World

City and Town Name Generator

How To Create a Believable World

Fantasy Religion Design Guide

Fantasy Map-maker

The Language Construction Kit

Fantasy Name Generator

The Pagan Name Generator

Writing Fantasy: Tools & Techniques

Fractal World Generator

Creating a Magic System

The Middle Ages

A Large List Of Articles On The Middle Ages

Middle Ages Weapons

Medieval Clothing

Medieval Clothing Pages

Medieval Name Archive

The Domesday Book

European Nobility Titles

Mythology

General Folklore

Various Folktales

Heroes

Weather Folklore

Trees in Mythology

Animals in Mythology

Birds in Mythology

Flowers in Mythology

Fruit in Mythology

Plants in Mythology

Folktales from Around the World

Egyptian Mythology

African Mythology

More African Mythology

Egyptian Gods and Goddesses

The Gods of Africa

Even More African Mythology

West African Mythology

All About African Mythology

African Mythical Creatures

Gods and Goddesses

Aztec Mythology

Haitian Mythology

Inca Mythology

Maya Mythology

Native American Mythology

More Inca Mythology

More Native American Mythology

South American Mythical Creatures

North American Mythical Creatures

Aztec Gods and Goddesses

Chinese Mythology

Hindu Mythology

Japanese Mythology

Korean Mythology

More Japanese Mythology

Chinese and Japanese Mythical Creatures

Indian Mythical Creatures

Chinese Gods and Goddesses

Hindu Gods and Goddesses

Korean Gods and Goddesses

Basque Mythology

Celtic Mythology

Etruscan Mythology

Greek Mythology

Latvian Mythology

Norse Mythology

Roman Mythology

Arthurian Legends

Bestiary

Celtic Gods and Goddesses

Gods and Goddesses of the Celtic Lands

Finnish Mythology

Celtic Mythical Creatures

Gods and Goddesses

Islamic Mythology

Judaic Mythology

Mesopotamian Mythology

Persian Mythology

Middle Eastern Mythical Creatures

Aboriginal Mythology

Polynesian Mythology

More Polynesian Mythology

Mythology of the Polynesian Islands

Melanesian Mythology

Massive Polynesian Mythology Post

Maori Mythical Creatures

Hawaiian Gods and Goddesses

Hawaiian Goddesses

Gods and Goddesses

List of Gods

Encyclopedia Mythica

Mythical Creatures & Beasts

Questions To Ask When Worldbuilding

The World

Physical and Historical Features

Magic and Magicians

Peoples and Customs

Social Organization

Commerce, Trade, and Public Life

Daily Life

Basics

Alternate Earth

Not Earth at All

Climate and Geography

Natural Resources

World History

Specific Country(s) History

Rules of Magic

Wizards

Magic and Technology

Miscellaneous Magic Questions

Customs

Eating

Greeting and Meeting

Gestures

Visits

Language

Ethics and Values

Religion and the Gods

Population

Government

Politics

Crime and the Legal System

Foreign Relations

Waging War

Weapons

Business and Industry

Transportation and Communication

Science and Technology

Medicine

Arts and Entertainment

Architecture

Urban Factors

Rural Factors

Fashion and Dress

Manners

Diet

Education

Calendar

Magic

The Hypertext List of Spells

Gemstone Properties

Gemstone Meanings

Crystal Healing

Fairy & Other Spirits

Elven Phrases

Beware the Flur. It stalks the fields in search of its next victi- erm, meal

The Dragon of harmony: Ulleon

One of the two Dragons of Dainfare and sister to Ardhorn. She represents wisdom and care. She is said to often guide people in the form of a beautiful lady dressed in white and silver. She resides in the Sea of Ulleon and can occasionally be seen flying to Ulleon’s Post to grieve over her lost friend Cùl. Above all else she embodies the harmony that follows the chaos of existence.

This year I participated in a course that took me to the Rupinuni region of Guyana. Here are some excerpts from a sketchbook I kept during my time there.

Most of these are fantasy creatures inspired by the fauna of the region. 

https://www.behance.net/gallery/17283413/Skoon

A unicorn

OMG I LLVE THIS SO SO MUCH ITS SO CUTEEEEE AAAA

ೀ 🦄‧ ˚ 🎀 ⊹˚. ♡ 🐰˚ ⋆⑅˚₊

Hi hi helloooo :]]]]

I just found your account and I think your stuff is real neat ^ ^

Could I possibly request some Dinosaur/Dinosaur Nugget graphics for my masterpost?

Thank you thank you!!

Dinosaurs / Dino Nuggets

These were so fun to make as I myself am a dinosaur stan 💚🦕

Hi! Is there any chance you could do dinosaur themed dividers with the colors, purple, teal, blue, and tan? Totally understandable if not, I just thought I'd ask!

hi! I can give that a shot for sure! 🦖🦕💖 thanks for sending this in!

[Free] Masterlist Headers & Dividers!

Please consider liking or reblogging if you use 💕

ུᩧ   mermaid-core dividers by me  𓇼ㅤᩧ ♩