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Working on a personal fursona (part 4, design notes)
12 years ago
This journal contains some (probably boring) notes about Auric's design and the reasons behind some of his characteristics.
Notes on species and the term "Gryphon":
As Auric's main page on FA says, I've tended to lurk on the outskirts of furry society (that is one reason why my 'sona is an anthro jackal). I've decided to call Auric a Jackal Gryphon (a canine gryphon) rather than a winged jackal because he has more avian features than just wings and he can shapeshift to a gryphon-like form. I know some people have definite opinions about what should be called a "Gryphon" (Griffon, Griffen, etc.) and if it makes those people happier they can call him a relative of the Simurgh/Senmurv (dog-bird) http://www.gryphonpages.com/relatives/ or a "Simuran" rather than a Gryphon, but I decided to use the term Gryphon loosely to describe any mammal-avian hybrid that has avian characteristics beyond just feathered wings stuck on the back of a mammal. I also took the time to figure out exactly what species of bird his wings come from and gave him a detailed feather pattern rather than having 'generic' wings. Winged characters don't always go to this level of detail but gryphons can almost always tell you exactly what bird species their avian side is from. Auric's wing shape and pattern comes from the Buteo Rufinus (long-legged buzzard), which looks a lot like a small eagle, which helped me during the design process since I was originally thinking of eagles. Over here in the “new world” the term hawk is more common for a buteo and the term buzzard often gets confused with a (bare headed) vulture and can be used as a derogatory term for certain birds of prey, which gives buzzards a somewhat bad reputation as undesirable pests, scavengers, and carrion eaters, sort of like the reputation of a… uh… well… jackal (sigh). There’s already a buteo called a Jackal Buzzard (Buteo Rufofuscus) so I can just picture the confusion… “no, he’s a jackal/buzzard not a Jackal Buzzard”, maybe using the term jackal/hawk would be less confusing, particularly since he's not bald headed "no, a long-legged buzzard is NOT a vulture", but I finally decided on Jackal Gryphon.
Here are some links to canine based gryphons: http://www.furaffinity.net/full/14744657/ High Reaches - by hbruton
Notes on species and the term "Simuran":
I would like to know more about the word "simuran". This is a summary of what I have learned already. The term "simuran" is widely used in Russia and Ukraine to refer to a winged wolf or winged dog, but the term is not commonly used on English language websites yet. The origin of the term "simuran" is from old Russian paganism (Russian or Slavic religion of the 9th to 12th centuries) where Simuran is the incarnation of the god Simargl described in many sources as a winged wolf or winged dog. Simuran is the messenger between people and gods, and is a positive and respected character. The word and legends seem to be related to the Persian Simurgh (dog-bird), which is also a positive character. Today the term "simuran" doesn't refer to its historical definition, but has become a generic term for all winged wolves (typically feral but it can also be used for an anthropomorphic winged canine). I think that the English language could use a word to describe a winged wolf (similar to how the term "griffin" or "gryphon" refers to a creature with the forebody of a bird and the hindquarters of a mammal, typically a feline). I think it is nice that we can borrow a word from Russian furs that is based on old legends, so I will use the term "simuran" for Auric and hope that the word gains popularity among English-speaking furs as well.
Examples of simurans:
http://www.furaffinity.net/full/17599998/ - Screaming through clenched teeth - by Alai_Aorax (from Belarus)
http://www.furaffinity.net/full/17770484/ - Endless waiting - by Alai_Aorax
http://www.furaffinity.net/full/15659961/ - Secret santa 2013-2014 - by NargilFlameWolf (from Russia)
http://www.furaffinity.net/full/17584890/ - Nao the ArcticHound - by ArcticHound (from Russia)
http://www.furaffinity.net/full/12059182/ and http://www.furaffinity.net/full/15510607/ and http://www.furaffinity.net/full/15797883/ - Hioshiru references (the best known simuran on FA)
Wing Tutorials:
https://www.sketchbook.com/blog/how.....rds-bats-more/
Notes on wing/feather pattern:
When he has a 'real bird' feather pattern, Auric's flight feathers are white with dark gray tips. The secondary flight feathers can have faint 'bars' like the real long-legged buzzard but since drawing a lot of bars can be tedious his stylized pattern for bars is to show no bars on the primary (finger) feathers, one bar on the middle feathers, and two bars on the feathers near his body.
Notes on head shape:
Here are some nice references to pictures of real Golden Jackals, to help show their head and muzzle shape:
http://walkthewilderness.net/golden.....y-photography/
http://www.animalspot.net/golden-ja.....is-aureus.html
http://www.la.lv/iespejams-ari-latv.....jusies-sakali/ [Latvian photo with both golden jackal and red fox]
Notes on head fur and mane:
Auric's "headfur" or "mane" is not typical of real golden jackals, though those that live at higher elevations tend to have fluffier coats than their desert dwelling cousins. The look of his "mane" has evolved from a combination of human-like head fur and a chest tuft.
Notes on facial pattern and "Eyebrows":
The area just around his eyes as well as his chin and throat are lighter than the rest of his face; this is mainly to make his face less plain. The transition to the lighter areas should be gradual/shaded, if his face is done in solid flat color it should all the same color rather than having sharp dividing lines between colors. The white-ish/cream-colored fur markings above his eyes (shaped like a comma turned horizontal) are mainly for use in expressing emotion in drawings when he does not have eyebrows, they are optional and if shown at all should be fairly subtle whenever they aren't needed for expressing emotion. Also regarding eyebrows, canines have a sort of little circles over their eyes (called the levator anguli oculi medialis) that is effectively the eyebrow. This little circle above the eye can be fairly noticeable in domestic dogs so some artists tend to draw it as quite distinctive in canine characters. I think it is less noticeable in wild canids so I prefer to keep it subtle in artwork of Auric, to try to avoid him looking like a domestic dog.
--That part of the anatomy is called the levator anguli oculi medialis. It's effectively the eyebrow in dogs.
Notes on real golden jackal paw pads:
While this doesn't need to be shown on Auric's feet, Golden Jackals have different paw pads than Wolves and Domestic Dogs. The two middle toe pads are joined at the back and those claws are very close together, while the two side pads are shaped more like equilateral triangles with rounded edges than ovals.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/65282.....N07/6099922687 canis aureus front foot
https://www.flickr.com/photos/65282.....N07/6100467656 canis aureus back foot
Here is a drawing that is closer to jackal shaped than most canid paw drawings: http://www.furaffinity.net/view/15944557/ PAWS <3 - by shorty-antics-27
Notes on signature accessories (jewelry, etc.):
I am aware of the limitations of what sort of detail can be shown in smaller sized drawings. For any item that Auric may have reasonably often, I try to consider in advance how it will appear at different sizes and levels of detail, particularly such that it is identifiable as the same thing/object at all of the different levels of detail, which is actually a fairly complicated part of designing a character or anything a character typically wears or carries. For instance, Auric’s amulet can appear as a featureless oval shape in a tiny picture like a simple cartoon panel with little detail. As size and detail level increase the shape of the ‘star’ starts to appear, perhaps just as hints of its curved sides at first but eventually the simple ‘star’ pattern is visible within the oval amulet and then hints of the rays start to appear followed by full ‘star’ pattern with its four sets of three rays when the size allows that level of detail. Also as detail level increases, hints of the teardrop shaped ‘fittings’ at the top and bottom start to be visible, perhaps just as small bumps at first but eventually their shapes become visible and finally the fact that they have holes in them will show.
Notes on clothing:
I don't intend for Auric to always be shown in an Egyptian style kilt or a loincloth (even with side flaps to reduce the 'sexiness' factor), though it was good for a refsheet. A sleeveless tunic, loose pants, and sandals, possibly with a travelling cloak or mage's robe would be appropriate. My current thought for a sandal strap pattern is like http://www.kiwisandals.com/ style #31 but it would be fun to have it work on both plantigrade and digitigrade feet (perhaps by adjusting/repositioning a strap). Auric's clothing doesn't need to fit a particular culture or time period: Egyptian, generic fantasy medieval European, Tibetan or even Japanese or variations would all work.
Here's a link to a sketch drawn by twistgryphon showing wingless Auric wearing a traveling cloak/mage robe: http://www.furaffinity.net/full/12539142/ and here's a link to a color drawing by OneWhoChandles showing wingless Auric dressed as a Sage from Final Fantasy III: http://www.furaffinity.net/view/13069284/ . Another outfit that Auric has been shown in consists of: loincloth, trousers, belt with tails, undershirt, vest, short cape
Here's an interesting example of an ancient Egyptian scribe's outfit, the picture shows the Theban Scribe Ani wearing a robe without stitching up the sides, arranged and tied with a long sash: www.fashion-era.com/images/100_bc_A.....story/scribean230i.jpg , http://jameswassermanbooks.com/sheet-19.jpg . The pattern for the open robe is here: http://www.fashion-era.com/ancient_.....ss_2_robes.htm
Notes on loincloths:
Here are some notes about loincloths, since that is the minimum attire for my 'sona in a full body pose unless he is in quadrepedal/feral gryphon form or is drawn in a toony style like these sketches of him by twistgryphon: http://www.furaffinity.net/full/11973480/ and http://www.furaffinity.net/full/12196591/ . Since furry characters, particularly native american themed anthro's and werewolves are often drawn wearing loincloths, I got curious about exactly how they worked. Some searching shows there are lots of different types of loincloths but it has also shown me that many furry artists don't worry about exactly how a loincloth or breechcloth works since they tend to get drawn like they don't need to go between the legs and/or be tucked over the belt somewhere. For artists who are interested in showing clothing that actually works, here are a couple of loincloth refs: http://www.furaffinity.net/full/982059/ Loincloths Galore - by Krayne (#9 is my favorite of that set), http://www.furaffinity.net/full/6336340/ How to wear an Ecchu Fundoshi - by Chestnuts, and http://www.furaffinity.net/full/10209613/ Phantom - by PhantomFullForce. I'm trying to keep Auric as well covered as possible, thus when he is wearing a loincloth it often has side flaps and I'm trying to avoid little strings or straps of any sort showing from any normal angle because little strings can make things seem sexier than just cloth showing.
Notes on name/nickname:
The name 'Auric' is based on 'aureus', the Latin adjective for 'golden' which appears in the scientific species name for the golden jackal, canis aureus. In a modern or sci-fi setting he might use the name Auric Matheson. His occasional nickname "Starstryder" mainly exists to make it easier to find him in searches, since there are other characters named Auric. It is spelled with a "y" simply to make it more uniquely searchable. The nickname is a partially a loose reference to two WWtA tribes, the Stargazers and the Silent Striders, that I decided to use because it can fit any time period and setting from tribal to sci-fi (e.g. Star Wars).
Notes on powers/abilities:
--In all settings he reads & speaks multiple languages and is resistant or immune to mental powers/effects. Other abilities may vary to fit the setting but other than winged flight (if winged) and possibly shapeshifting/illusion (mainly to fit into a setting) he tends to avoid openly displaying any powers he may have.
--I really had to give Auric some shapeshifting so that I wouldn't go nuts every time someone drew his tail wrong or something (...oh, ok, he's just shifted like that today). Illusion was also helpful in this regard since it can even explain anatomy errors (...oh, he's just doing an illusion and he's messed it up a bit).
--There are plenty of extremely powerful characters out there that are 200 feet tall or can incinerate planets with their energy beams, it is probably best to just say that Auric operates on a different level than that.
Notes on personality:
Auric is quiet but isn't exactly silent or taciturn, though he certainly doesn't talk much about his background or abilities (he's downright secretive about that). Auric tends to be quiet among large groups but can be talkative about some subjects when in small groups or one-on-one, particularly with others who have shown an interest in the well being of others (good people). Kurama/Shuichi of the anime series YuYu Hakusho is actually a very good example, he's not chatty but isn't especially taciturn; when he does have a speaking part it is usually knowledgeable, intelligent, practical, serious and good-natured, though he does rarely do some humor or teasing with a very dry wit. Kurama is a good analogy for Auric in a number of other ways including intelligence and analytical ability in addition to being calm and not having strong expressions, although Auric is less of a fighter and more of a planner and scholar. Auric's involvement in a conflict is more likely to be subtle and involve information gathering, planning, and support rather than direct physical or magical combat. He can handle himself in a fight if necessary but doesn't like fighting. A quote: “My greatest power is the ability is to care about others.”
Notes on character background:
see above
Auric's unofficial birthday is Aug 26, since the very first drawing of him ever was Posted: August 26th, 2013 10:37 AM : http://www.furaffinity.net/full/11457646/
Quotes: (examples)
>Suppose you could either have all the money you want or all the knowledge you want. What would you pick? http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/...../#cid:49983552
"Knowledge. Without it the money would be pointless and easily lost. With it the money can easily be earned and effectively used." =Auric=
Notes on setting:
Just FYI, the climate/terrain in Auric's home setting would normally be high desert (high plains) or arid foothills/mountains, like Arizona's Grand Canyon, Utah's Zion or Bryce, or much of central and northern New Mexico. A small cliff dwelling would be an appropriate setting.
Some Notes about backgrounds for artwork:
--[for SquishyGex's 'preening' sketch http://www.furaffinity.net/view/13922793/ ] I'm considering if a simple background like a stone or wood wall, or perhaps a curtain, would be a good idea (hummm, maybe in a separate layer so it can be shown with and without the background).
--[for SquishyGex's outdoor reading drawing http://www.furaffinity.net/view/14374913/ ] I think the flowers do a good job of keeping the setting from looking too barren. If you get time, I might want to upgrade the background to have something behind him, even if it is just blue sky and clouds (or perhaps a sunrise or sunset). It could also be something soft and out of focus. That probably depends on what you think about backgrounds.
I like backgrounds for artwork but they can be complicated to try to specify for a commission and add some risk (of what I'll feel when I see it) if left entirely up to artistic freedom. I discovered that backgrounds can be a lot of work when TwistGryphon and I did this piece: http://www.furaffinity.net/full/13589543/ In that particular case the background is a bit of interior wall but mostly a landscape seen through an open window, however thought went into everything from the season to the type of wall, the size of the window, whether it would have glass or shutters, the support beam over the window, light sources, and possible other furniture in the room or things hanging on the walls. In general, a background can require determining lots of details like the time of day, climate, season, continent, time period, and culture. Outdoor backgrounds require thought about the time of day (for lighting), weather (e.g. clear, partly cloudy, or overcast), climate, and season, as well as some idea of what sort of vegetation is appropriate and how it looks in that season. Any background that involves architecture/buildings/construction, whether an indoor piece or a building in the background, requires some thought about the materials and construction methods as well as the cultural style. Primitive or ancient indoor walls appearing in a background can add lots of complicated patterns and textures for either wood or stone; windows, curtains, or doorways can help break up a wall but add more details to think about. The simplest background is an outdoor scene that is mostly or entirely sky, perhaps with some clouds, sun, moon, or stars, since that is mostly independent of location and time period. I try to keep Auric's setting somewhat vague/generic but he is intended to be able to show up in many different settings and cultural contexts. While he does like the outdoors and the solitude of nature and can be shown there, he's a civilized being rather than a primitive or tribal sort.
I like the idea of a partial background with a few items in clear focus in the foreground (e.g. rocks, flowers, a table, etc.) with a simpler shadowy background like Palelady's pieces of Teriika's tigress (examples: http://www.furaffinity.net/view/13421406/ or http://www.furaffinity.net/view/13573978/ )
--Landscape ideas: sky, high desert, scenic desert canyons, cliff dwelling, hilltops or mountain peaks, southwest USA (New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, northern Arizona), southeast Asia (India, Tibet, China).
I'm also happy with abstract backgrounds (either simple like http://www.furaffinity.net/view/13872383/ or complex like http://www.furaffinity.net/view/14175267/ ). For a digital piece it should obviously be in a separate layer so that it is easy to change or swap. Even abstract patterns can give a cultural 'feel' to a piece, and can give it additional mood or emotion.
--Abstract ideas: Sun, light, air, wind
For any sort of 'elemental' theme, Auric's 'elements' would be light (fire) and air, probably with light on top and air on the bottom; perhaps an abstract feel of floating or flying with the clouds below and the sun or stars above.
Notes on species and the term "Gryphon":
As Auric's main page on FA says, I've tended to lurk on the outskirts of furry society (that is one reason why my 'sona is an anthro jackal). I've decided to call Auric a Jackal Gryphon (a canine gryphon) rather than a winged jackal because he has more avian features than just wings and he can shapeshift to a gryphon-like form. I know some people have definite opinions about what should be called a "Gryphon" (Griffon, Griffen, etc.) and if it makes those people happier they can call him a relative of the Simurgh/Senmurv (dog-bird) http://www.gryphonpages.com/relatives/ or a "Simuran" rather than a Gryphon, but I decided to use the term Gryphon loosely to describe any mammal-avian hybrid that has avian characteristics beyond just feathered wings stuck on the back of a mammal. I also took the time to figure out exactly what species of bird his wings come from and gave him a detailed feather pattern rather than having 'generic' wings. Winged characters don't always go to this level of detail but gryphons can almost always tell you exactly what bird species their avian side is from. Auric's wing shape and pattern comes from the Buteo Rufinus (long-legged buzzard), which looks a lot like a small eagle, which helped me during the design process since I was originally thinking of eagles. Over here in the “new world” the term hawk is more common for a buteo and the term buzzard often gets confused with a (bare headed) vulture and can be used as a derogatory term for certain birds of prey, which gives buzzards a somewhat bad reputation as undesirable pests, scavengers, and carrion eaters, sort of like the reputation of a… uh… well… jackal (sigh). There’s already a buteo called a Jackal Buzzard (Buteo Rufofuscus) so I can just picture the confusion… “no, he’s a jackal/buzzard not a Jackal Buzzard”, maybe using the term jackal/hawk would be less confusing, particularly since he's not bald headed "no, a long-legged buzzard is NOT a vulture", but I finally decided on Jackal Gryphon.
Here are some links to canine based gryphons: http://www.furaffinity.net/full/14744657/ High Reaches - by hbruton
Notes on species and the term "Simuran":
I would like to know more about the word "simuran". This is a summary of what I have learned already. The term "simuran" is widely used in Russia and Ukraine to refer to a winged wolf or winged dog, but the term is not commonly used on English language websites yet. The origin of the term "simuran" is from old Russian paganism (Russian or Slavic religion of the 9th to 12th centuries) where Simuran is the incarnation of the god Simargl described in many sources as a winged wolf or winged dog. Simuran is the messenger between people and gods, and is a positive and respected character. The word and legends seem to be related to the Persian Simurgh (dog-bird), which is also a positive character. Today the term "simuran" doesn't refer to its historical definition, but has become a generic term for all winged wolves (typically feral but it can also be used for an anthropomorphic winged canine). I think that the English language could use a word to describe a winged wolf (similar to how the term "griffin" or "gryphon" refers to a creature with the forebody of a bird and the hindquarters of a mammal, typically a feline). I think it is nice that we can borrow a word from Russian furs that is based on old legends, so I will use the term "simuran" for Auric and hope that the word gains popularity among English-speaking furs as well.
Examples of simurans:
http://www.furaffinity.net/full/17599998/ - Screaming through clenched teeth - by Alai_Aorax (from Belarus)
http://www.furaffinity.net/full/17770484/ - Endless waiting - by Alai_Aorax
http://www.furaffinity.net/full/15659961/ - Secret santa 2013-2014 - by NargilFlameWolf (from Russia)
http://www.furaffinity.net/full/17584890/ - Nao the ArcticHound - by ArcticHound (from Russia)
http://www.furaffinity.net/full/12059182/ and http://www.furaffinity.net/full/15510607/ and http://www.furaffinity.net/full/15797883/ - Hioshiru references (the best known simuran on FA)
Wing Tutorials:
https://www.sketchbook.com/blog/how.....rds-bats-more/
Notes on wing/feather pattern:
When he has a 'real bird' feather pattern, Auric's flight feathers are white with dark gray tips. The secondary flight feathers can have faint 'bars' like the real long-legged buzzard but since drawing a lot of bars can be tedious his stylized pattern for bars is to show no bars on the primary (finger) feathers, one bar on the middle feathers, and two bars on the feathers near his body.
Notes on head shape:
Here are some nice references to pictures of real Golden Jackals, to help show their head and muzzle shape:
http://walkthewilderness.net/golden.....y-photography/
http://www.animalspot.net/golden-ja.....is-aureus.html
http://www.la.lv/iespejams-ari-latv.....jusies-sakali/ [Latvian photo with both golden jackal and red fox]
Notes on head fur and mane:
Auric's "headfur" or "mane" is not typical of real golden jackals, though those that live at higher elevations tend to have fluffier coats than their desert dwelling cousins. The look of his "mane" has evolved from a combination of human-like head fur and a chest tuft.
Notes on facial pattern and "Eyebrows":
The area just around his eyes as well as his chin and throat are lighter than the rest of his face; this is mainly to make his face less plain. The transition to the lighter areas should be gradual/shaded, if his face is done in solid flat color it should all the same color rather than having sharp dividing lines between colors. The white-ish/cream-colored fur markings above his eyes (shaped like a comma turned horizontal) are mainly for use in expressing emotion in drawings when he does not have eyebrows, they are optional and if shown at all should be fairly subtle whenever they aren't needed for expressing emotion. Also regarding eyebrows, canines have a sort of little circles over their eyes (called the levator anguli oculi medialis) that is effectively the eyebrow. This little circle above the eye can be fairly noticeable in domestic dogs so some artists tend to draw it as quite distinctive in canine characters. I think it is less noticeable in wild canids so I prefer to keep it subtle in artwork of Auric, to try to avoid him looking like a domestic dog.
--That part of the anatomy is called the levator anguli oculi medialis. It's effectively the eyebrow in dogs.
Notes on real golden jackal paw pads:
While this doesn't need to be shown on Auric's feet, Golden Jackals have different paw pads than Wolves and Domestic Dogs. The two middle toe pads are joined at the back and those claws are very close together, while the two side pads are shaped more like equilateral triangles with rounded edges than ovals.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/65282.....N07/6099922687 canis aureus front foot
https://www.flickr.com/photos/65282.....N07/6100467656 canis aureus back foot
Here is a drawing that is closer to jackal shaped than most canid paw drawings: http://www.furaffinity.net/view/15944557/ PAWS <3 - by shorty-antics-27
Notes on signature accessories (jewelry, etc.):
I am aware of the limitations of what sort of detail can be shown in smaller sized drawings. For any item that Auric may have reasonably often, I try to consider in advance how it will appear at different sizes and levels of detail, particularly such that it is identifiable as the same thing/object at all of the different levels of detail, which is actually a fairly complicated part of designing a character or anything a character typically wears or carries. For instance, Auric’s amulet can appear as a featureless oval shape in a tiny picture like a simple cartoon panel with little detail. As size and detail level increase the shape of the ‘star’ starts to appear, perhaps just as hints of its curved sides at first but eventually the simple ‘star’ pattern is visible within the oval amulet and then hints of the rays start to appear followed by full ‘star’ pattern with its four sets of three rays when the size allows that level of detail. Also as detail level increases, hints of the teardrop shaped ‘fittings’ at the top and bottom start to be visible, perhaps just as small bumps at first but eventually their shapes become visible and finally the fact that they have holes in them will show.
Notes on clothing:
I don't intend for Auric to always be shown in an Egyptian style kilt or a loincloth (even with side flaps to reduce the 'sexiness' factor), though it was good for a refsheet. A sleeveless tunic, loose pants, and sandals, possibly with a travelling cloak or mage's robe would be appropriate. My current thought for a sandal strap pattern is like http://www.kiwisandals.com/ style #31 but it would be fun to have it work on both plantigrade and digitigrade feet (perhaps by adjusting/repositioning a strap). Auric's clothing doesn't need to fit a particular culture or time period: Egyptian, generic fantasy medieval European, Tibetan or even Japanese or variations would all work.
Here's a link to a sketch drawn by twistgryphon showing wingless Auric wearing a traveling cloak/mage robe: http://www.furaffinity.net/full/12539142/ and here's a link to a color drawing by OneWhoChandles showing wingless Auric dressed as a Sage from Final Fantasy III: http://www.furaffinity.net/view/13069284/ . Another outfit that Auric has been shown in consists of: loincloth, trousers, belt with tails, undershirt, vest, short cape
Here's an interesting example of an ancient Egyptian scribe's outfit, the picture shows the Theban Scribe Ani wearing a robe without stitching up the sides, arranged and tied with a long sash: www.fashion-era.com/images/100_bc_A.....story/scribean230i.jpg , http://jameswassermanbooks.com/sheet-19.jpg . The pattern for the open robe is here: http://www.fashion-era.com/ancient_.....ss_2_robes.htm
Notes on loincloths:
Here are some notes about loincloths, since that is the minimum attire for my 'sona in a full body pose unless he is in quadrepedal/feral gryphon form or is drawn in a toony style like these sketches of him by twistgryphon: http://www.furaffinity.net/full/11973480/ and http://www.furaffinity.net/full/12196591/ . Since furry characters, particularly native american themed anthro's and werewolves are often drawn wearing loincloths, I got curious about exactly how they worked. Some searching shows there are lots of different types of loincloths but it has also shown me that many furry artists don't worry about exactly how a loincloth or breechcloth works since they tend to get drawn like they don't need to go between the legs and/or be tucked over the belt somewhere. For artists who are interested in showing clothing that actually works, here are a couple of loincloth refs: http://www.furaffinity.net/full/982059/ Loincloths Galore - by Krayne (#9 is my favorite of that set), http://www.furaffinity.net/full/6336340/ How to wear an Ecchu Fundoshi - by Chestnuts, and http://www.furaffinity.net/full/10209613/ Phantom - by PhantomFullForce. I'm trying to keep Auric as well covered as possible, thus when he is wearing a loincloth it often has side flaps and I'm trying to avoid little strings or straps of any sort showing from any normal angle because little strings can make things seem sexier than just cloth showing.
Notes on name/nickname:
The name 'Auric' is based on 'aureus', the Latin adjective for 'golden' which appears in the scientific species name for the golden jackal, canis aureus. In a modern or sci-fi setting he might use the name Auric Matheson. His occasional nickname "Starstryder" mainly exists to make it easier to find him in searches, since there are other characters named Auric. It is spelled with a "y" simply to make it more uniquely searchable. The nickname is a partially a loose reference to two WWtA tribes, the Stargazers and the Silent Striders, that I decided to use because it can fit any time period and setting from tribal to sci-fi (e.g. Star Wars).
Notes on powers/abilities:
--In all settings he reads & speaks multiple languages and is resistant or immune to mental powers/effects. Other abilities may vary to fit the setting but other than winged flight (if winged) and possibly shapeshifting/illusion (mainly to fit into a setting) he tends to avoid openly displaying any powers he may have.
--I really had to give Auric some shapeshifting so that I wouldn't go nuts every time someone drew his tail wrong or something (...oh, ok, he's just shifted like that today). Illusion was also helpful in this regard since it can even explain anatomy errors (...oh, he's just doing an illusion and he's messed it up a bit).
--There are plenty of extremely powerful characters out there that are 200 feet tall or can incinerate planets with their energy beams, it is probably best to just say that Auric operates on a different level than that.
Notes on personality:
Auric is quiet but isn't exactly silent or taciturn, though he certainly doesn't talk much about his background or abilities (he's downright secretive about that). Auric tends to be quiet among large groups but can be talkative about some subjects when in small groups or one-on-one, particularly with others who have shown an interest in the well being of others (good people). Kurama/Shuichi of the anime series YuYu Hakusho is actually a very good example, he's not chatty but isn't especially taciturn; when he does have a speaking part it is usually knowledgeable, intelligent, practical, serious and good-natured, though he does rarely do some humor or teasing with a very dry wit. Kurama is a good analogy for Auric in a number of other ways including intelligence and analytical ability in addition to being calm and not having strong expressions, although Auric is less of a fighter and more of a planner and scholar. Auric's involvement in a conflict is more likely to be subtle and involve information gathering, planning, and support rather than direct physical or magical combat. He can handle himself in a fight if necessary but doesn't like fighting. A quote: “My greatest power is the ability is to care about others.”
Notes on character background:
see above
Auric's unofficial birthday is Aug 26, since the very first drawing of him ever was Posted: August 26th, 2013 10:37 AM : http://www.furaffinity.net/full/11457646/
Quotes: (examples)
>Suppose you could either have all the money you want or all the knowledge you want. What would you pick? http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/...../#cid:49983552
"Knowledge. Without it the money would be pointless and easily lost. With it the money can easily be earned and effectively used." =Auric=
Notes on setting:
Just FYI, the climate/terrain in Auric's home setting would normally be high desert (high plains) or arid foothills/mountains, like Arizona's Grand Canyon, Utah's Zion or Bryce, or much of central and northern New Mexico. A small cliff dwelling would be an appropriate setting.
Some Notes about backgrounds for artwork:
--[for SquishyGex's 'preening' sketch http://www.furaffinity.net/view/13922793/ ] I'm considering if a simple background like a stone or wood wall, or perhaps a curtain, would be a good idea (hummm, maybe in a separate layer so it can be shown with and without the background).
--[for SquishyGex's outdoor reading drawing http://www.furaffinity.net/view/14374913/ ] I think the flowers do a good job of keeping the setting from looking too barren. If you get time, I might want to upgrade the background to have something behind him, even if it is just blue sky and clouds (or perhaps a sunrise or sunset). It could also be something soft and out of focus. That probably depends on what you think about backgrounds.
I like backgrounds for artwork but they can be complicated to try to specify for a commission and add some risk (of what I'll feel when I see it) if left entirely up to artistic freedom. I discovered that backgrounds can be a lot of work when TwistGryphon and I did this piece: http://www.furaffinity.net/full/13589543/ In that particular case the background is a bit of interior wall but mostly a landscape seen through an open window, however thought went into everything from the season to the type of wall, the size of the window, whether it would have glass or shutters, the support beam over the window, light sources, and possible other furniture in the room or things hanging on the walls. In general, a background can require determining lots of details like the time of day, climate, season, continent, time period, and culture. Outdoor backgrounds require thought about the time of day (for lighting), weather (e.g. clear, partly cloudy, or overcast), climate, and season, as well as some idea of what sort of vegetation is appropriate and how it looks in that season. Any background that involves architecture/buildings/construction, whether an indoor piece or a building in the background, requires some thought about the materials and construction methods as well as the cultural style. Primitive or ancient indoor walls appearing in a background can add lots of complicated patterns and textures for either wood or stone; windows, curtains, or doorways can help break up a wall but add more details to think about. The simplest background is an outdoor scene that is mostly or entirely sky, perhaps with some clouds, sun, moon, or stars, since that is mostly independent of location and time period. I try to keep Auric's setting somewhat vague/generic but he is intended to be able to show up in many different settings and cultural contexts. While he does like the outdoors and the solitude of nature and can be shown there, he's a civilized being rather than a primitive or tribal sort.
I like the idea of a partial background with a few items in clear focus in the foreground (e.g. rocks, flowers, a table, etc.) with a simpler shadowy background like Palelady's pieces of Teriika's tigress (examples: http://www.furaffinity.net/view/13421406/ or http://www.furaffinity.net/view/13573978/ )
--Landscape ideas: sky, high desert, scenic desert canyons, cliff dwelling, hilltops or mountain peaks, southwest USA (New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, northern Arizona), southeast Asia (India, Tibet, China).
I'm also happy with abstract backgrounds (either simple like http://www.furaffinity.net/view/13872383/ or complex like http://www.furaffinity.net/view/14175267/ ). For a digital piece it should obviously be in a separate layer so that it is easy to change or swap. Even abstract patterns can give a cultural 'feel' to a piece, and can give it additional mood or emotion.
--Abstract ideas: Sun, light, air, wind
For any sort of 'elemental' theme, Auric's 'elements' would be light (fire) and air, probably with light on top and air on the bottom; perhaps an abstract feel of floating or flying with the clouds below and the sun or stars above.
