project:REBIRTH 2.0 - Creature Design 2022

project:REBIRTH 2.0: The Archaeia

Introducing The Archaeia, an interdimensional species that I designed as a part of my ongoing personal project; project:REBIRTH 2.0. In my world, these creatures are both feared and revered with this selection only being a fraction of the population. I decided to focus on some main representatives for these creatures including a (potential) leader. After all, humanity's encounters with these beings has been rather... limited.

Creature Line-up

Headed by Genesis, the Archaeia each have their own nature that they lean towards. Genesis is considered a being of neutrality and balance, taking no side. The same cannot be said for the other creatures as they have specialised roles or purposes for their existences.

The Epiphany: Vespera - A link to humanity

A neutral Archaeion with their own will, Vespera is a creature that is bound to my protagonist of this project. Their curiosity with the human has led them to encourage this biologically symbiotic relationship, offering supernatural abilities whilst getting to study mankind up close in return. This design is a rework of a previous version of this character that I had.

The Monarch: Genesis

Genesis is perceived to be the leader of these creatures though some have suspicions that they are just one a class of elder gods or beings. For this design I wanted to show a connection between my original Vespera design and a potential 'parent' of sorts. When it came to expanding the creature cast, this is where I started and I really started to have more fun with it!

Creature variation and roles

These are the remaining creatures that I've come up with so far. Both Athenaeum and Exodus are creatures of knowledge and exploration, much like Vespera. They are considered to be more on the 'good' side of the scale in terms of Genesis' direction and goals. Seeing as their aims would contribute to creation, they are put in that category. 

Opposing this are the remaining three; Necros, Amarantha and Mhorithim. These are creatures of destruction, annihilation, you name it. I wanted there to be somewhat of a balance between the alignment of these creatures but also for the designs to sort of subvert expectations. For example Exodus may look like a creature that would have a hostile nature but in actuality, experimenting in means of exploration are more interesting to them. Amarantha looks more ambiguous and neutral in terms of their alignment. Despite the association with death and decay, they still have an air of being a strict mother, matron nurse or a leading nun-like figure. 

I had a lot of fun creating these creatures as part of my world. It's slowly but surely coming together and I'm excited to see what else I can make with this!