Intrepid should go more exotic when picking animals to inspire their creature designs.

RandyBK

From what we’ve seen so far, Intrepid is definitely going for a slightly ’based-on-reality’ design for the creatures in Ashes. (Basing info on their Cosmetic pack pets/mounts)

I’m a big fan of when they take two animals and juxtapose them together. It’s interesting and a simple way to make fantasy come to life. Also helps us understand what we’re looking at.

https://ashesofcreation.wiki/Boulderstone_Bulldog
https://ashesofcreation.wiki/Daystrider_mule
https://ashesofcreation.wiki/Lightfoot_Leveret

They’ve also shown some normal animals/creatures that will fit right into Ashes.

https://ashesofcreation.wiki/Brew_Bear
https://ashesofcreation.wiki/Dynasty_Beetle
https://ashesofcreation.wiki/Hippo

These all look great, especially when they’re fully rendered in game. The ‘vibe’ they’re going for feels cohesive and they stick to their juxtaposition art styles. It branches out just far enough to make the magical creatures feel right at home as well.

I’m hoping that Intrepid starts looking at some more exotic options when it comes to their inspiration for creatures. Mounts, pets, and mobs. There’s going to be a lot and I would like to see some more interesting creatures fill the world.

I understand that this may prove counterproductive to their juxtaposition art style, but I still think we should see more variety. (I’m a sucker for cool critters IRL.) Something more than just the average zoo animal you know?

Animals like:
- The Candy Crab (Only kind in its species.)
- The Great Potoo (Very creepy looking bird.)
- Satanic Leaf-Tailed Gecko (Indistinguishable from a leaf.)
- Atlas Moth (Giant, magnificent moth.)

Or Animals With Quirks:
- Baby Cinereous Bird (Disguises itself as poisonous caterpillar.)
- The Bag Worm (Builds a small log cabin on its back for protection and camo.)
- The Potoo Bird (Disguises itself as broken tree limbs.)
- Frigatebird (Huge expandable throat that’s bright red.)

These are just a couple examples, but you get the feel I’m going for. There’s so many exotic animals/insects in the world that I feel would translate well into Ashes. (Apologies for no pictures, I’m on mobile and writing this is a nightmare.)

I hope Intrepid leans into their wild side more; at least later on in development so these critters have somewhere to live. They could add some fun gameplay elements too; especially with mobs.

What do you think? Should Intrepid branch out more? Should they not? What are some creatures you wanna see in game or represented? I would love feed back on this.

thaginjaninja

Hold my downvote nerd

Norkore

I'm not a superfan of mounts, they are not that important to me to care too much, but I agree this could definitely bring in even more variety.

deadmansprice

For sure, we do have exotic creatures that look strange and unique enough that they could fit in any fantasy. I do hope Intrepid does consider taking inspirations from them too.

AntVictus

Eh why not. Not like it's going to hurt anyone, except maybe Tulnar.

Night Wings

I like fantasy as well as reality type creatures/animal's as well. I personally haven't came across anything creature/animal intrepid created and dislike it. Every MMO is going have some basic mob's I imagine they're working on mobs that will fit specific quests. As to the creatures you mention they seem very visual mob rather then a creature a player would fight? I imagine the mobs that would be unique or different will come from animal husbandry.

Animals found through taming can be bred to discover lesser-known species variants with untold powers and abilities
https://ashesofcreation.wiki/Animal_husbandry

The only mob I want is this
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCI18qAoKq4

F4RCE

I'd love to see more animals and monsters that are nebulous/incorporeal. I love a good horrific gaseous blob of death or two.

GethOverlord

I am always down for more creatures. Fantasy or realistic. Based on real animals can lead to some reaaaaly cool designs, but they also only have so much development time and have to create the creatures and their potential offspring and potential variants from the seasons like they just showed off in the June Update.
The more the merrier I say. But also a good in depth game please 😌