[SPECIES DEVELOPMENT] CONCEPTS - Printable Version +- Homebrew Deviants Forums (https://homebrewdeviants.com/forum) +-- Forum: [CREATIVE WORKS] (https://homebrewdeviants.com/forum/Forum-CREATIVE-WORKS) +--- Forum: [OFFICIAL PROJECTS] (https://homebrewdeviants.com/forum/Forum-OFFICIAL-PROJECTS) +---- Forum: [WORLDBUILDING] (https://homebrewdeviants.com/forum/Forum-WORLDBUILDING) +----- Forum: [SPECIES DEVELOPMENT] (https://homebrewdeviants.com/forum/Forum-SPECIES-DEVELOPMENT) +----- Thread: [SPECIES DEVELOPMENT] CONCEPTS (/Thread-SPECIES-DEVELOPMENT-CONCEPTS)

[SPECIES DEVELOPMENT] CONCEPTS - skinstealer - 12-29-2020 CONCEPTS [CW: very simple/brief mentions of child death, body horror, and reproduction (literally just a mention cmon now it's a SFW thread)] ORIGIN Originated in [zone] Created by [god] in [year] No true first morph ???? APPEARANCE Shapes vary intensely for concepts post-metamorphosis, but pre-metamorphosis concepts tend to be round and squishy looking. Most concepts do not have much in the way of complex markings unless their motif or variant calls for it, with many having plain colors on their bodies. This is not always the case, however, and there can be exceptions. Concept voices vary based on motif post-metamorphosis, but typically sound like distorted speech pre-metamorphosis. Paw pads are typically present in those with variants that would typically have them. All concepts have some form of tail post-metamorphosis, composed of their motif. The majority of concepts are tailless pre-metamorphosis, and this feature grows in during the transformation. Most concepts have some hair post-metamorphosis, also made out of their motif to some degree. Not having some degree of hair or head-motif post-metamorphosis is rare, and often considered a point of mockery. Similarly to tails, these are typically not present pre-metamorphosis. Range from 4’6-6’6 for "normal" adult height range. Limbs vary wildly between concept to concept based on variant, with anything from paws to wings to hooves being present. Both digitigrade and plantigrade legs have been noted, though all concepts are bipedal. ???? BIOLOGY No skeletons, muscles, nerves, organs, or blood (usually). Concepts have one of their internal motifs made external after a process called “metamorphosis” (see life cycle section), which then becomes prominent on their bodies- typically around the neck/chest area, and in place of a hair/tail. A refresher on internal motifs: Internal motifs are determined through the course of one’s life, and typically correspond to one’s sense of self and identity, as well as imagery that resonates with them as a person (whether they like it or not). These motifs are typically fluid through a person’s life until locked into godhood through ascension, though the creator of concepts used the same mechanic to make said motifs manifest on their bodies. Due to metamorphosis typically taking place during puberty for concepts, once it begins, the most powerful/prominent motif for the concept in question is locked in and begins to manifest, often indicative of how their developmental period has gone. The motif components located around the neck/chest are often referred to as a “core”, not unlike the elementals the species were inspired by. Unlike elementals however, these features have no purpose in reproduction, and mainly serve as a visual indicator of motif. Completely solid bodies up until metamorphosis, aside from a mouth and small internal cavity (ending around the upper chest area) for food to dissolve in. This cavity does not contain any liquid, and food dissolves as if by magic very shortly after entering. A concept’s body can also change with the “complexity” of their metamorphosis, with low complexity concepts finding their bodies relatively simplistic and the only changes being in internal material, (such as a candy motif concept having “default” silicone-like skin and a gelatin-like internal material), with a mid complexity concept having changes seep into their external appearance as well (taffy like skin as well as the internal structure) to high level complexity, where the entire concept’s appearance has been overtaken by the motif (the entire concept is edible, easily susceptible to temperature changes, and requires accommodations to remain stable). Some high complexity concepts have had their body parts split or segment into floating pieces during metamorphosis, an incredibly painful process that can sometimes be traumatic in and of itself. Concepts have some degree of magical ability, though this tends to manifest in subconscious (and uncontrollable) ways related to their motifs, and in reaction to their emotions. For instance, a fire motif concept may burn brighter when upset or excited, and an apple motif concept’s flavor may change with their mood. These powers can be trained to some degree- very rarely to the point of superpowers, but through practice (and oftentimes, therapy), many concepts find themselves more in control of their motifs. Even in the case of inorganic concepts, both injured/lost body parts and motifs are likely to grow back. Most concepts have teeth, though the shape and size varies based on individual, variant, and in some cases, motif. Diet varies based on individual, though most concepts are omnivorous, and many are capable of eating almost any material. Energy levels vary based on individual, and often heavily tie into motif post-metamorphosis. No particular animal body language or behaviors, with any animal resemblance being more visual than behavioral- concepts were designed to be embodiment of ideas versus any kind of biological representation of a creature. Ears are present or not based on the variant of concept. Eyes are round and have large, round pupils, and can have either dark sclera with light pupils, or light sclera with dark pupils. While specific animal behaviors may not be present, concepts post-metamorphosis may pick up specific behaviors that aid in dealing with their motifs (for example, an ice motif concept may subconsciously avoid direct sunlight even in the case of having protective skin due to the potential for internal discomfort) Concepts typically have lucid dreams, and share these dreams when sleeping in the same close proximity as each other. Shared dreams have blended landscapes and themes between the participants, and there is no technical limit to how any dreamers can share a dreamscape. Walls seem to do plenty fine in keeping dreams from crossing over, though no one is quite sure why that sort of boundary works. For a concept to die, their head must be completely destroyed. This can happen through violent means, metamorphosis gone wrong (via motif incompatibility, mismanagement or lack of accommodations) or through degradation over the aging process. ???? LIFE CYCLE/FAMILY STRUCTURE Lifespans are incredibly hard to pin down for concepts due to the volatility and variety of motifs, with some concepts able to live incredibly long periods of time, and others burning themselves out incredibly early in their lives. Metamorphosis typically begins around ages 12-13, and is considered a part of puberty for concepts. The process can last up to a year and vary in intensity depending on the complexity and motif in question. For some, it can be painless and considered almost a background process, while others may have to entirely withdraw from their “normal” lives in order to receive medical care and accommodations. Without proper accommodations, it is possible (and in some zones, likely) for a concept child to suffer injury or even death from metamorphosis, especially in the case of volatile motifs. Concepts are not born with any sort of sexual characteristics/dimorphism, and develop them (if at all- some lack any form of it) during metamorphosis, typically in ways that line up with the concept’s self image. Concepts reproduce via dream sharing, though the exact nature of doing so is not inherently sexual and depends on the two concepts in question. Having a shared dream that produces a concept orb (which typically resembles a squishy, basketball-sized sphere) must be mutual and agreed upon in nature regardless of how the reproduction happens within the dream, and interspecies couplings can occur with the help of scrap magic allowing a non-concept to enter one’s dream. Concept orbs typically develop eyes first, able to see before developing mouths and speech, at which point they typically begin demanding food. Nubby limbs come next, and then the rest of their torso and limbs follow. From there, their variant emerges, a randomly selected creature that they resemble with no actual bearing on their behaviors. They remain in this blobby, simple featured state until their metamorphosis, at which point their features become more defined and animal-like. Typically, concepts only have one orb at a time, though it is not unheard of for multiple to occur in the case of hybrid children. Concept children are very squishy and durable, which often leads to roughhousing- this can cause trouble when their peers begin to metamorphosize, and some become more dangerous or less stable. Concepts do not have any sort of traditional family structure, and how they structure their families ranges from place to place, even within their native zone. Concept families are typically small in size due to the difficulty in raising a concept child to adolescence, and any larger families typically consist of blended or extended family members. When it comes to relationships, concept culture values both casual and committed relationships for equally important reasons- the god that created them heavily values experimentation and trying new things, and encourages people to explore in all aspects of their lives, while many see the fragility of their lives as something they would want long term support in through a committed partner (or multiple). Leaving the family is considered incredibly dangerous for many concepts with volatile motifs, though for those who can maintain their stability, leaving upon becoming a young adult is not uncommon. ???? GENETICS No real morphs, variants are randomized and can be based on any animal (including fictional/mythical creatures) Mixed-species children may take on traits of the non-concept species in their appearance, but will still be classifiable as a concept, grow up as one, and have the motif presence. Concepts are affected by horror mutation differently depending on what stage in their life they are at- children pre-metamorphosis are susceptible, whereas post-metamorphosis concepts vary based on how much of their body is organic. Those affected by mutation tend to be affected by standard horror mutations such as hunger increase, size increase, mood instability, claw and teeth growth, while post-metamorphosis concepts are prone to motif overgrowth and instability. ???? CULTURE Middling population in native zone due to varying mortality rates during metamorphosis Low population outside of native zone due to needing accommodations during and after metamorphosis process- they are typically minorities if seen at all No particular religious ties- the god that created them does not particularly wish to be worshiped. Definitely not into worshiping Elaine. Health issues vary wildly across the board for concepts due to their unique and bizarre biology, but many can be described more as health “risks” versus illnesses or diseases. Concepts are far more susceptible to injury or death than other species in many cases, but most are not capable of getting any kind of disease due to not having organs. Accommodations must be made for almost all concepts in some form, leading to disability care being a major part of their zone’s focus and production. Living in other zones can be tremendously difficult for concepts as a result, and many do not venture outside for long periods of time. Medications geared towards monitoring and managing qualities of a concept’s body such as temperature, consistency, and overall health are common, with an example of ice motif concepts often taking pills to keep them cold when going into hot areas, and pills to temporarily warm their forms up when directly interacting with concepts that could be damaged by contact with their cold bodies. Creams, lotions, and otherwise caretaking-oriented goods can alleviate aches, pains and problems with a concept’s skin/outer layers. Concept sleeping situations often vary based on their body configurations, with many having protrusions that require awkward sleeping positions unbefitting for a standard bed. Custom goods are valued highly to concepts, especially ones that can accommodate for one’s unique body type and motif-related needs. Education in the concepts’ native zone varies from town to town, with their zone being just as experimental in nature as the god that created it. Concepts tend to struggle in a more standardized setting, however, especially during the metamorphosis period of their life. Concept housing needs to accommodate the individual concept’s needs to provide adequate safety and security for them, particularly in the ways of temperature and motif management. It has been hypothesized that concepts were possibly created in part to counter neuroths in combat due to their (mostly) lack of vitals and potential durability in the case of rolling a particularly strong motif, though most concepts tend to skew too fragile or volatile to be effective fighters anyway. Those who can hold up in entertainment industries can carve out unique places for themselves due to their distinct looks, with no two concepts looking the same. Often mistaken for gods by those unfamiliar with the species (which is many, due to their minority status) Bullying is very common among concept children, especially around metamorphosis age and motif comparisons start to occur. Movements to stop this have been put in place in modern years, but have yet to fully take hold. Independent creators of hygiene products have found a significant foothold in concept culture, with many finding new ways to market for the huge variety in concept biology. ???? RULES This is a species development thread! Here you can have discussion on the species presented, and offer suggestions/ideas for developing them- thus directly contributing to the species! Anything is fair game so long as it follows the restrictions (if any are listed). This main post will be updated as we go, allowing for people to always have an up to date resource on the species. Restrictions/No-go's Keep it SFW!!!! RE: [SPECIES DEVELOPMENT] CONCEPTS - King-Clod - 12-29-2020 Is it common for kids or their parents to try to tailor their internal motif in any way? Like if a kid really wanted to be cool they might start watching/reading media that primarily has to do with swords or something? RE: [SPECIES DEVELOPMENT] CONCEPTS - AceOfNothing - 12-29-2020 How long does it take for a body part to grow back? Say they lose something like an arm RE: [SPECIES DEVELOPMENT] CONCEPTS - Shifter55 - 12-29-2020 Given that custom goods are highly valued, how easily can a Concept get access to tools and materials capable of making them? RE: [SPECIES DEVELOPMENT] CONCEPTS - Lilium Mortem - 12-29-2020 are concept dreams inherently more realistic than other species dreams? Or more magical in some way, given their role? RE: [SPECIES DEVELOPMENT] CONCEPTS - Lilium Mortem - 12-29-2020 What happens if a concepts variant and motif are the same at puperty? Like if a dragon kid got super into dragon stuff and was just like, that kid that only read fantasy books with dragons in them. RE: [SPECIES DEVELOPMENT] CONCEPTS - BlueCrowned - 12-30-2020 So if I'm understanding correctly the appearance has no bearing whatsoever on the child? So a wolf concept and a deer concept could wind up with a lizard concept? RE: [SPECIES DEVELOPMENT] CONCEPTS - skinstealer - 12-30-2020 Is it common for kids or their parents to try to tailor their internal motif in any way? Like if a kid really wanted to be cool they might start watching/reading media that primarily has to do with swords or something? ABSOLUTELY YES How long does it take for a body part to grow back? Say they lose something like an arm depends on the concept, some have faster regen times than others- but generally at fastest a few hours, at most a week or so, if it takes longer than that, Something Is Wrong Given that custom goods are highly valued, how easily can a Concept get access to tools and materials capable of making them? concepts' native zone has tools, materials, and spaces to make things available in pretty much every town and city, even the smaller ones! it's very important to them. are concept dreams inherently more realistic than other species dreams? Or more magical in some way, given their role? yep, and they are lucid in the sense that concepts generally experience all 5 senses within them and can exert some degree of control in certain situations- though whether they can or not varies from concept to concept. whether they are more magical or not is kind of hard to pin down, though id say kind of due to the fact that they can lead to new concepts being produced and can be accessible to other species via scrap magic...but then again, said scrap magic could totally access other species' dreams too. so who knoooows What happens if a concepts variant and motif are the same at puperty? Like if a dragon kid got super into dragon stuff and was just like, that kid that only read fantasy books with dragons in them. honestly motifs based around animals are INCREDIBLY rare (with sapient life being nonexistant for motifs, thatd be fucking weird and i feel like would probably open up ethical issues? anyway) but not impossible, so i'd say it'd probably manifest in the form of extra animal heads/partially formed bodies on their body and possibly secondary consciousnesses (though whether they'd be sapient is probably up to the character designer/writer in question)  So if I'm understanding correctly the appearance has no bearing whatsoever on the child? So a wolf concept and a deer concept could wind up with a lizard concept? correct! will add to the thread in a bit! RE: [SPECIES DEVELOPMENT] CONCEPTS - BlueCrowned - 12-30-2020 Do you have any examples of what kinds of side effects they could have during metamorphosis? (for better backstory writing ideas!) What kinds of things do concept kids get teased/bullied about? Why did that become such a problem? RE: [SPECIES DEVELOPMENT] CONCEPTS - King-Clod - 12-30-2020 What sorts of motifs are common ones for parents to try to make their kids have, for parents who do that? RE: [SPECIES DEVELOPMENT] CONCEPTS - victorianflorist - 12-30-2020 Are there any lineages of concepts which specifically try and have one motif for the entire family? RE: [SPECIES DEVELOPMENT] CONCEPTS - Shifter55 - 12-30-2020 How much do hygiene and care products focus on concealing symptoms and negative issues, rather than treating their source (even treating it incorrectly, see anti-pimple stuff on dry skin)? RE: [SPECIES DEVELOPMENT] CONCEPTS - Lilium Mortem - 12-30-2020 Additionally to king clods question, what kinds of motifs do kids want to have? Are there schoolyqd debates on the best motif? Who could win arguments about motifs? RE: [SPECIES DEVELOPMENT] CONCEPTS - BlueCrowned - 01-02-2021 Do concepts have any particular naming scheme they use? RE: [SPECIES DEVELOPMENT] CONCEPTS - Pichi2214 - 01-06-2021 do all liquid related motifs start dripping when experiencing strong emotinos? do you have any specific examples as to how concepts with low/mid/high complexity look? RE: [SPECIES DEVELOPMENT] CONCEPTS - BlueCrowned - 01-06-2021 do concepts know what animal they're supposed to be exactly?