GEEK OUT
Enjoy this concept art and world building for Azimuth and Shielded Realms. Click an image for its description.
AZIMUTH
The metasuit is made of a carbon nanite electro-mesh that absorbs all photons, making it nearly invisible to the naked eye. It can automatically activate to defend the wearer against various threats. As a semi-living biomaterial, the nanites gain energy from the body heat and sweat of the wearer.
The self-sustaining city can adapt to a harsh, unpredictable climate. In the city's center, tall garden towers provide beauty, shade, and food. The widest, shortest buildings on the outskirts catch sunlight for energy. Every structure is made of fire-proof nanomaterials which can also morph to absorb or reflect the sun’s heat depending on the season or energy need.
At 18.2 hands high and weighing nearly one ton, Bucky is the largest bioengineered thoroughbred to ever exist. With heat activated bioluminescent hair follicles, his coat can glow like the aurora. Riders control their mounts through brain computer interfaces using imagery and emotion to influence the horse's behavior. However, the rider must be careful. Too much mind syncing can lead to a human exhibiting horselike behavior and vice versa.
A small group of people who believe that to be closer to an animal is to be a more 'pure human.' They view other animals as essentially enlightened since they are 'in the moment' and 'closer to nature.' Through extensive mind syncing with animals and body modification the puman resembles their animal of choice. The AI ensures there is no wild or harmful behavior.
Neo-engineered Organisms for Gladiatorial combat, or Grief therapy. Gladiatorial nogs are used in reality gaming. Enraged by human scent they will stalk or fight a person to the death. Therapy nogs, on the other hand, are specifically designed to an individual's need for optimal bonding, neurochemical balancing, and trauma-healing.
"Beyond human is beyond death. Beyond death is beyond fear. Beyond fear is the answer." Influenced by cybernetics and cryonics, cyber-spirituality arose not long after rebirth-immortality was achieved, replacing conventional religions which relied on mortality and morality. Made of self-repairing organic biopolymer, most temples resembled fungi. Since the temples were built far outside city limits, trypters were allowed to make pilgrimages once a year.
SHIELDED REALMS
Within a valley lies the gateway to the realm of Solions (lightning lions). Appearing as rock towers to others, only guardians and unicorns can reveal their true nature: immense crystal towers that shatter sunlight into ever-changing rainbows. At sunrise the crystals crack and bend together, opening the shielded realm.
According to legend, the elysian trees are connected to the stars, and if one tastes the a'ha fruit on a certain moonless night, secrets of the universe will be revealed. Eaten at any other time, the apple-like fruit calms an agitated mind. However, it's rumored that if eaten on a Tuesday with a spoon while wearing a doily, dirty dishes may spontaneously wash themselves.
These powerful swords can only be created by combining guardian magic with fairy magic. Usually formed during a moment of heightened emotion, swords are unique to their wielder and original element. In Raina's case, her sword was created from crystal by her desire to protect her friends, but other emotions always lie under the surface. If a guardian is unaware of their actions and emotions, the sword can empower their self-destructive traits.
Dragons are creatures of chaos, the opposite of unicorns. Usually narcissistic and psychopathic, dragons sow turmoil for their own amusement. Some practice morphing magic and can turn into other creatures, including humans. Others see it as degrading to be in a 'lesser' form. Very few dragons are compassionate or selfless, and are shunned if they exhibit such 'weak' behavior.
Trolls are homebodies. Some are friendlier than others, but all trolls love tea and conversation. They can sometimes ramble or overstay their welcome, in which case, singing peppy tunes will usually drive them away. P.S. It's not recommended to drink troll tea as it's like thick, bitter, mud, but it can do wonders for the skin.
Found in the small mountain village known as Denlock, the howling hall is the town's center where villagers gather for important occasions. Made of nearly indestructible griffin wood, it represents the mutual strength and respect between wolves and humans. It takes years for a Howler to learn and use the giant wolf head summoning horns which stand at the entrance.