Rootling Anatomy
Main characteristics to bear in mind!
Players may go wild with their design so long as it represents these 5 features. The amount of animals and/or the quantity of mythical features available for design use are dependent on how the rootling is created.
Eyes
Rootling's eyes draw them together as one. They have an elegant, narrow, winged swooping shape, and are always bold black, contrasting with the bright, light eye markings above and below them. The eyebrow-like markings are tear-drop shaped and hook into the eye. They may vary in color, but they should always contrast as a darker color or shade. Rootling eyes do not show any sort of color, nor do they bear pupils. They may be thought of as the cuts in a clay lantern.. A void that doesn't reflect light, dark unless it shines from the fire within. During the day they usually remain dim, but at night, in dark places, or during moments of an exceptional expenditure of power, they will blaze with the illumination of their lumesse magic. |
Rootling bodies can take on many different animalistic forms.
Like-Animal Combinations
Some animals are more popular than others, and it is inevitable that similar or same combinations will be used by different people. Players cannot claim stem animal combinations, but the designs must be respectfully different in some way. Consider using different anatomical properties, different earthen gifts, different hues/tones, and different body sizes. *Rootlings do not have any reproductive anatomy
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Stem Animals and their affects | multiple limbs | coat coloration
The "stem animals" are whatever animals a rootling design is based on, or draws elements from. There are a couple of exceptions to how they can be applied. First, some animals (such as octopodes and arachnids) have multiple limbs. Multiple limbs are technically a folktale trait that must have more magic spent to acquire, but if one of your stem animals includes a creature with multiple limbs, you are permitted to use them so long as the limbs are anatomically correct to whichever creature is providing them. If you'd like your rootling to have multiple limbs with the anatomy of a creature that doesn't appear this way in nature, then you will need to purchase them later with LP, or begin with a higher tier temple-born rootling. Insect legs and tentacles can be morphed into other forms later through gameplay. Some stem animals may be very bright in coloration, such as tropical fish, birds of paradise, and certain insects. Rootlings are normally soft, neutral, earthy colors, but may draw in accents of these bright creatures too! However, neon and other bold colors should never cover the whole body. Bright markings should be minimal, purposeful, and true to the stem animal. Players should keep earthiness at the core of their designs, but may use bold elements as accents. You will not find neon blue dogs in the rootlings ARPG. These are creatures with an earthly aesthetic, and we ask that the natural tones are respected. If the bright patterns and coloration truly represent the stem animal, they will be fitting. Coronation Rootlings: If the rootling is created through a coronation it will heavily resemble the animal of its lower life. The rootling may take on another animal's features from the same ecosystem too! For example, a fox may draw elements from a bird, or a fish my gain the features of an insect. For coronation rootlings the design is only limited to the ecosystem of the player's choice.
Temple-Born Rootlings: If the rootling is born in a temple, then the possibilities become endless. Multiple animals from across the earth may be combined to form the body of this spirit. With enough magic power invested, more and more creatures may be added, even elements from folk-lore and other mystical tales. Temple-born rootlings may present kitsune tails, multiple heads, leviathon-like bodies, and many other possibilities if the magic provides. |
Size & Growth
Rootlings tend to be a little larger than a normal animal. Even so, they grow with age. If a rootling is created through a coronation, then its build size will typically match that of its previous form. However, rootlings born from a temple are known as "seedlings", and will be small little babies. Rootlings do not die of old age, instead, they can continuously grow larger with time. Seedlings may spring up quickly, but growth slows down the larger a rootling gets. The largest a rootling may grow is the size of a mountain, and it requires a lot of magic experience to reach those heights. There is no limit, however, on how small a rootling may begin life. Ultimately the rate at which a rootling grows is up to the player. You may choose to increase size depending on the lifetime lumesse count, or you may wait multiple real life years. It should also be noted that a player can choose not to have their rootling grow larger, drawing it the same size for its whole life. |
Within the Body
Rootlings are vessels for lumesse magic. Their bodies are intricately gardened shells for the power within. This magic manifests in a similar form to liquid fire. If a rootling were struck with a human weapon it would bleed this substance in all its brilliance. Sometimes the lumesse glow shines through thin skin that is not furry. This looks like a subtle glow from beneath the flesh. Other times the lumesse can be seen is through their eyes in the dark, or within their throats when their mouths are open. The rootlings' lumesse is what allows them to take on so many unique variations in their forms. Humanoid Shapeshift If a rootling binds an alliance with a human, it may learn to mimic a human's appearance. Rootling's are creatures of spirit, and are more attuned to artistry than anatomical properties. With this sort of a nature rootlings cannot achieve a perfectly human appearance. Rather, the rootling will learn learn to mimic human craft. Their humanoid forms are more akin to intricate coverings and costume than fleshed body. Their faces appear similarly to lanterns, masks, or skulls. Their bodies may appear constructed of sticks, fashioned of tattered garments, strung of bones, or molded from clay. It is a blend of human craft, an inspired bipedal form, and the stem animal qualities which bleed in. |