It's said world (of which is hopefully going to be a game? someday?) I've been working on with one of my closest friends!
Basically one day I just decided "sea bugs" and this happened:
Later in the week, me and Friend went to the beach, and proceeded to make an awesome sand bug city, worldbuild for 13 hours straight, pass out at 2AM, then worldbuild some more.
We tied in the above drawing and both wrote it all down in a Google document (and are still writing more!), so there's a lot! But here's as much of the entire 22-page current draft of the doc as Tumblr will let me post, spread across some number of posts, including the random bits of information we haven’t yet...officialized? I guess? As this consists of plans for a future game and some of the “meta” stuff relating to it?
I was looking through a lot of the posts of @lagt-duck because (hollow knight! undertale! spiritfarer! slime rancher!) and noticed they had, on several occasions, drawn and designed mushrooms. so I thought. mushrooms!
They had designed sort of humanoid fungal creatures, but I, in my love of biology and interestingly, entomology, realized there was an actual way fungi locomote. and that's by infecting bugs and using their undead bodies as hosts! Luckily, fungi like cordyceps can't actually control larger beings/vertebrates like humans and cats (though I'm not sure where the line blurs?)
The cat host is very much dead and Tan is the cordyceps within--not usually smug, but who wouldn't boast after finding a new body to move around in that's like, 28154x the size of your friends?
(They haven't...really...figured out expressions yet)
This is actually the first piece so far that's recent, since I have a lot of art to catch up to!
Many species of bug, marine, terrestrial or in-between, make their homes in or simply visit the Cities, some only seasonally.
---Clams
Now is the time for that random trivia bit you know about sand or shell, because clams (and oysters, and mussels, though these are found more below the water's surface) are all ears (don't take that literally--who knows if they have ears at all). Trade in your fact, trinket, or other means of providing information to get a bit of knowledge in return, or even a story if you're lucky, because after living so many seasons, and encountering so many explorers like you, these species are chalk full of facts one might call nerdy (call them that though, and you'll earn a painful chomp). While they can be found almost anywhere, many tend to coalesce in the Archives, sitting amongst tablets on its shelves.
---Crabs
The most diverse group of species in Taranoake and not all that rare in Citadell, you might see these CRABBY creatures skittering sideways in and out of sand dunes and under rocks throughout town, but don’t fear their pincers. Most won’t hurt you unprovoked, and in fact, they might be some of the kindest neighbors you could have.
Mole Crabs
These crustaceans are shyer than most, preferring to burrow in the soft sand of the bays rather than interact with others. Be careful not to step on one of their many tunnels if you don’t want your ankle bitten. Despite their initial appearance these creatures aren’t hateful, they just need a bit of time to warm up to strangers and are easily startled, they’re actually fairly social once you get to know them.
Ghost Crabs
These adorable creatures are enjoyable to be around, but you’ll have to get used to them appearing out of nowhere due to their uncanny ability to camouflage and change color to match their surroundings, which you’ll see in action if they ever get startled. This gift has also earned them an unsettling amount of admiration from the Citadell scientists...
Mite Crabs
These species are actually named only for their appearance and ferocity, as they are so small their actuality is hard to determine and they largely resemble crabs. ...Or mites. They make great fighters for the Colosseum despite their size, and while you may figure it's because they skirmish in groups, you'd be wrong. They are normally so aggressive, they'd start attacking their own species rather than the larger prey depending on who’s closer!
They’re not well-known in Citadell though.
---Lobsters
Despite being closely related to crabs, these creatures are rarely seen in either of the Cities being mostly sea-dwelling, the Arbiter a main exception. They're mostly friendly, rather chill and unperturbed.
---Ladybugs
Among other beetles, ladybugs are the most commonly found in Taranoake, especially in the marketplace. While they rarely fight in the Colosseum, contrasting their larger kin, they're known to drive a hard bargain over their goods and as such make great (or terrible, depending on how you look at it) vendors.
---Wasps
These bugs drive home the "militaristic" aspect of the Fort, and while they're not without compassion, you may regret making yourself one's neighbor. They often live socially even outside of the Bay-City, though their methods of communication can be a bit rough. They are not commonly seen in coastal cities unless with larvae--they require sugars the salty Bay can't offer. They often visit most during the colder seasons.
---Ants
While these critters may already have a strong sense of community, they’re still always welcome in the Fort despite their general preference to live in their own ant hills. You may spot them marching in rows fixing deteriorating buildings, or transporting food and supplies to and from the market. Alike their bee-kin, ants are generally upbeat about their hard work.
---Jellyfish
These creatures for which Jellyfish Bay earned its name can be found floating lazily in pretty much any body of water around town. They aren’t great for conversation, but will give a friendly tentacle wave as you pass by. Just don’t get too attached around festival time…
The mood is quite flipped in Citadell however, where they are often revered as fascinating creatures and related to their God.
---Sea Slugs
Despite being confined to the water, sea slugs maintain a friendly and jolly demeanor and are always willing to chat, so don’t forget to stop by Jellyfish Bay and say hello. The majority of crops grown in the underwater farms were tended to and harvested by these kind creatures.
Sacoglossans
Some known as lettuce slugs, some commonly found hiding in the seaweed avoiding their responsibilities, these no go away go away no don’t take what’s going on go away stop it still typing creatures often think they cannot be seen because they look similar to the crops they are supposed to be growing. However, they are rather conspicuous due to their bright purple, blue, orange and often green coloring not at all matching the dull reds and greens of the specific seaweed species grown in the bay. Maybe elsewhere they'd have better chances.
(Elsewhere not including the basins-city, where they are forced to actually work or be kicked out.)
---Scorpions
It is unknown exactly how any scorpions were able to travel all the way to Taranoake, as surely the descent from sanded deserts to the windy shore took more than a few generations of arachnid. Their lack of antennae makes it harder to communicate, and this paired with their fearsome stinger and claws do earn them a reputation for being a bit hostile.
---Isopods
These crustaceans, due to the nature of their gills, are almost never seen in dry Taranoake and yet all too common in Citadell. Like their kin, they’re known mainly for being kind and mellow.
---Mosquitoes
These flies aren’t...regarded very highly. Despite both needing the matter of living creatures to sustain their brood, most carnivores use the entirety of a bug while egg-producing mosquitoes only sap the hemolymph, which is entirely unsettling for a living being to experience, and wasteful to kill for the blood alone. This is why many suck the life-fluids out of the corpses of the ill, for no other bug is willing and the dipterans are immune to most illness, adding another facet to their (mostly unjustified) dislike.
---Desert Rain Frogs
Only one of these creatures has been spotted in our lifetimes, but they used to be a fairly common sight, in the dunes where Taranoake and Citadell now rest, forever ago. Nowadays, most don't even know these adorable creatures ever existed--none who haven't visited their barren town that is.
---Spiders
The largest grouping of arachnids. Like the apids, they’re rarely seen in the Cities and much more commonly inland, though a few have been spotted preying on passersby in the anarchy that is Renin.
--Marine
---Sea Slugs
In recent times, these species have moved upwards closer to the shores, and are a guaranteed (and pleasant) encounter anytime you head underwater--coalescing in towns of their own creation, though sightings near the shallow bays constituting the Cities are rare. Like jellyfish, most sea slugs tend to use neutral pronouns.
---Jellyfish
Nomadic creatures, rarely taking rest in the undersea cities. They don’t seem to be as advanced as other invertebrates, though still considered sentient.
A bustling town of bugs and sea bugs, basking in the warmth of the sun.
--Architecture
There are eight main areas of Taranoake to consider: The Gates, Jellyfish Bay, The Outpost, The Colosseum of Ven, The Cast Shell Pit, The Agora, Fort Taranoake, and Training Grounds.
---The Gates
Sandswept driftwood gates with rope tied end to end, dunes collecting around the poles. While nowadays most travellers enter from the Wayward Path, this used to be the main entrance to the city.
Near this area lie shimmering, indigo clam-shell mosaics bearing written welcomes to any who venture into Taranoake.
---Jellyfish Bay
Resting in the center of Taranoake lies Jellyfish Bay, a large pool of water where most of the city's vegetation is grown, for the few among us off put by the idea of eating their fallen friends--or for anyone else in need of a seaweed salad.
---The Outpost
A sight for sore eyes, the travellers off the eastern Path come here to rest after long journeys, beckoned forth by the golden shell beacon perched at its peak. It's an inn of sorts, though without any true owner and rarely caretaker--the denizens here are expected to clean up themselves after they leave, unless of course they die prior.
North of this area rests the skeletal husk of a long-dead beast draped with overgrown seaweed and surrounded by serrated shell, named by locals The Thorns.
---The Colosseum of Ven
Witness grand fights to the death... and maybe even receive a free snack afterwards! Here at the Colosseum, gladiator-fools engage in perilous combat for the glory of battle and the favor of their God of life and death. While victors and any other survivors simply live to see another day, the fallen are consumed by their brethren as it is most honorable to benefit your society even after death.
South of the building the barracks can be found. Connected by a few short tunnels, the room is where fighters rest between battles. Like the main area this place is not short of green blood--many are too stubborn to anticipate combat for long, rather wishing to get back into the fight before a chance to heal up.
---The Cast Shell Pit
After their carapace is judged as unsafe and the previous...owner ill, a corpse may be tossed into the hole with not much thought. It is a mourned soul who is infected in such a way that they can no longer benefit their society. Resting over the mass grave a long shrub has recently planted itself, growing through the sand and gaining worship as an omen of the green god Ven: The Guardian of The Dead, Pando, was formed after the town collectively decided that the tree was in some way sacred.
The pit was meant to contain The Thorns, until it was realized the body was too big to move, relieving the hole of its actual purpose.
---The Agora
Need food? Water? Weapon and shell? Dead bodies? We’ll look no further than The Agora. Overlooking Jellyfish Bay, the city's glorious marketplace has everything you might need after a long day of travel! Visit one of the many vendors for a wide variety of goods and perhaps a conversation, while you're at it.
---Fort Taranoake
Despite its militaristic and intimidating exterior, Fort Taranoake is where the citizens of this lovely town reside. Many call it home nestled within these walls, surrounded by banners and children attempting to scale the walls to reach The Acorn that washed ashore so many seasons ago, the symbol that few but the oldest clam remember.
---The Training Grounds
Some looking to compete in the colosseum, some wanting to travel the world, none having any idea how to fight, many outsiders and citizens alike come to train here. Despite the obvious, combat is not the only class. Students are taught how to forage food, how to learn from their surroundings, how to prepare a meal or subsist off of shells, how to survive the land inside and out of the supposed safety of the city. Regardless of ability, spending some time here could benefit even a champion gladiator or seasoned explorer.
-Citadell
“Basins-City, Quiet Citadell”
A quiet city along the shore, hidden from aerial view and predators among the tides.
--Architecture
The city consists of nine bays fading into deep holes, being primarily underground. Rooms are chiseled through the sides of the craters, and platforms are set outside connecting each entry, used as catwalks on low tide and decks at high. In the former case, tarps and stalls can be seen set up on the basins, packing up when the water reaches the third bay and the other areas are soon to follow.
---Six Basins
The holes in which most of the city’s traffic takes place, and rooms are placed around. They can be likened to plazas, and while The Archives has the general layout of a Basin it is considered a room instead.
Notable rooms include:
Woodworker’s Association, Second Basin
Noctiluca Cafe, Second Basin
Kritto’s Stall, Fourth Basin
The Archives, Fifth Basin
H.C. Labs, Sixth Basin
Interconnecting each basin lie series of alleyways where, at the lowest levels, the bioluminescent and edible mosses and algaes are grown, and where the sea-dwelling citizens make their homes. The bugs who cannot live in water are restricted to anywhere else, as the tunnels are drenched no matter the tides, carefully irrigated in a way so as not to flood the plazas.
---The Archives
A massive library carved into the sand, connected through pathway to the fifth basin. Unlike the rest of the caves, the roof is solid, arching over the area and carefully protecting the shell tablets inside from the sun. It is by far the largest room dedicated to one purpose.
---Bellows
A giant, translucent green object with salmon shells placed inside, settled on the sands above the cliffs. When the winds blow strongest, the interior howls and the sounds of the shells rattle through the city, marking the shift in tides.
-Renin
A small, long-hidden ghost town, with merely a sole original occupant. This “town” is composed of dozens of burrowed tunnels and sand statues crudely shaped to resemble frogs.
--Architecture
A labyrinth of tunnels and caves, most filled with fake furniture lining areas that give the whole place an uneasy feel. The whole town is full of cobwebs--and sand lumped together in a vague impression of frogs.
---The Ponds
Three slowly eroding caves towards the bottom of Renin, full of salt water and uninhabitable for frogs.
---Housing
Plenty of sand and rocks shaped into the makings of homes are scattered all around this place, most looking like they haven’t been used in years.
Marine Structures and Settlements
-Kelsik
A town of sea slugs, residing much closer to the water's surface than most other settlements inhabited by the purely-aquatic creatures. Homes are fashioned out of the large shells of other mollusks, and foliage is carefully tended to in the form of rows of seaweed. It's small in that all the villagers know each other well, and travellers are warmly welcomed.
While the population mostly consists of marine gastropods, crustaceans have a history with the town, where a few choose to make their home.
-Cranton's Abode
A driftwood hut pulled together neatly by twine, circled around one side by rocks placed in the formation of a sort of patio, where the work of the lone-though-not-lonely shrimp Cranton unfolds. He's something of a traveller--and scavenger--himself, so despite fire not being an option underseas, his food still manages to be the best of any you'd find this side of the Cities.
-Anemone Reefs
A cluster of inert cnidarians far from the surface, corals scattered through despite its namesake.
In the center of the well-protected forest lies a clearing, where two nudibranch siblings have chosen to make their home.
-The Ruins
A collocation of objects that appear to be more of the strange white internal chitin of dead creatures, those of which terrestrial scientists lament not having more information on. About five full sets of them, just sitting at the bottom of the ocean, all relatively and inexplicably in the same area. No one has any explanation and nothing is known of them except that they must have died some time after the rest of the vertebrates, given their condition. Archeologists may not have time to learn more about these before they are completely worn away by the tide.
-Anchor
A city atop a buoy, inhabited mostly by aerial bugs, and those who can climb up from the seaweed-and-chain “stairways” drifting from surface to seafloor. Though the hard minerals did prove difficult to tunnel through, the sheer size and the natural platforms have made it worth the effort to improve.
