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Xanadu (1980)

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Vice and Mature getting their last words in their special intros from KOF XIV to XV

Bonus:

Costume designs by Bobbie Mannix for XANADU (1980).

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My interpretation of Chris Wayan's Planetocopia, a set of alien worlds that test the limits of planetary habitablity (and also, as it happens, alien furry design.)

Planetocopia can be found here.

The planetary science based design of Planetocopia has been a huge influence on my planet-scale worldbuilding style ever since I learned of it probably close to a decade ago.

These drawings were mostly done by projecting the planet maps onto an orthographic projection and then tracing the coastlines, with all other features done manually, but some of them were traced from the photos of the physical globe models, and Kakalea, Xanadu, and Serrana were done freehanded.

Cloudless version below the cut.

Mongol Empire's Rise and Reach

The Mongol Empire, founded by Genghis Khan in 1206, grew into the largest contiguous land empire in history. Known for its unstoppable cavalry and strategic warfare, it stretched from the Black Sea deep into Asia, reshaping the connections between East and West. Although it eventually fragmented and faded by 1368, its influence on trade, culture, and diplomacy was profound.

Power of a United Nomadic Force

Genghis Khan united the nomadic tribes of the Asian steppe, forging a fearsome army prized for its speed, archery, and coordination. This army conquered vast territories including Iran, Russia, Eastern Europe, and China. His successors split the empire into four khanates, with the Yuan Dynasty in China, founded by Kublai Khan, being the most dominant.

Cultural Transformation and Decline

Over time, the Mongols adapted to the societies they ruled, converting to religions like Tibetan Buddhism and Islam. This cultural shift corresponded with a loss of their military edge. Internal conflicts weakened the empire, leading to its fall in the late 14th century.

Key Facts

Founded: 1206 by Genghis Khan

Peak: Controlled territory from the Black Sea to Korea

Military: Fast cavalry, expert horse archers, coordinated tactics

Division: Empire split into four khanates, including the Yuan Dynasty in China

Religion: Converted from shamanism to Buddhism or Islam over time

Legacy: Connected East and West through expanded trade routes and diplomacy

Historical Context

The Mongol Empire emerged from Mongolia’s fragmented nomadic tribes into a unified force under Genghis Khan in the early 13th century. This period was marked by declining powers in the Middle East, Europe, and China, enabling the Mongols’ rapid expansion.

Historical Significance

While the Mongols did not leave behind grand monuments or lasting political institutions, they revolutionized global interaction. Their empire connected Eurasia, stimulating trade, cultural exchanges, and travel between distant lands for the first time on such a scale. This set the stage for future global connectivity and exchange of ideas.

Learn More: Mongol Empire