Trying to create my own pony-like species: The Equae (3d concept art)

[Aurora Pridemare 9]

Hi everypony, I am Aurora. I plan to develop video games in my own universe with my own pony-like species, the Equae.

Here is my first serious attempt at modeling a 3D character's head in Blender. (I am also working on the body in a separate project, but it's not ready to show yet.) This is meant to be a first 3D concept, and it is not polished yet. I'm still working on it and already have some changes in mind that I'll apply as soon as I can. I am also uncertain about the overall shapes and might even start over from the beginning.

To give you an idea of what I want to achieve: I aim to make the head and face more "realistic", anthropomorphic, and "humanlike", with a more frontal face and smaller eyes (compared to MLP) due to the species' evolution and the fact that, thanks to magic, they have no natural enemies (much like humans). Additionally, this should help prevent possible copyright infringements.

I should also mention that I am a beginner to intermediate 3D artist, and I can't draw. However, feel free to provide constructive criticism and share your thoughts and ideas about it.

P.S. Sorry for my not-so-good English. It's not my first language, and I have mild dyslexia. Because of that, I took a little help from AI to correct the grammar.

P.P.S. Because of my (social) anxiety, it could take some time until I respond to your answers.

P.P.P.S. A little fun fact: It's my first time posting in an online community forum. Before, I used to only read and watch from an outside perspective.

[Otaku-sempai 432]

Honestly, and please don't take offense, but the design doesn't work for me. It's a bit too human, veering deeply into the uncanny valley. I do wonder what the culture of the Equae is like and what are their abilities? Are they bipedal or quadrupedal? Do they have hands with fingers? Hooves or more human-like feet? 

[Aurora Pridemare 9]

On 2024-06-16 at 2:44 PM, Otaku-sempai said:

Honestly, and please don't take offense, but the design doesn't work for me. It's a bit too human, veering deeply into the uncanny valley. I do wonder what the culture of the Equae is like and what are their abilities? Are they bipedal or quadrupedal? Do they have hands with fingers? Hooves or more human-like feet? 

First, thank you for your feedback and interest.

You are right and I share your opinion. To post it was more of a mood test to figure out, if others feel the same way about it. I think I'll start all over again. Sadly I can't draw. It would be much easier to iterate and figure out the best over all shape, even if 2d is much different to 3d. The thing is, I really want to see the Equae come to live, in a "realistic" form and shape. Maybe it's a little to much for just me. I hope I can make it at least good looking enough to show off what my game(s) is/are about, so maybe some professional could get interested and join me in development.

Fun fact: I started modeling the head around new year and it took me about 60-100 hours since, excluding researching and learning videos. Most part of it was learning, testing and figuring out how to modle the basic form and topology. I used vertex/poly modeling for it, or as I call it: "Pushing points around in 3d space." Everything without a template, direct out of my head. It's a feedback loop. Changing something and then see how it looks and changing again and so on.

The Equae, for the most part, are quadrupedal, but can also walk bipedal to some extend. They evolved in a world (or rather on a planet) where not only the biological nature exists, but also a magical nature. Because of that, they have a "magical system", like the nerve system, which gives them access to magical abilities. So they didn't needed to evolve hands, because they can magically "grab" stuff with their hooves. That's also the reason for there facultative bipedality (for example for working, transporting). For that they use there hoof "palm", not their hoof tip. I don't know yet, if they need to touch stuff directly or if they have a certain range, like fingers would.
The magical nature has other advantages too. The Equae can reproduce though biological or also magical nature. Thanks to the latter, they don't need the (for human) usual circumstances, so they have much more diversity in der sexual identities. How it works in detail, I don't know yet.
However, the magical nature also brings with it disadvantages, such as various disabilities and illnesses.
By the way, Equae need some magical nature around (on a planet) to be able to use their magic. Magical grabbing and other very low level magic should work to some degree though. Through training, they can become better at using magic and with a lot of practice, they can even overcome the need for magical nature.
There are also a few different types of Equae, a little like we all know from MLP. There is the type without any special body parts. They have a stronger magical system in their limbs, so they are a little stronger and better with detailed hoof work and have some magical support in stamina.
The second type has a horn and can use levitation. Without practice, it's limited. Normally, a direct vision and a clear path is needed, so the emitted magic particles can fly there and attach to the target. It also depends on their magical strength how much they can lift and on magical stamina for the duration. Practice can increase capability, but for most it is limited like physical strength.
The third type has wings and can fly. However, without magical nature, they can almost only glide, except after long training, as mentioned before.
There are also mixed types. Unlike in MLP, they're not that rare and special, but can only become experts in just one ability, or get at least good at all of them. The mixes are: none and horn, none and winged, winged and horn, none and winged and horn. In some very, very rare cases, a 3-mixed type can get very good at all abilities, but only with the grace of the magical nature. However, they exist only in old legends. By the way, higher magic, such as spells and using that magic through hooves, is also an old, almost forgotten legend.

Equae culture is diverse. They have no real religions or gods, but some have indeed their own beliefs (a little more on that later). In the times most of my game ideas take place, the Equae are advanced in technology and space travel. They also research on mixing technology and magic. They colonies other planets, but only, if no intelligent and conscious live exists on it. They don't colonize because of need for more space to life, but rather by curiosity, to diversify and to preserve nature and resources overall. Equae have high values: "With each other, for each other, individuality and respect for environments and magical and biological nature." It's neither communism, nor capitalism (details not set yet). Family is not only where they're born in, but can be friends and community too. It's not like our "modern" family picture.

Despite all that, not all Equae are the same. They have diverse personalities, experiences and believes. Therefor are some Equae that believe in hierarchy and that power should only be for the strong. This believe is based on an ancient legend about a powerful Equa Mare. They believe, she once wiped out most of the magic and came to the conclusion, that her intent was to wanisch the entire magical nature. However, it's only their interpretation, best fitting their ideology. These separatists play a huge role in my games, especially in the first one.

I hope, this gives you a good basic understanding of what the Equae are supposed to be. It's by far not all. I also left out some details, otherwise it would be to much and exhausting for me to write. What do you think about it? At some point in the future I would probably open a new thread specifically related to my game(s) and development.

[Otaku-sempai 432]

Interesting. Don't feel bad about not being able to draw. I don't draw well either! When I adapted my pony OC as a 1st-level ttrpg character I had to use an art program myself. 

Have you considered the use of ley lines and ley-line nexuses as a source for more powerful magic in your world? The concept has worked well for a number of fantasy authors. Maybe (roughly) centaur-like body would work better for the Equae; giving them hands with digits (maybe 3 or 4 on each hand?). Telekinesis would still be very useful, but some sort of hand would help a lot with technology. (and maybe with spell-casting as well). Alternately, they could have four limbs as you envision, but with hands that have tough pads on their palms that enable them to run on all fours when they need to. Don't mind me, I'm just brainstorming a little. Ignore any ideas that you don't like for your game! 

[Aurora Pridemare 9]

In fact, I had already been thinking about where magic comes from. There is a sort of intermediate level of magic that acts as a connection to a kind of dimension. This dimension is not bound by space and contains energy that consists of the contents of all black holes. Certain biological cells in magical beings have a connection to this magical level. This magic can tap into the black hole dimension and use and manipulate the energy stored there. However, this process requires energy, which comes from the cells. The more magical nature present (which includes the Equae themselves), the better the magic can be used. Alternatively, through training, a stronger connection of the body cells to magic can be achieved without additional magical nature. While the black hole dimension contains only pure energy, the magical intermediate level acts as a sort of program for translating and shaping this energy. This theoretically allows for a wide range of magic, even though higher magic has been almost completely "forgotten". By the way, in my universe, there are other ways to tap into the energy of the black hole dimension. I think this novel approach could provide an interesting alternative to already common approaches, even if it is not quite finished yet.

Unfortunately, I can't quite imagine what kind of centaur you envision. Could you perhaps describe it a bit more precisely?

The thing is, I don't like hands, especially on quadrupeds. I've thought about this in the past. Then I found MLP:FIM. Ponies that walk on four legs and still have an advanced world and society. Levitation through horns seemed to be the initial reason for this. However, ponies actually use their mouths to grab things, but also their hooves, which often appear almost "magnetic". It was never properly explained. I've now thought about how it could work similarly better and fit into the world. The Equae would not have additional fingers, but contact points or surfaces on the back of their front hooves. When they get close enough to an object with these points, they can wrap it with their magic, which would only have a certain range (e.g., a finger length). They might even be able to "reach through" certain thin materials, allowing them to use buttons or contacts underneath. A keyboard could thus have a thin surface, allowing the keys to be pressed through with magic. Due to the required precision, it would take practice and could be difficult or impossible with certain disabilities, adding further complexity to the societies of the Equae and making it harder for other species (allies, neutrals, enemies) to interact with such technology.

The exact anatomy is hard to describe and it would take many tests to ensure it works/looks good and fits into the gameplay. Here, I've built a 3D sketch to illustrate it a bit:
 

Spoiler

Without a visualization of the magic:

 

 

With markers. The purple one marks the contact surface, the green ones are contact points and the pink ones are additional points. I'm not quite sure which variant I'll take:
















A little video of it for fun, why not:
 

 

 

For the hind hooves, I'm still considering, in addition to a greater length and width, whether they should have (2) additional toes to better support bipedal walking, inspired by early horses:
 

Spoiler

 

I like your interest and brainstorming. Thank you for that. Something like this always inspires me and encourages further thinking, questioning, and improvement. It's all not final anyway and can and will definitely continue to develop, so any ideas are always welcome.
 

[Otaku-sempai 432]

In terms of centaur-like body structure, I was thinking along the lines of Edgar Rice Burrroughs' Green Men of Mars, with a secondary pair of arms that could also be used as forelegs. The digits on the second pair of arms could end in thick hoof-like structures or the "hands" could be padded (like the frogs of a horse's hoof). Actually, the Dawn Horse shows how this might be able to work! 

Btw, I basically like the name Equae, but would Equaes (both singular and plural) roll off the tongue a bit better? 

Edited June 26 by Otaku-sempai

[Aurora Pridemare 9]

On 2024-06-26 at 4:08 PM, Otaku-sempai said:

In terms of centaur-like body structure, I was thinking along the lines of Edgar Rice Burrroughs' Green Men of Mars, with a secondary pair of arms that could also be used as forelegs.

Interesting idea, but not really what I envisioned for the Equae. It would also be much harder to design and animate them and fit in with the gameplay. But I'll keep it in mind for later for a potential other species.

 

On 2024-06-26 at 4:08 PM, Otaku-sempai said:

Btw, I basically like the name Equae, but would Equaes (both singular and plural) roll off the tongue a bit better? 

Thanks. That's a good question. I mean, Equa (singular) and Equae (plural) are actually latin and translate to mare/mares. I chose them over Equus/equi, the maskulin forms (and there isn't a really neutral form). The feminin forms felt better, because maskulin forms are used so often, especially in German. Btw. for "Katze" (cat) it is the other way around. As you said, it's maybe a little hard to pronounce and also it takes a little getting used to. I didn't decided yet if I will take it. I think, I would need more feedback from much more other people.

 

Btw, I wonder what it is, that you would prefer some kind of hands/digits over hooves, especially in comparison to MLP? I didn't get it fully yet.

[Otaku-sempai 432]

41 minutes ago, Aurora Pridemare said:

Interesting idea, but not really what I envisioned for the Equae. It would also be much harder to design and animate them and fit in with the gameplay. But I'll keep it in mind for later for a potential other species.

 

Thanks. That's a good question. I mean, Equa (singular) and Equae (plural) are actually latin and translate to mare/mares. I chose them over Equus/equi, the maskulin forms (and there isn't a really neutral form). The feminin forms felt better, because maskulin forms are used so often, especially in German. Btw. for "Katze" (cat) it is the other way around. As you said, it's maybe a little hard to pronounce and also it takes a little getting used to. I didn't decided yet if I will take it. I think, I would need more feedback from much more other people.

 

Btw, I wonder what it is, that you would prefer some kind of hands/digits over hooves, especially in comparison to MLP? I didn't get it fully yet.

Fair enough! As for digits, I just like them for practical reasons, and to set your creatures apart from Equestrian ponies. But you'll do whatever you want; it's just an idea. 

Edited June 30 by Otaku-sempai

[Aurora Pridemare 9]

On 2024-06-30 at 3:15 PM, Otaku-sempai said:

Fair enough! As for digits, I just like them for practical reasons, and to set your creatures apart from Equestrian ponies. But you'll do whatever you want; it's just an idea. 

I'll probably use digits in some form, if not for the Equae, then at least for a subspecies of them. I've already thought of two: A more avian-like with feathered forelegs and a more feline-like with fangs, claws and a cat-tail. They both live on different planets than the Equae, that were disconnected a long ago from an ancient and forgotten portal system and can be discovered (and perhaps even played) in future games.

 

On 2024-06-26 at 4:08 PM, Otaku-sempai said:

In terms of centaur-like body structure, I was thinking along the lines of Edgar Rice Burrroughs' Green Men of Mars, with a secondary pair of arms that could also be used as forelegs.

It's an inspiring idea. It reminds me of several characters, such as General Grievous from Star Wars, Angle Dust from Hazbin Hotel, or even Pegasi, wich sometime use their wings as hands. Once I even had the idea for equippable robot arms, a little like Dr. Octavius from Spider-Man, which would be interesting in a sandbox game.

 

To give you a better understanding why I like the Equae to be more pony-like:
As many others I have waited a long time for a great MLP:FIM game, but it never came. I mean, there are other good and interesting fangames out there or even in the making, but the full potential of MLP games was never realized from Hasbro. At some point I started thinking about to create my own "ponyverse", so I have had full creative control over it and maybe could even finance it. I like videogames and out of interesst was looking into videogame development for a few years already, so I finally started to learn development by myself (I might even have studied it, but because of mental illnesses never came into the position to do so. That psychological disabilities are also the reason why it is easier to lern it by myself.). But perhaps the main reason to create the Equae more pony-like, is a personal one. With Equestria ponies, MLP showed me something, I was searching for for a long time. It was a very strong feeling I've never felt before. At some point I had to try to realize a game in which I and others can dive into an immersive world of pony-like creatures. No other game or mod could fully give me that experience and feeling yet. So that's because I have to designe at least the Equae somewhat more pony-like. Btw, my idea is to create a rich and immersive universe full of diverse other creatures, so that in the end there are not only the Equae, although they are the main species in the first game(s). The thing is, I'm fully aware that it's not possible for me alone to create all of this. At some point I will need more other people on my projects. But for now I will focus on developing my first game by myself for as long as possible, because I don't even know, if it could work out and whether other people will like it at all.

That said, I hope I can make it and I appreciate every criticism, inspiration and ideas along the way. So thank you, Otaku-sempai, for responding to my posts and for your inspirations. As hard as social interactions and writing can be for me, your interested responses are always a pleasure for me and motivate me to think further and work on my ideas and game development. Even if there isn't much other interaction, my first thread turned out positive for my, thanks to you.