An action shot illustration depicting the Combat-class War Turtle with its handler. These heavy, tank-like vehicles and their handlers are responsible for the primary defense of the settlement, placed strategically around the border of the settlement itself, deep within the swamp. Because of this they are relatively immobile, being more defensive in nature than offensive. Despite their heavy size, they can strike quickly and devastatingly with their massive jaws filled with the sharp, jagged crystals that also serve as their psychic link with their handlers and their primary power source.

 

Some rough sketches exploring the movement and mechanisms of the Combat-oriented creature-vehicle, the War Turtle, which was loosely based on an alligator snapping turtle.

Colour studies exploring different pigmentation options suitable for a dark, swampy environment.

An action shot showing an example of the Recon-class  creature-vehicle, the Swampstrider, in transit with its handler. This vehicle was designed predominantly for speed and covert movement. These Guardians patrol the outskirts of the swamp, passing messages to outposts and serving as an early warning system for any incoming forces, friendly or otherwise.

Some sketches and colour studies exploring the movement and possible palette choices for the Swampstrider. Its bulbous body is predominantly hollow, making it very light weight. This, in combination with its springy quad-pair legs, make it very fast, especially under duress. It's defensive and offensive qualities are, however, extremely low. In emergencies, its handler will set it free to flee to the nearest outpost and set off alarms while the handler remains behind to fight. Handlers for this vehicle are therefore by necessity physically capable, but slender and lightweight in build so as not to strain the carrying capabilities of the creature-vehicle too much. The hollow compartment in its neck is primarily used to protect messages and fragile objects during transit.

This creature-vehicle was based on storks, herons, and pondskater insects for inspiration and design.

An action shot depicting the Support-class creature-vehicle, the Swampbear, with its handler. These teams primarily roam the middle-regions of the swamp in between the outskirt outposts and the inner defensive outposts. They are responsible mostly for repair work, supply transportation, and low-risk escort situations. The heavy, sturdy Swampbear is not very fast but can take a beating when necessary, and can carry its handler for long periods of time over a variety of terrains, including swimming in the water itself in places that have flooded or in which the walkways have become inaccessible.

Some colour studies and sketches exploring the details of the Swampbear.

This creature-vehicle was based heavily on beavers, capybaras, and black bears.

A more detailed exploration of the original rough designs for the three handlers of the creature-vehicles.

Break down of the Handlers' outfits, including layers and accesories.

A prop development sheet for the Combat-class handler's primary tool; a powerful whip which doubles as a reinforcing link to his War turtle through the psychic crystal in its pommel.

A prop sheet for the Recon-class Handler's primary tool; a multi-tool staff that can be used to catch food, carry objects, fling and catch projectiles, and used as both a blunt force and jabbing weapon. Inspiration was taken from Lacross gear and quarter staffs.

A prop sheet for the Support-class Handler, whose primary tool is a large basket which can be worn across the chest/against the back/over one shoulder. It is made of a flexible, reed-based wicker-like material, with a solid leather strap that is often padded with moss and wrapped with cloth for additional comfort when carrying heavy loads. A support-class handler is generally responsible for creating and maintaining their own basket, so the style and aesthetic varies strongly from Handler to handler based on tastes, skill, and personal comfort.

Some miscellaneous additional world building that was attempted towards the end of this project; includes an overhead map of the Swamp, depicting the points at which outposts would be placed--the dark ones being War turtles and the white ones being Swampstriders--as well as the complex, misleading paths cutting through the body of the bog and the border demarcating the end of the Guardians territory. 

Below the map are some thumbnails depicting the Heart of the swamp and one of the entrances to the Guardian's stronghold/settlement and the edge of the forest where the pathways end. 

To the right are some flora and fauna; a random sampling of one of the food animals common in the swamp, a creature design based on a coelocanth, an axolotle, and a catfish; and below it a Will-o-wisp lotus, from which the Psychic crystals are harvested. These crystals and the plants they grow from share an inherent link with the Guardians of the swamp, and thus have been known to lead unfriendly intruders astray as much as they're likely to lead lost Guardians home.