#i typically as i like to interpret slugcats as...

[flickering-nightfall]

[amerricanartwork]

Rain World Art Month Day 13 - Five Pebbles

This day's art was very different from what I was expecting! At first I was gonna do a finished and colored piece more typical of this challenge, so I opened my sketchbook to try thumbnailing, but then I got into trying to work out my personal iterator designs again (something I've been trying to do as of recently) and eventually Day 13's art became a (rather messy) collection of studies instead! It still counts though, right?

Honestly though I've been wanting to share my current ideas for iterator design for a bit now, especially since it seems like practically a rite of passage in this fandom to do one's own visual interpretations of the slugcats and iterator puppets. I'm trying to first work out the basic iterator puppet features so I can then modify things like shape language and proportions individually from more of a character design perspective for each of the main six iterators. In that aspect I want a cross between semi-futuristic robot and cute living ball-jointed doll, and I've been struggling a little with how to merge those ideas in a way that is appealing, yet also makes sense for how I imagine the puppets themselves function. It's mostly in regards to the knee joints, the size of the face plates and what parts of the head they cover, the location and connecting structure of the head wires — which I want to be reminiscent of the Na'vi queue for both looks and that similar concept of an external neural connection structure — and conveying an overall segmented/plated look yet still allowing for more organic-looking squishiness in certain parts.

I've taken a lot of inspiration from other iterator designs as well as real dolls, and now I think I'm getting to a design I enjoy! Hopefully I can then start working more on each individual iterator's appearance soon. Until then I hope these look nice!

[nyuuronfly]

random thought In general, I think a lot of rain world art sortof depicts slugcats as "the animals" and iterators as "the humans." But personally, interpreting from the game, humans and slugcats may not be so different. Whereas the iterators are quite alien beings. They don't take part in the typical cycle of life, have very unusual physiology, likely have a very different "sense of self" from us, live lives on such a grander time scale, experience and process things in such a different and likely more complex way. Although Moon cutely uses terms like "big sister," iterators don't actually have an authentic concept of family. Everything about them is very removed from the aspects of life that define regular human existence. Find yourself in the shoes of the slugcat, and you live not too differently from how our ancestors lived. The shoes of an iterator are an existence so foreign to any human, that it is nearly inconceivable.

[pansear-doodles]

Anthro AU FAQ (Under construction)

What's the Rain World Anthro AU? An AU created out of fun where the sapient denizens of Rain World (Iterators, Slugcats, Scavengers...) are given anthropomorphic proportions and distinct clothing, more prominent personalities and facial expressions, and a modern-ish setting.

Its not meant to be taken TOO seriously and its meant for dumb fun. Almost all characters are alive in this AU (Yes, this includes Artificer's pups) and all the playable slugcats meet each other and get to be a friend group! There are also less threats such as Five Pebbles and Hunter being cured from the rot (...not really!). Everyone is just having a good time overall.

There are sub-AUs where some characters are not alive and are not having a good time, but the main one is the happiest possible.

Keep Reading to see more questions

Does stuff like the karma system, rain, cycles, echoes, and other in-game stuff exist still in this AU? Yes but the bleak/harsh aspects of them are toned down in the main AU. There's also some changes for how the karma system works.

The characters claim they experienced death, but how come they're still alive? How does death function in this AU and why do scars remain? Cartoon logic. They just wake up in a new body in the last shelter they slept in (or somewhere else if unlucky) and proceed as normal. They do experience every pain of that death, and the dead body is usually eaten before the alive one can see it. As for scars, its trauma-dependent. Emotionally charged scars overall leave one an impact.

What creatures of Rain World are considered non-sapient/still creatures in this AU? Typical enemies that's not in the same scale as Scavenger AI, creatures that don't have a sort of community/tribal system, etc. Lizards, centipedes, and vultures continue to be a threat in this world (and they can become pets).

How do the iterators work in this AU? How come I can see them walking around? They still experienced many events from the game, but since in this universe with high communication leveled sapient slugcats (who are far more sympathetic compared to the Ancients) and other adjustments, they're given a bit more freedom and empathy. The iterator puppets themselves can still walk around the vicinity of their can, but they would require a backpack with neurons and water if the puppet were to travel outside. I still have so much to research about the complexity of the iterators, but for now...

How do the slugcats travel fast? They got used to their environment and are familiar with the paths they take. Especially with having less threats in the world (especially with a more forgiving rain cycle), they're given more freedom to roam with less of a hassle.

How modern are we talking? The current IRL times. Combine that with some of Rain World's unique aspects and you got it. So you can have a scavenger wear a fleece sweater while listening to lo-fi, Lol.

Can I directly ask the characters? Only in special occasions! Follow me to stay tuned for when their inboxes get opened.

Can I make fanart for this AU? Yes! Absolutely! I love seeing fanart! No need to ask me unless you require specifications on my portrayal of the characters. Just don't portray the characters in a negative way please (not to be confused with angst- I'm talking about hate art and all that.)

Can I make sub-AUs/my own interpretations/my own versions/my own clothing/my own projections and headcanons? Sure! Don't be restricted with some rules, just as long as you're having fun. You don't even need to ask permission from me first unless its something big and can affect my end. Maybe it can be its own completely different AU! Possibilities are endless.

Can I redraw a comic/scene? Sure! Just credit me when its done and up on the public. :] Anyone can freely line and color my sketchy comics.

Can I borrow/be inspired from the ideas? Yes of course! Have fun.

What are some other headcanons/original ideas/community-made things placed on the main AU? The following: -Artificer X Hunter -Personalized Iterator designs that are not seen in-game for the local group such as Chasing Wind and Unparalleled Innocence -Rainworld Drought -Some of my Rainworld OCs (Cameos and incidentals only) -Iterators associated with specific Slugcats are referred as parental figures (exception to Five Pebbles and Artificer(landlord) ; Saint and Sliver of Straw are associated (mentee and mentor). -All of the slugcats use any pronoun (usually they/them) and are ambiguously gendered (or have no gender)

[pansear-doodles]

quick, random question that i just had in my mind, and also sorry if this has been asked and answered before. How old is all your people in your anthro au, also what are all their sexualities? Also sorry if this comes off as offensive, not meaning to, but for the more gender-based sexualities like lesbian, gay, or trans, how does it work for your characters since aren't they... uh, all gender, no gender...? (idk how to spell the word exactly, sorry, nor do i know what the word means exactly, again sorry)

labels are labels and represent their identity and feelings of themselves as individuals rather than focusing on technical aspects (so basically- who give a shit whatever you have on your crotch. if you identify as a lesbian despite appearing masculine, good for you.)

most of them are young adults and adults. monk is the only teen in the cast and saint is the oldest. i dont have exact ages in mind since my interpretation of slugcat maturation works differently from typical human aging, but the ranges get the gist of it.