A fresh design overhaul for the Drakonian Starter Sentius just in time for Beta.
Starters Overhaul
This quarter we have an update on the monsters of Skyclimbers, known as Sentius! Sentius are elemental creatures that can be captured throughout the overworld.
Unlike other monster taming games, where each starter typically has a different type, all Skyclimbers starters begin with the elemental type of the player's chosen Dynasty. For example, Drakonian starters all begin as 🔥Magma type. However, each Sentius has a unique final form, and most will gain a secondary type as they evolve.
In Beta, you will choose your starter Sentius during character creation, and they will stand by you from the beginning of each playthrough.
The second and third evolution stages will be revealed closer to the Beta release!
Raikit, the tiger inspired Sentius, evolves into the formidable Raion as its final form. It's the only starter that remains a pure Magma type.
Kumi, the grumpy bear inspired Sentius, starts as a Magma type, but evolves into Maguma, a Magma/Terra dual type with an impressive matchup!
Lastly, there is Raptra, the raptor inspired Sentius! This 🔥Magma type starter matures into Aerapterix, a dual Magma/ 💨Aer type Sentius capable of both ground traversal and gliding!
We're building better animation principles to create more responsive animations while supporting a faster pipeline for artists. This starts with a new rigging standard designed to increase the responsiveness and realism of each animation, such as in these Raptra run and walk cycles.
Old Kumi design on the left, new design on the right.
A new standard for Sentius models.
After years of iteration, we're happy with the design language we've established for Sentius moving forward. Our original concept and Alpha design philosophy have evolved, with smaller 1st evolution Sentius now following the player on foot rather than serving only as as "on-the-shoulder" support companions.
Each design is meant to look fantastical while still being anatomically viable. Because of this, we've moved away from past influences and added a layer of realism, while still preserving the stylized nature of each Sentius. This includes the eyes, which are now rendered with greater detail and personality.
In the side-by-side comparison above, you can see the difference in Kumi's design as we've shifted towards follower Sentius rather than shoulder companions.
Additionally, we wanted each design to have more depth, with strong anatomical influence and subtle hints at its elemental type or future evolution typing.
Beta Sentius Roster
The Beta will feature 60+ Sentius currently in development, each spawning within specific biomes and world conditions. Not all 60+ will be available in the first Beta release. Throughout Beta, we'll continue adding features, movesets, and Sentius spawn criteria as we work towards our roster goals for Early Access.
⚠️Note, not all 60+ Sentius are shown in this update. We chose to showcase new or updated characters.
Rokki is part of a completely new line unique to Drakonia.
Ocean Biome
The Ocean biome appears across every continue you explore, and we've developed new Sentius for both the shoreline beaches and underwater spawn zones.
Kelpup is an existing Sentius with an updated design that better reflects its Aqua element and otter inspiration!
Kelpup is the first evolution in a dual line, that evolves into Aquotta, a more powerful Aqua type Sentius.
Kelpup and Aquotta are uniquely semi aquatic, therefore they are able to spawn in the water or on land.
Pygull is an Aer type Sentius with a fresh design update
Magull, the second evolution of Pygull, received a design update as well during the model creation process.
Complete Pygull evolution line ending with Albarott.
Fully Aquatic Sentius can only be tamed and deployed in the Ocean biome. Since players can free dive, some species may only be found at greater depths.
Mosaqua underwater idle cycle
Coddish another aquatic Sentius found only in the ocean biome.
Coastal Meadow
Most Sentius will be found wandering the vast grasslands, while others may nest on the peaks of the meadow cliffs.
Muragon is a rare coastal meadow Sentius that evolves from Vorak, previously showcased.
Above is the complete Vorak, Muragon, and Thracion evolution line.
Muragon supports multiple mount modes including fly and ground based walk / sprint.
Embra and Embru are both Magma type Sentius, with minor texture updates, maintaining overall design.
Deep Forest
Spawning for Sentius in this biome will vary between the dense forests, and alpine mountain regions.
Sproutlet has been re-designed, and now is part of a two stage evolution line with its final form Moosleif.
Glacub design update along with its idle animation.
Glacub is the first evolution of Avalynx, both are Frost pure type Sentius with rare spawn conditions.
Lamrock, received a design overhaul, giving it a cute new look!
Ramorack, the second evolution is also a pure Terra type.
Woolock the final form, is a dual type Frost/Terra Sentius and a formidable neutral Sentius.
The Ravendos line will also spawn primarily in the deep forest biome and be featured in the beta.
Gyser Plains
Dominated by tall peaks and wide plains, most Sentius will be found roaming the basin of this biome.
The Rokki line is a completely new species of Sentius added to Drakonia.
Rokki in a combat idle stance.
Rokki run animation cycle, he's a chunky boy.
The Rokki/Badgerite line is a pure Terra type evolution tree.
Gyser plains Badgerite animation preview, they say Badgerite shakes the ground with each step!
Magallop the horse Sentius, native to the Gyser Plains.
Charfoal another cute redesign!
Magallop as a mount is a great way to traverse the plains.
Mountable Sentius are essential for traveling long distances.
Aerl > Owlett > Owlthorn All three designs have been refreshed.
The Owlthorn line introduces a unique Gaia/Aer typing combination through its evolution tree.
Owlthorn is an impressive flying mount, taking you through the skies of Drakonia.
New Systems
As we get closer to the Beta, we've chosen to hone in on reusable Systems for all Sentius, improving the user experience and the bond between players and their Sentius companions.
Sentius health will impact their current status, feeding them to raise their health will restore happiness.
Sentius follower AI and player tracking improvements.
Better head tracking controller for follower Sentius.
VFX Development
We’ve upgraded our VFX pipeline with GPU rendered effects, allowing us to create richer, more dynamic visuals with improved performance and faster iteration.
Development Update
We're still pushing forward as a self funded two person team...
Tejas - Engineering | Justin - Art/Sound
With no external funding, we’ve recently expanded production support to help accelerate animation, VFX, and Sentius development for Beta.
The Beta is still planned for later this year, and we're going to keep the community updated as we get closer to the internal release.
Backers can expect access to the first Beta version for Steam late Q3, after which we will consider options for a larger Beta participation round.
Thank you for your continued patience and support while we develop Skyclimbers.
Until next time.
