Kartheans {Information Thread}

[TheCalicoTabby]

I've been working on some symbols. Not sure where to fit them in on the front page yet, so I'll just post them here for now. Click the image to see the meanings for them.

[TheCalicoTabby]

Not sure if anyone will see this, but if so, I could use a second opinion.
I've been reading a bit about creating alien/fantasy races, and I'm considering making these guys a little more unusual.
Either physically, culturally or morally--maybe all three?
...Basically, I'm wondering if I should make them more alien, or keep them more simple/relatable by keeping them human-like. I mean, I want to keep it balanced between the two no matter what, but at the moment they're very human.

[Shiko Hayashi]

Not sure if anyone will see this, but if so, I could use a second opinion.
I've been reading a bit about creating alien/fantasy races, and I'm considering making these guys a little more unusual.
Either physically, culturally or morally--maybe all three?
...Basically, I'm wondering if I should make them more alien, or keep them more simple/relatable by keeping them human-like. I mean, I want to keep it balanced between the two no matter what, but at the moment they're very human.

Hmmm...
What if perhaps you make them physically alien? internally, I mean. Their bone structure or organs could be different, giving them either more advantage or disadvantage over us. Or perhaps make them have different morals? Like how killing a life is considered natural, as life ends every day, etc. Or maybe culturally you can make them sort of center themselves around music?

[TheCalicoTabby]

So you think I should make them more alien, then?
Keeping them mostly human-like makes them easier to relate to and write about...but making them more alien could make them more interesting.
As for your ideas...they are interesting, but I want to try to fit things in with what I already have.
Bone structure and organs would probably be different, but that might not be the kind of thing everyone would be interested in reading about. When I said physically, I was actually considering something like only one gender---though I probably won't do that, since I've already drawn two. And I don't really want to change what I've drawn...so maybe I'll just forget about changing the physical part.
Maybe, instead of killing being natural, it could be something only the queen has the right to do? That would make it almost a symbol of authority. Killing might be seen as a threat to her. That would explain why a common punishment is exile rather than execution.
And basing the culture around the ocean, or fishing or swimming, might make more sense. Music might play a role in that, but I can't see it as the most important thing in their society.
Thanks for the opinion!

[Shiko Hayashi]

So you think I should make them more alien, then?
Keeping them mostly human-like makes them easier to relate to and write about...but making them more alien could make them more interesting.
As for your ideas...they are interesting, but I want to try to fit things in with what I already have.
Bone structure and organs would probably be different, but that might not be the kind of thing everyone would be interested in reading about. When I said physically, I was actually considering something like only one gender---though I probably won't do that, since I've already drawn two. And I don't really want to change what I've drawn...so maybe I'll just forget about changing the physical part.
Maybe, instead of killing being natural, it could be something only the queen has the right to do? That would make it almost a symbol of authority. Killing might be seen as a threat to her. That would explain why a common punishment is exile rather than execution.
And basing the culture around the ocean, or fishing or swimming, might make more sense. Music might play a role in that, but I can't see it as the most important thing in their society.
Thanks for the opinion!

I see your point(s).

However I guess you could throw in a little magic? Perhaps make it so that they believe that the oceanic world they revolve around has a certain melody that, when you can tap into it, allows you to fabricate or destroy matter? Etc, etc.
Just a few ideas, but yeah. I hope you find out what you want to do!

^_^