my maned wolf ARPG, CHRYSOCYON, is set in a world of magic and diversity, which has come to call itself ARKYLIA.
the inhabitants of Arkylia are not human- not completely. There had always been many races of humanoids- faeries, demons, elves, ogres and orcs, dwarves and goblins- but an ancient magical catastrophe threw this world into chaos nearly five millennia ago, which connected many species of animals- including humanoids- to each other for a brief time.
For a precious moment, the world had been saturated with magic so potent and universal, that every creature understood the other, without words, without speech, from the tiniest mouse to the largest undersea behemoth.
Only for a moment.
Such a degree of magic could not remain stable, and so that peaceful hour ended with a shock wave that sent the strongest to their knees, and knocked many unconscious. As the humanoids awoke, they found themselves different from what they had been. Most simply developed new magical proficiency, and a much deeper understanding of the world around them, their minds far more open than they had been. Humans, however- well, there were no true humans anymore. Many had tails, and animal-like ears and noses. Their hands and feet had become pawlike, with some even having grown hooves. It all depended on the animals they had been near during the magical saturation that would later become known as the Peacemaking Event. Many also found they could speak to animals, who had also mutated and been mixed up, quite like the humans had been.
But that was five thousand years ago, and this is now.
Magic is still used quite often. In daily life, in great public shows. A utopia-like era of prosperity had followed the Peacemaking Event, each race openly mingling with no discrimination, they were so deeply affected. There are some more reserved, of course, such as the demons, and some elves, but there is very little to no true war anymore. Such a peaceful world has paved the way for many magical and scientific advancements and inventions- such as the technology that was used to recreate Chrysocyon brachyurus, the maned wolf, following their near extinction due to competition with other predators in their region.
There is instant teleportation available nearly everywhere, making travelling long distances over land more of a novelty than a necessity. Magic makes life quite easy, allowing the population to focus on recreational and finer occupations, bettering their world. Medicine is incredible, with almost every disease having a treatment, if not a cure. Artists and inventors abound, everyone works how they want to, and anyone who is unable to work is supported by the others in their community.
Chyros are owned by many people from different walks of life, quite like horses might be in our world. Every chyro born is precious, as they are working to help continue the species. Their genetics and parentage are carefully logged, to avoid any inbreeding problems. There are different chyro lines for different things- small, pet chyros, gentle and sweet, all the way up to the large working chyros and the tall, streamlined racing chyros. Most, if not all chyro's handlers can communicate with them, forging a strong friendship and trust between chyro and handler.
So what makes a chyro handler?
Basically, CHRYSOCYON is set in a world called Arkylia with an extremely diverse cast of humanoid races to choose from- except for true humans! Due to a cataclysmic magical event five thousand years ago, the human race of Arkylia has many diverse animal traits. A chyro's handler can be any humanoid race- faerie, demon, elf, ogre etc. The world they are set in is a true utopia- there is no war, no poverty. Magic and all forms of science are so advanced that there is no sickness, and society is supportive, providing for any who cannot provide for themselves. War is an old, old nightmare. Many, if not most Arkylians can speak to animals, and some can speak to nature. As long as your character or their backstory does not contradict this worldbuilding- then they are a canon handler! I suppose Arkylian humans could be counted as an open species (though really they're just humans with animal traits to make them easier to draw). You don't have to ask me before creating a handler, but if you want confirmation of them, then you're free to post them here, or pm them to me for me to look over.
I hope this is helpful to anyone playing or planning to play CHRYSOCYON!
here is a free to use lineart! available in .sai and .psd!
here is an oekaki version of the lineart!
