I guess I had a bunch of things in mind when designing it... Komainu and Foo-dogs, dragons, lions and a couple of different Pokemon (lol). Originally these guys also had bubbles on their tails... but I scrapped it and instead transferred the idea to the bell charms around their front paw(s) instead.
Not sure what to do with this. I did doodle it for fun, but I'm half tempted to either make the species open for all, sell it or just to keep it as a one-off OC design for myself.
Any feedback or species name ideas? All is appreciated 0w0
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Just a concept lore and some additional information that I've thrown together regarding this species that, just for now, will be known simply as 'Komainu', aka 'lion dogs' since that's what they're mostly based off. Currently a bit of a wip as I'm sort of still just throwing ideas around.
'Very little is otherwise known about the true geographical origins of the Komainu, however it is believed that it came from East Asia, specifically Japan and China, due to the vague simalarities found between it and the Japanese guardian statues and 'Foo-dogs'. There seems to be small variations between individuals found in different countries, specifically to do with the length of teeth, mane and horns.
Komainu are believed to be spirits who, like their inanimate counterparts, guard the establishments of chosen families and shrines in order to watch over and protect them from harm. It is thought however that a Komainu cannot or will not guard a property on it's own for long, lest it become corrupted. Instead it must find and bond with a mate to whom it can guard it's chosen property with, or at least a temporary partner.
The property in which a pair guard can impact or at least influence a Komainu and it's status in a number of ways. The richer (culturally or materialistic) the more powerful a Komainu is considered to be.
Another important feature of Komainu are their bells. Komainu may wear any sort of decorative accessory, however the bells are something that are found on each and every one of them, usually on a simple string bracelet or ribbon around one of the paws. It is believed that they receive their first bell upon birth, the material of which it is crafted and how decorated depending on the status of their birthplace. For example, a simple shrine in the woods may simply offer a wooden or stone bell, whilst a palace or lavish shrine could mean silver or gold decorated with shells, flowers or precious stones.
Regardless of where they first appeared, Komainu have been sighted all over and around the Asian continent, with some even turning up in Siberia and parts of Russia and Oceania. They have long bodies that are covered in fine, sleek fur that seems to thicken and form an obvious swirl-like mark on each shoulder blade. Their forelegs are lined with silky tufts of long fur with a matching mane that starts just behind their ears and follows the spine down where it cuts off, only to continue down the rump to the tail. They also commonly have a plume of fur at the end of their long tails.
Both males and females possess horns, though only in males will these grow beyond stubs to form horns that can vary greatly in appearance. The fangs of males also tend to grow out, giving them a rather formidible appearance. Whilst the intentions of many Komainu are good, there will always be a few 'bad' individuals...
Oni Komainu
Komainu whom have been exposed to evils may become corrupted - those whom live a solitary guardian life are particularly susceptible. These evils can range from impurities in the environment such as toxic waste to the consistent negative influences of their resident or local human's behaviour. Oni Komainu can usually be distinguished from their ordinary brethren simply by observing their eyes, coat colours and bells. Whilst ordinary Komainu tend to have relatively warm colours, Onis will generally be colder with darker hues, brighter eyes and damaged bells.
Not all corrupted Komainu are considered truly evil or dangerous - some may simply become rogue spirits who choose to wander from their posts or ignore their duties altogether, in order to cause mischief for other spirits, humans or animals.
Of course, there are definitely a few who become malicious... however, they are far and few between.
There is no known cure for corrupted Komainu, though it's believed certain charms can help to tame or keep them at bay. Pairing them with another (non-Oni) Komainu is thought to be a good idea in order to keep them in check, promoting a yin-yang type relationship.
