Quendikin
Nyxes
Born from the Ether Tree after the Eldians turned their backs on it, Nyxes are hybrids of Eldian essence and Faerakin traits. Each is distinct, with features like antlers, feathers, or claws. Every Nyx carries a thurium attuned to a single element, a natural talent that allows them to bend Ether without the aid of sigils.
They dwell in Alarion Glade, living in balance with forest and wildlife, sworn as guardians of the Ether Tree. Among them stand the Dawnguards, the first elite line who fought against Drako during the Great Catastrophe. Outsiders often see Nyxes as unsettling and untrustworthy, for they never abandon their post and rarely welcome visitors. In truth, they are the will of Skyland made flesh, born to protect where others faltered, devoted entirely to shielding the Ether Tree from shadow and corruption.
"We were surrounded in the forest by Allures when she dropped from the branches above. Her face was striking, yet she carried no weapon and no sigil. We shouted for her to run, but she only spoke, and the air shifted. Sparks surged, and the shadows burned away. That was the first time I believed the tales of the Nyxes."
The Identity
In the early concepts, we explored many mixes, from bird-like forms to antlered deer silhouettes. Some leaned too far into epic or druid clichés, which didn’t match who the Nyxes truly are. They are not druids but a species born to guard the Ether Tree, creatures that embody vigilance and balance. For the splash art, we leaned toward a deer-inspired design, focusing on grace in motion, capturing the elegance of a scout as it moved with quiet precision and grace.
The Mood
As the vision developed, we tied the composition closer to their role as trackers of corruption. Rather than simply standing in strength, we imagined a Nyx mid-stride through a forest scarred by shadow, its posture in motion with tension, watching and guarding. This sense of pursuit and vigilance gave the scene weight, showing them as watchers who cannot rest while the forest suffers.
The Essence
In the final stages, the piece shifted toward a more dramatic tone. We asked: what if the Nyx was not only tracking corruption, but being hunted by it? This led to a composition where agility and dread collide, a scout darting through tainted woods, the corruption closing in. Vivid colors and sharp contrasts carried the horror of the chase, balancing beauty and menace to capture the true essence of the Nyxes: guardians who stand where others fall, even at the cost of being consumed themselves.
Final Design
Hope you enjoy this glimpse into the ether tree guardians, The Nyxes.
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