C.O.W. - #025: Arctic Carnivore

[Fozzybar]

http://www.conceptart.org/forums/images/cow/cow.jpg


Round #025

Topic:
Arctic Carnivore

Deadline:
Saturday, 15 October 2005




- for any questions or help go here:
http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?t=37512

note: The deadline won't be EXACTLY after a week...it can last up to 24 hours more, i am human and have to work also, you know ;)

Post your creature for this week!

[S.C. Watson]

ooooooooooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!! I get chills just thinking about this....!

[Form]

water + ice environments... my two most hated!!! thanks for challenging me foz!

[Gloominati]

wooohoooo I have waited soooooo long (nearly 2 days :) ) until C.O.W#25 started. Great topic, I need to get to my pencils now , hehe :)

[BrainBug]

water + ice environments... my two most hated!!! thanks for challenging me foz!

it's COW, no environment needed :confident: just make your creature kick a little bit more ass then it would normally and people look past the fact it has no environment :)

[Form]

it's COW, no environment needed :confident: just make your creature kick a little bit more ass then it would normally and people look past the fact it has no environment :)


you callin' meh a pusseh?!?!?!

[Fozzybar]

Yes....Koala Pusseh! What do you know about arctic, eh...>:D

[Form]

I know more about koala pusseh than you... no wait let me try again.....


I know more pusseh than an antarctic koa..... no no... this is hard...


IMA HAVE TO k-k-KICK YOUR ASSSSS FOZZY!





go to bed form.

[Xpose]

Why can't we all just get along!? ya pussies!

[Evil_Sloth]

I'm down for this one.
I can just smell the blood on the ice.
Ausie Ausie Ausie!

[AndrewLey]

Just gonna throw in a quick one - I have a really busy week ahead...

These lightning fast predators feed mostly on small mammals. Thier wings are actually covered in thick fur which, while a perfect insulator for its arctic habitat, render the creature flightless. It uses the wings as shelter from the freezing winds and also to intimidate competitors. It is thought they may have been able to fly in the past, but the wing feathers most likely adapted to a climate change.

http://img270.imageshack.us/img270/174/arcticbeast3ua.jpg

[scumgrinder]

Specimen 50-C "Spider Rabbit"

From the lost files of the 60's Gjoa iceberg expedition

Trent Leyland's diary excerpt:
"...they aren't ears. The horn like extensions work in a similar way as the ampullae of Lorenzini in sharks, that explains why the creature could find our huskies even during the storms.
Foreman took a few pictures of the creature while there was still some sun, can't wait to see how they turn out."

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a232/scumgrinder/arctic.jpg

[Form]

those are HOT.

[Sundance]

Damn Andrew...if this is the kinda stuff you turn out when you don't spend any time on a painting, I'd probably have seizures if you ever post one that you felt like you finished.

Scumgrinder...very nice. A little disapointed that the photographer didn't take a moment longer to focus ;) . But in all seriousness, it is a very nice painting.

[scumgrinder]

well. i could post the one where he actually worked the focus properly in my sketchbook ;).
Thanks for the comments, dudes

[scumgrinder]

ahdjhg now i feel guilty for blurring it. here's another version:
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a232/scumgrinder/arctic2.jpg

[sour]

why should you feel guilty?
it's a good idea to incorporate into the drawing considering it was probably a hastily taken picture from the description given. i don't imagine anyone holding still with something like that charging at them.
you can still see all the important parts, anyway.

[scumgrinder]

awesome first post! I like you already

[sour]

thanks. i thought i was just going to lurk here, and look at the pretty pictures, but i couldn't help myself it had to be said.

great job, btw.

[Dusty]

I agree I like the blur and the photo effects on it better. It helps add that little extra oomph to the story.

-Dusty

[scumgrinder]

hm
mixed feelings now. should i redo the thing without the blur?

[sour]

no, leave it as is.

[scumgrinder]

too late!

[possessed]

crazy entries allready, those are great guys. I hope I have time for this week's cow but I'm also happy to say I'm swamped with work tihihi.

[BrainBug]

bah, thinking it was Ice Carnivore i came up with a concept of the "frigare burglare" that steals the deep frozen meat out of peoples fridges at night to eat it as a popsicle... but that isn't quite arctic so i'll have to think of something else...

nice work, scummy and andrew

[Fozzybar]

those are HOT.
Actually, they are COOL!

Nice entries so far....i love it when the bar is raised up so early :)

[sour]

too late!
fine!
i'm glad i got to see the first version anyway.

[Sundance]

Sour - The snow is still blurry :bashful:

Scumgrinder - I've got to say I like it better, and I'm glad you did it!

[Lake]

holy CRAP Andrew and Scum, that's CRAAAAZY fast!

YEESH.

this one's cool (no pun intended), I'll have it in on Friday (I hope)

[nightfend]

Here's my rough sketch of my arctic carnivore. Knowing how much I hate drawing fur, I figured it was the perfect excuse to practice. :-p

http://home.comcast.net/~mikecwagner/images/cow/snowbeast01-rough.jpg

[Form]

watch the perspetive on his spines!

[tuchten]

here goes my arctic carnivore. Inspired by nordic myth and old fashion fantasy, this creature is more of a creative design than a unic concept..

Gestur

At first he was just a peasant rumor, folklore spoke of him as a legend. In time, the people in the northen villages came to worship the creature as a god. It didnt last long. When the massacre of the little society was over, nearby villages studied the slaughter. No lifestock was killed, whatever did this, hunted humans alone..

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v606/tuchten2/tuchten%20begins/istrollklarsharpliten.jpg

[Form]

hey tuchten be careful the design isnt 'too human' to fit the rules. nice paint tho.

[possessed]

@ tuchten: That thing would be so unbelievably cool if you made it prowling the Nordic landscape. As is, it's amazingly cool anyway :p
oi, I do agree with the others, it is a little too humanoid for COW but you gotta do something with the character in another piece or so.

[Fozzybar]

tuchten:
humanoid alert 86%
character alert 97%

[Gloominati]

wow great entrys already, it's time to throw my little creature in here:

Arctic Hunter-saurian
This reptile-related creatures are able to hunt both onshore and in the water. It's long arms with big webbed claws make a very good swimmer out of this creature. Black extremities and especially the black horn do also serve as warmth-sensors that provide this creature with all the warmth it needs to be able to survive in it's arctic environment.
It's big muscular legs and feet make it reach very high velocities while hunting onshore moreover the big also webbed feet protect it from sinking into the snow.

http://people.freenet.de/glominatisart/COWfinal.jpg

[/ev]

Here's my initial idea, if i get time, ill refine it for the challenge.


Little is known about this arctic carnivore. It appears to be of the Ursus Maritimus (polar bear) family but stands nearly a metre taller. When provoked it can become very vicious and after the initial taste of blood it appears to become frenzied. It has been seen to feed on polar bears and arctic foxes.

http://www.ecsdesignvfx.com/stuf/CreatureofWeek_sketch01.jpg

__________________________________________________ ____________

updated creature...

http://www.ecsdesignvfx.com/stuf/COW_arctic_v01.jpg

[tuchten]

form and Fozzybar: c´mon! is it more human than the siren in the hall of fame? it has horns and proportions are way of= give me a chans.
anyways i dont wanna hear about alert, just tell me if its in or out damn it..

[S.C. Watson]

tuchten:
humanoid alert 86%
character alert 97%

Fozz, I have to disagree with you. Not that it matters an iota. But I disagree. And, I apologize, because I'm going to be sounding like an asshole below. Please bear with me.

Granted, this is your deal, but this is one of the things that consistantly sours the COW for me is the seemingly random manner in which the rules are applied, especially in cases like this.

I'm often curious if someone submitted a primate based (gorilla) entry if they would get rejected because it was too humanoid?

The rules say nothing about humanoids. It does say "Not Human-like please". This, unfortunately, is wide open for interpetation as we've seen. However, that isn't so much the problem as is the fact that entires are seemingly at random accepted or rejected based on this vague guideline.

If we are not to submit anything "humanoid", that needs to be clarified.

Incidently, here's a list of all the "humanoid" and character winners in the past:

#1 Matt's COW and our beloved mascot (http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showpost.php?p=405952&postcount=2) Totally humanoid, total character, complete with totems.

Prostrates Evil Easter Critter (http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showpost.php?p=450918&postcount=9) Check the heads.

Xia's Siren (http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showpost.php?p=471115&postcount=11) Not human like, huh?

Duddle bugs Glutenous Emperor (http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showpost.php?p=499421&postcount=17) To the right. That's a character.

Matt Dixon's Hill Stomper (http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showpost.php?p=514721&postcount=19) Humanoid, *and* a character.

Genital Eclipses Sewer Beast (http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showpost.php?p=581340&postcount=20) Humanoid.

Using the above as the criteria to judge tutchen's entry on, I'd say that there's nothing wrong with his entry. However, there does seem to be certain loopholes in the rules, especially for certain entraints who consistantly submit either "Human-Like" entries or blatant characters.

I *know* you want us to focus on the animal kingdom. However, humans are primates, and when stripped of our cell phones, computers, clothes, cars and all our other trappings of culture, we're just as much animal as the next fell beast. And if you are using the criteria of a bipedal or four limbed beast that has an upright posture with a head on top, well that covers a very large section of the animal kingdom as well...

Further, a very large number of animals use tools - does that make an entry "human-like" or a character if we include that? I'd like to know for future reference, because this is documented animal behavior.

I think what I'm looking for here is just a clarification on these points, and less whimsical application of the rules.

When I think of the phrase "not human-like" I think of something that exhibits distinctly human traits or behavior. Tutchen's guy looks to be perhaps a primate to me, but far enough away from "human-like" that I don't see a problem with it, especially in light of the previous winners.

Ultimately, what I'd like to see is an established guideline that is adhered to regardless of the professional status of the illustrator (because they above all should know how to stick to project specs) and that is applied as a clear criteria for the COW. Without this, we will continue to have problems and disagreements like this throughout the life of the COW, something I'd rather not see.

Cheers,
~Oreg.

[dCepT]

*breathes*... this is my first C.O.W. little nervous seeing as how there are so many awesome concepts going round here
... well.. here goes:


Report on unusual military activity near the Larsen Ice Shelf, Antarctica

After several years of isolating the genes of the animals on earth, scientists began experimenting with splicing genes from various species in order to create animals that carried traits enabling them to exist in enviroments previously uninhabitable. The initial idea being maybe they could preserve some endangered species by altering them slightly and having them
live in these unhospitable enviroments.
However the armies of the world emplyed scrupleless scientists and had them genetically design beasts that could be used for war. This has been kept under wraps as best as they can, but some specimens have fled their creators and now roam free. This lion-hybrid is believed to have some genes from the arctic fox, explaining the bushy tail, as well as having surgically implanted metal tentacles designed for subduing its victims faster due to the poison ejected through the needles at the ends.

This specimen (shown here in summer) has also adopted the polar bears habit of fattening up before winter in order to withstand the extreme cold.
The latin name for the creature has been suggested to be Panthera Alopex, deriving from the latin names for both the lion and the arctic fox.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v106/dCepT/2dpics/COW_ArcticPredator3.jpg


AndrewLey: That one does indeed look like it moves fast! Nice touch on the evolution of the wings!

scumgrinder: That's one vicious rabbit-yeti-dude! Cool (yeah.. I'm kicking a dead COW here with the puns :D ) work.

gloominati: Good concept! Freaky design with the aquatic limbs.

ecsdesign: Love your lines! Wouldn't wanna meet that one on an arctic plain somewhere.

tuchten: Nice design! Seem like a lumbering giant.

nightfend: Looks dangerous! Looking forward to the finished piece!

peace

d-C

[scumgrinder]

Not sounding like an asshole at all. Those are very valid points

[possessed]

I'd like to add a bit to what Oregano so adequatly put:
Back when I first started the guideline was also to draw something that you wouldn't be able to find on earth, more or less a spinn-off of an earth-based animal. With the last couple of Cow's I've seen a lot of earth creatures (either existing today or now exstinct). I'd like to see us get back to non-earth based lifeforms.

[dCepT]

Aww.. crap... Guess I shoulda read the rules before doing this one..
Is it supposed to be non-earth based or is my submission OK?

d-C

[S.C. Watson]

I'd like to add a bit to what Oregano so adequatly put:
Back when I first started the guideline was also to draw something that you wouldn't be able to find on earth, more or less a spinn-off of an earth-based animal. With the last couple of Cow's I've seen a lot of earth creatures (either existing today or now exstinct). I'd like to see us get back to non-earth based lifeforms.

I don't personally have a problem with the creatures being "earth-based", as I think that opens up a lot of possibilities in the design. However, I can see your point and don't have a problem with it either - though if we were to do something like this, I'd like it clearly stated that we are doing alien fauna, not terrestrial.

But then, if we did, what would we do with the C.O.W.? She, and this, are indirectly derived from earth bound bovines...

[edit] I'd also like to point out that the COW has been known to pull from classic fantasy (the siren) on occaision. Classic Fantasy creatures were often half human (the siren, pan, satyr, manticore, centaur, and minotaur). Just some further talking points.

[nightfend]

If there is any part of Tuchten's design that might be pushing the rules, I'd say it's the fact that he's wearing human clothing. I personally don't have a problem with humanoid-looking creatures as I think they can often turn out with the coolest look. But clothing definitely turns them from a creature into a humanoid character and that, I think, should be the boundary we don't cross.

But that's just my opinion and ultimately it's Fozzy's decision. Though to be fair, he did exclude Matt Dixon's really well done shit eater because it was too human.

[brokk]

I think that if the arms on Tutchen's entry were more hairy (really hairy) it would look more ape-ish or bear like. But thats you're call, if you dont wanna put hairs, don't.

I think everyone is making valid points and I dont have much objections at this point, just seeing where the discussion goes.

EDIT: If I encountered that thing in real life, I would be scared to hell, and I would definatly not think its a human, which makes it even more scary.

One thing about making entries with humanoid traits that can be exploited in a good way is the fact that the viewer can relate it to something they know (a human) but if the creature is altered enough that its obvious that its not a human, the idea can have a lot of impact, for entries that are supposed to be scary, for example. Tutchen's entry looks like one scary ass m*therf*cker, thing. Its a monster, and its clear. With human "traits", yes, but its a monster nontheless. "Rationality" is not the first word that comes to my mind when I see it, more like eeriness and brutality, and thats probably what I would think if I saw it in real life as well, instead of "hey, a human being!". Just my thoughts.

[BrainBug]

[edit] I'd also like to point out that the COW has been known to pull from classic fantasy (the siren) on occaision. Classic Fantasy creatures were often half human (the siren, pan, satyr, manticore, centaur, and minotaur). Just some further talking points.

but in the siren COW, the non-human rule didn't count...

[tuchten]

Though to be fair, he did exclude Matt Dixon's really well done shit eater because it was too human.

but still, Oregano posted many examples of previous pictures that also were upsetting the rules but got accepted. Its really dangerous to have rules that are this unclear to apply..

If there is any part of Tuchten's design that might be pushing the rules, I'd say it's the fact that he's wearing human clothing.

howoabout the COW mascot? it wears armor, is it just clothing that is forbidden? should I dress him in a full plate to have him accepted?

Weell. I really hope you guys accept my picture..
It would feel so hopeless and dull otherwise..

more focus on skill, composition, feeling, concept and style. less on what is allowed.

[S.C. Watson]

If there is any part of Tuchten's design that might be pushing the rules, I'd say it's the fact that he's wearing human clothing.

Where? :S I'm not seeing any clothing on the creature....
I personally don't have a problem with humanoid-looking creatures as I think they can often turn out with the coolest look. But clothing definitely turns them from a creature into a humanoid character and that, I think, should be the boundary we don't cross.

I agree, but I'm just not seeing it on Tuchten's critter... There's something on it's beard that could be construed as... I don't know, decoration maybe.

But that's just my opinion and ultimately it's Fozzy's decision. Though to be fair, he did exclude Matt Dixon's really well done shit eater because it was too human.
But, the mascot was accepted. This is what I mean by the seeming randomness of the application of the guidelines. Strictly speaking, fully half of the COW winners shouldn't have won based on that criteria.

But if we're going to go soley with Fozzy's whim on an entry, why bother with the voting? Just let him pick which one he likes every week and drop the pretense. (No offense, Fozz)

Unless we have clearly defined rules for an activity like this we're going to run into problems.

My suggestion is that we use the previous winners as a jumping point to refine and redefine the rules so that this works. This way, we'll be able to remain objective about the entries, and we'll avoid situations where we have yeah this one looks like a human but it's such a cool illustration that it wins anyway.

Does that makes sense?

[tuchten]

I agree, but I'm just not seeing it on Tuchten's critter... There's something on it's beard that could be construed as... I don't know, decoration maybe.


yeah, also the sirens wore piercings. so c´mon people..

[Antilight77]

On the frozen ice beds and glaciers of “creb 6” explores will take note of mammal 721.

Mammal 721 has “skates” on its feet. This allows it to transverse ice with great ease. The primary means of attack is to ether skate full force in to it victim knocking it down and hence making easy pray, or by using the claws attached at the end of it’s skates to spring off the ice with and attack its pray in a raptor~ish style. Most time they hunt in packs of 5 and have been know to attack people on sight. Explores beware!

http://www.digitalmack.com/DigitalV7/art_pages/conceptdesign/2005/q3/IceCarnivore.jpg

~Great stuff so far, And rules were made to be broken .. right?

~Tim

[StephenMReed]

Here is a sketch of something Im working on for this activity
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a346/smreed/arcticsketch1.jpghttp://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a346/smreed/arcticsketch2.jpg

what do you think

Im going out of town for the weekend and wont be able to work on this anymore. I spent about 3 hours on it this evening hope you like it. Tell me what you think.

With it's long tusks and poisonous fangs the artic carnivore stalks its prey through the snowing northern regions by means of its hyper developed eye sight that is so sentive it can even detect body heat through up to four feet of ice. Beware for it has no fear of humans, and will hunt them given the chance.
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a346/smreed/arctic_carnivore1013copy.jpg

[S.C. Watson]

http://sketchforums.com/uploads/post-11-1129082898.jpg

[/ev]

As far as im concerned 'arctic carnivore' by namesake suggests something from earth. I think instead of arguing about rules and regulations we should be putting more pencils to paper. Im not really seeing that many inspiring images, so push yourselves guys, its a great idea for a creature.

[llothcat]

http://www.llothcat.com/artic.jpg

Let's hear it for this mighy turtle...This never before encountered species seems to sleep for millennia, and then wake to devour all that it encounters. The last reported one was found on an iceberg. Big critter, too. How old? Who knows.

[llothcat]

that spider rabbit looks damn cute..btw

[Mykro]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v20/deadlybacon/beakedram01final.jpg
The Grebor is an ice cave dwelling creature standing about 20 ft high. Feeds on large fish and occasionally seals. It's horns are used in battles, similar to ram or elk. Known for amazing eyesight, and its strange calls, these reclusivce creatures are ferocious when confronted, known to take down a polar bear under certain conditions.

[Fozzybar]

I'm often curious if someone submitted a primate based (gorilla) entry if they would get rejected because it was too humanoid?well, if you draw something which looks like a gorilla, there is no problem with that...BUT if you add things which are pushing the creature towards humans you're entering the dangerous zone...eg clothing, tattoos, weapons etc

Incidently, here's a list of all the "humanoid" and character winners in the past:

#1 Matt's COW and our beloved mascot (http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showpost.php?p=405952&postcount=2) Totally humanoid, total character, complete with totems.The mascot was the first round for COW...we didn't clarify the rules at this point! Even if, a mascot/logo doesn't appeal to the same criterias!

Prostrates Evil Easter Critter (http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showpost.php?p=450918&postcount=9) Check the heads.The heads are looking human-like...the creature does not...

Xia's Siren (http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showpost.php?p=471115&postcount=11) Not human like, huh?As someone else stated, the Sirens round excluded the human-like rule!

Duddle bugs Glutenous Emperor (http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showpost.php?p=499421&postcount=17) To the right. That's a character.It is not a character. Read the concept. Yes, the bib make it look like a char maybe, but duddlebug described the creature in the concept very well as a species and not a single char with a name or a special history...

Matt Dixon's Hill Stomper (http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showpost.php?p=514721&postcount=19) Humanoid, *and* a character.Yes, it looks very much like a human and a character, but the entry with its concept, writing style, humor, artwork and idea was so awesome, that it was a big enrichement for COW and the members...it opened eyes concerning new ways of doing entries or conceptart at all...i didn't want to withhold this jewel...

Genital Eclipses Sewer Beast (http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showpost.php?p=581340&postcount=20) Humanoid.Yes, it is humanoid, but GenitalEclipse managed it with implementing an alien atmosphere and accesoires to create an unreal appearance of the creature, which made it looking different enough for the poll...

I know, some of you think that these are sounding like excuses or whatever, but really there are mayn points which are relevant for making a decision if it's acceptable as an entry or not...of course the entries you mentioned were all close to the "not human like" rule, but i think i specified some criterias which will help you to understand the judging a little better...

Using the above as the criteria to judge tutchen's entry on, I'd say that there's nothing wrong with his entry. However, there does seem to be certain loopholes in the rules, especially for certain entraints who consistantly submit either "Human-Like" entries or blatant characters.Well, here are the points, which were valid for the human-rule:
1. The overall appearance reminds a LOT of human anatomy
2. Clothings, skulls on the belt
3. long white beard (plaited!!!)
4. Tattoo on face
5. concept speaks of one specimen (char)

I *know* you want us to focus on the animal kingdom. However, humans are primates, and when stripped of our cell phones, computers, clothes, cars and all our other trappings of culture, we're just as much animal as the next fell beast. And if you are using the criteria of a bipedal or four limbed beast that has an upright posture with a head on top, well that covers a very large section of the animal kingdom as well...I don't want only animal-like creatures or whatever, i want any form of creature here, but we need a rule which excludes characters or dwarfs, elves or whatever from this activity...so the human-rule is a way to give the participants a better feeling of what is expected for COW...

Further, a very large number of animals use tools - does that make an entry "human-like" or a character if we include that? I'd like to know for future reference, because this is documented animal behavior.Tools are not automatically a reason for disqualifying, as you can see at the shit eater round...there were many creatures with tools...but you have to know that you're moving on thin ice, when doing this...the more you implement things which are not allowed the thinner the ice will be! Duddlebugs Deep Sea Creature wasn't really living in the deep, but it was only 1 point which made the ice thin, he thickened it with his quality artwork and humor!

Ultimately, what I'd like to see is an established guideline that is adhered to regardless of the professional status of the illustrator (because they above all should know how to stick to project specs) and that is applied as a clear criteria for the COW. Without this, we will continue to have problems and disagreements like this throughout the life of the COW, something I'd rather not see.We are not talking about given measures, where you can say the accepted limits are 3 pounds or 20 inches or whatever...so you always will have some points where we will have different opinions...and i don't see it as a big problem, in fact it's a nice touch of getting debates and discussions rolled...if someone can't live with a rejected entry or a crit, he isn't at the right place anyway...i don't mean you, Oregano, i appreciate your opinion and that you're willing to say what you think, because that's what i like to do myself :) So any opinions are welcome as long as they aren't destructive...


note: I don't know, where the non-earth-based rule or whatever it is came up...but there is no rule like that...I once stated that it would be interesting to see some fresh designs of creatures, which we don't know yet, thus maybe as an example i said we should try designs which are not existing on our planet. But there is no rule like this...


And tuchten, really sorry for that, but i don't accept your entry as a creature regarding the criterias i mentioned above...you may hate me now or leave in a huff, but i would really wish and appreciate it, if you just make another entry or continue participating...i rejected Matt Dixon's entry for the Shit Eater round, though he put much effort in his entry and he accepted it and will enter with an ass kicking entry for the next times i know...

So, as i always say, all i do is to keep things in line in order to have a nice activity going on...i once explained what would happen if i just take all the entries to the poll...COW would be dead in 3-6 rounds...i don't want this, because it's fun....yet :)...

And last but not least...as always you can post your opinions about my decisions or anything else regarding COW, i am not in a defensive position, COW is still open for changes and ideas which could optimize the whole thing...also the rules...

:blahblah: :)

[possessed]

I know there wasn't a specific rule against earth based lifeforms but I can think of a few entries in the past that didn't get accepted because they were 'just a dinosaur' or 'just an anglerfish' :P It's okay though and it taught me to try and be inventive in my designs. Personally I just prefer alien designs over terrestrial ones. It just takes a little more imagination imo.

[S.C. Watson]

Fozz,

Thanks for taking my points in stride. That's one of the reasons I *do* like the COW :tihi:

Needless to say, I still disagree regarding tutchen's critter, and well, most of the ones that you countered me on. I do seem to recall that we had some guidelines regarding the COW when we got our mascot, but I'm too lazy to go back and dig through right now. Perhaps I'm wrong. I couldn't participate in the Sirene so I missed the memo on the rule suspension.

Either way, I think for my own sanity I'd like to see the human guideline tightened up some because it comes up frequently.

I'd also like to see it posted about addressing the species, not the specific example.

If you like, I can word smith some of this for you so you don't have to bother. Subject to your illustrious approval, of course. :P

Oh, and just to be an ass :needle: :
1. The overall appearance reminds a LOT of human anatomy
http://www.thekumquat.com/Images/Nature/Orangutang.jpg

2. Clothings, skulls on the belt
http://www.chethams.org.uk/img/consul_the_chimp_s.jpg

3. long white beard (plaited!!!)
http://thumb8.shutterstock.com/photos2/thumb_large/7435/7435,1119054638,2.jpg

4. Tattoo on face
http://www.terryyoungbloodphotography.com/Lowry%20Park214%20baboon%20closeup.jpg.jpg

5. concept speaks of one specimen (char)
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/koko/photo_pop_green/images/1.jpg
(Koko, the gorilla)

Just messing with you :D
Anyway, cheers,
~Oreg.

[tuchten]

im disappointed.
Its says it all. So much focus on rules and no real feeling for..well feelings.
thanks oregano for trying to keep me in.

im out

[RES]

Can’t we all just hug and get along :[ , Personal I like the cow rules,
the site has more than enough human base concept so it’s nice for us to have a little refuge where it’s about some nice creature work not humanoid stuff.
I’ve only just started to post in cow but I’ve been lurking from the start and so far I like what I’ve seen so keep up all the good work folks. Yes there has been some creatures that have had some small humanoid traits in the past but if the no humanoid rule was removed it wouldn’t take long till this thread was filled with mussel men and woman in bikinis toting guns, There’s nothing wrong with them its just nice to have a brake now and again.
Well I’ve just noticed I’m standing on a soap box so I better stop and get back to why we are all here the art work. :yayca:

If any one wants to take me up on the hug I’ll be in Prague and probable drunk at some point and if you buy me a drink in that state I’ll probable hug you

[S.C. Watson]

First thing, Res, no one's fighting or arguing. I'm debating the rules with Fozzy because I think they're fuzzy and I want them straitened out. Frankly, Fozzy's explainations didn't really carry it for me, but what ever. Like I said initially, it's his ball game. However, a clear set of requirements other than whim would really help this activity.


im disappointed.
Its says it all. So much focus on rules and no real feeling for..well feelings.
thanks oregano for trying to keep me in.

im out

Secondly: We've all had to make adjustments to our creatures at times to be more in line with the guidelines, fuzzy they may be. I obviously can't force you to continue, but the least you could do is address the crits that have been offered by the Fozz. He's been specific enough for you to fix them. I'd do that and not worry about it.

[JeffZNY]

lol, oreg, you crack me up (the ape pictures)...Foz is right though, he DID disqualify Dix's shiteater even though it was friggin' fantastic. I think everyone who has followed COW for a while now knows the deal and tries to stay away from human-concepts. And newbies will learn if they hopefully stick around. In any event, the only thing we can control is our own art.

[brokk]

If you alter the proportions enough and add enough non-human elements so that its obvious that it could not possibly be mistaken for a human, then I guess its ok.

And I can't keep a straight face when I see "fozzy" and "fuzzy" in the same sentence... ;P

[S.C. Watson]

lol - yeah, Jeff. I agree. But I would like to see some clarification of the rules so we don't have these problems, or less of them, in the future :D

[tuchten]

Oregano
"
Secondly: We've all had to make adjustments to our creatures at times to be more in line with the guidelines, fuzzy they may be. I obviously can't force you to continue, but the least you could do is address the crits that have been offered by the Fozz. He's been specific enough for you to fix them. I'd do that and not worry about it."

yeah, well i got so tired of the whole thing. I dont hate fozz and this thing is not a big deal, as I said, im simply disappointed and uninspired to continue..

[S.C. Watson]

yeah, well i got so tired of the whole thing. I dont hate fozz and this thing is not a big deal, as I said, im simply disappointed and uninspired to continue..

No worries. Hopefully you'll be back.

Cheers,
~Oreg.

[Fozzybar]

I dont hate fozz and this thing is not a big deal, as I said, im simply disappointed and uninspired to continue..

No wait, the poll at the summer break SHOWED that most of you hate me and want to kill me...dumb jokes aside, it's your decision tuchten and i respect it.

[scumgrinder]

i am sure tuchten can come up with a very good concept for this and there's still time to do it. Come on, dude. Make another one.

[tuchten]

sorry dudes. but thanks for your respect

[Form]

i think all of us have been bitten in the ass by the rules at some point... i had to totally redo my shit eater in round 23 cos fozzy didnt recognise the first iteration as a shit eater :D they obviously make shit eaters different in Germany than where i come from... :P

Anyway, i think that classification as human needs to rely on more than just visual appearance. In the true sense of the word, anything living is a creature... if humanoids werent creatures, well you could wipe half the D&D bestiary off the face of the planes forever. Giants, ettins, trolls, werewolves, pixies, dryads, genies, and a million other incredible creatures are all possesive of human traits, but we certainly know them to be creatures.

The problem that came up with tuchtens piece is that he (she? he?) created a humanoid creature, but in his description isolated it somewhat as to give it the feeling of being unique... if this concept was presented as a race of creatures, im sure it would fit right into a d&d setting, or a bestiary...

I think we need to define 'human' more than visually. In the real world, Humans are not so much separated from beasts by their physicality as by their mental and cultural properties. Humans have free will to an extent, each human being is individual, we dress differently, adhere to social stimulii, have behavioral patterns unique to our species... it is our cultural and behavioral identity that makes us human, not our appearance.

As is so clearly stated, the concept has equal weight to the image... and i think a humanoid creature, like a human torso with a snakes body for instance, should be allowed, definately, as long is there a concept that reinforces its animalistic behavior, its instinctual predatoryness, etc.

Damn this post makes me wanna play baldurs gate 2 again.

[S.C. Watson]

Form, awesome post man. Couldn't agree more.

Also, please disregard my previous entry as a concept that was rejected.

this is my final entry, and yes, this is my final answer:

http://sketchforums.com/uploads/post-11-1129169085.jpg

[Form]

Nice oregano, i like this one way better. The form is a lot clearer. And dude will you make a proper logo already :P

[S.C. Watson]

Nice oregano, i like this one way better. The form is a lot clearer. And dude will you make a proper logo already :P

LOL - thanks bro. meh - I know, I change my logo more often than my shorts :$ I should just stick with "Watson 05" and be done with it :rolleyes:

[tuchten]

(she? he?)

IT.
im not a humanoid, im a creature

[Form]

IT.
im not a humanoid, im a creature
no shit? i would have picked you for a character!

[Sundance]

Perhaps it is time for someone to start up H.O.W. (Humanoid Of the Week)...

hmmm....Oregano

[tuchten]

R.O.W (rules of the week)

[scumgrinder]

R.O.W (rules of the week)
10 /10

[Lake]

Perhaps it is time for someone to start up H.O.W. (Humanoid Of the Week)...

hmmm....Oregano


or at least a character per week.

[S.C. Watson]

I had thot of doing a CH.O.W. (character of the week) and had approached da fozz and davi about it, but it never went anywhere... :rolleyes:

*But* to be honest, I don't know if I want the responsibility of handling something like that. COW takes a lot of Fozz's time, and I have nothing but the highest respect for him putting up with egos like me who think they know better'n everyone else, *and* still finding time to cycle this thing weekly. I mean, that's akin to having a real *J.O.B.* :zzz:

~Oreg.

[Lake]

yeah... if we could find someone with the time to run it - sadly, I don't or I'd do it myself. Maybe after this semester's over.

[scumgrinder]

creature, humanoid, human character and industrial design of the week. More activities, less fighting and arguing about rules.

[tuchten]

if that be the case, can my troll be our mascot? :tihi:

[scumgrinder]

i say we have a fistfight to decide

[S.C. Watson]

Heh. Okay, I'll start a Characer thread in the Sketches and works in progress section tomorrow - though it won't be run like the cow. You'all can just post characters. That way we don't have to worry about "running" it - it can just be. Sort of like the old Orc thread, or Mike's Dragon thread.

[tuchten]

"i say we have a fistfight to decide"
=
gladly.

nice oreg!

[scumgrinder]

i thought there was a "character a day" thread somewhere.

[Orcatraz]

Perhaps it is time for someone to start up H.O.W. (Humanoid Of the Week)...

I was just thinking the same thing, every week I think about doing the C.o.W. but I'm way too character orientated. This (http://www.moranconcepts.com/images/arctic.jpg) is a sketch of what I was working on for this round, I abandoned it because it obviously wouldn't fit within the parameters of C.o.W. I would love to participate in a H.o.W. or CH.o.W. Now all we need is someone to be the Fozzy-type person, those are big shoes to fill.

EDIT: I type too slow

[Orcatraz]

Heh. Okay, I'll start a Characer thread in the Sketches and works in progress section tomorrow - though it won't be run like the cow. You'all can just post characters. That way we don't have to worry about "running" it - it can just be. Sort of like the old Orc thread, or Mike's Dragon thread.

That isn't as fun as a contest. Doesn't anyone want to be the Fozzy?

[Orcatraz]

I'm willing to run a H.o.W. I would really like to see it be exactly like the C.o.W. but with humanoids.

I think the mascot and first round topic should be "Top of the food chain"

[Fozzybar]

well, just do it...E.O.W. (environment) was also a favorite once, since this is a quite different topic then creatures, characters etc...

[Form]

if your interested in a weekly environment topic, ill be happy to run it. But im not going to do it unless interest is strong. I fuckin love enviros, they make me wet, and after looking at puddnheads enviros for icewind dale 2 this afternoon, i couldnt help but think about starting a E.O.W (or maybe LOW, landscape of the week?)

post here if your interested PLEASE: http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?p=618218#post618218

[Form]

im just thinking humanoid might be too similar to creature... you would be blurring that half snake, half man thing i was talking about earlier. I think character of the week could work though, human only, maybe even alternating between male and female to make sure people challenge themselves.

[Mykro]

I gotta put a couple cents in here, mainly because I'm new to the cow, and because I paid a lot of attention to the rules as the newbie. First of all, rules rule. As a rebellious type guy, I don't like to say that a lot, but when it comes to my craft, the first thing I learned in art school was to shut up and listen cause it'll make you better. Now, I'm not employed in the art field, though I would like to be, and am no longer in school, so this site gives me my drive. Rules like this, and the quality expected around here have pushed my work to new boundaries. On this project specifically, I went through several designs, and even finished a couple paintings, the second one was a predator monkey, which I worried might be too humanoid. In any case the expectations to push beyond more regular animals took me even more extreme in my design. So once again, the age old lesson is learned: Only in submission to something greater can you become a more defined individual. The dual paradox of life rears its ugly head again. And we can all be better artists for it. How's that for inspiration?

[Fozzybar]

note: I didn't pay money nor bend down for this statement.

[RES]

Fozzy's rules rock....

Fozzy no need to bend down, i just except cash or pay pal :P
oh...just forgot and beer.

[S.C. Watson]

Okay, people, nuff 'bout the rules, POST SOME FRIGGIN ARTWORK. I've got two entries for gods sake (well, one, really, but I did it twice - trying to make up for being a jerk... :er: )

[brokk]

Cool, I'll join in the charachter activity, and the new Enviornment of the Week activity too.
It would be really cool if the charachter activity were made weekly like cow or the new eow.

[Lake]

if that be the case, can my troll be our mascot? :tihi:


HELL yes. he can be the "character thread troll" who trolls said character thread!

btw Oregano, mine's going up friday evening.

[Dusty]

Just for the record, I would definitely be on board for a H.O.W. (character stuff), but I wouldn't participate in the E.O.W. (environments) probably.

Of course having all of these different things might take away from creature of the week's participation. I only have enough time for one a week, I know that for sure.

-Dusty

[scumgrinder]

right now, since i quit my job not so long ago, i wish i had more activities to participate in. Character design type of activities. but everybody else seems to be busy.

[Orcatraz]

im just thinking humanoid might be too similar to creature... you would be blurring that half snake, half man thing i was talking about earlier. I think character of the week could work though, human only, maybe even alternating between male and female to make sure people challenge themselves.
soooo... first there are no humanoids in C.o.W, now there are no creature elements allowed in H.o.W?

I guess I'll just turn off my computer and draw some minotaurs, dryders, and mermen on my own since these are forbidden in the Community Activities.

Sorry to keep hijacking the C.o.W. thread but there is no other place to talk about this stuff.

[scumgrinder]

what are these minotaurs you speak of?

[Eriboss]

Morphosis Aquammal Giganticus - "The Drunken Giant"

http://www.reelfilms.co.uk/images/cowicy.jpg


This astonishing beast was first spotted by marine biologists 3 years ago deep in the baron ice plains of Antarctica.

Coined by scientists as the worlds first “Aquammal” and measuring up to 50feet in length in “marine form” these giants bodies are made up of a thin transparent membrane, which strangely only appears to house a brain, stomach and what looks like huge distances of veins.
In the dark winter months when sea pickings are slim, this giant beast goes through an astounding state of metamorphosis…
By sucking water inside its membrane skin and then dragging itself up onto land, the beast freezes itself into a collection of vein filled ice “limbs” and then proceeds to climb up off the icy floor and continue its hunting on land… swapping its summer diet of small deep water whale to that of polar bear! Scientists have nicknamed it “The Drunken Giant” due to the fact that when on land it seems to stumble around unsteadily on its newly formed limbs... much like that of a drunk.
Amazingly, if their ice "body" gets damaged, it can simply refreeze itself over time, making them almost indestructible… although if they do ever find themselves in any form of trouble, they simply dive back underwater to gently melt away their bodies and swim away unharmed.

Don't be fooled by its comical stumbling appearance... as this creature is cold calculating killer, hunting both above and below sea level it is more intelligent than we could ever have imagined… and truly like nothing we have seen before.
___
Cheers

Eri :evilmustache:

[Form]

soooo... first there are no humanoids in C.o.W, now there are no creature elements allowed in H.o.W?

I guess I'll just turn off my computer and draw some minotaurs, dryders, and mermen on my own since these are forbidden in the Community Activities.

Sorry to keep hijacking the C.o.W. thread but there is no other place to talk about this stuff.

blah. read what i said. I said call it character of the week not humanoid of the week because humanoid is too similar to creature - it emphasizes anatomy and species over costume and culture which i think is what Character owuld be about - human or human like characters with unique identifying traits, not a species.

Yah?

[brokk]

orcatraz check your PMs.

[Orcatraz]

blah. read what i said. I said call it character of the week not humanoid of the week because humanoid is too similar to creature - it emphasizes anatomy and species over costume and culture which i think is what Character owuld be about - human or human like characters with unique identifying traits, not a species.

??? I did read what you said. You said: "human only". That is what I'm objecting to.


im just thinking humanoid might be too similar to creature... you would be blurring that half snake, half man thing i was talking about earlier. I think character of the week could work though, human only, maybe even alternating between male and female to make sure people challenge themselves.

This (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/ag/20040903a&page=4) is basically what I would like to see from H.o.W./Ch.o.W. I would like to focus on races/species and anatomy, not biographies of ordinary humans. Ideally I would have preferred creature/character to be one category but that doesn't seem to be possible.

I'll just shut up now since I seem to be the only one that feels this way. Sorry to bitch and moan so much.

[Form]

oh ok no i get what your saying. i think chara and creature combo might be good too...will avoid having too many weeklies at once... its fozzys dojo though, we'll see how he feels

[tuchten]

eriboss entry not humanoid?
not trying to drag you down with me dude, just keep on fighting here.

[nightfend]

Snow Demon - It was not long after exploratory droids landed on the ice planet of Sefis-C, that the dominant carnivore showed itself. They measure rougly 180cm in length and weigh 220kg. Their sharp claws serve both as weapons against prey and also as a means to grasp the icy terrain. They prefer the warmer equatorial regions of the planet, where daytime temperatures average -20 Celsius, and food is more plentiful. They use short barks and howls to communicate with each other, and the droids noted before they were destroyed that the Demons attacked in small coordinated packs.

http://home.comcast.net/~mikecwagner/images/cow/snowbeast01-5.jpg

[scumgrinder]

nice.

[Form]

nightfend: nice man

tuchten: eriboss' creature is fine. The description explains its unique physical structure - the fact that it is constructed of membrane, only houses a brain an d a stomach etc... this is very clearly a creature and shows no hint of being human apart from the fact that it is bipedal.

This constant intrusion is becoming frustrating.

[Fozzybar]

eriboss entry not humanoid?
not trying to drag you down with me dude, just keep on fighting here.

It is a creature leaned on humanoid anatomy/appearance - yes...but there is nothing else which is contributing for getting rejected as an entry....

If he added some clothes or items like weapons etc which pushes the concept more to human-beings i wouldn't accept it...

Keep fighting tuchten :)



will avoid having too many weeklies at once... its fozzys dojo though, we'll see how he feelshuh? why no...everyone can do as much activities as he wants to...i am not in the position of prohibitting this :)

[Hanuka]

eriboss: that concept is creepy cool :]

[possessed]

Don't have more time to work on this. Had to rush it a bit.

Arctic Predator - Running Nose
The Nose or 'snotslinger' as it is sometimes called is a small predator found on the distant iceplanet 'Tzhoy'. It actively searches for swarms of clustergrubs on Tzhoys snowy plains. The Nose has found a way to deal with it's highspeed prey. when it has run up to them close enough it will blast a spray of sticky muccus from it's nasal cavity. The muccus will trap a few of the slower grubs in it's sticky content rendering them immobile. The Nose like's it prey ice cold and breaths a hyperfrost cloud over it's prey. The prey is instantly frozen and crushed in the grinding maw of the Nose.
http://img420.imageshack.us/img420/2310/ijs2go.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[JakkaS]

Thanx for comments to my previous post (Blindfish), and all u'r votes - my first votes!

Of course, there will be no post (text) without my friend's help (my english is terrible :[ ) - THANX SZMITU!. Hope that this one is even better than last one.


http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a314/JakkaS/ArcticCarnivore--JakkaS.jpg

"Snowdigger"
Some experts unofficially report, that there is something strange lurking under the Arctic sheet ice. The first-hand information has never been received, because all of the eye-witnesses have died immediately. Fragments of non-public reports suggest that the creature is really big and it is so powerful, that even 2-meter ice floe can't resist when it atacks. This cold-blooded creature hunts for unaware of danger mammals, and do it especialy for sport. Uses a frozen saliva to kill or just to harm chosen victim. The funiest one is that the experts distributes Snowdigger into flightless bird class.

[yAdam]

First time doing C.O.W and it's been fun. Scumgrinder and jakkas, yours work really well I think. Especially the descriptions, they were great to read :).

- This rare Arctic carnivore dubbed 'The Giant Walrus' seems to be a cross between a standard Walrus and a Polar Bear. Much is unkown about the animal as it has only been glimpsed by a handful of explorers and scientists. Data that has been collected shows that it mainly preys on penguins, it can breath on land and underwater through the use of gill like holes running in parallel behind its eyes and it is said that its cry is similar to that of a distant foghorn.

http://images5.theimagehosting.com/COW_arctic_carnivore2.jpg

[nightfend]

JakkaS, I love that illustration! My favorite so far. Nice work! :yayca:

[S.C. Watson]

JakkaS, nice critter. Poor wolf! :D

[brokk]

Back to the texts thing... maybe I should try to focus more on mood instead. And it has some stuff I'd like to fix, but its pretty much done.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v254/bk7600/cow25f.jpg

Polar Knifelimb Stabber
These huge arctic creatures are of the few carnivores who attack prey larger than themselves, usually King Mamoths and Megabisons. They have eight limbs, four of them are quadruped legs, and the other ones are specialized horned limbs with some degree of mobility. The frontal horned limbs possess little mobility, these are for ramming them into their prey when charging at full speed. The back horned limbs are more mobile, and once at close distance, they are used for repeated stabbing, from above. The thumbs on the front feet are large and razor like, these are also used for stabbing, but from below, aiming at the stomach and throat. The have horns at the sides of their heads, as well as on top and under the chin. These function as a means of defense as well as offense when fighting, but they are also used for eating by ripping into bone and tearing flesh. Heavy fur protects the creature from the weather, isolating the cold and keeping them warm underneath.

[JakkaS]

Thx nightfend, Oregano!

[redehlert]

shit! jakkas and nightfend - nice entries!
nightfend - your textures are rockin' in this entry.
jakkas - sweet energy/action, just wish it was not in profile and activated the z plane more, like how andrewley did.
good job everyone....wish i could play, but life has been upside down as of late. :)
cheers,
dave

[bluefooted]

There are already some really kick-ass entries - mine doesn't stand a chance :(

But I'm entering it anyway ;) Tried to do a more concepty-thing this time (or at least someone's idea of a concept :blah: ) and just colored in my sketches. Screw Backgrounds, I say!

Giant Arctic Sloth

http://www.angelfire.com/art2/bluefooted/images/arctic1.jpg

The arctic sloth is one of the rarer inhabitants of the frozen arctic tundra. This large creature (standing 6ft at the shoulder) is a predator, feeding primarily on seals and/or small whales. The sloth is a slow moving but effective hunter - often sitting motionless for hours on end next to seal breathing holes in the ice. The enlarged claw on the first digit is used to 'hook' unsuspecting prey coming up for air. Arctic sloths are solitary creatures and encounters between two individuals will often result in a bloody battle. Sadly, this magnificent creature has been nearly hunted to extinction because of increasing demand for area rugs and hip, furry boots.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a21/ekelso/rug1.jpg http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a21/ekelso/nice-boots.jpg

[redehlert]

I haven't read through all of the posts, but if someone has mentioned it already, I'll say it again:
Happy Silver Anniversary COW! Twenty-five happenin' weeks and counting.
Cheers,
D

[Lake]

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/viapanda/COW-Arcticcarnivorecopy.jpg

The bipedal Mustbeus Waytoonastyus is an ill-tempered polar threat. The teeth of the Waytoonastyus are as large as a man's finger, and it uses them to eat whatever it can get its hands on, even other Waytoonastyuses. Cannibalism is far from unheard of, as other potential prey will flee in terror when the Waytoonastyus sounds it's keening hunting cry of "I'ma'eatyoo'up."

Bluefooted, that is SO sick. Sick as in awesome.

[vigostar]

You know.. i just have to add something here... In all respect to all those who argued this point i really dont know why theres so much bitching about the rules... We're concept artists can't we just come up with different creatures that are non-humanoid like every week?? dixon's was rejected and he was like no sweat.. either A- come up with something new or B- save it on your hard drive and use it for a portfolio piece... there are some here who week after week do comcepts that are no where near humanoid.. why can the rest of you???? I say take it like a man or girl and move on...

BTW- great work Nightfend, bluefooted, panda, broken spirit and the others..

[Carnifex]

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b363/siansaar/arcticcarnivoreC.jpg
The Plooska
A distant relative to crocodiles, the size of a hippo, living in the cold of the arctic. It hunts whatever moves upon the ice, whilst swimming under it himself. Can stay underwater for approx. 2 hours and requires massive amounts of flesh to keep its body temperature high. It's big body helps aswell by storing warmth from the sun, much like the dinosaurs in ancient times. Kills its victims either by ripping their throat out,or, much more likely, dragging them underwater and drowning them.

nice entries everyone,but i see an awful lot of "horned and hairy" entries. jakkas is my favourite because he is one of the few to choose a different approach and has a nice rendering atop of that. i don't understand why there's such a sudden need for everyone to dwell upon the rules,but if you have fun doing it...
i just know i'm not too late for submitting this time. ;)

[arghmisfit]

my first cow, yaay :)

http://www.artground.com/forum/arcticcarnivor.jpg

Abominable Wurm - Deep in the Himalayan Mountains lurk giant carnivorous wurms which are approximately 100 meters long. The wurm is said to have existed through the ice age and is at its evolutionary prime. The wurm is said to be a cave dweller and can only last in direct sunlight for a few hours. When out of its cave the wurm prefers to travel in the water. With great power and speed the Abominable Wurm can devour a whale in a matter of seconds. An Abominable Wurm’s life expectancy is said to be roughly a hundred years.

[scumgrinder]

good stuff. i like how there was a sudden flood of entries

[Lake]

good stuff. i like how there was a sudden flood of entries

a flood? no kidding. God I need a new avatar.

[RES]

Finally got around to writing up the descriptions so here’s my piece.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v302/RES-Ryan/CW_Arctic_Carnivor.jpg

Skinless slaughter beast
The distant planet of Duwos has only two continents, one tropical the other arctic joined by shifting land flows. Only one animal has ever been known to have travelled between them. The skinless slaughter beast evolved in the tropical heat dominating the tropics, eventually wiping out all of its pray. At some point a pack of beasts in search of food travelled to the artic, finding themselves poorly suited to the cold the beasts would have become extinct if it hadn’t have been for some amazing ingenuity. The naturally fierce predator found it easy to kill and strip the many artic animals, ripping off chunks of fur the beast would roll in the blood soaked skins matting it to its body. The skinless slaughter beast pictured here is very young and in the process of crafting the fur coat that will enable it to dominate this new continent.

[Lake]

oy RES, that's GREAT, but I would think his eyes should be lower on his head? (maybe that's just personal preference talking)

[OLSEN]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/ksm_olsen/arcticcarnivore.jpg

The Urilian winter wolf. Also known as Crimson Urilae Canidae.

The top predator of the Urilian ice wastes. Their style of hunting is very close to that of terrestrial wolfs, except that the hunt is performed completely by females. The males, who spend most of their time fighting within for mating privileges, only join the hunt during periods of starvation. In the picture above, the bright red head of the female indicates that it's mating season.

Being the size of terrestrial polar bears, the hunting pack can easily take on very large prey, crucial for survival amongst the megafauna of Urilia.

During the hunt the females communicate with very loud clapping sounds produced in a unique cavity in their throats. The sounds can easily be mistaken for gunshots, something that has scared the peaceful settlers of Urilia many times.

[0kelvin]

Great entries guys!

One thing to keep in mind, just for future reference, is that predators usually have their eyes on the front of their head (such as primates, cats, dogs, etc) to aid in detecting and hunting prey, while eyes on the sides of the head are generally a feature of prey animals (rabbits, birds, etc). Just something to give your creatures a bit more believability.



0kelvin

[mihai]

thank you olsen you rock!! :teeth:

http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/8987/arcticcarnivoreready9sx.jpg

Since the last ice age has struck animals have
become extinct with billions.This carnivore has
evolved from a vegetarian animal into the most
ferocuious flesh eater that has roamed in the
southern hemisphere...

The "australoursus" wich is related by evolution with the
creature cold by past inhabitants "fureback",
is here, on top of the food chain.

This beast has prolounged
claws to enable it catch fish with extreme ease but their main use is
for large prais such as the new ice mammels that now inhabit these lands.
It’s teeth are adapted to sort fish flesh from bones and olso slash through meat-they are very thin but very strong.The hair contains a special enzime secreted by the skin that hardens the animal's hair clusters, and along whith the skin muscles giving it the ability to actually
control the angle of it’s own hair in order to keep itself cool or
warm depending on the climate conditions in this cold
enviroment-when the hair stays at an angle the wind can pass
and cool it’s skin. In harsh conditions the face gets coverd by the
long hairs on it’s head. The nose of the creature is coverd by a
membrane wich stops water from getting in and the mouth is
“obstructioned” by a hard bone wich the animal uses to brake
victim bones and cartilages with. It also uses it in combat
especially in the maiting season when this becomes
a deadly weapon.

Like all large predators that have walked this planet this one to will eventually become extinct, but untill then... :er:

[redehlert]

good pointer, Okelvin!
i'll keep that in my hat for future ref.
cheers,
d

ps. great entries coming in....lotta variety. undertow and helzon...where are you?

[scumgrinder]

Great entries guys!

One thing to keep in mind, just for future reference, is that predators usually have their eyes on the front of their head (such as primates, cats, dogs, etc) to aid in detecting and hunting prey, while eyes on the sides of the head are generally a feature of prey animals (rabbits, birds, etc). Just something to give your creatures a bit more believability.



0kelvin

also another thing to remember is that not all carnivores are predators while all predators are carnivores.
There are also scavengers and their appearance won't always follow this rule.

[OLSEN]

i do not now how to post!

Go here (http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?t=28184) to learn how to post.

[solorpower]

OK, here's my first cow entry. I've been watching this thread and decided to jump in! It's one way to get those creative juices flowing without staring at a blank page.

"Carnivorous Aqauticus" from the ice world Freon. The size of a wooly mammoth, this underwater creature is an aquatic mammal that spends most of its time in the artic sub-zero tempuratures of Freon, located near the Pleides star cluster. This creature is the ultimate survivor. It can literally smell its prey from 100 miles below the ocean surface or 500 miles above it. It uses its redish eyes to see in infrared, normal light, and ultraviolet, and has super sharp vision up to 15 miles away. It can out-swim everything in the water except one creature - a 200 foot-long super-shark species native to that planet. Its favorite meal is an otter-like mammal that spends its time on glacier edges. If hungry, this carnivore will even go after its competitor - the super shark, though it is a rare event. Only I have witnessed this fearless creature go after an alien shark and captured it on film!!!
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b335/solorpower/cow1_web.jpg

[S.C. Watson]

Shit, Juan, that's a sweet illustration! But, you need a little more back story/description on it.

Man, you scare me sometimes! (in a good way!) :D

Cheers,
~Shane

[solorpower]

Oops., I'll edit it right now......thanks :dur:

[voraz]

Arctic Underground beast- This animal lives in "Hell", the frozen moon of the Planet Grande. This moon, was named Hell because noone that goes there ever comes back, only recently the cause was identified: the Arctic Underground Beast. This enormous beast has large periods of hibernation from which it wakes up when there is "food" nearby, which consists normally of the humanoid species that lives in Planet Grande and go to Hell to drill for a rare energic cristal that is found only in this moon.
This species is highly inteligent and has been able to avoid every attenpt of elimination from its "food" and as always been capable of remaining, very successfully, at the top of the food chain.

http://www.filelodge.com/files/hdd2/11596/COW-carn%20Arct%2002.jpg

[Undertow]

NOTES:
05043
Previous attempts at cloning Prehistoric pacaderm have failed.
Missing DNA strand is being substituted w/ closest comparison
strand cross referenced w/RGD ontology report.

05313
Artificially inseminated Pygmy elephant gave birth to RM015F with
little complication weighing in at 75lbs @ the length of 2'3".
Introducing the rat DNA has caused an odd mutation where there is
no trunk, an extended tongue, and no visible ears.

05317
Subject displaying signs of aggresive behavior attacking the
elephant mother upon first natural feeding attempts. RM015F also
attacked staff and was sedated after using non-lethal means of
self defense to get the subject to back off.

05325
RM015F grew to the length of 4 1/2 ft. within the first week, this
was remarkable as RM015F refused normal food during this time
and was given nutrients via injection gun. RM015F has been
restrained and a make-shift muzzle has been affixed to its face
to control the tongue which grabbed one of the staff members legs,
severed it clean off and consumed it.

05364
The decision has been made that the experiment is a failure.
RM015F is scheduled for termination tomorrow and all contact with
the subject has been cut off.

05365
The subject had an adverse reaction to lethal injection mixture and
became uncontrollable, killing the 2 attending doctors. It was able to
escape the complex after killing 3 staff members as well as the
attending MP and K-9 unit. Our parent command has been notified
of the problem and is sending a team from Shemya AFB.

http://mysite.verizon.net/res8aabz/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/project.jpg

[xgabo]

http://www.gabo.ca/snow_predator.jpg

The first fossil of Ornyteris Arcticus, or "The Arctic Terror", was discovered in 1923 by a crew of explorers a few miles from the North Pole. Amazed with the discovery of a 8-meter long Theropod predator in such a barren landscape, scientists of the Norse Paleontology Museum came back 2 years later for a more detailed research. Digging the ancient ice, they unearthed layers and more layers of a diverse environment where the Ornyteris was king. This predator was so efficient in hunting their prey that eventually they extinguished entire populations, breaking the food chain. The last remnants of this magnificent animal had to become cannibals to survive, what was confirmed by a found skeleton of a large male Ornyteris eating a smaller female after attacking her nest.

[Azrael]

Finally found some time to participate in this. Here's my entry..

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a128/jmbcreative/arctic.jpg

Tight one RES! Odly, I had rather the same idea when I started on mine and abandoned it after seeing your post. My original idea was the same as above only the creature was bear skinned and wore a hide from it's latest polar bear lunch.

Oregano :: Props man. You make some valid points.

[brokk]

God dam, so many awesome entries. Voting is gonna be insane.

[Icey]

very cool stuff!! Love this thread! :)

I'm with Mihai 'til now! :) :D:D:D

Oregano - love your creature! - wonderful coloring

[possessed]

xgabo, that's awesome. My favorite so far I think.
Undertow, great one as well, awesome story to go along with it.

[Gloominati]

woah so many great new entries, that's awesome.I am really excited about the voting round :)

[JeffZNY]

I fell in love with Jakkas's entry when I saw it, but damn RES, that is a crazy cool concept. This is gonna be a tough round. Unfortunately, this turned out to be a crazy week for me, and I don't think I'll have time to do an entry despite promising myself the contrary. The door closes on this today, right? I'll see if I can find some time...

[Fozzybar]

the doors close in about 24 hours from now...

[GreenTopaz]

hmrm...O__o it seems like every time I enter a picture in these it's some kinda long creature...Hope this looks arright anyway =|and sorry for the size.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y117/Zuzeca/Snowcap.jpg

EDIT, baby!:

Thanks Oregano ^^

Lessee...A Snowcap will eat anything that moves, regardless of size. A large part of why most make their homes a long way apart from each other, and why they have never been particularly numerous. They drag themselves through the snow and ice, having a love for the cold, and with their white haired tops give the impression that the ground is moving. SnowCaps are near totally unknown among humans, with so few people venturing into the icy wilds of the arctic, though whole teams of reaserchers and explorers have been known to vanish near certain areas speculated by paranormal experts to be possible SnowCap lairs.

[S.C. Watson]

dude! that guys' hardly going to be a mouthfull!! Great creature, btw :teeth:

[Dusty]

http://home.comcast.net/~turbutter5/snowball.jpg

"The Snowball of Pain"
....while we were filming a documentary on the polar bear, we discovered this new species on accident. Initially we thought it was a baby seal as its mouth was closed and honestly we all thought it was adorable. It was storming, so we were within a few feet of it when all of the sudden "it" become "them". Little eyes blinked at us in curiosity, as we moved closer from our own curiosity as well. That was, until they gnashed their blood-red teeth and lept toward our party in the blink of an eye. Before we knew what was happening, we were covered in these little creatures. If I had to describe it best it would be almost as if they were pirahnas on land. They only had two feet, near as I could tell...and they only used them to bounce around. If one would overshoot one of us, it would merely bounce backward and try again. Unfortunately most of them were quite precise in their targets. I only survived because, admittedly, I fled before the bulk of them were on us. I only had to shake off two or 3 as I ran for the helicopter.

These "Snowballs of pain" destroyed our entire team. They may be cute at first. But you'd best turn back immediately if you see those beady black eyes staring at you. Chances are, though, if you see them...you are already dead.

[bumskee]

Feisty entries everyone, first COW entry for me. :)

http://home.exetel.com.au/bumskee/con/cow_25.jpg

frost rabbit

a lone canivore with four rabbit like ears dwells in a burrow of snow. Its agressive characteristics makes it one of the most feared predator in the white. its equipped with colossal fangs and claws to pin down a prey. At a size of a full grown tiger, frost rabbit will attack at anything in sight for food.

[Digisaur]

Wow! What a fruitful topic this week. Awesome work everyone. It's going to be a tough vote.

[Form]

LOL dusty, nice. That bouncing back image is hilarious! BOING!

[BlkCelebration]

I'ts gonna be another tough choice this week!

Catepetl:

This fearsome beast hunts twenty-four hours a day. The lack of prey keeps him moving constantly in search for food. It moves much like an ape might, giving the impression that he may be closely related to the ape. Some have come to the conclusion that this may be the legendary "abominable snow man".....or not.

http://img369.imageshack.us/img369/6122/snomar3yg.jpg

[llothcat]

maybe 2 categories? cute vs ugly? there seems to be a lot of each:D

[Matt Smith]

oh my god dustys is so cute!

[shadoman]

http://www.shawnadomanis.com/images/cow/cow25.jpg

Valoscarvine
The Valoscarvine are found in the barren regions of Antarctica. They are a large, carnivorous, bear-like creature that feed mostly on Penguins. They jump on their prey and violently rip their limbs and beaks off and then devour them still warm. Since the Valoscarvine have very small teeth, they usually shred most of their food first with their extremely long and sharp claws and the 3 pointed tusks on their face. Once their food is the right consistency, they slurp it up to their mouth which is hiding deep underneath a large flap of skin on the bottom of their face.

[Beatnik]

You guys really out did yourselves this round. So many amazing entries! Awesome work everyone.

[griff]

http://www.andrewgriffin.net/type2/images/paintings/22.jpg

Sharkavore
Tales of a Great White Shark evolving to walk on land seemed unfounded until this creature was found roaming the ice in search of food. Apparently the shark has evolved into a creature that excels both in and out of the icy waters. It mainly feasts on seals, but it has also been seen attacking polar bears and other large beasts. It's unknown how many of these strange creatures exist, but it is certain that the adaptibility of the Great White Shark is beyond reason.

[Fozzybar]

The South Pole Polar Bear

Riddle: Why don't polar bears eat penguins?
Answer: Because polar bears live at the North Pole, while penguins live at the South Pole!

This old trick question must be revised now.
Polar Scientists sensationally discovered a polar bear species at the South Pole. This creature has about 10-20 times the size of its cousin at the northern hemisphere...with its back (which locks like an ice floe or ice berg) lying above the water surface, the South Pole Polar Bear floats on the sea...

Penguins and seals are settling in with time to have a place to rest...

When enough prey is settled down the South Pole Polar Bear bends his body towards his head...this way everything on its back slides into the water, just to appear in front of his big mouth ...sometimes (as seen on the image) it smacks with his huge paw on its back to "assist" the sliding effect - Bon Appetit!

http://www.kidomatix.com/ca/cow/cow_025_arcticcarnivore_fozzybar.jpg

[Form]

it looks like he's "letting off some steam" at his ass there fozzy :P you are one sick puppy.

[Fozzybar]

pure imagination baby :)

btw poll is on:
http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?p=623014#post623014