Greetings Elyrians!

Technically, tomorrow is the shiniest of days, but here in the US tomorrow is also the day we celebrate Thanksgiving. For us, tomorrow is a day for spending time with family and/or old friends. It's a day for making sure that all of the worldly connections that make it possible for each of us to pour our hearts and souls into Elyria are healthy, and that those that support us each individually understand how much it means for us that they are there.

It may not come as a surprise to you, but at Soulbound, and as a studio, we're most thankful for the support of the community. Without you, our quest to realize the world of Elyria would be impossible. That's not hyperbole. That's not even overstatement. You make our work possible, and I honestly don't think we can express our gratitude enough.

In that light, there was no way we could really skip this Shiny day, local holiday or not!

Today I wanted to share with you a collection of fast sketches Heat produced back when we were figuring out what the various members of the tropical wetlands ecosystem would look like.

(Click the image to see it full size)

Fast sketches like these are important, because they allow us designers to rapidly collaborate with the amazing artists of the art guild. Not every animal here will look like this when they finally make it into the game, but each version represents some facets of the idea of each creature that we are, or have been, pursuing.

I wasn't a fan at first, but I have to admit the "muskbat" there has definitely grown on me since these images were first produced. I have a few other favorites in the menagerie too, but I won't bias you with my opinions. :)

And because we cannot say it enough, let me say again, from the bottom of our hearts and with every ounce of humility and gratitude we can muster: THANK YOU ELYRIANS!

We will return to our regular shiny schedule next week, but until then...

Stay shiny my friends!