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Description
Another mount for the Arcane Mars setting; the lyripede. Lyripedes are large insectoid herbivores that travel in herds in the wild. Domesticated lyripedes make extremely fast, graceful mounts, but they are easily panicked and rather delicate. Though they have the ability to travel long distances through extremes of temperature and climate, lyripedes are physically frail. They prefer to avoid injury if at all possible, rather than simply rolling with it like ngafa or other more sturdy creatures. This makes them ideal for messengers, scouts, long-distance travelers, etc., but a very poor choice for a war-mount.

There are many different breeds of lyripede, usually distinguished by dramatic variations in color and pattern, as well as some differences in wing and antenna shape. The lyripede's tough foot-pads are sheathed in bushy fur which adds traction and helps keep a firm footing on top of loose sand and dust. The antennae grant a powerful sense of smell and are normally held back and rather high, but often sweep low to the sides during jumps and long runs. In any position, they remain close enough to the rider that the animal develops a close familiarity with its rider's scent, becoming quite affectionate and loyal. Lyripede voices are melodic, full of whistles and trills, and are often distinct from breed to breed. Their vestigial wings are useless for flight, but actually help with quick steering and maneuvering while running and leaping. Males are identified by the colorful protrusions on the end of their tail, which are dull and greatly reduced in females.

Another experimental background/landscape design, this time done entirely digitally.

Description
Another mount for the Arcane Mars setting; the lyripede. Lyripedes are large insectoid herbivores that travel in herds in the wild. Domesticated lyripedes make extremely fast, graceful mounts, but they are easily panicked and rather delicate. Though they have the ability to travel long distances through extremes of temperature and climate, lyripedes are physically frail. They prefer to avoid injury if at all possible, rather than simply rolling with it like ngafa or other more sturdy creatures. This makes them ideal for messengers, scouts, long-distance travelers, etc., but a very poor choice for a war-mount.

There are many different breeds of lyripede, usually distinguished by dramatic variations in color and pattern, as well as some differences in wing and antenna shape. The lyripede's tough foot-pads are sheathed in bushy fur which adds traction and helps keep a firm footing on top of loose sand and dust. The antennae grant a powerful sense of smell and are normally held back and rather high, but often sweep low to the sides during jumps and long runs. In any position, they remain close enough to the rider that the animal develops a close familiarity with its rider's scent, becoming quite affectionate and loyal. Lyripede voices are melodic, full of whistles and trills, and are often distinct from breed to breed. Their vestigial wings are useless for flight, but actually help with quick steering and maneuvering while running and leaping. Males are identified by the colorful protrusions on the end of their tail, which are dull and greatly reduced in females.

Another experimental background/landscape design, this time done entirely digitally.