Concept:

A lot of Conjures revolve around very ‘human’ concepts, so I’ve been thinking of adding something more animalistic and ‘primative’ to add some more variety to the mix.

Research:

Alebrijes are art sculptures of Mexican folk art. They were first seen in Mexico City, after Pedro Linares had a dream of a strange forest. In this dream, he observed mysterious, fantastical creatures. He saw a ‘donkey with butterfly wings, a rooster with bull horns, and a lion with an eagle head’, all of which were shouting one word: ‘alebrijes’. The alebrijes are Chimera-like beigns that fuse together seemingly random elements of different animals together into one creature. They are often depicted in bright and bold colours, with psychedelic patterns all over their bodies.

Translatable Qualities:

The qualities of the alebrije are entirely dependant on the type of creatures they are combinations of. If an alebrije mostly takes the form of a lion, it’d be more aggressive and offensive. If it were a bat, they’d be more flighty and frail. I like the freedom to explore with this concept, as I can effectively draft up different ideas, then build the abilities around it to fit.

Conjure Ideas:

At the moment though, I am leaning into something more aggressive. The vibe I get from this concept is one of the uncanny, a creature that should not exist, but does. A creature that is nonsensical and does not conform to biological norms, thus it acts erratic and its physically imposing and dangerous.

Perhaps a Conjure with middling damage output, with the potential to ‘go berserk’ and deal massive damage?
Perhaps a Conjure that can take many blows through its aggression and reluctance to let up the chase?
Attacks themed after strikes, bites, or slashes to really sell the Conjure’s aggressive disposition.
A Conjure that is both aggressive yet beautiful, sharing the majesty of a lion but the beauty of a butterfly?
- Antlers stand out to me as a good addition to this sort of Conjure, as they are both beautiful and used as a weapon in combat.
- Flight could also be something worthwhile, as it gives another layer of dimension to the Conjure and helps to drive home the ‘beauty’ side to it.
- A creature like a dragon could make good inspiration due to their majesty and sheer presence - they command respect and strike fear into foes.
  - I like the idea of the Conjure being able to cause damage through presence alone, perhaps its paradoxical existence causes corruption?
    - Perhaps it has the power to subdue enemies with its gaze, as though it is so intimidating it forces them to back down?
This Conjure should be more focussed on physical size and strength, I think.

Moodboards:

Conjure Brief:

Create a Conjure inspired by the alebrije and Chimeras, with an emphasis on being physically imposing yet majestic and beautiful simultaneously.
Posturing should be aggressive and menacing, as if ready to strike at the viewer.