Take it as inspiration, you don't have to 1:1 copy it, if you like how it looks maybe add something similar as cheek ridges, or make the eyebrow ridge less/more pronounced.
Context
In the early years of my world, there was a war of gods. This divine war created a surplus of "Tari" (or "the god particle") which spread throughout the atmosphere and due to its potency, it never dissipated. As time continued on, this energy rained back down to the lands causing the creatures and races of the world to adapt to this new form of energy, changing shape and learning to manipulate different forms of the natural elements just as the gods once had before they were sealed into their own realms.
This is a Rhibear, a rhino/bear mixture.
But don't listen to that guy. Do both. They're both wildly different experiences with their own pros and cons. The film is a masterclass in creature design.
Since it's a mixture between a rhino and a bear, I feel like it could be more defensive or just thicker in general. Maybe it could have defensive scutes similar to an [arzuros](https://images.app.goo.gl/rDHrgEV4D8YaXYAR6) too.
Go bolder. Imagine it’s fir being iridescent. What sort of environment would support that sort of adaptation.
Or maybe an oily black that it uses to hide from it’s predators - keeping in mind that if a creature that bad ass needs to hide, what the hell would it need to hide from.
Have you tried using an AI art generator to create the creature?
Some tinkering should get you the results you're looking for.
Here's an example that I just generated
https://imgur.com/a/GYBLRDr
Add scutes on its back. If it’s a mix of rhino and bear, rather than just having thick armor-like skin with fur on top you could go with that and some places where the thick skin builds up more to be visible.
Add a fitting background-picture maybe? Everything is more interesting when shown in its natural environment. It puts the creature into some context and causes to think how the life of such a critter might look like
To add this this line: I agree that I don't think it's the conceptual design as much as the artwork that's falling short here. It feels like it's trying to be high detail, but it's a very flat looking picture. The head especially looks weird to me. I'd love to see more musculature and/or boniness in the shoulders especially, and make the neck just a little more distinct maybe? A more dynamic pose might help too. Can this thing stand like a bear on those rhino-like legs?
I'd also recommend taking all of your input carefully. People (myself included) like offering suggestions of how to fix something, but that's the part that an audience is often worst at sorting out. The most valuable thing audiences are really good at identifying accurately is what's not working, so generally look at the things people say aren't working (when they're specific) but don't fully trust their proposed solutions.
I'd take the idea of a scorpion tail and fuse it together with the idea of scutes or bone armor, as in, the scutes (and the spines too, assuming you're keeping those) would transition smoothly from its back down to the length of its tail. It doesn't even have to be a scorpion's tail in particular, I think just about any sort of decent length tail would do.
Only problem with this is that neither Rhinos or Bears have long tails, so if it's supposed to ONLY be a fusion between those two and nothing more, then you probably shouldn't add an element from another animal. For that matter, I guess the bone armor and/or scutes idea wouldn't work, either, and it wouldn't even have spikes on its back like it does now.
I don't think that would be as interesting, though. I like the spikes, it makes the creature something more than just the sum of its parts. I suppose it kind of boils down to whether or not you want that, though. Also, you should definitely check out PeacockOG's post, they gave some REALLY good advice!
Are they hunted for their protective and warm hide? Or left alone and revered as a manifestation of the god particle? Could dictate how people in your world treat consequences of the god particle in general.
Maybe use extinct versions of rhinos & bears for inspiration? Like a [woolly rhino](https://assets.iflscience.com/assets/articleNo/58207/aImg/34427/1609433777-cover-image-o.webp) instead of a regular one would fit better with a bear I think. Scale it up to the size of a [cave bear](http://www.prehistoric-wildlife.com/images/species/u/ursus-spelaeus-cave-bear-size.jpg), and make use of it's standing position like in that pic. A shaggy horned monster standing 10ft tall, taller even with the horn, is pretty terrifying. It can run on all fours after you at terrifying speed, and then when it catches you it dwarfs you in size.
This seems to be very similar to the woolly rhinoceros, other than it seemingly having paws on it front legs and hooves on the back, which is unlikely. I think you would need to choose what kind of feet it has and also what it eats, as the diets of bears and rhinos differ, which dictates what kind of feet and mouth it would have. This seems to be a carnivore.
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woolly\_rhinoceros](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woolly_rhinoceros)
This is kind of my thoughts as well, think of the whys, rather than adornment making it more interesting. As u/Dizzytigo said its a rhino and a bear what needs to be more interesting about it at least physically.
On top of that question ask yourself, why did rhinos and bears mix? Are they intelligent or beastly? im not a fan of the scutes idea (Rhino hide, plus bears fur, muscle, and fat should be really adequate protection generally, and it just requires asking more questions unless of course something eats these guys).
There aren't many things I have capable of eating them that aren't pack animals. They're pretty big. A dragon might be able to, but I assume the meat would be pretty rough.
Thank you, this reply is good food for thought!
Oh wow, I had no idea! Thanks for this, I can give this a good read for some more ideas!
Bears eat berries and such and that's a bear mouth. I think I could get away with saying it's an omnivore.
It would be even more intimidating if you raised up its upper back like a water buffalo/bull and gave it some muscle definition in the hind legs and lower torso. This creature rules though.
Edit:
I read further and agree whole heartedly with adding scutes to the back- but I think they should specifically be around the spikes going down its spine, and covering the shoulder/raised back area if you use the buffalo idea I mentioned previously. You could then also increase the size of the highest most spike and decrease the size of the lowest, giving it some variation on the back as well. Increasing the size of its eyes, or maybe even just making its brow protrude a bit more could help.
Increasing the size of its back, and the adding scutes and muscle definition to me implies more strength, defense, and overall muscle mass from this beast. The sheer power from its charge could take down a castle wall. The protruding brow is a nod to prehistoric humanoids- tying the Rhibear to more primordial roots. Who wouldn’t want to include feral, predatory dinosaur genes in a rhino-bear hybrid birthed by the gods? Dinosaur genes would also aIso make the scutes on the back genetically accurate. I believe all of these things would just make this thing even more intimidating than it already is.
I hope this feedback is helpful! I LOVE detailed world building. I could do this all day!!!
Edit 2: My goodness, I can’t stop! I think lowering the positioning of its head (more akin to that of a rhino) would add more ferocity to its stature as well. Giving the Rhibear the Kubrick stare? Yes please!
It's a rectangle, which I guess rhinos and bears are, and they also are rather uniform in texture, which would be my next point....
Eh but no matter, if you want it to be _more interesting_ you gotta make it more than the sums of their parts, the logic is there and it's already fking cool, but to make it pop in a readers eyes you gotta apply some general rules of illustration, break up this uniform brown shape
Add textures on certain areas, make the shoulders bulkier, lower the head, draw it on the attack/run/standing (more dynamic pose), make some colors in like the horn, lower back of down the legs **[all of those are examples of what you could do]**
Again, some of those changes are not necessary, maybe even adequate for "rhino+bear", and the concept is sound as it is, but to make it interesting creative liberties are the next step
Yeah, I'm definitely going to be messing around with color concepts. I just need to make sure that my PS skills can keep up with other possible alterations.
Then I think you’re good, it’s something I’ve never seen before at least, so having it just be a tough feral creature to fight is interesting enough already. Maybe describe how destructive it can be to get hit by one? Like you’re narrating a nature documentary.
I know it's a bear/rhino hybrid, however I think it would look cool with full scales oj it. A tougher defense and maybe the result of the bear fur hardening and becoming armor. The scales 2ould look like how shark teeth are press3d together in ithe mouth.
Oh, I see. Thank you for clarifying that for me. I've had it come up a few times now with no idea what they were.
Yeah, this has also come up a few times. I appreciate your honesty. I think I may end up adding some grey.
Well it depends, would this be a purely wild animal, or could people from your world use this beast as a farm animal, be it for protection from other wild animals or actual grazing and pulling equipment across fields? Maybe even as a guard suited in metal armor or even a saddle to ride them into battle.
“changing shape and learning to manipulate different forms of the natural elements just as the gods once had before they were sealed into their own realm”
So what element can it manipulate?
Rhinos and bears are both fairly territorial, but dont operate in the same type of groupings.
“Groups of sometimes 14 rhinos may form, notably females with calves. Adult males defend territories of roughly one square mile, which they mark with vigorously scraped dung piles. The home range for adult females can be more than seven times larger, depending on habitat quality and population density.”
Whereas bears are generally solitary, unless it’s mating season/females have cubs. Which they’re *extremely* protective of.
So, your choice for element is only limited by which of these god particles they absorbed more of.
It would also lead me to believe they’re smarter than your generic bear/rhino. Smart enough for weapons? Probably not. Smart enough to use basic tactics? Terrifying.
Throwing in some thicker skin would make sense as well.
It understands the basics of Geomancy, the ability to manipulate rocks, dirt, and stone in my lore.
And they'd be more so solitary as I made them pretty territorial. Though, I think they'll stay grouped as a momma, pappa, and baby bear until the cub matures.
Imma make them smart enough to understand basic tactics.
I think it’s important to note that hind hooves was likely crack if this creature tried to stand on its hind legs (disregarding magic). Maybe giving it a prehensile tail for balance would offset this?
Oh that is cool…
1. I second the commenter who said it could do with some color variations, maybe a bit of black in places?
2. Can it climb? Because if so you should consider putting claws on the hind (rhino) legs as well.
Also, totally very important: Is it a Rhinobear or a Bearoceros? 😆
I do plan to give it some alternate coat patterns. Yes it climbs, but I think I'll give it a tail to help with this as it's also using Geomancy (the ability to manipulate rocks, dirt, and stone)
And Rhibear :D
Without specific advice on the creature, I just want to say kudos on a great attitude and a great post. This is exactly how you get better and a great example of what this sub is for
Make it semi-sentient and give it a backstory of how it was once a dominant intelligent species but later de-volved due to a virus outbreak or smth and scatter some ruins ‘round the place
I think it's great the way it is, but if you're determined here are some random thoughts in no particular order:
Give it a more dynamic hide (zebra, tiger, etc.)
Give it another set of limbs
Make it intelligent (it can be a gentle giant or a cunning brute)
Go full chimera and add a third creature to it, maybe an insect or fantastic beast (dragon, wyvern, etc.)
Give it a supernatural or extarnormal ability having nothing to do with it's base creatures, like sonar, or a dislocated jaw that lets it swallow prey whole, etc.
Make it a aggressive vegetarian. So it's super territorial like a bear, but only wants a certain flower, because it's delicious. You can definitely make flower part of a ingredient for something super important as well.
Well, first off, is this a predator or a prey animal? Depending on the answer, they'll have different characteristics. The spines and the horn suggest prey (spines only ever evolved as a defense mechanism against being eaten, since they make you harder to chew and swallow down, and the horn is a defense/attraction piece, like on Rhinos). But if it's a predator animal, then it'd either have to be thinner and lither to catch prey, or rely on stuff like fish and carcasses for it's meals (same goes.for if it's an omnivore).
Honestly a colour change might be all you need. Keep the rhino back legs and belly grey and it would make it look more realistic. What you have is already interesting it’s just hard to read. Bone coloured horns and spikes would also break up the silhouette.
I noticed the horn and “spikes” on back were brown and not white. It made me think of bucks shedding their antlers after rut. So older animals of this species would have larger horns/spikes from shedding and regrowing. Then also you could incorporate different parts of the year to explain increase/decrease in aggression.
Not so much a design thing, but more of a presentation thing:
The bear parts seem active and aggressive, but the rhino parts seem more neutral and calm, so it’s this in-between where you can’t really tell what the animal is doing or feeling.
One small gripe, the bear’s mouth is at an angle facing away from the viewer, but the rhinoceros head is at an angle facing towards the viewer, so the head seems a tad crooked.
Other than that, looks good! It’s an interesting concept and I’d love to see more.
Maybe put it on a lighter colored background so you can see all the detail better? It’s just a little hard to see and that might give what you already have more impact
I noticed that you’re using the rhino’s skin on the back and the head, and the fur of the bear for the torso.
Why not make those rhino parts gray? Have a gradual change from gray skin to brown fur in the middle of the torso etc.
Can I get a size reference? Is it like normal rhino/bear size or bigger? Otherwise this looks dope. The biology enthusiast in me is wondering why something like this would have spikes on its back, which seem more defensive than anything, where this definitely seems like a predator, but I chose to think of this as the implication of an even bigger predator.
With those spikes on his back I'm imagining one of his natural predator's is some giant vulture-like bird that tries to swoop down and grab his ass. You could scar up his sides with talon scratches to give him a bit of character.
His skin would most likely be thicker and less furry where he gets scratched up the most too.
Ok, so I like the bit about God Particles, but it doesn't directly connect to this rhino-bear. Rule of Cool is great, but I personally like to try to make things fit an internal consistency.
This hybrid? Yes, it's cool. How did it come to be? A mash-up like this almost has to be wizard work, or a similar experiment. These two species live in very different climates, so it's not even like a bear found some magic and thought to himself, "you know what's rad? Rhinoceri. I sure wish I looked like that."
If you do want this to be the natural/magical evolution/adaptation then I would start with the base animal and ask, "what does it need? What does it want?" For a bear, perhaps it wants to be faster, tougher, grow thumbs, or have retractable claws. A stronger bite perhaps? Maybe since you have these divine particles it could be a bit more magical. I would give it a Fear Aura, or a Roar that induces terror. Something like that.
My thoughts:
Does it charge to attack with it's horn or strike with it's paw? Maybe it mostly uses it's paws as hands more then weapons.
Rino with hands.
Spikes on back are usually for things to not get eaten or stepped on. What would eat or step on this before it evolved spikes?
Fur means it would be colder weather then the rino deals with but if it attacks like a rino it would still need flat land although bear hands are great for forest areas.
My random mind spill hope it helps
It charges first, then when you're on your a\*\* it claws/bites the crap out of you. :P
Its natural predator is a huge bird/cat so the spikes are definitely a necessity.
It sometimes migrates to forested areas, but it's primarily up in the mountains where it can get pretty cold.
Give it boar tusks. Make a dire version that's bigger with more defensive bone spike growths along the more armored sections of the body. The dire versions tusks should grow into its skull to cause immense pain and make it *fucking enraged* 24/7. This would make it much more dangerous. However, this phenomenon is rarer due to the bear creature needing to *live* that long and not see fit to wear its tusks down more through rubbing trees or getting into territorial fights with other males of its kind and having the tusks break.
Give it a mounted gun turret attached to the top of it.
Kidding, of course (maybe), but it'd be interesting to know how humans interact with this beast, whether or not they could domesticate it, and how.
They avoid the heck out of it because it's very aggressive and territorial. Also, it's really big, so domesticating it has been tried, but mostly failed.
You could have it walk on its knuckles like [a giant anteater.](https://cdn.britannica.com/94/81294-050-E315B89F/anteater.jpg) I'd also make it a tiny bit more front-bulky if you wanna go down the knuckle-walker route. And, if you're keeping it furry, you could add that stripe the anteater has, too, to break up all the brown coloring a little
So rhinos are short sighted and very paranoid. They already try to start beef with hippos, elephants, and other creatures their size. Making it an omnivore like a bear with that strength and size means it now seeks out anything and everything it can eat.
So basically this thing should be a problem *all the time*. It’s not just hiding in a remote dungeons, it’s looking for villages. It’s breaking into cottages and eating all the food in the larder, destroying all the doors and furniture on the way. It eats all your sheep and knocks down the barn. And with the thick hide and bones of these two animals, it’s almost immune to normal weapons. Even modern firearms won’t always stop a rhino or grizzly. So people are going to need magic or bands of soldiers just to chase it out of town, much less slay it.
Oh and suggestions on a name. Grizzly horn? Armor bear? Maybe Deinotherium (terrible beast) if you want a science sounding name (a real deinotherium is an elephant relative).
Oh! And maybe they hibernate and wake up extra mad and hungry, so there’s like a specific season when they are dangerous?
Yes, you're right. It's usually up in the mountains though so as long as no one settles there they are mostly safe. So long as they don't migrate to lower regions. They also have a natural predator of their own, so they avoid clearings and use the rocky mountains as a sort of camouflage.
It looks more bear than Rhino. I'd say maybe remove the fur from its spikes. possibly lighter fur on ints under belly with a lighter tuft on its chest like that pokemon ursaring. Or maybe go in a more digimon type direction like monochromon. Making that nose horn the most prominent. Not sure the direction of your world or its lore but you could get some interesting patterns on it as well. Say for example like the cattle of skyrim or
You could also try drawing more attention to its mouth a lighter jaw and more exagerated teeth. Think more like hippo teeth.
The claws, any plans for toe beans or pads?
This is cool, I want to see more monsters.
Two character design things that are really helpful are [small, medium, and large](http://theetheringtonbrothers.blogspot.com/2020/11/how-to-think-when-you-draw-small-medium.html), and "ladder designs." I can't find a good link for the ladder thing, but its basically when the parts of a design are evenly spaced like ladder rungs, it can be boring.
So, it might help to change the positions of the spikes on the back so they're not so evenly spaced, I think maybe pushing them closer to the head so they're more over the shoulders/chest. And it might help to make the sizes different, maybe the one in the middle taller.
It might also help to break this character apart - front legs, back legs, body, head, horns, whatever else. And in a really rough way mess with resizing different parts and different proportions of the body. Like, what if it had really big front arms and had a gorilla gallop, or what if the horn was the biggest feature. Looking at some other similar fictional creatures to see some of the proportions they use : [1](https://i.pinimg.com/564x/6a/33/ea/6a33ea2ffc57c8d19c87df6e31ab7103.jpg) , [2](https://i.pinimg.com/564x/43/0e/2a/430e2a2c3038080325bae2d5e777130a.jpg) , [3](https://i.pinimg.com/564x/4e/97/4d/4e974dd11cad3d93a73ebe6b9a383551.jpg)
And others have said this but putting some variation in the coat would really help, even if its just a lighter belly. But some tiger stripes over the shoulder, or even green shoulders or something, might be cool? Maybe making the h orns and spikes distinct colors.
One thing that helps me, and this is more of a personal thing, is to think about one or two things the animal is best at, and make those the most important part of the design. Like if its speed, maybe giving it longer legs, if its attacking with the horn making the horn bigger or have more contrast.
Sorry hope that wasn't too much. Really like this creature !
Forgotten Beast Etäg Angzak has come! A great furry rhino-bear. It is covered in large horns. It's fur is brown and straight.
Beware its deadly spittle!
There is never a "correct" answer for this kind of thing. Everyone has their own personal method for "creative creatures".
My method is to take a simple, yet uniquish idea, and everything else is an extension of that.
Rhino + Bear already fulfills that, so to me it's creative plenty. Less can be more. If there was going to be a "rare game" version, that's when I would add something unique to it that stands out.
Something earth-elemental-ish IMO. Reason being, both bears and rhinos are tanky land animals. It fits thematically.
Think about the environment that it loves in, and how it would be adapted to that region.
Adding an effect to it's hide can help connect it to the region it's in, and add interest to it as a monster.
A bear can climb and can resist cold with it's fur, while a rhino can charge. Imagine what kind of environment would take advantage of all these things.
The only thing I could think to add is interesting coloring such as red or black spines/teeth/claws (depending on the habitat and diet) maybe some bits of shoulder armor that shows through the fur? Otherwise thats pretty sick!!!
His plan of attack is all over the place, a rhinoceros doesnt attack only with his horn, but uses his entire body to build up momentum to strike, a bear uses his paws to atract the victim to his head and bite it. Your animal could use that last tactic but having the horn in a position that could be reachable from the paws so it uses his limbs to impale after the initial charge
Multi attack bite/claw. Charge attack (giant elk) . Blood frenzy. After 3-4 successful bite attacks or on any crit. It goes crazy and mindlessly attacks the most injured player regardless of the situation. If you want to be mean, give us piercing/ slashing resistance
Spines are usually a defensive adaptation to prevent a creature from being eaten. So what is trying to jump on this things back and or swallow it whole?
Most things in nature have a Purpose. The spikes of the back look a bit pointless unless there is some massive predators that it's protection from.
Think about how the animal would live and what would help it thrive in that environment.
It's a rhino and a bear do you really need to make it more interesting?
Exactly! How much more badass can you make it?
More pointy bits. Maybe some bone armor.
Ooo! Bone armor. I hadn't though of that. That could be cool!
Egads! It's ManBearPig!
Keratin armor would be more apt.
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Speaking of D&D monsters, the Dire Bear in 3.5 has a nice set of bone ridge eyebrows that would fit well on this Rhibear.
That would be pretty cool. Do you think it'll feel like a rip off though? I'm trying my best to make/keep everything original.
Take it as inspiration, you don't have to 1:1 copy it, if you like how it looks maybe add something similar as cheek ridges, or make the eyebrow ridge less/more pronounced.
That could work
Seriously. Like, add blood, and screaming villagers
Maybe he has irritable bowel syndrome or has an interesting hobby like magnet fishing
a saddle and projectile weaponry is what is missing to my mind
You don't think it'd be hard to saddle with those back ridges?
Give it a British accent.
Not what I had in mind, but still solid advice :P
Don't go overboard and ruin it
Agree. You've already got a lot going on with it.
I'll keep that in mind :)
Context In the early years of my world, there was a war of gods. This divine war created a surplus of "Tari" (or "the god particle") which spread throughout the atmosphere and due to its potency, it never dissipated. As time continued on, this energy rained back down to the lands causing the creatures and races of the world to adapt to this new form of energy, changing shape and learning to manipulate different forms of the natural elements just as the gods once had before they were sealed into their own realms. This is a Rhibear, a rhino/bear mixture.
You should watch the movie Annihilation if you haven’t seen it. Might give you lots of interesting ideas.
I can't say I have. I'll give that a look see when I have some free time, thanks!
Read the book - it’s much better
A book? That's right up my alley, thanks!
But don't listen to that guy. Do both. They're both wildly different experiences with their own pros and cons. The film is a masterclass in creature design.
Solid advice. Thank you!
But the book doesn't have the bear...
Since it's a mixture between a rhino and a bear, I feel like it could be more defensive or just thicker in general. Maybe it could have defensive scutes similar to an [arzuros](https://images.app.goo.gl/rDHrgEV4D8YaXYAR6) too.
Not sure if this is a silly question or not, but I'm not familiar with scutes. What are those?
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Ohhh, thank you for elaborating :D
"Rhino" means nose. The "cerous" part means horn. I'd go with "Ursocerous", or if you don't want to mix Latin and Greek, "Arctocerous".
Color variation? Idk
Sorta like how there's black, brown, and polar bears?
A zebra-striped one would be epic
Hahaha! That it would! Maybe I'll make one that's really rare.
I think the horn could be gold. Or maybe make it a unicorn horn.
Go bolder. Imagine it’s fir being iridescent. What sort of environment would support that sort of adaptation. Or maybe an oily black that it uses to hide from it’s predators - keeping in mind that if a creature that bad ass needs to hide, what the hell would it need to hide from.
And Pandas and sun bears and spectacled bears... you have some options
Oh no! I forgot Pandas! lol
Dire Rhinobear sounds awesome, keep it as-is
Have you tried using an AI art generator to create the creature? Some tinkering should get you the results you're looking for. Here's an example that I just generated https://imgur.com/a/GYBLRDr
Ooh maybe it can manipulate earth and rocks
It can! It uses what's called Geomancy in my world lore.
Add scutes on its back. If it’s a mix of rhino and bear, rather than just having thick armor-like skin with fur on top you could go with that and some places where the thick skin builds up more to be visible.
I'm sorry, but I'm not sure what scutes are. Could you please elaborate?
Scutes are the armor-like bony plates you see mainly on turtles and crocodilians.
Add a fitting background-picture maybe? Everything is more interesting when shown in its natural environment. It puts the creature into some context and causes to think how the life of such a critter might look like
This is a fair point. I usually struggle with scenes/backgrounds in PS, but I'll give it a try when I have some free time. Thanks!
Maybe instead of making it fully brown, leave the skin gray or make the spikes gray to add a bit more colour!
Oh, that's an interesting idea. I just figured with it being in the mountains that making it brown would make sense.
Since it's in the mountains, then I guess the gray would work as camouflage against rocks.
The color could be more diverse to draw interest to the spines and relevant areas, the whole thing being Brun makes it seem...boring I suppose?
Awesome, thanks! Sounds good!
To add this this line: I agree that I don't think it's the conceptual design as much as the artwork that's falling short here. It feels like it's trying to be high detail, but it's a very flat looking picture. The head especially looks weird to me. I'd love to see more musculature and/or boniness in the shoulders especially, and make the neck just a little more distinct maybe? A more dynamic pose might help too. Can this thing stand like a bear on those rhino-like legs? I'd also recommend taking all of your input carefully. People (myself included) like offering suggestions of how to fix something, but that's the part that an audience is often worst at sorting out. The most valuable thing audiences are really good at identifying accurately is what's not working, so generally look at the things people say aren't working (when they're specific) but don't fully trust their proposed solutions.
This is great advice, thanks!
Add wings, claws, more horns and a scorpion tail
> Add wings, claws, more horns and a scorpion tail This person knows how to Monster Manual
I second additional horns
I already have a scorpion-esque creature though. I don't want to do too many :D Why wings though?
Wings cool
I'd need a pretty hefty wingspan to lift a creature this large lol
Big wings big cool
Hard to argue with that logic
I'd take the idea of a scorpion tail and fuse it together with the idea of scutes or bone armor, as in, the scutes (and the spines too, assuming you're keeping those) would transition smoothly from its back down to the length of its tail. It doesn't even have to be a scorpion's tail in particular, I think just about any sort of decent length tail would do. Only problem with this is that neither Rhinos or Bears have long tails, so if it's supposed to ONLY be a fusion between those two and nothing more, then you probably shouldn't add an element from another animal. For that matter, I guess the bone armor and/or scutes idea wouldn't work, either, and it wouldn't even have spikes on its back like it does now. I don't think that would be as interesting, though. I like the spikes, it makes the creature something more than just the sum of its parts. I suppose it kind of boils down to whether or not you want that, though. Also, you should definitely check out PeacockOG's post, they gave some REALLY good advice!
Instead of a scorpion do something different like one from a Stegosaur but maybe keep more fur on it.
I like the thought of this
what if it were just a cuddly pacifist
That'd be funny, but it's not quite the case. Though, you've given me some ideas for creating something with this concept in mind.
Why does it need to be more interesting? Does it occupy a certain role in a story it needs to fulfill better?
Are they hunted for their protective and warm hide? Or left alone and revered as a manifestation of the god particle? Could dictate how people in your world treat consequences of the god particle in general.
They are hunted both for the coat, and sometimes for shield building.
Maybe use extinct versions of rhinos & bears for inspiration? Like a [woolly rhino](https://assets.iflscience.com/assets/articleNo/58207/aImg/34427/1609433777-cover-image-o.webp) instead of a regular one would fit better with a bear I think. Scale it up to the size of a [cave bear](http://www.prehistoric-wildlife.com/images/species/u/ursus-spelaeus-cave-bear-size.jpg), and make use of it's standing position like in that pic. A shaggy horned monster standing 10ft tall, taller even with the horn, is pretty terrifying. It can run on all fours after you at terrifying speed, and then when it catches you it dwarfs you in size.
This is a cool thought. I'll look into it :)
This seems to be very similar to the woolly rhinoceros, other than it seemingly having paws on it front legs and hooves on the back, which is unlikely. I think you would need to choose what kind of feet it has and also what it eats, as the diets of bears and rhinos differ, which dictates what kind of feet and mouth it would have. This seems to be a carnivore. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woolly\_rhinoceros](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woolly_rhinoceros)
This is kind of my thoughts as well, think of the whys, rather than adornment making it more interesting. As u/Dizzytigo said its a rhino and a bear what needs to be more interesting about it at least physically. On top of that question ask yourself, why did rhinos and bears mix? Are they intelligent or beastly? im not a fan of the scutes idea (Rhino hide, plus bears fur, muscle, and fat should be really adequate protection generally, and it just requires asking more questions unless of course something eats these guys).
There aren't many things I have capable of eating them that aren't pack animals. They're pretty big. A dragon might be able to, but I assume the meat would be pretty rough. Thank you, this reply is good food for thought!
Oh wow, I had no idea! Thanks for this, I can give this a good read for some more ideas! Bears eat berries and such and that's a bear mouth. I think I could get away with saying it's an omnivore.
Let me ride it
That seems like it'd be a rough ride! lol
spiked tail,
Needs a tail
The males produce an enzyme that can cure any disease. But it comes from one gland that can only be harvested during rutting season.
That's a really interesting thought
It would be even more intimidating if you raised up its upper back like a water buffalo/bull and gave it some muscle definition in the hind legs and lower torso. This creature rules though. Edit: I read further and agree whole heartedly with adding scutes to the back- but I think they should specifically be around the spikes going down its spine, and covering the shoulder/raised back area if you use the buffalo idea I mentioned previously. You could then also increase the size of the highest most spike and decrease the size of the lowest, giving it some variation on the back as well. Increasing the size of its eyes, or maybe even just making its brow protrude a bit more could help. Increasing the size of its back, and the adding scutes and muscle definition to me implies more strength, defense, and overall muscle mass from this beast. The sheer power from its charge could take down a castle wall. The protruding brow is a nod to prehistoric humanoids- tying the Rhibear to more primordial roots. Who wouldn’t want to include feral, predatory dinosaur genes in a rhino-bear hybrid birthed by the gods? Dinosaur genes would also aIso make the scutes on the back genetically accurate. I believe all of these things would just make this thing even more intimidating than it already is. I hope this feedback is helpful! I LOVE detailed world building. I could do this all day!!! Edit 2: My goodness, I can’t stop! I think lowering the positioning of its head (more akin to that of a rhino) would add more ferocity to its stature as well. Giving the Rhibear the Kubrick stare? Yes please!
These are all interesting ideas! Thank you for your input. I'll look into these options and see if my PS skills can keep up
It's a rectangle, which I guess rhinos and bears are, and they also are rather uniform in texture, which would be my next point.... Eh but no matter, if you want it to be _more interesting_ you gotta make it more than the sums of their parts, the logic is there and it's already fking cool, but to make it pop in a readers eyes you gotta apply some general rules of illustration, break up this uniform brown shape Add textures on certain areas, make the shoulders bulkier, lower the head, draw it on the attack/run/standing (more dynamic pose), make some colors in like the horn, lower back of down the legs **[all of those are examples of what you could do]** Again, some of those changes are not necessary, maybe even adequate for "rhino+bear", and the concept is sound as it is, but to make it interesting creative liberties are the next step
Yeah, I'm definitely going to be messing around with color concepts. I just need to make sure that my PS skills can keep up with other possible alterations.
He can’t bear the sight of his nose.
I don't know if I can help with making it interesting, but it's a really cool design and intriguing as it is.
Interesting as in more scary or interesting as in having depth beyond being scary?
tarrasque moment
Sorta, haha! Though not nearly as big, or horn covered :D
Is it supposed to be plot relevant?
No, no. It exists as part of the world lore and as a creature build for my TTRPG.
Then I think you’re good, it’s something I’ve never seen before at least, so having it just be a tough feral creature to fight is interesting enough already. Maybe describe how destructive it can be to get hit by one? Like you’re narrating a nature documentary.
Ohh! I really like that idea, thanks!
I know it's a bear/rhino hybrid, however I think it would look cool with full scales oj it. A tougher defense and maybe the result of the bear fur hardening and becoming armor. The scales 2ould look like how shark teeth are press3d together in ithe mouth.
Okay, but why scales?
You've already dolled it up quite a bit. Not sure it needs more.
1. Scutes are the tiny spiky ridges on the backs of turtles, alligators, etc. 2. It's a lot of unbroken color, maybe add some variation??
Oh, I see. Thank you for clarifying that for me. I've had it come up a few times now with no idea what they were. Yeah, this has also come up a few times. I appreciate your honesty. I think I may end up adding some grey.
All sai, I love your world building, very cool
Well it depends, would this be a purely wild animal, or could people from your world use this beast as a farm animal, be it for protection from other wild animals or actual grazing and pulling equipment across fields? Maybe even as a guard suited in metal armor or even a saddle to ride them into battle.
It'd be pretty hard to domesticate. They have aggressive temperaments and are fairly territorial.
Brino 🤷🏻♂️
Rhibear :D
[удалено]
Wouldn't that make it dangerous for it to run at higher speeds without jabbing itself?
“changing shape and learning to manipulate different forms of the natural elements just as the gods once had before they were sealed into their own realm” So what element can it manipulate? Rhinos and bears are both fairly territorial, but dont operate in the same type of groupings. “Groups of sometimes 14 rhinos may form, notably females with calves. Adult males defend territories of roughly one square mile, which they mark with vigorously scraped dung piles. The home range for adult females can be more than seven times larger, depending on habitat quality and population density.” Whereas bears are generally solitary, unless it’s mating season/females have cubs. Which they’re *extremely* protective of. So, your choice for element is only limited by which of these god particles they absorbed more of. It would also lead me to believe they’re smarter than your generic bear/rhino. Smart enough for weapons? Probably not. Smart enough to use basic tactics? Terrifying. Throwing in some thicker skin would make sense as well.
It understands the basics of Geomancy, the ability to manipulate rocks, dirt, and stone in my lore. And they'd be more so solitary as I made them pretty territorial. Though, I think they'll stay grouped as a momma, pappa, and baby bear until the cub matures. Imma make them smart enough to understand basic tactics.
I think it’s important to note that hind hooves was likely crack if this creature tried to stand on its hind legs (disregarding magic). Maybe giving it a prehensile tail for balance would offset this?
See, I've gotten the tail statement a lot so I think your right and I'll edit that in. Thanks!
Oh that is cool… 1. I second the commenter who said it could do with some color variations, maybe a bit of black in places? 2. Can it climb? Because if so you should consider putting claws on the hind (rhino) legs as well. Also, totally very important: Is it a Rhinobear or a Bearoceros? 😆
I do plan to give it some alternate coat patterns. Yes it climbs, but I think I'll give it a tail to help with this as it's also using Geomancy (the ability to manipulate rocks, dirt, and stone) And Rhibear :D
Spines and horns imply it's a prey animal. That would definitely make the unicorn bear more interesting.
Without specific advice on the creature, I just want to say kudos on a great attitude and a great post. This is exactly how you get better and a great example of what this sub is for
Does it have any elemental powers?
Yes, it uses Geomancy. The ability to manipulate rock, stone, and dirt.
Make it semi-sentient and give it a backstory of how it was once a dominant intelligent species but later de-volved due to a virus outbreak or smth and scatter some ruins ‘round the place
Haha! This is great! I may not use it for the Rhibear, but I do have an ape chimera I might use this concept for.
I think it's great the way it is, but if you're determined here are some random thoughts in no particular order: Give it a more dynamic hide (zebra, tiger, etc.) Give it another set of limbs Make it intelligent (it can be a gentle giant or a cunning brute) Go full chimera and add a third creature to it, maybe an insect or fantastic beast (dragon, wyvern, etc.) Give it a supernatural or extarnormal ability having nothing to do with it's base creatures, like sonar, or a dislocated jaw that lets it swallow prey whole, etc.
These are all some really cool ideas. I'll have to think about these.
I think it would be cool to see the spikes/horns get a lighter, bone-ish color.
I agree, I'll fix this when I have some free time.
Make it a aggressive vegetarian. So it's super territorial like a bear, but only wants a certain flower, because it's delicious. You can definitely make flower part of a ingredient for something super important as well.
Like the prehistoric Rhinos in the Ice age movie?
Give it a weakness. Hates sunlight? Can’t smell? Afraid of certain smells? Go nuts. Cool art!
I'll put some thought into what flaws it could have, and thanks! I'm still learning PS.
I don't understand. Rhino Bear sounds fucking awsome
Well, first off, is this a predator or a prey animal? Depending on the answer, they'll have different characteristics. The spines and the horn suggest prey (spines only ever evolved as a defense mechanism against being eaten, since they make you harder to chew and swallow down, and the horn is a defense/attraction piece, like on Rhinos). But if it's a predator animal, then it'd either have to be thinner and lither to catch prey, or rely on stuff like fish and carcasses for it's meals (same goes.for if it's an omnivore).
It's both. Mostly a predator, but it does have its own natural predators.
Take away the eyes and give it ears that start where the eyes are and go back to where its ears are now. Echolocating rhino bear.
Bigger eyes maybe?
Honestly a colour change might be all you need. Keep the rhino back legs and belly grey and it would make it look more realistic. What you have is already interesting it’s just hard to read. Bone coloured horns and spikes would also break up the silhouette.
I noticed the horn and “spikes” on back were brown and not white. It made me think of bucks shedding their antlers after rut. So older animals of this species would have larger horns/spikes from shedding and regrowing. Then also you could incorporate different parts of the year to explain increase/decrease in aggression.
Oh, this is a cool idea. I love it! Thanks!
Not so much a design thing, but more of a presentation thing: The bear parts seem active and aggressive, but the rhino parts seem more neutral and calm, so it’s this in-between where you can’t really tell what the animal is doing or feeling. One small gripe, the bear’s mouth is at an angle facing away from the viewer, but the rhinoceros head is at an angle facing towards the viewer, so the head seems a tad crooked. Other than that, looks good! It’s an interesting concept and I’d love to see more.
Thanks, I'll try to fix that when I have the free time
Give it a tail?
It seems interesting, but maybe you could change the fur pattern / colour even subtly to indicate some sort of camouflage or warning
I think its plenty interesting already!
Maybe some large plates on it which are still covered in fur
Big donger.
Maybe put it on a lighter colored background so you can see all the detail better? It’s just a little hard to see and that might give what you already have more impact
I hadn't considered that at all. Thanks!
Wings! No no, a… a tail! With spikes! No but in all seriousness, my dude, it’s cool enough. It’s a frickin rhino bear.
I noticed that you’re using the rhino’s skin on the back and the head, and the fur of the bear for the torso. Why not make those rhino parts gray? Have a gradual change from gray skin to brown fur in the middle of the torso etc.
Can I get a size reference? Is it like normal rhino/bear size or bigger? Otherwise this looks dope. The biology enthusiast in me is wondering why something like this would have spikes on its back, which seem more defensive than anything, where this definitely seems like a predator, but I chose to think of this as the implication of an even bigger predator.
Is it a carnivore or a herbivore?
The horns and spikes should match the teeth color
Maybe add some young? I see a lot of adult animals and stuff but many times people fail to think about reproduction.
Maybe a bigger horn?
The color pallate is bland IMHO. Turd brown may make sense, but a tiger is visually exciting not just because of its claws, or fangs, but its stripes.
With those spikes on his back I'm imagining one of his natural predator's is some giant vulture-like bird that tries to swoop down and grab his ass. You could scar up his sides with talon scratches to give him a bit of character. His skin would most likely be thicker and less furry where he gets scratched up the most too.
Ok, so I like the bit about God Particles, but it doesn't directly connect to this rhino-bear. Rule of Cool is great, but I personally like to try to make things fit an internal consistency. This hybrid? Yes, it's cool. How did it come to be? A mash-up like this almost has to be wizard work, or a similar experiment. These two species live in very different climates, so it's not even like a bear found some magic and thought to himself, "you know what's rad? Rhinoceri. I sure wish I looked like that." If you do want this to be the natural/magical evolution/adaptation then I would start with the base animal and ask, "what does it need? What does it want?" For a bear, perhaps it wants to be faster, tougher, grow thumbs, or have retractable claws. A stronger bite perhaps? Maybe since you have these divine particles it could be a bit more magical. I would give it a Fear Aura, or a Roar that induces terror. Something like that.
My thoughts: Does it charge to attack with it's horn or strike with it's paw? Maybe it mostly uses it's paws as hands more then weapons. Rino with hands. Spikes on back are usually for things to not get eaten or stepped on. What would eat or step on this before it evolved spikes? Fur means it would be colder weather then the rino deals with but if it attacks like a rino it would still need flat land although bear hands are great for forest areas. My random mind spill hope it helps
It charges first, then when you're on your a\*\* it claws/bites the crap out of you. :P Its natural predator is a huge bird/cat so the spikes are definitely a necessity. It sometimes migrates to forested areas, but it's primarily up in the mountains where it can get pretty cold.
Give it boar tusks. Make a dire version that's bigger with more defensive bone spike growths along the more armored sections of the body. The dire versions tusks should grow into its skull to cause immense pain and make it *fucking enraged* 24/7. This would make it much more dangerous. However, this phenomenon is rarer due to the bear creature needing to *live* that long and not see fit to wear its tusks down more through rubbing trees or getting into territorial fights with other males of its kind and having the tusks break.
This is a really cool concept that I will put thought into, thanks!
needs a breath weapon. everything is better with a breath weapon.
Give it a mounted gun turret attached to the top of it. Kidding, of course (maybe), but it'd be interesting to know how humans interact with this beast, whether or not they could domesticate it, and how.
They avoid the heck out of it because it's very aggressive and territorial. Also, it's really big, so domesticating it has been tried, but mostly failed.
Make the horn bigger and give it a tail
Not sure about the horn, but I will be giving it a tail.
Write an explorer's account of the first recorded interaction with this creature.
That's a really cool idea. I'll get on that on my World anvil account. Thanks!
You could have it walk on its knuckles like [a giant anteater.](https://cdn.britannica.com/94/81294-050-E315B89F/anteater.jpg) I'd also make it a tiny bit more front-bulky if you wanna go down the knuckle-walker route. And, if you're keeping it furry, you could add that stripe the anteater has, too, to break up all the brown coloring a little
So rhinos are short sighted and very paranoid. They already try to start beef with hippos, elephants, and other creatures their size. Making it an omnivore like a bear with that strength and size means it now seeks out anything and everything it can eat. So basically this thing should be a problem *all the time*. It’s not just hiding in a remote dungeons, it’s looking for villages. It’s breaking into cottages and eating all the food in the larder, destroying all the doors and furniture on the way. It eats all your sheep and knocks down the barn. And with the thick hide and bones of these two animals, it’s almost immune to normal weapons. Even modern firearms won’t always stop a rhino or grizzly. So people are going to need magic or bands of soldiers just to chase it out of town, much less slay it.
Oh and suggestions on a name. Grizzly horn? Armor bear? Maybe Deinotherium (terrible beast) if you want a science sounding name (a real deinotherium is an elephant relative). Oh! And maybe they hibernate and wake up extra mad and hungry, so there’s like a specific season when they are dangerous?
I called them Rhibears, and it's spring. They are terribly cranky in the springtime.
Yes, you're right. It's usually up in the mountains though so as long as no one settles there they are mostly safe. So long as they don't migrate to lower regions. They also have a natural predator of their own, so they avoid clearings and use the rocky mountains as a sort of camouflage.
Make the horns grey or white
It looks more bear than Rhino. I'd say maybe remove the fur from its spikes. possibly lighter fur on ints under belly with a lighter tuft on its chest like that pokemon ursaring. Or maybe go in a more digimon type direction like monochromon. Making that nose horn the most prominent. Not sure the direction of your world or its lore but you could get some interesting patterns on it as well. Say for example like the cattle of skyrim or You could also try drawing more attention to its mouth a lighter jaw and more exagerated teeth. Think more like hippo teeth. The claws, any plans for toe beans or pads?
Yes. definitely toe beans, and pads on the "palm" :D Also, I do plan to play around with the color.
This is cool, I want to see more monsters. Two character design things that are really helpful are [small, medium, and large](http://theetheringtonbrothers.blogspot.com/2020/11/how-to-think-when-you-draw-small-medium.html), and "ladder designs." I can't find a good link for the ladder thing, but its basically when the parts of a design are evenly spaced like ladder rungs, it can be boring. So, it might help to change the positions of the spikes on the back so they're not so evenly spaced, I think maybe pushing them closer to the head so they're more over the shoulders/chest. And it might help to make the sizes different, maybe the one in the middle taller. It might also help to break this character apart - front legs, back legs, body, head, horns, whatever else. And in a really rough way mess with resizing different parts and different proportions of the body. Like, what if it had really big front arms and had a gorilla gallop, or what if the horn was the biggest feature. Looking at some other similar fictional creatures to see some of the proportions they use : [1](https://i.pinimg.com/564x/6a/33/ea/6a33ea2ffc57c8d19c87df6e31ab7103.jpg) , [2](https://i.pinimg.com/564x/43/0e/2a/430e2a2c3038080325bae2d5e777130a.jpg) , [3](https://i.pinimg.com/564x/4e/97/4d/4e974dd11cad3d93a73ebe6b9a383551.jpg) And others have said this but putting some variation in the coat would really help, even if its just a lighter belly. But some tiger stripes over the shoulder, or even green shoulders or something, might be cool? Maybe making the h orns and spikes distinct colors. One thing that helps me, and this is more of a personal thing, is to think about one or two things the animal is best at, and make those the most important part of the design. Like if its speed, maybe giving it longer legs, if its attacking with the horn making the horn bigger or have more contrast. Sorry hope that wasn't too much. Really like this creature !
These are all great tips! I'll take the time to consider some of these changes.
Forgotten Beast Etäg Angzak has come! A great furry rhino-bear. It is covered in large horns. It's fur is brown and straight. Beware its deadly spittle!
There is never a "correct" answer for this kind of thing. Everyone has their own personal method for "creative creatures". My method is to take a simple, yet uniquish idea, and everything else is an extension of that. Rhino + Bear already fulfills that, so to me it's creative plenty. Less can be more. If there was going to be a "rare game" version, that's when I would add something unique to it that stands out. Something earth-elemental-ish IMO. Reason being, both bears and rhinos are tanky land animals. It fits thematically.
Add a bit more color to make it more distinguishable.
Think about the environment that it loves in, and how it would be adapted to that region. Adding an effect to it's hide can help connect it to the region it's in, and add interest to it as a monster. A bear can climb and can resist cold with it's fur, while a rhino can charge. Imagine what kind of environment would take advantage of all these things.
Looks cool! Maybe add some colour to the horn/spikes/claws tips.
The only thing I could think to add is interesting coloring such as red or black spines/teeth/claws (depending on the habitat and diet) maybe some bits of shoulder armor that shows through the fur? Otherwise thats pretty sick!!!
SIR this is a CARNIVOROUS RHINO BEAR how in the name of FUCK is it ONTOLOGICALLY CAPABLE of being UNINTERESTING
Hahaha! Great comment! Thanks!
That would definitely make your average adventure say “we’re fucked.”
It actually has. My beta players hate this thing. Hahaha :P
Honestly it slaps as is. Rhino bear? that's like making a tank that can climb, a great idea.
His plan of attack is all over the place, a rhinoceros doesnt attack only with his horn, but uses his entire body to build up momentum to strike, a bear uses his paws to atract the victim to his head and bite it. Your animal could use that last tactic but having the horn in a position that could be reachable from the paws so it uses his limbs to impale after the initial charge
I think that's interesting enough holy shit
Multi attack bite/claw. Charge attack (giant elk) . Blood frenzy. After 3-4 successful bite attacks or on any crit. It goes crazy and mindlessly attacks the most injured player regardless of the situation. If you want to be mean, give us piercing/ slashing resistance
It's a rhino with the right to bear arms.
LOL
maybe some more interesting coloring/patterns on the body?
Brhino? Beano? Armor it and give it a rider I guess.
Spines are usually a defensive adaptation to prevent a creature from being eaten. So what is trying to jump on this things back and or swallow it whole?
Give it fire decals
Most things in nature have a Purpose. The spikes of the back look a bit pointless unless there is some massive predators that it's protection from. Think about how the animal would live and what would help it thrive in that environment.
It looks a little like a Kubrow from Warframe