Random Ramblins

So work has not let up here for the Underground, and the Creative Development team. Most recently, we've created an Insect Specifications Sheet, to help with the creation and integration of new insects into the Underground. There's alot to consider when adding new elements to the back, as we try very hard to stay as close to actual fact as possible. When researching insects there are a number of basic categories to be considered...

1. Name & Size: Obviously we need to understand the insect's name, though at times we tweak it to make it sound more appealling. Size is always considered in millimetres, and this gives us a standard basis of comparison for all of our creations.
2. Food: What do these insects eat? For me, this gives an indication to the insect's character/personality. Is the insect a 'meat' eater? A hunter? Or a scavenger? These questions always need answers.
3. Habitat: Where do these insects live? This will usually indicate at which point in the story we can integrate the new species. Do they live in tree roots, among vegetables, or by stagnant water?
4. Traits: A pretty large and vague category, traits are meant to detail what points set these insects apart from others. What neat features or abilities do they exhibit? Sometimes this category helps with storylines, sometimes it helps with character design. Did you know that Snow Fleas have two eye 'clusters' with 16 eyes in each?
5. Alliances: Who do they get along with? Who are their natural predators. I think this is an obvious one, and can give a great insight to the inter-character relationships which are bound to exist.

After these points have been considered, I can really get to work on designing the new creature. That's where the real fun starts for me!