DESIGN_DEPOT // AUDIT_CORE

AFTERDAWN: PACK-KIN DESIGN GUIDE

Visual Documentation & Design Protocol. This guide outlines the mandatory workflow for creating your Pack-Kin. To ensure your design passes administrative audit on the first submission, follow these steps in order.

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MANDATORY SUBMISSION RULES

Official Templates Only: You must use the official lineart template corresponding to your wolf’s rolled subspecies (Lupine, Vulpine, or Silken).
No Exceptions: Custom lineart is strictly prohibited. If your design is not on the official species-specific base provided in the Discord #useful-links channel or in gallery -> bases and downloads, it will be automatically rejected.
Audit-Ready: Ensure your final file is a high-resolution .PNG reference sheet without lighting layers or ambient shadows.

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STEP-BY-STEP DESIGN WORKFLOW

Step 1: The Foundation (Base Coat)

Start by filling the base layer with the color corresponding to your wolf's rolled Genotype. Ensure the color is flat and opaque. Use only the approved color palette for your registered base coat (Void, Ashen, Soil, Rust, etc.).

Step 2: Core Markings (Bottom Layers)

Apply your "Layer 2" markings (Common soft-blend markings like Unders or Socks). These should be rendered behind the main body shading, using soft brushes to blend them naturally into the base coat.

Step 3: Defining Features (Mid Layers)

Apply your "Layer 3" markings (Hard-edged markings like Mask, Ash-Soot, or Patchwork). Use a crisp, hard-edged brush. These define the "look" of your wolf and should be placed on top of your base and soft markings.

Step 4: The Mutation Layer

If your wolf has rolled or purchased mutations (e.g., Chitinous, Overgrowth, or Chitin Plating), apply them now. Ensure these features follow the biological silhouette of your specific subspecies base layout configurations.

Step 5: The Signature (Top Layer)

Every Pack-Kin must have the Blight-Trace applied as the final layer. This marking must be 100% opaque, vein-like, and feature an inner neon glow. It should always appear on top of your markings and base coat to ensure it is the most visible feature of the design.

Step 6: Technical Audit

Before submitting to #design-approvals: Check Transparency to ensure there are no unintended gaps in your lineart or stray pixels along the boundaries, and ensure your file is saved as a clean .PNG file reference.

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