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ChuckWalton — SPLICERS Patrol of the Akhluts

Published: 2012-02-09 10:29:21 +0000 UTC; Views: 84628; Favourites: 2069; Downloads: 1321
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Description Hey DA Fam & SpliceHeads!
Here’s another SPLICERS: Unleashed Entry to be posted. This is the 3rd Runner up and the 1st of the final 3 to be revealed and painted! It is also the debut of my collaboration with the re-known famous Deviant Artist & Creature Artist Extraordinaire She is an awesome and very creative Artist and I strongly suggest everyone who hasn’t seen her work take a look at her page and gallery to see for yourself why we are now teaming up on some future projects!
For those of you who are new to the Splicers RPG, this is an illustration that was done for a online forum contest based on the Palladiumbook’s RPG title: SPLICERS. All SPLICERS RPG content & visuals here of are copyright protected to Palladiumbooks. The contest was conducted on the Palladiumbooks Forums where posters were allotted a chance to create/write their own designs based off of a given storyline and the winners were voted accordingly.
[link]

The Top 5 voted Winners received the prize of each having their written entry being illustrated.
This Ravenous and ferocious amphibious Warmount is called an “Akhlut” and was created and written by the poster known as “89er.” It is a voracious amphibious assault War Mount armed with some advanced senses & raw power features for enhanced endurance, power and powerful jaws and talons to excel in melee combat, along with a devastating Gut Geyser discharge cannon for long range. It’s deadly as a lone killer, but even far more deadly when hunting as a pack hunter with it’s coordinated pod.
Once again I had fun with this one and working with Allison was long overdue! It’s been a minute since the last SPLICERS: Unleashed entry was revealed so I am thrilled to be able to ontinue releasing the winners, building up for that final countdown to number 1! Each Entry just makes this contest that more fun and enhances the SPLICERS RPG momentum! I am just getting more excited with the growing possibilities and potential that Splicers continues to reveal. 89er thanks for this one and MAJOR Congrats!

Illustration Features: A pair of Akhlut Warmounts returning from patrol, one with Outrider and one without. Depicted are the two fur pattern varieties that Akhlut can shift their fur coloration into: Commonly Orca for most swimming and underwater activities and Leopard seal when on land most often used as camouflage, but orcas can be seen on land as well.

Oh some of you might want to see some stats so here they are. For a complete list and the story (Written by me actually) please see the following link on Palladiumbook’s forum:

[link]


I may or may not post the pencils up on this one, it all depends I suppose. Allison also did an incredible creature draft design sheet on this Warmount that helped sculpt & define it’s final look. Maybe if you ask her nicely, hopefully she can post it up for us, smile. We both took part on both the pencils and painting for this illustration, I wonder if you can tell who did what, smile? I think the delivery was seamless.
“These things are creepy, even for bio-tech. Fins and fur just shouldn’t go together; especially in something with an attitude this bad.”

Named after an ancient Inuit spirit, the Akhlut appears to be a strange fusion of small orca and monstrous wolf. Traveling in packs, the Akhlut and their riders continue to defend the areas attacked by the violet Krakens. These amphibious War Mounts average about 6 feet (1.8m) at the shoulder and 17-20 feet (5.1 to 6.1 m) in length. The War Mount’s body is sleek and somewhat torpedo shaped, complete with dorsal and pectoral fins, tail flukes and four legs. When on land, the dorsal and pectoral fins can be pulled tight against the body; though many riders will leave the dorsal fin standing erect. Likewise, the legs are tucked snug against the body to reduce drag when in the water. Like all cetaceans, the body is smooth, flexible, and streamlined. The entire creature is covered in a fine fur that offers excellent protection from the cold. When glimpsed or felt underneath the fur, the skin is rubbery, warm and smooth, rather like an inner tube.

Despite the aquatic nature of the body, the head is definitely canine, though somewhat rounder than a natural wolf. The Mount has a large toothy mouth, pronounced muzzle, and small, raised ears. The Rider sits in a comfortable, armored saddle just in front of the dorsal fin and behind the blowhole. Aside from the fearsome jaws, the Akhlut is equipped with a variant of the Gore Cannon dubbed the “Gut Geyser”. While it retains the corrosive aspect of the Gore Cannon, the globs launched by the Gut Geyser are also extremely sticky, slowing and hindering the movement of the target.

Attacking alongside “The Indigo Wave”, packs of these strange War Mounts and their riders have continued to roam the shores, ferociously defending the beaches and surrounding areas. The Akhlut and their riders normally congregate in groups of six to seven; they seem to act in a combination role of fast attack, border patrol and coast guard.

The Akhlut jealously guard the beached areas under the Indigo Wave’s dominance from attacks from land or sea. A few brave souls have acquired the DNA for the Akhlut, but many more are wondering: are they remaining vigil for a withdrawal of the Indigo Wave or, worse a return?

Class: Amphibious Assault War Mount.
Crew: One rider.
Speed:
Running: 80 mph (128 km) maximum, but normal cruising speed is only 30 mph (48 km). The Akhlut can run nonstop for four hours at full speed before needing 1D6x10+60 minutes of rest to go for another two hours before needing rest. The Akhlut can run at a leisurely pace of 50 mph (80km) without pause for up to eight hours straight before requiring rest or 10 hours if it periodically pauses for 10-20 minutes every hour or so. Note: Reduce speed by 30% in forests and rocky and other difficult, obstacle-filled terrain.
Leaping: 20 feet (6.1 m) high or across, increase by 50% with a short running start and double when running at full speed.
Digging: 20 mph (32 km) through sand or dirt, but half that speed through clay, rock or stone. Digging does not tire the War Mount. To dig down enough to adequately bury itself and hide takes 2 D8 minutes.
Swimming: The War Mount can maintain a steady speed of 60 mph (96 km/51.8 knots) on the surface or underwater for up to 12 hours before requiring 2 hours rest.
Underwater Depth: The War Mount can withstand depths of one mile (1.6 km) unaided, but the rider may need specialized equipment.
Flying: Not possible.

Statistical Data:
Height: 6-7 feet (1.8 to 2.1 m) at the shoulder. The upright angular dorsal fin adds an additional 4 feet (1.2 m).
Width: 4 feet (1.2 m) from shoulder to shoulder; Pectoral fin wingspan is 10 feet (3 m) with the tail flukes roughly 6 feet (1.8 m) wide.
Length: 12-14 feet (3.6 to 4.2 m) from nose to rump; the tail adds an additional 5-6 feet (1.5 to 1.8 m).
Weight: 1200-2000lbs.
Senses & Features: Standard for War Mounts, plus the following additions:
Hold Breath: The Akhlut can hold its breath for 2D10+60 minutes (roll once to determine at War Mount creation.)
Sense Magnetic North: The Akhlut can always tell where magnetic north is precisely located. Damage to the head will temporarily (3D4 minutes) disrupt this ability, however, it will eventually return.
Underwater Sense: The Akhlut can instinctively sense the direction of ocean currents, changes in the current, approximate current speed, and have an accurate idea of depth, even in total darkness.
Sonar: Like a dolphin, the Akhlut can emit high pitched clicks or whines that bounce off of the underwater surroundings and return to the War Mount where a special organ in the bulbous, forehead (called the melon) translates the signals into an awareness of its environment. This system is not highly precise and will not allow the Akhlut to pick out details such as facial features or whether the sonar image is holding a gun or a flashlight (01-40% chance to recognize the difference between such small objects, +3% per level of experience), but it will allow the Akhlut (& the linked Outrider) to operate in complete darkness underwater by “seeing” sonar images, shapes and movement in the water where the sonar is directed (typically below or in front of the War Mount). Sonar is not constantly going, but as it is used it emits high-pitched sound waves that can be heard and traced by those with the right senses, equipment or also using Sonar and passive means of underwater detection.
Akhlut Bio-Weapons Systems & Defenses:
1. Gut Geyser: The Akhlut can expel a repulsive blast of energized slime from its blowhole. These blasts can be fired at targets directly or lobbed like mortar round to strike targets at extreme ranges. The globs splatter on impact, making the weapon excellent against massed troops. In addition to causing damage, the sticky slime hinders the movement and mobility of the target.
Primary Purpose: Tactical Bombardment.
Secondary Purpose: Infantry Support.
Maximum Effective Range: 2000 feet (610 m) for direct attack. However, the globs can arched to hit targets up to 6000 feet (1830 m) away. The energized slime is like oily lava in the water and slips though the water with ease, allotting underwater projections to reach 1000 feet (305 m) before cooling dissipation.
Payload: 50 blasts per full meal over a 24-hour period.
2. Resistance to Cold: The Akhlut’s layers of fur and blubber provide excellent protection from the cold. Temperatures as low as -20 below zero Fahrenheit have no adverse effect. Magic cold and super-cold attacks do half damage.
3. Resistance to Physical Attacks: The Akhlut posses a layer of fatty tissue filled with impact resistant fluid. This cushions the War Mount from blunt attacks (punches, kicks, bludgeons, etc.), as well as falls, explosive concussion and impacts. These attacks all inflict half damage. Note: Bullets, arrows, and cutting and stabbing attacks (knives, swords, spears, etc.) do full damage, as do energy blasts and fire.
Related content
Comments: 137

manati20 [2021-05-23 06:59:13 +0000 UTC]

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CiceronDixit [2020-08-01 19:20:14 +0000 UTC]

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Evodolka [2019-11-02 23:40:55 +0000 UTC]

amazing
i love the Akhlut, it's a cool hybrid monster that doesn;t seem to get much attention at all, i really want to draw one some day

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TheeArtist85 [2019-09-10 02:59:54 +0000 UTC]

Amazing!!

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Zemium [2019-01-17 22:20:35 +0000 UTC]

killer whale wolf...awesome

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NightFlyer2468 [2017-08-27 13:29:38 +0000 UTC]

What was the the creature at the back+

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ArtWar2004 [2017-04-02 18:41:30 +0000 UTC]

This is so cool👌👍

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Diamondback24 [2017-03-12 16:44:07 +0000 UTC]

I want one for a pet, lol

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IAmJustHereToLookPls [2017-02-27 03:35:14 +0000 UTC]

So creative, it's great

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Zgerken [2016-10-18 16:55:01 +0000 UTC]

Imagine having a pack of them with you, or is it pod?, the carnage you could cause!

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LeafFlurry [2016-05-01 16:28:59 +0000 UTC]

Oh yes the warmounts! I was fangirling about this one to my friend in school a couple days ago XDDD Funny you mentioned them to me. I adore this concept as well. So gorgeous. I want one so bad OvO

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HellhoundRex [2015-10-19 11:30:40 +0000 UTC]

My calculations indicate that it would be severely unpleasant to bump into one of those.

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W17 [2015-10-16 20:00:55 +0000 UTC]

Nicely done ^_^

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jskers [2015-10-16 13:37:13 +0000 UTC]

Omg love the orca wolf hybrid

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Generalobiwankenobi7 [2015-09-18 17:58:17 +0000 UTC]

Amazing design!

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biancakisekae [2015-07-13 11:41:25 +0000 UTC]

wow how cute little creatures xD

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SnookumsLovesMuffins [2014-08-12 04:59:56 +0000 UTC]

So cool!

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ChuckWalton In reply to SnookumsLovesMuffins [2015-02-21 20:27:45 +0000 UTC]

Thank You kindly!!!

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VATROU [2014-07-11 08:34:38 +0000 UTC]

My god!!! This is perfect. I have a Alaska Fallout Fan Lore I'm working on, and these. These are just too epic to pass up. Mind if I use these as Mount inspirations for RPs, and Fan Fictions? With credit to the Authors. Though it's just for RP ideas. And whatnot. 

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ChuckWalton In reply to VATROU [2015-02-21 20:27:23 +0000 UTC]

No problem at all and its an honor!!! Hope they work out!

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VATROU In reply to ChuckWalton [2015-02-22 00:06:56 +0000 UTC]

Why thank you. And just so you know here's a link to the thread where I  took inspiration. forums.bethsoft.com/topic/1512…

I called them Worcas. And they're found under Flora and Fauna, the last entry. 

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JadoaEsraOhn [2014-06-24 00:04:29 +0000 UTC]

jesus /christ/ i would not want to fight one of those Awesome artwork!

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ChuckWalton In reply to JadoaEsraOhn [2015-02-21 20:28:34 +0000 UTC]

Yeah, they can prove to be very tough to contend with, especially a Pod Pack!

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Bone4Brains [2014-06-05 22:22:03 +0000 UTC]

OMG I want one!

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WitchWandaMaximoff [2014-01-07 07:10:27 +0000 UTC]

epic mount

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Bqsss [2014-01-02 23:54:46 +0000 UTC]

 

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GreatWingWolf [2013-06-01 02:28:45 +0000 UTC]

You just blow my freakin mind with your art I just have heart attacks all the time thanks to you xD

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ChuckWalton In reply to GreatWingWolf [2013-06-07 23:32:21 +0000 UTC]

Wow! Thank You for such a humbling compliment!!! Now, WE can't have you being caught in or hospitalized for awe struck! So just peak at the visuals first with one eye at a time, that way your brain is desensitized to it, XD

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GreatWingWolf In reply to ChuckWalton [2013-06-09 02:33:32 +0000 UTC]

X3 thanks I will do that

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Selmarkai [2013-05-26 14:08:12 +0000 UTC]

WoW! Fantastically detailed! I always ask questions about dimensions and evolutionary paths, but this time its been done for me!!!!!*sigh* it's wonderful to have questions answered! I have a few that aren't answered in the description though. Questions like :How in the world were such ferocious beasties paired/ become mounts? It would seem (to one with out prior knowledge) that these beasties wouldn't submit to any form of harnessing sice they are so capable. Were they Engineered ? Their abilities are pretty fantastic, either created or evolved. Evolutionary beasties like that mean the whole planet is ful of fantastical beasties. Engineered beasties like that mean the one who made them are insanely advanced (technology wise). It's a great slice of imaginitive art, Awesome job!

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ChuckWalton In reply to Selmarkai [2013-05-27 03:11:03 +0000 UTC]

Why thank You so kindly for such a humbling and inquisitive inquiry and compliment! The Akhluts are indeed bio engineered War Mounts, utilizing some alien Bio technology to achieve the desired results. They work like living vehicles & comrades of combat in the game setting that they are in, called "SPLICERS" where they are designed as bio engineered War Mounts to help mankind fight off the Artificial Intelligent machines that are seeking to exterminate mankind in a post apocalyptic setting, possibly an offworld. Mankind utilizes living Armors as a form of new power armor. Indeed the planet has quite a bit of bio engineered War mounts created by various Great Houses/Clans of mankind, though some Houses also have blood feuds between each other. This means that they are competitively locked in a arm's race to design the best they can for your milita.
To add to the spice, there are also a vast array of alien predators that roam the planet hat make having such beast and abilities very well warranted.

BTW, A fusion of orca and gray wolf (both intelligent social animals that understand & naturally utilize hierarchy, communication and coordination) actually make pretty good prime selection ingredients for this evolutionary splicing, wouldn't you say?

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Selmarkai In reply to ChuckWalton [2013-05-28 14:54:59 +0000 UTC]

Wow, yes its fantastic! Is there anywhere I can read this? Its so rich in detail!

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empressofmelnibone [2013-04-05 19:54:17 +0000 UTC]

I want one NOW.

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ChuckWalton In reply to empressofmelnibone [2013-05-27 03:11:23 +0000 UTC]

Yeah, me too...

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empressofmelnibone In reply to ChuckWalton [2013-05-27 09:44:08 +0000 UTC]

Lol.

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Alligator-Fists [2013-03-09 14:36:48 +0000 UTC]

Oh, man, Splicers! I actually have a copy of that lying around, from back when people left their houses to buy stuff at places called stores!

Ths is gorgeously done. Thete is a predatory dynanimsm hete which is wholly of the nature-illustration school; not stylized or over the top but exactly what one sees in real animals.

You've also payed a lot of attention to anatomy and thoyght out how these fabulous beasts might actually work, while keeping the bestvelwments of the original Splicers artwork and eliminating much of what was unfortunate about it.

I love thus piece!

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Alligator-Fists In reply to Alligator-Fists [2013-03-09 14:37:55 +0000 UTC]

Please pardon the typos...written in haste on a phone!

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ChuckWalton In reply to Alligator-Fists [2013-05-27 03:15:14 +0000 UTC]

Why thank You so...much. Yeah Splicers is a game that I simply enjoy and am working hard to get more support and product out for the IP. I have been into animals all of my life, so I have a fairly good idea of how they function and their morphology as well as ecology, so it helps dictate what their forms should equate to. If you enjoy Splicers, you might want to peruse my Splicers folder in my gallery. Pretty informative on the things to come.

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DimmuBorgirmi [2013-02-16 01:28:26 +0000 UTC]

Holy shit, I want one of those things! Just because...

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ChuckWalton In reply to DimmuBorgirmi [2013-05-27 03:15:46 +0000 UTC]

XD. Hank You. Might I ask what you would do with it?

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DimmuBorgirmi In reply to ChuckWalton [2013-05-29 17:53:16 +0000 UTC]

At this point, I have no idea...

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Loba-J [2012-12-04 20:29:24 +0000 UTC]

This is amazing

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ChuckWalton In reply to Loba-J [2013-05-27 03:15:58 +0000 UTC]

Thank You so much

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Aseika [2012-11-27 07:59:13 +0000 UTC]

how curious a wolf-shark thing and a dolphin-bear- shark? cool.

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ChuckWalton In reply to Aseika [2013-05-27 03:17:47 +0000 UTC]

Thanks! Actually they are a fusion of orca and wolf, with the other having more of a dolpin spotted look(since orcas are still dolphins) for land dwelling. Its both fur schemes ideal as predators for both land and water.

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Aseika In reply to ChuckWalton [2013-05-27 04:13:18 +0000 UTC]

hehe talk about the ultimate preditor. aside from them not being able to go in the air too.

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Peedee79 [2012-09-30 06:00:30 +0000 UTC]

dUDE THOSE THINGS ARE eFFIN COOL

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ChuckWalton In reply to Peedee79 [2013-05-27 03:18:02 +0000 UTC]

Thank You so much!!!

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Peedee79 In reply to ChuckWalton [2013-05-28 07:17:25 +0000 UTC]

your welcome

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Soulslayer317 [2012-09-06 12:39:06 +0000 UTC]

Epic beasts!

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