Summary
The Taki, an impressive and majestic creature, once called the Takosaur, is much more than a simple mount for the Rift clans that possess them. They are full members of these clans, essential allies.
A true pillar and valuable daily aid for nomads, the Taki accompanies the Sigils and certain Fort-gotens across the hostile lands of the Rift. His strength, his endurance, and even his simple reassuring presence are valuable assets.
Let’s analyze the Taki together through these two captivating illustrations.
Eating stones and drinking water, that's enough for the very greedy and undemanding Taki!
In the Standard Version In this SR, we discover the Taki, standing proudly on its legs submerged in what appears to be the waters of a lake, or a river. The landscape that surrounds it is so mysterious. Behind it, clouds form on land before flying into the heavens, and rocks float in the air, appearing so light. The sky, tinged with orange and purple, evokes a twilight that seems eternal above the Rift Lands.
Everything around the Taki is strange. The many gravitational anomalies known as the phenomenon ofHapesgravity and which were caused by the Blast that created the Rift, are the most visible example. This phenomenon gives the impression that reality itself is bending to laws that defy normality.
The imposing and majestic Taki is calmly stationed in still water that reflects the reddish sky. Nothing disturbs this water, except the Taki's powerful legs moving through it. They are the source of slight vibrations or eddies that are visible on the surface. The Taki is focused, sniffing the surrounding air with its impressive nostrils and absorbing it to ensure that no unwanted creatures are lurking nearby.
Its long tail, raised back like an antenna, helps it maintain its balance.
His massive, square head is adorned with long, wavy horns similar to those of a high-born Ram. They are a crown for him. Curved and pointed, they descend behind his ears. Another horn grows like an elephant's trunk between his two eyes.
Its thick, armored skin, marked here and there with dark spots, allows it to blend into the surroundings. It's the perfect camouflage for this location.
Beneath his curious and profound eyes, one senses an ancestral wisdom, a pledge of years spent roaming these hostile lands, a sort of silent experience. How old could this Taki be? What is the life expectancy of a Taki?
On its back, a nomadic rider tightly grips reins that are connected to the Taki's horns. This allows him to steer it. It would be crazy to believe that he is directing it. Is the rider a Sigil or a Fort-goten? The only inhabitants of the Rift to own Takis.
The face, mainly the forehead covered by what looks like a scarf as a head covering, wedged into a protective armor... The rider, whose intriguing mask that covers his mouth and nose, only reveals his eyes scanning the horizon. Behind him, firmly secured, luggage packed in makeshift bags, provisions and all kinds of equipment necessary for this journey bear witness to the long and difficult crossing that awaits this unlikely duo.
The nomad's posture and the silent complicity between man and creature suggest a rare harmony, the fruit of many years spent surviving together.
To add more charm to this already very evocative picture, pretty birds in the colors of Paradise are placed without any stress on the colossus and also seem to be part of the journey.
What secrets do these extreme travelers carry? And what encounters await them on this perilous road?
The Taki, as if to prove its resilience, has the unique characteristic of feeding on rocks and water. This makes it a mount particularly suited to the arid and inhospitable lands of the Rift. Unlike many other creatures, it requires few resources to survive, and acclimates particularly quickly to the most complex situations. Do you have any idea how many kilos of stones a Taki can swallow in a day?
Taki gets carried away and shamelessly overturns everything!
In the Alternative Version From this SR card, we clearly see the Taki's calm, letting go and giving way to panic. The tension of the scene is visible. The Taki, standing on its hind legs, sends everything flying. Rider, birds, luggage, all in a fraction of a second. It dominates the space with its full height.
But why is he rearing up like this? His posture leaves us amazed, without understanding whether this gesture is useful to him to show his power, perhaps even his fear, or Is this a form of defiance? What did he see? What did he feel? Are they in danger? Or is he simply seeking his freedom?
The nomad, still on the Taki's back, clings to the beast's reins as best he can. His muscles are tense in an exceptional effort to control the Taki. The luggage has partly disappeared. The birds have flown away, going in all directions. Around him, splashes of water mingle with the surrounding mist, as if to heighten the already dramatic atmosphere and freeze time.
Mainly domesticated by the Sigils, the Taki plays a central role in the survival of these nomads. It serves as their mount, beast of burden, and protector. With its massive build and the power of its horns, the Taki reassures them. They feel protected during their travels.
We imagine in him, at the same time, the strength of a gigantic ram with extraordinary power, capable of pulverizing any obstacle with a single blow of the head, and at the same time, the gentleness and loyalty of a helpful companion. What story could possibly link these creatures to clans that are rivals in the Rift?
Taki Paradox, A rock with a tender heart!
THE Taki, this formidable and peaceful creature, who alone embodies all the enigmas of the Rift.
It's the perfect blend of brute strength and absolute calm. Through these two illustrations, we discover a creature capable of unleashing its power and devastating everything in a split second, and suddenly a split second later, of regaining its characteristic Olympian calm. But behind each Taki lies the forgotten story of a brute creature who appears tough, but is deep down so tender. A rock with a melting heart...
