Nocturne :: Markings Guide

While Nocturne exists in a fantasy world and we allow some exceptions when we come to markings, most markings on characters should be realistically colored and in realistic canine-like patterns. This page will explain what markings are acceptable and how to tell which ones are not.

In addition to this guide, you can check the list of all characters in the character hub to see if the design you'd like to bring in is similar to something already in game. Overall if you have any questions please reach out. Other than the hard limits here that are a clear "NO" there are plenty of combinations that could work, and each character is evaluated individually. Some combinations simply work, while others do not. The goal at the end of the day should be a cohesive design that is still clearly a wolf.

The markings we generally do not allow are:

Tiger stripes or similar stripes

Brindle or similar

Dog-like white markings such as "Irish" or "Piebald"

Stripes that make no sense, spots, polkadots, stamp-like shapes, large patches of color around the eye that are not natural, or any other unnatural markings.

We'll start with what we do not allow, since that will quickly help to rule out some questions.

Unacceptable Markings

Brindle

While brindle is a marking found in dogs, we do not allow dog specific markings in this way. Therefore, characters with brindle like stripes are not allowed. Brindle cannot exist in small or large parts on any space of the character's design.

Dark Undersides on Pale Colors

Dark undersides are not allowed in instances where they will contrast too sharply with the character they are applied to. In this example, we are using a white character with black undersides. However this restriction could also apply to cream or ginger with very dark undersides. Contrast is the key point. Black on white in this case is never allowed, but other colors would be situational on how well it blends.

Irish

While white markings on wolves are allowed in a variety of patterns, any pattern that appears like the Irish markings here on the left are not allowed. Irish markings typically cover the face in a white mask/blaze, surround the neck, and cover the legs. A pale or white neck may be allowed if it is not in combination with other markings. A white mask/blaze might be allowed if it is not in combination with the other markings seen here. Basically any combination of white that looks like either of these examples is not allowed.

Piebald

Similar to Irish markings, Piebald are not allowed. Piebald is describing a character who is 50% or more white, particularly in cases where areas that are not-white are circular or patchy. These patterns are too unrealistic looking and thus are not permitted on Nocturne. Splashes of color on white are acceptable in any form other than patches like seen in piebald markings, so long as they appear natural and flow with the scheme of the character.

Tiger Stripes

Tiger stripes, tabby stripes, or other stripes found on other animals are also not allowed. These do not look realistic on a wolf, are hard to add to a photo manipulation, and just overall don't fit the structure of Nocturne's environment and lore.

Stiff Stripes or Stamp-like Markings

Lastly, any markings which do not follow the shape of the character or which are unnatural as a whole are not allowed. This includes any of the markings to the right. This includes: large patches of color over the eye that do not flow with the character, stiff stripes, bands on the body, circular spots, polka dots, stamp-like heart or star shapes, perfect circles, or any other marking that is simply fantasy based.

Acceptable Marking Examples

Dark Undersides

Here we see an example of acceptable darker undersides. These are not high-contrast compared to the character's base coat and blend well. It looks like it could be natural, clearly taking inspiration from animals which may naturally be darker along the bottom. It is executed well and is generally easier to manip on images due to this.

Stripes and Ticking

This example showcases a character with "stripes" which flow in a natural way. Flowing along the cheek, along the back, or along the rims of the ears. Stripes in this case are permitted as they are more like bands of color naturally seen in wolves. Especially darker capes, dark tail tips, and dark around the eyes and along the paler undersides of a wolf's face.

Combining These Concepts

Oh, this one looks like a normal wolf you say! Well, yes, it does. Wolves naturally come with white markings and these markings are often found in the pattern displayed here. Additionally the stripes on the face, neck, and along the back are blended well and flow with the natural design of the character. They don't look stamped on or unnatural. This is another good implementation of a combination of markings. The tan on this wolf's cheek is also a great example of splashes of color!