Overall Aesthetic ​
Part VII: Visual Design
Overview ​
Temporal Tides combines cinematic realism with subtle fantastical elements. Environments feel grounded and lived-in; temporal effects and abilities provide the fantastical layer. The world should feel real enough to inhabit, strange enough to wonder at.
Core Principles ​
1. Grounded Foundation ​
- Architecture, clothing, objects: recognizable, tactile
- Lighting: naturalistic (with temporal exceptions)
- Physics: mostly familiar (gravity, materials)
2. Fantastical Layer ​
- Temporal distortions: visual representation of time flow
- Bioelectric auras: subtle, not garish
- Nexus crystals: refracting past/present/future
- Ability effects: distinct per character
3. Environmental Storytelling ​
- Location reflects temporal properties (dilated = slower visuals; accelerated = rapid)
- Character design reflects perception (Dave: heavier; Eli: kinetic)
- Color carries meaning (see ColorPalettes)
Lighting ​
Baseline Zones: Natural, soft, consistent Accelerated: Brighter; sharper shadows; urgency Dilated: Softer; longer shadows; contemplative Lair/Chaos: Unstable; multiple sources; wrong angles
Composition ​
Character Moments: Intimate; face and expression Action: Dynamic; ability-focused Environment: Wide when establishing; detail when exploring
Reference Materials ​
- Character portraits:
/assets/character_portraits/ - Character dossiers — Visual Design sections
- Locations — Environmental descriptions
- TemporalVisuals — Effect specifications
Cross-References: