Round 14 of VHU is to depict a pheru infected with powder-based Flood growths, as described in Greg Bear’s Cryptum and Silentium. “Visualizing the Halo Universe” is a fan-based challenge, and everyone is welcome to create subjects of interest yet to be seen from the Halo story as they imagine them. Artists of all skill levels are invited to join in by Postmortem, who gives the assignments every few weeks.
As posted by Postmortem at HBO Forums: (Spoiler Alert…)
“Originating from the planet Faun Hakkor, Pheru were creatures which were domesticated by ancient humans for their desirability as pets and companions. As time went on, the San’Shyuum (Prophets) also began to favor the creature. When ancient starships arrived from outside the galaxy carrying a cargo of fine powder, it was discovered that this powder improved the behavior of the Pheru, making them more charismatic. Eventually, the trade of these enhanced Pheru found its way into the black market, spreading what would come to be the first outbreak of Flood infection in the galaxy through this innocent and unsuspected creature. As decades passed, the Pheru began to exhibit strange fur-like patches between their shoulders and eventually unsightly growths. Many were returned to their native planet or put down. But it was not enough to stop the spread.”
This assignment runs another week before rounding up, so if you have an idea of what you think the pheru look like, head on over to HBO or the Official Visualizing the Halo Universe site.
Halo Diehards member, AddiCt3d 2CHa0s has whipped up a lunch-ruining version of pheru:
VHU Assignment: Pheru, by AddiCt3d 2CHa0s
I want to see what else people are drawing, take me to VHU NAOW! >>