Understanding Traits
“Traits" refers to the genes and anomalies found on Dungeon Coursers. To see all the traits currently available in the game, click here!
There are three main types of traits: Coat colors (the main color of the horse), Modifiers (which change the appearance of the coat color), and White Markings (which are different patterns of white that show on top). These three types of traits come from genes Coursers inherit from their parents and pass on to their offspring.
A fourth type of trait, Anomalies, appear randomly, and are not associated with any particular genes. Any new Courser (except for Free Imports) has a chance of rolling a random Anomaly!
The page for each trait details the effect each has on the color of a horse's coat, skin, mane/tail, eyes, and hooves. Once you know which traits your Courser will have, check out the Visual Hierarchy section below to see how the traits layer on top of each other.
So do I have to learn about genetics?
Nope! Learning fantasy horse genetics can be fun, but we understand that it's not for everybody. You only have to know these two terms:
- Genotype refers to the traits your Courser has inherited. “Ee Aa nRn" is an example of a genotype.
- An undesigned horse will usually be referred to as a “geno." Your undesigned horses are visible in your My Genos page.
- Phenotype refers to how those traits are visibly expressed. “Bay Roan" is an example of a phenotype.
In general, you will not be asked to create genotypes or phenotypes for your horses; staff will do that for you! This guide and our Trait Index are intended to help players turn their phenotypes into designs. If you ever hit a wall, don't hesitate to ask for help in the Discord Server!
Free White Markings
All horses, regardless of their genotype or phenotype, are allowed Free White markings such as socks and blazes. Click the button below to see how to use Free White in your designs!
Free White Info
Hoof Color Examples
Below are examples of acceptable hoof coloration and how hooves are affected by markings!
From left to right: Cream hoof, Brown hoof, Black hoof, Gray hoof, Gray hoof partially colored by free white marking, Gray hoof striped by Leopard, Gray hoof colored by free white sock with an ermine mark.
Visual Hierarchy
This is the order in which traits appear to “stack" on your horse. Traits higher on the list will “cover" traits lower on the list.
Colors & Markings
- Chimera & Vitiligo
- Swarf
- Gray
- White Modifiers
- White Markings
- Coat Anomalies
- Mane/Tail Modifiers
- Coat Modifiers
- Pennant
- Base Coat Color
Eye Colors
Skin & Hoof Colors
Using the Template
Download the Template Get Variant Templates
Using this guide and the Trait Index, you're ready to design your horse on the template that matches its Breed and Variant.
If you need guidance, our staff and players would be delighted to help you! Visit the design-help channel in our Discord server if you'd like some advice.
If you'd like to try your hand at coloring but don't have art programs on your computer, consider using Photopea.com! Photopea is a free, in-browser program that functions a lot like Photoshop and will allow you to edit the template without downloading any software.
When using the template...
👍 You may:
- ✔️ Replace default skin, hoof, eye, etc layers with your own
- ✔️ Subtly vary your coloring to add interest and depth
- ✔️ Adjust layer modes/opacity to achieve a desired look
- ✔️ Add low-opacity edges to white markings to mimic real horses
- ✔️ Hide the face and/or off-side mini references if you don't want to use them
👎 You may not:
- ❌ Alter the lineart or recolor the black lines
- ❌ Add shading or additional rendering to the template
- ❌ Add accessories, scars, hairstyles, etc. to the template
- ❌ Obscure your design with texture layers, filters, etc.
- ❌ Edit the background or layout of the template
If you'd prefer, you can also have someone else design your horse on the template for you. Players in our Discord server may offer design services, or you can ask anyone: designers do not have to be players on Dungeon Coursers! Just make sure that our design guidelines are followed and the desigher of your horse receives credit for their work.
Submitting Your Design
Free Imports
If you're creating a Free Import, click the button below. Otherwise, read on!
Free Import Info
- 1. When you're ready to submit a design for a geno, navigate to the geno slot in your undesigned genos and Copy the genotype, phenotype, and temperament your new Courser will have.
- 2. Click the “Submit Design" link on the sidebar of the profile.
- 2. Click the Comments tab, Paste your chosen genotype, phenotype, and temperament, then click “Save."
- 3. In the Masterlist Image tab, upload your horse's full-size official reference, link to your horse's design, then click “Save."
- 4. In the Add-Ons tab, you don't need to do anything. Just click “Save."
- 5. In the Traits tab, click the “Add Trait" button, which will create a search box. Type in and select each of the Traits your horse will have, including Free Markings, hitting “Add Trait" before each. For example, Chestnut, Tobiano, and Somatic would all need to be selected separately. When all your horse's traits are visible, click “Save."
- 6. When you're finished, go back to the Submit tab and click “Submit Request." Staff will review your design, create your Courser, and send it to your account after approval!
Still have Questions?
Don't hestitate to ask for help in our Discord server! Staff and other players would be happy to help you through the designing process.