The section of the Game Design Document that deals with the complex combat interactions of different species within Optera has been finished! I’m relieved. Now I just need to pick the next area to tackle and jump in head first. I have been doing some R+D type stuff relating to digging and management of soil in the “underground layer” and I feel like I’m making some good progress. 
By the way I feel I should mention all the art in the design docs is placeholder art and is only there to illustrate an idea.
As far as combat goes here is a small bit of what’s been conceived:
All insects in the world of Optera have 5 basic commands to help them interact with the world around them- four mandible actions of Bite, Cling, Sever, and Pin. The fifth action is an abdomen action. Depending on species the abdomen action may be several different things such as a sting, a formic acid droplet or spray, laying eggs etc.
I am most excited about the venom possibilities and I have to say I think I surprised myself here. I wont go into too much detail but players will be able to develop extremely complex venom compositions that can do a variety of things. The system will be able to encompass things as simple as a drop of acid or as complicated as a paralysis venom. It will be awesome.
