#Highland Times

[unspecifiedfigure]

watching the sunset together alive and well after early retirement <3

[chipper-smol]

<.<

>.>

*dragons your blorbos*

[magnapinna-sp-a]

Just finished my trip to Scotland. What a scam.

Didn't even see any Highland cows or cause any apocalypses after eloping with my lover

[serpentface]

THE HIGHLAND KHAIT: AN OVERVIEW

The Highland khait, known internally as the feydhi, is a landrace breed of the Highlands of contemporary Imperial Wardin, and highly distinctive from all other native khait in the region. Their horns are notably unusual, being curved and pointed and frequently asymmetrical, which is often cited as a result of their folkloric origins as hybrids of khait and the (asymmetrically one-antlered) scimitar deer. They are very stocky and small for a riding breed, typically standing no more (and usually less) than 55 inches at the shoulder. Their coats come in a wide variety of colors and patterning, though a majority of individuals are dun or gray. Their manes are notably short and stiff, and they lack the beards common in many other khait breeds.

While notably slower than other khait, feydhi are very surefooted and have notably smooth gaits, able to move at a steady trot over difficult terrain with minimal bouncing for the rider. They are extremely strong for their size, and fully capable of carrying most adult riders and heavy packs, and pulling plows.

Their hair is longer than average but provides little insulation and they do not grow winter coats, and instead rely predominantly on fat stores to cope with winter conditions. They are easy keepers that can gain and maintain mass with very poor grazing, though most require supplements of grain to their diets to gain sufficient fat stores to survive winters in the highest settled altitudes.

Feydhi can adapt well to the hotter lowlands conditions than other Highlands livestock largely due to this lack of thick hair. Because they require no supplement to their diet to maintain condition, they are very affordable khait and an asset (along with a few other specialized lowlands breeds) during dry seasons, and see wide use throughout Imperial Wardin (particularly as pack animals along trade routes). They often survive a little too well in the lowlands, being adapted to sparse mountain pastures rather than seasonally abundant grasslands, and can be prone to obesity when allowed to graze freely.

They show a small degree of selection for milk production due to the import of dairy to the regional diet of the Highlands. Their milk has the highest fat content of the native livestock, but a notably gamey taste that is generally disfavored. It's used primarily as-is for basic sustenance and medicinal purposes- growing children and pregnant women are encouraged to drink feydhi milk to build fat stores, and mounted herders will often ride lactating mares in the winter and subsist largely upon their milk. Their meat is also the fattiest of any of the regional livestock and (unlike their milk) generally regarded as the best in taste, though their value as riding animals and more expensive upkeep prevents their consumption on any regular basis.

Rendered, chilled feydhi fat mashed with berries and eaten on bread is a seasonal delicacy eaten at midwinter feasts. It is considered an obligation of a wealthy ruling clan to slaughter some of their khait and provide the fat for this meal to their dependents, and an indication of failing wealth and authority if they cannot. A phrase translating as 'rich in cattle, poor in fat' invokes the notion of having a clan having superficial wealth (in cattle, which can largely sustain themselves on poor grazing and thus can hide a loss of material power for a period) but a heavily insecure position (unable to actually afford to lose their more high maintenance assets), and is used colloquially to describe a person or people giving hollow performances to mask lacking or lost substance.

They have some unique behavioral quirks among khait, such as a propensity to use their lower teeth in allogrooming to rake and scratch each other. This favoring of their teeth also lends more aggressive animals to biting (in addition to the far more khait-typical headbutting and kicking), a behavior that seems reserved exclusively for humans and is rarely used in intraspecies conflict. As with all bovidae, they no upper incisors and their bite can only do so much harm in most circumstances, but they can cause significant damage to the fingers of the unwary. They are also known for their tendency to consume bite-sized animals such as small birds when given the opportunity- this is not atypical of khait (or many grazing herbivores at large), but is emphasized in combination with their tendency to bite to cast them as uniquely carnivorous.

Their temperaments are regarded as notably stubborn and somewhat testy, but this is made up for with their intelligence and generally calm demeanor. Feydhi are most prized for their bravery- they do not spook easily against wild predators and can perform some functions as livestock guardians, readily chasing off small threats and known to stand their ground against even large predators, particularly hyena (the most populous and routinely threatening predator in the region).

This trait is commonly noted in folktales- one western mountain pass is said to be haunted by the ghost of an old gray mare who stood guard over her master (a noted drunk, who had fallen off her back and passed out) against a pack of hyenas for an entire night. When her rider awoke the next day, he found her dead and bloodied with her horns stuck into a hyena's side, having killed the predators but succumbed to her own wounds. He was so sorrowful that he resolved to never drink again (outside of holidays, and perhaps weddings) and buried her under stone. Travelers through this pass customarily pour out liquor and leave little offerings of grain for the animal's spirit, which is said to be seen at night from a distance, standing vigilant atop its cairn, but vanishes when approached.

The settlement cycle stories of the Hill Tribes go into extensive detail about the cattle and horses brought overseas with the migrants, but elaborate little on their khait and imply that a riding culture did not exist during the settlement period. The stories tend to describe people as walking on foot or riding their cattle, and khait riding is only mentioned in descriptions of proto-Wardi mounted nomads in the lowlands. It is likely that khait riding (rather than sole use as pack animals) was an adopted practice post-settlement, and possible that khait were not brought along with the migrants to begin with.

The actual origins of the feydhi breed are ambiguous as such. Old Ephenni folklore mentions tiny 'fairy' khait living in the Highlands that predated the arrival of the Hill Tribes, suggesting that these animals were already established as feral herds. It's highly possible that these herds were are a relic of the cairn-building civilization that existed in the Highlands prior to recorded history and had already long vanished (likely in a combination of plague and dispersal) prior to the settlement. The stories of feydhi being hybrids between foreign khait and native deer is also suggestive of such an origin, with wild deer as ancestors being a mythologized twist on feral khait.

Feydhi do not have the same status of cattle or horses as fundamental to subsistence, with much of their use being in utility as pack animals and transport over difficult terrain. However, they play very significant roles in the livestock raiding aspects of warrior culture, where they are used for quick exits and to help drive cattle and horses. Their roles in other aspects of warrior culture are more varied between tribes- some use them near-exclusively for raids, while others rely on them for open combat. Khait warrior culture is most central in the western Urbinnas tribes, who each consider themselves to be the most skilled riders and uniquely specialize towards mounted archery. The Urbinnas tribes have a long history of interaction with the lowlands Ephenni Wardi (alternating cycles of conflict and trade, and a half century of allyship against Imperial Burri occupiers). Both groups have a strong history of mounted warrior culture, and each claims to have introduced mounted archery to the other.

Khait also play roles in regional combat sports, which include mock battles and raids, races, archery, and most famously khait wrestling. The latter involves two mounted riders attempting to wrestle one another off their khait, gain control of their opponent's mount, and then successfully lead both animals out of the ring without their opponent re-mounting. This sport requires very calm, collected animals that will not panic while being fought over, and the measured temperament of the feydhi is well suited.

[fraternum-momentum]

this might be out of topic but how do you practice drawing anatomy and how long have you been doing it? I can't stop staring at the near naked figure with that black scribble around his hips

i guess this is a bit of a more difficult thing to explain since i don't really have a concrete process to it? i just kinda do whatever and hope for the best AFHAFHAF

i haven't taken anatomy seriously until about 3 years ago-ish? mostly because i was too lazy to actually sit down and study the different muscle groups n stuff,, shit, even now i'm not consistent with it

but! i do have some tips ? kinda ?

what i usually do is study from reference :]]

(i couldn't find which pictures i used for the nigel drawing but here's loki)

once u've learned the different muscle groups (it's boringgg but it would help a LOT) drawing anatomy from references would be so much easier bc you would recognize which muscles are at play + how the skin stretches + fat distribution + lights and shadows etc etc.

magic poser is great for poses but for anatomy itself imo it's better to go for actual pictures of people itself because sticking to that could constrict you into drawing a specific body type. like,, treat it as a skeleton, or a crutch that can assist you rather than the main thing itself ?? (i hope i explained it right)

(that's how many references i have in my board 😭😭 jesus)

[aethernoise]

dawn again

[flagellant]

me, setting down the newest book I'm reading on the history of aesthetics and textile designs from Edo to Modernity in Japan: Okay but Am I actually just a racist appropriating Orientalist fetishizing The EastTM?

[sketchelium]

yt thumbnail for the upcoming new environments in our mh world playthrough :) I have learned how to properly use the lasso tool and I am thriving.

[bookishfreedom]

so, i went to scotland. yes, it was life changing

the entire trip felt straight out of a fairytale. we swam in the fairy pools. we frolicked with sheep. we spent hours wandering castles, museums, and bookshops. we ate many scottish breakfasts. and yes, merry of soul, we sailed on a day, over the sea to skye

and during the hours we spent driving through the gorgeous scottish highlands, we also played that song ad infinitum.

although originally inspired by outlander, this trip was about so much more. it was about stories and magic and history and falling a little bit in love with the world at every turn.

until next time, Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Sláinte

[blackbirdffxiv]

Off-brand gposes of the gothlander for serotonin (but hey least she's cute)

[Lookbook] <--- for those who use crimes that like the look, you can find my outfit + hair details here! Now to hope I actually remember to post in the damn thing more often...

Pre & Post Edit Comparisons Below!

No gshade / edits -> Only Gshade -> Gshade + Edits (FINAL)

[ahollowgrave]

The ancient Leuke, worked under Emet-Selch in tending the underworld. Her soul, when sundered, eventually becomes Odette.

Leuke had a rather an uncanny ability to find wayward souls and return them. It is likely that her working with the Underworld is what allows for Odette's resurrection and it most certainly is the root of her affinity for ghosts and other ashkin. She and Emet were never romantic! He did met her one time and then arranged for her to be moved to his employ. Seeing in her something to cultivate and nurture. Rumors quickly spread of her being groomed to be his replacement, though she never believed this herself. Very much a 'I'll believe it when I see it' kind of person. Generally kind and well-meaning but also described as 'off-putting' by her fellows. This is technically my second draft at an Ancient! Specifically one connected to Odette. I am very enamored with her... Will have to brainstorm what her exact role was but for now!

[the-raindeer-king]

Another COD au that I'm too lazy to write. This one is for the og games because it's about ✨️ Captain MacTavish ✨️ it's a time travel au based off these adult romance novels that I read in high school.

So reader is from our current time, and accidentally stumbles upon some fae magic stuff, maybe you get tricked, idk, and gets sent back in time to medieval Scotland. Right into the lap of Lord John MacTavish (not really but god I wish.)

Now, this could progress via one of two ways. The first is that you're mistaken for MacTavish's arranged bride, who was supposed to arrive a week ago. Or one of the servant ladies finds you after a freak storm, shivering like a newborn foal, and convinces MacTavish to let you stay while they try to figure out who you are. Either way, your brash attitude and lack of modesty is refreshing to MacTavish, who's never been a fan of meek women.

Regardless, no one believes you when you try to plead your case. That you're from the future and you don't know how you got there. Maybe you give up after a while, besides things are good with Lord MacTavish. Or maybe you're able to convince him by knowing things that no one should know, and he gives you his aid in trying to return you to the future.

You end of falling in love (duh) but, the fae who sent you here, Roach, is in serious trouble with Fae King Price for meddling with human affairs, and now he has to send you back. I personally think it would be so so funny if you got sent back in the middle of having sex with MacTavish.

You end having to find Roach again to plead your case, and he takes you to Fae King Price to ask to be sent back. As much as he doesn't want to, concerns about the time continuum, you're clearly distraught. And if he doesn't take pity on you, there's a good chance you'll take darker routes to get back.

And this time, when you get sent back, it's literally right into the lap of Lord MacTavish, who glad to have you back and eager to make up for lost time.

[astriiformes]

Related. I have been thinking. About vehicles for the Road Trip AU.

The hobbits (and eventually also Aragorn) definitely drive to Rivendell in Merry's minivan--I have not picked a model yet, but something very Practical--but after that the Fellowship obviously need a larger vehicle and I think the answer is a pre-2007 Ford Expedition (models after that only have 8 seats instead of 9)

Also Frodo hotwires a Kia Soul (probably) to get himself and Sam to Mordor after the Fellowship falls apart. (Bilbo taught him how) but I haven't made up my mind yet what Gandalf shows up in when he returns so I need all your input. I am considering making Shadowfax a 2007ish Toyota Highlander because my family bought one of those when I was maybe 10 years old and the thing still fucking runs, which I feel like is the right energy for the King of Vehicles, but I don't know if it's the funniest answer.

Other candidates: An equally old (or older) Honda Accord because they have the same sort of energy, something else known for being very fast or indestructible (a Toyota Hilux would be great except I'm setting the AU in the US and you can't get those here), or a car that's just funny to imagine a wizard in. Please give me your thoughts.

[aloe-plant-yippee]

AAA KDJAKKD SHERLOCK AND CO THE LIONS MANE ART DUMP

SHERLOCK AND JOHN ARE BOTH YAPPERS AND I LOVE THEM

ALSO GUYS IM SCOTTISH I CAN MAKE MAUD LOOK LIKE THE MOST STEREOTYPICAL SCOTTISH PERSON EVER IF I WANT TO OKAY?

genuinely tho maud’s accent was so good i think the va might be scottish

[groovyfrog420]

Oscypek/Highland Cheese Cookie

heyyyy guess who finally finished their cookie run oc concept! (more rambling bellow)

He's a calm, quiet type - doesn't understand the Golden Cheese Kingdom's obsesion with riches. He much preferes the beauty of nature around him. He can be found on the sand mountains, just near the borders of the Kingdom, enjoying the breeze and playing songs on his flute.

I wanted to mix the clothes of a "baca" (shepherds who make oscypek) with something that wouldn't look too out of place in GC Kingdom - wasn't easy, since one is a rather cold region and the other is a desert. He is a bit of a loner tho, so it's alright if he doesn't fully fit in with the rest of the citizens

Here's a link so you can learn more about the cheese! It's legally protected as "national tressure", fun fact. It's also really damn good with cranberries (hence all the little cranberry details lol, like the cranberry bead necklace! HUGE shout out to my friend for that idea btw)

[brian-in-finance]

https://twitter.com/Angie_Swe/status/1815246726002847990?t=YbAsVYkUhXVDmLCBXjvzMg&s=19

Thanks for the message, Anon. 😃 What a sweet image: Toddler Tait and his stories. 📚

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Remember… (Astrid) Lindgren is best known for her children's book series featuring Pippi Longstocking, Emil of Lönneberga, Karlsson-on-the-Roof, and the Six Bullerby Children, and for the children's fantasy novels Mio, My Son, Ronia the Robber's Daughter, and The Brothers Lionheart. — Wikipedia