#Sobeknesef

[unrealistic-ideas-for-writers]

Of Trashcans, Alley Cats, and begrudgingly touch starved Crocodiles.

Aka Cat!Beneath the Sands AU.

-

The fluffy thing was weird. It felt soft beneath his paws but not quite like fur and it smelled like too many things at once. It made his nose itch.

(Caladin would later learn this is called a "rug.")

He had been picked up by the odd green Twoleg and had been staying in their Den for a few days now. He was certainly still wary of them- them and the other brightly colored Twolegs that came around sometimes. But they had been gentle with him.

He would admit that this soft den was much better than the wet box he'd been sleeping in, and the food was very tasty. There were other cats, but Caladin was only familiar with the one who'd "picked him up" with the Twoleg, Valerian. He was relatively respectful- allowing Caladin space to adjust and answering questions. There were apparently at least two other cats- Sobeknesef, grumpy but quiet, and Jiahui, who was recovering from losing part of her leg.

Caladin felt sorry for her. She slept a lot. He'd tried bringing her a squirrel once. The green Twoleg had taken it away and replaced it with one of the tasty things that didn't look like food.

Well. He tried.

Now he was sitting next to Valerian on the smelly, fluffy thing. Sun high made them all sleepy. The bengal was all splayed out in a sunny spot while Cal sat up straight, watching. And waiting.

-

"Hey- Val...? What the fuck, dude. When did you get so many cats- and-" Caladin paused, squinting at the collars around the necks of the bengal and mau.

"Did you name your cats after us????" The blonde snorted, expression both amused and mildly bewildered as he glanced over at his friend.

-

Feel free to add onto this with your OCs. I was just thinking of a little silly modern AU in which Valerian adopts Cats and names them after his friends :3

taglist:

@uncreative-cryptid

@hobbysognodilibri

@yupuffin

@captainsounddisaster

@crypticrainbowmoss

[unrealistic-ideas-for-writers]

I WAS HAVING CUTE LITTLE THOUGHTS ABOUT THE BENEATH THE SANDS QUAD (Caladin, Jiahui, Sobeknesef, and Valerian)

AND IT WAS SO CUTE- (modern AU or not? Will post blurb later-)

AND THE. MY BRAIN DECIDED TO BE EVIL AND MAKE THE PRELUDE WAY WORSE WITH CONTEXT.

Because the desert nation’s Sentinel is a Sand worm now.

[unrealistic-ideas-for-writers]

Literally shaking-

I just got the most vivid mental image of Modern Au! Beneath the Sands Squad-

And it’s literally just Caladin standing in the bathroom, it’s 107 out and their AC is broke. He’s staring at scissors on the counter and his hair is pinned back.

He sends a photo of the scissors to the GC.

Immediately his phone is flooded with texts varying from lectures on not cutting your own hair and “CAL NO-“

Sobeknesef is heard tripping over cats to rush over to the bathroom from his room.

Jiahui and Valerian are rushing in their convo with a new AC guy who can help them so they can get home and stop this nonsense because Sobeknesef is *not* enough to stop Cal’s impulses by himself-

[unrealistic-ideas-for-writers]

Beneath the Sands: Plot Overview and play guide

Hi Hi!

As I said, I wanted to make a plot post for the participating OCs so the plot flows smoothly and we don't all get lost. This is also to double check who's actively participating and who wants to, versus those who are just along for the ride. Feel free to reiterate what you'd like to do!

The current taglist and what they're here for are as follows:

@uncreative-cryptid ---> Valerian, takes odd jobs and a mineral specialist, escorting the Huaxu Academy research group

@hobbysognodilibri ---> Jiahui, a field specialist from Huaxu Academy, interested in the recently resurface Court of Savantae Ruins

@crypticrainbowmoss ---> Sobeknesef, a local Blacksmith and retired soldier, who winds up guiding the group

@yupuffin (Quay exists, but I wasn't sure if you wanted him to join this expedition, or spark a new Quest Line with Raziel, Demona, Asaro, and the Convent in Rinacita)

@captainsounddisaster ---> Here for the ride, been here since the beginning. I hope you enjoy reading!

@marmartheyarn ---> Also a reader! Hope you enjoy :3

I don't think I forgot anyone, but if this needs to be updated in anyway, just let me know!

Now that that has been established, the below will contain a loose overview of the plot, so if you're interested in reading and remaining spoiler free, stop here ;3

A "play guide" will also been included, and I will officially be setting up a masterlist for this Project with this post and the Prelude as the starting posts.

Plot overview (so we don't confuse each other too much!)

Act I: When Midday Dust Settles

The act opens with the Rover discovering a flier searching for bodyguards for a research group in Jinzhou. The payment is reasonable, but the expedition is far outside Huanglong, so it's attracted minimal attention, with only 1 name present on the contact sheet.

Valerian

Abby, who gets curious about Valerian's linger frequencies, pesters (affectionately) the Rover into checking out the job.

Enter Jiahui!!!!

The Rover chats with her for a bit and meets Valerian, agreeing to join them on the research expedition. (The last CSC ruins were pretty neat after all)

Mini little teleport skip

Its SAND

So much Sand

(Desert nation temporarily undecided unless someone else already has a name???)

The group decides to check out the local village

Chat with a few NPCs- they're very curt and standoffish

Wind up on the path to the ruins on their own

Ambush!

Sobeknesef!!!

cue "The fuck are you doing without a guide???"

Regrouping at the forge on the settlement outskirts

Sobeknesef warily agrees to be there guide

Act II: Ruined by Evening Light

Exploring the ruins!

Various paths and traps

Group gets split

More exploration, combat, and clues

Fractsidus are prowling around

Meet back up in a large room

Share clues

Fractsidus ambush

Someone bleeds on the wrong thing

Floor seal glows

Everyone falls in

CALADIN

babi

Everyone is extremely nauseous because weird time warp

Puzzle time

Caladin is clearly frozen in time

Those sensitive to frequencies + Abby can tell he's still alive

Occasional Fractsidus and Tacet Discord ambush

Puzzle solved!

the nausea goes away!

Entire party is *magically* healed of their injuries

A floating Caladin drops to the ground and the Spectro that had been burning in his hands for almost 100,000 years finally burns out

(His poor hands are probably super dry and cracked)

Introductions but only briefly

Boss Fight!!!!!!

Act III: Dusk steals Life from the Dunes

Frantic escape from the collapsing ruins

Make it out

Here screeches from behind the party

Fractsidus!

More Fractsidus

The Founders make their first appearance!

Fighting, Negotiation, much irritation, and grief

The Boss is back from earlier

Abby saves the day

It's rock licking adjacent, but does the job

Act IV: Dawning of a New Day

Regrouping at the Forge

Caladin is very awkward

Deciding what to do or where he should go

Lending some insight on the Founders and offering aid

Party conversations

We cut to The Founders and their discussions

Ends with quiet morning and tea of choice

Okey dokey!!!

I hope this doesn't feel too restrictive?? I really wanted to give the participating writers some boning for the story so we didn't all flounder about!

I'll happily take other ideas and scenes as well.

Running out words, so pt. 2 will include play guide on how to make this more free form for everyone and more open for interpretation!

[uncreative-cryptid]

glad my beastars content can supply to the wuwa fandom as well

something something cannibalism as a metaphor for love

[unrealistic-ideas-for-writers]

Incorrect Quotes: Beneath the Sands Squad

Sobeknesef: Cal. Caladin. Buddy. Please stop using my prosthetic as a chew toy-

Caladin, slowly releasing the fingers of the prosthetic from his teeth, pouting: I can’t purr with your arm in my mouth-

Sobeknesef:

Caladin:

Sobeknesef: ??????

-

[Caladin and Jiahui are sitting in the kitchen, sharing a plate of what looks like badly burnt Arayes. The kitchen is smoking. Valerian’s yells can be heard from the kitchen.]

Caladin:

Jiahui:

Sobeknesef, having just walked in: what the fuck-

Jiahui, deadpanned: Shhhh. All is good. All is fine.

Caladin, nodding: The pirate-core is strong in this one.

-

Caladin, gently holding the thumb joint of Sobeknesef’s prosthetic hand: ‘ur -and ‘astes Ike wahfles.

Sobeknesef, deadpanned: What?

Caladin, releasing the prosthetic: Your hand tastes like waffles

-

[Valerian and Caladin are situated in the living room of their dorm.]

Valerian: I like how I’m stabbing a child-

Caladin, nodding: Murder and human trafficking.

[They made a villager volcano in minecraft.]

-

More to come later :3

@uncreative-cryptid I know you wanted to see these :3

[unrealistic-ideas-for-writers]

Beneath the Sands: Aftermath blurb

Had a vague dream last night and it was just????

Post Beneath the Sands Quest, River has moved on to doing Rover things, leaving a scientist, rock enthusiast, and blacksmith alone with a living artifact wearing armor from who knows when-

And I just have this mental image of Jiahui, Valerian, and Sobeknesef having a little nerd huddle and analyzing Cal’s gauntlets and Cal???

He’s just sitting in the corner making tea like “Wow I’m so good at making friends- look I can provide tea-“

Anyways. This was my realization that Cal could be a househusband. Would he? In another life maybe.

Taglist:

@uncreative-cryptid

@hobbysognodilibri

@crypticrainbowmoss

@yupuffin

@captainsounddisaster

Let me know if you’d like to join the tag list :3

There will likely be more blurbs like this till Rinacita, then plot will get plotting

[unrealistic-ideas-for-writers]

Having silly thoughts about the Gang again- except I dunno how I got there because I was discussing Pangaea with someone.

Valerian with Lupus-adjacent chronic illness and symptoms in canon- who needs consistency and high fiber in his diet to help manage flares-

Valerian in the modern!Au with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)- who is unfortunate enough to be told to avoid pastas and garlic and high sugar/sodium foods- Whole is told to limit sun exposure??? As a Geology/Archeology Major??? (I think that’s what we decided on???)

(Cutaneous Lupus Erythematous may also be appropriate)

(Because this can sometimes cause the calcification of soft tissues and all I can think about is Valerian growing his crystals)

Symptoms including: joint pain, skin rashes, swelling in feet and eyes because of affects to the kidneys, extreme fatigue, low fevers

Jiahui who consistently disassociates when left to her own devices and needs a grounding agent- who is more prone to zoning out or minor cases Overclocking as a Havoc resonator in general (though her own stability may vary, this is a general association with Havoc resonators)- Who also needs to keep a close watch on her prosthetic, check blood flow regularly, and take it in for repairs often with how beat up it can get

Jiahui who has a Dissociative Disorder in the modern!au- who needs a lot of help from her roommates to ground her in the present, give her fidgets and small tasks to do to keep her mind from drifting too far- Who paints her prosthetic with her roommates and has timers on her phone to give her leg a break :3

(Thinking specifically in the Derealization zone for her, the world feels unreal and foggy and dreamlike)

Symptoms including: Loss of time, fatigue, mental distance from her own actions, etc.

Sobeknesef who runs cold in canon because of his Glacio resonance, who needs constant heat and sun exposure, who experiences phantom pains in his missing wrist

Sobeknesef in the modern!Au with Orthostatic Hypotension, who’s always cold and mildly anemic and has to very carefully manage his diet and supplements as a Vegetarian. Who has Phantom Limb syndrome and regularly needs check he has adequate blood flow under his prosthetic-

Symptoms: Blurred vision, chest pains, dizziness, potential syncope (fainting), fatigue, mild anemia

Caladin in canon with constantly dried and cracked hands from over exposure to compressed Spectro- with arthritis in all of his joints from years of being stuck in one position (YEARS)- who needs to be careful about his own sun exposure because he overheats easily, absorbs a little too much Spectro naturally, and can quickly devolve into a heat stroke

Caladin in the modern!Au with Rheumatoid Arthritis and has to carefully manage his medication and sun exposure to prevent easier heat strokes and rashes- who happily joins Valerian in a Mediterranean Diet to reduce overall inflammation in their foods

Symptoms: tender and swollen joints, joint stiffness, fatigue, low grade fevers, and loss of appetite

-

Anyways. Don’t know how I got here, but chronic illness and conditions are always fun to think about :3

Thoughts?

@uncreative-cryptid

@hobbysognodilibri

@crypticrainbowmoss

[hobbysognodilibri]

You guys really did it for our poor traumatized bisexual disasters

(no but fr it's actually kinda hilarious)

Was thinking about Jiahui and relationships bc who's more romantic than an aroace with no interest in romantic relationships (aka me)?

So

- love language is gift giving and physical touch. Whenever she's out she'll pick flowers to give her partner, or really whatever she thinks they'll like/need. Loves hugs and cuddles, but really she'll find any excuse to stay attached to her partner

- will get really giddy giggly when she gets a text or call or whatever from her crush. Like literally squealing and blushing

- if she's the one to confess she will be a blushing mess, stuttering and stumbling over her words but she will bring handpicked flowers and be really sweet

- despite being physically affectionate she will physically melt if her partner/crush tries to initiate (like hand holding, putting a hand on her back and so on, she will freak out and stop functioning)

- I don't think she showed much interest in dating until at least after she entered the Academy. She was far too focused on her ruins exploration and her mother to care for anything else, then at the Academy she starts making friends and form some more relationships (both platonic and maybe romantic)

..

That's all for now, just some random thoughts

I haven't yet decided who I ship her with the most tbh... Like literally anyone else from the Academy and I'm happy lol

[unrealistic-ideas-for-writers]

Beneath the Sands: Valentines blurbs

I have decided to be silly today since we’ve been talking about romance lately. So here’s how I think Caladin could go about a romantic relationship with each of three Beneath the Sands squad :3

Sobeknesef @crypticrainbowmoss

Already touched on this briefly, but I think it’d be very cute actually

Absolutely the slowest slow burn

I’m talk to write it, it’d be like 500k and they kiss for the first time in the last paragraph

It’d need a sequel with how slow that burn is

However, is totally doable with a Timeskip

For the actually relationship, it’s actually pretty interesting

I think Sobeknesef is the only person that Caladin immediately and actively tries to get to know and speak with???

Not that he’s exactly lacking interest in the rest of the group, but Sobeknesef is a native. They have shared cultural ties that can help Cal put the historical puzzle pieces back together

It’d take a while as stated above, Caladin has to heal and grow as a person on his own, so I doubt anything would happen at all until he’s spent a year or so in Jinzhou?

I imagine he’d head to Huanglong with the party as a way to reshape himself.

I think that persistent curiosity and familiarity he finds in Sobeknesef is really neat tho.

Two very quiet, gentle giant kind of men :’)

Actually being in a relationship would be very soft at first??? The way a lot of relationships are in the beginning, full of hesitancy and newness and I don’t think that’d ever really fade for either of them

On the plus side, I think Cal would personally be delighted by there always being something new to learn.

Caladin is very acts of service driven, so I imagine him trying to incorporate Sobeknesef’s dietary preferences into a lot of his favorite traditional foods

Probably requests updated prosthetic pieces the moment new ones are developed and then hand paints them himself

They’d spar together. (This one goes for everyone me thinks)

Something something about making sure your loved one is always capable of taking care of and defending themself, even if your gone

And then promising to be there???

Caladin isn’t quite secular either, his people didn’t worship their Sentinel, but they did have ancient gods they prayed to. I think he’d teach Sobeknesef a bit of it, even just to share his own history.

Their relationship is unique to me because it’s rooted in a shared sense of identity, but also of moving on? This is two people who have grown on their own and are finally feeling safe enough to reach out to another person romantically

Valerian @uncreative-cryptid

This one is neat :3

Unlike with Sobeknesef, I think Caladin is more subconsciously drawn to the group members from Jinzhou

They helped save his life. They’re also opening their nation and homes to him, offering aid- and information on his sister and the harms she’s caused

This kind of subconscious clinginess gets worse the more he talks to Valerian in particular.

Caladin is a big listener, so just hearing people talk and ramble about things they live has him itching to get/make them gifts or do things with them.

The rock licking

Valerian’s knowledge of minerals is so fascinating to Cal-

And the man’s cheeky behavior is nice. Even growing up, he didn’t have a lot of friends.

Being from the direct line of House Zahra also added a very strict social standard to his interactions

Not that he struggled with it too much as his natural personality suited it well

But having someone like Valerian around is both very new and exciting

Would probably still take while to get together. Everyone here has trauma honestly.

In a relationship with Valerian, I think Cal would be still be his quiet self, still very grounded in his person, and I think Valerian needs that??

Would be more prone to smiling and laughter I think

Probably always bringing back rocks to asks little questions about them

I think I mentioned this in Cal’s Voiceline about Valerian, but I think his particular passive frequency as a fellow Spectro resonator is very calming to Caladin (I was thinking of those neat crystal bowl thingies at the time)

They walk down the street and Cal looks like the big scar dog privileges but he’s just a teddy bear and has almost been scammed 10,000 times-

I think their relationship in all seriousness is more rooted in healing together. They aren’t all fixed up yet, and there are holes and gaps that can’t be filled by each other, but it’s warm and it’s safe.

Jiahui @hobbysognodilibri

I actually have a song for how this one makes me feel???

Similar to Valerian, Cal is drawn to her subconsciously- she saved his life and is so so curious about him and everything

One fell first, One fell harder.

Everything about this screams subconscious courting to me??? Caladin gifting flowers, helping her cook, sparring together, offering to help her with her studies of a ruin or be an escort

Probably the quickest to get together???

He makes her jewelry. Dunno why, but it just feels right???

Again. Cooking. Acts of service as a love language.

Caladin having that mental realization of “Oh.”

It just happens one day. Maybe she’s petting a cat.

There’s not the same build up with the others, but it feels just as real.

Dude excepts this so quickly.

Again, a relationship wouldn’t look too different from the subconscious courting, it’d just be more purposeful-

Overall very cute??

Coming back to the jewelry thing because I had a neat idea

Jiahui is prone to kind of zoning out (source: her idle animations) as a result of her havoc resonance???

I never really thought about this, but Jewelry with some kind of special material that nullifies frequencies? We know it exists because Scar is in jail

So maybe a lesser form of that in jewelry. Just to help her stay a bit more grounded???

Their relationship feels like puppy love to me? It’s not healing, or a new beginning, it just is? It’s butterflies and making pottery and cooking together :3

—

Anyways!!

Majority of this is silly brain stuff, nothing canon unless anyone is interested. You’ll notice there’s a lot of behavioral overlap, which makes sense to me. Cal has a very particular way he shows affection :3

Happy Valentine’s Day to those who celebrate, and to those who don’t, enjoy all the silly headcanons people make today :3

[unrealistic-ideas-for-writers]

Caladin: Extra Voicelines pt 2

Realizing I have yet to make Voicelines for Sobeknesef and Valerian :3

(Please keep in mind that unlike the other Voicelines I’ve done so far, these were made with the upcoming Beneath the Sands project in mind. Other OC Voicelines will be updated shortly to have a similar familiarity :3)

About Valerian: “You wish to know about Valerian? Well, I’d trust him with my life. I have once already after all. He’s incredibly skilled with his pistols and he’s incredibly knowledgeable about minerals and ores. To the point he was able to identify the materials my gauntlets were made out of even though they haven’t been seen in centuries. And I will say, his resonance ability calms me somewhat, even in the heat of battle. And that is almost impossible, I find. Quite the unique individual. So do take care of him. I won’t have him betrayed.”

About Sobeknesef: “That man… I understand him to an extent. We have both lost much- and we both are desert born. He is a quiet one, though sometimes he allows me to sit in on his work- to tell stories of our homeland before his people existed there. It is quiet companionship, but companionship nonetheless. I will forever be grateful to him for showing you and the others the way to the ruins. Without his guidance, I may still be there.”

These shall be added to the Voicelines master list :3

@uncreative-cryptid

@crypticrainbowmoss

[unrealistic-ideas-for-writers]

Have you happened upon my convo with Cryptid over my Geisha Wars concepts? If so, what're your thoughts? If not, would you be interested in knowing more? Because I honestly love cracking open AU ideas and discussing ridiculous scenarios, and I'd like to know more about your own, too! (If you'd like to trade)

Oh!!! I remember reading over the post actually- not sure if I reblogged or even finished reading tbh-

Been running errands all day.

I remember the main points being about convicts getting the chance to choose how to serve their sentences-

Geisha wars vs Traditional incarceration

Give up physical freedom and maintain bodily autonomy but life is shit vs give up physical freedom but gain luxury in exchange for completely signing yourself over to someone.

It’s a pretty interesting concept to be honest??? I will say, the name totally made me think of more of a beauty pageant type vibe.

Feel free to correct me if I’m wrong or infodump :3

On my end, the current AU I’ve been messing around with is related to the Beneath the Sand project I’m running for my OCs and some others I’m sure you’ll see a lot of :3

It’s a Modern & Cat Au???

So the group is Valerian, Caladin (my OC), Jiahui, and Sobeknesef.

The four of them are all University students- Sobeknesef is going to trade school and shares the apartment with three very burnt out Archeology/Anthropology students.

And then there’s their cat counterparts (which is hilarious because this was just me comparing Cal to a cat once)

Cat!Caladin is a stray Arabian Mau- whom got randomly picked up by Valerian and Cat!Valerian. He’s very confused in general.

And within the span of a week or so, Valerian manages to get his hands on Cat!Jiahui and Cat!Sobeknesef as well. Which is funny, because he didn’t tell him roommates or that he named the cats after all of them.

Cat!Jiahui was adopted after she was dropped off at a shelter because she had an amputation and her family couldn’t care for her.

I’m unsure if Cat!Sobeknesef also has a missing limb like his human counterpart.

It’s generally a crack Au- Caladin and Valerian are rock lickers- Cal jumps out of windows, Sobeknesef has a group chat about him dedicated to catching pictures of him smiling.

They’re just little guys :3

It doesn’t have as much of a plot line as the project itself, but it’s a cute Au that we all still dabble in occasionally.

[unrealistic-ideas-for-writers]

Beneath the Sands. Act I. When Midday Dust Settles

Narration Post I

(The Narrator will interject as needed to keep the flow. Please see the end for more details.)

Checking the signboards in Jinzhou had quickly become a habit of theirs. Someone always needed help, putting out commissions, and leading them to intriguing discovery. If the Black Shores were to be believed- if They were to be believed, then they needed to explore on their own as much as possible- to absorb everything the world had to offer.

They hummed softly to themselves as they approached another signboard in the middle of town. Their golden gaze scanned the various commissions, spotting one of interest.

Huaxu Academy?

Rover! Rover! That one's weird! Smells like a snack!

They blinked, hearing Abby's sudden interest as the little echo appeared, "The one from the Academy? Yeah- I was planning on checking it out-" Abby floated next to them as they read, sniffing the air.

Huaxu Academy is currently seeking swords for hire and those interested archeological research to accompany Head Researcher Jiahui to the Gilded Wastes. Recently, a Court of Savantae Ruin has been discovered and with the recent defeat of the Threnodian, there has been a lull in Tacet Discords in the Thorns.

Below was only one name signed, and it seemed to be the main source of the lingering frequencies.

Valerian Kincaid

"This person smells funny. Like- kinda like the grey hounds guy!"

Like Calcharo? Interesting. Slightly worrisome, but interesting.

They let Abby ramble about all of the potential "food" they'd find near the Threnodian for a moment, thinking to themself and zoning out a bit. The Court of Savantae... both in mainland Huanglong and on Mt. Firmament, the CSC ruins had been incredibly insightful to the inner workings of Solaris- sometimes in ways they doubted their past self had known.

"Alright. Let's go then. Maybe you'll find something tasty after all," They teased, causing the little Echo to twirl in excitement before disappearing back into their tacet mark.

-

The walk to the academy was quick and the breeze light and cool. They entered the building, unsure of exactly where to go or who "Head Researcher Jiahui" was.

Thankfully, they were able to spot a familiarly grumpy face. Mortefi was speaking with an unfamiliar researcher with vibrant blue hair. The dragon's expression was surprisingly soft as he listened to whatever his colleague was saying.

Rover smiled slightly to themself. It was cute seeing Mortefi so... smitten? They weren't sure if that was quite the right word, but there was something there. They almost didn't want to interrupt to ask their question.

Fortunately for them, the other researcher said their goodbyes, giving Rover a window.

"Long time no see, Mortefi. I'll try not to keep you long, but do you know where I'd find the Gilded Wastes expedition?" They asked, unable to suppress their slight amusement at how the redhead's gaze seemed to occasionally flick back to where the other researcher had went.

However, their question seemed to get his attention because his pupils dilated, "The Gilded Wastes expedition? Ha. Of course you're interested. They're down the hall-"

The dragon gestured to the room just a few feet away, "Do tell Jiahui I expect to see her both prior to and after the expedition. That woman bangs up her prosthetic enough without suicide expeditions."

They blinked at the clear worry and agitation in his tone, but nodded their head in promise. They gave Mortefi a quick wave goodbye, noting how he continued to grumble his worries as he stalked after the blue-haired researcher from earlier.

The door to their designated room was open, revealing a man with soft green hair and that familiar, but strange Spectro resonance about him. He was lounging on a couch, feet propped up and zoned out- like he was waiting for someone.

"Hello? This is the meeting place for the Gilded Wastes expedition...?" They asked, startling the poor man into awareness. They winced a bit, feeling bad. But they had questions.

Like why everyone seemed to perceive this mission as suicidal.

-

Yay! First post is done!

I think all of the details of why the "Gilded Wastes" or Alkhulud is geographically dangerous were discussed in this post

The Thorns is the area between Desorock Highlands and the Gilded Wastes.

If there are any other lore questions needed to be answered before your response, just shoot me an ask or message me! I tried to keep it vague while still giving details based on what we've all discussed outside of the actual Quest-line.

Valerian is up first with his response! I'll periodically respond as Rover to keep a nice, smooth transition and stay on plot.

Also, Quay mentions :3

As we progress, more OCs will appear! Let me know if you'd like to see any other OC cameos.

Taglist:

@uncreative-cryptid

@hobbysognodilibri

@crypticrainbowmoss

@captainsounddisaster

@yupuffin

@marmartheyarn

[hobbysognodilibri]

DUDE

I am quite literally crying

Bc whaoeheiendhe

Really

I'm still a bit bummed about not being able to write for Jiahui for the time being

And then you post this

Song and analysis of all of our OCs???

No really I'm crying

It's amazing

Beneath the Sands music rambles

I remembered while I was hunting that Valerian’s theme is “Forgive Me, Friend” by Smith & Thell and the Swedish Jam factory

So now I have to assign all the currently available OCs a Smith & Thell theme because????

Valerian

Caladin and Dahlia

Jiahui

Sobeknesef

Caladin & Dahlia

RAHHH 7th TIMES THE CHARM HERE WE GO

This songggg- it’s so good-

But really it’s the dichotomy between Caladin only knowing how to live for avenging his fallen family, to be left with people who he can call tentative friends and he grows as a person, as he slowly, hesitantly allows himself to rebuild a family and to let go so he can live on-

Versus Dahlia. Who had everything- who is falling into insanity- who is rage in a way Cal will never be. It’s how she’s frantically clinging to the past of what will never be again-

How she’s angry and desperately trying to claw herself from the jaws of death just to destroy herself on the process

Healing versus Destruction

I love themmmmmm

“I rent the earth where I stand, and the air I breathe.”

“Did you forget that deal you made with God?”

“Never once has it crossed your mind that lifes’ too short.”

Dahlia learning painfully that life is short and fighting it ⬆️ versus Caladin always knowing and accepting it ⬇️

“Life is a blink of an eye til we are no more.”

But is it really?

Again. Healing and moving on versus Destruction and tearing yourself and all you love apart

“The body you borrowed is starting to look kind of worn-“ Dahlia 👀

Anyways. I just love them.

“We’re just grains in the universe, I let that comfort me when I’m anxious.”

“This life, is beautifully ugly at times.”

Jiahui

Okay, so this might be a stretchhhhh

But this song mainly reminds me of little Jiahui? Specifically thinking about the blurb for her scarf cherished item

She’s such a gremlin honestly

But also it always feels like she has something to prove, even if it’s just to herself?

I’m not even sure what it is, but that’s the vibe I get everytime I read about her.

“Here’s a story about the ears that never listened- here’s the riddle of a fire in a heart-“

“Here’s a song about the hands that took Goliath for a dance, about being brave enough to stand up to the man.”

“But they’re shouting to the monsters in the dark-“

“About a girl with little braids who turned the world to a parade.”

“Though I tremble in the cold blue night, knowing I’m alone this time-“

“And then I looked up, into the giant’s eyes and I found my strength inside-“

“Now I’m Goliath.”

“And I won’t be silent, until you hear me.”

I’m not sure if she’s found what she’s looking for, in herself or otherwise. But I think she’ll get there. She feels very vibrant to me in ways I can’t really explain, but this song seems to get it?

Sobeknesef

AHHH THIS SONG MAKES ME SO SAD

Need I even explain?

It suits his back story so well and there’s a few lines that make me choke up when thinking about him :’)

“You said, No don’t you stand by my grave, no don’t you stand there and cry.”

“Cause I’m not dead, I did not die- No I’m not dead, I did not die.”

The repetitionnnn^^^

Reminds me of a mantra, perhaps to calm himself from nightmares???

“This year, we lost more than we can count. The ashes we laid in the ground. Oh this was the year of the young.”

“This year, we looked up towards the sun. And wonder where everyone’s gone. Oh this was the year of the young.”

I love them all so muchhhh

Anyways, I’m sure this makes *no* sense. My thoughts are very incoherent and I’ve tried to get it down 5 times since 5am this morning when I thought it up in the deer blind-

Feel free to share your thoughts! This is just my general interpretation of everyone’s OCS for now, and I plan to interact more now that I’m heading home.

Taglist:

@uncreative-cryptid

@hobbysognodilibri

@crypticrainbowmoss

@captainsounddisaster

@yupuffin

If anyone else wants to join the Taglist, or the project with an OC, interact with the original Taglist post and I’ll start reading up on your OC so we can interact more, create Voicelines, etc.