#WIP: Shapeshifter

[thatndginger]

I am so very very excited to show off my first piece of art for Shapeshifter! I cannot thank @banancrumbs enough for bringing these three fools to life! (go give her all your money. I know I want to)

I can already picture what Kerr, Warrick, and Jay are talking about...

"It's only expired by... two years? It's fiiine!" Warrick shoots a glance at Kerr, smirk firmly in place. "What's the worst that can happen?" "You'll either puke all over the sofa or shit yourself is what'll happen," Jay sighs. She tries to grab the box from Warrick's hand, and growls when he raises it over his head far out of her reach. Kerr grabs her shoulders before she can try to jump for it. "War's got a black hole for a stomach. 'Sides, if he dies he's not our problem anymore, yeah?" Warrick gives Kerr the finger with his free hand.

And, because I'm me and we should expect it by now, you *know* I printed this out and added it to my collection of Shapeshifter things as soon as I could ^.^

Shapeshifter taglist: @sunset-a-story @touloserlautrec @ceph-the-ghost-writer @trancetales

[thatndginger]

Here's a secret: Shapeshifter is really just a dozen wips shoved into a trenchcoat. The particular wip that won the title rights is just the first installment of what I plan to be a whole series. Some of the installments (read: most of them) focus on the Hellhound crew - Kerr, Jay, Warrick, Luka - as well as the large background cast residing in the city. Some stories branch further out into the larger Shapeshifter world.

And since the Shapeshifter world is just 'our world but slightly to the left', I can get away with using real places like Paris, France and Dublin, Ireland, but I can also make up my own places like the city (that I refuse to name) somewhere on the northwest coast and Kilnora Falls, Wyoming in the US.

It's why I've had to start differentiating between 'Shapeshifter' and the 'Shapeshifter extended universe'. Not the best organization method, but it's what I got.

Curious: are any of your wips connected to each other? 👀

[girlboyburger]

mmilo... milomilo... mmmmoilo...

[ohitslen]

*Vampirizes your Vashwood*

keep reading for more :)

If there needs to be much closer close-up please let me know!

[bittybatarts]

more shapeshifter yaaaayyy

[fuctacles]

can i have some more wereshifter please?? 🥺 I love that AU so much 🥺

Absolutely! And tysm! You're gonna like this one. I hope I think.

<< 7 | 0 | 9 >>

Steve starts jotting things down and the tension from his body quickly melts away, and he leans more comfortably into Eddie's side. Now that he's not worried that any movement might startle his friend, Eddie reaches for the coffee with his free hand. Soon, Steve does the same, and when he sits back, he shimmies his shoulder back under Eddie's arm, and tucks his legs up onto the couch. 

It's really hard not to chuckle into his coffee, but Steve doesn't seem to either notice or care about his own movements and Eddie's reaction. Feeling emboldened, he points out that paper towels will be better than napkins, while sliding his hand down Steve's shoulder.

It's not dissimilar from how he'd pet the dog while watching TV. Up and down, with a gentle drag of his nails.

If he thought Steve was relaxed before, now he might be turning into goop. With a quiet, huffed out sigh, he liquifies against his side. Eddie presses his lips together, but can't stop the amused puffs of air that come out of his nose.

"Shut up," Steve murmurs while crossing out 'straws' from his list. "It's nice."

"Good," Eddie smiles, gently squeezing his shoulder. He feels warm inside knowing Steve's being honest. With his friend and himself, most importantly. He resumes his scratching with more purpose.

Steve twitches under his arm.

He looks down, but the man is laser-focused on the list, now on the snack section. But the tips of his ears are crimson red. Not averting his gaze, Eddie scratches down his arm the same way he'd do along a dog's spine. Steve's foot moves. Once, twice, and while he keeps scratching with more purpose, it starts tapping against the couch. Steve stops writing.

"No way," Eddie grins in delight at his discovery. 

"Eddie, come on..." The embarrassment is squeezing his throat, so Eddie presses him closer, hoping to provide some comfort.

"Uh, no," he protests. "This is golden. Is this what you were so scared of when you ran away? When you told me about the dog allergy?" He doesn't let go, scratching with ferocity like he would an overjoyed dog. Which, in a way, Steve is. 

"Stevie, man. Sweetheart," he coos. "Just let go."

So Steve does. 

The pen falls out of his grip and he leans against Eddie with a sigh, almost cuddled against his chest. His leg spasms while Eddie scratches him along his arm and the side of his back that Steve turned up to him. Eventually, whatever itch he had that needed relief gets scratched enough to satisfy him. Eddie flattens his palm against his arm and Steve sighs into his chest. He's now fully sprawled in his lap and breathing deeply. Eddie cradles him close. 

"See? It's all fine. Is it weird? Probably, but we fought interdimensional monsters, so. Just embrace it okay?"

Steve chuckles against his skin. 

"Okay," he agrees softly. Eddie scratches his head for good behaviour. 

"Great. Now up, I gotta pee."

Tags: @noodle-shenaniganery @jaytriesstrangerthings @imaginary-maggie-waggie @samsoble @croatoan-like-its-hot

@dragonmama76 @storyranger @scoops-aboy86 (if i missed anyone lmk)

[megwillart]

I don't think I ever showed the original here, but I've been working on another version of an dragon Albedo design-- it's a WIP too but do have an art in the works with him ✨

I imagine that he is hollow all the way down his midsection, and doesn't need to use his wings and can "float" when they are open

[elliott-the-creature]

had some pretty big alien shifts while eloping last night, so we thought we’d sketch out some ideas about a physical form for our alien self

some things to note: (nothing is set in stone, just some ideas to bounce around with)(also this alien type is a shapeshifter, but this form is its most common one)

kinda centaur esque body plan; usually slinks low to the ground

height is around 5’0” (from top of head to feet); length is around 7’5 (from snout to tail tip)

short fur and blubber; fur length/texture is akin to seal or otter fur

able to pick up things with feet, but hands are better at gripping

both hands and feet have 6 digits that mirror eachother (like humans with mirror hand syndrome)

interior digits (highlighted in pink) are better at gripping objects, and are the ones mainly used for day to day use (basically picture only using your pointer, middle finger, and thumb)

exterior digits (highlighted in blue) are mainly used to steady the interior digits when gripping, and cannot solely pick up things. they can only pick up things with their exterior digits when also using the interior digits (like using your whole hand to grab something)

primary eyes are good at judging distance far away, while secondary eyes are good at picking apart detail up close

primary ears are similar in shape to elf ears, and have auditory capabilities better than humans, but not as good at cats

secondary ears are usually flopped down like lop rabbit ears (in fact, their build is similar to that of rabbits), but when alert, their ears will flair up and can swivel to locate sound origins. hearing capabilities are like cats or dogs (aka, very good)

antennae are usually curled up, but unwind and swivel around when attentive or anxious. antennae length is around 1.5 feet

is able to mimic any sounds, but its most common sounds are clicks, whistles, purrs (like cat purrs or trills), and growls

[andromeda-vita]

okaayyyy first on the list of designnsssss,,, rayman !! yeah incredible , ik ik just. stay with me here

a brief rundown of it is taking that whole "guardian of this world" concept, and being an embodiment of dreams, bravery and light.. then making it into a silly forest spirit,,

some inspos are sky children of the light, over the garden wall, adventure time, and zelda . again , weird mix , i knowwww . but!!!

i would need an entire doc to list all the things i've written on him thus far but i'd love asks/questions (and perhaps suggestions!)

im gonna be real here... most of the changes have to be the fact he has a cape and, messy hair, with flowers/leaves caught in it (ever heard of a brush???)

[inkedfictionista]

A little snippet of a WIP

[lionacuty]

magma doodles =w=

[thatndginger]

I made a powerpoint presentation for The Runaway. I tried to make it comic sans, I swear, but Temperance refused to cooperate. Anyway, I realized I haven't talked about this Shapeshifter project nearly as much, so a formal introduction is in order.

@sunset-a-story @touloserlautrec @ceph-the-ghost-writer @illyriashade56 I hope you guys don't mind that I borrowed your tags and comments, but they made me happy cry to read💙💙

Transcription for each slide under the cut.

A powerpoint presentation comprised of ten slides. Each slide has a faint background image of a watercolor painting depicting a foggy pine forest.

[SLIDE ONE]

thatndginger presents:

The Runaway A Shapeshifter story

also known as: the story that got me anon hate from a jaded ex-friend who co-wrote the original version, then got mad that I kept writing after she cut me out of her life with no explanation :D

[SLIDE TWO]

THE PREMISE

Temperance Maddox does a runner

ok but seriously, the title of the story is the plot: a shifter [Temperance] runs away from certain traumatic events and ends up stranded in middle-of-nowhere Wyoming

where he’s rescued by a quiet, kind single dad [Dean] with a ~mysterious past~, an adorably rude six year old [Kate], an empty room, and seemingly infinite patience for Temperance’s terrible attitude

Temperance is a totally mature and reasonable adult who absolutely does not argue with the six year old and engage in petty name calling with her

Temperance will also never fall for the man who rescued him. It’s not like he’s going to stick around long enough to even consider it. Right?

everyone involved questions why Dean bothered taking this guy in when he’s a

capital-P Problem - even to himself. Dean is not taking questions at this time

[SLIDE THREE]

alright let’s break this down tier-style

Tier One - The POV Characters: Dean Matthews & Temperance Maddox

dueling POVs are always fun in a romance-centric story, right?

ok neither of these two would shut up so they both get POVs so I can get some sleep

Tier Two - The Important Side Characters: Kate Matthews & Talia Salwood

one is dependent on their father and the other is just plain nosy, so they’re almost always around in one way or another

Tier Three - The Supporting Cast: the residents of Kilnora Falls

there’s a nonbinary mechanic, the mechanic’s Australian vampire partner, a witch that runs a coffee shop, forest rangers, well-meaning grandmas, and distrustful neighbors

imagine one of those small-town romcom background casts and you’re probably close. except most of these background characters are witches, vampires, or shifters

[SLIDE FOUR]

Image ID: in the top right corner of the slide is a digital drawing of Temperance Maddox in a side profile view. He has short black hair, pale skin, and sharp features. His expression could be called confident, contemptuous, or amused. There is a simple sketched outline of a fox just behind and in front of his face.

Temperance Maddox he/him - 22 - fox shifter

the most pathetic drowned rat of a man you’ll ever meet

can and will cuss you out in multiple languages (he only knows the swear words)

if you can get him to stop saying ‘fuck’ every other word he’s surprisingly well-spoken

a city boy born and raised in Moressau, Washington

he’s got worse manners and emotional intelligence than the literal six year old

desperately in need of a long nap, a strong hug, and a lot of therapy. and maybe some kisses

would rather gouge his eyes out than admit any of the above

somehow a fan favorite among readers? I don’t understand that at all but I’m glad y’all love my terrible son?

[SLIDE FIVE]

Image ID: in the top right corner of the slide is a digital drawing of Dean Matthews in a side profile view. He has long-ish brown hair, tan skin, and is missing the tip of his left ear. His expression is neutral but has the slightest hint of a smile. There is a simple sketched outline of a coyote just behind and in front of his face.

Dean Matthews he/him - 32 - coyote shifter

heavy on the Romance Protagonist vibes (the good kind, not the weird heteronormative kind)

has lots of feelings but cannot for the life of him figure out how to show them on his face

tries to be a good dad, kind of a pushover and would bend over backwards to keep his daughter happy

is a carpenter by trade, and always willing to help out around town when things need fixing

the kind of tragic backstory character that sneaks up on you, because how can such a decent guy have a tragic past?

would very much like to have a quiet, simple life in his quiet, far-from-simple mountain town but things just keep happening to him

did I mention he has a bit of a southern drawl? and can play the guitar?

[SLIDE SIX]

Image ID: in the top right corner of the slide is a digital drawing of Kate Matthews in a front-facing view. She has long and curly red hair, darkly tanned skin, and yellow eyes with slit pupils. There are freckles on her face that are grouped in stripe-like patterns. Around her neck is a necklace with green and white crystals. She is looking off to one side with a solemn but curious expression.

Kate Matthews she/her - 6 - half-fae

unreasonably cute for a being who’s part uncanny-valley-made-of-magic creature

not blood related to Dean, but try telling her that

too young for anyone to tell if she’ll end up more fae-like or more human, but who cares? she’s adorable

has to wear a special necklace when she’s not at home to keep her innate magic in check. no one wants the little kid to have a tantrum and set the mercantile on fire

thinks her dad is the coolest thing in the world, especially when he turns into a coyote

thinks Temperance smells funny and is a rude meanie

personal space is not a concept she understands around those she likes. will bite anyone she doesn’t like who tries to touch her. watch out, her teeth are sharper than they look

thinks fairy tales are stupid, because real fae are scary and mean

[SLIDE SEVEN]

The Setting

middle of nowhere town in the western mountains of Wyoming

the town is called Kilnora Falls and there are exactly 521 people living there

more than half the population is some kind of supernatural, the majority being shifters and witches

everyone knows that faeries are real, that they’re incredibly dangerous, and that no one’s seen a true fae in almost a decade since the old faerie door beneath the waterfall collapsed

there is a very strong distrust of strangers among the residents of the Falls. They don’t see many strangers, and not many people who grew up there choose to leave

this setting started as an inside joke between me and my partner because he grew up in that part of Wyoming and I think it’s hilarious to tease him about it. Now it’s its own thing with regional holidays and a whole map and everything

[SLIDE EIGHT]

Image ID: on the left side of the slide is a digital drawing of a map depicting Kilnora Falls. It is in a simple style, with the buildings depicted as simple white shapes. The town sits on a small river and is surrounded on all sides by thick forests and tall mountains. 'Kilnora Falls' is written in the bottom left corner, while a scale and compass are depicted in the top left corner.

look! a map! imagine steep mountains all around, because would rather cut my foot off than draw contour lines

average weather conditions lean towards ‘cold’ - summer highs hang around the 70's. winter lows can get down nearly to -40. bring your coats, kids!

the entire town is less than one square mile in size

all the businesses in town are open 24 hours a day so that the nocturnal residents can still use their services. which means the bar is open 24 hours a day.... oh boy

the nearest ‘city’ is almost two hours away (Wyoming’s biggest town only has 65,000 people guys, the quotation marks are justified)

most people who are born here don’t leave, or if they do for school or work or whatever, they come back

[SLIDE NINE]

TROPES, MEMES, AND THEMES

y’all know I can’t resist a good meme sesh, so without further ado, here’s a mish-mash of tumblr-approved silliness for The Runaway

grumpy x sunshine pairings

domestication arcs

pathetic little meow meows

hot handymen

cute romance moments

tragic backstories

Image ID: a meme variation of the "Gru's Plan" meme. In it, Gru is labeled as 'Dean'. The first section reads "see someone stranded on the side of the road. The second section reads "stop to help. The third and fourth sections read "be verbally assaulted by an angry twink".

Image ID: a meme variation of the "Flex Tape" meme. The man slapping the tape is labeled as 'Temperance'. The tank spewing water is labeled as "trauma induced nightmares. The flex tape is labeled as "don't sleep ever".

Image ID: a meme variation of the "Schoolbus Hit By Train" meme. The schoolbus is labeled as "a wall around your emotions you've spent most of your life building". The train is labeled as "Dean Matthews".

Image ID: a meme variation of the "Bernie Sanders Asking" meme. Bernie is labeled as 'Kate'. The subtitled text reads "I am once again asking why the stranger dad found smell weird. And acts like a big mean pinecone." The line "and never says 'please' or 'thank you' is partially cut off at the bottom of the image.

[SLIDE TEN]

some comments from my lovely friends who have read The Runaway, because they make me happy and if published books get to put endorsement quotes on their covers, why can’t I do the same with my little powerpoint?

"#highly recommend you follow for the absolute bangers of stories you'll find here"

"#askjkdhd look at Temperance's sweet dumb little face #Dean looks like the type of guy who'd pick up a rude stranger #on the side of the road"

"Oh I can already tell Temperance is gonna be my favorite poor little meow meow I adore him."

"#good on you for writing on company time #me [handshake emoji] Dean #<- not being fooled by Temperance's tough guy act one bit #I want to wrap him in a blanket like the feral kitten he is #or maybe talk to him like Sam from Vampire Therapist #'Woah there fella. Easy now. Ain't no one gonna hurt ya. That's right...nice protagonist...'"

"#efojweojfoe love this whole shapeshifter thing giving tem a heart attack #also the way this playing scene is described? idk it flows so neatly and pleasant to read"

"#i can't wait #Dean is dreamy"

[ace-malarky]

Snippet Sunday 22/12

Hello here is a snippet super early bc oh my god do I have things that need doing today

also I woke up with words in my head and chose violence <3

no it is not Halliel getting to use her sword <3

~~

Syn landed near Halliel's apartment and pulled their wings back in. For a moment, they almost looked like themself. They missed their antlers, but if they were to have any chance of surviving this…

They straightened out their clothes as best they could, crumbling off the dried on mud. A lot had fallen off during their flight, but… well. There was no hope for this outfit, really.

Their tinted glasses were gone, broken the first time they'd been arrested.

Syn flicked their tail under the fall of their coat, and perked their ears. Tightened their grip on Halliel's sword, tapping its scabbard against their leg.

No sounds out of the ordinary. It sounded like home. Just the quiet contentment of an evening after a long day of work. Music, laughter, conversations, several different shows going at once from different flats.

At least one person had a window open, practising their instrument. They sounded better than the last time Syn had heard them, more confident. Less prone to squeaking.

They took the fire escape down two floors and stopped outside the window there. Curtains still open, lights not on. The dim light from behind them let them see in, if just barely.

There was Trixie, curled up and asleep on Halliel's bed, tail over her nose.

Syn placed a hand against the glass, leaning their forehead against it. "Thanks for looking after her, Trix," she whispered. "I'll try to come back."

Trixie didn't stir.

Syn descended the last of the stairs and stepped out into the street, under the yellowing street lamps. How long would it take, they wondered. How far would they get?

They went back to work.

Three streets down, and [spoiler] fell into place beside them.

"I'm surprised you came back."

"Couldn't let you win, could I?" Syn shot her a wry look. "Not on my turf."

She laughed. "What is this, if not me winning?"

"That's cute," Syn said. "Real cute."

[Spoiler] frowned. "Where's Halliel?" She glanced at the sword in Syn's hand.

"Wouldn't you like to know."

"I - yes, that's why I asked."

Syn swivelled to face her. "What makes you think I'd tell you?"

"Because she's hurt. Because she needs help. Because why else would you make the mistake of coming back here?" She shrugged, scoffing. "You're predictable, Vale."

Syn hummed and kept walking. Two more streets. The buildings were older here. Archaic, really, with their wide columns and weather-softened corners and too-big windows. Syn had loved them regardless, but the city had changed too much around them and now they just looked… old and out of place.

Progress had come on apace with no care for the aesthetics of the place.

It would have been better, maybe, to come in through the park, but they'd wanted to check on Trixie just one last time.

They'd just have to make the best of their entrance with what they'd given themself.

There were guards on the steps, Verial and Sallen. Almost every window had a blaze of too-bright light behind it, spilling out across the road, almost reaching the trees in the park across the road.

[Spoiler] reached out to take Syn's arm. "Wait."

"No," Syn said sweetly, slipping out of reach. "I'm doing this on my terms."

[Spoiler] searched their face. "What's your play, Vale? Where's Halliel?"

"Wouldn't that be telling." Syn grinned, feral, sharp teeth and the mirrored skin gleaming in the brighter light coming from the building before them.

They walked up to the guards at the bottom of the steps. "Good evening," they called. "I believe you're looking for me?" They waved, their tail wagging in tandem.

[Spoiler] grabbed at their arm as the guards reacted to their presence. "I've got this, thank you," she growled.

"You haven't disarmed them," one of the guards said.

"He's right, you know," Syn said.

[Spoiler] huffed and reached for Halliel's sword.

"Ooh, no, not yet." Syn held it out of reach, dancing backwards. "Take me," they said, grinning, "to your leaders."

[Spoiler] narrowed her eyes, hand still outstretched.

"I promise I won't use it," Syn said. "You know me. Just need the comfort."

"This is highly irregular," said one of the guards. She'd come with Jaiel and Syn from Sallen, was one of the prince's guards. "We can't-"

"I have control of the situation," [Spoiler] snapped, and the guard subsided.

Syn winked at one of the Verial guards, tapping a couple of fingers against the scabbard.

He nodded and didn't argue as Syn walked up the steps to the door, [Spoiler] in their wake.

The next set opened the door without waiting to be asked, without challenging them, and Syn thanked them as they stepped inside.

"Just the usual place, is it?" they asked, looking around the empty foyer. All gilt and marble, a statue seated in the centre of the deer-formed architect.

Syn's antlers had been more impressive.

"This way," [Spoiler] said.

Syn let her lead just long enough to work out where they were going, and then strode past. They'd make her work for it, even though she thought she'd won.

Anyone else would've insisted that Syn hand over their sword, but [Spoiler] was getting cocky with the end in sight. More fool her, really, but then she thought she was winning here.

Syn stopped before the next set of guards. "I should be expected," they said. "Do you want me to announce myself, or…?" They waggled the hilt of Halliel's sword to point at the guards, as if choosing who to do their job.

They took in Syn's appearance - they grinned, feeling the stretch in their mirror-torn skin - and one knocked on the door.

"Yes?" Maj stepped out. "What is it?" Her eyes fell on Syn.

Syn watched the shock and dismay ripple across her face.

"… Vale," Maj said. "I see."

[Spoiler], only just catching up, took possessive hold of Syn's elbow. "I brought them in."

"Make sure Halliel gets this back," Syn said, passing Maj her sword.

Maj nodded and opened the door for them. "Please, come on in."

Syn didn't shake [Spoiler] free of them this time. They'd give her this much.

[Spoiler] cleared her throat. "I've caught Vale."

Neryd looked over Syn and scoffed.

Jaiel looked up from the couch. "Yes, but where is Lance? What have they done with them?"

"Ooh, you didn't tell him?" Syn asked. "Awkward." They bowed. "Your Majesty." When they straightened up, their dragon touched horns and scales were beading in. "Can't say it was an honour serving you." They swept it away before it reached their eyes, dropping back into Vale. Just enough to make a point, not enough to break the last of their guises.

Jaiel schooled his face into a sense of neutrality, but Syn had seen the shock and then the greed flit across him. "We'll take them back to Sallen to deal with," he said.

[Spoiler] really hadn't told him anything. Syn wondered if anyone knew about her.

"I think not," Rion replied. "They have endangered us just as much by their actions."

Syn shot him a glance but couldn't read anything. Did he know who they were? … Did it matter?

[snugg-slugg]

Welcome to Exernia: Shapeshifters

More info below the cut!

(Gore and blood warning)

Hey there! A while ago, on instagram, I posted a short guide to the species of Exernia (the fictional world I created). However, that guide limited each species to one slide and it didn’t really talk about all the stuff I wanted to talk about. Plus, a lot of the stuff is now outdated and I CAN DO BETTER.

Snug was the first shapeshifter I ever made. He was my persona at the time (not anymore though) and I called his species “Crownies.” That sucked so I changed it.

Some additional info I couldn’t figure out how to fit:

They still require the same organs that living things usually have (heart, lungs, etc) but where they are differs

Shapeshifters are often mistrusted by the majority of people on Exernia because of their ability to shift, many people defaulting them to criminals or cheats.

Shapeshifters are more rare than other species because of their unique reproductive system.

Unlike some species, like Ogres and Elementals, shapeshifters don’t have a unique shared culture.

[nighttimepatrons]

last doodle of the weekend 😔

Celebrain and dragon!Elrond from a little au I came up with along with @travellingdragon

Sometimes your husband is a dragon what can I say

[incandescent-creativity]

bones for float >:3

Bones! That word appears in the draft eight times.

My favorite is this one:

I move the bones in my forearm and break them through the skin, and do the same for my shins, too.