#a guide to the gods

[itsmyturnonthegender]

I'm not sure if this should go to the art or writing blog so imma post it here and then rb to both

Anywho, I am making a map of Ri'ath! I always get stuck when trying to describe places or visualise settings and distance so after quite a spectacular period of procrastination, I am making a map.

(you may need to click on the images to see them fully)

[writersblockcansuckmyballs]

I thought I had already posted the first part of this but I couldn't find it and I'm not sure if that's because I didn't post it or because I'm trying to search for something on tumblr but yeah. I'm reformatting the species classifications to help flesh out the worldbuilding and history (thank @zypiris for this, every time I talk to her I find something I've neglected in my worldbuilding)

Species Alphabetical

Key - Species [Greater Family]

Abyssfolk [Aquafolk], Anchored Phantom [Phantom], Autumn Sprite [Sprite], Barbari, Cave Dragon [Dragon], Demon, Deepfolk [Aquafolk], Dreamer [Seer], Faerie, Ferin, Flicker [Phantom], Griffin, Intuitist [Telepath] Leviathan [Dragon], Lycan, Mimic, Mindreader [Telepath], Molten Wyrm [Dragon], Natural Sorcerer [Sorcerer], Nebula, Nightbound Vampire [Vampire], Phoenix, Pureblood Vampire [Vampire], Reader [Seer], Reaper, Remnant, Riverfolk [Aquafolk], Scryer [Seer], Sea Serpent [Dragon], Shadecrawler, Shifter, Shiver, Siren, Spiritual Sorcerer [Sorcerer], Spring Sprite [Sprite], Stargazer [Seer], Storm Dragon [Dragon], Summer Sprite [Sprite], Swampfolk [Aquafolk], Talismanic Sorcerer [Sorcerer], Tidefolk [Aquafolk], Trenchfolk [Aquafolk], Twilightfolk [Aquafolk], Wandering Phantom [Phantom], Winter Sprite [Sprite], Wraith

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Species Name: Abyssfolk, pluralisation- Abyssfolk

Greater Family: Aquafolk

Deities and Major Religions: The Abyssfolk pay their respects to the goddess of the Sea, Irrenna and the deity of Death, Styxx. They hold no regular religious gatherings or holidays, however whale-falls are considered a highly sacred event. The death of a podmate is also treated with great reverence, and thanks are given to Styxx before the deceased is consumed as their final service to the pod.

Lifespan: The Abyssfolk typically live for around thirty years without interference but can succumb to hunger, extreme atmospheric changes and a variety of natural predators.

Homeland: They can be found anywhere from around three thousand to six thousand kilometres below sea level in the oceans of Ri’ath and Earth, though Earthly pods are few and far between.

Key Cultural Aspects: As their habitat is highly inhospitable and chances of longevity are slim, the Abyssfolk are a very social species, living in pods of around ten to twenty podmates. Within the pod, all food is shared based on need; first to the young, then the child-bearing, then the food-finders, then the remainder is shared equally. A pod will typically not remain in one area for more than a few months, so as to not deplete food sources. They may briefly cohabitate with another pod if they cross paths but concerns of food mean this is an uncommon and short-term occurrence. Abyssfolk reproduce asexually when in an ideal environment.

Relations with Other Species: It is incredibly rare that an Abyssfolk would make contact with a land-dweller, but the Sirens are close friends. Larger Sea Serpents have been known to predate the Abyssfolk if they deign to venture so deep, though it is uncommon as the Serpents prefer warmer waters. The Deepfolk will attack any lone abyssfolk that cross their paths, especially the young or weak.

Origin: Aquafolk that adapted to the deeper waters, likely outcasted from the Deepfolk when their population grew too large and forced to retreat gradually deeper.

Physical Description: The Abyssfolk’s slender, Scaled bodies with webbed appendages are optimised for moving quickly and evading predators, their bodies are covered in bioluminescent stripes in patterns not unlike those of a tiger. Large, bulbous eyes, fully black, allow them to detect even the most miniscule traces of light.

Magickal Affinities: Like all Aquafolk, they can communicate with aquatic animals and they use this skill most often to find food.

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Species Name: Anchored Phantom, pluralisation- Anchoreds, Anchored Phantoms

Greater Family: Phantom

Deities and Major Religions: As Phantoms can be made of any species, and Anchoreds cannot leave their anchor point, they have no widespread religion of their own though it is common for them to keep to religions held in life. Styxx and their reapers act as caretakers for the Phantoms.

Lifespan: Anchored Phantoms are completely incorporeal and thus are physically invulnerable. They can be made to pass on if their anchor point is destroyed or through the work of a summoner.

Homeland: Anchored Phantoms are spirits bound upon death to a person, place or object of personal significance by a reaper. They are unable to leave this anchor point until they pass on.

Key Cultural Aspects: As they are tied to individual anchors, socialisation among Anchored Phantoms is incredibly unlikely and they mostly keep to themselves, sometimes going about routines they kept in life, watching over families or people they knew, or even guarding property that was theirs before their passing. It is considered a grave insult to interfere with someone’s anchor without permission and due reverence, and such actions are usually met with violence.

Relations with Other Species: The majority of people cannot see Phantoms without assistance from specialised talismans, so to most, they are elusive. Certain Ri’athan peoples have the innate ability to see and/or communicate with Incorporeal beings, and this ability occurs randomly among humans as well.

Origin: Though the memory of precisely how long ago the first Anchored was bound is lost even to Styxx, they believe it to have been accidental, as at the time, the deity was still learning the extent of their power. They recall speaking with a spirit as their life slipped away, listening to their worries about their family and how their children would get on without them, and they offered to take the spirit to check on the children before they passed. As they paused by the sleeping form of the youngest child, Styxx held a translucent hand over the luminous soul of the creature and saw a barely perceptible ribbon of energy flowing between them and the spirit who was now moments away from death, as they focused on it, it grew brighter, stronger and the spirit noticed it too. When asked what was happening, Styxx replied that they weren’t entirely sure but that the spirit’s soul was soon to move on and they should return to their body so they may be freed from it properly. Upon severing the spirit’s connection to their body, they saw that the bond they had forged between the child and the newly deceased grew ever stronger, and the spirit did not fade, thus the spirit remained and watched over their family until the youngest child passed as well.

Physical Description: A Phantom is little more physically than a projection of how they see themselves, typically this means that a Phantom will appear as they did when they died, although the longer they exist post-death, their appearance is likely to change and abstract. To those that can see them, they appear to be translucent, and many can only see them clearly in low light. An Anchored Phantom becomes less tangible the further they move from the core of their anchor and can appear almost solid when nearer to it.

Magickal Affinities: Anchored Phantoms have markedly varied magickal abilities based on the attributes of their personal anchor. If anchored to a person or an animal, they can make themselves visible and sometimes audible to them, in rarer instances, their anchor may even be able to feel a touch or otherwise perceive their presence. If anchored to a residence, vehicle, or place, they can exert some small influence over objects within, and if their anchor is interfered with or they are otherwise suitably incensed, they have been known to manipulate the space itself, and conjure illusions to disturb or repel the interloper. Those anchored to an object can exert physical force upon it, manipulate internal mechanisms if they are present, restore small damages, and move the object instantaneously when they feel threatened.

[breesperez139]

Dc x Dp Prompt #6

“I’m a twin”, Damian said one night. He could feel the narrowed eyes of his family drilling holes on his back in disbelief. Not that he could blame them. Damian had never so much as implied being raised with a companion, much less a sibling.

“I had a brother”. Damian paused to recollect himself. He had not said his brother’s name out loud in over 8 years.

“His name was… Danyal”. Damian hated the way his voice wavered, but he could not help it. Danyal was everything to him, his other half. Their heart beat as one and when one heart stopped beating, the other one died with it. At least until his family put his heart on metaphorical life support without ever realizing.

“Where is he now?” His father asked, voice filled with knowing grief and a hint of betrayal. It had in fact been 6 years since Damian first showed up on his doorstep.

“Up there”. All eyes shifted towards the specific star he was pointing to. “Right before he died, he promised me he’d guide me from the stars. Unfortunately, the stars are not visible in Gotham, so my brother is unable to be of much help unless I leave the city.”

“Your brother is Polaris, the North Star?” Tim questioned warily, most likely in attempts to not offend him. Damian was aware of how stupid it sounded, but Danyal had promised, and his brother never broke his promises.

“Yes. Danyal is with the stars now, just as he always wanted”

[hinamie]

congrats on your recovery n all yuuji but unfortunately for you I thought the scars were cool >:/

[sweetmapple]

I am going to turbo hell for this one

[backjustforberena]

I wonder if any of them knew it was all for her.

[ministarfruit]

day 10: love is devotion ♡

(femslashfeb prompt list)

[theveryworstthing]

on patreon Convoluted asked for Gender Plasma and Hypothemya mentioned gay heathen deities which summoned Strike, or Lady Stormfather if you're being formal, from the Small Guide world.

Strike is associated with ocean storms, hurricanes, ruined maps, strange new courses, terrifying beauty, shapeshifters, and generally wild sea phenomena near the surface of the water. She is commonly worshiped by queer sailors and seen as a symbol of queer exploration due to stories of Her ever shifting gender presentation whenever She takes human form (She uses she/her in god form purely because Girl Time is her favorite and mixes it up to fit her current human form the rest of the time) and how She's always as gay as possible no matter what she's shifted into. this doesn't have a lot to do with her powers, She's just Like That.

She also seems to reveal Her hidden havens to queer people more often. there are many tales of Her storms sweeping ships to islands that shouldn't exist, and the sailors who feel compelled to come ashore returning to the boat Changed by whatever blessings they find among the patches of glassy sand and the smell of lightning charred trees. some of the changes seem small. a bit of added confidence in their body language, a strange infectious lightness in their eyes like a great weight had been removed, the warm glow of of some satiated need dripping from their every movement. others seem grander, as they greet their old crew mates with altered bodies still flush from being shaped by the wind and rain and new names that taste like the air before a storm. some even come back with guests, emerging from the brush hand in hand with new lovers and friends, all with Lichtenberg figures etched into their skin and stray hairs unruly with static electricity.

some never come back at all. that's how it is with the sea sometimes. the ships are eventually driven back out by a fresh storm and lightning-bright eyes watch the departure from the dark between the trees.

random fun facts: Strike is one of Bathomet's casual on again, off again, paramours and Her sigil animal is a ribbon eel. this is why you'll find artwork of ribbon eels outside of things like seaside gay taverns or tattooed on coastal dwarves. Her favorite offerings are flower petals thrown into the wind right before a storm, shallow dishes of fruit juice or alcohol, and small pieces of metal, preferably silver or copper.

[licollisa]

Chara have partly made peace with what had happened. And the last part's going around in the form of a golden flower.

[puppetmaster13u]

Prompt 167

Honestly, Danny is having such a good time right now. He gets to travel with Ellie, explore space, just have fun. Plus his secondary protector-instincts are having soothed despite him not technically doing any hero-ing anymore. Really his sister had the right idea when she decided she wanted to become a doctor, this is honestly a blast.

And if someone does end up passing away, well, Ellie is always happy to help soothe their spirit and guide them to the Realms where they can reach their respective afterlife. Or become a ghost. 

They are completely oblivious to the fact that there are now legends and entire temples dedicated to them now. Apparently accidental ascension is in fact a thing, as Dan later laughs at them about. 

[itsmyturnonthegender]

14 and 7 for the oc ask game??

7. which ocs would feel super out of place at a formal event? which ocs are completely fine with it?

Mikhail hates everyone there but blends in effortlessly, his first language is lies

Rahni grew up in a small, highly rural village so her first time at a formal ball was a mixture of terrifying and well, yknow that picture of the first time a cat saw a fully lit and decorated Christmas tree and you can see the reflection in its eyes? That's the feeling

Shiara was raised noble, so it's like second nature to her but her lovely wife finds etiquette and small talk exhausting and also hates most of the people there, although she's a mite more open about her distaste

Nora is always completely lost courtesy of her introverted tendencies and of course ~Le 'tism~

Godsdamn I have a lot of ocs

14. which ocs would mess with another oc just for fun? (harmless pranks)

Lunalie likes to mess with people but it often takes a bit for them to realise that they're being messed with, this has led to some misunderstandings in past

Mikhail will tell you to your face that he's the king of Saturn with such unflinching conviction that you'll believe every word, in spite of logic or prior knowledge

[writersblockcansuckmyballs]

OC ask 5: which OCs sleep with the window open? Which sleep with it closed?

(And on a similar note, which OCs sleep with the DOOR open?)

Mikhail has never forgotten to close a door in his life. OCD babey *aggressive finger guns*

Nora leaves her door open, windows closed and latched cos cats

Jasper and Favien leave the windows open, they like the cool night air

Idk if any others have strong feelings on this

[lancelotslair]

"Was that a nuke?" - Galvatron

THAT'S RIGHT BITCH, SUPER SEVERE SUNSTORM BLAST 9000!!! TASTE THE POWER OF PRIMUS BITCH!!!!

the scars on Galvatrons face have numerous causes but they're all from when he was oool Megs, the big one on the cheek specifically is from Starscream kicking him once thrusters ON

[facts-i-just-made-up]

The Only Known Photo of Mary Todd Lincoln

Best known as the wife of Abe Lincoln, Mary Todd’s past as a bandit in the American West prior to her marriage to the president is often hidden away and suppressed to showcase her puritan-approved married life.

Seen here at the Siege of Thunderdome in 1830s Nevada, Mary killed seven sheriffs to steal the fabled gold of John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt with her band of sisters, all of whom were literally her sisters. In the end she proved impossible to catch, so Abe married her to join their empires. She and her siblings proved critical in the civil war, destroying numerous Confederate forts, kidnapping Confederate President Jeff Davidson, and burning the South’s entire supply of gingham fabric.

Though she remained more quiet during Abe’s life, her spirit couldn’t be held down after his assassination, upon which she tackled John Wilkes Booth, ripped out his eyes and testicles, and ate his entire trachea on the spot. They won’t teach this is American History class of course, but the photo shows her true vibrant spirit.

[sunlit-mess]

(I'm pretty sure you've seen me spam your notifs I'M NOT STALKING I SWEAR I JUST LOVE YOUR WORKS!!! But I just want to ask)

You're CLEARLY underrated and some of your posts from vent arts said you don't care about relevancy. How do you do that? How do you manage as an artist?

anon thats so.. wow AHHAHAHA anyway-

As I mentioned for a billionth time, I've BURNT OUT ENOUGH.

I'm in-and-out in burnout, recovering from it is always a challenge but there are always lessons from it...

Before, I had always felt inferior even at a young age because I'm the type to have something- but never was acknowledged for it. Life revolved around what others think/what others have and it fed envy so much.

I had tried to keep up with an insane pace, and tried to stay perfect, tried to squeeze out affirmations, like a competition. The toxic part of it is being two-faced with other people's accomplishments/work.

And always feeling, so, so, disappointed that you expect nothing but that: Dissatisfied. It gets tiring, from the feeling of being envious to self-hatred to depression.

2022 and I realized a lot about inferiority. College already greets you with a variety of skillful people, so what will happen if you start working in the creative industry itself?

I degraded, so so much. To a point, I almost gave up on passion and myself. But I kept clinging. I didn't want to be stuck feeling that way with others. Rather, I started to appreciate and be more grateful for the things/reasons that kept me going in the first place, while kinder to others. This 2024, I learned how to let go of what weighs me and restricts me from doing what I like: drawing/creating. I stopped caring about numbers/count, I don't care who sees them, I don't care if others may think badly of it. I am honest with myself and my work while being open-minded to perception. I LOVE and APPRECIATE those who stay as a fellow audience that enjoys the same thing or whatever! I LOVE learning from other people who are more knowledgeable/skillful than me. I LOVE any advice/lessons I get from others. Loved and applied them!

I stopped wallowing in self-pity and just went: nah I'D WIN.

Mentioning this again, pain is where I strive best because it's what I was accustomed to. I learned grit from clinging to the tiniest spark of hope to battle negative thoughts and just kept going.

And until this day, I'm really grateful I'm still here. I can never get anywhere without any of you, and many other reasons I stay determined.

[shijiujun]

Mu Sheng's Sister™ Complex + Lin Yu the Sister Thief